NJ DEP found contaminants above state limits at Aeromarine and nearby waterways, but said it found no evidence they reached homes from the landfill. Benzene exceeded residential limits at two Union Beach sites; DEP will test whether vapors can enter nearby homes.
Water samples from Raritan Bay, Chingarora Creek and other local waterways showed PFAS above acceptable levels at multiple sites; lead, copper and PAHs also exceeded standards. DEP said the sources are unclear and PFAS may not be related to Aeromarine. It is developing studies to trace PFAS.
At a third Union Beach location, benzene measured exactly at the state screening level. DEP’s additional vapor-pathway testing will cover Union Beach, not Keyport. Three independent scientists who reviewed the presentation without underlying data said the benzene findings warranted more testing, including in nearby homes. NJ.com’s preliminary study found nearby residents were 15% more likely to have cancer than other Monmouth County residents, but much more study is needed to assess any link. The state Health Department says it must review DEP’s data for a potential exposure pathway before examining cancer cases.
