Truck Dumps Gallons Of Hyrdaulic Fluids Into Schuylkill River: Report

ROYERSFORD, PA --The hydraulic fluid line of a trash truck tore open Wednesday, sending gallons of fluid into nearby drains that led to the river.

The Advanced Disposal trash truck experienced some kind of malfunction at about 2:49 p.m., according to the Pottstown Mercury.

The truck, which was located at Main Street and Fourth Street, leaked between 5 and 10 gallons of fluid, the report states.

Police reportedly said there was no risk to the public but that there was “obvious contamination” in the river.

Cleanup crews were on the scene for hours after the incident.

The exact effects of hydraulic fluids on people and the environment are unclear because they are usually a mix of chemicals, the CDC said. When hyradulic fluids enter a river, they typically sink to the bottom, where they can remain for up to a year before breaking down.