Frequently Asked Questions

What are PCBs?

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are a class of chemicals consisting of 209 individual compounds. PCBs were widely used as a fire preventive and insulator in the manufacture of transformers and capacitors because of their ability to withstand exceptionally high temperatures.

How did the PCBs get in the Hudson?

Beginning in the 1940s, GE used PCBs as an insulating fluid in electrical capacitors manufactured at plants along the river in Hudson Falls and Fort Edward, N.Y. GE discontinued its use of PCBs in 1977. When they were used, PCBs were discharged to the river in the plants' waste streams, a common practice then. GE held the proper government permits to discharge PCBs to the river at all times required.

Most of the material that was discharged to the Upper Hudson, including PCBs, accumulated behind a dam in Fort Edward, south of GE's Fort Edward plant. In 1973, the owner of the dam demolished it and the material that had built up behind it washed downstream, settling in river sediments.

In 1983, at the behest of New York State, EPA evaluated river conditions. After a careful examination of the river's conditions and a review of existing remedial technologies, EPA rejected dredging in 1984. EPA began a re-evaluation of its decision in 1989, leading to its selection of dredging for the river in 2002.

What's been done to clean up the river?

GE has been working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Environmental Protection Agency for more than 30 years to clean up PCBs at its Hudson Falls and Fort Edward facilities. For more information on these programs, click here.

When will dredging start?

According to EPA, dredging will begin in Spring 2009, after GE's contractors complete construction of the processing, treatment and transportation facilities needed to support the project. For more information on construction of the facility, click here.

Where is the Processing and Transportation Facility located?

The facility is being built on formerly vacant property in the Town and Village of Fort Edward, N.Y., between the Champlain Canal and a main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

How can local businesses get involved in the project?
More than 100 area contractors, sub-contractors, vendors and suppliers have been engaged to provide services or materials to assist in the development and construction of the support facilities. For more information on how your business can get involved, click here.

How can I get more information?

If you would like to speak to one of our community representatives, contact us at 518-792-4087, toll-free at 1-888-596-3655, or via e-mail at info@hudsondredging.com. EPA provides information about the dredging project at www.epa.gov/hudson. (You will be leaving hudsondredging.com.) Public meetings also are held on a regular basis; click here to view a list of upcoming meetings.