The cleanup of the Housatonic River south of the confluence of its East and West branches in Pittsfield is being carried out pursuant to requirements established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) impacts in the river and its floodplain.

The initial phase of the remediation will take place over approximately five miles in an area called Reach 5A. The Final Remedial Design/Remedial Action Work Plan for Reach 5A is currently undergoing EPA review. It is anticipated that remedial activities along this portion of the river will begin in 2028.

Cleanup activities in Reach 5A represent an important early milestone in a long‑term, river‑wide effort to reduce PCBs, restore natural river and floodplain functions, and protect human health and ecological resources while maintaining the character and uses of the Housatonic River. The Reach 5A remedy is designed to provide long‑term protection by addressing both PCB impacts and the physical stability of the river and floodplain, including performance during high‑flow and flood conditions.

Approximately 200,000 cubic yards of sediment and soil are planned to be removed from the river and floodplain in Reach 5A.

Restoration is an integral component of the Reach 5A remedy. GE has prepared a separate Restoration Plan that establishes a comprehensive framework for restoring disturbed habitats and ecological functions affected by remediation activities. The plan is designed to return the riverine and floodplain ecosystem to conditions comparable to pre-remediation baseline conditions and in many ways to improve the ecological and habitat conditions of the river and its floodplain.