Cause Of PFOS Contamination In Wissahickon Creek Not Clear

AMBLER, PA — Authorities have not disclosed or publicly speculated on the origin of the PFOS forever chemical contamination that led to this week's "do not advisory" in the Wissahickon Creek, as well as the cancelation of planned trout stocking this month.

However, there are more than a few likelihoods.

Wastewater treatment plants which flow into the Wissahickon do not remove PFOS. Because nearby factories and manufacturing facilities may discharge PFOS into sewer systems, the chemicals are then passed through the treatment facility without being removed.

Stormwater runoff is another major contributor, Commercial car washes and even residential homes can also contribute small amounts of PFOS.

The do not eat advisory applies to all fish in the Wissahickon Creek basin, spanning both Philadelphia and Montgomery County, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection said.

Sampled fish tissue contained more than 0.04 parts per million of PFOS, which is the state's safety level for consumption. It is not known what exactly the actual reading was, and Patch has reached out to state officials for more precise details.

Trout stocking that had been planned in the Wissahickon for Oct. 15 has been canceled. There are not plans to reschedule it this year.

The Fish and Boat Commission will hold a public meeting on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education to address the "loss of angler opportunity on this stream and gather public input on future options."

The Wissahickon Creek watershed includes numerous streams throughout Montgomery County, Plymouth, Whitemarsh, Whitpain, and the far reaches of Philadelphia.