Thousands Of Fish Dead In Byberry Creek After Ammonia Leak

A leak of wastewater containing large amounts of ammonia into a local waterway recently led to a massive loss of aquatic life, officials said.

The leak occurred at Byberry Creek in Northeast Philadelphia, near where it meets Walton Run, on Sunday, March 31, officials with the Pennsylvaia Fish and Boat Commission confirmed.

An investigation traced the leak to Penn Maid, owned by Massachussetts-based dairy distributor HP Hood. Their food production plant is located on Dutton Road, just off Comly Road and Decatur Road.

There was no health threat to the public due to the leak, according to State Rep. Martina White.

The leak was caused by a breach in the storm water pipe system. HP Hood said they are working with the state's Department of Environmental Protection and the Philadelphia Water Department to prevent future incidents.

"The investigation is ongoing and those involved are being cooperative," White added in a statement. "Like many of you I am deeply saddened this incident occurred. Our creeks are a precious resource in our community. We must do our part to protect the environment and wildlife by preventing hazardous materials, like chlorinated pool water, from reaching the storm drains in our street and properly disposing of trash."

An exact number or species type of fish killed was not immediately released by officials, but eyewitness accounts and a report from 6ABC puts the number in the thousands.

Byberry Creek runs for five miles through northeastern Philadelphia before connecting to Poquessing Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River.