Pennsylvania
6 homes affected by Pennsylvania jet fuel pipeline leak, but residents worry it’s worse than reported
Residents of Upper Makefield Township, Pennsylvania, expressed continued concerns and frustration over the ongoing jet fuel pipeline leak at a fifth public meeting Tuesday evening. Many attendees voiced unease about the spill’s impact on their water supply, and the transparency of the response efforts.
“I imagine the anguish every time you use your water,” one resident shared during public comment. “You’re feeding your family, giving water to your dogs, brushing your teeth, showering, every single use is now being questioned.”
Sunoco Energy Transfer representatives presented an update on their response efforts, noting that water testing had been completed at 317 homes. The company reported that six homes were affected by the spill, with 65 gallons of jet fuel recovered from local wells. However, many residents challenged these findings, alleging that the true impact of the spill has been underreported.
“We have neighbors who smell gas in the water, but all the tests come back undetected,” Andrea Moise, a township resident, said. “It’s clear we don’t have the right test.”
Other homeowners questioned the timeline of the leak, with some claiming it could have been ongoing for more than a year.
“At a minimum, this has been going on for 16 months, if not longer, because that’s when the first wells detected it,” Upper Makefield resident Dan Lahart said.
In response to the public’s concerns, the township board brought in a geologist and officials from the Environmental Protection Agency to assist with water contamination questions. However, Sunoco representatives refused to participate in a Q&A session, citing that attorneys would handle all communications with the community.
Despite the company’s efforts to update residents on their soil, air and water testing, as well as geophysical investigations, many remain dissatisfied with the lack of transparency. A final report on these investigations is still pending.
Next steps include the start of recovery well drilling, which is scheduled for next week. However, residents remain unsettled by what they perceive as insufficient action.
“We’re not going to go quiet, and we’re not going away,” a resident said.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office has announced an investigation into potential environmental crimes related to the incident.
The next public meeting will be a tele-town hall on March 27.
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — A Pennsylvania artist is honoring Sgt. Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, through a moving tribute — a powerful painting inspired by her service and sacrifice.
Jonny Castro created the piece, and he is a police officer and forensic composite artist based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
WATCH WPTV’S COVERAGE BELOW:
Pennsylvania artists creates painting for fallen IRCSO deputy
Castro has created more than 2,000 portraits of fallen first responders, and his most recent is Sgt. Sweeting-Mashkow’s.
“What makes it so special is just the fact that she was given that sergeant rank for giving her life in the line of duty,” said Castro. “Her selfless service and her heroism.”
Sgt. Sweeting Mashkow was shot and killed Friday while serving an eviction notice in the Bermuda Club Community off A1A. Castro ties in his roles as a police officer and forensic composite artist into his work.
“You’re constantly working, constantly drawing facial features, so about 10 years ago, coming up on 10 years, I did my first one and everybody seemed to enjoy it,” said Castro.
He said after learning about Sgt. Sweeting Mashkow’s tragedy, he was deeply moved. He learned about it on social media and immediately began sketching.
“It’s sad to think that she was on the job for 25 years,” said Castro.
He also created a portrait for the three fallen Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies last year.
“What do you hope loved ones say or feel when they see this portrait that you created?” asked WPTV’s Zitlali Solache.
“I hope they know there are people like me all the way up in Pennsylvania and as far west as California that are praying for her family and wishing them the best during this tragic time — especially around the holidays,’ replied Castro.
The goal is for the art to be a piece that the family holds dearly. Castro said he will also begin sketching David Long’s piece on Tuesday. Long is the locksmith also involved in the fatal eviction call.
“I think that’s what makes it special, just because she doesn’t have any photos. She will never have a photo as a sergeant,’ said Castro. “This may be the only one, so I just hope to know the family enjoys it and they hang it proud on their wall.”
Castro says he will be in touch with Sheriff Eric Flowers to ship the painting over.
Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard.
You can listen to the latest episode of “Today in Pa” on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate “Today in Pa.” as you see fit!
SEPTA says it’ll fully restore rail service by late next month. Alcohol sales dipped statewide last year. This is Thanksgiving’s current forecast, which many of you might be wondering about. Also, Pennsylvania just gave a record film tax credit to a popular HBO series.
Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of “Today in Pa.,” a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. “Today in Pa.” is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, what’s happening today in Pa.
Today’s episode refers to the following articles:
If you enjoy “Today in Pa.,” consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, we’d like to know what you think about the program, too.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 7:28PM
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro officially signed a bill, known as the CROWN Act, on Tuesday.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Pennsylvania took a major step towards equality when it comes to natural hair.
Governor Josh Shapiro was at the Island Design Natural Hair Studio in Philadelphia’s Parkside neighborhood on Tuesday morning to officially sign a bill, known as the CROWN Act.
It prevents discrimination based on a person’s hair type, texture or style in schools, the workplace and social venues.
Pennsylvania is now the 28th state to adopt the CROWN Act, joining New Jersey and Delaware.
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
One minute of this exercise could be ‘six times better’ than walking for heart health, scientists reveal in new study
Wake Up Dead Man review: Knives Out return worthy for film lover but misses mark
Video: Why Is the U.S. Threatening Venezuela?
Maps: 6.0-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Alaska Near Anchorage
Video: 3 Cozy Books We Love
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Maps: 6.0-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Alaska Near Anchorage
DHS moves to cut off South Texas Catholic Charities over migrant grant ‘misconduct,’ documents say
EU Migration Commissioner: ‘We need the trust of the people back’
Ukraine Says It Won’t Give Up Land to Russia
Video: Two National Guard Members Shot Near White House
-
World1 week agoFrance and Germany support simplification push for digital rules
-
World1 week agoSinclair Snaps Up 8% Stake in Scripps in Advance of Potential Merger
-
Science5 days agoWashington state resident dies of new H5N5 form of bird flu
-
Culture1 week agoDo You Recognize These Past Winners of the National Book Award?
-
Politics1 week agoDuckworth fires staffer who claimed to be attorney for detained illegal immigrant with criminal history
-
Technology1 week agoFake flight cancellation texts target travelers
-
News1 week agoHow Every House Member Voted to Release the Epstein Files
-
World1 week agoPoland to close last Russian consulate over ‘unprecedented act of sabotage’