Thousands of gallons of drilling mud from construction of the Mariner East pipeline contaminated a state park lake. Protestors are calling for its shutdown.
The pipeline company said the waivers are necessary to prevent "potential adverse impacts to human health or the environment.” Critics say they are trying to skirt the rules.
FBI agents have interviewed current or former state employees in recent weeks about the Mariner East project, which has a long track record of drilling mud spills, fines and regulatory shutdowns.
The pipeline has faced multiple violations and regulatory shutdowns, as well as strenuous opposition from citizens and watchdog groups who raise public safety concerns.
