Trump Administration Moves to Take Over Toxic Passaic River Cleanup from New Jersey

Toward the end of the Obama administration, environmentalists in New Jersey got a big win when the federal government announced it would dredge over eight miles of toxic mud from the bottom of the Passaic River.

The Passaic runs through some of the most densely populated areas in New Jersey, including Newark, and the Trump administration has pledged to continue with the cleanup. Some are worried that taking it out of local hands will lead to further delays and decisions that aren't in the best interest of the community.

For example, the federal government has expressed interest in redeveloping Superfund sites, said Debbie Mans, executive director for the group NY/NJ Baykeeper. But locals would like to fish in the river again.

Mans testified on the project before the Congressional Committee on Energy and Commerce last week. She discussed the project and her testimony with WNYC All Things Considered host Sean Carlson.