Letter to Gina McCarthy, Administrator, US Environmental Protection Agency - Wappinger Creek Superfund National Priority List

Letter

Dear Administrator McCarthy,

I write in support of adding Wappinger Creek to the National Priorities List of the country's most hazardous waste sites, making it eligible for remediation under the federal Superfund program. This designation would enable the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct long-term cleanups on the creek.

Located in the village of Wappingers Falls and the towns of Poughkeepsie and Wappinger, Wappinger Creek is a popular Dutchess County fishing and recreation location. However, for over 180 years, an industrial park used for textile dyeing, metal plating, chemical manufacturing, gas plant operations and other activities, remained along the creek. These industries contaminated the water and neighboring communities with mercury, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other hazardous waste. While investigations and cleanups have occurred within the industrial park, contamination remains a risk to the water and local community.

Adding Wappinger Creek to the National Priorities List allows the EPA to take action in order to clean the creek, and protect public health and the environment. With this designation, Wappinger Creek would be eligible for comprehensive contamination cleanups in order to mitigate present harm.

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