Section Of Charles River Has Dead Fish, Odor, Oily Sheen: CRWA

NATICK, MA — State and local officials are investigating an environmental incident along the Charles River between Medfield and Natick that has killed fish and left an oily sheen and "noxious" odor emanating from the water.

The Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) first reported the incident Wednesday. State officials are investigating if there has been a discharge into the water, according to CRWA.

The Natick Public Works Department said it investigated town-owned wastewater facilities and didn't find anything abnormal. DPW contacted the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority for further investigation.

As of Thursday afternoon, DEP had not found any sewage or septic overflows, and investigators did not believe foul was play was involved, a CRWA spokesperson said. The contamination appears to dissipate after it reaches the dam in South Natick.

The Charles River runs from Hopkinton to Boston, touching many cities and towns in MetroWest, including Milford, Medway, Bellingham, Wellesley and Needham.