SOURCE:
News 12 Staff - March 3, 2023
Some Town of Islip residents expressed their concerns about chemicals at MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma on Friday.
They were invited to a community forum to ask questions about the recent Superfund site classification at the airport after the state Department of Environmental Conservation found chemical contamination in groundwater in the area.
MacArthur Airport lands on Superfund site list due to significant contamination
"I felt very strongly that we needed to pull all the players together so that people could get real, factual information on the spot, from the water authority from the DEC, from the Health Department," said Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
The Suffolk County Water Authority told its customers at the meeting that their drinking water is safe.
"We've had treatment in place for many years," said Suffolk County Water Authority CEO Jeff Szabo. "Your drinking water meets or exceeds all standards and it's safe to drink. If you're not connected to the Water Authority, we encourage you to reach out and to get connected or at least get tested."
The DEC says the contamination came from firefighter foam, which was used to extinguish fires, that was used and stored at the airport.
Adrienne Esposito, of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, says private well owners have reason for concern.
"They should not be drinking from their private well if they are south of the airport because this is a dangerous chemical," Esposito says.
Other residents also expressed concerns about chemicals getting into the soil, which could ruin their gardens.
Anyone who was not able to attend the meeting and has questions can contact the Town of Islip or Suffolk County Water Authority.