One Step Closer to Cleaner Water

River residents may be one step closer to clean water.

The EPA alongside General Electric, updated Fort Edward residents Thursday night, on the decades old Hudson River Dredging Project. By the looks of things, dredging on the river bottom to remove harmful PCB's, a known carcinogen, and other toxins will start in May and carry through November.

Phase 1 of the dredging,  which will occur on the upper Hudson River, will require round the clock attention-- six days a week.

From the get-go, residents have been deeply concerned about disturbing the river's bottom, what may lurk beneath and if those toxins will enter the water they use everyday, such as well water.

"To tell you the truth," says Gansevoort resident Gail Kochon, "We don't drink the water, we've never drank the water."

Reporter, Teresa Priolo, "Why? Specifically because of this issue?"

"Yeah. . . How can the water not come into our dug well?" says Kochon.

As for the estimated May start day, Gail's husband Jim, isn't so confident the project will remain on track.  Other residents at Thursday's meeting, for which there were only 60, shared the same sentiment.

"I'm confident in the EPA, not GE. It's been so long, they've been talking about it for so long, it's been how long now?", says Jim Kochon.

Residents tells CBS6, the duration of this project has all but halted economic development of the village of Fort Edward for at least the last 15 years. They tell CBS 6 beginning the dredging process sooner rather than later, will alleviate some environmental concerns many developers and potential business owners may have. It can also make way for other environmental projects on the canal to begin and the hope is a project of this size will ultimately bring jobs to the area.  Some believe, getting this project done will jump start Fort Edwards and essentially, put it back on the map.

"We've got beautiful new roadways, new street fronts, lamp posts... we're literally ready for the development to begin in our community here," says resident Peter Smith.

As for other down river towns, such as Stillwater, Halfmoon and Waterford concerned about their water supply, GE has agreed to ammend the initial consent decree and pay for their water supply, which will come from Troy.
That provision will go into affect at any time when the PCB's exceed 500 parts per trillion and when there is not enough time to notify residents of the higher than expected levels. 

There is talk these towns are threatening legal action to stop the dredging process.

Public comment on the amendment to the consent decree will be taken until February 25, 2009.

Residents will also be able to view a copy of the Community Health and Safety Plan for phase one of the dredging process, very soon.

The EPA also warns residents to be aware, once dredging begins, the process is expected to be very noisy. They urge you to call the toll free number below with any concerns you that may arise.

For more information on the Hudson River Dredging Project check out: www.hudsondredging.com

Call: 518-792-4087 or 1-888-596-3655