[Source: Bucks County Herald, July 10, 2026]
Residents and officials in Upper Makefield recently confronted representatives from Energy Transfer and Sunoco regarding a Remedial Action Plan for a massive jet fuel leak.
Image: Kim Brunnquell came to the podium with a tube covered in plastic. When she unwrapped the canister-shaped filter, she said it had been white when installed at her home three months ago. It was supposed to last a year but the contaminants it was filtering out of her well water had already stained it almost black.
While the companies proposed a multiphase extraction project to remove thousands of gallons of contaminants, local leaders criticized the report for failing to provide a permanent alternative water supply for those with polluted wells.
Community members expressed deep frustration over the slow pace of recovery and the continued reliance on temporary filtration systems that are quickly overwhelmed by fuel. In response to the crisis, state and federal legislators are advocating for stricter pipeline safety laws and increased independent oversight of the environmental cleanup.
Nevertheless, total spending is still under budget because these overruns are offset by cutting back services provided by other departments such as engineering. Some members of the public have questioned why the township has been so slow in beginning preliminary work on approved pedestrian safety projects. Now they know why!