Laboratory sample results confirmed
On March 9, 2000, the Community Advisory Council (CAC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) was given a presentation on the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) Peconic River sampling activities. The CAC, a diverse group of about 32 organizations serving as advisors to BNL's Director, John Marburger, is currently evaluating the Proposed Plan for cleaning up the Peconic River sediments. To assure a full understanding of the issue, they have requested that local, state and federal regulatory agencies attend the CAC sessions. The group is intent on fully understanding the current conditions and evaluating the appropriateness of the proposed cleanup activities. A consensus recommendation with regard to cleanup is expected from the group before the May 15, 2000 close of the comment period.
At the March CAC meeting, Andrew Rapiejko from the SCDHS provided information about split samples taken with BNL. Mr. Rapiejko reported that samples analyzed to date - Peconic River sediment and water, and soil from BNL's sewage treatment plant - have been very consistent with the results reported by BNL. The rest of the analytical data for the SCDHS project, which includes fish and shellfish samples, is expected by late April of this year.
The CAC will further explore the cleanup issue in April. Representatives from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, whose sample data are also consistent with the Laboratory results, are expected to attend the meeting. The CAC will have an opportunity to understand the concerns and expectations of these regulatory agencies. The information obtained from the agencies, coupled with information from BNL, will all be considered by the CAC in developing a formal comment for the public record.
The participation and dedication exhibited by the CAC members in developing comments on this plan is welcomed and appreciated by the Department of Energy and BNL. The CAC has already provided well-informed, well-reasoned recommendations for the groundwater cleanup. Its comments on the Peconic River cleanup are eagerly anticipated.
Magothy aquifer study planned
In April 2000, as part of its ongoing groundwater cleanup project, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) will begin characterizing contamination in areas of the Magothy aquifer. This groundwater sampling and analysis effort is expected to take about 18 months to complete.
The Magothy aquifer begins about 200 feet below the land surface in the BNL vicinity, and extends downward for several hundred feet. The Upper Glacial aquifer lies above the Magothy, while the Lloyd aquifer is below it.
The Laboratory previously investigated portions of the Magothy aquifer during its Operable Unit III remedial investigation. Existing information, however, is limited. In response to community and regulator concerns, the Laboratory plans a more extensive characterization and monitoring effort that will extend to about 400 feet below land surface.
When this investigation is completed, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the N.Y. State Department of Environmental Conservation will evaluate the need for cleanup of the Magothy aquifer. DOE will notify the public and provide an additional opportunity for public comment if a remedy for the Magothy is deemed necessary.