STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Residents of Oakwood woke up to the sight of a strange new DEP vehicle last month. Ever since, a growing number people have reported sightings of the “mystery truck” from across Staten Island.
To solve the case, an Advance/SILive.com reporter reached out to a DEP spokesperson for information.
According to the representative, the vehicle is a high-pressure jet rodder truck, more commonly known as a “flusher truck.”
“It’s a specialized sewer maintenance vehicle equipped with a powerful water-jetting system,” said the spokesperson. “[The truck is] designed to clean sewer lines, storm drains and other underground infrastructure.”
The representative also informed us that the truck supports both routine maintenance and emergency response situations to keep the Island’s water cache flowing optimally.
Viewed from the back, the sophisticated water jetting system can be seen.Advance/SILive.com | Ken Paulsen
The DEP purchased eight of the trucks, each valued at about $411,000, and has another 15 scheduled for delivery within the next 18 months, the spokesperson said.
The vehicle pictured above is specifically assigned to Staten Island, with the others dispatched to maintenance yards across New York City, the spokesperson said.