Posted on October 9, 2018
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) began dredging polluted sediments from the Susquehanna River in Binghamton, N.Y. The dredging is funded by the New York State Electric & Gas Corp., the current property owner, and aims to remove pollution left by a former gas manufacturing plant.
While the pollution-laden sediment currently is not a human threat, contamination may leach into the river from erosion, according to DEC. The sediment dredging work includes measure to control dust and monitor air quality to prevent exposure to workers and residents surrounding the area.
The $2.6 million project is expected to take four months to complete and is the latest in a 20-year effort to clear the area of pollution related to gas production using coal tar between 1888 and 1952, as reported by Press Connects. Previous efforts have included installing a barrier wall, coal tar collection wells and sealing a storm sewer pipe leading to the river.
Additionally, DEC has removed tainted underground infrastructure with approximately 9,000 tons of polluted material and 68,000 gal of contaminated groundwater.
Source: SWS
