After 2 years of the Hudson River dredging, crews from the Environmental Protection Agency will be returning to the river this season.
The EPA was originally scheduled to finish their review of the PCB contamination and cleanup by the end of this month, but recently decided to extend the review one more month. The decision was brought on after the agency received numerous calls from local congressional representatives and environmentalists.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), studies have shown that PCBs cause cancer in animals and have non-cancer effects on the immune system, reproductive system, and endocrine system. In addition, new research indicates that prenatal exposure to the chemicals can lead to low birth weight, stunted growth, asthma, immune weakness, Attention Deficit Disorder, memory problems, and decreased IQ.
“EMSL Analytical has decades of experience providing quality testing services for PCBs, ” states Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager . “ We analyze samples according to EPA methodology, so clients are confident that they are complying with regulations and trust our results’ accuracy.”
[mappress]
Dredging Today Staff, April 29, 2012; Image: hudsondredging