Boyd's defense of GE doesn't hold water

Daily Gazette, The (Schenectady, NY)

September 19, 2000
Section: Opinion
Edition: Schenectady Albany; Final
Page: B-10
Column: Letters to the Editor

Boyd's defense of GE doesn't hold water
PAULINE BOEHM and WILLIAM F. KOEBBEMAN
We would like to respond to Gordon Boyd's Aug. 27 defense of General Electric Co.'s refusal to remove PCBs from the Hudson. Mr. Boyd thinks it is significant that some local citizens are supporting GE. What is more significant and revealing is that GE has quietly shifted the emphasis in its losing arguments.

Not long ago, GE was campaigning for a review of the mathematical models by independent experts. GE was saying science should decide. When the peer review by seven independent scientists showed that the Environmental Protection Agency's model was acceptable with minor revisions, GE changed gears. Now GE says maybe the real experts are the "average citizens" whom they have recruited for their anti-dredging campaign.
Mr. Boyd blames environmentalists for slow economic growth, but strong environmental laws are compatible with a strong economy. Germany has tighter environmental laws than the United States, yet its citizens enjoy a high standard of living. Do we want economic growth that sacrifices clean water?
According to Mr. Boyd, there is no good technology available for dredging. There is, in fact, the cutterhead suction dredge, which was designed to remove contaminated sediments while minimizing resuspension of material outside the immediate dredging area. In a number of studies, this process has been shown to be effective and efficient.
He asked for "a Solomon like compromise." Here's one: People seem to be looking at the dredging question as all-or-nothing, but as King Solomon proposed, let's slice the problem into manageable bits. Start with a pilot project that is large enough to prove that dredging and disposal can be done safely and effectively with available technology; but small enough that it can be modified or even terminated if results are unsatisfactory. This approach would allow a phased cleanup of the river without the risk of major environmental impacts to the communities along the Hudson, or unnecessary costs to GE.
We don't want to eat, drink or swim in PCBs. If a child spills their milk, a parent usually cleans it up. As an adult, if you make a mess, you know it is your responsibility to clean it up. GE made this mess and GE has the responsibility to clean it up. Let's get started.
PAULINE BOEHM
WILLIAM F. KOEBBEMAN
Clifton Park

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