The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Bracalente Manufacturing Group each released information about the results of tests they reviewed of water from a ditch in Trumbauersville Borough. A “long oily slick” in a ditch on Main Street near the machining company was reported to Trumbauersville Borough officials in February. Bracalente announced test results on its Creamery Acres Facebook page, the name of the property. The manufacturer did not provide the full testing report that was completed by an independent, accredited company, but did say 10 compounds were identified, including benz(a)anthracene and benzo(b)fluoranthene. The compounds can be found in coal tar and car exhaust and may originate from roof shingles or asphalt. The DEP reviewed the results of the borough’s water test, which showed “trace” VOCs and semi-VOCs, as well as PFOS and PFOA at 4.32 and 3.51 parts per trillion. DEP noted that the ditch water is not subject to drinking water standards. Trumbauersville Borough has declined to release the results of its own, separate testing, citing an ongoing investigation by the DEP. However, after reviewing the borough’s test results, “DEP directed the borough to continue its investigation to see if they could find the source of the sheen.” Residents are concerned with a lack of transparency from the borough.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 5/23/2025