Mysterious Odor Plagues Staten Island Neighborhood

Residents in Bulls Head report noxious smells causing health issues, with officials investigating the source.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Residents in the Bulls Head section of Staten Island have been dealing with a persistent, foul odor since early December that is causing headaches, nausea, and burning eyes. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection has inspected the sewers, cleaned them, and installed filtration devices, but the source of the odor remains unknown as the investigation continues.

Why it matters

This ongoing issue highlights the challenges residents can face when dealing with unexplained environmental problems that impact public health. Involving multiple city agencies is crucial to comprehensively assess the source of the problem and its potential effects on the community.

The details

Deborah Phelps-Seda and her neighbor Amity Nigro have both had to evacuate their homes multiple times due to the severity of the odor, which they describe as sewer-like, resembling rotten eggs or broccoli. Initial investigations by the DEP ruled out a gas leak, and they have cleaned the sewers and installed filtration devices, but the smell persists. The DEP is now monitoring the situation through wastewater and air sampling as the investigation continues.

  • Residents first noticed the odor in early December 2025.
  • The DEP inspected and cleaned the sewers, and installed filtration devices in nearby sewer manholes in December 2025.

The players

Deborah Phelps-Seda

A resident of Merrill Avenue who has had to evacuate her home multiple times due to the severe odor.

Amity Nigro

A neighbor of Phelps-Seda who has also experienced the noxious smell, describing it as feeling like she was "showering in the sewer."

New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

The agency responsible for investigating the source of the odor, inspecting and cleaning the sewers, and installing filtration devices.

Councilmember David Carr

The local elected official who has responded to residents' concerns by involving the city's Health Department.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Deborah Phelps-Seda, Resident (newsy-today.com)

“I feel like I was showering in the sewer.”

— Amity Nigro, Resident (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The DEP is currently monitoring the situation through wastewater and air sampling, and their investigation remains ongoing. Councilmember David Carr has also involved the city's Health Department to assess the potential health impacts on residents.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges residents can face when dealing with unexplained environmental issues that affect public health. Involving multiple city agencies is crucial to thoroughly investigate the source of the problem and its potential effects on the community.