Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Investigation: Hydraulic Dredging Discharge


This Jan. 23 photo shows the discharge from a hydraulic dredge at a Hudson River marina. Discharge water should not be more turbid (muddy) than the receiving waters of the Hudson River. Riverkeeper notified state and federal authorities, and is continuing to investigate.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Watchdog Report: Hudson River Oil Slick at Beacon


On New Year's Eve, watchdogs in Beacon observed an oil slick on the Hudson at Beacon and reported it to the local police department, which reportedly told the watchdogs there wasn't much police could do. The watchdogs took photos documenting the spill, and the next day reported it to Riverkeeper.

Because wind and tides tend to move transient spills, as this one appears to be, there's often little that can be done if authorities don't respond quickly.

Riverkeepeer reported the spill to the Department of Environmental Conservation, but in this case, the more important result was public education. Riverkeeper informed the Beacon Police Department, the mayor's office and the watchdogs about the DEC's hotlines, so that authorities will know better how to respond to the next spill.

"It's about giving people who care about the river the tools to do right by the river," said Patrol Boat Capt. John Lipscomb.

If you see a spill or other harm to the river, take photos and report it by calling the DEC's TIPP (Turn in Poachers and Polluters) hotline at 1-800-847-7332, or the DEC's spill response hotline at 1-800-457-7362. Tell them you're also informing Riverkeeper, and ask the DEC to follow up with you directly (provide your contact information).

You can also make a report to the DEC by email to R5dsptch@gw.dec.state.ny.us; be sure to attach your photos and cc Riverkeeper.

Then, follow up with Riverkeeper so we can follow up with the DEC. Call 1-800-21-RIVER ext. 247, email info1@waterkeeper.org, or submit your report online.

Monday, January 09, 2012

Follow-Up on Watchdog Report: Barge Discharge


We just received an email from a member of the public who witnessed and photo-documented an unladen fuel barge discharging water from its port side off of Yonkers.  The barge is anchored (with tug attached) which is common practice. We often see barges anchored in this area waiting for their chance to go alongside a refinery in Jersey to load.  The photos below were taken from the Palisades looking down at the barge.  






The large volume of water being discharged is unusual. But not all discharges cause pollution, and not all are illegal. Riverkeeper is following up on this report.

We encourage members of the public to act as citizen watchdogs for Riverkeeper. If you observe what you think may be illegal water pollution, please take photos and call us at 1-800-21-RIVER. You can also follow these instructions to learn how to best report pollution to us!

Monday, January 02, 2012

More Winter Home Pics

We wanted to share with you a few more pictures of our winter home as we're very very happy with it.