As test results were returned to residents, many of them learned, all for the first time, that their homes were contaminated with potentially deadly cancer-causing fumes, and that they may have been contaminated for up to ten years or more and they were never told until now. In July 2000, we visited the offices of EPA and the state Department of Environmental Resources to review records involving the fuel spill. According to the EPA's own documents, in 1996 they notified Tranguch and at least five other potentially responsible parties that they were suspected of fuel leakage at their properties. While much has been stated publicly by EPA about the Tranguch operation, we find it curious that the other operators are never mentioned. The situation today in our opinion is tragic.
Many people are sick and several have died from cancer-related diseases.
Residents are in a state of constant stress as a direct result of the spill and concern for their health and safety. Property values have plummeted. This is a serious concern of many residents but pales in comparison to their concerns about their health. Many homes have been contaminated, and the EPA is attempting to remediate them. When requested by a homeowner, the EPA collects a test sample of air from the home.