Navy moves to start cleaning Calverton groundwater plume

BARBARAELLEN KOCH FILE PHOTO
Peconic River Sportsmen

In a move that shines “a light at the end of the tunnel” for residents long worried about extensive groundwater pollution flowing from the former Grumman naval weapons plant in Calverton, the U.S. Navy last week unveiled a plan to start testing treatment systems there this summer.
Based on the results of those tests, the Navy will present a comprehensive plan, called a Corrective Measures Study, in February that will include long-term cleanup options. After a 30-day public comment period, the study will be amended, if necessary. Once it is approved by the state, the actual cleanup could begin.
“The Navy was for the first time was talking about active remediation, and pinpointing