The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), together with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), are currently in the process of investigating the nature and extent of soil and groundwater contamination at a LIRR substation located in Massapequa. A public information spokesperson for the NYSDEC said he expects the investigation will be completed this summer.

Environmental investigations are being implemented at this site to determine the nature and extent of contamination in the soil and groundwater due to the past use of mercury rectifiers.

The LIRR built, owned and operated this substation from the early 1930s. Until the 1980s, the substations housed mercury rectifiers, devices used to power LIRR locomotives and electric passenger car fleets. During the 1980s, the mercury rectifiers were removed from the substation and replaced with non-mercury containing solid state equipment. However, past work practices employed during the operation and maintenance of the mercury rectifiers may have affected the site and surrounding environment.

In a previous investigation, LIRR hired Galson Corporation to document and monitor limited mercury cleanup operations. In addition to the Massapequa substation, Island Park and Manhasset substations were also included in the initial cleanup. A report completed in March 1999 details the mercury cleanup activities including air sampling, removal and disposal of visible mercury and mercury-contaminated objects, floor washing, and chemical neutralization.

During April-May 2000, LIRR completed an interim remedial measure to excavate and properly dispose of mercury-contaminated soil found onsite. Approximately 14 cubic yards were removed from the Massapequa substation. The excavated area was backfilled with stone. However, soil samples collected from the bottom of the excavated areas showed that mercury exceeded soil cleanup objectives.

The result of a site assessment completed in December 2000 at all three sites revealed that mercury contaminated soil exists inside the substations in areas around the former locations of the mercury rectifiers, areas immediately surrounding the substations, entrance and exit areas, and various underground pits.

The groundwater sampling results from the site assessment indicate that groundwater, at a depth of approximately 75 feet below ground surface, has not been contaminated by mercury at the Manhasset substation.

The current remedial investigation work plan for the Massapequa site consists of an investigation work plan, a construction excavation work plan, and an underground injection control closure plan. Separate reports of the investigations will be generated at the conclusion of the investigation activities. After reviewing the investigation reports, the NYSDEC will determine if remediation of the site is necessary.

To stay informed about activities at the Massapequa LIRR Substation site throughout the investigation and remediation process, residents can take advantage of the site's document repository located at the Massapequa Public Library. As documents are generated during the remedial process, they will be added to the repository.

Documents currently available include the August 2002 Site Specific Health and Safety Plan, September 2002 Investigation Work Plan, October 2002 Construction Excavation Work Plan, November 2002 Underground Injection Control Closure Plan, addendum letter dated Oct. 1, 2002, and addendum letter dated Oct. 29, 2002.

For more information, call or write Ms. Champanine Saviengvong, project manager, NYSDEC at 1-800-225-5337, 625 Broadway, 11th Floor, Albany, NY 12233.