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The state Department of Environmental Conservation hosted a presentation Wednesday night to outline its proposed plans for remediation of polluted lands around Willet’s Creek in West Islip.
Willet’s Creek is bordered by homes, as well as Beach Street Middle School and West Islip High School. The contaminants originate from 425 Union Boulevard, a one-acre property that was used by Dzus Fasteners to produce fasteners and springs from 1932 to 2015.
Leaching pools on-site were used for the disposal of wastes, which consisted of oils, heavy metals and salts, according to the DEC superfund site fact sheet.
After initial cleanup measures, the DEC indicates coastal flooding might have led to the additional distribution of toxic industrial chemicals chromium and cadmium into surrounding soil and sediments.
Back in January, crews were sent into the area to clear sediment blocking culverts in the stream.
The next phase is the implementation of a near $12.6 million remediation plan that would remove contaminated soil and sediment by the stream and replace it with clean fill.
However the hefty bill doesn’t include addressing Lake Capri at the southern end of Willet’s Creek, which was an issue of concern among some residents at West Islip Public Libary.
“We are currently in the public comment and review period,” the DEC’s project manager, Payson Long, told those in attendance at the DEC presentation.
The DEC fielded suggestions at the library, while calling for additional comments and ideas to be submitted by e-mail until Aug. 21.
Meanwhile, officials will be setting up interim remedial measures that include the installation of fences to block off the creek, creation of a soccer backstop at the high school, and the maintenance of footbridges connecting the schools.
But residents like Paul Tropeano isn’t satisfied with just replacing the contaminated sediment.
“You need to de-water and treat the water because you’re just going to have the same problem down the road,” he insisted.
Long said water treatment will be addressed later in the design of the remediation.
Adrienne Esposito, the executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, favors the DEC’s plan of sediment excavation but is also concerned about potentially infected fish and shellfish in the waters.
She called for the testing of the crabs that live in the creek.
Currently, there is a fishing advisory, but there are no signs near the waters.
Additionally, the DEC officials recommend residents distance themselves from any interaction with the soil and water.
Top: The old Dzus Fastener Company property at 425 Union Boulevard. (Michael White)
