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DEP Responding to Fire Fighting Runoff in Codorus Creek

No public drinking water system intakes have been affected as a result of runoff from the J&K Salvage fire

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is actively investigating the environmental impacts of a fire at J&K Salvage in Spring Garden Township, York County on Wednesday, February 25th.

Fluids from the facility and water used to extinguish the fire ran off into an unnamed tributary and then into the Codorus Creek. An oily sheen is visible and has been observed as far downstream as the creek’s confluence with the Susquehanna River. 

DEP staff and staff from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are placing booms into the creek at various locations to contain and capture the product, enabling it to be vacuumed.  

No public drinking water system intakes have been affected. The systems have been notified and are monitoring the situation. Currently, there is no immediate threat to public health. 

The PA Game Commission and the PA Fish and Boat Commission officials have been advised of the situation and are monitoring any impacts to wildlife.

Cleanup activities will continue into this evening, and resume Friday morning.

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