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Cancer Cluster Fears: New Landfill Tests Offer Mixed Data
1 Aug
Summary
- New tests on Keyport's Aeromarine landfill show fewer toxins than in 2010.
- Some toxins were found at levels exceeding state standards in new testing.
- Residents fear contamination from the landfill may be causing a cancer cluster.
Keyport borough officials commissioned new, limited environmental testing at the Aeromarine landfill, releasing findings on Friday that add data to residents' concerns about a potential cancer cluster. The tests, conducted by Excel Environmental Resources, focused on the industrial portion of the site and an undeveloped area, not the shuttered landfill itself.
Results indicated fewer toxins than comprehensive 2010 testing but identified some contaminants exceeding state standards, including benzene in shallow groundwater. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found in most groundwater samples, though the report stated they did not originate from the site. Elevated levels of naturally occurring metals were also noted.
These findings come as residents report hundreds of cancer cases, fearing a link to the landfill. The Department of Environmental Protection is expected to release its own comprehensive analysis soon, which will incorporate data from both the borough's and the site buyer's testing. The DEP plans to hold a town hall meeting in September to share its results.
