ST. MARIES - An oil sheen in the St. Joe River has closed the Aqua Park beach and public boat launch in St. Maries.

The St. Maries Fire Protection District responded to a call regarding the sheen on Monday morning.

The sheen is visible on more than 1.5 miles of the river.

"We have not observed any impacts to fish and wildlife," said Judy Smith, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency spokeswoman.

The boat launch and park have been shut down until further notice. Boat traffic in that area is restricted.

"As a precaution, we are asking people to avoid the area," said Fire Chief Larry Naccarato. "Please avoid any contact with nearby water."

Absorbent booms have been placed in four locations along the river to minimize any further spread.

"The closure is important both to protect river users and to provide unimpeded access to cleanup crews," Smith said. "We expect have the cleanup completed in a matter of days."

Authorities are still investigating the origin of the sheen and will continue to monitor the conditions.

"The source has not been identified yet," Smith said. "The sheen is thinning and dissipating, indicating that there is not a continuing source of oil. It is likely motor oil or grease. The emergency response agencies observed that the sheen originated upriver from the St. Maries creosote site, so we do not believe that is the source."

Local law enforcement, Panhandle Health District, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, the EPA and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality are collaborating to assess the situation and determine cleanup efforts.

"Cleanup by the state of Idaho and the St. Maries Fire Department (Monday) was helpful, but there is still some remaining sheen and a few heavier pockets of oil," Smith said.

If residents have any further information in regard to the origin of the oil sheen, call St. Maries Police at (208) 245-5102.