Massapequa High School recently got word that it will receive $48,000 through a Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act grant to clean out and beautify the 6,000 square foot pond on the school's property.

After a year-and-a half long science research project by student Bibiane Choi, an Intel Semifinalist, revealed high levels of pollution in this and other local bodies of water, the school applied for the grant in June of 1998. State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District) secured it.

The pond, which has reportedly been polluted for decades, is plagued by litter, harmful bacteria, mainly due to fecal matter from geese, as well as storm water runoff from the school parking lot. In addition, Choi's report revealed that various sources of pollution in the community, such as lawn fertilizers, have probably leeched into underground streams that lead to the pond, contributing to the contamination. Choi tested all the ponds along the south shore, and found significant contamination in all of them, but especially in the one at Massapequa High School, according to Dr. Paul R. Lichtman, coordinator of science research at the school. He said the pond at Massapequa High School empties into Jones Creek, which empties into the South Oyster Bay.

Lichtman noted that it is remarkable that a student, rather than a state agency took the initiative to test the bodies of water and uncover the contamination. "The state agencies are not testing it," he said.

"Her project gave us the idea about remediating, starting with the pond on the school property. And, if that works, as a pilot educational project, we're going to try to make that a model for other ponds or preserves along the south shore," said Lichtman. "We're going to try to clean it up using natural methods. It means using plantings, and getting rid of chemicals. We have hazardous material suits. The kids are going to go in and take some of the debris out. We're going to plant special bio-filter logs around the perimeter, put special plants in that will stop the erosion. We're going to do other plantings and filter strips to stop the grease and oil from the parking lot going in there. Then, we're going to try to keep the geese away."

In a release to the press, Fuschillo noted that the underground pollution prevention systems will remove approximately 80 percent of sediment and 85 to 95 percent of floatable oil and grease in the pond. He added that the wetland vegetation will stabilize the shoreline and enhance filtration and absorption of nutrients and metals. "This funding will go a long way in maintaining Oyster Bay's natural environment and will serve as a valuable lesson to the students about the importance of preserving Long Island's waterways," he stated, adding, "Furthermore, this project will ultimately help revitalize the shellfish population and growth which has been impacted by the storm water runoff into the bay."

The cleanup will be conducted by about 50 Massapequa High School students, according to Lichtman, and the money will pay for the equipment, the bio-filter logs and to pay the project's consultant, who is a member of the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District. The state's Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environmental Conservation are also expected to provide expertise.

"So a lot of exciting things are happening, mainly because of Bibiane's project, and Senator Fuschillo's pushing this through. If it wasn't for him, this never would have happened," said Lichtman.

According to Lichtman, Massapequa is the first school district in New York State to have applied for such a grant through the bond act. "It's for educational purposes, and for restoring a pond for the benefit of the citizens of Massapequa," he said.

The school plans to hold a ground-breaking ceremony after it receives the grant money in the spring.