41 Cancer Cases on One Street Spark Alarm in Keyport

KEYPORT, NJ: Cancer cluster fears spark state probe, feds on standby

New Jersey officials are launching an investigation into a suspected cancer cluster in Keyport as pressure builds for federal involvement.

At a budget hearing in Washington on Tuesday, Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. pressed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to step in.

The push comes after NJ.com reported 41 cancer cases in Keyport, including 28 on a single street near the former Aeromarine landfill, which closed in 1979.

Following that report, New Jersey Health Commissioner Raynard Washington confirmed the state will begin an investigation.

Pallone said he sent a letter to the EPA earlier this month urging federal officials to work with New Jersey to investigate and clean up the site.

Zeldin responded that while the EPA is aware of the issue, the state has not formally requested federal assistance.

He said the agency stands ready to help and noted that enforcement has been led by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Pallone said EPA Region 2 officials recently met with his staff, with another meeting expected this week.

The concern centers on the former Aeromarine landfill, which Pallone says was never fully cleaned up or properly capped.

Testing over the years has found dangerous substances in the area, including benzene, PCBs, heavy metals and methane gas.

Despite repeated violations and nearly $900,000 in fines, Pallone said the site remained unsecured and was never properly capped.

He is now calling for full environmental testing, a comprehensive health review and better communication with residents.

Bottom line: A quiet neighborhood is now at the center of a growing public health concern, with pressure mounting for federal action.