Meghan Hodges
The Hackensack River, a roughly 45-mile-long river in the US states of New York and New Jersey, was once believed to be among the most polluted watercourses in the United States. Decades of industrial activity have contaminated the river with hazardous substances, including heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Despite some improvements in recent years, the river is still damaged by pollution, and there are concerns about the potential health risks it poses to humans and wildlife. As a result, there have been calls for it to be designated a federal Superfund site to facilitate its cleanup.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 45 miles (72 km) |
| Location | New York and New Jersey, U.S. |
| Pollution Sources | Municipal sewage, industrial wastewater, urban runoff pollution, hazardous-waste sites |
| Pollutants | Lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel, PCBs, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, metals, arsenic, chromium, dioxin |
| Health Risks | Consumption of fish not advised, ban on swimming |
| Conservation Efforts | Clean Water Act regulations, local conservancy groups, EPA Superfund site listing and cleanup efforts |
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What You'll Learn
The river's pollution is a health threat to humans and wildlife
The Hackensack River, a roughly 45-mile-long river in the US states of New York and New Jersey, was once believed to be among the most polluted watercourses in the United States. Decades of industrial pollution have contaminated the riverbed with hazardous chemicals, including mercury, cadmium, lead, nickel, and dioxin. These toxic substances have been identified by US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tests, with the agency concluding that the pollution is a potential health threat to both humans and wildlife.
The lower portion of the river, which spans approximately 22 miles from south of the Oradell Dam to near Newark Bay, has been designated as a Superfund site. This designation is given to sites that require long-term cleanup of hazardous substances, and it is expected that the federal government will provide funding and expertise to remediate the riverbed and restore water quality. The EPA's decision was informed by a preliminary study conducted in 2015, which found that the river had endured years of resource extraction, habitat loss, alterations, and degradation, resulting in pollution with numerous contaminants.
The river's pollution has had detrimental effects on both human and wildlife populations. Elevated levels of toxic substances in the water have led to a ban on swimming, and official warnings advising against the consumption of fish caught in the river remain in place. The contamination has also resulted in the death of some wildlife. However, there are signs of improvement. Recreational fishing has made a modest comeback, and local conservancy groups have helped enforce Clean Water Act regulations.
The threat of industrial contamination is decreasing, but pollution from street runoff remains a concern. Local groups such as Hackensack Riverkeeper are working to help the public enjoy the river through eco-tours and kayak trips, while also advocating for further cleanup efforts. Their efforts, along with those of other organizations, have contributed to the river's gradual recovery and the resurgence of wildlife in the area.
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The Lower Hackensack River is a federal Superfund site
The Lower Hackensack River Superfund site spans approximately 22 river miles from south of the Oradell Dam to near Newark Bay, within Bergen and Hudson counties in New Jersey. The lower portion of the river is tidal and receives brackish water flows from Newark Bay. The addition of the site to the NPL will provide federal tools, resources, and funding to support the cleanup and restoration of the river. The EPA has divided the site into two distinct areas, or operable units, for addressing the contamination. Operable Unit 1 (OU1) covers the area from south of the Oradell Dam to near Newark Bay, while Operable Unit 2 (OU2) covers the area between River Mile 2 and 5.5, near Kearny and Jersey City.
The contamination in the Lower Hackensack River has been a concern for local communities and environmental groups for many years. The river was once believed to be one of the most polluted watercourses in the United States, and health advisories against consuming fish caught in the river continue. However, efforts to control dumping, curb sewage discharges, clean toxic sites, and restore the surrounding land have led to some improvements in water quality and the resurgence of wildlife. The river's designation as a Superfund site will further enhance these cleanup efforts and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for the remediation and cleanup costs.
The cleanup of the Lower Hackensack River is expected to be a long and arduous process, as Superfund cleanups often progress slowly. However, the inclusion of the river on the NPL demonstrates the federal government's commitment to environmental protection and restoration. The cleanup will benefit the communities, stakeholders, and ecosystems within the watershed and create an environmental space that all residents can enjoy. It will also help protect the river's habitat, which is home to over 30 endangered or threatened species and over 8,400 acres of wetlands.
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Industrial pollution and contamination from sewage
The Hackensack River, which flows through New York and New Jersey, was once believed to be among the most polluted watercourses in the United States. Decades of industrial pollution and sewage contamination have left the river with high levels of toxic substances, including lead, mercury, PCBs, and other hazardous chemicals. The lower portion of the river, in particular, has been identified as a Superfund site by the EPA due to the extent of contamination.
The river's pollution can be largely attributed to the Second Industrial Revolution, which led to the construction of heavy manufacturing, storage tanks, and chemical-processing plants in the area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The economic development and population increase in the watershed also resulted in extensive water pollution from municipal sewage and industrial wastewater. The lower Hackensack River, which flows through an industrial zone and is heavily industrialized, has been a center of industrial activity for over 200 years.
The contamination of the river has had significant environmental and health impacts. The EPA has concluded that the pollution poses a potential health threat to humans and wildlife, with elevated levels of toxic substances strewn across the riverbed. The heavy pollution has also killed some wildlife, led to a ban on swimming, and prompted warnings to limit or avoid consuming fish caught in the river. The lower Hackensack River has been placed on the federal Superfund list, indicating that it is a national priority for cleanup and remediation.
