NJ Group Protests Benzene Problems
Members of the Edison Wetlands Association, an environmental group in New Jersey had been holding protests in front of the Basell USA chemical plant claiming that they are exposing the community to benzene. The group claims that the plant has been seeping toxic chemicals into the local Raritan River.
The rally, which began on November 12, has drawn over 20 people who have remained committed to seeking answers regarding the toxic leak for weeks. However, despite the obvious signs that benzene is still a problem in the area, Executive Director of the EWA, Robert Spiegel, denies that benzene is still seeping into the river.
"We wanted to make sure we have a more public presence here, so that the companies know that we are going to be out here every two weeks until they clean this up, because this is a disaster, this is an environmental disaster area out here, and for them to leave it one day is, in my opinion, borders on criminal," says Spiegel.
Benzene Problems Persist
The area surrounding the river has been an ongoing subject of debate due to questions regarding whether benzene is still putting the community at risk. The environmental group claims that toxic chemicals, like benzene, from the plant have been improperly contained in the ground and water. This has resulted in extensive damage to the plant and animal life in the surrounding areas and has also created a public health hazard.
