A large percentage of impairments and pollution events found on waterways were initially reported by everyday people who use those bodies of water. This includes anglers, boaters and hikers, families and Scout troops and others who see something that doesn't appear to be natural and then follow their curiosity to investigate further and report it to the proper authorities. 

The state has several different agencies that are usually involved in such investigations. This includes the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which looks at water chemistry, pollution, etc. The PA Fish and Boat Commission usually focuses on the fish and other aquatic species directly. Other groups such as the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), which handles water withdrawal requests and water levels specifically, PA Game Commission (aquatic mammals and birds) and others. 

It can be confusing to know how to file a report, or when or to whom. We have some stories that help highlight the different issues you may find on a waterway and how to determine whether or not it may be natural or a pollution event.

Visual	Resources
Foam	Tufts of white Cool-whip like foam or excessive bubbling can be a sign of pollution, but also could be caused by natural phenomenon. In fact, it can be quite common for natural proteins, lipids and other organic matter to be whipped up in faster-moving water as the stream slams against rocks and other debris. This can create a whitish foam that resembles meringue from a pie (whipping egg whites with a mixer until they foam up). Some tips on discerning foams (with all these, please make sure you practice safety and don't come in contact directly with the foam or potentially with the water that may be contaminated around it): Coloration. Natural foams are usually more off-white or dirty brown while foams from pollution events (such as detergents that may leak into a waterway) can be bright white ... an unnatural white. This isn't always the case ... some foams from sewage leaks can be dirtier looking.  Smell. Natural foams smell more natural ... fishy, earthy, etc. If you find a foam that smells unnaturally aromatic like a detergent or soap, or one that is extremely pungent (sewage), it should trigger a report. Texture. Poke the foam with a stick (again, avoid personal contact). How do the bubbles react? Natural foams are whipped up like meringue, usually denser with smaller bubbles and not as easy to disrupt. Pollution-based foams can be more reactive to a stick poke, bubbles may be bigger and pop easier.  Learn more in this story that covers foam-related investigations.
Oily sheen	Rainbow-like coatings on a waterway can be hard to miss and seem very unnatural. Oil, gas and other compounds like typically don't play well with water and quickly separate out, leaving a coating on the top that can impact the aquatic ecosystem in multiple ways. However, there are sheens that can be created by naturally occurring bacteria that aren't related to pollution issues at all. Some ways you can discern between the two (again, personal safety needs to be the priority ... don't directly touch water that may be polluted): Smell. If you noticed a rainbow-like sheen and a strong smell in the air of oil, gas or other unnatural component along those lines, it is highly likely that this could be a pollution concern. Scope. If you find a large area of waterway covered in a rainbow sheen, the odds are that it may be a pollution issue. Not always, but typically the naturally occurring phenomenon is a smaller-scale situation. Reaction to a poke. Using a stick (again, never using direct personal contact), stir up the rainbow sheen. If it quickly pulls back together and reforms, than it more likely is a petroleum-based pollution concern. If it remains broken up on top of the water a bit, things are more likely from naturally occurring bacteria ... especially during hotter weather and in water that has been sitting still for a while. Learn more about oily sheens and how to best discern between natural and pollution events in this article.
Algae	Algae is an essential part of the aquatic food chain ... in fact it makes up a key part of the base of that web. However, too much algae or certain types can be extremely detrimental to the ecosystem, and can be a visual clue to a pollution event, especially one where too many nutrients are accumulating in a waterway. There are three main types ... true algae, plant-based algae and cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae). The first two can impact waterways when overabundance leads to the blocking of sun into the stream channel as well as reduced oxygen. The third (cyanobacteria) can be immediately toxic to people and other animals.  Learn about all three types and how to determine if an algae situation is worth reporting by clicking here.
Fish kill	Seeing multiple dead fish or other aquatic creatures can be highly concerning. In many cases, a fish kill can be triggered by natural phenomenon. Changes in temperature or weather can too quickly impact stream temps, fluctuate oxygen levels that species need to aspirate or other variable. Some things to consider: A large number of dead fish, especially a mixture of different fish species as well as other aquatic species, can be more likely related to an immediate pollution event. Different species have different tolerances, so more natural events lead to things dying off at different stages. Seeing an event in which numerous different species all die at the same time can be an indication of pollution Be aware of the surroundings. If you notice a foul smell of chemicals in connection with a fish kill, or oily sheen or unnatural foam/bubbling on the water along with dead fish, it could be more likely a pollution concern.  All fish kill investigations are a race against the clock and conditions ... valuable clues to help determine the cause of an event can be lost quickly in a water channel or due to various environmental factors. It is better to report a concern quickly than to wait and report later when the scene may be compromised. Learn more about fish kill investigations and when to report here.

In all these scenarios, whenever you find something that seems to be off with a waterway, document it as well as you can. Write down the specifics of what you see, smell, hear, etc. Take photos and videos from different angles as well as possible without putting yourself in harm's way. You are the initial reporter of this situation, and your info and images could be essential to solving the case. 

The DEP has streamlined its reporting process. There is an online form that can be filled out and all information shared is confidential and not shared with outside parties without permission. Online complaints are reviewed during business hours. Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. If you'd rather report the situation over the phone, you can call (during typical business hours) 866-255-5158. You will be directed to an automated system to connect you with a service representative in the appropriate regional office.

If you find a situation that you'd consider an environmental emergency, especially after-hours, you can call the DEP 24-hour emergency response hotline at 800-541-2050.

From the PA Fish and Boat Commission standpoint, if you see anything suspected of being a pollution, a disturbance, or a poaching incident on any waterway, regardless of how seemingly insignificant, report it immediately by calling the local PFBC Region Law Enforcement office during business hours (M-F, 8-4) or call the PFBC toll-free hotline: 855-347-4545 to leave a message.

However, if you feel overwhelmed with reporting an incident by yourself, our association can assist. If you have a report of something out of the ordinary or even a question about something you found, please email Riverkeeper John Zaktansky directly by clicking here or call him at 570-768-6300.