DEC is back in Island Park

In November 2015 the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation began work at the site of the former USA Petroleum gas station at Bishop Street and the corner of Long Beach Road in Island Park where ground pollution was found. On Dec. 2 phase two of the clean up began. This week phase three got underway. For the third time chemicals are being pumped into the ground to break up and separate or “desorb” the pollution so it can be pumped out in two weeks.

When current owners South Shore Collision went to purchase the site two years ago as part of the mortgage process they had an environmental inspection. Petroleum product contamination was found in the ground.

Owner Tom Lanning said the gas station owner was supposed to take care of the pollution but walked away.

Geologist and project manager Kristy Salafrio confirmed there is no current leak. All the gas tanks have been removed.

DEC knew about a diesel line leak at the site five years ago, and have been monitoring 13 wells drilled around the site since then. In addition the DEC is paying for the entire operation.

Last November Environmental Assessment & Remediations, a company from Patchogue that was contracted by the DEC, has been pumping pumped 200 gallons of chemicals into the ground during each visit.

“This pollution is consistent with gasoline,” Salafrio said, “it’s about five and a half feet down — a shallow spill— and it is contained within the gas station site.”

Salafrio said there is no danger of pollution to the nearby waterway. The plume does not go in that direction. She added the well sites were drilled to monitor under the building and the sidewalk, in a pattern that follows the plume.

After the site is pumped out again the DEC will do further soil and water testing to see if this will be the last round, or if it will have to be done again.