The most disturbing sheen on a river since "Apocalypse Now"

The state Department of Environmental Protection has fined three Waltham businesses after receiving reports of "oil odors and an oily sheen" on the Charles River.

According to a March 26 news release from the agency, Pro Equipment Rental, Pro Waste Disposal, and Pro Cut, which are all run from a Calvary Street address, were found in violation of several environmental regulations involving solid waste management, air quality, hazardous waste management, storm water management, and improper storage and handling of materials containing asbestos.

The agency said Pro Equipment Rental will be required to assess possible soil and groundwater contamination and install measures to control catch basin run-off by June 30 and to pay a $23,020 penalty. Pro Waste Disposal, meanwhile, was hit with a $23,070 penalty and Pro Cut was fined $26,410, officials said.

The violations were found during an inspection in January of last year triggered by a witness who reported that the oily sheen on the river was coming from the companies' property.

--Stephanie V. Siek