The Latest: Sunoco says deal will avoid pipeline litigation

The Latest on an agreement that lets Sunoco Pipeline resume construction on a major natural gas pipeline across Pennsylvania (all times local):

2 p.m.

Sunoco Pipeline says it has agreed to a fine and will make other changes under a deal with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to avoid litigation and resume construction of a major pipeline project.

The company released a statement Thursday saying it strongly disagrees that its conduct has been willful or egregious.

Sunoco is agreeing to pay more than $12 million as part of the agreement that allows work to continue on the $2.5 billion Mariner East 2 project.

Work has been halted since Jan. 3 because of problems that included spills and leaks of drilling fluid and improper construction methods.

The 20-inch pipeline will move natural gas liquid products from Marcellus Shale drilling fields in western Pennsylvania to a terminal in Philadelphia.

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11:50 a.m.

Pennsylvania regulators are fining Sunoco more than $12 million for problems with a massive natural gas pipeline project, but letting work resume under a consent agreement.

The Department of Environmental Protection said Thursday that Sunoco Pipeline has made changes since work on the $2.5 billion Mariner East 2 pipeline was halted Jan. 3.

The 350-mile project has been plagued by spills and leaks of drilling fluid and improper construction methods.

In stopping the work, the state agency said Sunoco demonstrated it couldn't or wouldn't comply with Pennsylvania's clean streams law and other regulations.

The company didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

The 20-inch pipeline will move natural gas liquid products from Marcellus Shale drilling fields in western Pennsylvania to a terminal in Philadelphia.

It's scheduled for completion by summer.