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| Capitol Report |
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unattended account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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Update: Chelsea Tank Farm Gasoline Spill
Leak Was Caused by “A Man-Made Hole Created on Purpose”
This week, I participated in a public townhall hosted by Monroe Interstate Pipeline Company (MIPC) about the gasoline leak at the Chelsea Tank Farm. The tank farm sits essentially at the intersection of Bethel, Upper Chichester and Aston townships. After months of investigation, MIPC identified a tank near Concord Road had a major leak, caused by “a man-made hole created on purpose.” We do not know at this time why someone would have drilled a ¼" hole in the bottom of the tank before it was placed back in service.
MIPC representatives spoke, the engineering firm leading the remediation presented its work, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection provided an update and the federal pipeline agency also participated. I spoke at the meeting as well.
A large volume of technical information was presented. Below I do my best to relay that information to you. If you need further clarifying information, either I will get it for you, or I can put you in direct touch with MIPC.
Timeline
• March 2025: MIPC returned the tank to service, not knowing it was damaged
• August 2025: MIPC detected gasoline odors near the old springhouse location. DEP notified of 98% water and 2% gasoline discharging from a concrete pipe.
• September 2025: DEP issued a temporary discharge approval to MIPC for the treatment of the recovered gasoline and water from the concrete pipe as they investigate the source of the gasoline and water discharge.
• December 2025: MIPC identified a man-made hole in the tank and reports the volume of the release. MIPC starts notifying neighbors. DEP issues an order to provide bottled water, identify and sample residential supply wells, and cleanup the release.
| • It was at this time that MIPC also notified elected officials, including me. We put that information out immediately. |
• January 2026: Remediation efforts are expanded and continued testing of supply wells, onsite groundwater quality, and air quality.
Spill and Recovery
• MIPC reported a maximum possible loss of 9,000 barrels of gasoline (378,000 gallons). This estimate is the most which is possible to have leaked into the ground. It could be less, but we were told it could not be more.
• The engineering mitigation company has recovered approximately 35,264 gallons so far, or about 10%.
• Crews continue recovery through pumping at the seep and extraction at monitoring wells.
• MIPC reported the type of gasoline released is called free phase gasoline, also known as light non-aqueous phase liquids or LNAPL.
DEP Oversight: Air Quality
• DEP reported that samples collected January 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 24 showed petroleum compounds below EPA residential screening levels
• MIPC conducts daily air sampling
• DEP reviews results weekly
DEP Oversight: Drinking Water Testing
• DEP requires MIPC to sample residential wells within 1,000 feet of the western property boundary, with homeowner permission
• DEP has identified 49 wells to date that exist within the boundary
• Property owners have requested sampling at 35 wells so far
• Free-phase gasoline has not been detected in any residential well
• Two wells showed gasoline-related compounds at levels far below drinking water standards
• DEP will confirm the continued sampling frequency for those locations
Bottled Water Availability
• DEP requires MIPC to provide bottled water to any interested property owner within 1,000 feet of the western boundary
• Residents may request bottled water directly from MIPC
Monitoring and Recovery Wells
• MIPC has installed 21 monitoring and recovery wells
• Eleven of those wells contained free-phase gasoline, including wells along the western boundary
• MIPC is speaking with select property owners about installing additional wells along Chichester Avenue and Concord Road.
My Office’s Involvement
My office has engaged directly with:
• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
• Delaware County Emergency Services
Next Community Availability
• MIPC held resident office hours at Aston Township on Monday, February 2, 2026
• MIPC will return for monthly office hours on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Aston Township building
How to Get Further Information
U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
202-366-4595
phmsa.pipelinesafety@dot.gov
Department of Environmental Protection
484-250-5900
RA-EP-SEROECB@pa.gov
MIPC
610-364-8426
mipc1@monroe-energy.com
This incident affects neighbors in our district, and I remain in constant communication with DEP about testing, recovery progress, and next steps.
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Bill Passes House to Strengthen Penalties for Swatting
Last August, a caller falsely reported an active shooter at Villanova University. Families were moving in new students and attending Catholic Mass. Law enforcement responded immediately and appropriately with overwhelming force.
That incident exposed a serious gap in Pennsylvania law. After investigators identified the person responsible, the Delaware County District Attorney had no clear state crime that matched the conduct. He asked me to help close that gap by creating a specific offense for swatting and requiring restitution for the enormous public cost of these hoaxes.
I introduced legislation to do exactly that and held a press conference with the District Attorney to make the public aware of our efforts.
House Bill 1935 represents a compromise on our attempts to make swatting a crime. Recognizing the difficulty of advancing a new standalone crime in the current chamber, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee incorporated the concept into existing law by making swatting a sentencing enhancement under terroristic threats when the target involves a school.
