The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an extension for evaluating proposals aimed at reducing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations and toxicity at the GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site. This decision comes in response to the large number of submissions received, totaling 98 solutions from 40 countries, including the United States, Brazil, Canada, and several others.
A judging panel, separate from the EPA Site Case Team, is advancing 48 solutions. These were assessed by Wazoku, a national contractor for federal government challenges. The extension moves the deadline for judging to February 10, 2025, allowing more time for thorough evaluation.
Launched in September 2024, this challenge is part of a settlement agreement from 2020 where the EPA committed to "facilitate opportunities for research and testing of innovative treatment and other technologies" to reduce PCB toxicity or concentrations in soil and sediment.
The challenge aims to find an affordable method to aid cleanup efforts across PCB-contaminated sites. Initially posted for about 60 days with a planned evaluation period ending on December 12, 2024, it now continues into early next year.
Judges include federal representatives and members from academia and private communities. Successful solutions could win up to $30,000 if they meet all requirements during this ideation phase. If promising vendors are identified in Phase 1, EPA may proceed to Phase 2 involving proof-of-concept testing.
Though funded by EPA Region 1, the agency's case team will not participate in proposal evaluations or judging. The EPA is committed to applying effective technologies identified through this process for potential inclusion in final cleanup permits or consent decrees.
