Pennsylvania Mixed Bag: DEP responds to Forever Chemicals in fire fighting runoff in Codorus Creek

Harrisburg — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection at press time was still investigating the environmental impacts of a fire at J&K Salvage in Spring Garden Township, York County, on Feb. 25.

Fluids from the facility and water used to extinguish the fire ran off into an unnamed tributary and then into the Codorus Creek. An oily sheen was visible and was observed as far downstream as the creek’s confluence with the Susquehanna River.

DEP staff and staff from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency placed booms into the creek at various locations to contain and capture the product, enabling it to be vacuumed.

No public drinking water system intakes were believed to be affected. Game Commission and the Fish & Boat Commission officials had been advised of the situation and were monitoring any impacts to wildlife.

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New Assistant Manager for Ridley Creek Park

Harrisburg — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently announced the appointment of Emma Isaacson as the assistant manager for the Ridley Creek State Park Complex in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Isaacson assists with oversight of the park complex, which includes Ridley Creek State Park, Big Elk Creek State Park and White Clay Creek Preserve. Each of the parks offers various outdoor recreation activities including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.

Issacson is a native of Langhorne, Bucks County, and earned an undergraduate degree from Delaware Valley University in Conservation and Wildlife Management. She began her career with DCNR as a resource ranger at Nockamixon State Park in 2024, later joining the park manager trainee program that year. As a trainee, Isaacson spent time at Delaware Canal and Ridley Creek state parks.

Pa. Epicenter of Avian Flu Outbreak Return

Harrisburg — Pennsylvania is at the epicenter of a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza with outbreaks reported at numerous egg and poultry farms.

Only Iowa, Indiana and Ohio produce more eggs than Pennsylvania farms. Since a Jan. 28 outbreak on an egg farm impacting 1.5 million birds, other outbreaks have hit almost 20 farms, totaling 7.45 million birds.

As of Feb. 20, Pennsylvania and Colorado are the only states in the country dealing with avian flu outbreaks impacting egg production, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Pennsylvania flocks account for 83% of the egg layer losses nationally in 2026. All but two of the flocks impacted by the avian flu outbreak in Pennsylvania this year have been in Lancaster County.

Partial Drawdown Starts at Hemlock Lake

Harrisburg — The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission recently began a partial drawdown of Hemlock Lake (formerly Straight Run Dam), located in Banks Township, Indiana County.

During a recent routine inspection of dam infrastructure, deficiencies were identified within the concrete auxiliary spillway. The partial drawdown is a precautionary measure to allow the auxiliary spillway to remain in a dry condition until repairs can be completed as part of a planned dam rehabilitation project tentatively scheduled to begin in summer 2029.

Over the next several weeks, depending on local precipitation and snowmelt conditions, the water level within Hemlock Lake will be gradually lowered by approximately 3 feet from its current level. Because the lake is already approximately three feet below its full pool elevation due to drought conditions in fall 2025, this additional drawdown will bring the water level to approximately 6 feet below full pool.

Ice fishing is now prohibited at Hemlock Lake, and the east and west access launch ramps will remain closed.

Master Plan for New State Park Completed

Landenberg, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently unveiled the Master Plan for Big Elk Creek State Park in Chester County, outlining a long-term vision that will guide improvements to visitor access, recreation, conservation, and education at the park.

Key elements of the plan include construction of a new combined park office, education, and interpretive visitor center; development of small, strategically located parking areas to create multiple entry points; establishment of a new trail system with improved stream crossings; and expanded forest conservation, reforestation, and meadow habitat restoration efforts.

The plan balances expanded recreational opportunities with strong protections for the park’s natural and cultural resources.

Results from Rolfe’s Coyote and Fox Hunt

Johnsonburg, Pa. — The final results from Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap in February were released.

Joe Fremer took the largest coyote in week one at 44.8 pounds; Paul Costanzo harvested the largest coyote in week two at 48.6 pounds, which was also the largest coyote harvested; Isaac Dellaquella took the largest fox overall at 11.4 pounds.

Ron Holly harvested the largest female coyote at 37.6 pounds. Josh Bizzak harvested the largest female fox at 11.0 pounds.

The most coyotes (three) were harvested by Joe Fremer and Ron Holly.

Josh Bizzak harvested the most foxes at seven.

The prettiest coyote, a blond one, was harvested by Terry Murphy.