New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to intensify efforts to hold aerospace and defence technology company Northrop Grumman accountable for the cleanup of Bethpage Community Park.
The directive follows the discovery of six 55-gallon drums encased in concrete beneath the former ballfield, prompting concerns about potential contamination in the area.
These developments undermine and contradict Northrop Grumman's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) developments in recent years. In 2023, Northrop Grumman released its ESG report, showcasing advancements in emissions reductions, diversity, inclusion, ethical business operations, and progress in achieving sustainability goals.
The company's Task Force on climate-related financial disclosures report, further highlighted its commitment to climate-related governance and risk management. In 2022, GlobalData's analysis identified Northrop Grumman as best positioned to navigate future disruptions in the ESG landscape.
Governor Hochul emphasised the state's commitment to protecting residents of Oyster Bay and safeguarding the environment, asserting, "New York is a national leader when it comes to addressing legacy pollution." The directive shows the state's determination to ensure that Northrop Grumman bears the burden of remediating environmental damage caused by historical industrial operations.
In response to the discovery of the encased drums in Bethpage Community Park, Northrop Grumman acknowledged the situation.
"While conducting environmental remediation in the Bethpage Community Park under the supervision of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), we discovered several drums encased in concrete underground in a closed area of the Park.
We promptly notified NYSDEC and other relevant stakeholders and we are working with NYSDEC to assess and address this situation as quickly as possible. We remain committed to protecting the health and well-being of the community and to continuing our partnership with NYSDEC and other government regulators to address environmental conditions in the area," a company spokesperson claimed.
Under DEC oversight, cleanup efforts are underway to investigate, contain, and address the US Navy-Grumman groundwater plume associated with past operations at Grumman's Bethpage facility and the US Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant. Collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local partners aim to enhance cleanup measures and ensure the safe disposal of contaminated soil and materials.
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos affirmed the state's dedication to environmental stewardship, stating, "We are committed to sustaining New York State's efforts to fully contain and clean up the Navy-Grumman groundwater plume." The directive calls for Northrop Grumman to implement further cleanup measures and adhere to strict timelines, with penalties for non-compliance.
In response to the discovery of the encased drums, DEC is coordinating with relevant agencies to safely assess the contents and develop a plan for their removal and disposal. Ground-penetrating radar testing is underway to identify additional underground drums that may pose environmental risks.
Governor Hochul's directive reminds us of the importance of holding polluters accountable for their actions.
