Signs of a pollution violation
Water discoloration
This is often a sign of pollution. Discoloration can take the form of brown, muddy or cloudy water. Oil sheens, water with an unusual color, and floating films or scum can also be a sign of pollution. When observing water discoloration, always make a note of whether the discolored water is coming from a pipe, ditch, or other source and whether the discoloration affects the entire waterway or is confined to an area or plume. If coming from a pipe look for a green SPDES permit sign and write down the number if possible.
Dumping
Illegal dumping can take many forms: Federal and state law prohibit dumping or filling of water bodies and wetlands without a permit. Look for garbage, debris, dirt, or fill materials such as rock or concrete dumped or pushed into water bodies or wetlands. Federal and State laws also prohibit “open dumping“ where garbage or other solid waste is dumped instead of being properly disposed of in a landfill. Look for garbage, debris, tires, scrap, and other waste dumped on banks or shores.
Unusual odors
Strong or unusual odors can be a sign of pollution. The smell of sewage can indicate an illegal overflowing manhole, sewer pipe, or septic system failure or a legal combined sewer overflow (CSO). Sewage overflows often occur after rain. Chemical, petroleum, or other acrid smells can indicate an oil or chemical spill or the presence of fumes from contaminated land or groundwater.
Signs of normal activity
Foam
We frequently receive reports of foam or other white streaks in the Hudson River. This foam is generally caused by the mixing of salt and freshwater in the river and is seen in different geographic areas stretching from NYC to mid-Hudson depending on the tide and recent levels of rain. These foam streaks are generally not a cause for concern.
Ships and barges carrying petroleum
Designated areas for operators of large commercial vessels to anchor exist in the Hudson River along the west side of Manhattan, and near Yonkers and Hyde Park. Commercial vessel operators are permitted to anchor only in these in authorized, federally designated Anchorage Grounds except in cases of great emergency. If you see commercial vessels anchored outside a designated Anchorage Ground, submit a report immediately to Riverkeeper with a photo, date, and time of observation so we can report them to the USCG.
Freshwater intrusion in Poughkeepsie/Highland area
The Hudson River is a tidal estuary, meaning saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean pushes up from New York Harbor, and freshwater runs down into the river from tributaries and runoff. The meeting of the freshwater and saltwater creates mixing conditions that may appear concerning to those unfamiliar with the dynamics of the estuary.
Pollen
During the spring when pollen production is heightened pollen can land on the surface of the river, streams, and ponds, creating matte swirls as the pollen lands and the water circulates. This is not a concerning occurrence, but a seasonal phenomenon taking place in the spring.
Combined sewer overflows
Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are a component of older sewer systems where a community‘s stormwater shares the same pipes as the wastewater from tubs, sinks, and toilets. If all is working properly, during dry weather, all of the wastewater travels to the local wastewater treatment plant for processing. During wet weather, the plant receives mixed stormwater runoff and wastewater, which can cause the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant to be exceeded. To prevent sewer backups into homes, schools, offices, etc, the excess combined storm and wastewater is discharged into local waterways, such as the Hudson River or its tributaries. CSOs are normal during precipitation events, but outfalls should not be running during dry weather.
Legacy pollution
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
PCBs were discharged into the Hudson River by General Electric from their facilities in Hudson Falls and Fort Edward in upstate New York. PCBs have well-documented health effects and consumption of PCB-contaminated food (such as Hudson River fish) can cause liver, kidney and nervous system disorders, as well as developmental and reproductive abnormalities. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) advises women of childbearing age and children under 15 to not eat fish from the Hudson River south of Hudson Falls. The DOH also recommends that no individual eat any fish caught between Hudson Falls and the Federal Dam in Troy.
Sheen under walkway over the Hudson
The oily sheen under the Walkway Over the Hudson along the Hudson River‘s eastern shoreline. The source of the pollution from a manufactured gas plant at the end of Duchess Avenue in Poughkeepsie. In many cases, a significant amount of coal tar and other contaminants remain underneath former manufactured gas plants, which can be transported by groundwater in the direction of groundwater flow. In this case, the oily sheen is a result of these contaminants bubbling up from the sediment at the bottom of the river. The site is owned by Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. Central Hudson is in the midst of a multi-year remediation project at the site. More on the cleanup‘s website or by phone at: (845) 867-4064.
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Related Campaigns
Remediating and preventing contamination
Cleaning up decades of pollution and preventing more requires scientific understanding, targeted legal action, and sustained advocacy
Sewer and stormwater pollution
Working to keep sewage and street pollution out of our waterways
Spill prevention and preparedness
Working to protect the Hudson and its communities from the threats posed by anchor strikes and spills
