Pennsylvania officials have issued a 'Do Not Eat' advisory for fish in three counties due to high levels of PFOS contaminants. The Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Health, and Fish and Boat Commission announced the advisory Feb. 27 for Briar Creek in Columbia County and Middle Spring Creek in Cumberland and Franklin counties.

This 'forever chemical' has been detected in sampled fish tissue, prompting the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to discontinue trout stocking in the affected waters. The contamination has led to a broader response under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act, with 30 filtration systems already installed and 24 more planned for the Briar Creek and Middle Spring watersheds.

The advisory extends to all fish species in the impacted streams, though fishing remains permitted. Officials emphasize that protecting public health is the top priority, with plans to revisit the recommendation after further sampling. Trout season opens statewide April 4, but anglers in these counties must adhere to the consumption restrictions.