The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will not investigate a controversial sand mine in Noyac, Long Island, despite years of protest by nearby residents who say the mining operation has polluted their drinking water.
The EPA will leave the monitoring of the mine up to the state of New York. The state has allowed the mine to operate and expand an additional 40 feet deeper under close watch.
Suffolk County health officials say the groundwater beneath the mine is contaminated with pollutants.
Residents have sued to try to shut down the mine.
