Macomb County officials reported on Monday that non-toxic dye was behind the creek in Clinton Town last weekend, and the creek turned bright green.

Officials said in a statement that around noon on Sunday, the Macomb County Public Works Office and the Clinton Township Fire Department were alerted that the cranberry swamp drainage ditches near 17 miles and Garfield were "severely discolored."

The boom that absorbs petroleum products is placed downstream, and the environmental service contractor collects water samples for analysis. According to the press release, the Environmental Health Service of the Macomb County Department of Health checked whether any dye tests were conducted nearby.

Officials said the dye test can track underground sanitary wastewater and rainwater systems, and can be used to verify the location of pipeline discharges. 

Officials learned Monday morning that the Clinton Township Water Supply and Sewer Department tested a sewage pump in the area on Friday, sometimes using a higher concentration of dye compared to food coloring.

Clinton Town Supervisor Robert Cannon said: "The intention of the town water and sewer department is the same as we have always been. In this case, it is to protect the public and the environment, and to check whether there is illegal sewage. The pump came to proactively contact the area."

County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller pointed out that some people compare the situation with the Chicago River's use of dye to turn green on St. Patrick's Day.

"Good intentions, but this is the wrong vacation," she said. 

On Monday, the dye entered the Clinton River and is diluting upstream county officials said.

"There is no reason to panic," Miller said. "I am glad that the public has really notified us, so we thank the public for their help. We have zero tolerance for any pollutants in the watercourse."