Hope for Bethpage Toxic Plume Cleanup After Decades of Delay

A July 2025 map of the toxic plume beneath Bethpage reveals a significant milestone in cleanup efforts after decades of environmental concern. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced on October 30th that contractors for Northrop Grumman have completed the second phase of thermal cleanup at the former Grumman settling ponds in Oyster Bay.

This follows 16 years of efforts to clean up one of Long Island's most extensive contaminations, where a plume runs approximately four miles long and two miles wide, buried between six and nine hundred feet underground.

Bill Pavone, co-chair of the Navy/Grumman Community Participation Working Group, emphasized the visible dangers of the plume, stating that if it were on the surface, residents would be more alarmed. However, its underground presence has led to decades of worry and delay.

The DEC reported that the thermal system, powered by over 380 heating wells, has successfully removed more than 460 pounds of volatile organic compounds from the area. Combined with Phase One, nearly 1,900 pounds of contaminants have been extracted from the park's subsurface.

The next phase aims to target hotspot contamination beneath the park's parking lot. Northrop Grumman is also preparing to excavate PCB and metal-contaminated soil from the settling ponds, pending EPA approval.

A permanent groundwater treatment plant has been completed and is expected to begin operations in early 2026. Meanwhile, interim groundwater treatment systems are being constructed to contain the plume and prevent its further spread.

Despite ongoing concerns about possible drinking water contamination, the DEC has conducted extensive evaluations concluding no increased cancer rates in Bethpage. The New York State Department of Health mandates that all public water suppliers meet strict health-based standards and perform continuous monitoring.

The Bethpage Water District analyzes over 20,000 water samples annually and must notify customers if contaminant levels exceed state limits. While the ongoing cleanup continues, experts caution that establishing a direct link between historical contamination and specific health issues like cancer is complex and may take decades to fully understand.

State officials maintain that there is no immediate health threat, but the legacy of pollution in Bethpage remains a significant concern. The community is encouraged by the dual cleanup efforts led by Northrop Grumman and the Navy, although confirmation of public health concerns will require ongoing monitoring and time.

As remediation progresses, residents hope for a resolution to this long-standing environmental issue.