Espy Run facts for kids

Espy Run is a small stream, or tributary, that flows into Nanticoke Creek in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It's about 2.4 miles (3.9 km) long. The stream runs through the towns of Nanticoke and Hanover Township.

The area of land that drains into Espy Run, called its watershed, is about 3.14 square miles (8.1 km²). Sadly, the stream has been affected by pollution from old mines and, in the past, from sewage. There are also special wet areas, called the Espy Run Wetlands, and a water discharge point nearby.

Where Espy Run Flows

Espy Run starts in Nanticoke, close to the border with Newport Township. It flows generally east, then turns north for a while.

After that, it heads northeast and enters Hanover Township. The stream then turns north-northwest. Finally, Espy Run meets Nanticoke Creek near a road called the Sans Souci Parkway.

Espy Run joins Nanticoke Creek about 0.42 miles (0.68 km) before Nanticoke Creek reaches its own end.

Water Quality of Espy Run

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says that Espy Run's water quality is not as good as it should be. This is mainly because the way the water flows has changed.

In the past, especially in the 1970s, the stream received sewage from some places. There's also a specific discharge, called the Espy Run Discharge, that adds iron hydroxide to the water, which can make it look rusty.

Water Measurements

Scientists measure the water in Espy Run to check its health.

• The amount of water flowing, called discharge, changes a lot. It can be from 0.262 to 74 cubic feet per second. The average is about 8.3 cubic feet per second.
• The pH of the water is usually around 6.9 to 7.0. This means it's pretty neutral, not too acidic or too basic.
• The water has good levels of dissolved oxygen, which is important for fish and other water creatures. For example, it was 9.6 milligrams per liter in June 1999.
• Other things measured in the water include chlorides and sulfates.

Metals in the Water

Scientists also look for metals in the stream.

• There's not much aluminum in the water.
• However, there are higher levels of iron and manganese. For example, in October 1999, the iron level was 7000 micrograms per liter. These metals often come from old mines.

Land and Weather Around the Stream

The land around Espy Run is interesting.

• The stream's end, or mouth, is about 528 feet (161 m) above sea level.
• The stream's beginning, or source, is a bit higher, between 600 and 620 feet (180 and 190 m) above sea level.

Espy Run is located at the edge of an area known for its coal, called the Northern Middle Anthracite Field.

Geology of the Area

The ground around the lower part of Espy Run has a lot of old coal waste piles and urban areas. Further upstream, you can find different types of soil and rocks left behind by glaciers. There are also areas where surface mining has happened. The bedrock here is made of sandstone and shale.

There are also some small folds in the rock layers along Espy Run, called the Espy Run Anticlinals.

Water Temperature

The water temperature of Espy Run changes with the seasons. In June 1999, it was 20.0 °C (68.0 °F), but in October 1999, it was cooler at 13.0 °C (55.4 °F).

Espy Run's Watershed

The watershed of Espy Run covers an area of 3.14 square miles (8.1 km²). This entire area is located within the United States Geological Survey map section called Wilkes-Barre West.

There are special man-made wet areas called the Espy Run wetlands in this watershed. These wetlands were built between 2001 and 2011. A water discharge point, known as the Espy Run Discharge, is also found near the stream.

History of Espy Run

Espy Run was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system helps keep track of names for places like rivers and mountains.

A special system has been built to clean water flowing into Espy Run from an old mine. This system helps remove iron, aluminum, and some manganese from the water.

Also, a company called MC Development Company has permission to build a new housing area called Lexington Terrace near the stream.