Neighbors Worry About Risks From Old, Contaminated LIRR Yard
EAST YAPHANK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Residents have demanded a full cleanup of a shuttered and contaminated Long Island Rail Road yard in East Yaphank.
As 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reported, a local official said the yard is about 500 feet east of the Carmans River watershed, and near many homes.
"It's been known to be a contaminated site for almost 30 years, and yet, no serious cleanup has been done," said Brookhaven Supervisor Edward P. Romaine.
Kim Kelly's home is near the site, and she is afraid that underground water supplies are already contaminated.
"Very – and the table is so high here," she said.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has offered to put a cap over the contaminated soil, but critics said the arsenic, lead, copper and zinc found in the shuttered yard must be moved be totally.
The MTA said it is carefully reviewing a letter on the subject issued by Romaine, as it consults with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
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