Popular waterways are fouled
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Clearly, the Susquehanna River has problems. But new research into the health of Pennsylvania waterways has detected unrelated pollutants in Southcentral Pennsylvania streams popular among trout anglers.
Recent testing by the nonprofit Chesapeake Bay Foundation found that after heavy rains, levels of bacteria in in some cases were more than 10 times higher than health standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
At research sites chosen to gauge input by agricultural, urban, suburban and mixed land use sources, the most E. coli, a key indicator of bacterial growth, was found at South Middleton Park on Yellow Breeches Creek, a world-renowned trout stream that bisects Cumberland and York counties.
The report showed that nine of 14 samplings for E. coli returned results above the threshold set by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
No testing has been done to determine the impact on native and stocked trout.
“E. coli and fecal coliforms are easy-to-measure indicators of bacteria that are used to test for contamination of human or animal waste,” said Renee Reber, a staff scientist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
“They are a normal part of intestinal biology. The presence of this bacteria in the water does not guarantee risk to human health, but suggests pathogens may be present which can cause gastrointestinal illness, headache, and other symptoms.”
The state Department of Environmental Protection has determined that Pennsylvania will not meet its Clean Water Blueprint goal of having 60 percent of the pollution-reduction practices necessary to restore water quality in place by 2017.
Labor Day fishing
Two special opportunities will be available to encourage more adults to take kids fishing.
On Labor Day, Sept. 5, the state Fish and Boat Commission will offer a $1 one-day fishing license for adult residents and nonresidents good throughout Pennsylvania waterways.
All regulations and trespass laws apply.
Labor Day is also Mentored Youth Panfish Day, when, youth anglers will have special opportunities on 19 lakes enrolled in the Panfish Enhancement program.
Find details at fishandboat.com.