This week, we are one step closer to shutting down Sand Land’s polluting mining operation in Noyac. On December 10^th, Sand Land was denied its motion to renew and reargue permit hearing proceedings on its application to expand mining operations. In January, the proceedings had been suspended and adjourned without date pending submission of proof that the proposed expansion is allowed under Town Code in Southampton. It is not.

These proceedings took place in the Office of Hearings and Mediation Services (OHMS), an independent office within the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) that reports directly to the Commissioner. OHMS conducts hearings related to the Department's permitting and enforcement activities under the Environmental Conservation Law.

We have seen time and again that mining operations on Long Island present a clear and present threat to our drinking water supply. Sand Land is no different. Earlier this year, Suffolk County went to court to gain the right to test the groundwater under the facility. Ultimately, they found pollution well in excess of drinking water standards. In its June report, the County Health Department found iron, manganese, thallium, sodium, nitrate, ammonia, and radioactivity in the water table directly below the sand mine, threatening the community’s drinking water supply. Iron was found at concentrations over 200 times the drinking water standard. Manganese was found at concentrations nearly 100 times the standard.

OHMS’s decision is a win for the environment and public health; but the real victory will come when Sand Land is closed permanently and our groundwater is protected.