Investigators try to find source of fuel spill in Charles River in Waltham

WALTHAM, Mass. — Investigators are trying to determine the source of a fuel spill that drew a large emergency response to Waltham on Wednesday.

The spill was contained by 8 p.m. but the state Department of Environmental Protection and Waltham police and fire are investigating. An Environmental Service Company was brought in to clean up the oil in the river and within the pipe system.

The spill concerned several local residents.

"How does an oil spill happen here?" said Maureen Green.

State environmental officials and Massachusetts State Police responded to the area of 130 River St. after receiving reports of an oil spill in the Charles River.

"The truck got down here with the deputy and they had a strong odor of oil and a definite sheen in the water," said Waltham Fire Chief Tom MacInnis.

Firefighters quickly discovered the oil was entering the water through a culvert.

After a boom was set up to contain the spill. Firefighters went to find the source of it.

"It's not going into the river anymore but we're still trying to figure out where its coming from," said MacInnis.

Crews popped several manholes and checked all the nearby storm drains. More oil was found in the underground pipes but they still do not know where it came from.

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Investigators are trying to match samples taken from the area with what they found and collected inside the pipe system.

Emergency crews used booms to contain the remaining oil.

Maureen Green, meanwhile, is worried about the wildlife.

"There are so many ducks and geese in this area. I take all the kids that I watch down here and we feed the ducks," she said.

Cox Media Group