High Lead and Metals Found in Somerset County Waterway

Lead Contamination Found in Popular Swimming and Fishing Area

High levels of lead and other metals have been found in Blue Hole Creek, a popular swimming and fishing spot located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PDEP), this discovery has raised significant concerns about the safety of the area.

The source of the contamination is being attributed to a shooting range owned by Bob Nutting, the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates. PDEP first became aware of the issue in late 2023, but it is believed that the pollution may have started earlier. The Mountain Watershed Association, which is responsible for monitoring the creek, noticed an unusual problem when they attempted to collect macroinvertebrates during their routine checks. This was the first time they had encountered such an issue, as Blue Hole Creek is classified as an "exceptional value waterway" known for its rich biodiversity.

Eric Harder, the Youghiogheny Riverkeeper with Mountain Watershed Association, explained that many environmental issues are often identified only after they become apparent. He noted that the creek’s ecosystem is particularly sensitive, and the presence of high levels of contaminants could have serious consequences for both wildlife and human health.

During quality monitoring, the PDEP's Clean Water Department detected elevated levels of aluminum, cadmium, lead, manganese, and zinc in Blue Hole Creek. These findings have sparked concern not only for the local wildlife but also for hikers who use the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Many hikers rely on the creek as a water source, filling up their bottles during their treks.

Harder shared his personal experience of using the creek's water, having filtered it through a backpacking filter. He emphasized the potential risks associated with consuming water from the creek, noting that lead levels were found at 425 parts per billion. In comparison, bottled water is limited to a maximum allowable level of five parts per billion. Consuming water from the creek over a 24-hour period would expose individuals to the same amount of lead that most people consume in a year from regular tap water.

The PDEP has issued a notice of violation to Highland Sporting Clays, the shooting range responsible for the contamination. The range is owned by Highland Ventures, LLC, which is under the ownership of Bob Nutting. As per the notice, Highland Sporting Clays has 60 days to clean up the bullets and clay pigeons that are contributing to the pollution and to implement measures to prevent further lead migration.

Harder expressed concerns about the reactive approach taken by the shooting range, highlighting the need for more proactive environmental stewardship. He also called for a ban on the use of lead shot at shooting ranges, pointing out that it has already been prohibited for waterfowl hunting and other activities near water bodies.

Despite the concerns raised, Highland Ventures declined to provide an interview but stated in an emailed statement that they are working closely with the PDEP to develop a comprehensive cleanup plan. They mentioned that they have made significant progress in site cleanup and soil remediation over the past two months. The company emphasized its commitment to environmental stewardship and ensuring the protection of local land and waterways.

Mountain Watershed Association has been informed that once the remediation steps are implemented, the lead levels in the water should decrease rapidly. It is expected that lower levels will be detectable by the end of the year.

This incident highlights the importance of ongoing environmental monitoring and the need for stricter regulations to protect natural resources. The situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between recreational activities and environmental preservation.