Home / Environment / Cancer Fears: N.J. Landfill Water Testing Underway
Cancer Fears: N.J. Landfill Water Testing Underway
13 Jun
Summary
- Water testing launched near Keyport landfill amid cancer cluster fears.
- Old landfill shows dangerous chemicals like benzene, lead, and PCBs.
- State commits to transparency, sharing results and community forums.
Environmental testing is currently being conducted in Raritan Bay and nearby waterways as concerns grow over a potential cancer cluster in Keyport, New Jersey. Residents fear that the shuttered Aeromarine landfill, which previously exhibited dangerous chemicals including benzene, lead, arsenic, vinyl chloride, and PCBs, could be the source of these health issues. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has deployed teams to collect surface water and groundwater samples under various conditions, including low tide, high tide, and wet weather, to comprehensively assess potential contamination.
In 2010, environmental testing at the Aeromarine site revealed significant chemical contamination deep underground. Scientists have expressed concerns that these toxins could leach into waterways like Raritan Bay and Chingarora Creek, potentially causing various types of cancer. While past studies indicated no direct pathway to nearby homes or groundwater contamination reaching residences, ongoing testing aims to provide more definitive data. The DEP has stated its commitment to transparency and will hold public forums to discuss the findings once they are available, expected in July for surface water samples and sooner for groundwater.
