The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is still investigating issues related to a petroleum-based spill in the Clearfield area of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River that was initially reported on March 9. 

"A member of DEP’s Emergency Response Team was dispatched to the site and spoke with the Incident Commander for Clearfield County EMA," reported agency Press Secretary Neil Shader in an email to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association. "Upon DEP’s arrival, the Clearfield Fire Department had already placed absorbent booms and pads on the river and at a storm drain outfall that appeared to be the point of origin."

The agency coordinated with the Clearfield Fire Department at the scene and conducted an onsite investigation, "including confirming the visible oily sheen, taking readings with handheld equipment at multiple locations, visually checking the booms and discussing with the fire department personnel onsite any potential sources of the oily sheen and when it would be appropriate to remove the booms," according to Shader's email.

​The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) continues to investigate a fish kill situation on Pine Creek, a tributary of Penns Creek, in Centre County near Woodward, PA, as well as a second complaint out of Coburn, which is where Pine Creek intersects Penns Creek.
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“Two complaints of fish kills in the Penns Creek watershed in Centre County were recently received by DEP and investigated. One was a localized minor aquatic kill observed on Pine Creek, a tributary to Penns Creek, near the village of Woodward. Investigations were conducted by DEP and PFBC, with no cause or source located to date,” said DEP Press Secretary Neil Shader in an email to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association after a request for info. “The other complaint on Pine Creek near the Coburn area revealed no observable aquatic kill and no readily identified source of contamination. Both investigations continue.”

Sarah DePasquale was the individual who reported the Woodward-area fish kill situation on March 4, 2026. The site is “just 30 feet from my front door,” she said.

​Imagine a moment a white ceramic bowl filled with your favorite fruity or chocolate cereal. Fruit Loops, Fruity Pebbles, Count Chocula, Cocoa Pebbles. You pour in some pure white milk, let it sit a moment and then start snagging the semi-soggy cereal with your spoon.

By the time you work your way down to the milk in the bottom of the bowl, what do you find?

In most cases, the milk isn’t as white as it once was. The dyes, sugars and more have “contaminated” it, not just in color, but in taste, too.

​Last weekend, reports came out from the PA Fish and Boat Commission and Department of Environmental Protection about fish consumption advisories related to PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), one of several compounds known collectively as "forever chemicals" that have been tied back to a variety of health issues. 

One specifically in our watershed is reportedly on Briar Creek in Columbia County. We reached out to both agencies and the following Q&A was sent back to us by the DEP's Northcentral Region Communications Manager, Megan Lehman:

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
                                                                                                                 
Title: Deputy Director
Reports to: Executive Director 
Works in coordination with the Board of Directors
Status: Full time
Salary: $55,000-$60,000 depending on experience

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership is searching for an engaging, detail-oriented leader with a talent for growing nonprofit capacity, securing new resources, and managing administrative needs while working with our Executive Director to maximize impact across a wide coverage area.

​The ideal candidate will show a consistency in integrity, creativity, and compassion for others, with a special interest in helping protect and promote our river and its resources.

Our Deputy Director will fill an essential core role with our Executive Director to build upon the association’s strong foundation and better serve the association’s mission across an expanded watershed.

Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at the Montour Preserve’s Education Center for a special movie presentation of Michael Kinney’s award-winning documentary, “Old River”

The film was recorded during Kinney’s 24-day, 228-mile paddling trip across the entire West Branch of the Susquehanna River. It includes the fascinating story behind the trip, many key sights and sounds along the way and covers a wide variety of river issues. 

Students of all ages engaged with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association's vendor table at the West Branch Area School District annual STEAM night at the high school.

"We had a good showing," said West Branch Regional Director Andrew Bechdel, who represented the association. "It was some of the most involved table engagement we've seen in the area so far."

​For the event, businesses and organizations throughout the region — as well as organizations within the school district — set up booths in the high school’s gymnasiums to teach students about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.