Discolored water flowing into Nissequogue River after contractor struck an underground spring in Smithtown
A spokesperson for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said the agency is actively investigating.
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Discolored water continues to run into the Nissequogue River along Paul T. Given Park after a contractor struck an underground spring on Aug. 2, a spokesperson for the town of Smithtown said.
Experts like Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito said the situation looks worse than it is.
"The spring may have a lot of sediment, create a discoloration of the water, but that will settle out once it's in the river and it's not really toxic, it's not a concern," she said.
A town spokesperson said a worker was conducting state-mandated geotechnical boring tests, which are required by the town before it can obtain permits from the state to start repair work at the park.
The area, including the bridge, was heavily damaged during the massive storm that flooded parts of Long Island last August.
"While the strike to the spring was an unfortunate incident, the Town is working closely with the DEC to ensure the situation is addressed safely, effectively and without delay," a town spokesperson told News 12 in a statement.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Response Unit was on the scene yesterday around 9:40 a.m.
The well was capped, but water is still being released into the river, according to the state.
"There's a big pool over there," Commack resident Billy Tekverk said. "They just redirected it, so it's still coming in. It's been like this for days."
Town officials said they are coordinating all necessary remediation measures to protect the water and keep the bridge restoration project on track.
"We remain committed to completing the repairs at Paul T. Given Park as quickly as possible so that this important community space can be fully reopened for public use," a town spokesperson added in a statement to News 12.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation is actively investigating the incident.
