Data collection platform B2, a collaboration between GE and the Beacon Institute, was launched in June 2010 to monitor minute-to-minute data regarding the condition of the Hudson River.

GE is working in partnership with Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries as the institute extends its data collection effort for the first time to the Upper Hudson River north of Albany.

Beacon Institute, based in Dutchess County, had operated several data collection platforms in the Lower Hudson and St. Lawrence rivers. The integrated network of sensors, robotics and computational technology provides minute-to-minute data regarding the physical, chemical and biological conditions of the waterways.

The collaboration between Beacon Institute and GE enables Beacon Institute to extend its network to the Upper Hudson River for the first time.

“Few people realize that the acreage of the Hudson River watershed is greatest north of Albany, and that the largest freshwater input to the river comes from this area,” said John Cronin, Director and CEO of Beacon Institute and a thought leader on water issues. “Our scientific collaboration with GE is our next step in creating a ‘source-to-sea’ real-time monitoring network that will observe and monitor changes in the entire watershed.”

Two data collection platforms have been deployed in the Upper Hudson. The first is situated just north of Thompson Island Dam in Fort Edward, NY. The second is located approximately 5 miles south at Lock 5 of the Upper Hudson in Schuylerville, NY.

GE provided the necessary infrastructure, assisted with deployment of the platforms and will provide ongoing technical resources to facilitate the daily maintenance of the equipment.

You can see the data in real time here (you will be leaving hudsondredging.com).