The Critical Link in Hudson River Remediation Project
Approximately three times a week, for six months of the year, trains depart from upstate New York, en route to one of three EPA-approved long-term disposal facilities. The trains, which are loaded with dewatered, PCB-containing sediments, represent the last leg of a complex environmental dredging project undertaken by General Electric Co. in New York’s Upper Hudson River. To keep these trains on schedule, GE relies on two purpose-built material handlers from SENNEBOGEN, an 870 R-HD and an 870 M…
Sixth Season of Hudson River Dredging Begins
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck announced the start of the sixth, and final, season of dredging of PCB-contaminated sediments from the bottom of the Hudson River. The historic dredging project – one of the largest and most complex cleanups in Superfund history – began in 2009. The EPA is overseeing the dredging project that is being conducted by General Electric Company (GE) under the terms of a 2006 legal agreement. According to GE, the company has invested more than $1 billion on the cleanup project to date.
Insights: New York Canal Director Brian Stratton
Brian U. Stratton was appointed Director of the New York State Canal Corporation in April 2011, to oversee the operation and development of New York’s 524-mile Canal System, including the historic Erie Canal. The canal system, a historic system of waterways that dates back almost 200 years, was begun in 1817. Opened in its entirety in 1825, the Erie Canal is widely considered the engineering marvel of the 19th Century. But the canal system spans much more than the Erie Canal. It’s potential as an inland marine highway is undeniable.
Toxics Dredging Resumes in the Hudson
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that dredging operations are expected to resume on Wednesday in the Upper Hudson River. In 2014, dredging will begin south of Schuylerville, New York and proceed south towards Troy. Dredging will also occur in a two-mile section of river near Fort Miller that is not easily accessed by boat. Dredging is being conducted to remove sediment from the river bottom that is contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
America’s First Marine Highway Comes Back to Life
The New York State Canal System, once forgotten as a commercial shipping option, is on the rise again, after years of decline. The shorter, greener and smarter route(s) make increasingly good sense for high value cargoes. Commercial utilization of America’s original superhighway – the Erie Canal – is on the rise again in recent years after years of decline. The third generation of the famed Erie Canal – the “Barge Canal” was constructed between 1905 and 1918. Designed to accommodate up to 10 million tons of cargo per year, the modern Erie Canal peaked at just over 5 million tons in 1951. Then, and with growing competition from railroads and highways, and the opening of the St.
Top Canal Crews Lock Up Honors
Peak Performance Continues. In recognition of superior performance, the New York State Canal Corporation today announced top honors for the operators of canal facilities that provide outstanding service to patrons. Among the Canal honorees are: Best Lock, Lock 4 at Waterloo on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal; Best Section, Fort Edward on the Champlain Canal; and Best Tugboat, Tug Roosevelt, based in Utica on the Erie Canal. The winners were graded during an annual inspection of the 524-mile-long Canal system in the Fall. The inspection tour was led by Canal Corporation Director Brian U.
Tugboat Roundup Cancelled in Waterford
Event Was Scheduled for Sept. 9-11. The annual Tugboat Roundup scheduled for Sept. 9-11, 2011, at the Waterford Harbor on the Erie Canal has been cancelled because of the impacts from Tropical Storm Irene. High waters and flood damage have hampered navigation along the New York State Canal system. The Hudson River also has high waters. The Erie Canal remains closed to navigation between Lock 2 in Waterford, Saratoga County, and Lock 19 in Frankfort, Montgomery County. The Champlain Canal remains closed for its entire length. No date has been established on when these canal sections might re-open. For updates and information monitor 1-800-4CANAL4 and www.canals.ny.gov or contact Tom Beardsley, Tugboat Roundup, [email protected] ; (315) 263-8906.
Hudson River Dredging Project Commenses
The second phase of the Hudson River Dredging Project officially began this morning. River flows having receded, two dredges began operations in the Upper Hudson south of Rogers Island in Fort Edward. One dredge is removing sediment, the other debris. Dredging will take place on a limited basis at first and gradually increase to full operation over the next few weeks. Dredging will take place 24 hours a day, six days a week through October, river flows and weather conditions permitting. As many as four dredges and four backfill platforms, 17 tugboats and more than 25 barges will be operating in the Upper Hudson during dredging and related operations. The Upper Hudson and Champlain Canal remain open for recreational and commercial use during dredging.
