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Hackensack River Cleanup Paves Way for Revived Ecosystem and Recreation
3 Oct
Summary
- Hackensack River added to Superfund list in 2022 for major cleanup
- Decades of pollution, damming, and overdevelopment impacted river
- Cleaner water leads to wildlife resurgence and growing recreational use
In 2025, the Hackensack River in New Jersey is undergoing a significant cleanup effort after being added to the Superfund National Priorities List in 2022. For centuries, the river had suffered from industrial pollution, damming, wetlands destruction, and overdevelopment, but the past few decades have seen a decline in industry and new regulations that have contributed to a partial recovery.
The cleanup, which is expected to take years or even decades to complete, aims to address the sediments contaminated with arsenic, mercury, and cancer-causing PCBs. While water quality continues to be impacted by factors like runoff, leaching from landfills, and combined sewer overflows, the cleaner water has led to an abundance of wildlife in the Meadowlands and a boom in recreational activities.
Hackensack Riverkeeper, a local conservation group, has partnered with the Interstate Environmental Commission to conduct weekly water quality monitoring during the peak recreation season. This effort provides insights into the watershed's health and helps identify potential risks and areas for improvement. The data shows that while the waters in Bayonne are generally safe for activities like boating and fishing, the areas around Hackensack and Ridgefield Park often have higher levels of pathogens.
Going forward, the Hackensack Riverkeeper hopes to see the creation of a state park in the protected areas of the Meadowlands, providing the community with enhanced access, resources, and opportunities to enjoy the revitalized river and its surrounding ecosystems.
