DEC adds 6 new extraction wells to stop spread of toxic groundwater at Bethpage plume
The wells intercept and clean 10 million gallons of contaminated water every day.
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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has added six new extraction wells to help stop toxic groundwater from the plume at Bethpage Community Park and prevent it from moving to neighborhoods south of the Southern State Parkway.
The site, which is one of the largest groundwater plumes in the country, has been partially closed for more than two decades due to contamination from hazardous chemicals left behind by Grumman and the United States Navy.
The wells intercept and clean 10 million gallons of contaminated water every day.
Adrienne Esposito, the executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said the work is extensive.
"The work is being done," Esposito said. "It could be done quicker, but at least it's being done and it appears to be comprehensive."
Teams are also busy testing the soil at the site for toxic metals.
