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Scenic Hudson Commends Leading NY Contractors Group for Urging EPA to Continue PCB Cleanup

Ned Sullivan
President, Scenic Hudson, Inc.
914 489 4630, nsullivan@scenichudson.org

Letter says remaining contamination presents “obstacles to the economic gains our industry hopes to foster”

HUDSON VALLEY—Scenic Hudson today praised Associated General Contractors of New York State (AGC NYS) for urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take steps that will ensure a more comprehensive Hudson River PCB cleanup.

In a letter sent to EPA Region 2 Administrator Pete Lopez, AGC NYS President and CEO Mike Elmendorf noted the important role contractors and construction firms play in growing the Hudson Valley’s real estate market and overall economy. “Continuing and building upon this momentum depends on a cleaner, healthier Hudson River. Continued contamination of the river, including its fish, sediments, river and wildlife, are obstacles to the economic gains our industry hopes to foster,” he writes.

The letter urges Mr. Lopez to determine that the PCB cleanup to date is “not protective of human health and the environment” and eliminate the unsubstantiated forecasts contained in the agency’s draft Hudson Second Five Year Review that it “will be protective” at some unknown time in the future. In addition, the letter asks that the EPA refrain from issuing a Certificate of Completion to polluter General Electric until the cleanup fulfills its mandated goal to “be protective.”

“Associated General Contractors of New York State realizes that a comprehensive PCB cleanup offers a win-win-win—for the environment, the economy and the vibrant future of the Hudson Valley. We’re delighted that the group has partnered with us in urging the Environmental Protection Agency to take all necessary steps to allow the cleanup to proceed,” said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan.

The leading voice of New York’s building and heavy highway construction industry, the AGC NYS represents about 250 general contractors and construction managers throughout the state, including many listed on the Engineering News-Record’s Top 400 list. Its membership also includes approximately 85 subcontractors and 300 firms engaged in law, insurance, bonding, financial services, consulting, and materials and equipment supply.

The full text of Mr. Elmendorf’s letter to Administrator Lopezis available here.

About Scenic Hudson

Scenic Hudson helps citizens and communities preserve land and farms and create parks where people experience the outdoors and enjoy the Hudson River. We also bring together people, businesses and government to protect the river and natural resources that are the engines of the valley’s local economies. Started in 1963 by a handful of citizens who cherished the simple pleasures of the outdoors along the Hudson, Scenic Hudson is credited with launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today, in the face of new challenges and the effects of climate change, we are dedicated to making the Hudson Valley a great place to live, work and play. Our focus is on strengthening and maximizing benefits all can enjoy from the region’s great assets—beautiful open spaces, working farms, and vibrant cities and town centers.