Hazardous Materials Release In Bristol Investigated By Officials

BRISTOL, PA — A release of hazardous materials into a tributary of the Delaware River in Bucks County is being investigated by various agencies Saturday.

Late Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard was notified about the hazardous materials release into Otter Creek in Bristol. According to officials, an estimated 8,100 gallons or up to 12,000 gallons of latex finishing material, a water-soluble solution, was released.

The Coast Guard did not identify the source of the release but said the spill has been secured. There have been no reports of impacted wildlife as of Saturday.

"We are working with the responsible party and local and federal agencies to ensure a safe response effort," said Capt. Jonathan Theel, the commander of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. "We are also working with our State counterparts in Pennsylvania."

The incident is being investigated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Coast Guard advised residents to stay away from the area while the cleanup happens.

The Philadelphia Water Department is also monitoring the hazardous materials spill. The department said Saturday the spill has not impacted treated drinking water from Philadelphia’s Baxter Drinking Water Treatment Plant. Staff have been tracking the flow of the spill and closed intakes at the Baxter Drinking Water Treatment Plant.