What is the current status of the Hackensack River cleanup?

The Hackensack River was added to the Superfund National Priorities List in 2022, kickstarting a major cleanup effort that is expected to take years or even decades to complete.

How has the Hackensack River's ecosystem been impacted by the cleanup efforts?

The cleaner water has led to an abundance of wildlife in the Meadowlands, including the return of sandpipers, ospreys, and bald eagles.

What recreational activities are now possible on the Hackensack River?

With improved water quality, the river has seen a boom in recreational activities like boating, kayaking, and catch-and-release fishing, though some restrictions remain in place.

Home / Environment / Hackensack River Cleanup Paves Way for Revived Ecosystem and Recreation

Hackensack River Cleanup Paves Way for Revived Ecosystem and Recreation

3 Oct

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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

Hackensack River Cleanup Paves Way for Revived Ecosystem and Recreation

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.

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