that recommends the total removal of the existing pipeline from the river bottom, not only the River” Navigation Channel, because of the potential of pollution from the abandoned pipe itself which can negatively impact water quality and species that live in the river such as the federally protected Atlantic Sturgeon and other important flora and fauna. Iron is released into the river water as pipeline steel corrodes, negatively effecting water quality for riverine ecosystems. The residue of any materials that have not been adequately removed from the existing pipeline could also be released to the river should there be a vessel strike of the abandoned line that breaks it open to the water. There may also be thermal impacts that result from leaving the existing pipeline in the river bottom and impacts on the movement and habitat of fish and fishlife. These must be evaluated before any conclusions can be drawn about the lack of negative impacts to fish and other marine life in the river. Delaware Riverkeeper Network strongly objects to leaving any part of the old pipeline in the river bottom. Incomplete and Inaccurate Application The permit application does not provide all the information required for the Environmental Review report completed by the Department. Missing are answers to: of groundwater or surface water or diminution of resources sufficient to interfere “Pollution with uses”. Please see attached report by Hydroquest concerning the potential for groundwater pollution as a result of aquifer intrusion by drilling and the placement of a pipeline. There must be groundwater measurement and monitoring to ensure there is no change or diminution in groundwater resources. Corridor Status” “Scenic inspection date”. Was this site never inspected by the Department? Is the Department “Site relying solely on the applicant’s assessment of conditions at the site? Species Negatively Impacted by Project The Project location contains an Exceptional Value Water” that is home to Pseudemys “Open The northern red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys is a large aquatic turtle species that is rubriventris. rubriventris) listed as state threatened in Pennsylvania. By 1985 the red-bellied turtle was known to exist in Pennsylvania only in isolated colonies in a few counties. Small (less than thirty individuals) colonies were known in Manor and Silver lakes in Bucks County, the Tinicum wetlands in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, the West Branch of Conococheague Creek in Franklin County and possibly Springton Reservoir in Delaware County. The Project would impact the red-bellied turtle population in a small pond classified as an Open Water and area wetlands.
River” that recommends the total removal of the existing pipeline from the river bottom, not only the Navigation Channel, because of the potential of pollution from the abandoned pipe itself which can negatively impact water quality and species that live in the river such as the federally protected Atlantic Sturgeon and other important flora and fauna. Iron is released into the river water as pipeline steel corrodes, negatively effecting water quality for riverine ecosystems. The residue of any materials that have not been adequately removed from the existing pipeline could also be released to the river should there be a vessel strike of the abandoned line that breaks it open to the water. There may also be thermal impacts that result from leaving the existing pipeline in the river bottom and impacts on the movement and habitat of fish and fishlife. These must be evaluated before any conclusions can be drawn about the lack of negative impacts to fish and other marine life in the river. Delaware Riverkeeper Network strongly objects to leaving any part of the old pipeline in the river bottom. Incomplete and Inaccurate Application The permit application does not provide all the information required for the Environmental Review report completed by the Department. Missing are answers to: “Pollution of groundwater or surface water or diminution of resources sufficient to interfere with uses”. Please see attached report by Hydroquest concerning the potential for groundwater pollution as a result of aquifer intrusion by drilling and the placement of a pipeline. There must be groundwater measurement and monitoring to ensure there is no change or diminution in groundwater resources. “Scenic Corridor Status” “Site inspection date”. Was this site never inspected by the Department? Is the Department relying solely on the applicant’s assessment of conditions at the site? Species Negatively Impacted by Project The Project location contains an Exceptional Value “Open Water” that is home to Pseudemys rubriventris. The northern red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys rubriventris) is a large aquatic turtle species that is listed as state threatened in Pennsylvania. By 1985 the red-bellied turtle was known to exist in Pennsylvania only in isolated colonies in a few counties. Small (less than thirty individuals) colonies were known in Manor and Silver lakes in Bucks County, the Tinicum wetlands in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, the West Branch of Conococheague Creek in Franklin County and possibly Springton Reservoir in Delaware County. The Project would impact the red-bellied turtle population in a small pond classified as an Open Water and area wetlands.
Cmnt%20DRPRP%20Chap%20105%2012.11.16.docx