• Brunner Island Coal Electricity Generation Station, PPL
• Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
• Conowingo Dam
• Construction Actions
• Eel Passages on Susquehanna Dams
• Enola Train Yard, Conrail
• Ethanol Facilities
• Glatfelter Paper Permit Review
• Holtwood Dam
• Hostetter Development in Paradise Township
• Incinerator Ash
• Mercury Smokestacks DEP Regulations
• Northwest Triangle
• Old Exxon Tanks in Halifax
• Peach Bottom Nuclear Plant
• PenRoc Quarry
• Pharmaceuticals in Our Waters
• Smallmouth Disease (Columnaris) in the Susquehanna
• Stony Valley
• Sunbury Inflatable Dam Shad Passage
• Susquehanna Riverlands Park
• Susquehanna University Cancer Anomaly
• York Building Products, Thomasville Quarry

Brunner Island Coal Electricity Generation Station, PPL (York)

Priority 1 : Comments have been submitted, awaiting PA DEP response.

Brunner Island has appealed their permit, even after we stayed out of it. They are questioning the DEP’s suspended solids allocation for their southern ash pit. Ash materials enter the Susquehanna from this point and DEP has asked them to reduce the pollutant from 30 mg/l to 10 mg/l average. They are also questioning DEP’s authority to request info that may lead to further intake improvements (316(b)). We are contacting experts in this field to pass on comments to PADEP.

Recent Background : PPL Brunner Island is up for their permit renewal, but their application had some peculiar requests. We have submitted 24 pages of comments to this permit renewal, but PA DEP has given PPL the permit.

LSR believes that the new permit allowances will still negatively impact the biology of the river, but biologists have no proof of that. We have consulted attorneys on addressing this as PPL Brunner Island’s NPDES permit comes up for renewal. After review it was determined that we had little ground for further action, and further action could jeopardize the major gains that we have already achieved.

Background : Brunner Island releases 750 mgd of water ranging from 80-130 degrees into the Susquehanna. After some research and working with PennFuture, it was determined that PPL has had over 1500 violations and two fish kills in the last four years. On January 13, LSR, working with PennFuture, Bob Clouser, and the Susquehanna Smallmouth Bass Alliance, sent a Notice of Intent to file suit for 1530 violations of the 2 degree temperature change condition in PPL Brunner Island’s NPDES permit. In March we were notified by PPL that they intended to make substantial improvements and asked us to hold off on the lawsuit. On March 27 it was announced that PPL would spend over $120 million on cooling units and pay $183,000 in penalties to Lancaster and York County Conservation Districts.

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

Priority 1 : LSR is now receiving updates on new CAFO permits so that we will know which ones are eligible for buffer enforcement.

In January, LSR joined PennFuture in sending 5 Notices of Intent to file suit for unpermitted CAFO's. Three of the operations, Brinton, Forry and Lefever, have agreed and are now getting their permits. The fourth, Ebaugh, claims they never had enough animals to trigger the permit. This is debatable, but without further proof there is no requirement for a permit. We will keep an eye on this operation. The fifth, Strickland, claims that there are two separate operations, thus not requiring a permit. This is a point of concern for us and DEP, and this may lead to further action.

LSR is reviewing the proposed Gemmill CAFO in Muddy Creek watershed in York County, as well as the Marstellar farm, a large operation that may slip under CAFO permitting requirements, but is still of concern to the Muddy Creek watershed.

Temple University – Harrisburg's GIS class is working on a CAFO mapping and tracking system to be shared with other concerned agencies.

Background : LSR continues to document CAFO's and their activities. Please, contact us immediately with any concerns. We have legal representation for these issues, however it is hard to say how long this will be the case. Please don't hesitate to report agricultural activities of concern!

Conowingo Dam (Cecil)

04 NOV 07 : Congressmen Gilchrest and Platts began talks with SRBC, EPA, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and the Northeast Midwest Institute to determine how we can address this single biggest threat to the Chesapeake Bay. These same agencies have encouraged SOLS to continue our leadership on this issue, and to increase our public education efforts. To this end, we've created a two-page summary to be shared with politicians and other members of the environmental community or academia, and a condensed single page fact sheet for the public. We hope to educate the public and our decision makers on this dangerous situation on the Lower Susquehanna, a situation that some have compared to the failure of government to act on the New Orleans levees before Katrina.

