Dye for mulch leaks from trailer, turning creek bright red

A mulch dye that leaked from a company's property is being blamed for turning the waters of a western New York creek a bright red

LANCASTER, N.Y. (AP) — A mulch dye that leaked from a company’s property is being blamed for turning the waters of a western New York creek a bright red.

Officials in the town of Lancaster say they were alerted late Tuesday morning that a miles-long stretch of the Scajaquada (skuh-JAK’-kwah-dah) Creek had turned red.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation says the discoloration was caused by about 175 gallons of mulch dye that leaked from a trailer at Superior Pallets. Co. in Lancaster.

DEC officials say the agency’s fisheries experts inspected the creek and found that the dye wouldn’t harm fish. The agency says it’s investigating the spill, which was contained. The water started clearing up later Tuesday.

Copyright © 2025 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    DAVOS-TRUMP

    Trump says he will create an ‘External Revenue Service’ agency to collect tariff income

    Read more
    Trump Biden Loyalty

    Trump team is questioning civil servants at National Security Council about commitment to his agenda

    Read more
    (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)An aerial view of the Pentagon, in Arlington, Virginia.

    Military doctor pleads guilty to dozens of sexual abuse charges

    Read more