After months of controversy surrounding an abandoned Bay Shore natural gas production plant, KeySpan announced Tuesday it will begin cleaning up the underground gas spill.

Residents say they are not completely satisfied with KeySpan's announcement it will start turning dirt February 26 at the deserted plant on the corner of Clinton Avenue and Union Boulevard. The spill has contaminated about one mile of land, which reaches Main Street in the center of town. KeySpan customers are concerned about who will pay for the cleanup efforts, which the energy company estimates will cost $40 million. Outside estimates range as high as $200 million and residents believe KeySpan should cover it entirely.

In a statement, KeySpan said it is pursuing third parties to incur portions of the costs. This includes insurance companies as well as former owners of the facility, which dates back to the 19th century. It added the company has followed all steps laid out by New York State in regard to cleanup procedures.

For previous coverage of the abandoned Bay Shore natural gas plant, select iO Extra on Channel 612