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NEW JERSEY LAWMAKERS CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION TO PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARD
Urge ATSDR to Provide Medicare Care and Reevaluate
Health Threats at Ringwood Superfund Site |
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WASHINGTON – United States Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) as well as U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) today sent a letter to Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Director Dr. Howard Frumkin calling for immediate medical care for the residents living near the Ringwood Mines/Landfill Superfund site.
The three New Jersey lawmakers urged ATSDR to fully reevaluate the health threats faced by the local residents due to the ingestion of possibly contaminated soil, water, animal and plants from the local area. The Ringwood Mines/Landfill Superfund site is the first site to ever be relisted after being declared clean and delisted.
“The number one responsibility for government is to protect the people it serves,” Menendez said. “We need to ensure that the health and safety of Ringwood residents is foremost in the minds of those overseeing the clean-up of this Superfund site.”
“When I last visited Ringwood, I heard about how many people depend upon the land to supplement their family’s meals. The high levels of lead found in small mammals and plants there, is a very serious situation and requires swift action,” said Lautenberg.
“The Upper Ringwood community has been neglected by federal agencies for far too long, and I am concerned that such treatment continues,” Pallone said. “We're asking ATSDR to take yet another step to adhere to its responsibilities and protect the residents.” |
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