The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), is hosting a virtual public meeting on July 6 at 6 p.m., to seek input on the State’s development of a new study of the potential for impacts to groundwater quality resulting from sand mining on Long Island. In addition to DEC’s robust stakeholder outreach to water districts, elected officials, environmental groups, and others, comments and input received during the meeting will help guide the creation of a multi-year assessment of sand mining and groundwater to help ensure the continued protection of the region’s sole-source aquifer.

In 2020, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo directed DEC and DOH to conduct the study, which will include groundwater sampling and testing at monitoring wells installed at Long Island mine sites. DEC is developing a list of contaminants potentially associated with mining activities that mines will test for starting this fall for approximately three years. DEC and DOH will then produce a report for public review. Additional information about the study is available on DEC’s website at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/123134.html

The virtual public meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 6, at 6 p.m., and will include an overview of the study followed by an opportunity for participants to comment. Participants can use the following link to join the virtual meeting: https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=eeeea5841e03cf43f987f26b5cf83d2fa