The American Cyanamid Company Superfund site, located in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, encompasses approximately 435 acres and was originally operated by American Cyanamid, known for the production of various chemicals, including agricultural and industrial chemicals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and explosives.
Unfortunately, the operations conducted at the American Cyanamid Company’s facility resulted in the release of hazardous substances into the environment, posing serious risks to both human health and the ecosystem. As a result, the EPA placed the site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983 pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), officially naming it a Superfund site. This led to the majority of the land on this site being shut down for restoration, though it remained operational until 1999.
After production was put to an end, most of the buildings were demolished and the land was bought by Wyeth Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc, in 2009. Since then, Wyeth has taken on the responsibility of cleaning up the site with oversight from the EPA. A groundwater cleaning system has since been put into place, which not only cleans the groundwater in the area, but prevents contamination from spreading out of the area.
With help from the Superfund program and Wyeth Holdings, LLC, this site is well on its way to public use and the overall area in the Superfund site has shrunk as the area has improved. However, a large portion of this land is still restricted from public access until the groundwater is deemed safe and the risk of human exposure to contaminants has dwindled.
The release of hazardous chemicals from this site has raised significant concerns among the affected communities. Residents living near the site may have experienced adverse health effects, such as respiratory issues, neurological disorders, and an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.
The main contaminants associated with the site include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals, and other toxic substances, which have infiltrated the soil, groundwater, and nearby waterways, potentially affecting the health and well-being of residents in the area. As a result, surrounding communities now receive their water supply from elsewhere. Additionally, the use of water wells for drinking water in the area has been restricted along with several deed and zoning restrictions put into place to allow cleanup in the area to take place.
While this contamination has certainly posed a danger to anybody living nearby, it has also had a detrimental impact on local ecosystems and natural resources. The pollutants have the potential to accumulate in plants, animals, and aquatic organisms, leading to long-term ecological damage and disruptions in the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Sadly, this is not the only site in the area. Less than a mile away lies the Federal Creosote Superfund site. Together, these sites surround a portion of the Raritan River and lie alongside the Millstone River and Weston Canal. When Superfund sites are so close to waterways, it’s an undeniable fact that the pollutants from them have spread downriver and, in this instance, they’ve likely made their way to the Raritan Bay and thus the Atlantic Ocean.
If you or your community have been affected by the American Cyanamid Co Superfund site contamination, it is important to understand that you have legal rights and options available to seek justice. OnderLaw specializes in representing individuals and communities impacted by such environmental disasters and can assist you in navigating the complex legal process.
Potential legal avenues for seeking justice include toxic tort lawsuits, environmental class action lawsuits, and potential negotiations between the responsible parties and the EPA.
Toxic torts are filed to seek compensation for damages caused by exposure to toxic substances. Our experienced attorneys can help build a strong case by gathering evidence, establishing a causal link between contamination and the health effects experienced in the area to advocate for your rights in court.
In situations where a large number of individuals have been affected, a class action lawsuit can be pursued. This allows multiple plaintiffs to join forces and collectively seek compensation for damages caused by the contamination.
Additionally, our firm can engage in negotiations with the responsible parties, such as the American Cyanamid Co, to secure fair and just settlements for affected individuals and municipalities. We can work closely with environmental regulatory agencies, such as the EPA and state departments, to ensure that the cleanup efforts are effectively carried out and the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
The American Cyanamid Co Superfund site in New Jersey has had far-reaching environmental and health consequences for nearby communities. Our firm is dedicated to providing legal representation and seeking justice for communities and individuals impacted by the contamination.
If you believe your community has been affected by the American Cyanamid Co Superfund site, we encourage you to reach out to our experienced team for a confidential consultation. Together, we can work towards holding the responsible parties accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.
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