EPA Extends Comment Period for Housatonic Cleanup

EPA is extending the comment period on its Draft Modification to General Electric’s Reissued RCRA Permit (also referred to as the Proposed Cleanup Plan for the Housatonic River Rest of River).

In response to several requests for extension, public comments on the Draft Permit will be accepted through Oct. 27, 2014. EPA will also hold a public hearing on the Draft Modification to the RCRA Permit on Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Lenox Memorial Middle and High School (Duffin Theater).

The Draft Modification to the RCRA Permit sets forth EPA’s Proposed Remedial Action and Operation and Maintenance requirements for the Rest of River. The Rest of River begins at the confluence of the East and West branches of the Housatonic River in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and extends into Connecticut.

At the end of May, EPA released its Statement of Basis for EPA’s Proposed Remedial Action for the Housatonic River “Rest of River” and the associated Draft Modification to the RCRA Permit. Public Informational meetings were held on June 18 in Lenox, Massachusetts and June 24 in Kent, Connecticut. EPA initiated the formal public comment period on the Draft Permit Modification on June 25, 2014.