By Matt Eddy, MMOC Administrator
An estimated 100 gallons of home heating oil were released into the Muddy River around midday on Sunday, December 8, prompting an immediate response from local and state agencies. The spill has already shown early impacts on waterfowl and the surrounding ecosystem.
The Muddy River Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (MMOC) has visited the site to monitor ongoing containment and cleanup efforts. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is leading the response in collaboration with its contractor, Clean Harbors, to contain the spill and investigate its source.
As part of the response, approximately a dozen oil-absorbing booms and pads have been deployed along the Muddy River, from the Village Brook stormwater outfall at Leverett Pond to the Longwood T station. However, small amounts of oil have escaped containment, as evidenced by a visible sheen on the water in Justine Mee Liff Park and the detection of petroleum odors extending downriver to the Upper Fens neighborhood.
Preliminary findings suggest the oil originated from the Brookline side of the river at Leverett Pond, though the exact source remains under investigation.
Several agencies are actively supporting MassDEP’s efforts, including:
- Brookline Department of Public Works
- Boston Parks and Recreation Department
- Boston Park Rangers
- Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife
In addition, the New England Wildlife Center is leading efforts to capture and care for affected waterfowl. The process of securing ducks and geese has been complicated by the challenging topography – mudflats, thin ice, and areas of dense vegetation make securing the animals a labor-intensive task. The Center advises members of the public to report any distressed birds or wildlife but urges against attempting to capture or care for animals themselves, as proper training and personal protective equipment are necessary for insuring public safety and the welfare of the animals.
Here are links to statements and press releases from MMOC member organizations and our public partners:
- Charles River Watershed Association
- Emerald Necklace Conservancy
- Town of Brookline Department of Public Works
Further updates will be provided as the cleanup progresses and more information becomes available.
Absorbent material deployed at the Village Brook stormwater outfall at Leverett Pond:
Oil sheen and an absorbent boom as observed from Huntington Ave bridge:
Oil-absorbing booms deployed in the Muddy River near Brookline Avenue:
Oil sheen observed at Justine Mee Liff Park:
Top photo: Oil flowing downstream below the River Road entrance to the Jamaicaway.
Photos: Matt Eddy
