The Massapequa Observer has been following the continuing story on the Grumman Plume and NYS Assemblyman Saladino’s push to reach a settlement with the U.S. Navy. After intense negotiations, a major settlement has been reached, with the first installment of funding meaning a big break for local taxpayers.
“Today I have some good news for South Farmingdale Water District (SFWD) and many thousands of rate payers,” began Senator Charles Schumer on location at Plant No. 3 at the May 1 event. “The U.S. Navy finally paid for what affected 100,000 people.”
Schumer along with SFWD Commissioners Ralph Atoria, John Hirt, Gary Brosnan and SFWD Superintendent Charlie Pruchia, presented the SFWD with a check for $3.3 million due to the recent U.S. Navy reimbursement settlement as a result of plume contamination. The SFWD has borrowed almost $5 million from the Town of Oyster Bay to construct a much needed treatment facility to purify groundwater impacted by the Bethpage plume contamination. Schumer stated that the toxic plumes flowed in more than 20 public drinking wells and adversely affecting more than 250,000 Nassau County residents, about one fifth of Nassau County.
For many months, Saladino demanded that the Navy and Department of Justice (DOJ) reimburse the SFWD immediately. Due to the $3.3 million deal, local ratepayers will no longer be burdened by the cost of the new facility; a relief that could have cost consumers $1.5 million each year over the course of the loan.
Schumer publicly said that consumers should not be on the hook for something they didn’t create and that the Navy is paying for the entire construction of Plant No. 3.
“Without the financial help, the water rates would have gone way up for consumers,” said Schumer. “South Water District commissioners and I knew that we couldn’t allow that to happen, so last September, I immediately demanded that the U.S. Navy reimburse the Water District for construction and operation of Plant 3. Today we are finally able to start the process. This is great, great news.”
The senator also added that the second installment of money, approximately $1.7 million, will be made soon.
