The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released the latest episode of “DEC Does What?!”, the bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Episode Eight— “Digging Deep on the Navy-Grumman Plume”—explores the role of DEC staff overseeing environmental cleanup efforts to address historic industrial contamination on Long Island.

One of DEC's primary missions is to oversee the cleanup of contamination throughout New York State, and this episode discusses the recent news on efforts underway to address the legacy of pollution from the former U.S. Navy and Northrup Grumman facility in Bethpage and related operations on Long Island. DEC is working closely with State, federal, and local partners to ensure public health and the environment are protected from contamination both near the surface and deeper underground in groundwater. Hosts Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald talk with Jason Pelton, Professional Geologist, and Jess LaClair, Environmental Engineer, both with DEC’s Division of Environmental Remediation, to discuss ongoing cleanup efforts on Long Island, how DEC’s cleanup programs support revitalization efforts in communities, and how New Yorkers can stay up to date on environmental cleanups happening across the state. 

Episode Eight also includes an update on environmental news and recent DEC and State-led initiatives, including the recently-announced Extreme Heat Action Plan to help plan for and address the dangers of extreme heat on New Yorkers, the latest round of Certified Climate Smart Communities taking action on climate change, and new improvements at Zoar Valley aimed at improving access while keeping visitors safe.

All episodes of “DEC Does What?!” are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms.

For more information on "DEC Does What?!," visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast