Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) commended the resolution to permanently shutter the Keegan Landfill in Kearny. The hydrogen sulfide-emitting landfill, which is operated by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), will now be transformed into a public recreation space for Hudson County residents.

“Today is a great day for Kearny and Hudson County residents who are entitled to clean air and a high quality of living,” said Rep. Pascrell. “The NJSEA’s unanimous decision to close and cap the landfill is a win for our entire community. I especially want to commend Mayor Alberto Santos, the 32^nd District Legislative Team, and of course the many dedicated community members for their unwavering advocacy. Mayor Santos has personally kept our office abreast of every development at Keegan since the onset of this issue. We have been working together for months to help achieve a positive resolution and I thank him, as well as Governor Murphy, for enabling a resolution of this matter.”

Earlier this year, Reps. Pascrell and Albio Sires (D-NJ-08) sent a letter to Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to inquire about the actions the DEP is taking to address health hazards and noxious odors at the Keegan Landfill in Kearny. The letter led to several staff briefings from DEP about the potential health hazards at the site.