The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has reported that high levels of lead contamination in Blue Hole Creek in Somerset County have likely been caused by Highlands Sporting Clays. Specifically, the shooting range uses lead shots, and it is believed that the improper storage and disposal of these shots have contaminated the creek. Locals are known to use the creek for fishing, swimming, and even drinking water on hikes, so there could be a significant risk to public health.
Eric Harder, the Youghiogheny Riverkeeper with the Mountain Watershed Association, was part of the research team that linked Highlands Sporting Clays with heavy metal contamination in Blue Hole Creek. Although high lead levels were first noted in 2023, he said that suspicions and concerns spiked last fall when water samples from the creek revealed an abnormal lack of insect life. Based on the elevated levels of heavy metals, it is estimated that drinking a day’s worth of water from the creek could expose someone to a year’s worth of lead concentration, even if the water is filtered through common methods.
“It’s a combination of poor events that lead to where we are today,” Harder explained.
An investigation by WPXI Now Channel 11 News uncovered that Highlands Sporting Clays is owned and managed by Highland Ventures LLC, which is famously owned by Bob Nutting, the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Upon sending an inquiry, Channel 11 received a statement from Highland Ventures, explaining that it planned to work with the Pennsylvania DEP to clean up the soil around the shooting range, as well as implement improved practices for lead shot storage and disposal. The notice of violation sent by the DEP gives Highlands Sporting Clays 60 days to submit an official plan for remediation.
At this time, it is not clear if legal action will be taken against Highlands Shooting Clays and Highlands Ventures LLC for potentially causing the unsafe levels of lead contamination in Blue Hole Creek. However, depending on the final results of the DEP investigation, it is certainly a possibility. If any locals have already started showing signs of lead poisoning, though, legal action could already be justified.
At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. in Pennsylvania, our environmental pollution attorneys are watching the story of Blue Hole Creek lead contamination closely. If you have spent time in the creek or consumed any water from it and are now showing signs of a serious illness, we want to hear from you. You might have the grounds to bring an injury claim against Highlands Sporting Clays for exposing you to unsafe levels of lead. Let our team look into your situation and determine the right course of legal action for you.
Get more information about filing an environmental pollution claim or lead contamination lawsuit in Somerset County by calling (844) 383-0565 and scheduling a FREE case consultation with Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C..