People urged to stay out of water after oil spilled at Connoquenessing Creek in Butler

BUTLER, Pa. — Oil spilled into the Connoquenessing Creek in Butler and now people are being urged to stay out of the water for at least a month that includes those who canoe and kayak.

“It was disheartening to hear it because I enjoy kayaking and I won’t be about to do that for a while,” said Scott Everett.

Allegheny Aquatic Alliance said the DEP said the spill happened last week in Butler as crews worked to demolish an old steel plant.

“I’m very concerned how much got spilled in and making its way down the river right now,” said Everett.

Right now, the spill is being investigated.

Meanwhile, crews are working to contain and clean up the spill.

In the meantime, Renfrew and Eckstein canoe launches are closed due to the spill as oil booms have been placed in various places along the creek

The Allegheny Aquatic Alliance shared a photo of one of the oil booms on Facebook.

According to our Butler Radio partners, the Allegheny Aquatic Alliance oversees the creeks cleanup every year and say the spill started near the AK steel plant 2 location, which is being torn down.

The Allegheny Aquatic Alliance said it was told no one can be on the creek canoeing or kayaking for at least a month in between the city of Butler and the ash stop boat launch.

“Hopefully they can figure out how to clean it up and get it done as soon as possible,” said Everett.

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