The House passed House Bill 1935 this week with strong bipartisan support.
Swatting incidents divert police resources, terrorize communities and create real risk of injury when officers respond to a fabricated emergency. House Bill 1935 strengthens consequences for those who weaponize false reports and helps deter future incidents.
This bill does not reflect the full approach the district attorney and I initially pursued, but it marks meaningful progress. I appreciate the chairman’s seriousness in addressing this growing threat, and I will continue working with law enforcement to protect our schools and communities.
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I hosted the New Delaware County District Attorney at the Capitol
I met with Delaware County’s interim District Attorney, Tanner Rouse, in Harrisburg. A vacancy to the post was created recently by the election of District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer to the bench. (Jack and I are long-time friends, and I again congratulate him on his becoming a judge on the Court of Common Pleas.)
District Attorney Rouse is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Fordham School of Law. After law school, Mr. Rouse joined the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, where he rose to the Homicide Unit and prosecuted thousands of cases, ranging from first-degree murder to hate-crime offenses. He moved to the Delaware County office, where he served DA Stollsteimer as his First Assistant District Attorney. In 2021 (my first year in office and in a Republican majority House), we changed the law to make the First Assistant the interim district attorney in the event the current district attorney left office. That change removed the previous political process to fill the vacancy.
Our meeting built on my prior work with former District Attorney Stollsteimer through Project Safe Neighborhoods. This is a collaborative effort focused on reducing gun violence through targeted prosecution and coordinated federal, state, and local partnerships.
District Attorney Rouse came to Harrisburg with a clear request. He asked for additional support to focus resources on the small number of repeat offenders who drive a disproportionate share of violent crime in specific neighborhoods. Law enforcement can reduce crime most effectively when agencies identify those individuals early and respond with sustained coordination.
District Attorney Rouse supports additional funding through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to expand that work. I share that priority. I will support budget or grant funding that strengthens targeted enforcement, improves coordination among agencies and delivers measurable reductions in violence in our communities.
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Community Conservation Partnerships Program Opens Grant Applications
Communities across Pennsylvania can apply for state grants that support parks, recreation, and conservation projects as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources opens a new round of Community Conservation Partnerships Program funding. Applications remain open through April 30 at 4 p.m.
County and municipal governments, municipal agencies and nonprofit organizations qualify for this funding. The program supports park and recreation improvements, conservation planning, trail planning, land and river conservation and community and streamside tree planting.
Applicants must submit applications through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Grants Customer Service Portal.
Applicants should contact the regional advisor for the county where the project will take place before starting an application. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provides contact information through the Regional Staff Assignment map.
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Trout Stocking Schedule Signals Spring Fishing Season
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission posted the 2026 trout stocking schedule online and on the FishBoatPA mobile app.
The commission plans to stock about 3.2 million adult trout in 684 streams and 130 lakes that allow public angling. Stocking begins the week of February 16 ahead of the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 28, and the statewide opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 4.
The schedule allows anglers to search by county. It lists waterways in alphabetical order and includes stocking dates, volunteer meeting locations, and the trout species stocked at each site.
Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website for the full schedule and information on fishing licenses and permits.
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Around the District
DCIU Offers Virtual Parent Math Training
Parents and caregivers are invited to join a virtual session hosted by the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) focused on understanding math assessments and supporting math learning at home.
The session, Supporting Math Learning: Assessments and At-Home Strategies, will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. The training serves caregivers of students in kindergarten through 10th grade.
DCIU will explain commonly used math assessments, including state tests and district benchmarks. The session will also help families understand assessment results and apply practical, at-home strategies that support student learning.
Registration is required by February 9, 2026. You may register here: bit.ly/4cc1tNh. DCIU will share the Zoom link the day before the session.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Thornbury Township Hosts Snowman Building Competition
Thornbury Township will hold a Snowman Building Competition this weekend as snow remains in the forecast. Residents may build a classic snowman, a snow family, or a creative design of their choice.
Participants should photograph their finished snowman and email the entry to susan@thornbury.org with their name and address. The submission deadline is Monday, March 2. Each household may submit one entry.
The township will post submissions on its Facebook page for voting and will recognize the top three entries. Participation is limited to Thornbury Township residents in Delaware County.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Local Traffic Alert: PennDOT Schedules Route 452 Closure for U.S. 322 Bridge Demolition
PennDOT has scheduled demolition of the eastbound side of the U.S. 322 (Conchester Highway) bridge over Route 452 (Market Street), which will require a temporary closure of Route 452 during overnight and weekend work.
