BOSTON—Massachusetts environmental officials say there is no reason for the public to be alarmed about the distinct yellow tinge of the ice that formed on the Charles River this week.
Officials say the water in the Charles is naturally yellowish-brown because the tannins from leaves and other organic matter that washes into the river.
The high winds that came with the Sunday night snowstorm churned up the water, mixing it with ice and snow, before refreezing and causing the yellow ice.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection tested the river's waters on Monday and found nothing out of the ordinary.
© Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
