Central Hudson Conducts Environmental Study
R & D project performed in conjunction with state DEC, EPRI
(POUGHKEEPSIE, NY) Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation is conducting a research and development project in conjunction with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to test the effectiveness of a new material in trapping and containing contaminants within the bottom sediment layers of the Hudson River. The material, an absorbent sediment mat, is under study for possible use in environmental clean up projects related to former manufactured gas plant (MGP) across New York State.
“In New York State alone, more than 300 MGPs were built and operated by local gas companies,” said Paul E. Haering, Vice President of Engineering and Environmental Services at Central Hudson. “When natural gas was first introduced in the 1940s and 1950s through the interstate pipeline system, MGPs were gradually phased out and removed from service.”
The site of the project is at Central Hudson’s former manufactured gas plant on North Water Street in Poughkeepsie, which produced gas for residents and businesses from 1911 until 1954, and subsequently for supplemental gas only during days of peak use until 1972 when it was decommissioned. The research and development project in Poughkeepsie may potentially offer an alternative method to remediate MGP wastes at this site and others.
“Contaminants are typically found at the locations of former MGPs, and Central Hudson is voluntarily conducting a site assessment and working with the NYSDEC in Poughkeepsie to develop a remediation plan to remove these contaminants,” said Haering. Some of the contaminants have migrated off shore into the Hudson River bottom sediments.
The research and development project began in April 2009, when an absorbent mat was placed on the Hudson River bottom approximately 200 feet off the shoreline, north of the former Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge (now the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park). The mat was allowed to remain on the river bottom to test its ability to absorb and trap contaminants. “The use of the mat may have the potential to mitigate contaminants with fewer environmental impacts and at a lower cost than traditional methods, particularly in this part of the Hudson River where strong currents and water depths can complicate dredging operations,” said Haering.
Next month, the mat will be removed and studied for possible use in the final environmental clean up plan. Contractors will utilize a barge and crane during the removal, and Central Hudson has retained a consulting engineer and environmental spill contractor to assist in the operation. Recreational boat traffic restrictions will be in place during the process, and the NYSDEC will be providing direct oversight of the removal activities on a daily basis.
Work is expected to begin on November 8, 2010, and completed by the end of the month. Once removed, the mat material will be prepared for transportation on land, and taken to an approved disposal facility.
The North Water Street site was subject to a previous research and development project in 2005, conducted by Central Hudson in conjunction with the Edison Electric Institute. The project evaluated the use of a new technology, Tar-specific Green Optical Screening Tool, that used a laser to detect and locate the presence of sub-surface substances more efficiently and accurately, and with less environmental impact, than other methods. Information from the device was used to determine where sediment samples were taken.
“In addition to the North Water Street site, Central Hudson is also addressing five other sites in the Hudson Valley,” said Haering. These include one other site in Poughkeepsie, and one site each in Newburgh, Beacon, Kingston, and Catskill. To date, the Newburgh site is under remediation and expected to be completed by mid 2011; one Poughkeepsie and the Beacon site have been completed, and the remaining sites are under study.
For more information on manufactured gas plants and remediation activities, visit the NYSDEC Web site at www.DEC.NY.gov/chemical/8430.html.
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