In response to reports about possible illegal dumping at the landfill on West Shore Rd., the Port News called the Town of North Hempstead.

Local citizens have told us that they observed "numerous (30 plus) huge trucks coming and going out of the landfill next to Harbor Links ... every day!." Allegedly, the trucks arrive "filled with black, smelly, sludge and leave empty." Rumors had it that it was sludge that was being dredged up from polluted canals in Queens and Brooklyn, which would compromise the health and safety of all of us.

But Matt Miner, director of operations for the Town of North Hempstead, quelled any fears. He advises that the trucks are bringing in "fill" for the L5 landfill, the one closest to West Shore Road. (L4 the superfund site has already been filled, remediated and capped.)

Two cells of the L5 have already been filled and capped. The third needs more landfill to achieve the proper contours to grade, explained Mr. Miner.

Most importantly, the fill is approved by the New York State Department of Conservation (DEC). "It's been going on for a year," points out Mr. Miner. "Every 500 yards of the fill has all been tested to meet DEC standards," he notes, adding that the town is allowed to take clean fill. The filling of the space will cease on Dec. 31 for good.