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N.J. Lawmakers Hope To Help South Amboy Man Stuck In Home On Toxic Soil

SOUTH AMBOY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Some New Jersey lawmakers are trying to help a Middlesex County family who just happened to find out their home sits on toxic soil.

As WCBS 880's Levon Putney reported, Herve Blemur of South Amboy said the New Jersey state Department of Environmental Protection has been working in and around his house after finding toxins in the groundwater and soil – including trichloroethylene (TCE).

N.J. Lawmakers Hope To Help South Amboy Man Stuck In Home On Toxic Soil

Blemur has lived in the home for 18 years.

"My primary concern is my children's health," he said.

Blemur said his youngest two children who were raised in the house have different health problems. But then, he said, "right now my house is not worth anything."

He said he could try to sell the house, but no one would buy it and thus, he is stuck.

So New Jersey state Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Sayreville), after visiting Blemur with fellow Middlesex County Assemblyman Craig Coughlin (D-Woodbridge) said they hope to help by introducing a bill "that would help somebody in this unique set of circumstances."

The bill would hopefully allow the DEP to buy out toxic properties in such cases, Wisniewski said.

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