Bristol, PA – On Friday, March 24, 2023, at approximately 11:30 PM the Department of Environmental Protection’s emergency response team responded to a release of approximately 8,100 gallons of acrylic latex polymer that was released by a chemical processing plant and an unknown amount has entered the Delaware River. The incident occurred at Trinseo Altuglas Facility in Bristol, Bucks County Pennsylvania. Downstream and nearby systems were alerted because of the tidal flow of the Delaware.
The DEP is working closely with utility companies; Aqua Pennsylvania, Lower Bucks Joint Municipal Authority, Philadelphia Water Department, and New Jersey American, city officials, and other government agencies to ensure that the safety of drinking water is not compromised. Ongoing water sampling is being conducted at various locations. Contaminants have not been detected at drinking water intakes at this time. There have not been any signs of fish or wildlife impacts. The Philadelphia Water Department, out of an abundance of caution, notified the public in the customer service area that they may wish not to drink or cook with tap water.
“Since the first hours after the incident, the Department of Environmental Protection has been at the facility where the spill originated and will be staying until there is no longer a threat to those impacted in Bucks and Philadelphia counties,” said DEP Acting Secretary Rich Negrin. “We are working closely with our partners to monitor the spread of the contaminants and we will hold the responsible party accountable.”
Officials from each agency: DEP, EPA, US Coast Guard, and the PA Fish and Boat Commission are working to determine if there are any risks to the public or wildlife. Please check with your local water supplier to determine if you should take any precautions. DEP and other agencies will continue to monitor the situation and provide the latest updates as more information becomes available.
As of early morning March 26, 2023, no additional product was leaving the facility and entering the Delaware River. DEP staff will remain on-site to investigate the cause and impacts of the spill.
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