Significant progress is being made in the cleanup of the toxic groundwater plume beneath Bethpage Community Park, according to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The site 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 second phase of the cleanup process has been underway for six months.

Since September, 380 remediation wells have been operating around the clock to remove harmful contaminants from the soil.

According to the DEC, 277 pounds of toxic chemicals have already been extracted from the ground.

The cleanup efforts gained attention last year after the discovery of about two dozen chemical-filled barrels buried deep underground.

Since then, residents and officials have been advocating for a thorough remediation of the park.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino has called for an excavation of the contaminated soil.

“The Town and Grumman are still in negotiation when it comes to the depth and level of cleanup needed at the park,” Saladino wrote in a statement.

A key component of the project is soil testing, which is expected to wrap up by May 1 for the areas outside the ballfield.

Testing within the ballfield should be completed by the end of this year.

As part of future plans, officials from the Town of Oyster Bay are hoping to begin excavation of contaminated soil next year.