During a recent government meeting, resolution number 506 was introduced, urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt a non-protective determination in its third five-year review concerning the Hudson River PCB cleanup. The discussion highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the effectiveness of the cleanup efforts at the Hudson River Superfund site, particularly in relation to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contamination.

Jen Benson, the Environmental Action Director at Clearwater, addressed the committee, emphasizing the coalition's long-standing advocacy for remedial action on the Hudson River. Clearwater is part of the Friends of the Clean Hudson Coalition, which includes Riverkeeper and Scenic Hudson, among other environmental organizations. Benson presented findings from an independent report released in November, which indicated that the cleanup has not progressed as expected since the removal of assets from the river in 2015.

The report revealed that the EPA's 2020 goal of reducing PCB concentrations in fish to 0.04 micrograms per kilogram has not been met, and current data suggests that the levels are not declining as anticipated. This failure to meet established goals raises significant public health concerns, particularly for local residents who rely on the river for recreational fishing and as a source of protein.

Benson criticized the EPA's decision to delay issuing a protectiveness determination, noting that the agency may not release an addendum to its report until 2025 or 2026. She argued that this inaction places the burden of PCB contamination on individual consumers and fails to hold General Electric accountable for meeting the cleanup goals outlined in the record of decision.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing urgency among local officials and environmental advocates to push for more decisive action from the EPA to ensure the safety of the Hudson River and protect the health of its community members.