11-10-2025 2:42pm

NJ Files Five New Lawsuits Against Gas Stations for Environmental Violations

The state also announces settlements in two prior cases as part of an ongoing enforcement campaign targeting pollution in areas disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.

NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced five new environmental enforcement lawsuits and the resolution of two prior legal actions, continuing a focused effort to address pollution in overburdened communities under the state’s Environmental Justice Law.

The latest lawsuits target gas station operators in North, Central, and South Jersey, accused of failing to comply with prior administrative orders to remediate petroleum contamination. These civil enforcement actions seek to compel compliance with environmental laws, including the Spill Compensation and Control Act (Spill Act), the Underground Storage of Hazardous Substances Act (UST Act), and the Site Remediation Reform Act (SRRA).

The properties involved are located in Newark (Essex County), Bridgewater (Somerset County), Sewell (Gloucester County), Fairfield Township (Cumberland County), and Vineland (Cumberland County). In each case, the DEP alleges ongoing soil and groundwater contamination caused by leaked gasoline, which can pose serious risks to public health and the environment.

“Gasoline contamination of our soil and groundwater has unfortunately become a ubiquitous issue for property owners across New Jersey, affecting rural communities, suburbs, and cities,” said Attorney General Platkin.

Overview of New Lawsuits

Maybach Assets LLC, Newark (Essex County): Allegedly failed to honor a 2023 Administrative Consent Order (ACO) requiring cleanup of a contaminated gas station site on Springfield Avenue.
McFarland and Sons, Bridgewater (Somerset County): Accused of failing to complete site remediation required since 2008 and neglecting to pay $91,200 in civil penalties for past UST violations.
ARFA Enterprises, Sewell (Gloucester County): Sued for missing a 2024 deadline under a prior settlement to remediate a contaminated site and for failing to pay over $17,000 in fees.
Johnny’s Atlantic, Fairfield Township (Cumberland County): Alleged failure by current owner Wayne Griner to comply with a 2016 ACO related to long-standing soil contamination from leaking USTs.
US Gas, Vineland City (Cumberland County): State seeks enforcement of a $72,400 penalty against Arshi and Ross Fogg Fuel Oil Co. and demands cleanup of gasoline discharges dating back to 1997 and the early 2000s.

Settled Cases Announced

Two environmental justice lawsuits previously filed by DEP have been settled:

Sigma Realty, Inc., Ewing (Mercer County): The company and its owners paid $117,500 in penalties to resolve a 2022 lawsuit. They had failed to remediate a petroleum-contaminated site purchased in 1993. The property has since been sold, and the new owner has committed to completing the remediation.
Martin Service Center Corporation (MSCC), Union City (Hudson County): The company agreed to remove non-compliant USTs and remediate contamination at a commercial site where gasoline had leaked for more than 20 years. The $125,000 settlement resolves violations of multiple environmental statutes.

Broader Context

Under Governor Phil Murphy’s administration, New Jersey has filed 80 civil environmental enforcement actions in overburdened communities since 2018. According to the Office of the Attorney General and DEP, more than $31 million in penalties and damages have been secured through settlements and court judgments, with most remaining cases still in litigation.

The targeted enforcement campaign reflects the goals of New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law, which aims to address pollution in communities historically burdened by industrial activities and lacking equitable environmental protections.

Gasoline contamination poses persistent risks to ecosystems and human health. Exposure can cause neurological issues, respiratory irritation, and long-term organ damage. The enforcement actions aim to mitigate these hazards through remediation, penalties, and strengthened accountability for non-compliance with state environmental laws.