EPA and GE are working together to study the Lower Hudson.

Lower Hudson

With the dredging project having been successfully completed in 40 miles of the Upper Hudson, EPA is turning its attention to the Lower Hudson, the 150-mile stretch between Albany and New York City.  While environmental conditions in the Upper Hudson have been thoroughly documented, less is known about environmental conditions in the Lower Hudson and the hundreds of industrial and municipal entities that discharged material to the river over many decades. EPA has said it “is continuing to evaluate whether other parties may also be liable for PCBs, as well as other contamination in the Lower Hudson.” GE is collecting the environmental data that EPA has requested to help fill in the picture.

Cooperation between EPA, New York State and GE on Hudson River issues has a long history. EPA and GE worked closely to plan and execute the successful dredging project, with New York State’s assistance and oversight and the help of many local communities. With New York State, GE has worked for many years on an effective long-term cleanup program at two former GE plant sites on the Upper Hudson.

In its 2020 State of the Hudson report, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said, “As water quality has improved, the number of public parks, boat launches, trails and nature preserves has increased with it. More access to the waters of the estuary exists now than has been the case for generations. About 25% of the shoreline is available to the public, including many new public access sites, walkways and bikeways in New York City. Access across the railroad tracks has vastly increased north of Manhattan, as has the number of Greenway Water Trail sites for canoeing and kayaking. Enhanced access is allowing more people to enjoy the water and is fostering a stewardship ethic in surrounding communities.” Click here for information sources and citations.

We intend to build on this progress. GE will continue to meet its Hudson River commitments to federal and state regulatory agencies and local communities.