Environmentalists: Navy’s private water well testing is too limited

<p>A plan to test private drinking water wells in Suffolk for toxic contaminants linked to cancer is being criticized by environmentalists.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 12, 2018, 3:55 PM

Updated 2,021 days ago

Share:

Environmentalists: Navy’s private water well testing is too limited
A plan to test private drinking water wells in Suffolk for toxic contaminants linked to cancer is being criticized by environmentalists.
The Navy says it will test wells in communities within 1 mile of the former Grumman plant in Calverton. The location was the site of firefighting drills that used foam containing toxic chemicals that have leached into some of the area's groundwater.
Environmentalists say the Navy's test radius isn't wide enough. They want tests done to the south and west of Swan Pond and homes with private wells south of the Peconic River.
The Suffolk Health Department is now sampling private wells in Quogue and East Quogue, not far from Gabreski Airport. Residents there won't be charged for the surveys and can get free bottled water until test results are in.
Toxic contaminants similar to the ones at the Calverton plant were found in water wells in the Quogue area. Firefighting drills at Gabreski used a similar foam. 
"When it comes to our communities' drinking water there is no room for error," says Rep. Lee Zeldin. "Residents deserve to know what's in their drinking water."


More from News 12
1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:56
Temperatures to plummet overnight; winter-like chills expected Thursday morning

Temperatures to plummet overnight; winter-like chills expected Thursday morning

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:14
Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

1:35
New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

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

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

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

0:23
Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

0:24
NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

2:07
Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

1:57
Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

1:53
Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day

Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day

1:57
State taxi federation raises reward for information to help stop carjackings, robberies

State taxi federation raises reward for information to help stop carjackings, robberies

1:42
Irish consulate general joins BP Gibson for a Woodlawn walkthrough

Irish consulate general joins BP Gibson for a Woodlawn walkthrough

1:00
Fordham Road BID discusses local improvements made, offers a look toward the future

Fordham Road BID discusses local improvements made, offers a look toward the future

1:56
MTA meets with riders in Fordham to hear their concerns with current transit system

MTA meets with riders in Fordham to hear their concerns with current transit system