Please download and share this information on "Sediments and the Conowingo Dam : The Biggest Single Threat to the Chesapeake Bay" with anyone interested, particularly your state elected officials.

• Conowingo Sediment Scientific Overview
• Conowingo Sediment Public Overview

18 JUN 07 :  On June 13, I spoke at SRBC's quarterly meeting, giving a brief explanation of the sediment issues. A great deal of discussion followed the meeting, including an explanation of where the sediment study process stalled back in 2001. Basically, the required state partners decided not to support the US ACE feasibilty study at a cost of up to $2 million. To get this back on track we will have to gain political support. This can be accomplished through letters and visits to our local, state, and federal representatives. I also informed the Commission and Exelon that not all Chesapeake Waterkeepers are as "partner-oriented"  as I am and some of us are looking into our legal options to expedite the mitigation of these threats. One of the biggest problems is finding a transportation mechanism and disposal destination for the materials.  Please continue to work on suggestions for these issues. I'll be trying to set up another meeting for August.

Priority 1 : The Conowingo Sediment Science Committee has been moving steadily forward. Our effort now is focused on securing funding needed for further research toward sediment understanding and potential removal.

Recent Background : The Conowingo Dam Sediment Science Meeting on October 30, 2006 went very well. Bob Gallagher, West and Rhode Riverkeeper, Fred Tutman, Patuxent Riverkeeper, and Fred Kelly, Severn Riverkeeper, came up to join Michael Helfrich, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper at Port Deposit, MD. Along with the 4 Riverkeepers, Kevin Luebke, Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) Ecologist, Mike Langland, USGS Geologist, Rupert Rossetti, retired Geologist, and Sandy Cope, Chemist were present. Rupert and Sandy work with a local Land Trust and the Upper Western Shore Trib Team in MD.. All present recognize the serious threat to the Bay and are committed to finding a solution. Though no immediate solution was determined at this meeting, all present are interested in continuing this effort.

Conowingo Dam, a 105-foot Hydroelectric Dam built in 1928 is the last dam on the Susquehanna before the Chesapeake Bay. This largest dam on the Susquehanna now stores some 200 Million Tons of sediment, with approximately 42 Million Tons of storage capacity remaining. During the meeting we reviewed sediment movements in the Susquehanna Watershed and the threat to the Bay when Conowingo Pool fills up. In a "normal" year, the Susquehanna transports ~3 million tons of sediment down the river, ~2 million of which is trapped behind the Conowingo Dam. If we do nothing, then once the Conowingo Pool has filled up to its holding capacity, everything that is transported down river will be transported downstream and into the Chesapeake Bay. According to USGS estimates, there will be a 250% increase in sediment loading to the Bay.

Governmental agencies and others have reviewed this problem. Current remediation plans are to reduce the amount of sediment washing into the Susquehanna from the upstream areas through riparian buffer planting and other agricultural best management practices, enhanced stormwater management, bank stabilization and other flow and erosion control projects, and by encouraging the continued implementation of these practices.

According to at least one sediment expert (not present at the meeting), this approach will not control the problem, because rivers naturally carry sediment. If not from construction sites and agriculture, it will be from scouring the banks and bottoms of the tributaries and river. Water without sediment finds sediment where it can until it reaches equilibrium.

The decision to address incoming sources of sediment, with no effort in place to remove sediment from the Conowingo Pool, is of great concern.

Unless the Conowingo Pool is addressed, the 250% increase in sedimentation to the Chesapeake Bay could occur within 20-25 years.

The other key issue is the potential for another "Agnes-like" scouring. In 1972 Tropical Storm Agnes brought 10 Million Tons of sediment down, but then scoured another 20 Million Tons from behind Conowingo Dam. This pulse, about ten years worth of sediment, nearly destroyed the ecology of the Chesapeake. Since that time even more sediment has built up, and an equivalent or even worse impact is almost certain.

We are looking at a two part solution, and we have asked our USGS and ACE specialists to come back with more info on each plan.

Mike Langland of USGS will be locating the most mobile sediments that have the highest risk for transport from scouring. This material is in a sediment slurry suspension above the more compact sediments. After determining locations and amounts, we will look into engineering and costs of removal. Studies have been done on sediment removal, but they looked at removing ALL 250 Million Tons (50 million more tons behind Holtwood and Safe Harbor Dams). This would take 25 years. We want numbers on the fraction that is highly transportable. We also must determine if we can remove sediment fast enough to make a dent in the 2 Million Tons per Year that is being deposited.

