Brookhaven Science Associates Supports Superstorm Sandy Clean-Up Effort

Beachfront and streets of Mastic Beach cleared of debris

January 23, 2013

Brookhaven National Laboratory employees joined forces with other volunteer organizations on a recent weekend to help clean up debris washed ashore by the high tides and winds from Superstorm Sandy that still litters the beachfront and adjacent roads in the Lab's neighboring community of Mastic Beach. 

Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA), the company that manages and operates Brookhaven Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy, provided safety vests and warm hats to BSA volunteers, and clean up supplies to all who were willing to spend a few hours walking through mud on a damp January Saturday, picking up debris that could pollute the bay and damage its fragile wetlands.

"We had a terrific turnout of volunteers," said Nora Detweiler of the Lab's Community Relations Office, who coordinated the BSA volunteer group. "It was nice to partner with other organizations and share the common goal of helping those severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy."

The effort was led by volunteers from the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association. Mastic Beach Village Mayor Bill Biondi and local organizations participating in the clean up included the William Floyd Community Summit, local Girl Scout troops, and the Tri-Hamlet Hurricane Relief Organization. Brookhaven Town Councilman Dan Panico and Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning, who represent the constituents of Mastic Beach, also put on gloves and boots and worked side-by-side with the volunteers. 

But perhaps Maura Spery, a member of the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association, summed it up best: "Neighbors helping neighbors is the most important component to community. We truly appreciate the time the volunteers spent helping us."

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