Residents in the Midland Avenue area off Playland Parkway became alarmed earlier this week when a waterway that runs through a wetland area became polluted with a milky white substance believed to be paint. According to sources, residents believe a painting contractor working on Intervale Place released the material into Rye’s Red Maple Swamp on Monday, June 16, 2025.
The wetland and stream area is behind homes on Midland Avenue between Intervale Place and Playland Parkway. This waterway leads into the Blind Brook (via various culverts) and then eventually downstream to the Long Island Sound. Residents elevated the concern to the City of Rye Building Department. Calls to the City Planner to understand what, if anything, the City was able to do were not immediately answered.
Watch the video of the polluted waterway below. Leave a comment or send us a tip.
If You See Something …
If you see illegal dumping or something you believe is an environmental crime, the public can call the New York State DEC SPILLS Hotline at 1-800-457-7362 or report the violation to DEC Law Enforcement at 1-844-DEC-ECOS. You should also call Rye PD at 914-967-1234, and send a report to Save the Sound at pollution@savethesound.org along with any photos and details. The DEC, Rye PD and Save the Sound each provide separate enforcement and watchdog functions.
