Recovering from PCB Contamination

Following the release of multiple scientific investigations, people began to understand and accept the detrimental effects of PCBs on aquatic and human life. Studies have shown that the chemicals and “bio-accumulating compounds” affect animals by causing “reproductive dysfunction, impaired development, reduced growth, and alterations in biochemical processes” (353). In humans, scientists have labeled PCBs as possible carcinogens and investigated effects such as liver damage and “impaired human immune systems” (352). Animals further up the food chain face the worst consequences because eating more in terms of mass exposes them to the chemicals at higher concentrations.
General Electric ceased dumping PCBs in 1977, and evidence has shown that concentrations in fish have decreased since that time, only subsisting due to the gradual mixing of the sediment on the river floor. Many environmentalists have suggested that General Electric should pay millions for the dredging of the river floor, to decrease the amount of contaminants entering the water and reduce the risk of another Allen Mill incident that could occur under extreme weather conditions. However, the amount of money to pay for dredging seems unreasonable for the few benefits that would be achieved. First of all, ecosystems would be damaged throughout the dredging process, with increased turbidity and noise that would force wildlife away. A possibility also exists that dredging could disturb the sediment and release too many PCBs. Active remediation may not be the best solution for the river. The “natural dissipation of pollutants” is reliably steady and decreasing. Within 100 years, PCB concentrations in fish will reach normal levels and sediment will no longer contaminate the river to the slightest degree. Natural healing is the solution.