River "slick" inconclusive

By TOM RUE

DAMASCUS - Responding to a report of possible pollution on the Delaware River above the Milanville Bridge, Damascus Supervisor Thomas griffith wrote to the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) two weeks ago.

"The Supervisors investigated the area on three occasions but actually noted the "film" on one inspection, and have been unable so far, to determine the cause or composition of this 'film'", Griffith stated in his July 21st letter.

DRBC engineer Richard Albert responded on July 28 with the following opinion: "We have observed in the past that the Pennsylvania side of the Milanville Bridge, like some other locations, is a collection spot for substances floating down the river. Undoubtedly, the river current produces an eddy effect which traps the materials until flushing occurs with subsequent higher flows. In years when river foam is observed in quantity, we notice that it collects at the Milanville site."

It is my opinion, yet unproven, that river foam in the Upper Delaware is probably a natural phenomena derived from the oils released from aquatic plants (i.e., sapins which are analogous to sap from trees). We have noticed in the past that foam appears to be heaviest in low-flow years when aquatic plant growth is high. I mention this because the film observed at Milanville could be similarly related."

Albert said the DRBC will continue testing the Upper Delaware, including the Milanville site. While his observations of "foam" do not coincide with reports of a rainbow hued substance, others speculated that the material might be fish oil or carcass fat.

At least two life-long residents agreed with the DRBC. Lucille Jay of Milanville called The River Reporter after an article appeared two weeks ago. She said she has observed slicks at various places on the river since she was a child.

After a recent meeting of the Upper Delaware Citizens Advisory Council, Lavina Powell of Cochecton concurred, adding that such films seem particularly noticeable during the "dog days" of summer.

In another matter discussed at the August 3rd meeting, the Pennsylvania DER has requested a resolution approving a subdivision plan revision for a septic system belonging to Mary Jan Kulesza in the Dexter Development. The board approved the resolution, subject to Dexter's consent.

In response to a question, Griffith said the board had no information to release regarding a possible appeal of the legal judgement against the town by Richard Crum of Springtown. The township must pay Crum $7100 for cutting trees on his property without his permission. "We're holding back until our insurance company calls us," Griffith said.

In other business, the supervisors: read a letter from DER stating that it will review the township's sewage facility plan; heard a report of a camper trailer between Damascus and Galilee which appears to be pumping raw sewage into a ditch; announced that a new "Stop" sign has been placed on River Road in Milanville; and noted that Carl Daub has apparently cleaned up his alleged junkyard in Beach Lake.

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