⚠️🏘️ NJ DEP FINDS NO EVIDENCE FORMER KEYPORT LANDFILL IS IMPACTING NEARBY NEIGHBORHOODS 🧪
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection found no evidence that the former Keyport Landfill is contaminating nearby neighborhoods or drinking water. While officials reported that residents remain concerned about local cancer cases, the state maintains that groundwater flows away from homes.
KEYPORT, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has released the results of a months-long investigation into environmental concerns surrounding the former Aeromarine Industrial site and Keyport Landfill.
State officials said the investigation did not find evidence that contamination from the site is impacting surrounding neighborhoods or creating a human exposure pathway through drinking water or vapor intrusion.
The findings were presented Tuesday, September 22, during a public meeting at Keyport High School attended by residents and state officials. The DEP investigation included soil-gas and groundwater sampling in portions of Keyport and Union Beach, with testing focused on volatile organic compounds and other potential contaminants.
🧪 CONTAMINATION WAS DETECTED
DEP officials said contaminants were found in shallow groundwater at the landfill. However, the agency reported that the levels did not indicate a current exposure concern for surrounding homes and businesses. DEP's current assessment also states that groundwater in the evaluated area is not used for drinking water and that groundwater flow is away from the community.
🚰 DRINKING WATER
The DEP says public drinking water is not considered a pathway from the landfill. Keyport's municipal drinking water comes from deeper, confined aquifers, while water quality is monitored under state and federal requirements.
🏘️ RESIDENT CONCERNS CONTINUE
The investigation follows months of concern among Keyport and Union Beach residents over hundreds of reported cancer cases in the area. Residents have questioned whether historical contamination from the former landfill could be connected to those cases.
Some residents expressed disagreement with the state's findings during Tuesday night's meeting and called for additional investigation. Independent testing and environmental concerns have also prompted calls for further sampling.
The DEP says additional work remains, including continued evaluation of samples from Union Beach and other environmental investigations in the surrounding area. The agency has also said it remains committed to properly closing the former landfill.
The Keyport Landfill operated from 1962 until 1979. DEP records show the agency has issued multiple enforcement actions related to violations involving the site's closure and post-closure care, with penalties totaling $1.196 million currently pending an administrative hearing.
📍 Keyport & Union Beach, New Jersey
🔎 GSNN will continue following developments and any additional testing or environmental findings released by state and local officials.