State DEC to Begin Cleaning Contamination Near West Islip Schools Next Week

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced on Tuesday that they will be expediting the clean up of Willetts Creek near two local schools in West Islip starting next week.

DEC crews will be cleaning contaminated sediment and clearing out culverts from the footbridge crossing the creek which is used to access both Beach Street Middle School and West Islip High School.

Work is expected to begin starting on Monday, Jan. 9. Crews will be working between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. except between 6:45 a.m. and 7:20 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 2:25 p.m. at the high school and between 7:25 a.m. and 8:05 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. and 2:50 p.m. at the middle school.

These time limits are put in place to ensure work does not interfere with the drop-off and pick up of students at their respective schools.

The footbridges will remain open during school time

"DEC is committed to cleaning up the Dzus Fastener site to protect the public and the environment and we're taking action to make sure nearby students will not be disrupted during the cleanup," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "For decades, New York State has sent a clear signal to polluters-if you contaminate communities in New York State, you will be held accountable."

The cleaning process will include removing sediment from culverts beneath the footbridges and from five feet in either direction of each bridge in Willets Creek.

In addition, crews will be installing a settling pond five foot upstream, and removing contaminated soil by the footbridges on the school property and in the right-of-way of the footpath on the residential side of the footbridges.

The area has contaminate soil from the Dzus Fastener Co. Inc. which previously designed and manufactured of fasteners, latches and panel strips, until 2015 when it ceased operations and moved all equipment out of the

facility.

The company's wastes which consisted of oils, heavy metals and salts were found disposed in leaching pools on-site.

The onsite building is currently vacant.

Residents can find additional information on the site at the West Islip Public Library on 3 Higbie Lane.