Over 30 years, from 1947-1977, GE dumped an estimated 1.3 million pounds of polychlorinated biphenyls, an oily fire retardant and insulator, into the river from its manufacturing plants in Hudson Falls and Fort Edward. Over six years, 2009-2015, it dredged 310,000 pounds of PCBs from the bottom of the Hudson about 40 miles north of Albany. In giving a Certificate of Completion, the EPA said it was acknowledging the company completed its agreed upon requirements. In a statement following the decision, the DEC said it “is reviewing the court’s ruling and assessing all legal options regarding an appeal. DEC remains committed to ensuring that a comprehensive cleanup and full restoration of the Hudson River is completed as expeditiously as possible and that the polluters are held responsible.”