Kevin Luebke brought up an interesting observation. According to information provided by Michael Langland of USGS, sediment loads from the Susquehanna have actually decreased dramatically over the past 100 years. Suspended solids data from Harrisburg shows that we now have only about 33% of the load that we had in the early 1900's. Kevin's theory is that the coarser, habitat-forming sediments are being held back by the dams, and only the clay and silt is passing, blanketing the Upper Bay in mud. If the proper mix of light and coarse sediments was entering the Bay it may be beneficial to the Bay. Kevin will be looking into the risks and costs of transporting more coarse materials around the dam and into the Bay.

With this combination of activities we may be able to remove fines, and transport more coarse sediments to reduce the pressure from a catastrophic release, and extend the fine sediment removal capacity of the Conowingo Dam.

We will need grants or other funding to support further research into these alternatives. We need to get funding specifically for the agencies to continue their research and assistance on this study. If you have any ideas on funding sources and/or partnering organizations, please contact Michael Helfrich.

Remember, this is a study. Any info, questions, or opinions are welcome. Also visit dammess.com.

Background : Sediments behind the dam threaten to suffocate plant and animal life in the upper Chesapeake Bay. Some interesting data is that the Chesapeake would be in much worse shape if the Conowingo Dam was not catching 70% of the sediment and 45% of the Phosphorous. If the dam reaches steady state there will be a 250% increase in sediments and a 70% increase in phosphorous.

Conowingo Dam has begun their relicensing process and LSR will be participating in this process. There is already a request for new bathymetric studies of the sediment distribution in the Conowingo Pool. After working with Mike Langland, it is my opinion that a fraction of the sediment that is very mobile could be removed for a much smaller cost than the assessments that have already been denounced as too costly. This must still be determined depending on any toxicity within the sediments and transportation and removal costs.

Eel Passages on Susquehanna Dams

Where are the mussels in the Susquehanna and her tributaries, and why aren't they there like our grandfathers talk about?

Most of the "old-timers" remember when you couldn't walk through the Susquehanna or even small streams without stepping on the mussels. By talking to them, and digging up the old Susquehannock trash pits, we know that Eastern Elliptio mussels used to be EVERYWHERE! So where did they go? So far we've observed that a few Elliptios are still living in Codorus Creek, which is historically highly polluted with almost every type of pollution. There are lots of Asiatic clams there, so we don't think it's competition either. The only two options appear to be loss of the larvae's host species, which preliminary research shows to be the American Eel, or possibly too much sediment. We've found old shells in the Conestoga, Conewago, Yellow Breeches, Swatara, and along the banks of the Susquehanna. 

But we found no evidence of Elliptio shells or mussels in the few hundred yards we surveyed of Octoraro Creek in Cecil County, MD, and this is confusing. We may have just looked in the wrong spot. We looked near the mouth of the Octoraro, below the Conowingo dam. There are no dams between that location and the Susquehanna, so eels have not been blocked from here. Also, there is about 1 Elliptio shell per 3 square feet in the Susquehanna at Smith's Falls about a mile below Octoraro. The lower Octoraro is the first place we found no shells, but it is the place we thought we would find the most. The habitat looked right and everything. We found good-looking helgrammites which should indicate relatively good water quality. Quite a puzzle. Please help us add to this research. Let us know if you are finding mussel shells in the streams near you. Please take pictures and send them to us. We are looking for mussels (like the ones pictured in the photos under "Background" below,) not the little clams, which are an invasive from Asia. Thanks.

Below are some pictures of Conowingo Dam's $500 eel ladder experiment. (That's my own cost estimation of a 2 foot x 40 foot corrugated pipe and a big bucket.) In July of 2007, an employee of Conowingo Dam told one of the Susquehanna Sojourners that this ladder has already been working.

Background : Recent research from USGS's Bill Lellis has led to a strong theory that the dams are blocking the eels, which are the host species for young mussels, which could be filtering much of the nutrient and sediment pollution that ends up in the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Unfortunately, mussels have declined dramatically since the dams were built. It could be that the Bay's problems are significantly worsened by the lack of mussels. In the Delaware mussels filter the water 6 times before it hits the bay.

LSR has discussed this with staff from Senators Specter and Santorum, Congressmen Holden, Schuster, Gilchrest, Rupersberger and Platts, as well as DEP's Cathy Myers and USGS staff. LSR asked DEP if a pilot project of mussel reintroduction would be a good effort, and Dep. Secretary Myers suggested a Growing Greener project that incorporated Legacy Sediment remediation and mussel reintroduction. We will be putting a committee together for this topic. Please reply if you are interested.

 

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Enola Train Yard, Conrail (Cumberland)

Priority 3 : (Looking for info on PCB's from Mechanic's area of train yard) LSR continues to seek any further information. Much work has been done at this site, but it is still worth keeping our eyes and ears open, as this was a highly contaminated site.

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Ethanol Facilities

Priority 3

15 APR 07 : CentreDaily.com – "Ethanol jacking up cost of fertilizer"

12 APR 07 : Reading Eagle – "Ethanol can mean big money for corn growers, but its popularity is jacking up the cost of fertilizer"

27 JAN 07 : Opinion Journal – "Ethanol Math Doesn't Add Up!"

 

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Holtwood Dam (Lancaster)

Priority 2 : (State and Federal Agencies are doing an excellent job at looking out for LSR's interests) LSR has submitted comments to the PPL draft Amendment Agreement with FERC. Our main points concerned eel passage. Two points of concern, the lowering of the lake and the lowhead dam have been removed from the plan. PPL has recently proposed some ideas for allowing eel migration. This removes almost all concerns except the potential effects of blasting on the species of concern in the area.

Background : LSR is working with PPL to determine if improvements to the dam will benefit the community. The proposed $275,000,000 improvement is supposed to more than double the relatively low-impact electricity output while improving passage for migratory fish. Residents and businesses have shared concerns regarding recreational water levels, danger to species of concern, and lost kayaking opportunities.

 

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Hostetter Development in Paradise Township (York)

Priority 2 : (Ongoing permitting process) Landowner harvested trees along Conewago Creek. No update on township approval.

Background : This 140 acre proposed development sits on USDA tile drainage system that drained hickory wetlands in 1950's. Current development plans ignore drainage system. Impacts on tile drainage system could return area to wetland hydrology, impacting homes and septic systems, and sending untreated sewage into Conewago Creek. LSR has observed perimeter of property, finding 4 drainage pipes, proving wet nature of property. More pipes may be present. The endangered "least shrew" has been documented within ½ mile. LSR has sent the Township Supervisor a letter letting them know that we are watsching this process.

No action has been taken by the Supervisors, the Paradise Planning Commission is still awaiting plan updates including the mapping of the tile drains. It has been nearly a year since LSR became involved and we have seen no further movement on development. The current thought is "no news is good news."

 

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Incinerator Ash (York)

12 OCT 07 : After 5 years of voicing concerns, filing a lawsuit blocked by PA DEP in 2003, and bringing in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to investigate DEP's permitting of incinerator ash as construction fill, PA DEP announces the 10-year permit for American Ash Recycling will not be renewed!!!

Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper®, Michael Helfrich, filed over 600 pages of comments and supporting documents, including recent responses from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry that echoed his concerns regarding unknown levels of dioxins, high levels of heavy metals, and improper application of this material that was being buried without any safety precautions or notices to future landowners.  We also mobilized citizens and state and local government officials who likewise voiced their concerns.

Over 200,000 tons of incinerator ash has already been buried under playgrounds, homes, parking lots, and businesses. In some cases, this material has washed into exceptional value wetlands and tributaries of the Susquehanna. The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper will continue to work with ATSDR to investigate these other sites to determine what further measures must be taken to secure the safety of Pennsylvania's citizens, communities and waterways.

Congratulations to everyone that submitted comments and helped do the research to put our case together. This is a tremendous victory!!! Thanks for your support, Stewards!

Priority 1 : Some research results from York County Solid Waste Authority's grantees for "alternative uses of the treated incinerator ash" have come back. So far, it appears that the treated incinerator ash is not good for making ceramics or compressed construction blocks. Add this to the fact that PENNDOT said it was only good for embankments, and you've got a pretty useless product so far. Now I'm not saying stop doing research, but I am saying that the current uses and proposed uses have very little value as a "Beneficial Use." We are now compiling support documents for our comments against the renewal of American Ash Recycling's Beneficial Use Permit. We will alert you when the comment period opens.

