Citizens group: Radiation from Grumman plume needs to be addressed

<p>A citizens group called Long Island Pure Water held its first public meeting to share with residents what it’s learned about the area under the former Grumman site in Bethpage.</p>

News 12 Staff

•

Jul 24, 2018, 9:35 PM

•

Updated 2,101 days ago

Share:

A citizens group called Long Island Pure Water held its first public meeting to share with residents what it’s learned about the area under the former Grumman site in Bethpage.

James Rigano, an attorney representing the 70-member group, says radiation from the toxic plume is in the groundwater and must be addressed.

The group has filed a lawsuit against the Navy and the state Department of Environmental Conservation in an effort to have the radiation investigated.

"The Navy and the DEC have refused to investigate it. They have no plans, they have no intentions to investigate it and they would just let it go and be silent about it," said Rigano.

The Navy has said that the radium found in the plume occurred naturally and that they are continuing to monitor it. Environmentalists have argued that the levels of radium found are far from natural.

Geologist Nick Valkenberg says that the Navy based it's conclusion on 1,270 samples – but he says none of them were collected on Long Island.

Among those in attendance was Pat Stuart of Bethpage, who says six of eight of her family members have cancer. She says she doesn't know whether the former Grumman site is to blame.

"I think the amount of time that they've known about this, they could be doing better," Stuart says. "They're dragging their heels, and there's a lot of people's lives at risk here."

More from News 12

2:02

Citizens group: Radiation from Grumman plume needs to be addressed

<p>A citizens group called Long Island Pure Water held its first public meeting to&nbsp;share with&nbsp;residents what&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;learned about the area under the former Grumman site in Bethpage.</p>

More from News 12

Police: Nesconset man arrested for committing lewd act in front of young girl, mother

Sunny today with highs near 54; chance of showers over the weekend

11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Islanders, fans gear up for Game 3 of playoffs at UBS Arena

Long Island Ducks to begin 2024 season tonight

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

Have an out-of-this-world experience with the family at the Cradle of Aviation Museum

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Islip School District on alert due to threat

Sources: Multiple agencies search Manorville location in connection to Gilgo Beach investigation

2 seals released into waters at Tiana Beach in Hampton Bays

Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

News 12 takes an exclusive look inside the Suffolk County Corrections Intelligence Center

Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

Nassau DA: South Carolina man sold 11 illegal firearms in Freeport

UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices

<p>A citizens group called Long Island Pure Water held its first public meeting to share with residents what it’s learned about the area under the former Grumman site in Bethpage.</p>