A federal cleanup of New York's Hudson River is falling short in reducing toxic chemicals, despite two decades of efforts, say environmental advocates.
Rosemary Misdary reports for Gothamist.
In short:
- Environmental groups criticize the EPA for not sufficiently reducing PCB levels in the Hudson River after 20 years of cleanup.
- Newly released EPA data show that PCB concentrations in fish remain significantly above safe levels.
- The EPA states more data is needed, but advocates argue immediate action is required to protect human health.
Key quote:
"We're extremely frustrated that EPA has yet again failed to recognize that the cleanup efforts in the upper Hudson River just have not sufficiently protected human health and the environment."
— Drew Gamils, attorney for Riverkeeper.
Why this matters:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) insists that cleanup is ongoing and that the river is improving, but many local residents and health professionals remain skeptical. As the debate over the river's recovery continues, one thing is clear: the Hudson's journey back to health is far from over. Read more: Saviors of the Hudson.