Background : American Ash Recycling treats incinerator ash with phosphoric acid to stabilize some metals. It is then used as construction fill, with no liner or monitoring. Although it passes most federal leaching tests, it has been handled and placed poorly in multiple instances. There is also no real long-term data on the material. Our concern is that heavy metals, including arsenic, will eventually leach into surface and groundwater.

We are currently collecting violation and lawsuit data to submit to object to the renewal of AAR's permit to use incinerator ash as construction fill. Millions of dollars have been wasted when this material fails as construction fill and must be removed. We have received documentation that PENNDOT refused to approve this material, and had no knowledge that it was being used for construction purposes. We are still reviewing other aspects of their permit.

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Mercury Smokestacks DEP Regulations (PA)

Priority 3 : New Mercury Regulations for Coal Smokestacks PASSES!

Background : New DEP regulations would reduce mercury emissions by 90% by 2015 using currently available technology.

LSR attended a joint meeting of the PA Chamber of Commerce and DEP to discuss impacts of environmental regs. LSR was there to represent septic maintenance workers concerned with aspects of the PA Chesapeake Trib Strategy, and to ask questions on their behalf. This part of the meeting went very well. But after DEP left, the representative of the Chamber discussed strategy to stop the new DEP Mercury Regs. He warned the members that sportsmen's clubs were siding with environmental groups in advocating for the new regs. He advised the members to attend the sportsmen's clubs' meetings and get them to stop working with environmental groups. I guess it is an obvious strategy, but I was disgusted to hear this strategy not based on facts, but based on creating artificial divisions between people concerned about our natural resources.

LSR continues to work for PA DEP regulations on mercury, speaking and writing comments to the Environmental Quality Board, and supplying scientific papers to PA DEP.

 

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Northwest Triangle (York City)

Priority 3 : Successful effort to maintain green space, at least so far. Construction has not yet started.

Background : LSR continues to review the proposed uses of this open space along the Codorus Creek. This development is potentially an excellent example of redevelopment of brownfield sites. LSR is advocating maintaining a 30-foot greenway along Codorus in York City redevelopment project.

 

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Old Exxon Tanks in Halifax (Dauphin)

Priority 1 : No action has been taken. LSR plans to revisit the site with local citizens to observe any visible contamination.

Background : LSR is working with Powell and Armstrong Creek Watershed Association to determine ecological threat of old tanks. Locals have told LSR that the wetlands nearby smell of diesel.

LSR has gotten standing on this issue through local residents, and is working with an attorney that has been working with/against Exxon for over 10 years. New information shows Exxon has an approved Closure Plan from PA DEP from 1993. Further action will require proof of leachate.

 

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Peach Bottom Nuclear Plant

On July 19, 2007, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay's Susquehanna Sojourn traveled from Holtwood to Conowingo Dam. Approximately .7 miles below Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Station I noticed steam rising from the water near the York County shoreline. I paddled over to investigate. The pictures shown below were taken between 12:49 and 12:54 pm. This was not morning mist, and there was no 'mist' in any other part of the river. I did not have a thermometer with me, but another paddler measured the temperature where she was, not near the York shoreline at 102º F. Here approximate location was N 39 44.726 W 76 14.875, or about 8/10 of a mile below the plant, and more to the center of Conowingo Pool. The temperature along the York County side was much hotter, but as I said, I did not have a thermometer with me (lesson learned).

This particularly upsets me, because I am embarassed that I believed what I was told, that the Pool is so large that Peach Bottom has less than a 2 degree effect. They have cooling units, but are not required to use them. They even recently had some removed.

Near the shoreline I looked to see what fish were there. I had polarized glasses on and I observed 2 fish, both carp, one dead and one barely alive. Nothing scientific about that, just an observation.

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PenRoc Quarry (York)

Priority 2 : No compliance issues have been noted recently.

Background : LSR has been working with PADEP to eliminate illegal discharges of limestone sediments to Codorus Creek. This problem was first discovered in early 2005. Our efforts resulted in immediate cease and desist order for quarry. This problem returned as of April 9, 2006. This was reported and once again a cease and desist order was issued and fines levied.

This quarry impacts Codorus Creek, most recently by pumping water over to a golf course, then the golf course pumps turbid clay-containing water to Codorus creek. LSR followed up with DEP and they are now looking at the turbidity before it leaves the property.

