A class action lawsuit alleges KeySpan's predecessor knew about a dangerous toxic leak in Bay Shore and did nothing about it.

The lawsuit claims Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO), now owned by KeySpan, ignored the tar that leaked from its Bay Shore plant. Plaintiffs argue the tar, a byproduct of the oil and coal doctored to produce natural gas, contaminated the ground and water underneath it. They say this renders their multimillion-dollar homes worthless and unsafe.

Internal KeySpan documents obtained by News 12 Long Island acknowledge a mile-long area of contamination, including Main Street in Bay Shore. KeySpan believes the cleanup cost will come to $40 million, while the plaintiffs argue it upwards of $240 million. Despite company contentions the tar is not harming the public, KeySpan has reached out to the Public Service Commission to request homeowners pay part of the damage.

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