The Future of the Hudson— American Heritage River

The voice of the people must sound loudly NOW.

Whats the problem?

The EPA released its draft Second Five Year Review to determine whether the dredging project has reached the goal of protecting human health and the environment. The agency’s draft report indicates that the river won’t be healthy for at least several decades. But NOAA, DEC, NYSDOH and other environmental groups contend that the river will not be healthy for another 100 years or more. The river is a national treasure and a vital resource for people, communities and our jobs and economy. Without additional cleanup the public and wildlife will continue to be exposed to dangerous pollutants that severely hamper the ability of communities to leverage the economic potential of their waterfronts.

Why its important?

The river remains contaminated far above the thresholds established in EPA’s cleanup plan, and people continue to be exposed to toxins at unacceptable levels. This is a pivotal time to make your voice heard and ensure EPA finishes the cleanup right! Join us on June 28 and tell the EPA that the cleanup is not protective of human health and the environment, and more dredging is needed! See this flyer for more information and RSVP for this event.

Submit your comments on the draft Five Year Review by sociology essay writing service and tell EPA that it needs to declare the cleanup “not protective” of human health and the environment, and that additional dredging is necessary!

The EPA and General Electric are touting success in achieving the PCB cleanup, but reaching or even exceeding an inadequate plan isn’t the same as a successful cleanup. The EPA severely underestimated the amount of toxins needing removal and did nothing to alter its cleanup plan after much higher concentrations of the PCBs were discovered. Leaving massive amounts of health-threatening PCBs in the river would fail to meet the cleanup’s basic objectives—protecting human health and the environment.

Additional dredging can restore one of America’s great rivers generations sooner. But that won’t happen without pressure—so join a rising number of communities and New York State leaders pressing the EPA to do more targeted dredging for the health of the river and all of us.

Why river in trouble?

The remaining PCBs are dangerous. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyl) are manmade toxic chemicals that cause a range of harmful health effects, including cancer, eye lesions, and developmental disorders in children. New studies say that PCBs in the air cause people with high exposure to suffer significantly more from heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections.
GE put these dangerous PCBs in the Hudson, and should get them out. New York’s taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for GE’s toxic mess. We’ve already paid enough from the loss of the river’s fishing industry (shut down in 1976 because of PCBs), commercial navigation, and tourism along the river.
Without delay, the EPA must objectively and scientifically review GE’s cleanup to date and lay the path towards an agreement that would comprehensively address the remaining pollution in the Hudson River.

Industrial Pollution: Historically, the Hudson River was heavily polluted by industrial activities, particularly the discharge of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by General Electric (GE) plants. PCBs are toxic chemicals that accumulated in the river sediments and affected aquatic life. Although cleanup efforts have made progress, remnants of pollution still persist in some areas.
Urbanization and Development: The rapid growth of urban areas along the Hudson River has resulted in increased human activities and development near its banks. Urbanization contributes to the degradation of the river through stormwater runoff, sewage overflows, and increased demand for freshwater resources. These activities can introduce pollutants, alter natural drainage patterns, and disrupt ecosystems.
Agricultural Runoff: The agricultural practices within the Hudson River watershed contribute to water pollution. Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides can enter the river through runoff, leading to nutrient imbalances and harmful algal blooms. These blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, negatively impacting fish and other aquatic organisms.
Climate Change: The effects of climate change pose significant challenges to the Hudson River. Rising sea levels threaten coastal areas, including parts of New York City, with increased flooding and erosion. Extreme weather events, such as intense storms and hurricanes, can result in further erosion, water contamination, and habitat destruction.

The Future of the Hudson

One promising aspect of the future of the Hudson is the designation it received in 1997 as an American Heritage River. This recognition highlighted the river’s importance as a national treasure and aimed to promote its preservation, restoration, and sustainable development. Over the years, numerous efforts have been undertaken to address the environmental concerns surrounding the Hudson. The cleanup of PCB-contaminated sediments, restoration of wetlands, and efforts to protect the river’s diverse ecosystem have yielded positive results.

The future of the Hudson River faces challenges, similar to those tackled by writing services in conveying environmental concerns. Climate change, with rising sea levels and more intense storms, threatens the river, much like the complexity faced in professional writing. This situation highlights the need for clear communication, a strength of writing services, in planning and adapting to these changes. As urbanization pressures the river, effective writing becomes crucial in promoting sustainable development and awareness.

One aspect that holds great promise for the future of the Hudson is the growing recognition of its recreational and cultural value. The river’s scenic beauty and historical significance have made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Efforts to enhance public access, develop recreational infrastructure, and promote eco-tourism are gaining momentum. The Hudson River Valley’s rich heritage, including its vibrant arts scene and historic sites, attracts visitors from around the world.

Photo of Hudson River

Sign the Petition

Its important to us to save the river so we need your voice to keep River clean and alive.

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