Cleanup Efforts Continue at Miller Chemical after the massive fire that contaminated nearby water bodies. Recreational Restrictions Lifted on Conewago Creek in Adams County, PA

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg PA., 17120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

07/2/2015

CONTACT:

John Repetz

717-705-4904

 

Cleanup Efforts Continue at Miller Chemical

Recreational Restrictions Lifted on Conewago Creek

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today issued the following update on the cleanup efforts and environmental impacts of the June 8 fire at Miller Chemical, a fertilizer plant in Adams County.

•     Recreational restrictions have been lifted for the Conewago Creek.
•     Results of water samples taken at various times and locations since the fire indicate the waterway is again suitable for fishing, swimming and boating.
•     Samples were reviewed for pollutants of concern and results were within acceptable limits under the department’s regulations.
•     Contaminated runoff water and soil currently stored onsite is being hauled to treatment facilities for proper disposal. Debris from the fire and contaminated soil is being taken to a local landfill.
•     Containment measures remain in place to limit the creation of additional contaminated stormwater runoff.
•     The New Oxford Municipal Authority’s (NOMA) water intake located on the South Branch of the Conewago Creek remains closed. New Oxford is receiving water through an interconnection with the York Water Company and other outside sources. Mandatory restrictions remain in place and have been effective in allowing NOMA to meet the immediate needs of its customers.
•     No significant impacts to the Susquehanna River have been observed or reported.
•     Public water supplies with intakes located on the Susquehanna reported no significant change to raw water conditions.