Long Island Landfill's 2028 Closure Leaves Toxic Plume Threat Unresolved

A massive landfill on Long Island is set to close in 2028, but concerns over a toxic plume stretching four miles remain unresolved. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has demanded Brookhaven town submit a cleanup plan for the contamination threatening local waterways and drinking wells. The landfill has created a toxic plume now endangering Beaver Dam Creek, Bellport Bay, and underground drinking water sources. Residents, including artist Julianna Kirk, have raised alarms over health risks and falling property values. Local advocacy group Citizens Campaign for the Environment warned that inaction would worsen both issues.

Brookhaven town proposed expanding public water hookups and strengthening groundwater monitoring as solutions. However, the state DEC rejected other options, such as excavating the landfill, removing contaminated groundwater, or shutting it down immediately. Town Supervisor Daniel Panico stated that if the DEC insists on a different approach, the state must provide funding. The cleanup plan now awaits DEC approval, a process that could take months.

The landfill’s closure in 2028 remains fixed, but the fate of the toxic plume is still uncertain. Brookhaven’s proposed measures aim to protect drinking water and monitor contamination, but final decisions rest with the state DEC. Residents continue to push for stronger action to safeguard their health and property.