KEYPORT, NJ — For Salvatore Liguori, the loss of his son, Anthony, is a wound that will never heal. Anthony was diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2023 and passed away just months later. Now, Liguori and dozens of other families in the Keyport area are asking a terrifying question: Is the ground they live on killing them?
The spotlight has turned toward the Aeromarine Landfill, a now-defunct site that closed in the late 1970s. Recent reports from NJ.com have uncovered a staggering 40 cancer cases in the immediate vicinity—including a chilling 28 cases on a single street.
A Father’s Search for the Truth
“My kid was one of a kind, he was special. He held our family together,” Salvatore Liguori told reporters. Liguori isn’t seeking a payout; he’s seeking the truth. “I know if my son was here and we could save someone, that’s what he would want.”
The Liguoris are far from alone. Neighboring resident Brian Hagman noted that cancer seems to follow those who grew up in the shadow of the landfill. “Two of my uncles had cancer and they grew up in this area,” Hagman said. “I think the woman down here has cancer [too].”
Congressman Steps In as ‘Cancer Cluster’ Concerns Grow
The cluster has caught the attention of Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), who is now calling for a full-scale federal and state investigation. In a letter to officials, Pallone demanded immediate testing of the area’s air, soil, and water.
“Having cancer and not knowing the cause of it is a nightmare,” Pallone said. “The main thing here is to check on this cancer cluster to see if there’s a link to these cancers and the landfill and toxic waste at this site.”
The History of the Aeromarine Site
The Aeromarine Landfill has been a source of local friction for decades. Since its closure, the site has been slapped with hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Despite the mounting health concerns, no definitive link has been legally established between the toxic waste and the local cancer rates—yet.
Recent developments suggest the land was on the verge of being sold to a new buyer just months ago. However, that deal is now under review as state officials join the call for a thorough investigation into the land’s current condition.
Living in Fear
For many Keyport residents, the borough they love has become a source of anxiety. While some say they enjoy the community, the fear of a potential cancer cluster is forcing families to consider moving away. For those who remain, the demand for transparency is the only priority.
Attempts to reach the current owners of the landfill for comment have been unsuccessful.
What’s your take, Keyport? Do you live near the Aeromarine site? Have you noticed an unusual number of health issues in your neighborhood? The community deserves answers.
Share your story in the comments below and let your neighbors know they aren’t alone.
