Just last week, Attorney General Grewal and DEP Commissioner LaTourette announced a new slew of environmental justice lawsuits filed with regard to nine different properties across the state. Seven of the nine lawsuits are intended to address pollution in “overburdened communities,” including Secaucus, Edison, and Egg Harbor City.
The complaints allege numerous environmental claims, including illegal dumping, the release of toxic chemicals from underground storage tanks contaminating soil and groundwater, and the release of chemical and food waste contaminants into stormwater drains. According to the press release from the Attorney General’s Office, the contaminants at issue in these complaints are linked respiratory distress, neurological disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, and other serious health issues. All of the complaints seek to hold responsible parties accountable for the cleanup costs of the contaminated properties and require compliance with any DEP Administrative Orders, amongst other relief.
Since 2018, the Murphy Administration has filed 39 environmental justice lawsuits, recovering nearly $20 million in judgements, used to clean up the contaminated sites and reimburse the state for remediation costs previously spent.
Sources: https://www.njoag.gov/attorney-general-grewal-dep-acting-commission-latourette-announce-nine-new-environmental-enforcement-actions-seven-in-environmental-justice-communities/
https://www.njspotlight.com/2021/05/environmental-justice-enforecment-actions-murphy-administration-tally/