The Black River PCBs site covers a three-mile stretch of the Black River in Carthage and West Carthage, New York. PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, contaminate the riverbed sediments. The pollution traces back to industrial operations, including tanneries, paper mills, and other facilities that have worked along the river since the 1890s. The EPA added the site to the Superfund National Priorities List in September 2010.
The EPA collected samples of river sediment, fish tissue, and floodplain soils starting in 2009. Sampling continued through 2020, with a bathymetry survey and additional sediment sampling added in 2016. The remedial investigation and feasibility study wrapped up in July 2021. Those reports describe how far the contamination has spread and lay out possible cleanup approaches. No cleanup remedy has been selected yet, and physical construction has not started.
The Black River is used for boating and fishing. Fish can absorb PCBs from contaminated sediments, which creates a health risk for people who eat them. The New York State Department of Health has issued a fish consumption advisory for the affected river reach. There is not enough data yet to confirm that human exposure is currently under control.
One business currently operates at the site, employing seven people. The EPA's Superfund Redevelopment Program is working with the community to support future reuse of the site.
Community members can get information or raise concerns by contacting the EPA directly. Site documents are available at the Carthage Free Library in Carthage, New York, and at the EPA office at 290 Broadway in New York City.
