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Keyport Fears Cancer Link to Old Landfill
29 Apr
Summary
- Residents fear cancer cases linked to nearby former landfill.
- State found contaminants like benzene and arsenic at the site.
- Officials demand investigation into potential health risks.
In Keyport, New Jersey, a community is expressing serious concerns over a potential link between dozens of cancer cases and the former Aeromarine landfill. Residents have mapped 28 homes with reported cancer diagnoses, sparking fears about environmental health risks.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection confirmed that studies found contaminants, including benzene, arsenic, and PCBs, above groundwater levels at the site, which ceased operations in 1979. While the NJDEP states it is unaware of water supply contamination, it is committed to properly closing the landfill.
Local officials and Congressman Frank Pallone are urging for an immediate investigation to determine any causal relationship between the site and the reported illnesses. The borough has previously taken legal action to compel cleanup, with recent court orders directing the DEP to address the site.
The DEP is evaluating next steps, which may involve sampling and collaborating with the state Department of Health to assess public health risks. Keyport officials plan to host a town meeting soon to discuss these pressing issues.
