DEC: Darby Drug site poses potential hazard

A survey conducted by the state Environmental Conservation and Health departments of the former Darby Drug/Signature Place site in Rockville Centre has determined that contaminants there pose a significant health threat.

The site, at 80-100 Banks Ave., was purchased by AvalonBay Communities Inc. in 2008 to be developed into a 349-unit apartment complex. But before work can begin, the site, which is known as a brownfield, needs to be cleaned. Brownfields are sites contaminated by industrial pollutants and require cleanup before they can be redeveloped. The state runs a Brownfield Cleanup Program, or BCP, which encourages the development of such sites by offering tax incentives to companies that buy them.

Nearby residents do not have much to worry about, according to the survey, despite the “significant threat” determination. The report stated, “NYSDEC in consultation with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has determined that the site poses a significant threat due to elevated concentrations of contaminants in groundwater, soil and soil vapor.” But the finding was based on the potential for contamination at the site to affect public health in the future if not addressed, according to Health Department spokesman Tom Allocco.

According to the survey, there are two main areas of contamination on the site: its soil, and the groundwater from 26 storm water drains. (A future report will deal with any off-site contaminants.) The soil is contaminated with tetrachloroethene (PCE), a common solvent used in dry-cleaning. The groundwater is contaminated with other chemicals.

“Work is being done to address the PCE contamination,” said DEC spokeswoman Maureen Wren. “Under the BCP program, we have a soil-removal project under way right now that’s going to remove the source area, which is where the largest concentration of PCE is.” The contaminated soil from the site will be removed and disposed of off-site in a facility designed for such disposal.