More than 70 people, including representatives from prominent enviro activist organizations, came together to raise awareness of the dangerous levels of toxic chemicals in the river and to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finally get the Hudson on a real path to recovery.
It’s been more than 70 years since General Electric (GE) started dumping cancer-causing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from two factories into the Hudson River, turning a 200-mile stretch of the waterway into one of the country’s largest Superfund sites.
The EPA claims that they don’t have enough scientific data to determine if dredging cleanup, (completed almost a decade ago) has worked. Environmental activists state: “That’s nonsense! The science is actually crystal clear: the cleanup attempts have failed.” Many concerned citizens have already raised their voices and told the EPA that they love the river and want it cleaned up.
The vigil was held just six days before the EPA closes their public comment period on Nov. 7. Activists are urging the public to take action now.
The late afternoon event kicked off with postcard writing, live music, and an interactive art activity sponsored by Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council. Local artists Erwin Ong, Jill Liflander, and Kersten Harries led a workshop for creating lanterns. The crowd also enjoyed free snacks and beverages including empanadas from Los Andes Bakery, and S’mores and hot cocoa from Sleepy Coffee, Too.
At dusk, Kirsten Bourne from Mothers Out Front, Cathy Ruhland from Tarrytown Environment Advisory Council, as well as representatives from Riverkeeper, spoke about the importance of river stewardship.
“As the climate warms, people need access to swimmable water to keep cool,” says Bourne. “So as mothers we are begging the EPA to clean up the Hudson as promised, so our kids can swim safely in their lifetime. We have no other option.”
Pictures and videos of this gathering will be used to inspire others to light a candle for the river and share on social media. Vigil organizers encourage everyone to show their support: “Go ahead, light your candle for the River and post on social media using the hashtag #HealTheHudson.”
This is one of more community vigils to be held up and down the river.
Your voice matters! Find out more about becoming a “Valley Defender” and standing up for the region’s water, land, clean air, communities, and more.
