concentrations. GE explains that this decrease in PCB levels is due to a process called sedimentation, in which old PCB deposits become buried by new sediment, thus making them less accessible to fish and other wildlife (Hudsonvoice.com 2/27/01). GE believes that there are two types of PCB source that affect fish. There is the sediment deposited by GE decades ago that has been covered by new sediment, and there is the current leakage from old plants. GE argues that this new leakage contains the PCBs that are affecting fish, and therefore dredging will not significantly reduce PCBs levels. Rather, as GE graphically displays in the following two illustrations, allowing the river to naturally clean itself, along with GE’s control of new leakage, will lower PCB concentrations as effectively as dredging will. The following is a list posted on Hudsonvoice.com describing the actions GE has taken to help clean the river.GE has successfully removed 139 tons of PCBs from near the Hudson Falls plant site.GE converted an abandoned paper mill near the Hudson falls’ plant into a system of wells to recover PCBs before they can reach the river. To date, 5,103 gallons (255 tons) of PCBs have been recovered and removed.GE constructed a water treatment facility at Hudson Falls that has treated more than 153 million gallons of water. To evaluate the effectiveness of GE’s program, engineers sample Upper Hudson water.GE’s investment in research and clean-up projects on the Hudson River now exceeds $200 million.GE is not the only group against dredging, in forums all over the Hudson River area; residents have been voicing strong opposition to dredging. However, there are plenty who believe that dredging is the answer. A survey conducted by Scenic Hudson Inc., an environmental group supporting dredging showed 84 percent of residents surveyed think the EPA should order dredging (Capital Business Review November 16, 2000).TO DRE...
