Staten Island officials are raising concerns over ongoing pollution in Clove Lakes Park, where a collapsed sewer line has reportedly discharged raw sewage into the park’s lake for years. Borough President Vito Fossella called attention to what he described as a neglectful response from city agencies, urging a coordinated effort between city and state authorities to address the environmental hazard.

The contaminated sewer line, linked to a lakeside restaurant, has been leaking human waste into Clove Lakes Park, prompting health and safety concerns among local residents and officials. Fossella criticized the delayed action from the city Parks Department, which reportedly took a week to close boating and fishing activities following public exposure of the issue.

During a tour of Clove Lakes Park, Fossella contrasted the treatment of this Staten Island site with more prominent city parks like Central Park. He suggested that if similar pollution occurred in such well-known locations, public outcry and official response would be far more immediate and robust. “If this were Central Park, people would be flipping out,” he said.

Fossella described the lake as “deeply polluted” and expressed frustration that city agencies have not fully communicated details about the scope and severity of the contamination. The borough president emphasized the community’s right to access safe and healthy public recreational spaces, which he said is not currently the case at Clove Lakes Park.

City authorities closed boating and fishing on the lake shortly after the issue was reported, citing public health concerns. However, questions remain about the timeline of the sewer line’s collapse, the extent of environmental damage, and the plans for long-term remediation.

Local officials have called for a summit involving multiple governmental agencies to coordinate efforts to repair the sewer infrastructure and restore the park’s water quality. Residents and advocates are seeking clear timelines and transparency to ensure the area can once again serve as a safe venue for outdoor recreation.

The situation highlights broader concerns about infrastructure maintenance and environmental equity in New York City, particularly in boroughs and neighborhoods that receive less attention than major tourist destinations.