Paul’s Run Creek
is safe for aquatic life

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

Aquatic life is back in the swim at Paul’s Run Creek, but environmental officials continue to wade through the possibilities of how a toxin that killed hundreds of water creatures in late June got into the creek.
Dennis Harney, spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, said the contamination, which killed more than 250 fish, ducklings, frogs and insects, appeared to be a one-time episode.
Biologists have ruled out the possibility that sewage and soap caused the contamination. While it’s possible that someone transported the substance to the creek, officials believe the chemical came from one of several nearby businesses. Employees may have dumped the chemical to avoid a costly disposal fee without realizing its high level of toxicity, Harney said.
DEP believes that the contaminant traveled through one of two storm drains that feed into the creek on Bustleton Avenue at Norwalk Road.
The drains service businesses and residents along a 600-yard stretch of Bustleton Avenue bordered by Northeast Avenue to the north and the railroad tracks near the intersection of Haldeman Avenue to the south.
The area includes apartment complexes, auto body shops, car washes and other businesses.
"We do have a good handle on the likely geographic area of where it was dumped," Harney said.
The department can help businesses identify ways to dispose of substances that don’t harm the environment, he added. Overall, Harney said, toxic dumping has decreased statewide in recent years.
The penalties for such a transgression include fines, but Harney said that if the person or persons responsible for the Paul’s Run pollution were to come forward, DEP’s actions would be less severe.
The department also offers free disposal of household chemicals for residents during every season of the year except summer. For more information, residents can visit the city’s Department of Streets Web site at www.phila.gov/streets
Residents also can report suspicious activity or environmental concerns to the DEP 24 hours a day by calling 484-250-5900. ••
Reporter Lauren Fritsky can be reached at 215-354-3038 or lfritsky@phillynews.com