FODC: Deckers Unhealthy
Unsafe levels of bacteria also found in creek’s tributaries
Morgantown Dominion Post
15 November 2011
By Brandy Brubaker
Friends of Deckers Creek (FODC) said its testing of Deckers Creek
and several of its tributaries revealed that the waterways contain
unsafe levels of fecal coliform bacteria.
FODC said 16 percent of the samples contained more than 400 colony
forming units in 100 milliliters (about three ounces). The state
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) says, if more than 10
percent of the samples contain more than 400 colony forming units,
the stream should be added to a list of streams impaired by
pollution, FODC said.
FODC’s polluted samples came from Deckers Creek, Hartman Run,
Aarons Creek, Knocking Run, Tibbs Run, Dillan Creek and a stream
in Beulah Hollow.
The findings came as no surprise, FODC Water Remediation Director
Martin Christ said, but needed to be documented for the DEP’s
consideration.
Fecal coliform bacteria in waterways can be caused by failing
septic tanks, untreated household sewage, combined sewage
overflows, livestock and wildlife, FODC said.
The term “colony” is used to describe a group of bacteria,
according to The Dominion Post archives.
Coliform is a general term for bacteria. Fecal coliform is a
subgroup of this collection, and is associated with the fecal
material of man and other warm-blooded animals.
Christ said Deckers Creek is already on the DEP’s list of
pollution-impaired streams because of pH, iron and dissolved alu-
minum levels. Additional state help could be provided to clean up
the creek if Deckers Creek is also on the list for fecal coliform.
Christ said Deckers Creek pollution makes it sometimes unsafe for
fishing and recreation.
Pamela Engelmann, with FODC, urged residents who notice failing
septic systems or straight pipes to contact their local health
department. Straight pipes are pipes that lead directly from the
toilet to a creek.
Monong alia County Health Department spokeswoman Holly Hildreth
said they have not been contacted about any septic systems leaking
into Deckers Creek, but said anyone who sees anything should
contact them to initiate an investigation. Hildreth said fecal
coliform’s presence could also be caused by animal waste.
A DEP spokeswoman did not respond in time for this report.