A mysterious sheen on the Powwow River in East Kingston, New Hampshire, that led to a hazardous materials response yesterday has been identified as non-threatening, officials report. Firefighters first observed the unusual glaze covering the water on Monday morning, sparking concerns and a multi-agency investigation that included the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and local fire departments from surrounding areas, as reported by NBC Boston.
After sampling the water, state investigators determined the sheen seemed to stem from natural causes, specifically organic material breaking down alongside minerals, "that aren't a threat to the public," according to East Kingston Fire Chief Ed Warren. However, as part of the ongoing investigation, the officials set up booms to contain, determined, the mysterious matter while they were working to make sure there was no petroleum present. In a prepared statement obtained by NBC Boston, Warren detailed that further testing was being completed to ensure public safety.
Additional aid came from the Merrimac Police Department in Massachusetts, which deployed a drone unit to appraise the extent of the sheen across both the Powwow Pond and River. The Boston 25 News reports that these efforts were part of a larger collaborative response that included personnel from several neighboring communities.
Officials took the precaution of closing the dam at Powwow Pond to prevent the spread of the sheen downstream. While the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services indicated that the public health was not at risk, testing is ongoing to ensure the substance does not contain petroleum products, "but we will continue to work with NH DES to ensure that is the case, and that we take appropriate steps if anything harmful is identified," Chief Warren told NBC Boston. Local authorities have advised the public to avoid swimming in the river until all tests have been concluded and deemed the waters safe.
