Neighbor News
Word of the Week: Superfund Site
A place that has been so polluted with dangerous chemicals that the government must clean it up to protect people and the environment.
Did you know that right here in West Islip, we have a Superfund Site that’s affecting one of our creeks?
A “Superfund Site” is a location identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as being heavily polluted with toxic substances that pose a serious threat to people and the environment. These sites are put on a special list so the government can make sure they get cleaned up properly.
One of these sites is the former Dzus Fastener Company in West Islip. Years ago, the factory made metal parts and dumped waste containing harmful chemicals like cadmium and chromium. These pollutants didn’t just stay put—they seeped into the nearby Willetts Creek, a tributary that flows directly into the Great South Bay.
The toxic pollution from the Dzus site has had a lasting impact on the creek, hurting water quality and threatening the health of local wildlife and people who live nearby.
Find out what's happening in West Islipfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The good news? Because it's a Superfund Site, cleanup efforts are underway to remove or contain the pollution and stop it from spreading any further.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced a proposed expedited cleanup plan for the site and is inviting the public to learn more and weigh in during an upcoming Community Availability Session.
Find out what's happening in West Islipfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
📢 Community Meeting Details
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
6:00 PM Location
West Islip High School, Cafeteria A/B Address: 1 Lions Path, West Islip, NY 11795
By learning about places like the Dzus site and how they impact creeks and bays, we understand just how important it is to protect our waterways from pollution. Restoring creeks like Willetts is a key part of our mission to Save the Great South Bay.
Save The Great South Bay is a local environmental nonprofit dedicated to restoring water quality in the Great South Bay for future generations. Through initiatives like our Word of the Week, we make environmental science accessible to everyone. Explore past Words of the Week under News & Events in our Photo Gallery at www.savethegreatsouthbay.org.
