LSI 2010 NRD Santa Fe final conference binder 072110.pdf

Sheri L. Moreno of General Electric Company Speaker 15: 5
Phase 1: Findings — Fish
• PCB levels in Upper Hudson Fish increased
— 500% increase in PCB levels in pumpkinseed
and forage fish collected close to dredging
(Thompson Island Pool/Fort Edward)
— 40%-65% increase in PCB levels in
same species 40 miles south of
dredging at Albany
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The Path Forward: Finding Right Balance
• GE will work with EPA to design an improved Phase 2
• Use Phase 1 data to identify “tipping point” where dredging sends more PCBs downstream than no
dredging
• Set “tipping point” as maximum limit on mass of PCBs that dredging can send downstream
• Calculate mass of sediments and PCBs that can be removed within that limit, assuming the rate of
resuspension experienced during Phase 1
• Prioritize dredging areas to target PCBs available to fish (to obtain maximum benefit)
• Dredge until maximum limit on mass of PCBs is reached
• Reduce inefficient redredging
• Continue to comply with federal drinking water limit
• Complete work in 5 years, as EPA promised, and accelerate river recovery
• Achieve EPA long-term environmental goals and minimize immediate impacts
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Law Seminars International | Natural Resource Damages | 07/15/10 in Santa Fe, NM