On Monday, Sept. 30, a Hudson County judge ruled that the Keegan Landfill in Kearny must close permanently because it presents a “clear and immediate danger”.
Since March of 2018, the landfill has been emitting hydrogen sulfide odors, according to a press release from the New Jersey Sierra Club.
In April, Kearny filed a suit against the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority which owns and operates the facility winning a temporary injunction to close the landfill until the hearing.
The NJSEA has already been fined for the hydrogen sulfide emissions. They had installed a gas collection system to help mitigate the gas’s effects.
“We hope the NJSEA does not appeal the judge’s decision and lets it stand to keep the Keegan Landfill closed,” said Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club Jeff Tittel. “This will help the community and the environment. NJSEA need to be held accountable for illegally dumping waste and causing serious health impacts to the people of Kearny. These nasty chemicals can burn lungs, eyes, and create a toxic mess. Hudson Judge Jeffrey Jablonski stood up for the law and the people of Kearny. This is a good step forward toward reducing and eliminating the foul odors coming from the Keegan Landfill. DEP now needs to make sure that NJSEA is held accountable in cleaning up this site. Otherwise, they are putting the health of Kearny residents back at risk.”
Earlier this month Senator Nicholas Sacco introduced a resolution urging the NJSEA and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to take immediate action to close and cap the Keegan Landfill in Kearny.
“This landfill must be closed, kids enjoying recess or playing soccer should not be overwhelmed by the smell of rotten eggs,” said Senator Sacco “It has become a serious public nuisance in the area and it must be addressed. That is why I am working with the Hudson County Executive and my counterparts in the Assembly to pass similar resolutions pressuring NJSEA and DEP to close and cap the landfill.”
