Brookline says source of Muddy River oil leak still undetermined

The Brookline Select Board said tonight that state environmental experts have taken the lead in figuring out where the oil that coated birds in the Muddy River downstream from Leverett Pond and that the source has yet to be identified.

Yesterday, the Boston Fire Department pointed to 33 Pond Ave. - the Brook House condo complex, which has had problems with leaking heating oil in the past - but Brookline's top elected officials now say:

At this early stage, the source of the discharge has not been pinpointed, and the Town encourages residents to let MassDEP’s investigation proceed.

The board added: "There is no threat to public safety." Also, people should stay away from the ducks and geese:

Members of the public can report sightings of injured wildlife to NEWC’s hotline at 508-362-0111, but should not approach wildlife on their own because of the potential for causing unintentional harm, coming into contact with the contaminant, or frightening the animals away from the area where aid efforts are ongoing.