News

Goose removed from river; no oil spill found


Published: July 3, 2008

BEVERLY — Firefighters removed a dead goose from a section of the Bass River off Elliot Street after someone driving by reported it was surrounded by what looked like oil.

"There is no major spill," fire Capt. Jim Maggiacomo said.

In fact, there was no spill at all. The sheen in the water was more likely pollen that washed up toward the shore and got stuck there. Firefighters contained it to that area as a precautionary measure.

"The muck has a tendency to build up," Maggiacomo said. "These happen to be hung up in the muck."

Later yesterday, the Fire Department released a statement saying the substance was not likely the cause of death for the goose.

No other geese in the area were affected.

— Cate Lecuyer

Photos

Courtesy/Staff photo

Lieutenant Eric Fowler and firefighter Brad Saunders prepare to contain a substance found in the Bass River, next to a dead goose. The substance was not hazardous, but firefighters took precautions in case it was.