Asbestos Exposures at the Salem Nuclear Generating Station and Hope Creek Generating Station, Salem County, New Jersey
Owned by PSEG, the Salem Nuclear Generating Station and Hope Creek Generation Station share the same land, operating along 700 acres in Alloways Creek Township, New Jersey. Situated on the Delaware River, these plants have been Salem County’s largest employer for several decades. Due to their close proximity to Delaware, many residents from Wilmington and surrounding areas in Delaware found steady employment with PSEG. Carrying a workforce of over 1500 unionized employees, Salem Nuclear and Hope Creek generate enough daily electricity to power over two million households.
Construction activities for the Salem Nuclear Generation station broke ground in 1968, with PSEG receiving its nuclear commission in 1977. Salem Nuclear features two water-pressurized Westinghouse units, constructed by Westinghouse employees in the early 1970s. Complimenting the Westinghouse reactors at Salem are Westinghouse-manufactured turbines and General Electric generators. Prior to 1991, other equipment heavy equipment operated at Salem Nuclear included lube oil pumps, sump pumps, circulating pumps and reactor pumps, some of which reached 30 feet in height.
The Hope Creek Generating Station began construction in 1974, with power-generating capabilities starting in the early 1980s. Although designed for two units, PSEG only installed one reactor, a pressurized water unit manufactured by General Electric. Likewise, General Electric manufactured and installed Hope Creek’s turbines and generator. Unlike Salem Nuclear, Hope Creek’s power-generating activities are linked to a cooling tower, which was manufactured by Marley. Rounding out the major equipment at Hope Creek were large turbine pumps, lube pumps, and oil seal pumps as well as dedicated control rooms, which housed additional valves, pumps and related equipment.
The equipment installed at Salem Nuclear and Hope Creek was heavily insulated with asbestos. The reactor buildings designed and constructed by Westinghouse and General Electric to house their products contained vast amounts of asbestos. Raw asbestos and asbestos-insulating materials were installed on the metal and concrete fixtures of these rooms, to protect workers, and insulate the reactor itself. With the goal of reaching the highest temperatures possible, trapping heat was critical. Hope Creek’s cooling tower also featured numerous asbestos components, including asbestos fills, comb eliminators and resin sheets manufactured with asbestos.
During scheduled shutdowns, Salem Nuclear and Hope Creek employees, with the assistance of hundreds of around-the-clock independent contractors, systematically checked, repaired and overhauled every piece of equipment involved in power-generating activities. This work exposed employees and independent contractors to airborne dust, as much of the maintenance involved removing and replacing asbestos components. For several decades, products like gaskets, packing, rope and insulation, were commonly found in the equipment installed at Salem Nuclear and Hope Creek.
Without proper warnings or safety equipment, skilled tradespeople would scrape out worn asbestos gaskets and packing from the numerous pumps and valves installed at these worksites. New material, much of which had to be cut, shaped and installed, created airborne dust when it was disturbed. Asbestos components installed on and in the worksites’ turbines, reactors, generators and condensers were also removed and replaced. Much of this equipment contained exterior asbestos insulation, which was cut into and replaced, before workers could reach the interior asbestos components. For many, work assignments at Salem Nuclear and Hope Creek involved significant and consistent exposures to asbestos.
If you or a loved one worked at the Salem Nuclear Generating Station or the Hope Creek Generating Station in Salem County and have developed an asbestos-related disease, please call today for a free consultation.

Find out whether you have a case by speaking to one of our experienced lawyers via our 24/7 toll-free hotline or by submitting an email inquiry. Our attorneys will be quick to respond to you and happy to answer all of your questions.


Know the Difference
Committed to Doing What's Right-
Over $3 Billion Won
We have represented numerous individuals and groups of workers, winning for them multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts.
-
There's No Case Too Big
Our team has achieved groundbreaking victories in highly complex cases and has gone up against some of the toughest defendants in the country.
-
Trial Attorneys
Our attorneys excel in the courtroom and are not afraid to bring a case in front of a jury if a fair settlement for the client has not been reached.
-
A Thought Leader in the Industry
Our firm's knowledge and experience are in high demand, and many news outlets have asked us to share our legal expertise.
-
Access to World Class Resources
Our experienced attorneys use cutting-edge technology and highly regarded experts to help us achieve the best possible result for our clients.
-
Changing the World for Good
We not only want to achieve the best possible results for our clients, but we also strive to prevent future harm by changing public health policies.

Thousands of Clients Helped
Hear What They Have to Say
-
Professional, responsive and very good at their jobs.
“From the first visit to my home, to my last visit to the office to collect my settlement, I was very happy with the services provided by this firm. They are professional, very responsive and very good ...”
- Lisa Ross -
They have truly gone above and beyond.
“I have been beyond pleased how Levy Konigsberg is handling my matter. They answer my questions in a timely matter and when warranted, ease my worries and concerns. They have truly gone above and ...”
- Anne Fahey -
I put my Faith and Trust into Corey Stern!
“Selecting a Law firm to represent me was one of the biggest decisions I've had to make in my life. I put my Faith and Trust into Corey Stern, and he exceeded all my expectations.”
- Dennis McGowan -
With this team on my side we came out on top.
“Levy Konigsberg and team are a group of men and women that give their all, down to the receptionist. I had a case that was almost unbeatable but with this team on my side we came out on top. They keep ...”
- Angie Garrido -
Very happy with our settlement.
“My husband and I were VERY happy with our experience with this firm. They were always caring and really helped us go through this in a very hard time in our lives .We continue to be in touch with the ...”
- Lori Rosa -
Wow is all I can say.
“It has been a few years now but I needed to post this. My dad suffered so much from Mesothelioma. My brother looked into the law and our rights. Unfortunately he died also before anything was done. It ...”
- Carol N. -
Their dedication to receive the highest results for their clients was amazing.
“Working with Levy Koningsberg LLP was a very positive experience. Their professionalism and curiosity was outstanding. I was a pleasure working with this firm. Their dedication to receive the highest ...”
- Emily DeRogatis -
Such a great team!
“The whole team at Levy, Konigsberg LLP have been extremely professional and kind during our most difficult time. They keep you informed during the process, check in often asking if there are any ...”
- Kevin Kober -
We definitely got the right law firm!
“Levy Konigsberg represented my daughter Linda, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma at 16 years old. She endured many surgeries and chemotherapy including HIPEC. She traveled the country seeking ...”
- Mark Wells -
Levy Konigsberg continued to help my family fight for the justice my father deserves.
“Levy Konigsberg was there for my father as soon as he was diagnosed with mesothelioma they helped him get medical treatment in another state that specializes in his condition and even provided housing ...”
- Stephanie Vitale


Our Blog
-
Johnson & Johnson Will Stop Selling Talc Baby Powder Around the WorldView Article
- Mesothelioma,
- Class Actions,
- Cancer Cases,
- Firm News
-
Asbestos and Talcum Powder: How Are They Related?View Article
- Mesothelioma
-
Levy Konigsberg Lands Historic Win for New Jersey Mesothelioma PlaintiffsView Article
- Mesothelioma,
- Firm News