Morning Read: PCBs found in the Black River
This morning on NCPR’s 8 O’clock Hour, I talk with Judith Enck — head of the Environmental Protection Agency in Region 2, which includes the North Country — about the clean-up of PCBs on the upper Hudson River.
Meanwhile, the Watertown Daily Times is reporting that state environment officials are confirming that a “half mile segment” of the Black River sediment is contaminated with PCBs.
The pollution occurs in the area around Carthage and West Carthage, according to the newspaper.
The [DEC] letter said the hazardous waste is from “former industrial activities.” Throughout the years there have been paper mills along the river.
The specific part of the river is used for recreational activities and includes residential properties adjacent to the river.
According to DEC’s letter, “further investigation is needed to determine the extent of site-related contamination and to evaluate potential human exposures.”
The clean-up on the Hudson has been controversial, but is moving forward. It will be interesting to see where this discovery leads.
Has the DEC established a catch limit for PCBs or this a catch and release program?