DEC plans pilot test on contaminated site

The state is about to test a pilot program that involves injecting chemicals into the groundwater to eliminate contamination at a Westbury Superfund site.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation plans to collect environmental samples and install 17 wells at 123 Post Rd., the site of a former dry-cleaning operation.

Thirteen wells will monitor groundwater. The remaining four will be used to inject the chemical compound permanganate into the water. Permanganate reacts with contamination and breaks it down into nonhazardous components.

The process is widespread and commonly used to treat groundwater contamination, DEC spokesman Bill Fonda said.

The pilot testing, which should begin in October, is to see how the technology works and whether additional wells might be needed.

Drill rigs and support equipment will be visible, as will workers wearing protective clothing, which is normal and does not indicate a spill has occurred, the DEC said.

Contamination at the site is 140 feet below the surface. Public water supply wells are farther below the surface and not impacted, the DEC said.