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I o o U o c o CT cn o' KJ U o o co G.E. Is Accused of Trying to Undercut Order to Dredge Hudson River 3. 03 o o Tina Kreisher, an E.P.A. spokeswoman in o By KATHARINE Q. SEELYE Representative Maurice Hinchey, a Dem­ c ocrat from Saugerties, in the Hudson Valley, Washington, noted that the office of Gov. 3 WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 — New York State officials and environmental groups who favors the dredging, said of the E.P.A.: G.E. denies it has any George Pataki, who supports dredging; had CD “They are apparently allowing G.E. to have submitted comments to her agency, al­ say they are worried that General Electric is trying to sabotage the landmark federal grossly undue influence in the process. more influence on the though it was not clear when they were They’re trying to fly under the radar and written. Of the timing of the meetings with order that the company dredge the Hudson River to remove poisonous chemicals. take advantage of the trade center situation, cleanup than any other G.E. after Sept. 11, she said, “Things happen while people are distracted, to accomplish when they happen.” Company representatives have been meeting with officials of the Environmental some nefarious objectives.” interested party has. She said the agency was being criticized E.P.A. and G.E. officials vigorously deny both for going too fast and going too slow — Protection Agency in Washington, pressing any such thing. The E.P.A. plans to meet its process was already behind schedule G.E.’s cause and prompting what state offi­ with environmental groups on Tuesday, and mental programs. “They’re having the when the terrorists attacked, and Ms. Mears cials described as a rift with the officials in it said no attempt was being made to cir­ same kind of meeting next week with these said that any final decision would likely now the agency’s New York regional office, cumvent the regional office and no decisions environmental groups. It’s pure and simple be delayed until November. which has been overseeing the case for had been made or new orders handed down stakeholder stuff,” he said, suggesting these Ms. Kreisher also emphasized that the years. to the regional office. were routine talks with Interested parties. agency wanted the dredging plan to be Supporters of the dredging plan worry “There are a lot of conclusions being However, some state officials say they successful. “We’re going to be working with that the company hopes to have the order drawn about what E.P.A.’s decisions are have been left out of the process. “The state G.E. for the next 10 years,” she said, noting changed to be so difficult to comply with going to be when in fact those decisions is being kept out of these apparently secret that the agency was being guided by a study that the project will be derailed. They also haven’t been made,” said Mary Mears, a meetings,” said Peter Lehner, chief of the from the National Academy of Sciences, are disturbed that the meetings between spokeswoman for the regional office. She environmental protection bureau in the which emphasizes the importance of listen­ G.E. and the E.P.A. have taken place behind also said there were no divisions within the state attorney general’s office. Referring to ing to all parties. “There’s so much we don’t closed doors, after the time for public com­ agency. performance standards that Would set goals know about dredging for P.C.B.’s, and this ment on the cleanup order ended and since General Electric officials also dismissed for G.E. to meet, Mr. Lehner said, “If E.P.A. assessment by N.A.S. says we should when the terrorist attack on Sept. 11. The New the criticism. “We had one perfunctory is putting these in without full and detailed necessary be ready to make midcourse cor­ York regional office was displaced by the meeting with E.P.A., basically going over consultation with the state, that would vio­ rections, so It’s Important,to-llsten along the attack at the World Trade Center and its the status of the process,” said Steplien D. late agreements we have and violate the work disrupted. Ramsey, G.E.’s vice president for environ- Superfund law.” Continued on Page 1^