PHOTO PROVIDED An oily sheen is visible on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in this image reported out of Clearfield on March 9 by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association. DEP continues to investigate the situation.

The Department of Environmental Protection is still investigating issues related to a petroleum-based spill in the Clearfield area of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River that was initially reported on March 9.

“A member of DEP’s Emergency Response Team was dispatched to the site and spoke with the Incident Commander for Clearfield County EMA,” reported agency Press Secretary Neil Shader in an email to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association. “Upon DEP’s arrival, the Clearfield Fire Department had already placed absorbent booms and pads on the river and at a storm drain outfall that appeared to be the point of origin.”

The agency coordinated with the Clearfield Fire Department at the scene and conducted an onsite investigation, “including confirming the visible oily sheen, taking readings with handheld equipment at multiple locations, visually checking the booms and discussing with the fire department personnel onsite any potential sources of the oily sheen and when it would be appropriate to remove the booms,” according to Shader’s email.

DEP’s photoionization detector meter, which is used to measure low concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds and some inorganic gases in the air, “did not detect anything at the water’s edge or in the storm drain outlet,” according to Shader. “DEP and the fire department personnel attempted to follow the storm drain line up, but were unable to find any manholes to allow access for further testing.”

DEP’s investigation continues, according to Shader. Those with additional info about this incident is encouraged to reach out to our association via email or call/text to 570-768-6300.

Reporting anything that looks, smells or sounds suspicious around our waterways, many times, is the first indication that people are aware of a problem. Learn more about the reporting process and what may or may not be a pollution event at www.middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org/report-a-concern.html