Toxic foam spill wipes out thousands of fish in Pennsylvania's Goose Creek
Toxic foam spill wipes out thousands of fish in Pennsylvania's Goose Creek
Toxic foam spill wipes out thousands of fish in Pennsylvania's Goose Creek
A chemical leak in West Chester, Pennsylvania, has killed thousands of fish in Goose Creek. The spill, traced to Atmos Technologies in nearby West Goshen Township, released a white foam substance into the waterway. Authorities have since warned residents and pet owners to avoid the area until further notice.
The incident began on 25 February 2026, when a pipe at Atmos Technologies—specialising in odour control and foam solutions for landfills—ruptured. The leak released a mixture of chlorinated water and Long Duration Foam AC-645, which flowed into Goose Creek. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) later confirmed the foam contained sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), causing the creek's pH levels to spike to fatal levels for fish.
The leak was stopped on Saturday after crews successfully plugged the damaged pipe. Meanwhile, the DEP has alerted Aqua PA to monitor water quality downstream. State and local officials are now investigating the full impact of the spill.
Michael Dunn, president of the Goose Creek Alliance, has demanded greater transparency from Atmos Technologies. He is also pushing for a thorough cleanup to restore the affected stretch of the creek.
The DEP continues to assess water safety and has advised the public to keep away from Goose Creek. Investigations into the spill's long-term effects remain ongoing. The company responsible, Atmos Technologies, has not yet issued a detailed response regarding remediation plans.