Special Update for Lower-Hudson Communities about PCB Cleanup and Future River Restoration Efforts
Wednesday, January 16, 2013; 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Marist College Boathouse, Poughkeepsie, NY
The public will take part in a special Lower Hudson communities forum to learn about the progress being made with the cleanup of toxic Hudson River PCBs undertaken by General Electric (GE) and overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). With slightly more than half the cleanup being completed, the upcoming informational meeting is a timely opportunity for stakeholders to learn about future restoration efforts in the Hudson.
Topics to be discussed at the forum include an update on the cleanup from the EPA; an analysis of the impacts and effectiveness of the PCB cleanup on fish, presented by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and an examination of the Hudson River fish consumption advisories relating to PCB contamination, presented by the New York State Department of Health. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, one of the federal Natural Resource Damages (NRD) trustees, also will be at the forum to discuss the NRD Assessment process currently underway in response to the injuries caused to the environment by the PCB contamination in the Hudson River. In addition an independent scientific consultant Dr. Peter Defur will give an analysis of the cleanup’s five-year review and ongoing concerns.
The event is being sponsored by Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Riverkeeper and Scenic Hudson, with additional support from the Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach at SUNY New Paltz.
To register or for more information, contact jerbrett1@gmail.com or 845 641-7701. Walk-ins are also welcome.
