Large chemical drums found buried at Bethpage Community Park on Long Island have once again brought outrage from officials and residents who have been concerned about potential links between cancer rates in the community and the park’s past. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the discovery of six 55-gallon steel drums filled with chlorinated solvents and waste oil. Town officials have demanded that aerospace manufacturer Northrop Grumman, responsible for the contamination, fully clean up the site and remove all soil from Long Island.
The contaminated soil at the park was first discovered in 2002, and Northrop Grumman was identified as a major contributor to a groundwater plume spreading from the site. Despite the lack of a confirmed link between the site and cancer rates in the community, residents have increasingly pursued legal action. Northrop Grumman has denied responsibility or declined to comment on ongoing litigation. The latest discovery of buried chemical drums has prompted the company to work with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to address the situation promptly and protect the health of the community.
One local resident, Lois Schiavetta, shared memories of growing up near Grumman Aerospace and the community baseball field where the contamination was later discovered. She reflected on a childhood spent playing and swimming in the area and expressed concerns about the potential impact on her own health. With a cancer diagnosis that led to a double mastectomy and chemotherapy, Schiavetta has witnessed the devastating toll of the disease on her community. Despite her struggles, she considers herself fortunate compared to friends and classmates who have passed away due to cancer.
Personal injury attorney Paul Napoli has been involved in a class action lawsuit against Northrop Grumman since 2016, alleging that the company’s historic operations led to extensive air pollution in the area. Napoli claimed that the manufacturer emitted large amounts of toxic chemicals into the air through its operations, contributing to the contamination of the site. With the judge working towards a ruling on the class action lawsuit and a mediator appointed to facilitate a potential settlement, Napoli is hopeful that justice will be served in holding Northrop Grumman accountable for its environmental legacy on Long Island.
The discovery of buried chemical drums at Bethpage Community Park has reignited concerns about the health and safety of residents in the area and the potential long-term impacts of the contamination. The ongoing cleanup efforts supervised by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have shed light on the extent of the pollution caused by aerospace manufacturer Northrop Grumman. With allegations of past negligence and environmental violations, community members and officials continue to demand accountability and full remediation of the site to protect the well-being of current and future generations living on Long Island.
