The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revised its 2017 cleanup strategy for the Peninsula Boulevard Groundwater Plume Superfund Site in Hewlett, New York. This revision comes after recent sampling revealed that groundwater contamination is more extensive than initially anticipated.
"This updated cleanup approach addresses the full scope of contamination to protect the health of the Hewlett community," stated Acting EPA Regional Administrator Alyssa Arcaya. "EPA is committed to engaging with local residents and businesses to ensure they are informed and supported throughout this process."
The site, contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), traces back to historic dry-cleaning operations. While this affects groundwater in both the Village of Hewlett and the Town of Hempstead, drinking water remains safe due to treatment by the New York American Water Company.
In 2011, an initial plan was set by the EPA to tackle groundwater contamination. However, further investigations highlighted a need to address source material beneath several properties first. The 2017 plan aimed at these sources but subsequent findings showed a broader spread of contaminants.
To counter this wider issue, the updated EPA plan includes:
- In-Place Thermal Treatment: This involves heating contaminated soil and groundwater at Cedarwood Cleaners property and nearby areas such as West Broadway and Hewlett Parkway.
- Groundwater Recirculation System: A system designed to pump out groundwater, treat it for contaminants, and return clean water back into the aquifer.
- Air Monitoring: Ensuring air quality safety through testing for harmful vapors potentially seeping into buildings; systems will be installed if necessary.
Cedarwood Cleaners will be demolished as part of efforts to effectively manage contamination beneath it. During a public information session on January 16, EPA briefed community members on these changes while also outlining additional sampling planned for winter. The design phase is expected to take two or three years but promises minimal disruption through close collaboration with local stakeholders.
Further details can be accessed via documents available on the Peninsula Boulevard Groundwater Plume Superfund Site profile page.
