http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-940100.mp3
Buffalo, NY – A Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study for a massive cleanup project of the Buffalo River was debuted to the public, Monday night.
The Buffalo River is one of 43 of the most toxic hotspots across the Great Lakes, and has been since 1987.
Jill Jedlicka, director of Ecological Programs for Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, said one of the main reasons for the condition of the river is contaminated sediment.
But starting next summer, the Riverkeeper, along with the EPA, Honeywell, the State DEC, and the Army Corps of Engineers, will begin an active cleanup of nearly one million cubic yards of contaminated river sediment.
Jedlicka said that over a minimum of three years, the project will span 6.2 miles of river, and 1.4 miles of the city's ship canal. With so much to do, the partnership of the five groups has a pretty strong goal in mind.
Jedlicka said the project will restore the river to its greatest ecological potential, so that the health of the river contributes to a revitalized waterfront. She said it serves as an engine for economic recovery in the region.
