Texas Eastern Pipeline Buried After Years of Community Advocacy

A Longstanding Safety and Environmental Concern Was Finally Resolved

November 2025

Following years of advocacy by local residents, Solebury Township officials, the Paunacussing Watershed Association, State Senator Steve Santarsiero's office, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Texas Eastern natural gas pipeline beneath the Paunacussing Creek was successfully relocated and buried approximately 18 feet below the creek bed. The project eliminated a significant vulnerability that had been exposed by Hurricane Ida and helped protect both the creek and the surrounding community from future flood damage.

Status: 🟢 Project completed — Pipeline safely relocated beneath the creek.

Why This Mattered

When Hurricane Ida flooded the Paunacussing Creek in September 2021, powerful floodwaters scoured the streambed and exposed a section of the Texas Eastern Transmission Pipeline near Carversville. The pipeline, which carries natural gas through the region, had originally been buried beneath the creek but became exposed after erosion washed away the protective streambed and concrete covering.

AAn exposed natural gas pipeline in an active stream posed risks to public safety, the creek, and nearby infrastructure. Permanently relocating it beneath the streambed provided a long-term solution.

The completed project:

• Permanently buried the pipeline beneath the creek

• Reduced future flood risk

• Improved public safety

• Restored the stream corridor

• Protected a critical section of Paunacussing Creek

A Community Effort

Although residents raised concerns for several years, meaningful action did not begin until state and local officials worked together to press for a permanent solution. The Paunacussing Watershed Association joined Solebury Township officials, State Senator Steve Santarsiero's office, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in urging the pipeline owner, Enbridge, to address the exposed crossing.

Construction began in 2024 and was completed in 2025, permanently relocating the pipeline beneath the creek where it is protected from future erosion and flood events.



Looking Ahead

This successful project demonstrates what can be accomplished when residents, local governments, state agencies, and community organizations work together. It represents an important investment in the long-term safety, resilience, and health of the Paunacussing Watershed.