CHESTER COUNTY— Valley Creek, which runs through Valley Forge Park, had the highest level of “forever chemicals” in a study that analyzed surface water samples from 161 Pennsylvania streams.
The study by the U.S. The Geological Survey analyzed polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and water chemistry.
The chemicals are found in thousands of consumer products — cookware, cosmetics, food packaging, outdoor apparel, and carpets among them — as well as in firefighting foams.
Find out what's happening in Phoenixvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Forever chemicals are linked to infertility, thyroid problems, and cancer, according to the study.
Valley Creek is a 10.8-mile tributary of the Schuylkill River in eastern Chester County.
Find out what's happening in Phoenixvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Valley Creek Watershed encompasses 23.4 square miles primarily within Tredyffrin and East Whiteland Townships, Chester County.
In the 1700s, the creek powered a saw mill and a grist mill that were destroyed in the Revolutionary War.
In the last few decades, developments have resulted in rainwater runoff polluting streams, including Valley Creek, according to the study.
Subsequently, in January 2004, the Chester County commissioners issued a storm management plan for the Valley Creek watershed.
The state Department of Environmental Protection designated Valley Creek as having exceptional value.
Valley Forge Trout Unlimited takes action
In 2003, the Valley Forge Creek Restoration Partnership was formed to maintain and improve the creek.
Valley Forge Trout Unlimited, a nonprofit organization, has been working for several decades to restore trout habitat in the creek. The organization has over 800 members.
The group has documented pollution incidents, beginning in 1964.
The incidents include chemical and sewage discharges and water main breaks.
In 1964, Chester Valley Sportsman Club discovered a landfill near the creek was accepting sewage and a metal processing company spilled cyanide into Little Valley Creek, which resulted in the annihilation of aquatic life downstream to the mouth of Valley Creek
In 1985, Paoli Car Yards discharged industrial chemicals into Little Valley Creek resulting in the ending of trout stocking. The full list of incidents is available here.
The U.S. Geological Study
The U.S. Geological Study released this week detected at least one chemical in 76 percent of the sampled streams.
The authors of the study concluded their findings indicate the need for updated water treatments that can eliminate PFAS contamination in drinking water that is sourced from public waterways.
The full study is available here.
Related article: How PA Is Regulating Cancer-Linked ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Water
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Click Here: adidas superstar Shoes