DA: Veterans Way In Islandia Contaminated With Hazardous Materials

ISLANDIA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Test results confirm a housing development for war veterans on Long Island is contaminated with hazardous materials.

Toxic metals, banned pesticides  and petroleum by-products have been found in the soil at the six-home Veterans Way development in Islandia, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said.

"Whoever put this contaminated fill on this site did so with the knowledge that war veterans and their families were going to live in these homes," Spota said.  "Their deceit is astonishing, leaving these heroes, and their families, in harm's way."

Some of the substances are known to cause cancer and brain damage if ingested, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.

Lauren Broyles, who lives in the development with her husband, Army Staff Sgt. Jason Broyles, and their two boys -- ages 7 and 2, said she is angry and concerned about the contamination.

"We have children and they play in the dirt and they're constantly running around on the dirt and they're digging in the dirt," Broyles told 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera. "It's very concerning."

Plans are in the works to remove the toxic soil and test the water supply.

"DEC [Department of Environmental Conservation] has to approve a remediation plan, once that is approved we will clean it up right away," said Mitchell Pally, Chief Executive Officer of the Long Island Builders Institute, which built the homes.

This is the third contaminated site discovered in the Town of Islip during an investigation into illegal dumping.

Late last month, tests showed that in addition to asbestos, Roberto Clemente Park in Brentwood and a private lot on Route 111 in Central Islip are badly contaminated with hazardous pesticides, toxic metals and petroleum products.

The district attorney's office is continuing to investigate and charges could be filed.

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