Fluids and firefighting water entered an unnamed tributary feeding Codorus Creek, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection confirmed ongoing contamination and an active investigation.

Hazmat teams deployed containment measures, including booms and absorbent materials at three locations, with water sampling underway to assess the spill’s extent.

A contaminated-water mitigation plan is in place across three key crossings: York City’s Philadelphia Street bridge, Springettsbury Township’s Emig Road bridge, and Hellam/East Manchester Townships’ Codorus Furnace Bridge.

Hazmat teams with DEP, EPA, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are conducting a site walk, continuing water sampling, and monitoring booms to determine remaining material to vacuum from Codorus Creek.

Observers and riverkeepers report an oil-like rainbow sheen downstream from the salvage yard site on February 26, signaling environmental impact from fluids and firefighting runoff.

The DEP confirmed that none of the public drinking water intakes were affected, though systems have been notified and are monitoring the situation.

A major fire at J&K Salvage in York County on February 25 sparked containment efforts as flames tore through multiple buildings, trailers, and 20 containers of 300 gallons each.

Oil runoff from the blaze entered Codorus Creek, creating an oily sheen downstream toward the Susquehanna River and prompting cleanup and monitoring by authorities.

Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper is in litigation with J&K Salvage, collecting water samples upstream and downstream; results are expected by the end of the following week.

Officials continue to assess environmental impacts as the fire’s cause remains under investigation, with testing results anticipated soon.

Wildlife agencies are monitoring potential impacts on wildlife as the spill disperses downstream, including reports of oil-coated geese.

Critics say the response timing was inadequate, urging faster containment as visible oil sheen travels from Codorus Creek toward the Susquehanna.