For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Taylor.McFarland@sierraclub.org
The Columbia Law School Environment Law Clinic recently filed an Amicus Brief on behalf of the New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club in support of New Jersey’s lawsuit against Solvay Specialty Polymers USA. Solvay is responsible for widespread contamination from toxic per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) emanating for its facility in West Deptford, Gloucester County which has contaminated public drinking water in the region and created ongoing public health risks for the surrounding communities. The lawsuit compels the cleanup of contamination and recovery of Natural Resource Damages.
“Solvay has polluted drinking water and impacted the health of people living in West Deptford. This region has become a toxic nightmare with some of the highest levels of PFNAs. These chemicals are an ongoing threat to the community and environment. Research shows that humans exposed to high levels of PFAS cause liver and kidney problems and development defects in children and pregnant women,” said Taylor McFarland, Acting Director for the Sierra Club, New Jersey Chapter. “The Sierra Club, New Jersey Chapter is standing with NJDEP and Attorney General Grewal to hold this company accountable and make them clean up their mess.”
West Deptford, where the Solvay plant used PFNA, is home to some of the highest levels of PFNA contamination in the world. Recent testing around New Jersey have found PFNA above the new standard 13 times in municipal water systems, according to NJDEP. Of those, 11 occurrences have been tied to the Solvay pollution.
“Up until now, Solvay has kept information on the chemicals that they produce secret as a proprietary and trade secret. Hiding behind a claim of trade secret smells of an attempt to hide the truth and further endangers the health and well being of the residents of South Jersey as the air they breathe and the water they drink are polluted. This must stop,” said Gina Carola, Conservation Vice Chair for the Sierra Club- NJ Chapter.