Initially, the Stringfellow Acid Pits site was a limestone quarry. In 1956, the site’s owners began accepting waste from various industries, including chemical manufacturing, metal plating, and automotive maintenance. The waste material, including highly acidic and toxic substances, was dumped into unlined pits and trenches. This unfortunately led to seepage into the underlying groundwater aquifer. The contamination at Stringfellow Acid Pits eventually made its way into nearby communities, including the cities of Glen Avon, Mira Loma, and Jurupa Valley.
Contaminants at the Stringfellow Acid Pits
The Stringfellow Superfund site is known for a variety of hazardous substances that have contaminated the soil, groundwater, and surrounding environment. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals have been found throughout the site and pose significant risks to the surrounding communities.
The disposal of solvents, degreasers, and other industrial chemicals has resulted in the contamination of groundwater with VOCs such as trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), and chloroform. Inhalation or ingestion of VOC-contaminated water and air can lead to various health effects from organ damage to various forms of cancer.
The Stringfellow Acid Pits also contained heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium, which are commonly associated with industrial activities. Exposure to these metals through ingestion of contaminated water or crops, or direct contact with contaminated soil, can lead to a plethora of harmful health conditions.
In addition to VOCs and heavy metals, the site’s history as an acid waste disposal facility has left a legacy of acidic and toxic substances, including sulfuric acid and other corrosive chemicals harmful to both humans and the environment.
Health Effects of the Stringfellow Contaminants
The contaminants present at the Stringfellow Superfund site have the potential to cause various health effects, particularly through exposure pathways such as ingestion of contaminated groundwater, inhalation of volatile compounds, or direct contact with contaminated soil.
Exposure to volatile organic compounds, such as TCE and PCE, and heavy metals like chromium, can increase the risk of developing various types of cancer, including liver, kidney, and lung cancer. Prolonged exposure to these carcinogens through contaminated water or air increases the likelihood of cellular mutations and the formation of cancerous cells.
Inhalation of volatile organic compounds, including chloroform and TCE, can cause respiratory problems such as irritation of the respiratory tract, asthma-like symptoms, and damage to lung tissue. Workers or residents in proximity to the contaminated areas may experience or may have experienced breathing difficulties and exacerbated respiratory conditions.
Additionally, certain contaminants found at the Stringfellow Superfund site are known to affect the nervous system. Prolonged exposure to these substances can lead to neurological disorders, developmental delays in children, and cognitive impairments.
Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and chromium have the potential to cause damage to the kidneys and liver. Prolonged exposure to these contaminants through ingestion of contaminated water or crops can lead to renal dysfunction, liver disease, and compromised organ function.
While most of the contaminants at the site cause conditions primarily through prolonged exposure, direct contact with corrosive substances and acidic chemicals found at the site can lead to severe skin irritations, burns, and eye damage. Individuals coming into contact with contaminated soil or water without proper protection may experience skin rashes, itching, and chemical burns.
The Stringfellow Superfund site in California stands as a stark reminder of the environmental and health risks associated with improper hazardous waste disposal. The contamination of soil and groundwater with volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and acidic substances has had profound consequences for nearby communities. While ongoing cleanup efforts and monitoring are essential to mitigate the risks and protect public health, nothing can be done to reverse the damage that has already taken place.
Potential Lawsuits
Individuals who have suffered adverse health effects as a result of exposure to contaminants at the Stringfellow Superfund site may seek legal recourse to pursue justice and compensation. Environmental law provides avenues for representing these individuals and holding responsible parties accountable. At OnderLaw, we know the potential legal routes and considerations for representing those affected by the contaminants at this site, and we focus on the importance of engaging experienced environmental law attorneys to navigate the complexities of such cases.
Impacted individuals at the Stringfellow Superfund site can consider the possibility of filing a personal injury claim based on negligence. We may be able to help establish that responsible parties failed in their duty to prevent harm, breached their duty of care, and caused harmful health conditions.
If an entire community was impacted, a toxic tort claim or class action may be filed to pursue compensation for damages experienced by many victims. Claims may be filed for harm caused by toxic substances, alleging negligence, strict liability, or failure to warn. These claims hold responsible parties accountable for hazardous activities and improper waste management.
For anybody affected by contaminants at the Stringfellow Superfund site, legal routes such as personal injury and toxic tort claims offer opportunities for justice. Contacting our experienced environmental law attorneys may be the first step in seeking justice and navigating these complex cases effectively.
If you feel your community has been impacted by the toxic chemicals found at this site, please contact us today.