Sunoco FAQ

Sunoco Pipeline has shared some responses to the questions they're being asked frequently with regards to the recent oil leak. As a reminder, Sunoco representatives will be at the SilverHawk clubhouse tomorrow, May 16, 7am-7pm to answer any questions you may still have.
​Disclaimer: The HOA is not make any recommendations but is passing along the information.

---

Sunoco Pipeline apologizes to you and your neighbors for the inconvenience our crude release has caused. Please know that we are committed to working with each of you who have been impacted and to fully cleaning your neighborhood to your full satisfaction as quickly as possible.  The cleanup process began immediately on Friday morning and the area is safe and secure.
 
There is an investigation underway to determine the cause of the release of crude from the line.  This analysis, some of which is conducted at specialized labs, may take several weeks to complete before the cause is fully determined. This is the first in a series of communications we will provide to homeowners.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
Q: Are there health concerns for my family?
A: Crude oil is a mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons. The residual crude oil present in the neighborhood exists in what is called a “weathered” state—meaning the lighter hydrocarbons rapidly evaporated once released, therefore diminishing health risks.  The remaining heavier hydrocarbons are similar to what is found in mineral oil or motor oil and are not considered to present a health risk.  If you or your family members get any of the residual oil on your skin, this does not present an immediate health risk; however, it is prudent to wash with soap and water as soon as possible.
 
Q: What testing have you done to prove this?
A: We have contracted an independent toxicology and environmental quality team that has been conducting air and soil testing throughout the neighborhood. Air quality testing is continual 24/7 daily and has shown no changes in air quality. We will continue this monitoring in real-time each day throughout the cleanup process. Soil tests are conducted pre- and post-cleanup.
 
Q: Is the crude oil that has dried on my house/property flammable?
A: No. The residual dried hydrocarbons that remain after the lighter ones have evaporated are not flammable.
 
Q: What if my pet was outside and digested some of the crude oil?
A: Small amounts of crude oil may cause temporary indigestion in some animals. If you have a pet that comes into contact with any residual oil, wash your pet’s fur with a pet shampoo or similar product.
 
Q: Will my flowers, plants and/or grass die from contact with the crude oil?
A: We have contracted an independent horticulturist to examine impacted landscaping. Any vegetation that appears to be negatively impacted will be either treated or replaced to the satisfaction of the homeowner.
 
Q: Will the dried crude oil damage the paint on my house?
A: The crude oil itself should not stain outdoor paint; however, if there is any area not cleaned to your satisfaction, we will work with you to either paint or compensate for the damage.
 
Q: What mixture is being used to wash my house and car?
A: The washing is been conducted by environmental cleanup companies with a mixture of water, Dawn liquid soap, and in some cases diluted Simple Green, an environmentally safe cleaning product.
 
Q: Why has my roof not been washed yet? How do you plan to wash my roof?
A: Due to the high winds during the past several days, it has not been safe for us to start washing roofs before today. Beginning today, we have started to gently wash roofs in a way that will not cause damage to the roof. We are using low pressure water in order to avoid putting any pressure on your roof, and will not be using ladders or climbing on your roof. Lawns and outdoor landscaping will not be impacted by this as tarps are being used to capture all run off water. This work will continue, weather permitting, until homeowners are satisfied.
 
Q: Why is the oil yellow?
A: Crude oil, similar to motor fuel, comes in a range of colors depending on the hydrocarbon mixture. This crude oil has a yellow color due to its hydrocarbon mixture.
 
Q: Who can I contact about cleaning my house?
A: We have a team of Sunoco representatives in the neighborhood to work directly with impacted homeowners. If you have not spoken to a representative yet, please call our toll-free number in order to get connected to the correct agent: 855-430-4491.