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    Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

    Report Water Pollution, Disturbances or Poaching

    The pollution or disturbance of any waterway or watershed is a serious violation of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Code. Such incidents should be recognized and reported to a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regional law enforcement office or the pollution hotline.. The law provides criminal penalties for pollution incidents and unpermitted disturbances.

    Call to Report Pollution or Poaching

    What to Report

    If you see anything suspected of being a pollution, a disturbance, or a poaching incident on any waterway, regardless of how seemingly insignificant, report it immediately by calling the local PFBC Region Law Enforcement office during business hours (M-F, 8-4) or call the PFBC toll-free hotline: 855-347-4545 to leave a message.

    What is Considered Pollution?

    An introduction into any waterway of anything that “might” harm or kill fish.Examples of “pollutants” are:

    • Electricity
    • Explosives
    • Sediment runoff
    • Sewage
    • Insecticides
    • Poisons
    • High volumes of extremely hot water
    • Liquid concrete or cement
    • Paint, chemicals
    • Petroleum products like gasoline or oil
    • Brine runoff from gas or water well drilling
    • Manufacturing waste

    Pollution Indicators

    Dead fish including crayfish, frogs, and any other types of aquatic life; strange odors like manure, sewage, or chemicals; muddy, cloudy, or discolored water; shiny, oily sheen on water’s surface; foamy material floating on the surface; and extremely muddy water.

    What is a Disturbance?

    Includes any alteration of a waterway, including its banks, the stream bed, or fish habitat in a way that “might” cause damage to, or loss of, fish without the necessary permits. Common disturbance indicators are: Removal of gravel from stream beds; earth-moving in or along a waterway; dragging logs across stream banks and through stream beds; installing pipes or culverts; building or installing bridges; draining a waterway, wetland, or watershed; or changing the channel flow of a waterway.

    What is Poaching?

    As it relates to our fish, reptiles, and amphibians, poaching is the illegal action taken by someone to take, catch or possess these different species from our waters and lands. Regulations are in place which establish legal methods for fishing, open and closed seasons for harvest and possession limits to help ensure our native species are protected. Individuals who violate these regulations are “poaching” and may face penalties to include fines and potential imprisonment.     

    You may also report it to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection at 1-800-541-2050 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).