Dumping of 'Suspicious Materials' at West Hills County Park Prompts Investigation

The recent dumping of suspicious materials at West Hills County Park is under investigation and the area is considered an active crime scene, Suffolk County officials and authorities announced Friday.

Suspicious materials on the grounds, in addition to a knocked down tree was discovered by Suffolk County Department of Parks. They immediately contacted the DEC’s Division of Law and Environmental Conservation Police to conduct a coordinated investigation.

“These parks [in Suffolk County] are intended to be places for fun and recreation for our families and residents of all ages,” Bellone said in a press release. "They are not places for dumping or misconduct, and they are not grounds for selfish and profit-making activities that are disgusting."

A site visit by officials determined that illegal dumping may have occurred and approximately 15 acres of the 855 acre parkland was subsequently closed off to the public. The land will be closed until further notice.

Bellone says the suspicious materials will be tested for contamination.

“The Suffolk County Police Department was notified and we immediately reassigned the Environmental Crimes Unit of our D.A. section to investigate,” Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Tim Sini said. “The department is working in close collaboration with our partnering law enforcement agencies. We will get to the bottom of this, and we will hold those accountable for their egregious actions.”

Suffolk County has notified the business licensed to the land, Sweet Hills Riding Center, that it must cease all operations while the investigation is underway except for the feeding of the horses who are currently being housed at the stable. Suffolk County Parks is also working to secure emergency management for the facility to care for the horses on the premises.

Suffolk County Parks personnel are on site to notify residents and day campers of the Sweet Hills Riding Center that no entry is permitted in the affected areas due to the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should call 1-800-220-TIPS.

Images of Dumping Debris via Office of Steve Bellone