Directs the department of environmental conservation to create a report to hydraulically contain and remediate the Navy Grumman plume

BILL NUMBER:S7832

Title of bill

An act in relation to directing the department of environmental conservation to issue a report outlining a plan to hydraulically contain and remediate the Navy Grumman plume emanating of contaminants and chemicals in the underground aquifer and drinking water of the southeastern portion of Nassau county

Purpose

This legislation is designed to direct the DEC to create a report providing the legislature, the state, and its residence, with a plan to contain clean and remediate contaminants from a portion of Long Island's drinking water. It further outlines how the facilities will be run until remediation of the plume is complete. Such report must provide a timetable to ensure that the containment takes place before the plume reaches uncontaminated drinking water supply wells and the natural resources of the region, and finally devises a strategy to work with the New York State Department of Justice and the United States Department of Justice to compel the United States Navy to pay for this project.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 directs the DEC to create and deliver to the legislature a report of the options of achieving hydraulic containment and remediation of the Navy Grumman plume without the use of well head treatment and identifies the origin of the plume and the responsible party.

Section 2 outlines what scientific and engineering techniques must be delineated, the timetable each phase must be accomplished by, as well as the boundaries and resources which must be protected.

Section 3 estimates the cost, scope, and timetable of such a project, and how the DEC would partner with the New York State Department of Justice and United States Department of Justice in order to enforce the law.

Section 4 mandates that the act shall take effect immediately.

Existing law

New bill.

Justification

All scientific and engineering studies conducted in this region prove that a growing and migrating plume of contaminants have been traveling through the aquifer system in this region of Long Island. While the concentrations of these contaminants raise questions as to the level of danger they present, it is clear that the most prudent approach is to remove all contaminants possible. This legislation sets out to create a comprehensive report designed to stop the plume's migration, remove the contaminants, and protect the public drinking water supply wells, and the natural resources including the fresh water wetlands and salt water environment from dangerous chemicals and contaminants.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None, As DEC staff can compile the data required for the report from data they have already collected on this subject.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.