The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Center, located in Atlantic County, New Jersey, is a Superfund site that has been the subject of ongoing remediation efforts since being added to the National Priorities List in 1983. The site has been found to be contaminated by several harmful chemicals that have been shown to cause serious medical conditions amongst those who have been exposed to them.
Centered around the Atlantic City International Airport, just 10 miles north of Atlantic City, this site covers more than 5,000 acres. Within the area lies the Atlantic City Reservoir, the south branch of Absecon Creek, and Lake Harvey, all of which have been found to contain harmful levels of mercury as well as other contaminants.
When bodies of water contain pollutants such as mercury, they can be found within the water itself, in the sediment under and around the water, and within the tissues of the fish which reside in said body of water. Unfortunately, the waterways within this area are often used for fishing despite the dangerous levels of mercury that can be found here.
According to a publication by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, nearly 75% of the public water supply is derived from surface-water sources including creeks, lakes, ponds, and rivers like the ones found in this Superfund site.
Tragically, surface water is not the only source of contamination at this site. The groundwater has also been found to contain plumes of contaminants, mostly Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which have been found to cause liver damage, kidney damage, certain types of cancer, and other illnesses through any exposure to this water such as ingestion or direct contact.
Due to the mass pollution at this site, illnesses caused as a result of these contaminants may have been experienced in surrounding areas. Cities such as Absecon, NJ, and any city on the coastline of Absecon Bay may be affected due to the flow of water from this site into the bay.
Any time an area is designated to be a Superfund site, it has been found to contain contaminants that are harmful not only to the environment but to those living around it. Oftentimes, this means hazardous chemicals and pollutants have been found in the area and may cause various health issues including cancers, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory conditions, and other life-changing illnesses.
Some of the health conditions linked to the chemicals found at the FAA Technical Center include certain types of cancer, liver damage, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, and developmental issues in children. In the event that you are experiencing symptoms or believe that you may have any of these conditions, it is crucial that you seek medical attention.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a medical condition that may be linked to exposure to these chemicals, it’s important to understand your rights and potential legal remedies. Thanks to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which created Superfund sites, environmental lawyers have the ability to hold corporations accountable for any injuries caused as a result of their negligence.
At OnderLaw, we believe that nobody deserves to fall victim to any corporation’s negligence. We strive to hold companies accountable when their decisions negatively impact anybody, whether it’s their consumers or the innocent lives affected by the pollution that they leave behind.
Bringing forth a personal injury lawsuit often requires sophisticated scientific evidence and expert testimony. Therefore, it’s important to work with an attorney who specializes in environmental law or toxic torts. They can help gather the necessary evidence, hire expert witnesses, and navigate the complex legal procedures involved in these types of cases so you never have to.
While personal injury lawsuits may be filed for individuals that have experienced damages, class action lawsuits may be appropriate when a large group or, in this instance, large communities are impacted by nearby contamination.
Importantly, the Superfund law has a “statute of limitations” that places a deadline on when a lawsuit can be filed. Generally, this is within a certain number of years after the injury occurs or after the injured person becomes aware (or should have become aware) of the injury. Therefore, if you believe you’ve been harmed due to exposure to contaminants from the FAA Technical Center, it’s critical to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
While the process can be challenging, pursuing legal action can be an important step in holding responsible parties accountable and securing the resources needed to address the health impacts of exposure to hazardous substances. It’s also a powerful tool for raising awareness about the dangers of environmental contamination and pushing for stronger protections to prevent similar situations in the future.
If your community has been impacted by the chemicals found at the FAA Technical Center, contact us today.
