PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A “do not eat” fish consumption advisory has been issued for the Wissahickon Creek Basin in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties due to high levels of a synthetic chemical.
The advisory was announced because fish tissue sampled from the basin was found to contain high levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate, or PFOS. PFOS are considered “forever chemicals” because they are extremely resistant to breaking down in natural environments and can last for decades or longer, accumulating over time, according to Yale Sustainability.
Mike Parker, communication director for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), said the advisory has been disruptive to fishing.
“We were scheduled to stock trout in Wissahickon Creek, Section 04, in the city of Philadelphia on October 15th, and now, because of this ‘do not eat’ designation… we discontinued that stocking,” he said. “We know it’s disappointing for people, we know this is a lack of a fishing opportunity.”
The PFBC is hoping to hear from anglers about their thoughts on the advisory, and is planning a public meeting in Upper Roxborough next month.
“We want to hear from you to see if we can come up with some options,” Parker explained. “To make sure we know where everybody is and hopefully move forward with our trout stocking practices as the anglers would like.”
The meeting is set for Nov. 5 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education at 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is planning a public meeting to discuss the advisory in November
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is planning a public meeting to discuss the advisory in November
