Officials Trying To Determine Source Of Yough River Spill
CONNELLSVILLE (KDKA) – Officials are working to determine the cause of an oil spill in the Youghiogheny River, near Connellsville.
A passerby noticed a sheen on the water around 8 a.m. and alerted officials.
The sheen was spotted between the South Connellsville Beach and the South Connellsville Dam.
"When we arrived we saw a lot of oil coming down the river," Phillip Hughes, of the South Connellsville Fire Department, said.
Initially, crews believed it was from a leaking train car, but that has since been ruled out. At this point, officials have not been able to find the source.
"I walked the riverbanks several miles to see and didn't find anything," Hughes said.
SConville Fire Dept Video of Oil spill on Yough near SConville Dam by Water Plant. Train car ruled out source remains unknown. pic.twitter.com/cA8LfdApgi
— Ross Guidotti (@RossGuidotti) February 8, 2017
A water treatment plant nearby is not currently being affected. The strong current in the river is pulling the pollutant to one side of the river.
"The water treatment plant called us and asked if we wanted them to shut the plant down. We said not at this time," Hughes said.
Officials are continuing to monitor the river, but there is no current threat to the plant's production.
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