The state is trying to stop a Suffolk County sand mining operation by issuing a stop order to Sand Land Corporation.

The 10-year battle with Sand Land to protect Southampton groundwater has reached a pivotal point. Adrienne Esposito, from the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, has been involved in the battle for years and says finally the DEC has revoked the mining permit for Sand Land based on contamination of groundwater.

In a study conducted by the Suffolk County Health Department, high levels of manganese heavy metals were found in the groundwater at a mining site in Noyac. The Sand Land mining site is a 50-acre area that sits on top of a Suffolk County groundwater protection area. 

MORE: Leaders want mining operation shut down after water contamination report

Esposito says this is a win for residents and a win for groundwater. She says Sand Land has been doing other activities at the site that don't have anything to do with sand mining.

The DEC issued a statement to News 12 that said, "We are continuing to use all legal tools available to address concerns over the facility's continued operation and will take all actions necessary to ensure the public and the environment are protected."

News 12 reached out to Sand Land, but has not heard back. Newsday is reporting that Sand Land plans on appealing the DEC's rulling.