To The Editor
'Not Content

With Spill

Answers'

I have never considered myself an activist or an environmentalist. However, the event that took place on Friday, June 30, 2006, has probably changed that.

I am not content with the answers given to the train wreck that resulted in the chemical spill that has appeared to kill much of the life in the Portage Creek and the Driftwood Branch. This spill affected some 30+ miles of "Wilds of Pennsylvania" pristine waters.

Around 7:00 pm the evening of June 30, I arrived on the Driftwood Branch about 200 yards below the confluence with the Portage Creek. I have fished this area many times. As far as I could see, I saw fish trying to get away from the chemical. It would have been difficult to count the number of fish. Many were already dead or breathing their last breathes. I stood watching helpless and sick.

The next day told the tale. A complete "KILL".

Organizations are trying to determine the impact of the kill. Perhaps this will determine how long we will be affected.

I think it is safe to say, that it will be many years before the stream reaches the same caliber that it was before the spill. Even when it does recover, we have lost many species of fish that are not stocked, such as bass. The huge brown trout that have lived for years to grow to 20 inches are gone.

Because I don't know what else to do, I am writing this letter. I ask others do the same. If you wish, send my article to other newspapers.

I feel strongly this can not be left alone until we have sufficient answers, such as how did it happen, how will it be prevented from happening again, what is the short term impact, and what is the long term impact. Who will be held accountable?

I know that none of this will reverse the disaster, but I feel we deserve the truth.

I have placed a memorial at the bridge on Route 120 that crosses the Portage, in memory of what was a living stream a few short weeks ago. As we pass, we will remember the stream, as we once knew it. It will remind others that pass by, to reach out, to continue to pursue the truth.

Please take action today. Write a letter to your local, State, and Federal officials. Contact any organization that may be able to aid in finding answers.

Don Bickford 212 Nickler Road

Emporium