Local Politicians Call For LIPA Report On Northport Power Plant

Northport, NY — Responding to recent revelations that Northport Middle School tested for elevated levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) three local politicians held a rally on Friday morning asking LIPA to produce a report on the Northport Power Plant. State Senator Jim Gaughran and Town of Huntington Councilmembers Mark Cuthbertson and Joan Cergol spoke at the Northport Soccer Park parking lot, where they demanded LIPA provide what they call "overdue public safety reports" to the Town of Huntington Planning Department.

The Northport middle school has closed in the wake of the findings.

According to a press release issued by Senator Gaughran's office the recent NYS Department of Environmental Conservation reports found that Northport Power Plant is in severe violation of state and federal air pollution standards for dangerous and hazardous compounds.

The NYS Department of Health has launched an investigation into unusual levels of cancer throughout Northport in an effort to identify potential sources. Cuthbertson and Cergol will be introducing a Town Resolution to direct the Town Attorney to demand LIPA comply and submit all reports as required by previous Town and Planning Boards.

Another Town councilmember Eugene Cook didn't attend but issued the following statement:

"The Northport Power Plant has violated federal and state air emissions levels for years. LIPA has neglected to report crucial information regarding the Northport Power Plant Emissions to the Town of Huntington. The town is obligated to receive this information. This past weekend, The New York State health department launched an investigation into the Northport community after several previous students in the area were diagnosed with cancer.

We need to know if the Northport Power Plants Emissions are a factor in the alarmingly increased cancer risk in the Northport-East Northport Community. The health, safety and welfare of all of our residents should be our number one priority. I will continue to stand with the Northport-East Northport Community. I would like to thank Senator Jim Gaughran for pushing this process along.”