Merck To Actually Clean Up Environment

Local pharma giant Merck has reached a settlement for dumping 55,000 gallons of raw sewage into the river, as well as other violations of the Clean Water Act.

Early last June, officials warned swimmers to stay out of the Wissahickon and Schuylkill after finding a bunch of dead fish. The source was eventually traced to Merck, who apparently didn’t know you weren’t supposed to toss tons of sewage into the water supply.

U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan says the $20 million settlement will pay to prevent future violations of the Clean Water Act, which actually seems like a good settlement, especially since it’s 10 times higher than any expected fines.

You still might want to stay out of the Schuylkill, for various reasons.