Brodhead Creek facts for kids
Brodhead Creek is a beautiful stream, about 21.9 miles (35.2 km) long. It flows through the Pocono Mountains in eastern Pennsylvania, USA. This creek is like a smaller river that eventually joins a much bigger one, the Delaware River.
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What is Brodhead Creek?
Brodhead Creek starts when two smaller streams, the Middle Branch and Leavitt Branch, meet. This happens in Barrett Township, in Monroe County. The native people who lived here long ago called it "Analomink." Later, it was named after Daniel Brodhead, an important early settler in the area.
As Brodhead Creek flows, another stream called McMichael Creek joins it. Together, they continue south and east until they reach the Delaware River.
Where Does it Flow?
The creek flows south, passing between the towns of Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg. The area that drains into Brodhead Creek is quite large, covering about 294 square miles (761 square kilometers). The most water ever recorded flowing through the creek was a huge amount in 1955.
Brodhead Creek finally meets the Delaware River at a special place called the Delaware Water Gap. This is a stunning natural area where the river cuts through a mountain ridge.
Protecting Our Environment
From 1888 to 1944, there was a factory in Stroudsburg that made gas from coal. This factory was located where Brodhead Creek and McMichael Creek meet. Over the years, the factory's operations left behind some waste that affected the underground water.
To help clean up the area, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stepped in. In 1983, they added the site to a special list called the Superfund National Priorities List. This list helps identify places that need serious environmental cleanup.
After a lot of hard work and cleanup efforts, the site was much safer. The EPA removed it from the cleanup list in 2001. However, they still keep an eye on the area to make sure it stays clean and safe for everyone.
