Ten years after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assumed jurisdiction over the cleanup of the Liberty hazardous waste site in South Farmingdale, there seems to be increased cooperation on the property lately.

For one thing, one of the parties who, according to the EPA, are potentially responsible for the pollution there, are currently paying for pilot testing that will lead to cleanup of the groundwater polluted by the site. In addition, the ongoing environmental investigation aimed at coming up with a long-term, comprehensive cleanup plan for both the polluted soil and groundwater, is expected to bear fruit in the fall. Furthermore, after the Town of Oyster Bay pushed for months for the shutdown of industrial operations at the site due to hazardous structural conditions, operators are gradually leaving, which may clear the path to an agreement about future development of the property.

Now, we believe, it is important that the timely cleanup of the site remains a priority to both government and the public, and that concerned members of the community continue to press for the fullest cleanup available through modern technology. The community has already waited too long for this, and nothing less will suffice to protect the environment and health of surrounding residents for generations to come.

Andrea Morale