HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
The Susquehanna River is still high and looks murky. That's because an excess of dirt, debris, and raw sewage have washed into the river from as far north as Wilkes-Barre.
Experts say all you can do after this catastrophic pollution is wait.
"Over time, the toxic influence - if there is any - from this pollution event will dissipate," said Harry Campbell, Senior Scientist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Raw sewage, runoff and other toxins like heating oil can be seen in a NASA satellite image, but experts say the rivers and creeks are resilient.
"Eventually, that water will be diluted with fresh and clean water from our rivers and streams," Campbell said.
People have been working tirelessly trying to clean up their homes. The question is: what happens to our waterways? What do you do with all of the debris?
"If people see something or smell something that looks like pollution, they should let the Department of Environmental Protection know what they're finding, because that way they can trace that down and actually get to the source of that pollution problem," Campbell said.
Empty hazardous containers for sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide and chlorine water litter the Swatara Creek from a factory upstream.
"The Swatara Creek and portions may no longer be what it once was and will take years, possibly decades to recover," Campbell said.
John Hulsberg was flooded out like so many, but now he's missing Mother Nature in his backyard.
"It is a great enjoyment to see eagles and ospreys and even falcons and things going up and down the creek, and the fishing is good," he said. "We're gonna wait for it to recover and continue to live here."
