Slick on river investigated

By TOM RUE

DAMASCUS - Responding to a report made two weeks ago by Bud Rue of Milanville, the Damascus Township Supervisors agreed at their July 20 meeting to ask the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources to look into the source of a possible oil spill on the Delaware River.

At Monday's meeting, township secretary Charles Rutledge read a letter from Rue advising that the film is still present and seems to be getting worse. He asked the supervisors to "consult with professionals from state or other governmental agencies" to identify the substance on the water, find its source, and take appropriate action.

Rue presented the board with a copy of a resource management directory published by the National Park Service (NPS), to assist in solving the problem. He also brought a sample of mud taken from the bank, with clearly visible patches of a rainbow-hued substance.

The film was first spotted by Dick Rhodes of the National Canoe Safety Patrol, a volunteer river rescue group, Rue said.

According to others who have seen the slick, its source appears to be between the confluence of Calkins Creek and the Milanville Bridge. Reportedly, the flow is about three feet wide and extends for at least 40 or 50 feet. "Every time I've looked in the last six times, it's been there," said Rue.

Rutledge noted that NPS spokesperson Angus Ross indicated he did not think the substance was oil, but could not identify what it was. However, a man at the meeting said he heard locally that a quantity of fuel oil had once been stored in a barn near the bridge. Rutledge said he would contact the owner.

In another matter, Rutledge stated that a meeting would be held with PennDOT representative Floyd Burleigh on July 22 to discuss placement of a stop or yield sign at the hairpin intersection above the Milanville Bridge.

The board considered a request by the local little league for a contribution of $200. Supervisor Bob Diehl supported the measure, but chairperson Tom Griffith said to "put it on hold". Diehl explained that the money would help support the Damascus Cardinals and Orioles, and the Galilee Mets.

The supervisors voted unanimously to begin proceedings to adopt a consolidated set of township ordinances. Rutledge said the document is open to public inspection at the township office. He added that nothing new was contained therein, but it simply brings existing ordinances under one cover.

In other business: the board resolved to accept 50 feet of road called "Third Street" in Pine Grove Estates; discussed the township's sign ordinance; and heard a report from Clarence Poland of Milanville that a sign had been stolen from his front yard over the July 4th weekend.

Front Page| Current Issue| Back Issues| Search
© 1987 by the author(s) — Duplication without permission is prohibited.
Entire contents © 1987, Stuart Communications, Inc.