Residents in the Bulls Head section of Staten Island have been contending with a persistent, noxious odor since early December, with some families forced to evacuate their homes multiple times. The smell, described as sewer-like, and sometimes resembling rotten eggs or broccoli, is causing headaches, nausea, and burning eyes, according to those affected.
A Lingering Problem
Deborah Phelps-Seda, a resident of Merrill Avenue, shared that the odor has been so severe it has prompted her family to seek temporary housing elsewhere. “Because the smell was burning our eyes, making us nauseous, giving us headaches – that’s why we had to evacuate up to five times already,” she said. Her neighbor, Amity Nigro, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I feel like I was showering in the sewer.”
Initial investigations ruled out a gas leak. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) inspected and cleaned the sewers along Merrill and Graham Avenues, and found the infrastructure to be operating as intended. The DEP has also installed filtration devices in nearby sewer manholes in an effort to reduce the odor.
Ongoing Investigation and Health Concerns
Despite these efforts, the smell persists. The DEP is currently monitoring the situation through wastewater and air sampling, and their investigation remains ongoing. Councilmember David Carr has responded to residents’ concerns by involving the city’s Health Department, citing reports of troubling health symptoms.
Phelps-Seda expressed the helplessness felt by many parents in the area, stating, “All you desire to do is protect them and you feel helpless.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When did residents first notice the odor?
Residents first noticed the odor in early December.
What has the DEP done to address the issue?
The DEP inspected and cleaned the sewers, installed filtration devices in nearby sewer manholes, and is currently monitoring the situation through wastewater and air sampling.
Has the source of the odor been identified?
No, the source of the odor has not yet been identified, and the DEP’s investigation is ongoing.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether the source of the odor can be identified and eliminated, and what long-term solutions might be implemented to protect the health and well-being of Bulls Head residents.
