A county prosecutor in Pennsylvania is opening a criminal investigation into construction on three natural gas liquids pipelines that have drawn blame for causing sinkholes and polluting drinking water and waterways.
Tom Hogan, Chester County's district attorney, said Wednesday he's investigating because the governor and state utility regulators haven't ensured the construction was being done safely.
Sunoco Pipeline's Mariner East projects stretch across southern Pennsylvania.
The Texas-based parent company, Energy Transfer LP, says it's confident it hasn't violated criminal laws and it called the allegations baseless. Hogan says the company contacted him Wednesday to see if they can discuss it.
He says he's investigating potential crimes including environmental violations and corrupt organizations.
The projects have weathered several temporary shutdown orders and millions of dollars in fines from state agencies.