 

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Pharmaceuticals in Our Waters

Priority 3 : Recent research has revealed small amounts of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and other bioactive compounds in our waterways. According to some preliminary USGS research on fish in the Potomac watershed, these compounds may be affecting aquatic species. Testing for these compounds in our waterways and drinking water will be conducted by USGS with the support of PA DEP. Please take a look at this video of J. Kent Crawford, Water Quality Specialist for the Pennsylvania Water Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey, as he presents information at an Environmental Forum hosted by the Joint Air & Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee: http://paenvirodigestvideo.blogspot.com/2006_11_01_archive.html

17 APR 07 : A new study from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute’s Center for Environmental Oncology suggests that fish caught in Pittsburgh rivers contain substances that mimic the actions of estrogen, the female hormone. Read about the study here: http://www.upmc.com

06 MAY 07 : Sewage plant fixes near startup - Fish deformities elevate concerns over pollution. Read the Press & Sun-Bulletin article here: http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070506/NEWS01/705060332

From the National Institute of Standards and Technology Website:
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have published an interesting study that sheds light on the fate of a familiar pharmaceutical as it enters the waste stream. In work initially described in NIST TechBeat last year, NIST chemists investigated probable chemical reactions involving acetaminophen when the drug is subjected to typical wastewater processing. Acetaminophen is the most widely used pain reliever in the United States, and a study of 139 streams by the U.S. Geological Survey found that it was one of the most frequently detected man-made chemicals.

The scientists found that the drug readily reacts in chlorine disinfection to form at least 11 new products, at least two of which are known to be toxic. The results, according to lead author Mary Bedner, demonstrate that environmental scientists need to be concerned about downstream reaction products as well as the original waste materials. “The issue is what you should be looking for in the environment,” she says. “When you are looking for the effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment, you need to ask what they’re going to turn into.”

Read the full paper, “Transformation of Acetaminophen by Chlorination Produces the Toxicants 1,4-Benzoquinone and N-Acetyl-p-benzoquinone Imine.”

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Smallmouth Disease (Columnaris) in the Susquehanna

05 FEB 08 : Lancaster New Era — "Susquehanna fish kills: Study to look for answers"

Priority 1 : LSR has attended conferences on fish diseases in the Mid-Atlantic States, and has met and talked with the premier scientists in this field. Some of them will be coming to PA soon to test the Susquehanna and her tributaries. LSR is working to have a temperature gauge installed at Harrisburg, but additional funds must be raised to have these temperatures recorded as data. The cost is approximately $2500 for 5 years. Please let us know if your group or agency can help.

Background : LSR is working with biologists and state agencies to determine the causes of the disease explosion among the Smallmouth Bass population. The current theory is a combination of hot water and additional nutrients, but excess sewage may play a role. LSR has proposed to USGS some chemical and biological sampling for Ag and Wastewater contaminants that may be harming the immune systems of fish in the Susquehanna. USGS is interested and LSR hopes to bring in Millersville University on the project. Recent studies in the Shenandoah revealed 100% bisexual characteristics in fish on a small tributary exposed to Ag runoff. Approximately 80% bisexual characteristics have been observed in other parts of the watershed.

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Stony Valley (Dauphin)

03 MAY 08: The Patriot News - "Guard drops plan to build firing range at Gap"

Priority 3 : A public meeting was held at Ft Indiantown Gap, but due to last minute vehicle problems, LSR was not able to attend. I will post an update from this meeting soon.

LSR has contacted Congressman Holden and others on this issue. LSR is prepared to join litigation to protect the PA Wild and Scenic legal designation, a designation made lawful by act of the PA Legislature.

Background : LSR is working with local residents to preserve Stony Creek Valley, a PA Wild and Scenic designated creek just north of Harrisburg. The PA National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap is trying to take this area for a firing range buffer area. LSR has contributed to comments to Governor Rendell on the preservation of Harrisburg's best natural stream and woodland recreation area.

 

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Susquehanna Riverlands Park / Lauxmont (York)

Priority 2 : LSR continues to publicly support this project. No major update.

Background : This park is the alternative to having nearly 900 houses developed on one of the most beautiful and pristine overlooks of the Susquehanna. This area also holds the last of the Susquehannock villages dating from 1675-1680. The park would be a Native American Heritage site, an architectural museum, and an environmental education center. This is LSR's most controversial of topics, as this includes the use of eminent domain.