Route 452 (Market Street) will close from 9 p.m. Friday, February 6, through 6 a.m. Monday, February 9. During this period, PennDOT will maintain traffic on U.S. 322 with one lane open in each direction by shifting all traffic to the westbound side of the highway.
Drivers should expect detours and delays in the area and are encouraged to plan alternate routes. PennDOT will post detour signage and advises motorists to allow extra travel time, particularly during peak hours.
This work is part of a $99.4 million PennDOT project to reconstruct, widen, and improve travel along a 1.4-mile section of U.S. 322 in Upper Chichester Township, Delaware County. The project aims to improve safety, reduce congestion, and modernize aging infrastructure along this heavily traveled corridor.
I will continue to monitor this project and share updates as PennDOT advances construction. Please use caution in work zones and follow posted signage to keep workers and fellow drivers safe.
Photo Credit: Facebook
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Bravo Zulu
*The BZ pennants are hoisted as a part of Navy/Marine Corps custom to communicate “GOOD JOB!”
Garnet Valley Model United Nations Win at Ivy League Model United Nations
Congratulations to Garnet Valley students Trisha Srivastava, Eashan Chawak, Saharsh Narasingolu, Teagan Moyer, and Kanushi Gupta earned awards at the 42nd annual Ivy League Model United Nations Conference. The students represented their school in a simulated United Nations setting.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Garnet Valley Men’s Basketball Advances in Central League Tournament
Garnet Valley men’s basketball earned a 66-46 win over Lower Merion on Thursday night, advancing to the semifinals of the Central League Tournament. The Jaguars now move on to face Penncrest on Saturday night. Congratulations to the team on the win, and best wishes as they continue tournament play.
Photo Credit:
Garnet Valley Women’s Basketball Extends Win Streak
Garnet Valley women’s basketball has won four straight games and now holds a 16-4 record.
The women’s team defeated the Upper Darby Royals 45-30 and followed with a 45-26 win over the Fords at Haverford. Well done!
Photo Credit: Instagram
Garnet Valley State Champion Wrestler Undefeated
Garnet Valley wrestler Neve O’Byrne remains undefeated at 21-0 this season.
O’Byrne won three matches in the championship tournament before pinning her Bensalem opponent in three minutes to claim the 124-pound title.
Photo Credit: Delco Times
Unionville Track and Field Wins Gold and Silver at Holiday Breeze Festival
Unionville track and field recorded strong performances at the 11th Ocean Breeze Holiday Festival. The Unionville women’s 4x400-meter relay team earned a top finish, and Alex Undorf posted a podium result in the 200-meter event, bringing home gold and silver performances for the program.
Photo Credit: Unionville T&F Instagram Story
Unionville Wrestler Wins Battle for the Buck Title
Unionville sophomore Dylan Baughan won the 133-pound class title against Conestoga in the Battle for the Buck Wrestling Tournament.
Baughan competed through a close five-minute match that went to a decision, and he earned a unanimous victory. Great job Dylan!
Photo Credit: Facebook
Rustin Men’s Basketball Beats Sun Valley
The Rustin Men’s Basketball defeated Sun Valley 53-51 in a close game. The Golden Knights stayed in control late and earned a hard-fought win.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Rustin Men’s and Women’s Track Places Well in Invitational
At the 11th Annual Ocean Breeze Invitational Rustin sophomore Azhah Clark-Lee won first place in the 400-meter race. She set a personal record of 55.97 and brought home a top finish for Rustin.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Graduate’s List
Champlain College Dean’s and President’s List
Ash Popeck, Game Art
Echo Chappelle, Game Art
Millersville University Dean’s List
Jillian Baumberger, Anthropology
Sarah Dutton, History
Kayla Peakes, English
Allison Bendo, Early Childhood Education
Kate Lockhart, Psychology
Rebecca Opperman, Early Childhood Education
Patrick Rock, Entertainment Technology and Theatre
Sophia Heckman, Early Childhood Education
Allyson Black, Multidisciplinary Studies
Andrew Brizick, Music Industry
Flagler College President’s List
Caroline Murray
Emily Penn
Muhlenberg College
Julia Lennon
William Wilson
Eliot Zhou
Gabrielle Kiddie
Emma Friedlander
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| Office Locations |
| District Office: |
| One Beaver Valley Road | (intersection of Route 202 & Naamans Creek Road) Chadds Ford, PA 19317-9012 | Phone (610) 358-5925 | FAX: 610-358-5933 |
| Capitol Office: |
| 3 East Wing, P.O. Box 202160, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2160 | Phone: 717-783-3038 | FAX: 717-787-7604 |
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