DiNapoli: Some polluted parcels on Long Island are years overdue for cleanup, redevelopment

ALBANY — Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said this week that some polluted parcels statewide including several on Long Island have taken 10 years or longer to clean and redevelop for commercial use and housing under a state program.

In Nassau County, five of 20 active sites being redeveloped for companies and homes are taking more than 10 years to complete and one has taken more than 17 years. In Suffolk County, one of four active brownfields sites has been unfinished for more than 17 years, according to DiNapoli.

Statewide, 17% of the 518 active brownfield projects that were reviewed had been in the program for more than 10 years as of October 2023, with the 25 longest projects still underway after between 17 and 19½ years, according to DiNapoli's report. The brownfield program under the state Department of Environmental Conservation is funded in part by the polluters of the properties that are often located in potentially productive areas.

"The Brownfield Cleanup Program can transform contaminated sites into community assets, but only if there is strong oversight," DiNapoli, a Great Neck Plaza Democrat, said in an email Wednesday. "Long Island residents deserve assurance that sites in Nassau and Suffolk are not languishing in the program or posing threats to the health and safety of residents."

He said the Department of Environmental Conservation must set clear deadlines and establish accountability and transparency measures "so these sites are actually cleaned up."

DiNapoli said the DEC is considering regulations to improve oversight and progress faster at "high-risk sites." A public database on the project is also planned, he said.

The Department of Environmental Conservation’s brownfield program has revitalized communities while protecting public health and the environment, spokesman Denis Slattery said in an email.

"The audit's handful of findings is based on a fraction of the state's robust cleanup program," Slattery said. "However, it is crucial to understand that whenever there is an imminent public health or environmental threat at a site, DEC collaborates closely with State Department of Health and other partners to swiftly deploy state resources through the State Superfund or other applicable programs to ensure communities are protected from potential contamination exposure."

Properties on Long Island that have taken more than 17 years to clean and redevelop are:

• The former Klein Cleaners at 69 Birch Hill Rd., Locust Valley.
• The former Steck and Philbin site on Old Northport Road, Kings Park.

Properties taking more than 10 years to clean and redevelop are:

• The former Darby Drugs Distribution Center at 80-100 Banks Ave., Rockville Centre.
• Two sites at 230 Duffy Ave., Hicksville.
• Prospect and Bryant avenues, Sea Cliff.
• Suffolk Airport Canine Kennel on Old Riverhead Road, Westhampton Beach.

The brownfield program is intended to rid parcels of pollutants and toxic contaminants that must be removed before the property can be redeveloped to create housing and jobs. The program encourages private companies to voluntarily clean up the properties in exchange for tax credits, relief from liability and the benefit of technical expertise from the state.

The program is an alternative to the state and federal Superfund programs which mandate that companies clean their most contaminated sites and eliminate public health threats.

The DEC’s written response to DiNapoli’s auditors notes that the concerns involve just 6% of 669 active projects. But the department agreed with the findings of DiNapoli’s report on the delayed projects he highlights.

"DEC will take appropriate action to implement recommendations cited in the report," the department stated.

By Michael Gormley

michael.gormley@newsday.com@GormleyAlbany

Michael Gormley has worked for Newsday since 2013, covering state government, politics and issues. He has covered Albany since 2001.