 

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Susquehanna University Cancer Anomaly (Snyder)

Priority 2 : Legislation efforts continue as more contamination is found near Selinsgrove. Below is a letter written to Mark Cohen when House Bill 1015 was being proposed.

Dear Representative Cohen,
 
I am grateful for your efforts on monitoring illnesses and possible environmental causes simultaneously.  It appears that there is a gap in the Commonwealth's system for reviewing these matters.  You may have read in the Patriot News that more contaminants have been discovered at the Susquehanna University site and the removal of more toxins is planned.  Your actions have assisted in the scrutiny of this issue, and will undoubtedly help other Commonwealth citizens in dealing with historic pollution and public health concerns.
 
I was unable to make time to help as you introduced your legislation, however I would like to have an update and be of assistance in passing this legislation and establishing a link between PA DEP and the Dept. of Epidemiology.  The Selinsgrove case was a disappointing example of why we need to put some additional resources into this problem, that will likely occur again in the future.  Thanks, and keep me posted.

From the Mighty Susquehanna, Michael R Helfrich
Lower Susquehanna RIVERKEEPER®

Linda Kadel, the mother from Susqehanna University who first lost her son then compiled the data on a possible cancer cluster sent this letter of thanks and offered more assistance.

Michael,

Anything I can do on this issue- please let me know. I think it is a good common sense bill that needs to be implemented in PA. I will travel to Harrisburg, if requested or needed. I believe NJ has something similiar in place.

As a mother, Michael, I felt that I consistently hit a brick wall in trying to get someone to look at this issue. There were many a night that I thought of putting it all behind me. Thanks to people like you, Ford Turner and Rep Cohen maybe the next person dealing with this issue will be helped along in their search for answers.

You give me hope- there are good people in this world who genuinely care.

Warm regards,
Linda

P.S. I would love to see federal standards for allowable contaminates. It strikes me as odd that different states can have different allowables. I cannot begin to understand the reasoning behind that.

16 JUN 07 : Patriot-News – "Former mill owner plans 2nd cleanup; More contamination found in recent tests"

29 MAR 07 : Cohen introduces bill to monitor and investigate Pa. illness cluster

06 MAR 07 : York Dispatch – "Health officials plan testing at former industrial site near Susquehanna University"

05 MAR 07 : Patriot-News Investigation – "Cancer, contamination in Selinsgrove"

Update : A letter from Linda Kadel (see Background below) prompted an investigation by the Geisinger Center for Health Research. Based on the elevated cancer death rate in the area, the Geisinger investigator recommended an 'appropriate agency response' from the Bureau of Epidemiology. Read the Geisinger findings here. Read how the PA Department of Health responded here and the response from the President of Susquhanna University.

Priority 1 : LSR has been contacted by more concerned citizens from Selinsgrove. Shortly after that, the Harrisburg Patriot brought the story to light. There were definitely environmental concerns in the area that were not accounted for when the Pennsylvania Bureau of Epidemiology made their recommendation for no further studies. Further research is now being done. This research may or may not find an environmental link, but at least some research will now be done.

This issue has also sparked a bill in the PA House to have a link created between DEP and the PA Dept of Health. "Concerned by the recent cancer investigations at Susquehanna University, and other similar illness investigations, state Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., has introduced legislation that would create an Illness Monitoring and Investigation Unit within the Pennsylvania Department of Health," said the press release from the PA House Democratic Website. Find more info at http://www.pahouse.com/PR/202032907.asp

We regret any bad publicity that this has brought Susquehanna University, but at the same time, we believe the situation garnered further scrutiny. This scrutiny would probably not have occurred had Mrs. Kadel, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, and the Patriot News not followed up on these citizen concerns.

Background : LSR is working with the parents of Patrick Kadel, graduate of Susquehanna University '97, who was diagnosed in Feb 2001 and died in July 2002 of aggressive osteo sarcoma. Mrs. Kadel has compiled a database of over 50 students and staff of Susquehanna University who have contracted cancer in the last few years.

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York Building Products, Thomasville Quarry (York)

Priority 3 : LSR plans to approach DEP this summer, again, about YBP's proposal to clean the channel. They have still taken no action. Once again, this was not an official agreement, so no violation has occurred.

Background : LSR has been working with DEP to eliminate illegal turbid clay discharges. DEP has fined quarry $2600 due to reports by LSR. Quarry is now under a schedule to expand settling areas and clean concrete channel that is embedded with clay that washes into creek even when the company is not pumping.

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