Rep. Pallone, Keyport officials call for investigation into possible cancer cluster near Aeromarine site
"The Borough is demanding that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection take all actions necessary to investigate and remediate any environmental issues that may exist on the property."
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Rep. Frank Pallone is urging state and federal agencies to investigate whether a suspected cancer cluster in Keyport is linked to contamination at the former Aeromarine landfill, citing community reports of more than 40 cancer cases, including 28 concentrated on and around First Street.
In an April 17 letter, Pallone asked the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies to take immediate action, including securing the site, conducting environmental testing and evaluating whether a statistically significant cancer cluster exists.
Keyport officials are also speaking out about a potential rise in cancer cases among residents. The borough said it is taking the allegations seriously and released a statement saying, "The Borough is demanding that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection take all actions necessary to investigate and remediate any environmental issues that may exist on the property."
The New Jersey DEP said it recently received correspondence from the New York-New Jersey Baykeeper raising concerns about a possible connection between the defunct landfill and health issues in parts of the community. The agency said it has begun initial discussions to determine next steps.
According to the DEP, if environmental sampling is conducted in the First Street area of Keyport, the agency could share that data with the New Jersey Department of Health and request a public health assessment to evaluate possible health implications from potential exposures.
A public meeting is scheduled for tonight at Keyport Borough Hall.
