Crews in York, Pennsylvania, are working to clean up Kiwanis Lake after an unknown oil-like substance was dumped into Willis Run, which flows into the lake. The city believes the dumping was deliberate and has been working with the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to investigate the source. The cleanup, which began earlier this week, is expected to take at least a month.
According to WGAL, the substance has a foul smell and has caused some fish deaths in Willis Run. Crews are using booms, sweeps, and a powerful vacuum truck to contain and remove the substance. Lettice Brown, the stormwater manager for York, stated, "It looks horrible. It smells horrible." Despite the situation, Brown assured that there are no immediate health concerns for the public.
The York Daily Record reported that the substance was first noticed as a rainbow sheen on the water's surface. The DEP is assisting in the containment efforts and is working with the city to trace the substance back to its source. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are focusing on an outfall on Wood Street as a potential origin point.
Kiwanis Lake is a popular attraction in York, drawing thousands of visitors. The city is committed to restoring the lake and ensuring the safety of its natural environment. Updates on the cleanup and investigation will be provided as more information becomes available.