Keyport residents raise health concerns amid possible cancer cluster
Neighbors in Keyport say decades-old pollution could be linked to a possible cancer cluster identified along First Street.
More Stories
Residents in a Monmouth County community are voicing growing concerns that long-standing environmental contamination may be affecting their health.
Neighbors in Keyport say decades-old pollution could be linked to a possible cancer cluster identified along First Street.
A map created by a local resident highlights more than two dozen homes in the area, where people have reportedly been diagnosed with cancer.
While no official determination has been made, the concentration of cases has alarmed families who live nearby.
Michael Volpe, who moved to Keyport eight years ago, said the neighborhood’s waterfront appeal drew him and his family to the area.
Now, he worries about what those reports could mean for residents, especially children.
“I have my family here and there are children on this block,” Volpe said.
An NJ.com report recently pointed to the potential cluster near the former Aeromarine dumping site.
Authorities say there is currently no confirmed link between the reported cancer cases and the former landfill.
Still, some residents say environmental concerns tied to past dumping practices are not unexpected.
“It would not surprise me that there are environmental issues here from previous dumping,” said Keyport resident Carol Goodhua.
The issue was discussed at a recent borough meeting, where town officials said they are working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to address contamination tied to the old landfill.
Mayor Rose P. Araneo said an investigation is now underway.
“DEP will spearhead the data gathering,” she said.
She added that the process will be thorough but time-consuming due to the scope of the work.
For now, residents say they are waiting for answers as officials work to determine whether the contamination poses an ongoing health risk to the community.
