Kearny Mayor Al Santos is calling on Gov. Phil Murphy to shut down the Keegan Landfill and alleges the state’s Department of Environmental Protection is withholding information from the public in an effort to cover up its findings at the facility.

Santos told The Jersey Journal the DEP has refused to address the sulfuric odors that he says are coming from the state-owned landfill off Bergen Avenue.

“I do think there’s an effort to cover up what the state is doing on its own landfill,” Santos said Monday. “I sincerely mean this.”

When asked about Santos’ comments, DEP spokesman Larry Hajna said the agency’s investigation into the odors is ongoing.

“We are continuing to investigate the source of the odors along with the Hudson Regional Health Commission. Inspectors have been going out there nearly every day," he said.

For months, Kearny residents have logged hundreds of complaints about smelly fumes identified as hydrogen sulfide emanating from the 100-acre landfill. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which owns and operates the facility, has repeatedly stated the landfill is not the source of the rotten egg-like odor.

Since the complaints started piling up, the DEP says it has begun regularly inspecting the facility and testing the air quality. Santos and the town, meanwhile, have purchased an air quality meter and placed it near the facility to regularly conduct their own tests of the air. Santos reported that his meter has registered hydrogen sulfide levels that can pose health risks to residents.

The mayor added that he believes the landfill is still in operation because the state benefits from the revenues the facility generates.

“The only way this changes is by pointing out that the state has failed, with data, with facts,” Santos added. “(The DEP) failed in doing what they’re supposed to do, which is protect the environment.”

He noted that while the NJSEA’s 13-member commissioner board appointed by the governor is not “accountable to the people,” Gov. Phil Murphy has the power to shut down the landfill.

“This could be shut down tomorrow just by the stroke of a pen from the governor,” Santos said. “Everyone realizes the decision makers here are the (NJSEA) commissioners and the governor who appoints them and who vetoes their minutes."

Murphy’s office told The Jersey Journal in an email that the odor complaints remain under investigation.

"The Governor’s Office is aware of Mayor Santos’ concerns and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is currently investigating the odor complaints,” said Alexandra Altman, deputy press secretary.

Santos lamented: “Every time the (NJSEA) does something, they (the state) looks the other way ... at the end of the day it’s going to be what the governor decides."

The delegation of Hudson County legislators that represents Kearny in Trenton has been relatively mum on the issue.

Assemblyman Pedro Mejia and Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez did not respond to messages seeking comment.

In a statement, a spokesman for state Sen. Nicholas Sacco said “Senator Sacco is aware of the issues regarding the Keegan Landfill and he is hopeful that a solution can be reached that is satisfactory to everyone involved and that protects quality of life for Kearny residents.”

Aya Elamroussi may be reached at aelamroussi@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @aya_elamroussi. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.