Inspections are underway and expanding at a Long Island park after drums of chemicals were unearthed beneath ballfields, remnants from the site’s past as an aircraft production facility.
Preliminary scans reveal additional areas of concern, prompting plans to utilize ground-penetrating radar for further investigation across the entire 18-acre park, signaling a broadened scope beyond the initial discovery.
Community Concerns:
Local residents express apprehension about potential environmental hazards, urging thorough investigations and transparency regarding the extent of contamination and associated risks.
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino highlights the park’s history as a former dumping ground for chemicals, emphasizing the need for comprehensive inspections and remediation efforts.
Environmental Hazards:
Concerns arise over the presence of hazardous compounds such as chromium and TCE in the soil, raising questions about the long-term health implications for the community.
Ongoing testing of soil samples and chemical contents from the drums aims to assess contamination levels and ensure public safety, with environmental officials monitoring for any signs of leakage.
Stakeholder Response:
Northrup Grumman, the site’s former owner, collaborates with environmental agencies to address remediation efforts and safeguard the community’s well-being, pledging to address environmental conditions in Bethpage.