EPA cites concern for endangered species as feds ponder selling NY animal lab island

EPA seeks thorough review of NY animal lab site

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. — EPA officials want a thorough study of the impact a New York animal disease lab had on the environment before the federal government goes ahead with plans to sell the island on which it sits.

They suggest that a vast area of Plum Island could be kept as a nature preserve if the government proceeds with plans to sell the site.

In a June 2 letter, EPA officials note that federally protected endangered bird species are found on the island off eastern Long Island. They include piping plovers and roseate (ROH’-zee-iht) terns.

The General Services Administration is conducting an environmental impact study of Plum Island. The government plans to move its animal research operations from the island to Manhattan, Kan.