Suffolk Reporter

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) has spearheaded a call for the New York Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive health study for the Calverton community. The initiative, supported by state and local officials, aims to address potential health risks associated with PFAS contamination at the Calverton Grumman site.

The letter was cosigned by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo, New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, Suffolk County Legislator Catherine Stark, Riverhead Supervisor Tim Hubbard, and Riverhead Councilmembers Kenneth Rothwell, Robert Kern, Denise Merrifield, and Joann Waski.

“I’m a lifelong Long Islander and I have seen firsthand the water quality issues our communities have faced. I am proud to have secured critical funding for the Town of Riverhead to address these issues and support residents but it is clear there is more to be done,” said LaLota. “Urgent action is necessary to safeguard the health and well-being of the Calverton community. Given the health risks associated with PFAS, including cancer and liver damage, it is imperative that the New York Department of Health quickly begin this study.”

In July 2024, LaLota successfully secured $1.25 million for the Town of Riverhead’s Calverton and Riverhead PFAS/PFOA Cleanup Project included in the House-passed FY25 Interior Appropriations bill.

Additionally, LaLota sent a letter to the Department of Defense expressing concerns about delays from Naval Facilities Mid-Atlantic (NAVFAC MIDLANT) regarding cleanup efforts at the Calverton Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant (NWIRP).

Earlier this year, LaLota obtained $1.25 million in FY24 Appropriations for extending 37,000 feet of public water main in Riverhead and connecting 90 homes near NWIRP Calverton to safe drinking water.

LaLota also secured $1.25 million for Suffolk County Water Authority's Westhampton Water Main Extension project to provide clean drinking water affected by PFAS.