What to do
if....
Reprinted from the Green Valleys Association website
 |
As concerned citizens, we have an obligation to protect our environment when we see something happening that could be harmful. Some of this involves some common sense. First, be sure there really is a problem. |
Second, don't place yourself in a potentially dangerous situation where a confrontation is involved or you could be exposed to toxic materials. Let the proper authorities handle this.
| In general, document what you have observed. Write down the date, time, and conditions during which the incident occurred. If individuals are involved, try to get a license number or company name from a vehicle. Take samples when you can, but don't endanger yourself or family by allowing them to contact food or clothing. Again, be mindful of your own safety. |  |
You see a FISH KILL in your stream
| If possible, collect
several dead fish and place them in a plastic ziploc bag. Place bag in refrigerator, not
freezer. Wear protective gloves. (Don't contaminate your food!) Collect a water sample in sterile container and place in refrigerator. (Don't contaminate your food!) Take temperature of water. Call: a) PA DER at (800) 541-2050, b) PA Waterway Patrolman - SE Regional Office (717) 626-0228, c) GVA office (610) 469-4900. |
You see STORMWATER/EROSION OF SOIL entering a stream
| If possible, take
pictures or videos of the situation. Call: a) Your township manager, b) Chester County Conservation District (if Chester County) - (610) 696-5126 (daytime only), c) GVA office (610) 469-4900. |
You see someone filling what you believe to be a WETLAND
| If possible, take
pictures or videos of the situation. Call: a) Your township manager, b) U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (814) 234-4090, c) PA DER (800) 541-2050, d) GVA office (610) 469-4900. |
You see what you believe is an ILLEGAL ACTIVITY ALONG THE STREAM.(Cutting trees along a streambank, machinery in stream)
| If possible, take
pictures or videos of the situation. Call: a) Your township manager, b) Chester County Conservation District (if Chester County) - (610) 696-5126 (daytime only), c) GVA office (610) 469-4900. |
You see what you think is ILLEGAL DUMPING INTO A STREAM
| Get a license number
or name from vehicle. Call: a) Your township manager, b) Local police, c) GVA office (610) 469-4900. |
You think your STREAM IS CHANGING (unusual green algae growth, smell, color, amount of foam in water)
| Collect a water sample
in sterile container and place in refrigerator. (Don't contaminate your food!) Call: GVA office (610) 469-4900. |
(Permission to reprint the above
article was granted by the Green Valleys Association)