Emergency crews from Ansonia and Derby were sent to North Fourth Street Friday to investigate a substance found in a tributary of the Naugatuck River.
A few neighborhood kids spotted the milky substance on the water and said they saw dead fish nearby, so they called authorities at about 11:15 a.m.
Ansonia firefighters believe the substance was latex paint.
They placed a boom in the water to contain it and contacted state environmental officials, who will further investigate.
The spill was next to a small, privately-owned power station, firefighters said. The property owner was also contacted.
As of 12 p.m. authorities weren’t sure were the substance originated.
Firefighters did not find dead fish or any other expired wildlife.
“We put booms in the water so it wouldn’t spread further down the river and we’re waiting for DEEP to arrive,” said Patrick Buckley, a lieutenant with Ansonia’s Fountain Hose Co. No. 1.
Buckley credited the young people for calling it in.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry. That’s what we’re here for,” he said.
Hazmat trucks from Derby and Ansonia’s Hilltop Hose Co. responded, as did ambulance crews from Ansonia and Derby.