STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — There’s nothing lucky about this creek.
A neon-green waterway at Clove Lakes Park, reminiscent of Chicago’s annual St. Patrick’s Day tradition, exposed what’s believed to be a long-standing sewage leak last week.
As first reported by the New York Times, the Department of Environmental Protection conducted the test Wednesday using the bright-green dye on the sewage system at 21 Slosson Ave., a Parks Department garage.
A spokesperson for the Department of Environmental Protection said the dye test exposed an apparent disconnect between that facility’s sewage system and the septic tank it should be hooked up to.
Instead, the sewage system has been draining into nearby Brooks Lake, which is part of the Clove Lakes system, via the dyed creek.
“It is the responsibility of the Parks Department to properly connect the facility’s plumbing to the sanitary sewer system or expand its septic capacity,” the Environmental Protection spokesperson said.
The Parks Department garage on Slosson Avenue is shown Monday, March 30, 2026.(Advance/SILive.com| Jann Somma-Hammel)
A spokesperson for the Parks Department said the Department of Environmental Protection first made them aware of the issue. The building dates back to the 1930s, but the Parks Department spokesperson provided no clarity on when the problem might date to.
The Parks Department has discontinued all water usage at the 21 Slosson Ave. building as it works on a plumbing solution, the spokesperson said.
An Advance/SILive.com visit to the creek on Monday found no lingering signs of last week’s toilet test, as the dye has since dissipated.
A pair of Staten Island politicians, Councilmembers Kamillah Hanks and David Carr, penned a letter to Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura looking for answers about the apparent sewer issue.
“Given the public alarm this may cause, it is imperative that your agency act with complete transparency. We ask that you provide us with frequent updates on this investigation,” the duo wrote. “As we are sure you are aware, Clove Lakes Park is a central hub of recreational activity for tens of thousands of our constituents. We must ensure they can continue their activities safely.”