Hevesi targets Exxon oil spill
May 15, 2006 Dail News
State Controller Alan Hevesi called for an independent study of the size and impact of the Greenpoint oil spill to make sure ExxonMobil doesn't get away with a cheapo cleanup.
"To our knowledge, one has never been done," Hevesi said of the study, which would be financed by $1 million in state funds. "It's standard practice for all oil spills."
Hevesi also demanded the state Department of Environmental Conservation stop "secretive" negotiations with the oil giant on cleanup requirements until a study of the Brooklyn plume is done.
DEC officials insisted an independent study is not needed because state environmental and health officials monitor ExxonMobil's findings about contamination.
ExxonMobil and two other oil companies are facing three big lawsuits over delays in the cleanup of the 30-year-old spill - which new estimates put at 30 million gallons.
ExxonMobil officials denied they're trying to walk away from a mess they agreed to mop up a decade ago.
"ExxonMobil is committed to meet its environmental responsibilities in the Greenpoint community," said spokesman Brian Dunphy.