DGE: Clearwater River Sloop, one of the most well known supporters of dredging the Hudson, disputes the fact that sedimentation is allowing the river to clean itself. Citing scientific studies, Clearwater states, “less than 10% of PCB mass has been reduced over the past 20 years and PCB’s are most often in the top five inches of sediment” (Clearwater.org 2/21/01). Although supporters of dredging agree with GE that dredging may cause PCB levels in the river to rise, they argue that it will only occur in localized areas nearest machinery. Precautions such as dredging during low flow periods and constructing silt curtains will further prevent sediments from spreading through the river. The EPA estimates that only 0.2% of the total dredged PCB sediment will be lost (Clearwater.org 2/18/01).Clearwater River Sloop says that dredging will work, as exemplified by it’s recent success at reducing PCBs by 90% along Lake Champlain and that it may even make the local economy stronger by providing jobs.The following is an outline of the EPA’s dredging plan (“EPA outlines…plan MSNBC.com)Approximately 2.65 million cubic yards of sediment will be removed from the Hudson River.Treated and stabilized sediments will be transported by rail landfills out of the area.The navigation channel will be dredged as needed to implement the cleanup and to keep existing canal traffic moving during the project.Environmental dredging techniques will be used to minimize and control the release of sediments.Dredged areas will be refilled with approximately one foot of clean material to isolate residual PCB contamination and restore habitat.Monitoring of sediments in dredged and unpremeditated areas will take place.Water removed from the dredged sediments will be treated and discharged back into the river.Fish, water and sediments will be monitored to determine when preliminary remediation goals are reached.Modified fish consump...