While there have been some improvements in recent years, with the decline in manufacturing and the enforcement of Clean Water Act regulations, the river is still significantly impacted by pollution. Efforts to control dumping, curb sewage discharges, and restore the surrounding land have been made by local conservancy groups and the Hackensack Riverkeeper. However, pollution from street runoff and urban runoff pollution remains a persistent issue. The future of the wetlands around the lower river is also a subject of controversy between development and preservation groups.
The cleanup of the Hackensack River is expected to be a lengthy process, as Superfund designations often involve complex investigations and remediation plans. In 2024, a settlement agreement was reached between the EPA and several companies to investigate contamination in a portion of the lower river. The agreement also requires sampling throughout the river to understand its baseline conditions and evaluate the extent of contamination. The state of New Jersey has also recognized the importance of environmental justice and has pursued federal involvement in the cleanup process.
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The Clean Water Act and local conservancy groups
The Hackensack River, which flows through New York and New Jersey, was once considered one of the most polluted watercourses in the United States. Decades of industrial activity and sewage discharge have contaminated the river with toxic substances, including heavy metals and chemicals. However, the river has seen a modest revival in recent years, thanks to the enforcement of the Clean Water Act and the efforts of local conservancy groups.
The Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act (CWA) is a federal law in the United States that establishes the regulatory framework for managing water pollution and maintaining water quality standards. The CWA gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to implement pollution control programs, set wastewater standards for industries, and develop national water quality criteria. It also makes it illegal to discharge pollutants into navigable waters without a permit from the EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
The CWA was first enacted as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act in 1948 but was significantly expanded and renamed in 1972. Subsequent amendments in 1977, 1987, and 2015 have further shaped its scope and impact. The CWA's regulations cover various aspects of pollution control, including reporting, record-keeping, permitting, and compliance for both governmental and nongovernmental entities.
Local Conservancy Groups
Local conservancy groups have played a crucial role in the Hackensack River's recovery. One such group is the Hackensack Riverkeeper, led by Bill Sheehan. They organize eco-tours, kayak trips, and other activities to help the public enjoy the river and raise awareness about its environmental challenges. Their efforts, along with those of other local groups, have contributed to the reduction of dumping, sewage discharge, and industrial contamination in the area.
The combined efforts of the Clean Water Act's enforcement and local conservancy groups have led to a decrease in water pollution in the Hackensack River. While the river still faces challenges, including urban runoff pollution and hazardous waste sites, the collaboration between regulatory measures and grassroots initiatives offers hope for its continued revival and long-term sustainability.
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The future of the wetlands is controversial
The Hackensack River, a roughly 45-mile-long river in the US states of New York and New Jersey, was once believed to be among the most polluted watercourses in the United States. Decades of sewage and industrial discharges have contaminated the river sediment with hazardous substances, including arsenic, chromium, lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel, and dioxin. The lower Hackensack River, in particular, has been designated as a Superfund site by the EPA, indicating its highly contaminated state and the need for federal intervention in its cleanup.
The future of the wetlands surrounding the lower river has been a subject of controversy between development and preservation groups. The wetlands, part of the Meadowlands, have historically been altered by human activities, including clearing forests, building infrastructure, and industrial activities. The establishment of the Hackensack Meadowlands Development Commission (now the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission) in 1968 was an attempt to manage development and habitat preservation in the area.
While the threat of industrial contamination is decreasing due to the conversion of factories and fuel depots into riverfront housing and shopping centers, pollution from street runoff and urban development remains a significant issue. The Meadowlands, once known for their landfills and contaminated waterways, have seen a successful environmental turnaround due to the closure of landfills, a crackdown on illegal dumping, and improved sewage management. This has allowed wildlife to flourish, and recreational activities like fishing and birdwatching have become more feasible.
However, the lower Hackensack River still faces challenges. Elevated levels of toxic substances remain in the riverbed, posing potential health risks to humans and wildlife. The river's revival is a slow process, and while it has improved modestly, it is still a damaged river. The Superfund cleanup process is expected to be lengthy, and it is uncertain how long it will take to fully remediate the river and restore its natural resources.
The controversy surrounding the future of the wetlands lies in balancing the need for continued development and economic growth with the preservation and restoration of the delicate ecological balance of the Hackensack River and its surrounding wetlands. While progress has been made, the river's health remains fragile, and the efforts of conservation groups and government agencies will be crucial in ensuring its long-term recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the river has been heavily polluted by industrial waste and sewage.
The riverbed is contaminated with hazardous chemicals including mercury, cadmium, lead, nickel, and dioxin.
The pollution has killed some wildlife, led to a ban on swimming, and prompted official warnings to limit or avoid consuming fish caught in the river.
The EPA added the Lower Hackensack River to the Superfund program's National Priorities List in September 2022. The Superfund program will provide federal money and expertise to clean up the river.
Local conservancy groups such as Hackensack Riverkeeper are working to help the public enjoy the river through eco-tours and kayak trips.
