Thorough Study of River Completed
(Last update: 06/11/2007)
- No evidence of adverse impact to river or wildlife.
- No evidence of harm to human health.
On June 8, 2007, Arcadis BBL and Normandeau Associates, firms with nationwide experience in assessing river habitats, completed the Phase IV report — a thorough study of the river following the ash basin leak.
The study concludes that there is no evidence the fly ash release had any adverse impact to the ecological community of the Delaware River, or any of the species of wildlife investigated.
The study also concludes that there was no evidence of adverse effect on human health, or on recreational opportunities on the river.
Based on these results, further study is not needed, the report concludes.
The Academy of Natural Sciences, which provided oversight of biological studies during the cleanup, has reviewed the biological section of the report and concurs with its main findings.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies approved in advance the study’s plan and methodology.
The agencies are now reviewing the report.
To read the Phase IV report, click below:
EPA Endorses PPL's Cleanup of River
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that PPL took the appropriate steps to address the ash release and no further federal action is warranted.
To read the EPA letter, click here.
Water Tests
In our continuing tests of river water, arsenic has been at or below the historic or "background" level — the very low level normally found in the river before the ash spill. This background level is significantly below the state and federal surface water standards. Also, as we expected — since the ground water typically flows to the river and not the other way around — residential well tests on both sides of the river have found no water quality issues attributable to the fly ash release. To review the test results, click here.
Reports on Cause of Ash Release, Short-Term Effect on River
An in-depth evaluation by a PPL team conducting a root-cause analysis of the fly ash leak from Basin #4 at the Martins Creek power plant has determined that faulty fabrication of a wooden stop log led to its failure. The stop logs that held back water and fly ash in the basin were cut improperly during fabrication, the team said in its report.
Also, an independent biological assessment by Normandeau Associates has determined that the fly ash release had no short-term detrimental effects on the Delaware River or surrounding area.
To read the reports, select from the links above.
Cleanup Director
Bob Barkanic is the Martins Creek Cleanup Project director. Communication with local government, area residents, community leaders and environmental groups is an important part of Bob’s responsibilities. You can call him at 866-364-2800 or e-mail him at cleanupdirector@pplweb.com with concerns or suggestions.
More information on Bob Barkanic >> |
Residential Well Tests
If you would like your well tested, please call 1-866-364-2800.