BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Oral arguments were heard in federal court Monday to determine future soil and air testing near the old Nash Road Landfill in Wheatfield.

Back in March, a lawsuit was filed against the Town of Wheatfield, Occidental Chemical and other corporations responsible for dumping Love Canal waste in the Niagara Sanitation site in the 1960s.

Twenty-one residents whose houses border the landfill had dust and basement sump levels tested last fall. Their attorneys released that data in June.

"The residents' claims have merit because the testing shows their properties are polluted by chemicals from the landfill,” said Mike Stag, of Smith Stag.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also did soil testing in backyards during the spring. They released findings in July that there was no contamination on people's property from the landfill.

Attorneys made their case Monday to federal Judge Christina Reiss how testing should be done inside and outside plaintiffs' homes moving forward.

Defendants argued that they should have an attorney and an expert present when any sample is taken.

The plaintiffs argued that members of the defense being there could be intimidating for their clients. Instead, they want to provide split samples of everything they collect to the defense.

The defense also asked for samples from properties that are not involved in the lawsuit in an effort to make sure the plaintiffs are not just choosing the best cases and avoiding ones with low levels of contamination.

The plaintiffs argued it's inappropriate for the defense to test anyone's home who's not involved in the lawsuit.

Reiss called for no further testing to be done while she makes a determination. She says that injunction will come in the next two weeks.

"We were happy with the way the hearing went today, and we look forward to the judge's ruling as well," Stag said.

In response, Occidental Chemical Director of Communications Eric Moses released the following statement:

"We believe the plaintiffs' allegations are without merit, and we will continue to vigorously defend the case. We have nothing to offer regarding today's hearing and await ruling from the judge."