Sun Pipe Line Co. v. Tri-State Telecommunications Inc.

RUFE, J.,

Sun Pipe Line Company’s East Line is a 14-inch pipeline which originates near Marcus Hook, Pa., and terminates in Newark, N.J. On November 12, 1982, a “hole hog” operated by employees of Tri-State Telecommunications Inc., punctured the pipeline at a point beneath Newtown-Richboro Road (Route 332) in Newtown *137Township. Consequently, thousands of gallons of unleaded gasoline escaped into the ground of the surrounding Newtown Crossing residential development. The injured residents and damaged property owners in the development have been certified as class action plaintiffs.

Before the…