TOBAY Notebook: Re-zoning Old Liberty Site

The Oyster Bay Town Board will consider a zoning change next month for a portion of an old Superfund site that will be used to expand a Farmingdale Park.

The town recently took title to a 7.5-acre parcel located at 55 Motor Ave., Farmingdale, part of the old Liberty Industrial Finishing Site, and expand Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park. It is currently zoned Light Industrial; the change would be to Recreation District.

The site has been controversial for decades. In 1940, Liberty Aircraft Products Company occupied the site, producing aircraft parts and metal finishing work during World War II and the Korean War. After the wars, the site was converted to an industrial park and, later, to light industrial and warehouse uses, according to the report on the site issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Liberty and other companies left behind a toxic legacy: a groundwater plume contaminated with organic and inorganic substances lies beneath the 30-acre industrial area and extends about a mile to the south, according to the EPA. Portions of the Massapequa Preserve, a nature preserve located about one-half mile to the south, are also contaminated from the old plant, according to the EPA.

The property was deemed a federal "Superfund" site, a designation that provides federal money to clean-up or contain the contaminated area and prevent it's further spread. Two decades ago the area was designated a national priority for the EPA, which assumed the role of lead agency in documenting the extent of the contamination and determining the best remediation plan.

Today, the eastern-most parcel of the property is home to a  and the remaining 22 acres are town property. An extensive cleanup is nearing completion at an estimated cost of $32 million. An additional phase of cleanup and monitoring will continue for some time, the report states.

The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. July 26 in the hearing room of Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. 

Hazardous Waste Collection July 9

The fourth of eight 2011 household hazardous waste disposal (S.T.O.P.-Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) and electronic waste collection days for Oyster Bay residents is scheduled for Saturday, July 9.

The collection day, which is open only to Town of Oyster Bay residents, will be held at the Village of Sea Cliff Department of Public Works Garage, Altamont Avenue, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Residents who need more information can call (516) 677-5943.

“The S.T.O.P. program, which provides residents with an environmentally safe means for disposal of household hazardous waste, is now in its 26th year,” said Councilman Joe Muscarella. “This is the eighth year for the Electronic Waste Collection program."

Composting Brochure Available

The town is offering a brochure entitled Composting at a Glance, which outlines the simple “how to” of composting.

“Composting is a recycling method of turning grass, leaves and other yard waste into a valuable resource,” Councilman Anthony D. Macagnone said. “Through composting, organic matter such as grass and yard waste decay into a dark, rich, crumbly substance called humus, which makes excellent soil conditioner."

The brochure provides additional information on what composting is, as well as the advantages of composting, the process of composting, and composting hints to remember.

Any resident or organization interested in obtaining a free brochure can pick one up at Town Halls North (Oyster Bay) and South (Massapequa), the Department of Public Works (Syosset) and at major park facilities, or call or write to the Town of Oyster Bay Public Information Office, Town Hall East, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 11771 (624-6380). A copy can also be downloaded from the Town’s Web site, www.oysterbaytown.com.