Share What You Saw

I'm sure, by now, there will be lots of information available about the Norfolk Southern accident and resulting pollution event. From shortly after the event and through the following days, myself and WCO Robert Mader, McKean County, representing the PA Fish and Boat Commission, were on the affected creeks.

Our tasks were to document, evaluate and take samples and interview witnesses to record the impact on the creeks; we also assisted in warning the public, in the streams, ahead of the pollution. We were far from being alone. I would like to thank all the emergency services that responded and were tireless in their efforts. I would like to thank all the people who volunteered information, photos, and samples as well as those that offered their assistance during the event.

I would like to thank Sinnemahoning State Park for their response to our request to drawdown Stevenson Dam as much as safely possible to increase the dilution potential of the First Fork. I would like to thank the friend who was out early on his own checking the status of the pollution and making the suggestion that Stevenson Dam could help.

This particular article, however, is geared more to gain information from you than provide it. As the week passes, we could still use more help. I would appreciate it if those who saw the pollution would be willing to put down what they witnessed on paper and mail it to me. What would be very useful are factual accounts of what was seen, fish dying, struggling, the color and smell of the water, if any. Anything that is pertinent along with your contact information and signature.

I know it could be difficult, but refrain from opinion in your account or colorful analogy. To barrow a famous phrase from an old TV show, we'd like, "just the facts". Include numbers, and species of fish and/or animals if you can identify them, as well as date and time you saw what you saw.

This information could be very useful in the future. If your account is for our information only and if you would not like to be contacted about your statement, please indicate that and your wishes will be honored.

Thank you very much.

Please use the following address: PA Fish and Boat Commission, Pollution Incident, 732 E. Cowley Run Rd., Emporium, PA 15834.

Bill Crisp