The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a virtual public meeting to discuss the remediation plans for the Woods Pond area at the GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM on Zoom. It will be held virtually as a precaution against weather conditions and any lingering illnesses from the holiday season. The session will be recorded and made available online.
The link to join the meeting can be found on both the EPA's website and General Electric's (GE) website:
https://usepa.zoomgov.com/j/1613982552?pwd=zlTgzqk0PpViqu6iHNHaEP9dSgPp0i.1Exit EPA’s website
Meeting ID: 161 398 2552
Passcode: 30052177
During this meeting, GE will present its remedial design for Reach 6, which includes Woods Pond and Valley Mill Pond. Following the presentation, there will be a question-and-answer period. As part of the remediation efforts, GE plans to remove sediment in Woods Pond up to six feet below the crest of Woods Pond Dam, irrespective of PCB levels. An engineered cap consisting of an erosion protection layer, geotechnical filter layer, and chemical isolation layer will be used to isolate any remaining contamination.
The primary health risks associated with this cleanup are related to fish consumption and direct contact with certain floodplain soils. Additionally, ecological risks are also being addressed. The proposed cleanup aims not only to mitigate these risks but also to enhance Woods Pond by increasing water column depth, thereby improving community access and recreational opportunities.
