"NJ sues Pfizer over cancer-linked water contamination”, 3 October 2025

The plant in Morris Plains operated from the 1950s to the 1980s under Warner-Lambert, which Pfizer acquired in 2000. The state also named Johnson & Johnson, Honeywell and three real estate companies as ‘knowing purchasers’ of parts of the site throughout the years. Under New Jersey’s Spill Act, these later buyers can be held responsible for cleanup if they acquired land with knowledge of past contamination.

In a statement, Pfizer spokesman Steven Danehy asserted the company had "a long-standing commitment to protecting the environment". "We look forward to defending our company and resolving these allegations," Danehy said.

None of J&J, Honeywell and real estate companies M&M at Morris Plains, Tabor Road Owner and Tabor Road, returned emails and calls seeking comment....

The state’s complaint alleges that Pfizer was involved in the operation of a pharmaceutical plant that discharged trichloroethylene (TCE) and other hazardous chemicals at the site, contaminating the groundwater about 90 feet underground. State officials have described groundwater statewide as “an extremely important natural resource,” supplying more than 900 million gallons a day and serving more than half of New Jersey’s population... State officials … emphasised that while the contamination has been contained, it could still endanger the health of residents and may have contaminated ecosystems, and may still pose a risk in the future.…

"The groundwater contamination at and from the property constitutes a physical invasion of public property and an unreasonable and substantial interference with the public’s right to clean water,’ the DEP said.”