Sunoco to Pay $99k for Petroleum Discharge in Turtle Creek

Harrisburg, PA – Sunoco has agreed to pay a $99,000 settlement in lieu of fines and civil damages to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) as a result of the company’s unpermitted discharge of a petroleum product into Turtle Creek in Westmoreland County on Nov. 25, 2008.Sunoco agreed to pay the settlement following an investigation by PFBC waterways conservation officers and biologists and the state Department of Environmental Protection. By entering into a settlement, the PFBC and Sunoco avoid potential lengthy and costly litigation. The settlement does not represent an admission of liability by the company.

The creek remains a destination spot for many anglers in the greater Pittsburgh area and the PFBC encourages residents to help with stocking efforts. This season, Turtle Creek is scheduled to be stocked on April 12 and 27 with brown and rainbow trout.

For more information on the stockings, including the meeting place for volunteers, visit the PFBC online stocking schedule at fishandboat.com/stock_trout.htm.

The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.