Toxic Legacy: The Ongoing Battle Over the Camden Somerdale Incinerator
For decades, the Camden Somerdale incinerator, located in Camden, New Jersey, has been a source of controversy and concern for local residents, environmental activists, and public health advocates. The incinerator, which was operational from 1989 to 2012, was designed to burn municipal waste and generate electricity. However, the facility’s legacy is one of toxic pollution, environmental degradation, and community suffering.
A History of Pollution
The Camden Somerdale incinerator was built in the late 1980s, with the promise of providing a solution to the region’s waste management needs. However, from the outset, the facility was plagued by problems. The incinerator was designed to burn 250 tons of waste per day, but it frequently exceeded its permitted capacity, releasing excessive amounts of toxic pollutants into the air. These pollutants, including dioxins, furans, and heavy metals, have been linked to a range of serious health problems, including cancer, respiratory disease, and neurological damage.
Community Impact
The impact of the incinerator on the local community has been devastating. Residents living in the surrounding neighborhoods, many of whom are low-income and minority, have been exposed to years of toxic pollution. Studies have shown that children living near the incinerator have higher rates of asthma and other respiratory problems, while adults have experienced increased rates of cancer and other diseases. The incinerator’s pollution has also contaminated local waterways, including the Delaware River, and has negatively impacted the region’s ecosystem.
Environmental Justice
The Camden Somerdale incinerator is a classic example of environmental injustice. The facility was sited in a predominantly African American and Latino community, where residents have limited economic and political power. The incinerator’s operators, including the Philadelphia-based company, Covanta Energy, have been accused of exploiting these communities, prioritizing profits over public health and environmental protection.
Activism and Resistance
Despite the odds, local residents and environmental activists have fought tirelessly to shut down the incinerator and clean up the pollution. In the 1990s and early 2000s, community groups, including the Camden County Environmental Coalition and the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance, organized protests, petitions, and lawsuits to oppose the incinerator’s operation. These efforts ultimately led to the facility’s closure in 2012.
Ongoing Challenges
Although the incinerator is no longer operational, the battle over its legacy is far from over. The site remains contaminated, and local residents are still exposed to toxic pollutants. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has been criticized for its handling of the cleanup, with many arguing that the agency has not done enough to protect public health and the environment.
Current Developments
In recent years, there have been several developments in the ongoing battle over the Camden Somerdale incinerator. In 2020, the NJDEP announced plans to conduct a comprehensive cleanup of the site, including the removal of contaminated soil and groundwater. However, community groups and environmental activists have expressed skepticism about the plan, citing concerns about the adequacy of the cleanup and the potential for ongoing pollution.
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The toxic legacy of the Camden Somerdale incinerator serves as a powerful reminder of the need for environmental justice and accountability. The facility’s operation has had a devastating impact on local residents, who have been exposed to years of toxic pollution. As the community continues to fight for justice and cleanup, it is essential that policymakers and corporations prioritize public health and environmental protection over profits. Only through collective action and advocacy can we ensure that the toxic legacy of the Camden Somerdale incinerator is finally laid to rest.
What You Can Do
If you are concerned about the ongoing battle over the Camden Somerdale incinerator, there are several ways to get involved:
- Support local community groups, such as the Camden County Environmental Coalition and the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance, which are working to promote environmental justice and cleanup.
- Contact your elected officials and express your concerns about the incinerator’s legacy and the need for comprehensive cleanup.
- Stay informed about developments in the cleanup process and attend public meetings and hearings to make your voice heard.
Together, we can work towards a safer, healthier, and more just future for the communities affected by the Camden Somerdale incinerator.
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