Sickened Dog Sparks Hazmat Scare on Staten Island

Emergency crews responded to a wooded area near Willowbrook Park on Staten Island Monday after getting reports a stream may have been tainted with chemicals.

Police said a dog got sick after drinking water from the stream, and the dog's owner called a parks department employee. That worker reported feeling dizzy and was taken to the hospital. 

FDNY crews hauled in air and water testing equipment, sparking alarm among neighbors.

"I asked the fireman, told him my window was open, he said, 'Go home, shut the window, put the air conditioning on to be on the safe side,'" said Jeanette Rabinowiz. 

The FDNY tested for various chemicals, and they all came back at acceptable levels.

The Parks Department says the employee remained in the hospital in stable condition Monday night. It's not clear what caused that worker to feel ill. 

Follow Lori Bordonaro on Twitter @Lori4NY

Contact Us