Suffolk to probe Roberto Clemente contamination

Suffolk County plans to investigate how pesticides got into groundwater outside of the dumping area in Roberto Clemente Park in Brentwood. The cleanup at the park has been underway since last month.

News 12 Staff

Jul 15, 2015, 1:45 AM

Updated 3,370 days ago

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Suffolk County plans to investigate how pesticides got into groundwater outside of the dumping area in Roberto Clemente Park in Brentwood.
The cleanup at the park has been underway since last month. As News 12 previously reported, six people were charged in connection with illegal dumping at various locations, resulting in the park's closure.
According to a new Health Department report, more contaminants have been discovered in the groundwater in and around the park. Three pesticides were found at "unusual and unexpected" levels, the report says. Those pesticides are classified as probable carcinogens and were banned in the late '80s.
Due to the way the groundwater flows, health experts believe the pesticides may have come from somewhere other than the park.
Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter says the discovery of new contaminants will not add additional cleanup time.
Suffolk Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken says the county plans to install wells one month after the remediation is complete. He says testing will be conducted every six months for two years.
Tomarken reassures resident that the public drinking water is safe for consumption.