New report details toxins in waterways

Environment New York released a new report today, detailing the total amount of toxic chemicals released by industrial facilities into the Hudson River and other rivers, lakes and streams in New York and across the country.

Over 6.4 million pounds were dumped into New York’s waterways, and 230 million pounds were discharged across the country, according to the report, which used 2007 data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That data was the most recent available, the report stated.

“While nearly half of the rivers and lakes in the U.S. are considered too polluted for safe fishing or swimming, our report shows that polluters continue to use our waterways as dumping grounds for their toxic chemicals,” said Caitlin Seeley, field associate with Environment New York.