The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) began a voluntary cleanup investigation last month at the Win-Holt Equipment Corporation voluntary cleanup site, located at 592 and 606 Brook Street in Garden City. The investigation will enable the NYSDEC to determine the amount of contamination at the site and how far it extends, as well as any possible threats to human health and the environment. A community air-monitoring plan has also been included to address any potential air emission issues that may affect the immediate area.

The investigation's scope was previously presented in a June 6, 2002 work plan. However, it was revised to reflect subsequent comments by the NYSDEC. The plan was further revised to reflect the NYSDEC's suggested format for Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) investigation work plans.

The Win-Holt Equipment Corporation, which owns the property, manufactures metal parts in the on-site factory buildings at 592 and 606 Brook Street, both of which were built in the early 1960s.

According to the Nassau County Clerk's Office, 592 Brook Street is assigned Nassau County Tax Map numbers: Section 34, Block 112, Lots 109 and 30-32. Win-Holt acquired Lot 109 in 1967 from David Cohen and acquired Lots 30-32 in 1984 from Joseph Andrews, who had owned them since 1954.

Town of Hempstead Building Department records indicate a 15,960 square foot brick, concrete building was constructed on Lot 109 starting in 1961 and was completed around 1962. The building was reportedly used as a warehouse. No tanks, floor drains or other subsurface structures were shown on site plans or plumbing plans for the building other than four dry wells connected to the roof drains on the north side.

Further, 606 Brook Street has been assigned the following Nassau County Tax Map numbers: Section 34, Block 112, Lot 110. Win-Holt also acquired Lot 110 from David Cohen in 1984. Town Building Department records indicate that an industrial building had previously been damaged by a fire and was reconstructed at this location in 1960. No tanks, floor drains, dry wells or other subsurfance structures are shown. No specific information is available concerning past use of the Lot.

An office area and a manufacturing area, used mainly for the painting of finished metal products, and a paint booth are present at 592 Brook Street. Wilting, grinding, welding and other metalworking processes are performed at 606 Brook Street. The company also operates the adjoining building, located at 439 Oak Street. However, this building is not included in the site.

Back in 1995, soil contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was found in a storm water dry well behind 592 Brook Street. The contaminated soil in and around the dry well was removed in 1997. Subsequent investigations, however, revealed that groundwater at the site and southwest of the site is contaminated with VOCs.

As part of the investigation, groundwater is being sampled at many locations and depths. A soil gas survey is also being performed in the residential area southwest of the site. Fieldwork began and should be complete within two months. Based on the results of the investigation (which may be available this fall), Win-Holt will propose a plan to clean up its site.

Commercial buildings are located immediately north, south, east and west of the site. Nassau Community College and Nassau County Veterans Memorial Coliseum are located further east. Hofstra University and additional commercial and industrial developments are located further south. A residential area is located further west and the Long Island Rail Road is located further north of the site.

Copies of the work plan, which describes the investigation in detail, are available for review at the Garden City Public Library, located at 60 Seventh Street. Those interested can also contact the NYSDEC's Region 1 Office, SUNY Bldg. 40, Stony Brook, NY 11790. Put comments and/or questions to Mark Lowery's attention. He can be reached at 631-444-0350 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Jeffrey Dyber, NYSDEC project manager, can also be reached for comments and/or questions at 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-7015 or by phone at 518-457-1708 or 1-800-342-9296 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

For further site-related health concerns, call New York State Department of Health's Ian Ushe, sanitary engineer, at 518-402-7880 or 1-800-458-1158, ext. 27880.