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tribune
VOL. 40 NO. 20 SERVING BETHPAGE, ISLAND TREES, OLD BETHPAGE, PLAINVIEW, SEAFORD AND PLAINEDGE FORTY CENTS
Bethpage Community Park Closed
Until Further Contamination Tests
I am sure most residents have
noticed that the Bethpage
Community Park has been
temporarily closed by the Town
of Oyster Bay due to the findings
of low-level contaminants found
in test soil samples. The New
York State Department of Health
(NYDOH) has indicated that the
levels of these contaminants, also
known as PCBs, is not at a level,
which they would deem
dangerous to the public.
However, the Town of Oyster
Bay and Supervisor John
Venditto, as a precaution, has
decided to close the park until
further testing is completed and
until they are assured that this
situation poses no health risk to
park goers. The Park will reopen
after Town officials have
received word from the New
York State Department of
Environmental Conservation as
well as the New York State and
Nassau County Departments of
Health, that the conditions are
suitable for public use. After all
the testing is completed, a public
hearing will be held so that all
residents in Bethpage will be
able to understand the facts from
these State and County
Agencies, as well as to review
plans for the remediation of the
situation.
Soil sampling is required to be
performed by Northrop
Grumman, both on their site as
well as near their property for
possible spills or contamination.
During one of these required
tests contamination was found
along the access road, which is
located between the company's
site and the Park. It was reported
that approximately 300 samples
were taken at depths ranging
from 0-2 inches, which is
considered surface level, as well
as down to 8 feet at
approximately 60 other locations
in the Park.
According to the
Environmental Protection
Agency PCB's are defined as
polychlorinated biphenyls and is
a class of chemicals consisting of
209 individual compounds. PCBs
were widely used as a fire
preventative and insulator in the
manufacture of transformers and
capacitors because of their ability
to withstand exceptionally high
temperatures.
The EPA does, however,
classify PCBs as probable
carcinogens. In addition, EPA
recognizes neurological and
developmental effects as
additional toxic effects of PCBs.
The agency considers all PCB
mixtures to be toxic. Obviously,
the levels of toxicity are
determined by many factors such
as the level of contamination at
the site as well as the length of
and type of exposure.
As we mentioned above the
New York State Department of
Health has indicated that the
levels, which were found at the
Bethpage Community Park, are
low however, the Town of Oyster
Bay is taking the precaution of
closing the Park until they are
satisfied with the results of future
testing.
Below is the letter, which
anyone trying to enter the Park is
receiving from the Town of
Oyster Bay. The Tribune will
keep you informed of future
findings as well as let readers
know in advance of public
hearing dates.
1651
Dear Resident, ^*^*^
Bethpage Community Park will be temporarily closed due to low levels of
contaminants found in test soil samples taken at the facility.
While the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has
indicated that there are no immediate health concerns due to the
contaminants, the Town, as a precaution, has opted to close the park until
further tests are completed.
The park will reopen after Town officials have received assurances from
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New
York State and Nassau County Departments of Health that conditions are
suitable for public use. After all testing is completed, a public meeting to
discuss the matter will be convened so that interested members of the public
can hear, first hand, from State and County health and environmental
officials the facts regarding the recent discovery and plans for any
remediation, if necessary.
Yours truly,
MI&M-I
I John Venditto
v-/ Town Supervisor
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