chapter 3: pcbs
What are PCBs?
PCBs are polychlorinated biphenyls, a class of chlorinated chemicals that are probable carcinogens. Invented in 1929, PCBs aided the industrial world with their electrical insulation and non-flammable qualities. PCBs have no taste or smell. In 1979, PCBs were banned by the federal Substance Control Act from dumping and manufacturing but remained in the water, soil, and in the fatty tissue of animals such as fish. Additionally, even though there was a cease in use and manufacturing, industries such as Sprague Electric neglected to dispose of PCB as toxic waste, disposing it in a way that allowed for continuous leakage into the surrounding environment.
Clean Up Efforts
Sprague Electric went out of business in 1985 and the property was eventually acquired by GAFRI, Great American Financial Resources, its current owner who is now accountable and paying for the clean up to meet EPA’s federal standards.
Current State of the River
From a study conducted in 2004, the conclusion was “the Hoosic is becoming cleaner but that time is required for PCBs levels to decline in all sectors of the aquatic ecosystem.” Many North Adams and Williamstown residents have houses abutting the river. Depending on age, gender, weight, and a few other bodily factors, the current levels of PCB are still dangerous with daily contact over the course of many years. (Those who are most threatened are infants.) The river is A LOT cleaner than it used to be, but Brad Furlon, the manager of the Hoosac Valley Water Quality District/water treatment plant says, "All I can say is what we’re putting into the river is cleaner than what’s coming down. I do know that for a fact."
Anne O'Connor organizing her annual river & litter clean up event in April 2018
