The South Farmingdale Water District, together with environmental engineers from the H2M Group, has initiated a series of public forums in an effort to maintain clarity over a groundwater issue being monitored along the district's northern boundary. Representatives from three local civic groups were among those who participated in the first session.

The discussions center on the existence of an underground plume of chemical solvents that is moving toward two of the utility's well stations. Engineers expect the plume to encroach upon the well sites within the next 10 years and have already prepared remediation plans. The plume is composed of volatile organic compounds or solvents once used to break down grease at the former Grumman Aerospace plant and Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant sites in Bethpage. It reportedly originated in the 1940s during aircraft manufacturing activities at the time, prior to more stringent environmental codes for on-site waste management.

The site is now owned by Northrop-Grumman, a major contractor to the US Navy.

Details concerning the plume and its ramifications were presented to area civic leaders at the district's headquarters earlier this month. Representatives from the Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale, Citizens for Pure Water, and the North Massapequa Civic Association were given a full report on the plume's history along with a preliminary view over precautionary measures being taken to safeguard the water supply long-term.

"The first message consumers need to understand is this; the water quality in the South Farmingdale Water District is absolutely safe and in excellent quality," said Commissioner Gerald McCormack. "What we are doing today with our monitoring activities and other efforts is aimed at maintaining that assurance long term."

To negate the plume's effect on the area's water supply, the district intends to use filtration technology in the field, the costs of which are being discussed in negotiations between the district and the US Navy.

"The district is orchestrating a concerted effort to minimize any negative impact this plume may have on the quality of our water supply and costs to our taxpayers for treatment," McCormack said. "Our goal is to insulate our consumers from any costs associated with this situation."

Additional public meetings will be scheduled as further details emerge. Anyone interested in learning more can contact the district at 249-3330.