Citizens of 'Sludge City' File Lawsuit Against Ford Over Toxic Waste

650 residents of Ringwood, New Jersey are seeking compensation from Ford Motor Company for contaminating the soil and ground water in Ringwood by disposing toxic by-products in the 1960's.

(Thomas E. Franklin/The Record)

'I Feel Betrayed'

Since the site was put back on the superfund list in 2006, Ford has again been cleaning up the sludge in Ringwood.

"This site was done and excavated and restored to its natural state," said Holt, while walking through the site.

He said the recent effort met "the requirements of the state of New Jersey and the EPA. You'll see little virile ponds, and in a couple of weeks, you'll see little tadpoles. ? This is all clean."

And there is evidence that it's working. "Nightline" tested the water on several occasions, sending it to an independent lab. The results showed that the water was safe.

But it's all too late, said Wayne Mann.

"No one protected us," he said. "The government failed us as Ford poisoned us. We're not going to let that happen to our children. I'm not letting it happen to my grandchildren. ? I feel betrayed. I feel betrayed."

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Edison Wetlands Association

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