New details released on leak in Chester County, Pa. creek

WEST GOSHEN TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is continuing to investigate a leak into Goose Creek in West Goshen and West Chester.

Officials say a "milky white substance" entered the waterway around 12:20 p.m. Saturday from a nearby industrial site. According to the DEP, the leak originated at Atmos Technologies.

The company traced the source to an outfall pipe on the 200 block of Garfield Avenue. Atmos said the foamy, milky substance involved is nonhazardous, nontoxic and fully biodegradable.

"The material breaks down naturally and is not expected to have any longterm impact on local wildlife or the ecosystem," Atmos said in a statement.

The company said it used vacuum equipment to drain, rinse, recover and remove residual material from the drainage pipe.

DEP crews were at Goose Creek on Wednesday and said cleanup efforts are ongoing. Officials reported the waterway is clear with some foam accumulation present on debris.

The president of the Goose Creek Alliance said the group plans to push for penalties and a legally enforceable restoration plan.

Atmos said it continues to cooperate with the DEP and local leaders in the investigation.

"Our priority is the protection of the environment and the community in which we operate," said Fred Rullo, CEO of Atmos Technologies. "We are taking this incident seriously and are conducting a full investigation to address the issue."