The documents show that the agency has removed 1,100 tons of hazardous materials from the island, including asbestos, lead paint, and mercury. They also show that the agency has demolished 100 buildings and removed 1,200 underground storage tanks.
The cleanup is part of a larger plan to turn Plum Island into a wildlife refuge. The island was closed in 2008 after the U.S. Department of Agriculture decided to consolidate its animal disease research facilities.
The documents show that the cleanup is on track to be completed by 2024.
Here are some of the highlights of the cleanup:
* The agency has removed 1,100 tons of hazardous materials from the island, including:
* 600 tons of asbestos
* 200 tons of lead paint
* 100 tons of mercury
* The agency has demolished 100 buildings, including:
* The main laboratory building
* The animal research facility
* The power plant
* The agency has removed 1,200 underground storage tanks.
* The cleanup is on track to be completed by 2024.
"We are committed to cleaning up Plum Island and restoring it to its natural state," said a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "We are making significant progress, and we are confident that we will complete the cleanup by 2024."
Once the cleanup is complete, Plum Island will be transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which will manage it as a wildlife refuge. The refuge will be open to the public for recreation, such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.
