Plans to Develop Former Naval Air Station in Alameda, CA Impacted by Asbestos and Other Environmental Contamination

City of Alameda Council and environmental groups express concerns about proposed plans to redevelop Superfund site contaminated by asbestos, PCBs and other dangerous environmental hazards. Asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other serious diseases.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos disease, please complete the form on this page for more information about your legal rights to seek compensation from the companies responsible for your illness.

As of February 2010, elected officials and residents in the Alameda Point community were still hotly debating the eventual cleanup and redevelopment of the former Naval Air Station.

The site, which was decommissioned in 1997, was designated as a Superfund site by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because of significant environmental contamination by toxins including benzene, lead, PCBs and asbestos.

At issue is a proposed measure that would allow a one-time exemption to a ban on multi-unit housing. At the present time, developers have expressed interest in converting the land into residential apartment and condo complexes and other planned improvements. The construction of a golf course is also included in plan currently under consideration.

Superfund Considerations and Health Risks
One of the most significant concerns involved in the redevelopment of the 1,500 acre site is the funding of the extensive environmental cleanup that will be required before construction of new housing or other facilities can begin.

Asbestos has long been classified as a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). Since the time between exposure to asbestos and when symptoms of asbestos disease are first noticed (known as the latency periods) is 30-40 or more years long, those exposed to asbestos at the site decades prior may only now being diagnosed.

Similarly, benzene has also been classified as a carcinogen. Those who are exposed to benzene are at risk to develop circulatory system cancers, including leukemia and Non Hodgkin’s’ Lymphoma.

Those exposed to PCBs are also placed at considerable risk for serious illnesses, as both national and international health agencies have classified PCBs as potential carcinogens. PCB exposure has also been linked to immune and reproductive system disorders, neurological problems, thyroid and other endocrine system illnesses.

How Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we may be able to help you to seek justice for your illness and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Please complete the form on this page for a free and confidential review of your potential asbestos lawsuit or request a free copy of our asbestos sourcebook. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.