The General Electric (GE) Hudson River Cleanup is a significant environmental remediation effort aimed at addressing the extensive pollution caused by the company’s decades-long release of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the Hudson River. This comprehensive overview delves into GE’s responsibility, the extent of PCB dumping, and the cleanup measures undertaken to restore the river’s ecosystem.
What is GE’s Responsibility in the Hudson River Cleanup?
General Electric is primarily responsible for cleaning the Hudson River due to its historical dumping of PCBs. The company discharged millions of pounds of toxic PCBs into the river over three decades, posing significant risks to human health and the environment.
How Long Did GE Dump PCBs into the Hudson River?
GE dumped PCBs into the Hudson River for over three decades, from the 1940s to the 1970s. The exact quantity of PCBs released is not specified, but it is described as “millions of pounds” of toxic PCBs.
What Cleanup Measures Have Been Taken?
Dredging Operations
GE began sediment dredging operations in 2009 to clean up the PCBs. Phase One of the cleanup was completed in October 2009, removing approximately 300,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment. Phase Two began in June 2011, targeting approximately 2,400,000 cubic yards of PCB-contaminated sediment.
Remediation Programs
GE has been involved in various remediation programs, including the removal of contaminated soil from Rogers Island, which was completed in December 1999.
Sampling and Studies
Under a legal agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), GE will investigate the Lower Hudson River portion of the PCBs Superfund site, conducting extensive water, sediment, and fish sampling to determine next steps for addressing contamination.
What are the Associated Costs and Schedules?
Cost of Dredging
The dredging project is estimated to cost GE approximately $460,000,000.
Timeline of Cleanup
Phase Two of the cleanup was expected to take approximately 5 to 7 years to complete.
| Phase | Completion Timeline |
|---|---|
| Phase One | Completed in October 2009 |
| Phase Two | Expected to take 5 to 7 years |
The General Electric Hudson River Cleanup is a complex and ongoing effort to address the decades-long pollution caused by the company’s PCB dumping. Through dredging operations, remediation programs, and extensive sampling and studies, GE is working to restore the Hudson River’s ecosystem and mitigate the environmental and health risks posed by the contamination.