The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an extension of the public comment period for its third review of the cleanup efforts on PCB-contaminated sediment in the Upper Hudson River. The deadline, initially set for October 8, 2024, has been moved to November 7, 2024.

Virtual public information meetings were held by the EPA on August 21 and August 28, 2024, to discuss the five-year review process and findings. These reviews are mandated by federal law when contaminants remain at a site and are documented in five-year review reports.

According to the latest review, PCB levels in water and fish are decreasing overall. However, more years of fish data are needed to determine if the cleanup is meeting expectations set by the original plan. An addendum to the current report will be issued once sufficient data is available, potentially as early as next year but no later than 2027. The report also proposes expanded monitoring and special studies to strengthen data for conclusions.

The EPA will consider all public comments received on the draft report before finalizing it.

Comments can be submitted until November 7, 2024. They should be sent via mail or email to Gary Klawinski, Director of EPA Region 2's Hudson River Office at:

Gary Klawinski

EPA Region 2, Hudson River Office

187 Wolf Road, Suite 303

Albany, NY 12205

Email: epahrfo@outlook.com

The third Five-Year Review report is accessible on the EPA Hudson River PCBs site webpage.