Resident shows photos of alleged discharge in Goose Creek and urges borough action

Anne Carroll, chairperson of CASE Civic Action Southeast, told the West Chester Borough Council on Wednesday that she brought photographs and a short video showing foam, film and sediment in Goose Creek and said wildlife appeared injured or dead. "This is what it looked like," Carroll said, displaying images she said were taken the previous Sunday near Lacey Bridge and Veil Bridge.

Carroll said she observed dead eels and persistent sediment deposits on the streambed and accused the nearby utility Atmos of a discharge, saying "Atmos is denying that their substance was toxic, but I guarantee you it is." She asked council to raise the matter at the upcoming council of governments meeting and to share her photos with West Goshen and the county Department of Environmental Protection.

Council members thanked Carroll for bringing the evidence and asked staff to follow up. A borough official present explained the usual enforcement avenues and noted that some locations may be treated as preexisting infrastructure; staff said they would confirm whether required annual dry‑tap inspections of storm outfall pipes are being completed and would coordinate with neighboring municipalities and Chester County DEP as appropriate.

Why it matters: creek pollution can harm aquatic life and pose public‑health concerns for neighborhoods that border the waterway. Carroll's testimony put the issue on the borough's immediate radar and asked that nearby municipalities and regulators be engaged.

What comes next: council asked staff to pursue follow‑up and to brief the full council when more facts are available. The public witnessed the exchange and council did not take a formal regulatory action at the meeting.