Parker Waichman LLP

Bombshell oil spill study

Toxic Gas Escaped From Greenpoint Oil Spill. State officials and ExxonMobil executives have known for as long as 10 years that potentially toxic gases escaped from a massive Greenpoint oil spill, court papers show. The environmental group Riverkeeper recently made the discovery in two reports released by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the oil […]

oil spill

Toxic Gas Escaped From Greenpoint Oil Spill. State officials and ExxonMobil executives have known for as long as 10 years that potentially toxic gases escaped from a massive Greenpoint oil spill, court papers show.

The environmental group Riverkeeper recently made the discovery in two reports released by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the oil company as part of a lawsuit.

“If Exxon knew at the time about this study, then the people have been sold a false bill of goods,” said Riverkeeper investigator Basil Seggos.

State DEC officials have repeatedly insisted the massive underground oil spill first discovered in 1978 was not toxic.

But a 1996 report conducted for Eldorado, Ltd., a coffee roasting company considering moving to an industrial lot on Apollo St. above the spill, found high levels of benzene vapors, a known carcinogen.

“Apollo St. was not suitable because of the oil problem,” said Eldorado owner Segundo Martin yesterday from his roasting plant in Masbeth, Queens.

Gas Vapors Moving

A second study, carried out in 1998 for ExxonMobil, found the potential for gas vapors moving into the neighborhood.

Seggos said DEC and ExxonMobil officials testified before the City Council in 1997 that no dangerous vapors were escaping from the spill.

“If anyone got sick based on what was asserted in 1997, God help ExxonMobil,” Seggos said.

An ExxonMobil spokesman said yesterday the company was unable to immediately respond to questions about the newly revealed reports, but insisted the oil giant was not “previously aware of vapor or other health-related issues in the residential community.”

Spill neighbors blasted the DEC and ExxonMobil over the revelations.

“They’re full of crap,” said a disgusted Tom Stagg, a Greenpoint resident who has lost several relatives to cancer. “They’re bull-crapping the neighborhood with propaganda.”

DEC officials insisted the two reports had previously been made public and that officials have “indicated publicly many times that there is the potential for vapor issues.”

As a result, the state “has required monitoring and sampling,” a DEC spokeswoman said in a statement.

As recently as January, at a public meeting presided over by the DEC in Greenpoint, oil company representatives denied there were dangerous vapors escaping from industrial lots.

The DEC is set to hold a second public hearing tonight.

“This sounds like the first evidence of a coverup,” said City Councilman David Yassky (D-Greenpoint). “I just hope the state has not been deliberately misleading the public about a health hazard.”

Need Legal Help Regarding Oil Spill?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I originally met Joanne Stevens at an orthopedic office. After hearing my story she got in contact with me, and recommended I get in contact with Parker waichman where she works, and got me involved in a class action suit She has kept up communications and has answered all the questions I've had during this process.
Jim Langille
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
They asked "how could Parker Waichman be any better " my reply is: Just keep the quality of care you have. The demeanor of PW llP as a whole on the out side seems to have ran smoothly. When I know for a fact it's not always easy . The only way to improve is to have the new comers learn from the lawyer and assistants there now. Julie Trinidad,Mary S. ,Marianne . Thanks even Ms. Sotomayor. THE TEAM IS SUPERB!! I can't thank them enough. It wasnt all about the money the genuine empathy i recieved made me feel favored. Mr team at Parker Waichman Rocks!!! These more than dedicated professionals made me feel secure with me and my families case in there hands. I was referred, and i see why. So if any one reading this is unsure i Shardae Rogers stand with Parker Waichman and so can you. Thank you Parker Waichman llp. Some of us including myself have started new lives with your help. Please continue to help and win for other.
Shardae Rogers
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I would like to thank both Benita Rollis and Shelly Davis for the wonderful job that they have done for me. They made it easy and helped through the hard times. Thank you both. Steven Lubowsky
Steven Lubowsky
a year ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038