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EPA Updates Cleanup Plan for Groundwater Pollution in Hewlett, NY

January 17, 2025

Contact Information
Carlos Vega (vega.carlos@epa.gov)
212-637-3662
Stephen McBay (mcbay.stephen@epa.gov)
929-243-0417

Hewlett, N.Y.  (Jan 17, 2025) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has updated its 2017 cleanup plan for the Peninsula Boulevard Groundwater Plume Superfund Site in Hewlett, New York, to address more extensive contamination in the area. The updated plan reflects the results of recent sampling, which show that groundwater contamination at the site is more extensive than originally expected.

“This updated cleanup approach addresses the full scope of contamination to protect the health of the Hewlett community,” said Acting EPA Regional Administrator Alyssa Arcaya. “EPA is committed to engaging with local residents and businesses to ensure they are informed and supported throughout this process.”

The Peninsula Boulevard Groundwater Plume site is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) from historic dry-cleaning operations. This contamination affects groundwater in the Village of Hewlett and the Town of Hempstead, however the New York American Water Company treats the drinking water and provides clean, safe drinking water to the residences in the area.

In 2011, the EPA finalized a plan to address groundwater contamination. However, further investigations revealed that source material beneath several properties needed to be addressed first. A 2017 cleanup plan targeted addressing this source material, but more recent sampling has uncovered contamination that is more extensive than originally identified.

To address the broader scope of contamination, the EPA’s updated plan includes the following:

  • In-Place Thermal Treatment: Heating contaminated soil and groundwater at the Cedarwood Cleaners property and nearby parcels, including sections of West Broadway and Hewlett Parkway, to break down harmful chemicals.
  • Groundwater Recirculation System: Pumping out groundwater, removing contaminants through treatment, and returning clean water to the aquifer.
  • Air Monitoring: The EPA will monitor air quality to ensure the safety of residents and businesses during these cleanup activities. This includes testing for harmful vapors that may seep into buildings and installing systems to prevent them from entering affected properties, if necessary.

Cedarwood Cleaners, identified as a primary contamination source, will be demolished to allow for effective cleanup of contamination under it. During the public information session held on January 16, EPA informed the community about the modified cleanup plans, and outlined additional sampling and investigations scheduled for this winter. While the design process is expected to take two to three years to complete, EPA is committed to working closely with local businesses and property owners to minimize disruptions and will continue to provide regular updates.

Additional background and site documents will be available at the Peninsula Boulevard Groundwater Plume Superfund Site profile page.

Follow EPA Region 2 on X, Instagram, and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

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Last updated on January 17, 2025
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