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Residents of Bel Air Lakes, a retirement community in Absecon, have filed a lawsuit against the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) over alleged exposure to harmful landfill gases. The lawsuit, filed last week, claims that the landfill, located on Delilah Road in Egg Harbor Township, has been emitting gases that have caused residents to experience breathing difficulties, nausea, and other health issues for years.
The lawsuit alleges that the ACUA has violated federal and state environmental laws in its operation of the landfill. The residents are seeking an injunction to halt operations at the landfill while the lawsuit is ongoing. They also seek air monitoring in their community, damages for personal injury and property damage, and costs and fees.
"The ACUA’s landfill is a massive emitter of hydrogen sulfide, a hazardous air pollutant posing a serious threat to the residents of BAL and the surrounding communities in Absecon, Pleasantville, Galloway, and Egg Harbor Township," said Peter J. Fontaine, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, to Waste Today.
The ACUA has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the landfill is highly regulated and routinely inspected by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The ACUA also stated that it intends to vigorously defend against the accusations in court.