New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today thanked New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Commissioner Joseph Martens for his decision to change the Speonk Plume classification to require further sampling and investigation.

At a February 27th public meeting, NYSDEC and New York State Department of Health representatives were expected to present the Site Characterization Investigation findings and conclude that the groundwater plume did not meet the criteria for listing as a Site on the New York State Registry of Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site. However, in a change of events that very morning, the DEC decided to classify it as a “C” site. According to the DEC, this classification would mean further well studies, groundwater sampling, and soil vapor investigations. The DEC also noted that they would evaluate a possible “Class 2” designation, looking at remediation and cleanup options.

“I thank Commissioner Martens and Regional Director Peter Scully, for their ability and willingness to listen and respond to community concerns. In this instance, thinking outside of the regulatory black box is what will better protect the health of residents and our coastal ecosystems. This grassroots campaign, initiated at the community level, is one to be applauded. I look forward to working with our State agencies, Speonk community, Group for the East End, and Town of Southampton to ensure this site is at the top of the priority list.”