Bethpage Water District official disappointed Navy not supporting plume remediation plan

The Bethpage Water District says it is furious to hear the Navy does not support the state's $585 million cleanup plan for the toxic Bethpage plume.

News 12 Staff

Sep 16, 2019, 4:59 PM

Updated 1,683 days ago

Share:

A key player in a plan to clean up a toxic underground plume in Bethpage that is contaminating the groundwater says it's not on board with the mop-up.
Mike Boufis heads up the Bethpage Water District in the epicenter of Long Island's largest groundwater plume of toxic chemicals. The contamination is linked to the former Northrop Grumman and Navy facility in Bethpage.
"It has the potential to impact hundreds of thousands of residents," says Boufis.
That is why Boufis and other water districts in the plume’s direct path are fuming over the U.S. Navy's recent refusal to pay for a $585 million plan by New York state to clean up Long Island’s sole source aquifer.

“We never really expected them to step up and admit that this is their responsibility and sign on to the plan,” says Boufis. “ We were hoping they would do that only because the community has suffered long enough.”

The Navy claims the state's remediation plan is not based on science.  In August, Northrop Grumman requested the state's cleanup proposal be withdrawn, calling it "unnecessary, infeasible and impractical."

Boufis says while the polluters stall the cleanup effort, the water in his district is being cleaned by high-tech and costly filtration systems

The Bethpage Water District tests its water every single day.  Boufis says they take 70% more samples than are required by law.
Boufis says it is imperative the toxic plume is cleaned up and stopped before it impacts other water districts. If not, he says it will eventually reach the Great South Bay.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has warned if the Navy and Northrop Grumman refuse to take part in the cleanup plan, the state will implement the remediation and then force the polluters to pay back New York state.


More from News 12
0:49
Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

1:17
Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

2:01
Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:48
Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

2:01
Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

1:56
Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

1:54
South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

1:27
East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

2:35
Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

0:36
11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

0:27
Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

1:13
The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:01
Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

0:20
Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

0:21
UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

0:26
Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

0:31
John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks

John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks