Green Tide
Environmental
Inventory
19S6
An Environmental Inventory
of the New Jersey Coast / New York Bight
Relevant to Green Tide Occurance
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region II, October 1986
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AN ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY
OF THE NEW JERSEY COAST/NEW YORK BIGHT
RELEVANT TO GREEN TIDE OCCURRENCE
(Short Title: Green Tide Environmental Inventory)
Prepared By:
Science Applications International Corporation
8400 Westpark Drive
McLean, Virginia 22012
Under Contract To:
Battelle Memorial Institute
Ocean Sciences and Technology Department
397 Washington Street
Duxbury, MA 02332
Prepared For:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region II
26 Federal Plaza, Room 900
New York, NY 10278
October 15, 1986
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This document was prepared by staff and consultants of Science Applications
International Corporation (SAIC) for the U.S. EPA Region II to support the
Green Tide Committee in its efforts to understand and isolate recent "bloom"
conditions along the southern New Jersey coast. The Green Tide Committee,
which was formed in early 1986 as a cooperative effort to deal with green tide
problems, was instrumental in reviewing this document and constructively guid-
ing the objectives of the inventory. The Green Tide Committee includes:
Dennis Suszkowski John Mahoney
U.S. EPA Region II NOAA/NMFS
Frank Csulak Myra Cohn
U.S. EPA Region II NOAA/NMFS
Roland Hemmett John O'Reilly
U.S. EPA Region II NOAA/NMFS
Robert Runyon William Phoel
NJ Dept. Env. Prot. NOAA/NMFS
Paul 01 sen John Tiedeman
NJ Dept. Env. Prot. NJ Sea Grant
Harold Haskins Kenneth Koentzer
Rutgers University NY State Dept. of Env. Conserv.
These contributing authors provided important sections of this report:
Dr. Thomas Malone, University of Maryland Horn Point Environmental Lab,
provided Section 5.2 "Nutrients and Phytoplankton Production".
Dr. Terry Whitledge, Brookhaven National Laboratory, provided Section 5.3
"Nutrient Variation Related to Low Oxygen Events".
Dr. John O'Reilly, NOAA/NMFS Sandy Hook, provided Section 5.4 "Characteri-
zation of Bottom Oxygen Distribution in the New York Bight".
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SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Recent data from the nearshore Middle Atlantic Bight and the New Jersey
nearshore (0-20 m) regions clearly document high rates of primary production
O
(about 500 g C/nr-yr) that are much greater than the mean annual production
for the continental shelf of the New York Bight (about 300 g C/m2-yr).
Anthropogenic nutrient loading and non-point source runoff from the New Jersey
coastal zone undoubtedly contribute to such high rates of primary produc-
tion. Nutrient loading is, however, only one factor in the occurrence of such
high rates of summer phytoplankton production. The time scales associated
with flushing and dispersive mixing are critical factors in determining the
fate of nutrient inputs to the nearshore coastal zone. Nutrient enrichment,
eutrophication and oxygen depletion are consequences of nutrient loading to
the New Jersey coastal zone from anthropogenic and natural sources.
Historical data sets for the New York Bight were compiled to generate
composite bottom oxygen distributions averaged over July to September from
1977 to 1985. The distribution of the minimum values of dissolved oxygen
clearly documents the presence of hypoxic areas along the nearshore New Jersey
coast. The effect of the Hudson plume is evidenced by progressively low
oxygen (<1 ml/1) water extending south from Sandy Hook, NJ. A second hypoxic
area is centered around the southern New Jersey coast north of Cape May to
Atlantic City out to about the 20 m isobath. The southern nearshore hypoxic
area is essentially the region where the green tide of 1984 and 1985 occur-
red. The similarity in the spatial distribution of nearshore hypoxia and the
occurrences of green tide blooms, as well as other seasonally recurrent phyto-
plankton blooms along the New Jersey coast, suggests common physical processes
that could account for these observed features.
Observations and numerical models of circulation processes indicate the
occurrence of generally weak flow reversals over the nearshore/midshelf New
Jersey coast during summer with return flow towards the south seaward of about
the 40-60 m isobaths. The available data suggests, the occurrence of large
scale clockwise weak gyres over the New Jersey midshelf during south-southwest
wind events that are conducive to upwelling and the setup of flow reversals
along the nearshore New Jersey coast. Such a circulation pattern would result
in an increase in the residence time of a water mass over the New Jersey shelf
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such as was documented during the 1976 anoxic event. A key factor in the
onset of localized (e.g., 1968, 1974) and widespread (1976) anoxic conditions
off the New Jersey Coast is the occurrence of persistent winds from the
southwest.
An increase in the residence time of a water mass in the nearshore
southern New Jersey area would result in the accumulation of nutrients,
particulate organic matter and patchy populations of a variety of phyto-
plankton species groups. If the time scale for the growth rate of the
phytoplankton was less than the time scale for flushing of the water column,
then a phytoplankton bloom could be initiated, assuming that nutrients were
available and light and temperature were in the optimal range for a particular
phytoplankton group.
Wind data from Atlantic City, NJ for July to August 1985 was used to
predict water movement which was plotted as a progressive vector diagram
(PVD). Total excursion of a particle during July, 1985 was seen to be on the
order of 150 km. In August, however, a particle would have been retained
within a relatively local area with a total excursion of only 30-50 km. The
Atlantic City wind data suggest that the residence time water in the nearshore
coastal area would have been significantly increased in August in comparison
to July, 1985. The relatively persistent SW winds during July would have set
up a flow reversal that possibly continued into August, 1985.
The results of this analysis suggest that wind driven transport patterns
over the southern New Jersey coast may have been important causal factors in
the development of the green tide blooms'of 1984 and 1985. Periodic flow
reversals of varying magnitude and duration, resulting from fluctuations in
wind forcing, would be characterized by variable residence times of nutrients
in the water column. The onset of water quality problems (e.g., algal blooms,
hypoxia-anoxia) in the nearshore region are related to the respective time
scales for biological- and chemical reaction rates in relation to those for
flushing of the water column by advective transport and mixing.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 1
1. INTRODUCTION 1-1
1.1 PROBLEM LOCALE 1- 1
1.2 OBJECTIVES 1-2
1.3 BACKGROUND 1-2
2. CIRCULATION 2-1
2.1 HYDROGRAPHIC REGIONS OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT 2- 1
2.2 HYDROGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT 2- 3
2.2.1 Temperature 2- 3
2.2.2 Salinity 2- 3
2.2.3 Density 2- 7
2.3 GENERAL TRANSPORT 2-7
2.4 NEARSHORE TRANSPORT 2-19
2.5 CONSEQUENCES OF NEARSHORE TRANSPORT PATTERNS 2-28
3. CONTAMINANT INPUTS 3-1
3.1 INTRODUCTION 3-1
3.2 NEW JERSEY COASTAL ZONE 3- 1
3.4 INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGERS 3-14
3.5 SUMMARY OF POINT SOURCE INPUT 3-14
3.6 NON-POINT SOURCE RUNOFF 3-14
4. WATER QUALITY DATA SOURCES 4- 1
4.1 INTRODUCTION 4-1
4.2 NOAA/NMFS HISTORICAL DATABASE 4- 1
4.3 EPA/STORET HISTORICAL DATABASE 4- 3
4.4 NEW YORK BIGHT HISTORICAL DATABASE 4- 3
5. WATER QUALITY OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT 5- 1
5.1 INTRODUCTION 5-1
5.2 NUTRIENTS AND PHYTOPLANKTON PRODUCTION 5- 2
5.3 NUTRIENT VARIATION RELATED TO LOW OXYGEN EVENTS 5-13
5.4 CHARACTERIZATION OF BOTTOM OXYGEN
DISTRIBUTION IN THE NEW YORK BIGHT 5-15
6. PLANKTON OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT 6- 1
6.1 PHYTOPLANKTON 6-1
6.2 ZOOPLANKTON AND ZOOPLANKTON GRAZING ,6-14
7. REFERENCES 7-1
APPENDIX A
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1.1 Geographic extent of the New York Bight 1-3
2.1 The nearshore New Jersey region (0-20 m) of the
New York Bight 2-2
2.2 Monthly mean air and sea surface temperatures for Atlantic
City, Sandy Hook and the New Jersey shelf. (Source:
Armstrong, 1979) 2-4
2.3 Seasonal pattern of Hudson River discharge, surface and
bottom temperature, surface and bottom salinities for the
New York Bight. (Source: 0'Conner et al_., 1977) 2-5
2.4 Bottom temperatures for the New York Bight in August.
(Source: Bowman and Wunderlich, 1977) 2-6
2.5 Spring surface and bottom salinities for the New York
Bight. (Source: 0'Conner et a]_., 1977) 2-8
2.6 Summer surface and bottom salinities for the New York
Bight. (Source: 0'Conner et al_., 1977) 2-9
2.7 Typical salinity profiles on the continental shelf at the
12-Mile Site. (Source: Ecological Analysis and
SEAMOcean, 1983) 2-10
2.8 Annual cycle of density profiles for the New York Bight.
(Sources: Armstrong, 1979; Stoddard, unpublished) 2-11
2.9 Spatial variation of pycnocline depth within the New York
Bight. (Source: Stoddard, 1983) 2-12
2.10 Inferred surface drift, July 1960-1970. (Source: Bumpus,
1973) 2-14
2.11 Inferred surface drift, August 1960-1970. (Source:
Bumpus, 1973) 2-15
2.12 Inferred bottom drift, July 1961-1970. (Source: Bumpus,
1973). 2-16
2.13 Inferred bottom drift, August 1961-1970. (Source:
Bumpus, 1973) 2-17
2.14 Mean velocities as measured by current meters. Winter
measurement: solid arrows; summer measurement: dashed
arrows. (Source: Beards!ey et £]_., 1976) 2-18
IV
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
2.15 Predicted currents in the New York Bight during summer.
(Source: Hopkins and Dieterle, 1983) 2-20
2.16 Station locations for current meter locations. (Source:
EG&G, 1975) : 2-23
2.17 Frequency spectra for currents off southern New Jersey.
(Source: EG&G, 1975) 2-24
2.18a Vector current maps, 3 and 4 September 1974. (Source:
EG&G, 1975) 2-25
2.18b Vector current maps, 5 and 6 September 1974. (Source:
EG&G, 1975) 2-26
2.18c Vector current maps, 7 and 8 September 1974. (Source:
EG&G, 1975) 2-27
2.19 Estimated currents in the New York Bight during June
1976. (Source: Han et al.., 1979) 2-29
2.20a Progressive vector diagram of currents for July 1985,
beginning at Atlantic City, NJ 2-31
2.20b Progressive vector diagram of currents for August, 1985,
beginning at Atlantic City, NJ.. 2-32
2.21 Mean bottom oxygen concentrations in New York Bight,
July to September 1977-1985. (Source: Stoddard et al_.,
1986) 2-36
2.22 Minimum dissolved oxygen concentrations in New York Bight,
July to September, 1977-1985. (Source: J. E. O'Reilly,
unpubl ished data) 2-37
2.23 Distribution of anoxia in New York Bight, Summer 1976.
(Source: Stoddard, 1983) 2-38
3.1 Direct New York Bight discharge zone 3-2
3.2 Point source discharges along southern New Jersey coast.
(Source: EPA STORE!) 3-3
3.3 New Jersey coastal zone counties. (Source: Mueller et aj_.,
1976) 3-4
3.4 Stream flow monitoring stations in coastal New Jersey.
(Source: Mueller et al_., 1976) 3-15
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
3.5 Mean monthly streamflow for Wading River, 1977-1985.
(Source: EPA STORE!) 3-17
3.6 Mean monthly streamflow for the Wading River, 1983-1985.
(Source: EPA STORET) 3-18
3.7 Ammonia in the Wading River, 1973-1985. (Source: EPA
STORET) 3-19
3.8 Nitrate and Nitrite in the Wading River, 1973-1985.
(Source: EPA STORET) 3-20
3.9 Total Kjeldahl nitrogen in the Wading River, 1973-1975.
(Source: EPA STORET) 3-21
4.1 Station locations for dissolved oxygen sampling in the
New York Bight indicating spatial coverage. (Source:
Stoddard et al_., 1986) 4-4
4.2 Station locations in Southern New Jersey for data in
EPA's STORET system 4-7
5.1 Stations for depth-averaged water quality of the New York
Bight. (Source: Stoddard et al_., 1986) 5-3
5.2 Seasonal variation of nitrate across the New York Bight.
(Source: Malone et jih, 1983) 5-4
5.3 Seasonal variation of ammonium across the New York Bight
Shelf. (Source: Mai one et al_., 1983) 5-6
5.4 Seasonal variation of chlorophyll across the New York Bight
Shelf. (Source: Mai one et al_., 1983) 5-7
5.5 Seasonal variation of primary production across the New York
Bight. (Source: Malone et a].-> 1983) 5-8
5.6 Temperature, salinity and marine chemistry stations in the
nearshore southern New Jersey coast. (Source: EG&G, 1975) 5-10
5.7 Seasonal variation of nitrogen in a transect running 20 km
southeast from Little Egg Inlet. (Source: EG&G, 1975) 5-11
5.8 Seasonal variation of nitrogen in a north-south transect
along the southern New Jersey Coast. (Source: EG&G, 1975) 5-12
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
5.9 Seasonal variation in a) oxygen, b) NO,, c) chlorophyll, and
d) NH. in the New York Bight. (Source? Whitledge and
Warsh, submitted) 5-14
5.10 Relationship between bottom oxygen and bottom ammonium in the
New York Bight. (Source: Whitledge and Warsh, submitted) 5-17
5.11 Distribution of anoxia in New York Bight, September 1976.
(Source: Stoddard, 1983) 5-18
5.12 Frequency distribution of bottom dissolved oxygen, July-
September 1977-1985, in the New Jersey nearshore (0-20 m)
area. (Source: Stoddard et al_., 1986) 5-20
6.1 Surface phytoplankton cell densities for July and December.
(Source: Malone, 1977) 6-2
6.2 Relative surface abundance of diatoms and chlorophytes for
July and December. (Source: Malone, 1977) 6-3
6.3 Temperature dependence of phytoplankton growth rates for a)
Nanoplankton and b) Ceratium tripos. (Source: Stoddard,
1983) 6-1.1
6.4 Uptake of nitrate and ammonia as a function of light,
following Michaelis-Menten kinetics. (Source: Dugdale,
1976) 6-12
6.5 Nitrogen uptake as a function of nitrogen concentration.
(Source: Dugdale, 1976) 6-13
6.6 'Seasonal variation of zooplankton in the New York Bight.
(Source: Stoddard, 1983) 6-17
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LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
3.la Point source discharges to the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic
County 3-6
3.Ib Point source discharges to the Atlantic Ocean, Burlington
County 3-7
3.1c Point source discharges to the Atlantic Ocean, Cape May
County 3-8
3.Id Point source discharges to the Atlantic Ocean, Monmouth
County 3-10
3.1e Point source discharges to the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean
County 3-11
3.2 Typical POTW discharge characteristics. (Source: Mueller
et a]_., 1976) 3-13
3.3 New Jersey Coastal Zone Runoff Mass Loads Source:
Mueller et al_., 1982) 3-22
3.4 Summary of pollutant discharges to the Atlantic Ocean
from New Jersey. (Source: NOAA, 1986) 3-23
4.1 Data sources for water quality data for the New York
Bight July-September, 1983-1985 4-2
4.2a Inventory of EPA/STORET observations for July-September
(Ocean) 4-5
4.2b Inventory of EPA/STORET observations for July-September
(Estuary, Lake, Stream) 4-6
4.3a A summary of the Brookhaven National Laboratory Cruises
taken in the New York Bight 4-8
4.3b Listing of surveys, dates, cruises and number of stations
in the Southern New England and Mid-Atlantic Bight areas
falling within potentially influenced areas of DWD 106 and
adjacent waters, 1977-1981 (Source: Pearce et al_., 1983) 4-11
4.3c Summary of NOAA/OAD Northeast Monitoring Program cruises in
the New York Bight (Source: Cathy Warsh, NOAA/OAD,
Rockville, MD 4-13
4.3d Water quality monitoring cruises in the New York Bight 4-14
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LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
5.1 Data sources for bottom oxygen in the New York Bight,
July-September 1977-1985. (Source: Stoddard et al_, 1986)..... 5-16
6.1 History of bloom events in 1984 6-5
6.2 History of bloom events in 1985 6-8
6.3 Summary of phytoplankton sources for the New York Bight 6-10
6.4 Nanoplankton parameters values. (Source: Stoddard, 1983) 6-15
6.5 Netplankton parameter values. (Source: Stoddard, 1983) 6-16
IX
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROBLEM LOCALE
During the summers of 1984 and 1985, algal blooms in the nearshore New
Jersey area from Ocean City to Atlantic City resulted in greenish discolor-
ation of the water and complaints from recreational users of these highly
popular beach areas. Swimmers reported skin reactions, respiratory problems,
nausea, sore throat, eye irritation, fatigue, dizziness, fever and lung con-
gestion as a result of exposure to the algal bloom. Localized hypoxic areas
and fishkills were also reported coinciding with the decay of the bloo'm.
Unconfirmed identification of the causative organism by the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and National Oceanic and Atmo-
spheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Laboratory at Sandy Hook identified the green tide organism is a small dino-
flagellate, Gyrodinium aureolum. Identification confirmation, cultures, and
physiological/nutritional studies of the organism are yet to be completed. A
literature review of Gyrodinium aureolum has been prepared by the NMFS and
NJDEP.
Coincident with the occurrence of the green tide in 1984, the Cape May
County Utilities Commission municipal sewage treatment plant came on-line with
a discharge of 7.6 million gallons per day (mgd) into the Atlantic Ocean at
Ocean City. Numerous other coastal outfalls discharge wastewater directly
into the Atlantic Ocean or into several New Jersey inlets and bays (e.g., Egg
Harbor).
Control strategies for management of the' occurrences of future green
tides should be developed. If it can be shown that anthropogenic nutrient
sources were a significant factor in the outbreak of the algal blooms in 1984
and 1985 (specifically the new wastewater discharge from the Ocean City treat-
ment plant), then National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permit limits, or other management strategies, can be prepared and implemented
to control, for example, the discharge of nitrogen into the nearshore New
Jersey coastal ecosystem.
A number of naturally occurring physical, chemical and biological proces-
ses also serve to control primary productivity and the outbreak of algal
1-1
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blooms such as the green tide. Nutrient budgets and analyses of interannual
variability of physical, chemical and biological processes are required to
evaluate the relative significance of anthropogenic and natural factors in
controlling the development of the green tides. Data on physiological
behavior and the nutritional response of Gyrodinium auroleum will greatly
assist in this evaluation.
1.2 OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the environmental inventory is to characterize
existing data and information on physical, chemical and biological processes
within the New York Bight. The characterization will focus on the (1) conti-
nental shelf of the New York Bight and (2) the nearshore coastal waters off
southern New Jersey. The characterization will address those factors relevant
to the occurrence of nearshore and coastal shelf phytoplankton blooms.
1.3 BACKGROUND
Biological productivity of continental shelf ecosystems is dependent on
nutrient inputs, available light, seasonal temperatures, and the extent of
coupling between the benthic-pelagic components of the food web. Because of
intermittent upwelling and a relatively broad shelf, primary productivity (300
g C/m^yr) and fishery yields (10 tons/km^yr) of the New York Bight continental
shelf are comparable to major shelf-sea ecosystems such as the Bering Sea and
the upwelling region off the Oregon shelf. The New York Bight/Middle Atlantic
Bight ranks as one of the more biologically productive coastal ecosystems of
the world oceans (O'Rei lly ^t_ aj_., in press). By contrast, relatively constant
upwelling off the Peru coast results in an order of magnitude higher fishery
yield with primary production rates about fivefold higher than the New York
Bight (Walsh, 1980).
During the past 30 to 40 years, however, anthropogenic nitrogen loading
to the New York Bight (Figure 1.1) has increased by an order of magnitude
because of deforestation, sewage disposal and the use of agricultural fertil-
izers (Walsh j2t__a1_., 1981). Recent estimates indicate that anthropogenic nit-
rogen loading has increased phytoplankton production within the Apex/Hudson
plume by about 30% (Maione, 1984). Direct measurements of primary production
1-2
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in the nearshore (< 20 m) of the Middle Atlantic Bight have documented a
highly enriched coastal ecosystem with annual primary production estimates of
505 g C/m2yr (O'Reilly et__al_., in press).
A number of water quality problems have been well documented in the New
York Bight over the past 10-15 years (e.g., Segar and O'Connor, 1982; O'Connor
et_ja_K, 1977). Problems have included: nutrient enrichment, eutrophication,
oxygen depletion, fish kills, fin rot and fish diseases, pathogens, toxicants
in sediments/biota, floatables/debris, and oil spills. Specific problems
documented for the New York Bight include, for example:
1951 fish kill off Long Island
1968 localized hypoxia/fish kills off New Jersey, red tides
1971 localized hypoxia/fish kills off New Jersey
1972 red tides
1974 localized hypoxia/fish kills off New Jersey
1976 debris washup on Long Island beaches
1976 shelf-wide bloom of Ceratium tripos
1976 shelf-wide anoxia/fish kill
1980 localized hypoxia/fish kill, red tides in Northern New Jersey,
green tides in Long Island
1984 green tide off New Jersey and Long Island
1985 green tide off New Jersey
1985 brown tide in the bays of Long Island
1-4
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2. CIRCULATION
2.1 HYDROGRAPHIC REGIONS OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT
The New York Bight (Figure 1.1) (NYB) is defined as the region bounded by
the New Jersey and Long Island coasts between 38°50' and 41°N latitude from
71°W longitude shoreward of the 200 m isobath. The major hydrographic
features of this area strongly influence the relative distributions of
nutrients, plankton and dissolved oxygen between the nearshore, coastal and
oceanic boundaries.
The most significant of the hydrographic features were identified by
Malone et_ al. (1983) as (1) coastal plumes from the Hudson-Raritan and
Delaware estuaries in the Bight Apex and off the southern New Jersey coast
(Malone, 1984; Bowman, 1978; Bowman and Wunderlich, 1977), (2) bottom topo-
graphy, tidal mixing and upwelling within the coastal boundary layer (Scott
and Csanady, 1976; Csanady, 1976), and (3) a summer cold pool within the
bottom layer bounded by the 40-80 m isobaths (Wright, 1976; Ketchum and Keen,
1955).
For the characterization of processes relevant to the occurrence of the
green tides, the New York Bight will be considered as geographical regions of
two spatial scales: (1) the continental shelf of the NYB (0-200 m) from Cape
May, NJ to Montauk Point, NY and (2) the nearshore (0-20 m) southern New
Jersey coast from Little Egg Inlet to Cape May (Figure 2.1).
Emphasis is placed on the nearshore New Jersey region for the following
reasons: (1) the green tides of 1984 and 1985 appeared to be limited to the
nearshore area within 3-6 miles of the coast, and (2) physical transport
processes in the nearshore region are quite different from transport processes
within the deeper coastal shelf region of the NYB (Csanady, 1976; Scott and
Csanady, 1976; Hopkins and Dieterle, 1983; Hopkins and Swoboda, 1986). The
seaward extent of the nearshore region is variable and depends primarily on
the characteristic bottom depth (e.g., 20-30 m). Aggregations of similar
oceanographic data into isobath dependent regions have been used previously to
characterize oxygen depletion (Stoddard, 1983), nutrient distributions, and
primary production (Malone _et__a_L, 1983; O'Rei lly et_.a]_., in press) in the New
York Bight.
2-1
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2.2 HYDROGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT
Well-defined seasonal cycles of temperature, salinity and density in the
New York Bight reflect seasonal forcing functions such as winds, solar heat-
ing, evaporation/precipitation, freshwater runoff, ocean currents and shelf/
slope exchange. Bowman and Wunderlich (1976, 1977) summarize these data. The
overview presented in this document is based on their summary, O'Connor et al.
(1977), and Ecological Analysts and SEAMOcean (1983).
2.2.1 Temperature
The seasonal variation of sea surface temperatures at Sandy Hook and over
the New Jersey shelf reflects seasonal variation in air temperatures and is
closely correlated with air temperature at Atlantic City (Figure 2.2).
The variation in sea surface temperatures causes the water column to be
well-mixed during the winter-spring (November to April), with thermal strati-
fication developing in April-May. The stratified water column that develops
in spring persists through September to October. Surface cooling and wind
mixing erode the seasonal thermocline in September or October. Because of
strong vertical gradients during the summer, the annual maximum bottom
temperature in the Apex typically lags the surface layer by about 1-2 months
(Figure 2.3).
During the summer, surface layer temperatures exhibit relatively weak
spatial gradients over the Bight ranging from 20-24°C. Cooler water exists
towards the coast. Bottom temperatures, by contrast, are characterized by
strong cross-shelf gradients with temperature isopleths generally following
bottom topography. A cold pool (< 7.5°C), a bottom water mass with origins in
the Gulf of Maine, is a recurrent feature during summer. (Ketchum and Corwin,
1964; Colton and Stoddard, 1973; Beardsley &t_£J_., 1976; Hopkins and Garfield,
1979). The mean distribution of bottom temperature for August-September
(Figure 2.4) shows the spatial extent of the cold pool extending from Georges
Bank to Cape Hatteras.
2.2.2 Salinity
The annual cycle of salinity in the New York Bight results from the
annual cycle of freshwater discharges and cross-shelf exchange of slope/shelf
2-3
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Figure 2.2. Monthly mean air and sea surface temperatures for Atlantic City,
Sandy Hook and the New Jersey shelf. (Source: Armstrong, 1979).
Air Temperature
at Atlantic City
Hang* at £iir.m«i (1947-1975)
30
~ 20
3
o 10
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a
E
01
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
-10
Sea-Surface Temperature
at Sandy Hook
Rang* of Eitr.m.t (1945-19751
' » I Standard 0*viaiion
-Y«or M«an
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
0
5
a
Sea-Surface Temperature
Over New Jersey Shelf
Rang* of E»tr«m«» (1949-19751
2-4
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Figure 2.3. Seasonal pattern of Hudson River discharge, surface and bottom
temperature, surface and bottom salinities for the New York Bight.
(Source: O'Connor e^jiK, 1977)
Flow fsr -lated average monthly annual 'low at the Battery for water years 1948-1974)
50 r
45
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Salinity
34
32
3? 30
28
26l_l
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
T *2 standard errors
I • top 5 m
—
x b
bottom 5 m
•!——^SM
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Temperature
24 r
20
16
u
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
2-5
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Figure 2.4. Bottom temperatures for the New York Bight in August.
(Source: Bowman and Wunderlich, 1977).
7S°00' 74° 3d' 74°00'
72"00 71*30
AUGUST
38 31
00
tOO mi
125m
150m
175m
200m
71"30
25 m
50m
. 75m
- 100m
- 125m
. 150m
.175m
200m
2-6
-------
water masses. Seasonal salinity data compiled for the Apex clearly shows the
relationship to freshwater discharge from the Hudson River and Raritan
Estuary.
During the spring period of peak runoff, surface salinity in the Hudson
plume ranges from 28 °/oo to 30 °/oo, while bottom salinity ranges from
31 °/oo to 33 °/oo. (Figure 2.5). Salinity fields for summer (Figure 2.6) are
characterized by the Hudson plume (S < 32 °/oo). In the bottom layer,
salinity ranges from 33 o/oo over the shelf break to 31 °/oo within the Hudson
plume. As with temperature, vertical profiles of salinity indicate that water
masses are well mixed during winter and stratified during the spring and
summer. (Figure 2.7).
2.2.3 Density
Water density, dependent on temperature and salinity, also follows a
recurrent annual cycle within the New York Bight. Maximum density occurs
during winter and minimum density occurs during summer. Winter water columns
exhibit well-mixed conditions with neglegible differences between surface and
bottom (Figure 2.8). In contrast, cross-shelf and vertical profiles of
density during summer are characterized by strong gradients from surface to
bottom and the development of a strong pycnocline during stratification.
The seasonal variability of vertical density stratification (density
difference from surface to subpycnocline) for the New Jersey shelf is pro-
nounced, with maximum stratification occurring from July-September. (Figure
2.8). The depth of the pycnocline varies across the shelf with a shallower
pycnocline inshore and a progressively deeper pycnocline in the offshore
direction (Figure 2.9). The depth of the pycnocline also varies seasonally as
stratification of the water column progresses during the summer. Maximum
stratification results on a relatively shallow pycnocline depth during July-
August within the New Jersey midshelf region.
2.3 GENERAL TRANSPORT
Physical transport within the New York Bight is characterized by (1)
tidal flow and (2) non-tidal residual drift caused by winds, freshwater inputs
and geostrophic effects. The combination of tidal and non-tidal residual
drifts results in the overall circulation patterns of the continental shelf.
2-7
-------
Figure 2.5. Spring surface and bottom salinities for the New York Bight,
(Source: O'Connor et_aj_., 1977).
surface salinity (%o)
spring averages
(April, May, June)
°oo' TlB3o'
.,.«,.«« N
p • " M •' i
010 70 30 «0 K[laml1>, T
Mercator Projection
bottom salinity (%»)
spring averages
(April, May, June)
M«rc»tor Projaction
2-8
-------
Figure 2.6. Summer surface and bottom salinities for the New York Bight
(Source: O'Connor et_aj_., 1977).
surface salinity (%x>)
summer averages
(July, August, September)
0 10 W 30
34
Marcator Projection
bottom salinity (°/oo)
summer averages
(July, August, September)
Mtioiof Projection
2-9
-------
Figure 2.7. Typical salinity profiles on the continental shelf at the 12-
Mile Site. (Source: Ecological Analysts and SEAMOcean, 1983).
5-
1
I »•
20
25-
2
0
5-
1 10-
20-
•JR
(il WINTER
18 DEC 74
i
5 27 29 31 33 3'
(c) SUMMER^v
19JUL75 X
\
5 -I
,o.
15-
20-
5 252
0-
5i
10-
15-
20-
25
(b) SPRING | i
9 MAY 75 V
i
5 27 29 31 33 35
1
(d) FALL V
14OCT75 \
\
25 27 29 31 33 35
Salinity (ppt)
25 27 29 31 33 35
Salinity (ppt)
2-10
-------
Figure 2.8. Annual cycle of density profiles for New York Bight.
(Sources: Armstrong, 1979; Stoddard, unpublished).
10
- 20
-§ 30
Q.
UJ
0 40
50
60
J I I I
-24.5-1
25.0-
J F M
DENSITY
38°3O' -40-00' N
J A
1975
2-11
-------
Figure 2,9. Spatial variation of pycnocline depth within the New York Bight
- - (Source: Stoddard,1983).
N.Y. SIGHT ECOSYSTEM MODEL GEOMETRY (MAY 7-JUN 17, 1975)
74"
73«
72«
71-
2-12
-------
An extensive literature describes circulation processes in the Middle Atlantic
Bight. These circulation processes have been inferred from (1) drift card,
dye and drogue studies (e.g., Bumpus and Lauzier, 1965; Bumpus, 1973; Bumpus,
1969); (2) hydrographic observations (Ketchum et__al_., 1951; Ketchum and Keen,
1955; Gordon _et_ a]_., 1976; Gordon and Aikman, 1981; Neidrauer and Han, 1980;
Hopkins, 1982), (3) current meter deployments (e.g., Boicourt and Hacker,
1976; EG&G, 1975) and (4) theoretical and numerical models (Han et__al_., 1980;
Hopkins and Dieterle, 1983; Csanady, 1976; 1977). Summaries of circulation in
the New York Bight are presented in Hansen (1977) and Bumpus (1973). Bumpus,
in particular, details a lengthy history of drift card, drogue and dye studies
conducted in the Middle Atlantic Bight since the early 1950's (e.g., Miller,
1952).
The general southwesterly net drift (approximately 5-10 cm/s) observed in
the New York Bight (e.g., Bumpus, 1973; Beards 1 ey et_ ^1_., 1976) is generally
alongshore from Cape Cod, MA to Cape Hatteras, NC. Near-bottom flow tends to
be directed towards the coasts of New Jersey and Long Island at speeds of
about 1-2 cm/s (Hansen, 1977).
The drifter studies of Bumpus (1973), (Figures 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13),
and current meter observations Beardsley et_ a!. (1976) (Figure 2.14)
characterize the general southwesterly drift of water across the open shelf.
A simple geostrophic flow model confirms that a southwesterly flow exists from
cross-shelf density gradients resulting from freshwater inputs along the coast
(e.g., Hudson-Raritan estuary; Delaware estuary). However, superimposed on
the dominant southwesterly drift is a weaker cross-shelf circulation pattern
similar to patterns of estuarine flow (Gordon et a!., 1976; Aikman and
Posmentier, 1985). Lower salinity, less dense surface water tends to flow
seaward above the pycnocline with a corresponding landward flow of higher
salinity water below the pycnocline. (Figure 2.14).
Nearshore Circulation
Transport processes within the .New Jersey, nearshore region are complex,
resulting from the interaction of tides winds and oceanic transport. Circula-
tion processes within the nearshore, coastal boundary layer (Csanady, 1976;
Scott and Csanady, 1976) are distinctly different from circulation further
offshore. The width of the coastal boundary layer off New Jersey is on the
order of 10 km (Csanady, 1976) and is bounded by the 20m isobath.
2-13
-------
Figure 2.10. Inferred surface drift, July, 1960-1970.
(Source: Bumpus, 1973).
41"00
40"00' <
Inferred Surface Drift, July, 1960-1970.
- 41°00'
- 40°00'
39"00' -,
- 39°00'
75° 00'
74-00'
73°00'
72°00'
71° 00'
2-14
-------
Figure 2.11. Inferred surface drift, August, 1960-1970.
(Source: Bumpus, 1973).
75" 00'
74W
73°00'
72°00'
71° 00'
41"00' •
40°00'
NEW YORK;>
A» .
39W -,
Inferred Surface Drift, August, 1960-1970.
41°00'
- 40°00'
- 39°00'
75° 00'
74°00'
73°00'
72°00'
71° 00'
2-15
-------
Figure 2.12. Inferred bottom drift, July, 1961-1970.
(Source: Bumpus, 1973).
41°00'
40°00' -
Inferred Bottom Drift. July, 1961-1970.
41°00'
40°00'
39°00'
39°00'
75" 00'
74°00'
73°00'
72W
71° 00'
2-16
-------
Figure 2.13. Inferred bottom drift, August, 1961-1970.
(Source: Bumpus, 1973).
75° 00'
•74°00'
73°00'
72°00'
71°
41°00'
40°00'
- 41°00'
39°00' -,
Inferred Bottom Drift, August, 1961-1970
- 40°00'
- 39°00'
75° 00'
74°00'
73°00'
72°00'
71° 00'
2-17
-------
Figure 2.14. Mean velocities as measured by current meters. Winter
measurement: solid arrows; summer measurement: dashed arrows.
(Source: Beards 1 ey et_ _a_l_., 1976).
2-18
-------
The general southwesterly flow pattern of the nearshore zone is often
reversed (i.e., towards northeast) for periods of 1-3 months, typically during
summer (Bumpus, 1973; Hansen, 1977). Such flow reversals, observed off
Atlantic City in August, 1974 at a water depth of 12m (EG&G, 1975), are
clearly seen in the 10-year summary of drift card results (Bumpus, 1973) for
August (Figure 2.11) along the nearshore southern New Jersey coast. South-
westerly winds, generally found in August, result in offshore, surface layer
transport with upwelling and corresponding shoreward flow in the near-bottom
layer. This flow results in decreases in surface layer water temperature in
the nearshore zone as the deeper water replaces surface waters. (Ingham and
Eberwine, 1984).
A numerical circulation model (Hopkins and Dieterle, 1983) also indicates
a nearshore flow reversal along the New Jersey coast inshore of the 40m
isobath influenced by southwesterly wind forcing and balanced by stronger
southwesterly flow seaward of the 60m isobath. (Figure 2.15)
The tendency for late summer flow reversals in the nearshore New Jersey
region has significant implications for nutrient enrichment, phytoplankton
production and oxygen depletion. Flow reversal results in an increased resi-
dence time of water masses in the nearshore New Jersey coast and a convergent
accumulation of particles (Han ot_ aj_., 1979) and oxygen-demanding materials.
Accumulations of shellfish larvae, for example, in the New Jersey nearshore
region have been related to the occurrence of southwest winds and reversal of
the flow field (Haskins, personal communication, 1986). Persistent south-
westerly winds during June and July, 1976 resulted in a reversal of the
nearshore flow field, accumulation of debris on the south shore of Long Island
(Swanson et_ a±_., 1978), and the accumulation of the dinoflagellate Ceratium
tripos and subsequent widespread anoxia related to decay of the bloom (Swanson
and Sindermann, 1979; Mayer et__a_L, 1979).
2.4 NEARSHORE TRANSPORT
In the nearshore coastal region, transport processes are strong-ly influ-
enced by winds, waves, coastal topography and tides. The coastal current
regime consists of unidirectional and oscillatory flow components. Oscilla-
tory wave generated currents do not result in significant net transport al-
though storm generated waves do increase the dispersiveness of a local coastal
2-19
-------
Figure 2.15. Predicted currents in the New York Bight during summer
for the southwest wind stress of 1.0 dyne cm .
(Source: Hopkins and Dieterle, 1983).
75° 00'
74°00'
73°00'
72°00'
41°00'
40°00'
39°00'
NEW YORK
60tn
75° 00*
74°00'
73°00'
72°00'
71»00'
41°00'
40°00'
39°00'
71° 00'
2-20
-------
environment. Significant net transport results, however, from unidirectional
currents. In the shallow, inshore area, the water column tends to be well-
mixed to a depth of about 7 or 8 meters even during summer as a result of
winds, waves, and tidal mixing. Further offshore, the water column becomes
stratified and the pycnocline depth increases with total water column depth.
Along the southern New Jersey coast, tidal current characteristics vary
according to the location of tidal inlets and the distance from the mouth of
Delaware Bay. The irregular geometry and numerous bays and inlets of the
southern New Jersey barrier island coastline cause localized reversing tidal
currents and complex coastal circulation. '
Along the nearshore zone out to about 20 m depth, weak rotary tidal
currents of about 10 cm/s and a net southwestward drift of about 5 cm/s are
typical (DeAlteris and Keegan, 1977). Wind is also a significant forcing
component of net transport in this zone (Csanady, 1976). The alignment of the
New Jersey coast is such that winds from the west or south quadrants (270-180
degrees) cause upwelling across the shelf. The strength of such upwelling is
dependent on the magnitude and duration of southwest wind events. Upwelling
events have been observed during the summer stratified period off Atlantic
City, NJ (EG&G, 1975; Ingam and Eberwine, 1984), Great Egg Inlet (Garlo et_
• ™"^™^
al., 1979), and the Maryland coast (Walsh et_ ^1_., 1978; Scott and Csanady,
1976). Spatial variation in the extent of the summer cold pool (Ketchum and
Corwin, 1964) reflects the variability in summer wind events and the resultant
upwelling or downwelling conditions.
Cross-shelf transport is not the major component of net flow over the New
Jersey shelf. Longshore flow parallel to the coast is dominant in net
transport patterns. As a general rule, the overall net drift in the New York
Bight is southwesterly along the coast at about 5-10 cm/s (Bumpus, 1973;
Beardsley ^t_ £l_., 1976). Frequent storms from the north-northeast during the
winter-spring period coupled with the decreasing sea surface (pressure) gradi-
ent from Boston to Atlantic City (Csanady, 1976) cause this net transport.
During summer, storm events with winds" from the north-northeast resulting
in southerly flow along the coast are less frequent. In this season, dominant
winds are from the southwest quadrant at about 4-6 m/s (Lettau et al.,
1976). This is evidenced by the monthly mean resultant wind directions
between 1941 and 1970:
2-21
-------
June 140 deg
July 260 deg
August 200 deg
September 270 deg
Based on these data (Ingham and Eberwine, 1984), one would expect differ-
ences in net transport during the month of August, particularly if wind driven
flow is a dominant component of coastal shelf transport.
st
The surface drift data for August (Figure 2.11) indicates flow towards
the north along the southern New Jersey coast in the nearshore region (0-20
m). By contrast, surface flow for July (Figure 2.10) indicates net drift
south along the coast. These drift card results tend to confirm that inshore
flow reversals during August are recurrent patterns. The component of near-
shore flow that is apparent in the August drift results is consistent with
wind driven flows caused by the southwest winds observed during August.
In a year long study for the New Jersey Public Utilities Service Commis-
sion related to the proposed Atlantic Generating Station off Atlantic City,
EG&G deployed a string of inshore current meters (Figure 2.16) and monitored
i
nearshore currents and water quality between 1973 and 1974. EG&G (1975)
reported flow towards the north-northeast during August and September, 1974.
Frequency spectra for the EG&G current meters at Site A in Beardsley et al.
(1976) are presented in Figure 2.17. The dominant frequency is 0.5 days
reflecting tidal period forcing at the inshore station. The second peak
frequency is at 3 to 5 days, reflecting the energy input from storm events in
the New York Bight (Walsh et_,al_., 1978).
Data for early September, 1974 from the EG&G current meter deployments
off Atlantic City are shown in Figures 2.18a-c. The relationship between wind
and net transport is apparent in these figures. Currents tend to respond
quickly to changes in wind direction. Winds from the southwest result in
nearshore northeast flow parallel to the southwesterly drift for the New York
Bight.
Theoretical and experimental physical oceanography studies in the New
York Bight have indicated the dominance of the wind-driven flow component on
overall net transport within the coastal shelf (Scott and Csanady, 1976;
Csanady, 1976; Kohler and Han, 1982; Han et__a_L, 1980; Hopkins and Dieterle,
2-22
-------
Figure 2.16. Station locations for current meter locations.
(Source: EG&G, 1975).
*6 WARREN GROVE ,
10 MILES NORTH OF TUCKERTON
3 HOLGATE POINT
DSTATI3N ST
TOROID BUOY: MET*5 AND STATION IVM
I OFFSHORE TOWER
*2 WRECK INLET
D
• CURRENT AND TEMPERATURE STATION
• CURRENT STATION
Q TEMPERATURE STATION
METEOROLOGICAL STATION
+ WAVERIOER STATION
2-23
-------
Figure 2.17. Frequency spectra for currents off southern New Jersey.
(Source: EG&G, 1975).
10"
14
13
12
I I
10
PERIOD T (hours)
I02
10'
10°
t
z
ILJ
Q
LU
I
Q.
O
LJ
O
fO
Cd
u>
IV
c c
'
3 w
U O
o -a
I
60
I
30
i r r T r f
15 10 5432
PERIOD T (days)
I 0.5
Code
site A —
wind stress atsite A.
site 8
site C —
site 0 —
•26.90(site
— 10.75 (site B)
wind stress
at site A
siteC
•3.70 (site C)
site a
site
10" D 1 SDIO D-8.C
FREQUENCY f (cph)
2-24
-------
3 SEPTEMBER 1974
ro
I
no
en
4 SEPTEMBER 1974
0300
TIME (HOURS,EST)
0900 !500
2100
WIND
CURRENT
O 10 20 10 40
CM/SCC
LEGEND
— = UPPER
= LOWER
= VECTOR WIND
NOTES:
I. CURRENT VECTORS ORIGINATE
FROM DOTS .WHICH INDICATE
STATION LOCATIONS.
2. VECTOR WIND ARROW POINTS IN
DIRECTION WIND FLOWS TOWARD
IQ
ro
•
^-'
CO
o
c o
-> c
n -j
o> -j
.. fD
m
cm 3
Co Ol
3 CO
J
1 CD
- 13
CL
-£>
Ln
fD
TD
fD
3
cr
fD
id
-------
5 SEPTEMBER 1974
ro
no
en
6 SEPTEMBER 1974
0300
y
WIND
0 10 20
U/SEC
TIME (HOURS ,EST)
0900 I500
CURRENT
O 10 20 30 40
CU/SEC
LEGEND
- UPPER
= LOWER
= VECTOR WIND
NOTES:
2100
I. CURRENT VECTORS ORIGINATE
FROM DOTS .WHICH INDICATE
STATION LOCATIONS.
2. VECTOR WIND ARROW POINTS IN
DIRECTION WIND FLOWS TOWARD.
CD
ro
CO
cr
fD
o
c-t
CD
Co
en
en
CO
fD
fD
3
cr
-------
0300
TIME (HOURS,EST)
0900 1500
2100
7 SEPTEMBER 1974
ro
i
ro
8 SEPTEMBER 1974
1'f
WIND
a 10 20
u/scc
7
CURRENT
LEGEND
= UPPER
— = LOWER
= VECTOR WIND
NOTES:
I. CURRENT VECTORS ORIGINATE
FROM DOTS .WHICH INDICATE
STATION LOCATIONS.
2. VECTOR WIND ARROW POINTS IN
DIRECTION WIND FLOWS TOWARD.
(D
ro
co
o
n>
o
c+
.—x O
CO -J
o
c o
-j c:
O -5
fD ~J
Co O)
CD"D
» in
cn cu
, . 3
• CL
CO
Co
05
TO
c-t-
fP
CT
fD
-------
1983). Numerical models of circulation in the New York Bight also clearly
demonstrate weak flow reversals along the southern New Jersey coast during
southwest wind events under summer conditions (Figure 2.15). During these
southwest wind events,' return flow towards the southwest is between the 60 m
and 200 m isobaths. The circulation pattern results in an increased residence
time of water masses in the water column in the nearshore southern New Jersey
region.
2.5 CONSEQUENCES OF NEARSHORE TRANSPORT PATTERNS
During a wide-spread anoxic episode in the New York Bight during the
summer of 1976, winds from the southwest were persistent from early June
through mid-July resulting in a large scale reversal of the flow field over
the New Jersey shelf extending to about the 60 m isobath (Figure 2.19). The
flow reversal resulted in accumulation of particulates, including the dino-
flagellate, Ceratium tripos, and a significant increase in the residence time
of these and other materials in the water column (Han _et_ £]_., 1979). The
combination of high oxygen demands from decay of the Ceratium bloom and
sluggish flushing of the midshelf region resulted in anoxic conditions and
shellfish mortality over a wide area of the New Jersey shelf (Swanson and
Sindermann, 1979).
An increase in the residence time of the nearshore southern New Jersey
area would result in the accumulation of nutrients, particulate organic matter
and patchy populations of a variety of phytoplankton species groups. If the
time scale for the growth rate of the phytoplankton wa-s less than the time
scale for flushing of the water column, then a phytoplankton bloom could be
initiated.
Common summer observations of freshwater ponds and streams demonstrate
the effect of reduced flow (i.e., stagnant conditions or drought conditions)
on the growth and accumulation of enormous mats of surface algal blooms (e.g.,
Cladophora, Euglena, etc.) in the surface layer of these water bodies. The
physical and biological principles are similar for the coastal ocean. The
open seaward boundary and advective transport in and out of a particular
nearshore region make the identification of cause and effect relationships
particularly difficult without extensive synoptic physical, chemical and bio-
logical data.
2-28
-------
Figure 2.19. Estimated currents in the New York Bight during June 1976
Arrows indicate water flow between sectors; width of arrows '
proportional to velocity. (Source: Han et al. 1979)
2-29
-------
Figure 2.20a. Progressive vector diagram of currents for July, 1985,
beginning at Atlantic City, NJ.
Wind Driven Current Trajectory
Atlantic City, New Jersey - July 1985
-50
o so 100
Kilometers
2-31
-------
Figure 2.20b. Progressive vector diagram of currents for August, 1985,
beginning at Atlantic City, NJ.
150
K
i
1
o
m
e
t
e
r
s
100
50
-50
Wind Driven Current Trajectory
Atlantic City, New Jersey - August 1985
B/30
50
Kilometers
100
150
2-32
-------
(Figures 2.20 a and b) and the account of the 1985 green tide episodes. In
order for a bloom to occur, it is assumed that an abnormally high level of
nutrients must be supplied to the area of the bloom. The sources of nutrients
in this case derive from one or more of the following:
1. Upwelling of colder, nutrient laden deep water in response to off-
shore transport of surface water: This upwelling can be a result of wind
stress causing the surface current to reverse from its normal southerly
direction. As the water moves northerly along the coast the Coriolis
effect will cause the nearshore water to move offshore requiring replace-
ment with bottom water. Evidence of this effect in the summer is shown
by a sudden drop of nearshore water temperature (Ingham and Eberwine,
1984). If an algae bloom is caused by this mechanism, an observable drop
in water temperature accompanying the bloom would be expected.
2. Transport of nutrients concentrated in point source or non-point
source discharges into the bloom area by currents: in order for the
bloom to occur, the concentration of these nutrients must be sufficient
for algal growth. This will require an increase in the normal residence
time (or a decrease in flushing rate) for the bloom area. In the summer
months, the normal southerly transport of water in the nearshore areas is
opposed by winds coming from the southwest. This situation may set the
stage for longer residence when a northeasterly wind transport is approx-
imately equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the prevailing
tidal transport to the southwest.
The correlation of 1985 observations with tabulated meteorology is strik-
ing. During July, there were reports of coloration of the water at Barnegat
Bay, Island Beach and Long Beach Island. This color was described as yellow-
brown or greenish. However, no samples taken were found to contain species
identified as Gyrodinium aureoleum, the causative organism for green tide.
Rather Nannochloris sp., Cyanea sp., and Katodinium rotundatum were
identified. Between July 21 and 29, an upwelling of cooler water was
observed. Temperatures dropped from about 24°C to between 14 and 16°C. The
wind record for this period shows that this event occurred at a time when
transport caused by wind was directly offshore at a rate of approximately
2-33
-------
4 km/day (5 cm/sec). The net wind component of transport for the month of
July was approximately 5 km/day (6 cm/sec). This figure is somewhat larger
than estimates of net tidal transport in this area.
In late July, the first observations of Gyrodinium aureolum were
reported. The abundance of the species "peaked in mid-August." In addition
to Gyrodinium, Nannochloris sp. was reported to be "ubiquitous and clearly
dominant almost everywhere" in the area from Sandy Hook to Cape May County.
The August wind driven trajectory (Figure 20b) was markedly different from
that of July. In August, the wind was more variable, had a net shoreward
component for most of the month, and accounted for only about one third of the
transport that was attributed to the winds in July. The net transport for
this period was estimated at about 2.4 km/day (3 cm/sec) directed to the
northeast. A current of this velocity may counter tidal transport and thus
may increase residence time (decrease flushing) of the waters along the New
Jersey shore during this time.
Based on the previous discussion, it is possible to offer the following
hypothesis: The supply of nutrients necessary to support the green tides does
not come from upwelling of nutrient rich offshore bottom waters but rather
comes from local sources (point and/or non-point) and is transported to the
beach areas by wind driven currents.
The results of this preliminary analysis suggest that wind driven trans-
port patterns over the southern New Jersey coast may have been important
causal factors in the development of the green tides of 1984 and 1985.
Periodic flow reversals of varying magnitude and duration, resulting from
fluctuations in wind forcing, would be characterized by variable residence
times in the water column. The onset of water quality problems (e.g., algal
blooms, hypoxia-anoxia) in the nearshore region would be related to the
respective time scales for biological and chemical reaction rates in relation
to the time scale for flushing of the water column by advective transport and
mi xing.
Recent data from the nearshore Middle Atlantic Bight and the New Jersey
nearshore (0-20 m) regions document high rates of primary production (about
500 g C/m2yr) (O'Reilly et_ al., in press; J.E. O'Reilly, personal
communication) that are much greater than the mean annual production for the
continental shelf of the New York Bight (about 300 g C/m2yr) (Walsh et al.,
2-34
-------
1981; Malone _et_ a]_., 1983). Anthropogenic nutrient loading and non-point
source drainage from the New Jersey coastal zone undoubtedly contribute to
such high rates of production. Nutrient loadings are, however, only one
factor in the occurrence of such high rates of summer production. The time
scales associated with flushing and dispersive mixing are critical factors in
determining the fate of nutrient inputs to the coastal zone.
Historical data for the New York Bight were compiled to generate compo-
site bottom oxygen distributions averaged over July to September from 1977 to
1985. The mean value distribution (Figure 2.21) portrays a pattern that is
generally well known: low oxygen water in the Apex (<3 ml/I) and off the New
Jersey nearshore coast (<4 ml/I); relatively high (>4-5 ml/I) over the mid-
shelf and offshore.
The distribution of the minimum 02 values (Figure 2.22) however, clearly
documents the presence of hypoxic areas along the nearshore New Jersey
coast. The effect of the Hudson plume is defined by seen with progressively
lower oxygen concentrations (<1 ml/I ) in water extending south from Sandy
Hook. A second hypoxic area is centered off the southern New Jersey coast
north of Cape May to Atlantic City and extends to about the 20 m isobath with
minimum oxygen values less than 1 ml/I. The southern hypoxic area is
essentially the area where the green tides of 1984 and 1985 occurred. The
similarity in the spatial distribution of nearshore hypoxia and the occur-
rences of green tides, as well as other recurrent phytoplankton blooms along
the coast, suggests common physical processes that could account for the
observed features.
Comparisons of the distribution of anoxia in 1976 (Figure 2.23) with the
minimum bottom water oxygen values for the summers of 1977 to 1985 shows that
the spatial extent of minimal values of oxygen is similar to the spatial
extent of the widespread anoxia of 1976. Minimum oxygen values of less than 2
ml/I were observed at various times during 1977 through 1985 as far offshore
as the 40m isobath. Offshore of the 40-50 m isobath off New Jersey, minimum
bottom oxygen was greater than 2 ml/I. Recent studies by NMFS indicate strong
DO gradients within the bottom meter of water. These data indicate the
observed DO levels for bottom water presented in Figure 2.23 are probably
overestimates. The remarkable similarity in the spatial extent of recurrent
hypoxia between 1977 and 1985 over the New Jersey shelf with the 1976 anoxic
2-35
-------
Figure 2.21. Mean bottom oxygen concentrations in New York Bight, July to
September, 1977-1985. (Source: Stoddard £t__a_I_., 1986).
75° 00'
74°00'
73°oo'
72°00J
71° 00'
41"00'
40°00'
39°00'
NEW YORK;>
Bottom Dissolved
_ ..
. Oxygen: Mean
Value (ml/1)
July. August, September
1977 1985
60m
41°00'
40°00'
39°00'
75° 00'
74°00'
73°00'
72°00'
71° 00'
2-36
-------
Figure 2.22. Minimum dissolved oxygen concentrations in New York Bight, July
to September, 1977-1985. (Source: J.E. O'Reilly, unpublished data).
75° 00'
74°00'
73°00'
72°00'
71° 00'
41'W
40°0
-------
Figure 2.23. Distribution of anoxia in New York Bight, Summer, 1976.
(Source: Stoddard, 1983)
41'
I I I I.
27AUG-IOCT
1976
h MIN/MAX.
0-4.99
40C
39a
DISSOLVED OXYGEN-(ML OVL)
MONTAUK PT.
OBSERVED
BOTTOM 5 M
I I
75°
74a
73'
72*
71*
39° m
2-38
-------
Wind data are available from a National Weather Service station about 16
km inland from Atlantic City. Data tapes of wind data for specific years of
record are available from NOAA's National Climatic Center (NCC) in Asheville,
NC. Wind data for 1985 were readily available for reduction and analysis.
Data tapes for 1983 (reference year) and 1984 (green tide year) are currently
oh order from the NCC.
The wind data for July and August, 1985, were reduced and plotted as a
progressive vector diagram (PVD) (Figure 2.20 a and b). The analysis
presented in this report represents a zero-order attempt at constructing a
simple particle trajectory model for the nearshore New Jersey coast. The
time-varying drift of a particle in the nearshore coastal zone is dependent on
tidal currents, mean net drift along the coast, and wind driven flow.
Data describing the variation of tidal currents with time are readily
available from NOAA/National Ocean Service (NOS) tidal current tables for New
Jersey. The mean net drift along the southern New Jersey coast is in the
range of 5 cm/s parallel to the coast. Wind driven flow is commonly estimated
at 3% of the wind speed. The direction of flow has been estimated at 14
degrees to the right of the wind direction (Hansen, 1977). This correction is
required because the Coriolis effect causes moving objects to apparently turn
right in the northern hemisphere.
The data presented in Figure 2.20 are for the wind driven flow compo-
nent. Total excursion of a particle during July, 1985, is seen to be on the
order of 150 km. In August, however, a particle would have been retained
within a relatively local area with a total excursion of only 30-50 km. The
wind data clearly suggest that flow in August was relatively weak and norther-
ly along the coast. These data indicate that the residence time of water
masses in the nearshore coastal area would have been significantly increased
in August in comparison to July, 1985. The relatively persistent southwest
winds during July would have also set up a flow reversal during July that
possibly continued into August.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water
Resources Bureau of Monitoring & Data Management Biological Services Unit has
written a Summary of Phytoplankton Blooms and Related Events in New Jersey
Coastal Waters, Summer, 1985 (Unpublished). A synopsis of this document
appears in Table 6.1. Some correlations can be made between the wind data
2-30
-------
event suggests critical factors in determining the interannual variability of
oxygen depletion below the pycnocline.
There are generally weak flow reversals over the nearshore/midshelf New
Jersey coast during summer with return flow towards the south seaward of about
the 40-60 m isobaths. The available data suggest the occurrence-of weak large
scale, clockwise gyres over the New Jersey midshelf during south-southwest
wind events that are conducive to upwelling and the establishment of flow
reversals along the nearshore New Jersey coast. Such a circulation pattern
would result in an increase in the flushing time over the New Jersey shelf
such as was documented for the 1976 anoxic event (Han et_ al., 1979).
Falkowski et_ _al_. (1980) indicated that a key factor in the onset of localized
(1968, 1974) and widespread (1976) anoxic conditions is the occurrence of
persistent winds from the southwest.
2-39
-------
3. CONTAMINANT INPUTS
3.1 INTRODUCTION
The New York Bight has a number of contaminant inputs from the New York
metropolitan area and the New Jersey and Long Island coasts (Figure 3.1). The
majority of waste materials are discharged into the Apex through wastewater
inputs into the Hudson-Raritan Estuary, sewage outfalls, and ocean disposal at
four sites. Within the New Jersey coastal region, a number of municipal
wastewater treatment plants in the vicinity of Atlantic City-Ocean City
discharge into embayments or directly into the Atlantic Ocean through ocean
outfalls. Although the New York Bight receives large discharges of waste
materials, most of the mass loading and assimilation of the contaminants
occurs in the Apex and in the Hudson plume along the northern New Jersey
coast. Waste loadings from the Hudson-Raritan Estuary and ocean dumping in
the Apex then has a minor effect on water quality along' the southern New
Jersey coast. Emphasis is therefore placed on characterizing the point-source
waste discharges south of Barnegat Inlet to Cape May that influence coastal
water quality in the southern region of the state. (Figure 3.2)
Mueller et__aj_. (1976) and Mueller et_ aj_. (1982) have estimated contaminant
inputs to the New York Bight from the Hudson-Raritan estuary, sewage outfalls,
ocean dumping, atmospheric deposition and non-point source runoff. Additional
loading estimates have been compiled by Ecological Analysts and SEAMOcean
(1983) and NOAA (1986).
3.2 NEW JERSEY COASTAL ZONE
Mueller et_ a_l_. (1976) compiled contaminant loading data for the various
drainage basins of the New York-New Jersey region. Loading data are summari-
zed in this report for the eight county drainage basins in the New Jersey
coastal zone (Figure 3.3). The total drainage area for this region is 2,000
sq. miles, with mean annual precipitation of about 44 inches (Mueller et al.,
1976). Surface topography of the flat coastal plain ranges in elevation from
about 400 feet above sea level to sea level. A large portion of the drainage
basin is less than 100 feet elevation. The coastline is characterized by
barrier beaches and several shallow embayments and inlets.
3-1
-------
Figure 3,1. Direct New York Bight discharge zone.
dirset New York Bight dUcharga ion»
LxnMrt Conform!) Conie Proi«etion
3-2
-------
CO
CO
I
CO
-J
fD
CO
•
ro
o
—J.
13
CO
o
O
. — - n>
oo
O CL
C — '•
-J to
O O
(B 3-
Oj
-I
CO
m ro
t> co
00 —
-i O
O 3
m
co
o
c
05
O)
-j
CO
o
O
QJ
CO
-------
Key to Figure 3.2
No. Name
24 Atlantic County S.A.
27 Atlantic City Electric
28 Atlantic City Electric
29 -New Jersey Water Company
30 New Jersey Water Company
48 Borough of Avalon
49 City of Wildwood
50 City of North Wildwood
51 City of Sea Isle City
52 Borough of Stone Harbor
53 Borough of Wildwood Crest
54 Middle Township S.A.
Discharges to
Atlantic City Island
Atlantic City Island
Great Egg Harbor Bay
Great Egg Harbor Bay
Great Egg Harbor Bay
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
3-3
-------
Figure 3.3. New Jersey coastal zone counties.
(Source: Mueller et__al_., 1976).
PENNSYLVANIA
DELAWARE BAY
10
MILES
3-4
-------
In the evaluation of the green tides of 1984 and 1985, the contaminants
of concern are the various compounds that can provide a nutrient source for
algal growth. Anthropogenic and natural sources of nutrients to the drainage
basin include: 1) non-point source runoff from tributaries, 2) point source
loads, and 3) atmospheric deposition.
3.3 POINT SOURCE DISCHARGES
An inventory of point source dischargers (National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System, NPDES, permitted industrial and municipal direct discharg-
ers) in New Jersey from Sandy Hook to Cape May Point was compiled. The fol-
lowing sources were used to determine point source dischargers in the drainage
basin:
o EPA Permit Compliance System (PCS) database
o SAIC Statewide Pretreatment Project Files (1984-present). Information
included:
- List of Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) in New Jersey.
Computer printout provided by State that included permit number and
address.
- Direct Discharger report identified partial list of direct dis-
chargers in study area.
- POTW trip reports and accompanying SAIC files. POTW visits con-
ducted as part of the program. Pertinent information included
Discharge Monitoring Report Data, description of operations permit
number, address, flow, level of treatment.
o Contact with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Industrial Permits Division and Municipal Permits Division obtained
pertinent information on industrial and POTW dischargers.
o Environmental Information Inventory prepared by NJDEP in 1986 (un-
published). This report provided a list of permitted direct dicharges
in New Jersey.
o 208 Studies conducted for Ocean County, Atlantic County, and Cape May
County. These studies estimated loadings from point and non-point
source discharges.
o NOAA Technical Memoranda
The inventory of point-source dischargers in the New Jersey coastal zone
3-5
-------
Table 3. la. Point source discharges to the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic County.
POTW DISCHARGE DATA
COUNTY: ATLANTIC
CO
CT>
NPDES 1
NJ002I393
NJ0024473
NJ0024589
NJ0025160
Facll Ity Name Recalv Ing Water Latitude Longitude
Ham 1 1 ton TWP HUA 2040302010
Great Egg Harbor
Atlantic County S.A. 2040302021 39 22 59 74 26 58
Ocean
City of Egg Harbor 2040301046
Mull lea River
Town of Hammonton 2040301054
Hammonton Creek
Monitor N,P
Flo* Effluent Range
Treatment (MGO) (N,P) (mg/l >
Tertiary 0.65 Perodlc testing N/A
not required
Secondary 1.84-23 Yes TN-3.2
TP-2.0
Secondary 0.37 No N/A
Data
Source
5
2,7
5
I) Mueller and Anderson. 1978. Industrial Wastes.
2) NOAA. 1986. National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory: Discharge Summaries for Ha* Jersey
3) 208 Plan for Cape May County. 1980 Data.
4) POT* Trip Reports for Pretreatment Program. 1984.
5) Telephone Conversation 7/86.
6) Conversation with NJDEP Municipal Permits 7/86.
7) 208 Plan for Atlantic County.
-------
Table 3.1b. Point source discharges to the Atlantic Ocean, Burlington County.
POTW DISCHARGE DATA
COUNTY: BURLINGTON
NPDES I Facll Ity Name
Receiving Water
Monitor N,F
Flow Effluent Range Data
Latitude Longitude Treatment (HGD) (N,P) (mg/l> Source
NO DISCHARGERS IN DRAINAGE BASIN > ATLANTIC OCEAN
I) Mueller and Anderson. 1978. Industrial Wastes.
2) NOAA. 1986. National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory:
3) 208 Plan for Cape May County. 1980 Data.
4) POTW Trip Reports for Pretreatment Program. 1984.
5) Telephone Conversation 7/86.
6) Conversation with NJDEP Municipal Permits 7/86.
7) 208 Plan for Atlantic County.
Discharge Summaries for New Jersey
-------
Table 3.1c. Point source discharges to the Atlantic Ocean, Cape May County.
POTW DISCHARGE DATA
COUNTY: CAPE MAY
NPOES *
NJ0005444
NJ000546I
NJ0020371
NJ0021385
NJ0022811
NJ00235I5
NJ0023680
NJ002658I
NJ002717I
NJ0027286
NJ0028037
Facll Ity Name
Atl antic City Elec.
Atlantic City Elec.
City of Cape Hay
Borough of Aval on
City of Wild wood Bd of Conn.
City of North HI Id wood
City of Sea Isle City
Borough of Stone Harbor
Borough of Wlldwood Crest NJ
New Jersey Water Company*
Middle Township S.A.
Receiving Hater Latitude
2040302021
Atlantic City Is.
2040302016
Great Egg Harbor By
2040204001
Atl antic Ocean
2040302018 39 05 30
Atlantic Ocean
2040302020 38 59 41
Atl antic Ocean
2040302020
Atl antic Ocean
2040302018
Atl antic Ocean
2040302019
Atlantic Ocean/
Great. Channel
2040302020
Atlantic Ocean
2040302016 39 00 00
Great Egg Harbor By
2040302020
Atlantic Ocean
Monitor N,F
Fl OH Effluent Range Data
Longitude Treatment (MGD) (N,P) (mg/l ) Source
14.3 1
74 43 51 Secondary 1.42-1.7 TN-0.2 1,2
TP-0.2
74 49 30 Primary 1.4-3.2 No TN-0.2 2
TP-IO.t
Primary 1.02-3.0 1
Primary 0.28-3.3 No N/A 1
Primary 0.3-0.73 No N/A 1
Primary 1.92-2.59 1
74 49 29 Secondary 7.6 2
Primary 0.18 1
•Ocean City - POTH on I Ine In 1984
I) Mueller and Anderson. 1978. Industrial Mastas.
2) NOAA. 1986. National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory: Discharge Summaries for New J<
3) 208 Plan for Cape May County. 1980 Data.
4) POTW Trip Reports tor Pretreatment Program. 1984.
5) Telephone Conversation 7/86.
6) Conversation with NJDEP Municipal Permits 7/86.
7) 208 Plan for Atlantic County.
irsey
-------
Table 3.1c. Point source discharges to the Atlantic Ocean, Cape May County (continued).
POTW DISCHARGE DATA
COUMTY; MONMOUTH
(contInued)
NPDES / Facll Ity None
Co NJ0026204 Borough of Highlands
10
NJ0026735 Northeast Monmouth City
Reg. S.A.
NJ0030899 City of Long Branch
NJ0031887 Marlboro HUA
Recelv Ing Water
2030104007
•A
2030104014
Atl antic Ocean
2030104015
Atl antic Ocean
2030104008
Naveslnk River
Monitor N,P
Flow Effluent Range Data
Latitude Longitude Treatment (MGO) (N,P) (mg/l ) Source
Primary 1.7 !
40 20 05 73 57 56 Secondary 2.5 1
I) Mueller and Anderson. 1978. Industrial Wastes.
2) NOAA. 1986. National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory: Discharge Summaries for Ne« Jersey
3) 208 Plan for Cape May County. 1980 Data.
4) POTW Trip Reports for Pretreatnent Program. 1984.
5) Telephone Conversation 7/86.
6) Conversation »lth NJDEP Municipal Permits 7/86.
7) 208 Plan for Atlantic County.
-------
Table 3.Id. Point source discharges to the Atlantic Ocean, Monmouth County.
POTW DISCHARGE DATA
COUNTY: MONMOUTH
NPDES 1
NJ0022535
NJ0022543
NJ0022829
NJ0023I9I
NJ0024520
CO
1 NJ0024562
O
NJ0024694
NJ0024708
NJ0024783
NJ0024872
NJ002483I
NJ002524I
NJ0025356
NJ0025402
NJ0025437
Facll tty Name
Aberdeen Township HUA
Aberdeen Township MUA
Aberdeen Township MUA
Borough of Deal
Township of Ocenn S.A.
South Monmouth Regional S.A.
Monmouth Co. Bayshore
Outfal 1
Bayshore Regional S.A.
Long Branch Sewerage
Authority
Township of Neptune STP
Township of Neptune STP
City of Asbury Park
Township of Mlddletown S.A.
Borough of Atlantic
Hlghl ands
Borough of Union Beach W.D.
Receiving Water
2030104005
Rarltan Bay
2030104005
Rarltan Bay
2030104006
Sandy Hook Bay
2030104015
Atl antic Ocean
2030104014
Atl antic Ocean
2030104015
Atl antic Ocean
2030104014
Atlantic Ocean
2030104014
Atlantic Ocean
2030104015
Atlantic Ocean
2030104015
Atl antic Ocean
2030104015
Atl antic Ocean
2030104013
Sandy Hook Bay
2030104006
Sandy Hook Bay
Monitor N,P
Flow Effluent Range Data
Latitude Longitude Treatment (MGD) (N,P) (mg/l ) Source
0.89 1
Primary 0.37 1
40 15 19 73 59 12 Secondary 2.2 1
40 10 00 74 02 30 Secondary 2.93 1
40 26 29 74 09 33 Secondary 8.46 1,2
40 18 44 73 59 07 Secondary 4.0 1
4T> II 25 73 59 22 Secondary 4.0 1
Primary 1.7 1
40 13 39 73 59 44 Primary 2.9 I
4- 25 53 74 04 57 Primary 4.9 1
Primary 0.18 1
I) Mueller and Anderson. 1978, Industrial Wastes.
2) NOAA. 1986. National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory: Discharge Summaries for New Ji
3) 208 Plan for Cape May County. I960 Data.
4) POTW Trip Reports for Pretreatment Program. 1984.
5) Telephone Conversation 7/86.
6) Conversation with NJDEP Municipal Permits 7/86.
7) 208 Plan for Atlantic County.
rrsey
-------
Table 3.1e. Point source discharges to the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean County.
POTW DISCHARGE DATA
COUNTY: OCEAN
NPDES /
NJ0004I20
NJ0005550
NJ0005746
NJ0020583
NJ0022942
NJ002295I
CO
1
I— NJ0022969
I—"
NJ0023370
NJ0024775
NJ0026018
NJ00273I6
NJ0028142
NJ0029408
NJ003334I
NJ0034622
Facll Ity Name
Toms River Chemical Corp
Jersey Central Power & Light
American Smelting and
Refining
Jackson Township MUA
Berkeley Township MUA
Berkeley Township S.A.
Berkeley Township S.A.
Borough of Seaside Heights
Dover Sewerage Authority
Ocean County Utll (ties
Authority
Borough of Seaside Park
Ocean County Sewerage
Authority
Ocean County Sewerage
Authority
M.R. Grosser Subdivision
Borough of Point Pleasant
Monitor N,P
Flow Effluent Range Data
Receiving Water Latitude Longitude Treatment (MGO) (N,P) (mg/l ) Source
2040301015 5.2 1
Toms River
2040301016
Toms River
2040301017
Toms River
2040301009
Meted conk R,N
2030103025 Secondary 0.04 1
Passalc River
2030103025
Passalc River
2030103025
Passalc River
2040301004 Primary 1.5 1
Atl antic Ocean
2040301004 39 59 56 74 08 24 Secondary 5.5 2
Atl antic Ocean
2040301031 39 40 19 74 15 43 Secondary 4.46-8 yes 20 2,5
Little Egg Harbor
2040301004 39 58 00 74 08 00 Primary 1.01 2
Atl antic Ocean
2040301015 40 02 37 74 04 51 Secondary 5.75 2
Toms River
2040301004 39 54 12 74 03 41 Secondary 2.96 2
Atl antic Ocean
2040301033
Little Egg Harbor
2040301003 Primary 1.18 1
Atl antic Ocean
I) Mueller and Anderson. 1978. Industrial Wastes.
2) NOAA. 1986. Notional Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory: Discharge Summaries for New Jersey
3) 208 Plan for Cape May County. 1980 Data.
4) POTW Trip Reports for Pretreatment Program. 1984.
5) Telephone Conversation 7/86.
6) Conversation with NJDEP Municipal Permits 7/86.
7) 208 Plan (or Atlantic County.
-------
(Table 3.1) was compiled from these data sources for each coastal county. The
inventory provides the following information:
o NPDES permit number
o Facility name
o USGS hydro!ogic code/receiving water
o Latitude/Longitude of discharge
o Level of treatment
o Average flow rate
o Availability/range of nutrient data for effluent
o Existing permit limits
Based on discussions with personnel in the NJDEP Municipal Permits Divi-
sion, only Ocean County DA, Cape May County, Lower Township, and Atlantic
County SA are required to monitor for nitrogen and phosphorus. Ocean County
is required to report nutrient data on Discharge Monitoring Reports.
Therefore, to obtain effluent nutrient levels it would be necessary to contact
all POTWs to find out if any data exists.
It is important to note that a NOAA (1986) report indicates the Avalon
Sewage Treatment Plant is listed as an ocean discharge. According to NJDEP
Municipal Permits (C. Hoffman, personal communication), only North Wildwood,
Cape May County, Atlantic County, and Ocean County have ocean outfalls --
Avalon was not reported as discharging to the ocean. In plotting the
discharge locations for "non-ocean" outfalls, it is apparent that there is a
potential discrepancy for Atlantic City Electric (27) and Atlantic County SA
(24), both listed in the PCS file as discharging to "Atlantic City 15".
The inventory of NPDES permitted dischargers for Atlantic County and Cape
May County summarizes two items that are directly relevant to the occurrence
of 1) the green tides of 1984 and 1985, and 2) recurrent phytoplankton blooms
in southern New Jersey inshore waters.
Of the 11 POTWs discharging directly, or indirectly, into the Atlantic
Ocean, at least six POTWs (total of 5-13 mgd) are reported as having primary
treatment. The Clean Water Act (1972 and 1977 amendments) requires a minimum
of secondary treatment for municipal dischargers unless they have 301h
waivers. Based on the data presented in Table 3.2 (Mueller _et_ al_., 1976)
there is a negligible difference in effluent nitrogen levels between primary
and secondary treatment.
3-12
-------
Table 3.2. Typical POTW discharge characteristics.
(Source: Muel ler et_ _al_., 1976).
Parameter
SSd
ALK
BOD5
COD
TOC
MBASd
0 6 G
NH3-N
Org-N
N02+N03-N
Total N
Ortho P
Total P
Cd
Cr
Cu
Fe
Hg
Pb
Zn.
F.Coli1?
T.Coli1
T.Coli-
after Chlor.J
a. New York Ci
appendix 6.
b. New Jersey
Concentration, mg/1 , for
N.Y.C.
rawa
sewage
139
190
131 k
2.5xBOD5
83
10
36
10.6
10.4
0.68
21.7
3.27
4.70
0.018
0.15
0.23
2.5
0.033
0.26
0.39
0.44 T.Coli
SOxlO6
ty treatment plant 1972
primary treatment plant
N.J.
primary.
effluent"
93
190
158 k
2.5BOD5
0.68 BOD5
10
23
0.58 Tot.N
N.Y.C.
secondary
eff1uent£
43,
170e
36 k
4.7B005
0.94 BOD5
1.0f
15
0.64 Tot.N
0.69 NH3-N 0.53 NH3-N
0.02 Tot.N
22g
0.7 Tot.P
6.14
0.0129
0.0579
0.1059
0.709
0.0259
0.1909
0.1859
0.44 T.Col
15x106
357
average influent
average effluent
9 0.02 Tot.N9
22g
0.7 Tot.P
3-30
0.0129
0.0579
0.1059
0.709
0.0259
0.1909
0.1859
i 0.44 T.Coli
2.5x105
357
concentrations,
concentrations,
appendix 6.
c. New York City average secondary (intermediate) effluent concentrations,
appendix 6.
d. Bay Park Plant, Nassau Co. data, Beckman (1973).
e. Average to two values, appendix 13.
f. Range - 0.3 - 1-4 mg/1.
g. Average primary + secondary effluent concentrations.
h. Based on Chambers (1971) and Silvey (1974).
i. Lake Tahoe, Calif., data, Gulp and Culp (1971); org/100 ml.
j. From New York City secondary effluent F.Coli data; org/100 ml.,
appendix 6.
k. From Eckenfelder (1970).
3-13
-------
Under the current round of NPDES permits for all the POTW's in Atlantic
County and Cape May County, none are effluent limited for nutrients. Given
the recurrent water quality problems of hypoxia and algal blooms in the
southern New Jersey coastal zone, reduction of nutrient loading from the POTWs
would be a reasonable management policy for EPA.
3.4 INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGERS
Several industrial dischargers were identified in the PCS database and in
State Pretreatment Program files for the New Jersey Coastal Zone counties.
With the exception of American Smelting and Refining and Jersey Central Power
and Light discharging to Toms River; Ceiba-Geigy discharging to the Atlantic
Ocean via Toms River and the Atlantic City Electric Public Service Electric
and Gas power plants discharging to "Atlantic City Island," the remainder of
industrial sources discharge to inland tributaries. In the evaluation of the
green tide problem, these dischargers were judged to be insignificant sources
of nutrient loading within the drainage basin. A listing of all NPDES dis-
chargers in the coastal zone counties is available from the EPA/PCS database
and the unpublished 1986 NJDEP report on permitted dischargers in the state.
3.5 SUMMARY OF POINT SOURCE INPUTS
An estimate of total mass loading of nitrogen from point source dis-
chargers is based on data from Mueller _et__a_L (1976) and NOAA (1986). For the
municipal loading estimates, actual effluent data for nitrogen were not
available. Mueller ^t_ _al_. (1976) used typical concentrations of wastewater
effluent for primary and secondary treatment plants (Table 3.2)
3.6 NON-POINT SOURCE RUNOFF
Mueller et_ _al_. (1976) and NOAA (1986) present estimates of non-point ni-
trogen source loading from the New Jersey coastal zone drainage area. Surface
runoff mass loads from tributaries were estimated by Mueller et__a_L (1976) for
the total area of 2,000 square miles. Most of the drainage basin is not
covered by USGS streamflow and water quality monitoring stations (Figure 3.4).
To illustrate the type of data available to characterize surface runoff,
streamflow and water quality data were obtained from EPA/STORET for USGS
Station No. 01409815 for the West Branch of the Wading River at Maxwell, NJ,
3-14
-------
Figure 3.4. Stream flow monitoring stations in coastal New Jersey.
(Source: Mueller £t_aj_., 1976).
PENNSYLVANIA
TRANSECT BASINS
DELAWARE BASINS
GAGED AREAS
NON-GAGED AREAS
SAMPLING STATIONS
DELAWARE BAY
5
MIL£S
10
I
3-15
-------
1974 through 1985 (Figure 3.5) and for 1983 through 1985 (Figure 3.6). It is
apparent from the data that peak discharge in 1984 (ca. 625 cfs) was consider-
ably greater than peak flows between 1980 and 1983 (250 cfs). In contrast,
peak discharge in 1985 (ca. 100 cfs) reflected the driest conditions for the
previous seven years of record. Historical low-flow (7Q10) is 22 cfs (nine
years of record).
Long-term water quality data are presented for* ammonia (Figure 3.7),
nitrate and nitrite (Figure 3.8) and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (Figure 3.9).
The number of observations for ammonia and nitrates in 1983 through 1985 is
insufficient to relate to interannual variability in surface runoff. Total
Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) (organic-N + ammonia), however, does reflect peak
concentrations during the summer of 1984. Using data such as these for other
USGS ambient monitoring stations, Mueller et_ a]_. (1976) estimated the total
mass loading from surface runoff for the New Jersey coastal zone. Table 3.3
summarizes the total mass loading for flow and nitrogen estimated by Mueller
et__a_L (1976) and NOAA (1986).
Although the data presented are highly aggregated and based on best esti-
mates of a limited database, the data are useful to evaluate the mass loading
of nitrogen from non-point source runoff in relation to the total loading from
point sources. A summary of total mass loading of nitrogen from non-point and
point sources is presented in Table 3.4. Non-point source runoff accounts for
about 50-70% of the total nitrogen loading in the New Jersey coastal zone.
3-16
-------
Figure 3.5. Mean Monthly Streamflow for West Branch of the Wading River, 1977-1985
(Source: EPA STORE!)
•14*9815
39 4« 34.• »74 32 28.« 2
Ul UADIMG B AT HAXUELL HJ
34M5 NEU JERSEV BuWLIMGTOM
STOREt Sy»t«.
112UHD
764734
INDEX •134AC3
PILES 8.M
DEPTH
»16«
11.W
61
/TVPA/M1INT/STREAI1
PARAMETER
STREAM FLOO.
IMST-CfS
NOBS
68
AUE
168
MAX
B68
HIM
34
IEG-DATE
77/lt/lfl
END-DATE
86^01/14
7S«
CO
ase
1877 1978 1979 198» 1981 1982
1977-1986
1983
1984
198S
1986
-------
Figure 3.6. Mean monthly stream flow for the Wading River, 1983-1985.
(Sources: EPA STORET)
•14*8815
39 4* 34.• »74 32 28.t 2
Ul UADING R AT HAXUCLL NJ
NEU JERSEV BURLINGTON
STORET Su*t««
7£»73«
INDEX »134«£3
RILES t.M
DEPTH
•«•!£•
11. M
fil STREAM
FLOW, INST-CFS
NOBS
17
AUE
141
I1AX
30
BEC-DATE
83/61'lt
END-DATE
BS/11/13
CO
1—>
00
1983
1084
1985
LS83-108S
-------
Figure 3.7. Ammonia in the Wading River, 1973 - 1985. (Source: EPA STORE!)
01409815
M 40 30.0 074 33 M.0 a
Ul UADING R AT NAXUCLL NJ
34«*S NCU JERSEV BURLINGTON
STOfiET
112UHD
760734
INDEX • 134*63
HILES 8.M 11. M
DEPTH
/TVPA/'AlliNT/STREAn
PARAMETER
NH3*NH4- N TOTAL
nc/L
NOBS
47
AUE
0.»31
F1AX
9.269
HIM
0.ea»
BEC-DATE END-DATE
0.3
0.1
0.0
-------
01409815
39 40 30.0 074 32 88.* 2
UB U AD ING R AT flAXUELL NJ
34005 NEU JERSEY BURLINGTON
Figure 3.8. Nitrate and Nitrite in the Wading River, 1973 - 1985
(Source: EPA STORE!)
STORET Su»lo.
112URD 02040301
760730 DEPTH
INDEX »I34*63 «•*!£•
HILES 9.99 11.M
/TVPAXWIBNT/STREATI
PARAHETER
63* NOZ&N03 N-TOTAL
nc/u
NOBS AUE
45 0.07
MAX
0.85
HIM
0.01
3&G-DATE
END-DATE
8S/10/1S
1.00
0.75
CO
I
0.S0
0.25
1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981
1976-1985
1982
1983
1984
198S
-------
Figure 3.9. Total Kjeldahl nitrogen in the Wading River, 1973 - 1975.
•14C9B1S
38 4» 3«.» «74 32 28.* 8
III UADINC R AT ItAXUCLL HJ
34M6 rCU JERSEV iUHUNGTON
(Source: EPA STORE!)
STOfiET Sy»t»«
7fi«73« DCPTH
INDEX •134«£3 •«•!£•
nius a.M 11.M
cas TOT KJEL
/TVPAXAHihT^STREAfl
HG'L
NOBS
73
AUE
0.484
MAX
HIN BEG-DATE END-DATE
CO
I
ro
1076 1978 198* 1982 1984 1986
1977 1979 1981 1983 1985
1976-1986
-------
Table 3.3. New Jersey Coastal Zone Runoff Mass Loads
(Source: Muel ler _et_ ajk 1982).
Drainage area (mi2)
(gauged)
Flow (cfs)
(cfs/mi )
Ammonia-N
organic-N
TKN
nitrite and nitrate
Total -N
Gaged Runoff Weighted
Average Concentration
(mg/1)
727
1,200
165
0.2
0.25
0.45
1.6
2.05
Total Runoff Load
(metric tons/day)
2,000
3,300
1.6
2.0
3.6
12.9
16.5
Average survey flow = 1650 cfs
Data Source: Mueller et al. (1976).
3-22
-------
Table 3.4. Summary of pollutant discharges to the Atlantic Ocean from New
Jersey. (Source: NOAA,1986).
Coastal County
1. Bergen
2. CSMX
3. Union
4. Hudson
5. Middlesex
6. Monraouth
7. Ocean
8. Burlington
9. Camden
10. Gloucester
11. Atlantic
12. Sales
13. Cumberland
14. Cape Hay
Total
W
Facility
Type
Minor
Total
Minor
Total
Minor
Total
Minor
Total
Major
Minor
Total
Major
Minor
Total
Major
Minor
Total
Major
Minor
Total
Major
Minor
Total
Major
Minor
Total
Major
Minor
Total
Major
Minor
Total
Major
Minor
Total
Major
Minor
Total
Major
Minor
All Plants in County
(lOOt/y)
» of
Plants
23
27
2
11
13
2
9
11
6
17
23
4
19
23
9
30
39
5
10
15
9
34
43
7
40
47
1
5
6
1
10
11
0
9
9
2
2
4
4
14
18
56
233
Flow
(lOOmgy)
119.0
328.0
779.0
42.0
821.0
228.0
12.0
240.0
332.0
39.0
371.0
427.0
39.0
466.0
143.0
34.0
177.0
6.9
79.0
46.9
98.7
155. 6
90.0
245.6
4.6
52.0
67.1
9.2
76.3
o.o
11.1
11.1
' 21.4
3.9
25.3
46.2
16.3
62.5
2579.6
473.9
3053.5
BOOs
42.5
10.1
72.6
1370. 0
0.0
1370.0
45.1
1.4
46.5
US. 4
18.0
206.0
128.0
9.0
137.0
16.6
5.0
21.6
1.0
5.2
5.7
11.6
104.1
14.0
118.1
0.5
3.9
4.5
1.3
6.3
0.0
5.7
5.7
2.7
0.6
3.3
7.3
5.3
12.6
1935.5
78.1
2013.6
TN
9.9
5.5
15.4
36.3
2.2
38.5
lo.T
0.6
11.3
15.6^
1.8
17.4
20.0
1.9
21.9
6.7
1.6
8.3
0.3
3.7
2.3
4.7
7.2
4.1
11.3
0.3
2.5
3.1
0.5
3.6
0.0
o.s
0.5
1.0
0.2
1.2
2.2
0.8
3.0
120.7
22.6
143.3
TP
6.1
3.5
9.6
22.8
1.2
24.0
i.i
0.4
7.0
9.7
1.1
10.8
12.5
1.2
13.7
4.2
1.1
5.3
0.2
2.3
1.5
3.0
4.4
2.7
7.1
0.2
1.6
2.0
0.4
2.4
0.0
0.3
0.3
O.S
0.1
0.7
1.4
0.5
1.9
75.3
14.4
89.7
Plants with Ocean Outfalls
(lOOt/y)
« of
Plants
-
-
-
-
-
8
2
10
4
1
5
-
-
-
1
0
1
' -
-
3
2
5
5
21
Flow
(lOOmgy)
-
-
-
-
-
137.5
3.4
140.9
0.4
68.9
-
-
-
67.1
0.0
67.1
-
-
U.I
3.8
41.9
7.6
318.8
BOOs
-
-
-
-
-
15.8
2.3
18.1
0.3
4.2
-
-
-
4.5
0.0
4.5
-
-
7.0
2.5
9.5
5.1
36.3
TN
-
-
-
-
-
6.5
0.2
6.7
0.0
3.3
-
-
-
3.1
0.0
3.1
-
-
1.7
0.2
1.9
0.4
15.1
TP
-
-
-
-
-
4.0
0.2
4.2
0.0
2.0
-
-
-
2.0
0.0
2.0
-
-
rn~
0.2
1.3
0.4
9.5
ASOEwiationsj t/y, tons per yearj mgy, million gallons per year; 8005, 5-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand; TN, Total
Nitrogen; TP. Total Phosphorus.
a/ Pollutant discharges can also be disaggregated by season.
b/ Plants that discharge nore than 1 million gallons/day are defined as -major-. For a detailed specification o£ major
wastewater treatment plants see Table 2.
3-23
-------
4. WATER QUALITY DATA SOURCES
4.1 INTRODUCTION
Public concern that water quality problems such as oxygen depletion and
nuisance phytoplankton blooms may be partially related to ocean disposal of
waste in the New York Bight has resulted in a lengthy history of research
programs (e.g., Mayer, 1982) and intense public debate (NACOA, 1981; Squires,
1983). Major oceanographic programs inclu-de those funded by the National
Academy of Sciences, 1948-1949; the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, 1954-1961;
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1964-1970; the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) MESA New York Bight Project, 1973-1980; the
Northeast Monitoring Program (NEMP), 1980-1985; and the MARMAP Program,
1974-present; the National Science Foundation; the U.S. Department of Interior
(BLM) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Program, the U.S. Department of Energy,
1974-present, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. As a
result of these oceanographic programs over the past 30-40 years, a large
historical database exists for the New York Bight.
4.2 NOAA/NMFS HISTORICAL DATABASE
These and other historical data have been collected from academic inves-
tigators, NOAA/National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) and other agencies,
subjected to rigorous QA/QC procedures, and compiled as part of ongoing
NOAA/NMFS investigations in a relational database management system of over
200,000 records. The database represents a diverse array of data originally
collected for a variety of research and monitoring objectives. The databases
include measurements of temperature, salinity, oxygen, nutrients, chlorophyll,
primary production and phytoplankton species abundance data. The databases
are developed, maintained and kept current through extensive interaction with
local scientists by NMFS at Sandy Hook, NJ, using System 1032, a commercial
relational database management system (Software House, Cambridge, MA) on a VAX
11/785 minicomputer located at Woods Hole, MA.
Table 4.1 presents a summary inventory of data files prepared by NOAA/
NMFS (P. Fournier, personal communication) for the number of hydrographic
(HYD), nutrient (NUT), and chlorophyll (CLB) observations in the System 1032
database. The inventory summarizes observations recorded between July and
4-1
-------
Table 4.1. Data .Sources for Water Quality Data for the New York Bight
July-September, 1983-1985
New York Bight
(# observed)
Filename PI Data Source
NEPCLB.DMS Zetlin NOAA/NMFS-Sandy Hook
NEPNUT
LBTHYD O'Reilly, Draxler NOAA/NMFS-Sandy Hook
NEPHYD
EPAHYD Hammett, Braun EPA- I I
BNLHYD Whitledge, Stoddard BNL
MARHYD Mountain, Pantanjo NOAA/NMFS-Woods Hole
WARHYD3 Warsh, Gottholm NOAA/OAD-Rockvi 1 le
LDGOHYD Akiman, Haines Columbia U/LKDO
1983
551
436
2066
531
1202
0
0
4079
0
1984
Oa
Oa
1788
31
380
0
0
1949
0
1985
Oa
Oa
1106
Oc
Oc
0
282
1396
0
N.J
(#
1983
17
Oac
Oc
21
0
0
632
0
. Nearshore
observed)
1984
Oa
Oa
Oa
6
0
0
666
0
1985
Oa
oa
Oa
6
0
64
367
0
aData currently being processed.
bInventory compiled by Pat Fournier, NOAA/NMFS - Sandy Hook, NJ.
cStatus uncertain.
-------
September, 1983-1985, within the following two geographical regions: 1) New
York Bight 38°50' - 41°00'N; 71°30 - 75°00'W; and 2) New Jersey nearshore
(38°50' - 39°50'N; 73°00' - 75°00'W). The compilation of the NOAA/NMFS -
Sandy Hook database for the New York Bight is an ongoing activity of the labo-
ratory. Although numerous data are in final form in the database (e.g., NOAA/
NEMP hydrographic data, 1980-1985), other data sources are currently being
processed for QA/QC and compatibility with the database (e.g., chlorophyll and
nutrient data from Brookhaven National Laboratory for NOAA/NEMP cruises, 1980-
1985). An illustration of the spatial coverage of observations in the New
York Bight is shown in Figure 4.1 for bottom oxygen, 1977-1985.
4.3 EPA/STORET HISTORICAL DATABASE
Tables 4.2 a and b present a summary inventory of data sets prepared by
SAIC for a number of water quality parameters in the EPA/STORET database
identified as ocean and non-ocean observation. The inventory summarizes the
available data for July through September, 1983 through 1985, within a single
geographical region bounded by: 38°30' - 40°30'N and 73°30' - 75°00'W.
Figure 4.2 illustrates all EPA/STORET database monitoring station locations
(n=1592) present in the geographical region. Many of the inland stations
shown on the map, however, would not be relevant to the analysis of the green
tide problem. A number of monitoring stations do, however, appear to be
available for the southern coastal bays and inlets in addition to the inshore
EPA and NJDEP beach surveys along the coast.
4.4 NEW YORK BIGHT HISTORICAL DATABASE
'Data sets available for the New York Bight and the New Jersey nearshore
region between 1983 and 1985 are summarized in Table 4.1 covering the time
period of immediate interest for the green tide environmental inventory.
Large historcal oceanographic data sets in the NOAA/NMFS database include
hydrographic data files from Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNLHYD; data from
about 1930-1981), Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory (LDGOHYD) and the
NOAA/MARMAP cruises (MARHYD). A large historical database for chlorophyll and
nutrient data is available from BNL (Stoddard, 1983; Whitledge, personal
communication) for the same period of record as the historical data (BNL
NHYD). These historical data could be readily reformatted and compiled for
4-3
-------
41U00'
75°OQ-
•-•""••• I (
Station Locations
for Bottom Dissolved
Oxygen Data
July, August, September
1977-1985
74°00'
73°00'
72
GO O rl-
O -S C"
C 7T c+
-S -••
O CO O
tt> -"• 3
c+- O
CO O
<-h _i. (D
O 3 rfr
CL Q. -"•
Q. _i. O
CU O 3
-J O> (/I
D- c+
-•• -h
0) 3 O
IC-HQ -s
ICU CO CL
— i-o -"•
cu in
rt (^
I— i _i. O
IO (D — I
CO — • <
CTi fD
— -O Q.
O
< O
0) X
-S <<
fa to
CO fD
fD 3
Cape May
39W
75"00f
i
74°00'
73U00'
72°00'
71"00'
rl-
3-
fD
•z.
fD
-------
Table 4.2a. Inventory of EPA/STORET Observations for July-September
(Ocean)
Parameter
# Stations
Temperature
Salinity
Oxygen
Organic-N
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
TKN
Chl-a
Total P
Total Algae
Storet Code
(010)
(480) •
(300)
(605)
(608)
(615)
(620)
(625)
(32230)
(32211)
(71886)
(60050)
Lat/Lon Coordi
(3830,7500)
(3830,7330)
1983
210
1651
550
1104
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1984
198
1038
366
346
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1985
260
1880
570
1085
*109
109
109
108
0
0
0
0
nates for Retrieval
(4030
(4030
,7330)
,7500)
4-5
-------
Table 4.2b.
Inventory of EPA/STORET Observations for July-September
(Estuary, Lake, Stream)
Parameter
# Stations
Temperature
Salinity
Oxygen
Organic-N
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
TKN
Chl-a
Total P
Total Algae
Storet Code
(010)
(480)
(300)
(605)
(608)
(615)
(620)
(625)
(32230)
(32211)
(71886)
(60050)
Lat/Lon Coordi
(3830,7500)
(3830,7330)
1983
1063
3726
404
159
18
5
321
36
201
27
4
0
1984
907
4406
397
153
21
8
193
40
206
22
0
0
1985
928
<• 5206
470
201
15
38
159
74
154
17
5
0
nates for Retrieval
(4030,7330)
(4030,7500)
4-6
-------
Figure 4.2. Station locations in Southern New Jersey for data in
EPA's STORE! system.
4-7
-------
Table 4.3a. A Summary of the Brookhaven National Laboratory Cruises Taken
in the New York Bight
Cruise Name/Ship
ACE-0
DELAWARE
ACE-0
DELAWARE
ACE-U
DELAWARE
ACE-0
DELAWARE
ACE-0
DELAWARE
ACE-0
DELAWARE
ACE-0
COMMONWEALTH
ACE-0
ALBATROSS
ACE-0
DELAWARE
ACE-0
DELAWARE
ACE-0
ATLANTIC TWIN
ACE-0
ATLANTIC TWIN
ACE-0
DELAWARE
ACE-I
KNORR
ACE-I
ATLANTIS II
Cruise Date
July 74
Aug 74
Sept 74
Oct 74
Nov 74
Feb 75
March 75
April 75
May 75
June 75
July 75
Aug 75
Sept 75
Jan 75
March-
April 75
Hydro Prod.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
Zoop
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4-8
-------
Table 4.3a. A Summary of the Brookhaven National Laboratory Cruises Taken
in the New York Bight (Continued)
Cruise Name/Ship
ACE-II
EASTWARD
ACE-II
KELEZ
ACE-II
ONRUST
ACE-II
PALUMBO
ACE-II
EASTWARD
ACE-II
KELEZ
ACE-II
ONRUST
ACE-II
RESEARCHER
ACE-II
DELAWARE
ACE-II
DELAWARE
ACE-III
KELEZ
ACE-III
DELAWARE
ACE-III
ONRUST
ACE-III
KNORR
ACE-III
ALBATRUSS
ACE-III
CAPE HENLOPEN
Cruise Date
April-
May 76
March 76
April 76
April 76
May 76
June 76
June 76
Sept 76
May 76
June 76
March 77
May 77
June 77
Aug 77
Aug 77
Nov 77
Hydro Prod.
X X
X X
X
X X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X
X
X X
4-9
Zoop
X
X
X
X
-------
Table 4.3a. A Summary of the Brookhaven National Laboratory Cruises Taken
in the New York Bight (Continued)
Cruise Name/Ship
ACE-IV
ATLANTIS II
ACE-IV
ARGUS
ACE-IV
ARGUS
ACE-IV
DELAWARE
ACE-IV
ONRUST
ACE-IV
ATLANTIS II
ACE-IV
EDGERTON
ACE-IV
EDGERTON
Cruise Date
April 78
April 78
toy 78
June-
July 78
Aug 78
Oct 78
June 78
Sept 78
Hydro
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Prod.
X
X
X
X
X
X
Zoop
X
X
X
X
4-10
-------
Table 4.3b.
Listing of surveys, dates, cruises, and numbers of stations
in the Southern New England and Mid-Atlantic Bight areas
falling within potentially influenced areas of DWD 106 and
adjacent waters, 1977-1981 (Data Source: Pearce et al.,
1983). ~
(Source: Pearce et. al. 1983)
Year Season
1977 Late Winter
Early Spring
Late Spring
Late Summer
Early Autumn
Late Auumn
1978 Late Winter
Early Summer
Late Summer
Early Autumn
Late Autumn
1979 Late Winter
Early Spring
Late Spring
Early Summer
Late Summer
Date
3-Mar-7 Apr
13 Feb-24 Feb
13 Apr-27 Apr
9 Mar-7 Apr
4 May -24 May
22 May-6 Jun
19 Aug-29 Aug
19 Oct-29 Oct
2 Dec-9 Dec
16 Feb-14 Mar
19 Apr-12 May
24 Jun-12 Jul
12 Aug-3 Sep
19 Oct-27 Oct
16 Nov
14 Oct-1 Nov
16 Nov-29 Oct
23 Feb -4 Mar
13 Apr-14 Apr
17 Jun-8 Jul
6 May-18 May
17 Jun-8 Jul
12 Aug-22 Aug
Vessel
Gorlitz
Mount Mitchell
Albatross IV
Delaware II
Delaware II
Nogliki
Yubi leinly
Argus
Kelez
Delaware II
Argus
Albatross IV
Belogorsk
Belogorsk
Anton Donrn
Wieczno
Belogorsk
Delaware II
Delaware II
Albatross IV
Delaware II
Albatross IV
Belogorsk
Cruise No.
Stations
77-01
77-01
77-02
77-03
77-05
77-02
77-02
' 77-01
77-11
78-02
78-04
78-07
78-01
78-03
78-03
78-04
78-04
79-03
79-04
79-06
79-05
79-06
79-01
12
10
3
11
72
3
60
30
14
52
52
56
56
40
1
6
8
82
22
49
55
37
76
4-11
-------
Table 4.3b. (Continued)
Year Season
Early Autumn
Late Autumn
1980 Late Winter
Early Spring
Late Spring
Early Summer
Late Summer
Early Autumn
Late Autumn
1981 Late Winter
Early Spring
Late Spring
Date
4 Oct-18 Oct
12 Dec-19 Dec
13 Nov-21 Nov
29 Feb-19 Mar
18 Fed -11 Mar
7 Apr-27 Apr
24 May-6 Jun
14 Jul-11 Aug
14 Jul-11 Aug
27 Sep-9 Oct
20 Nov-7 Dec
17 Feb-26 Mar
6 Jan-16 Jan
1:17 Mar-3 Apr
Vessel
Albatross IV
Albatross IV
Wieczno
Albatross IV
Wieczno
Evrika
Delaware II
Evrika
Evrika •
Albatross IV
Albatross IV
Albatross IV
Delaware II
Delaware II
Cruise No.
Stations
79-11
79-13
79-03
80-02
80-02
80-01
80-03
80-06
80-06
80-10
80-12
81-01
81-02
81-03
63
17
1
84
17
83
84
46
31
81
76
62
80
50
Early Summer
11:6 Apr-17 Apr
111:20 Apr-29 Apr
IV:5 May-14 May
1:27 Jun-2 Jul
11:7 Jul-24 Jul
Delaware II
81-04
44
Late Summer
1:3 Aug-21 Aug Delaware II
11:24 Aug-11 Sep
81-05
71
Early Autumn
1:15 Sep-2 Oct
11:5 Oct-16 Oct
111:19 Oct-30 Oct
IV:2 Nov-13 Nov
Delaware II
81-06
74
4-12
-------
Table 4.3c.
Summary of NOAA/OAD Northeast Monitoring Program Cruises in the New
York Bight (Source: Cathy Warsh NOAA/OAD Rockville MD).
Year
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
Old Cruise
Numbers
NEMP 80-06
80-08
80-12
80-16
NEMP 81-03
81-07
81-08
81-17
NEMP 82-03
82-05
82-09
82-11
NEMP 83-01
83-03
83-06
83-09
83-12
NEMP 84-01
84-04
84-06
DB-84-10-1
84-10
84-13
NEMP 85-01
85-02
85-03
85-04
85-05
Date
Apr 21-25
June 2-6
Jul 14-18
Aug 80
Sep 2-6
Apr 15-20
Jun 3-9
Aug 1-7
Sep 9-15
Apr 19-26
May 28-Jun 4
Jul 26-Aug 2
Sep 8-15
Feb 8-Feb 9
Apr 8-15
May 31-Jun7
Jul 30-Aug 6
SEP 15-22
Feb. 1-2
April 16-24
June 2-9
July 25-26
Aug 14-22
Oct. 22-31
Feb. 28-29
Mar.29-Apr.4
June 11-22
August 8-14
August
Ship
KELEZ
KELEZ
KELEZ
KNORR
KELEZ
KELEZ
KELEZ
ALBATROSS IV
MT MITCHELL
CAPE HENLOPEN
CAPE HENLOPEN
CAPE HENLOPEN
MT MITCHELL
PIERCE
CAPE HENLOPEN
CAPE HENLOPEN
CAPE HENLOPEN
MT MITCHELL
WHITING
CAPE HENLOPEN
CAPE HENLOPEN
CAPE HENLOPEN
CAPE HENLOPEN
MT MITCHELL
PEIRCE
PEIRCE
ALBATROS
PEIRCE
Area of
Operation
New York Bight
II
II
Mid Atlantic
New York Bight
Mid Atlantic Bight
"
»
Ches. Bay Mouth
Mid-Atlantic Bgt
Ches. Bay Mouth
Mid Atlantic Bgt.
u
Delaware Shelf
Mid-Atlantic Bgt.
II
Ches. Bay Mouth
Mid-Atlantic Bgt.
Hudson Plume
New Cruise
Numbers
KE-08-01
KE-80-02
KE-80-03
BNL
KE-80-04
KE-81-05
KE-81-06
AL-81-07
MN-81-08
CH-82-09
CH-82-10
CH-82-11
MM-82-12
PI-83-13
CH-83-14
CH-83-15
CH-83-16
MM-83-17
WI-84-18
CH-84-19
CH-84-20
CH-84-21
CH-84-22
CH-84-23
PI-85-24
PI-85-25
AL-85-26
PI-85-27
VMD
-------
TABLE 4.3d. WATER QUALITY MONITORING CRUISES IN JTHE NEW YORK BIGHT
(a)
Cruise
FE01
FE02
FE03
FE04
FE05
FE06
FE07
FE08
FE09
FE10
FEU
FE12
RE02
RE05
RE15
WCC-1-5
WCC-6-8
UCC-9-12
XWCC-1
XWCC-2
XWCC-3
XWCC-4-5
XWCC-6
XWCC-7
XWCC-8
XWCC-9
XWCC-10
Sampling Dates
27-29 AUG 73
16-20 SEP 73
1-4 OCT 73
5-9 NOV 73
26-29 NOV 73
16-20 APR 74
6-9 MAY 74
10-13 JUN 74
16-19 JUL 74
21-24 AUG 74
29 SEP - 2 OCT
4-7 NOV 74
8-15 MAR 74
6-13 MKY 74
23 FEB - 3 MAR 75
AUG- NOV 73
APR-JUN 74
JUL-NOV 74
JAN 75
22 FEB - 5 MAR 75
9-12 APR 75
MAY-JUNE 75
29 SEP - 4 OCT 75
DEC 75
12-16 APR 76
17-24 MAY 76
28 JUN - 1 JUL 76
,
Number of
Stations
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
26
26
28
30
62
Organization/Principal Investigator
NOAA/MESA
NOAA/MESA
NOAA/MESA
NOAA/MESA
NOAA/MESA
NOAA/MESA
NOAA/MESA
NOAA/MESA
NOAA/MESA
NOAA/MESA
NOAA/MESA
NOAA/MESA
NOAA/MESA
NOAlA/MESA
NOAA/MESA
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Starr
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Kolitz
Starr
Kolitz
Hazejl worth
Hazei worth
Starr
(a) Modified from O'Connor et al. 1977.
-------
TABLE 4.3d(CONT.)
Cruise
en
XWCC-11
XWCC-12
XWCC-13
XWCC-14
XUCC-15
XWCC-16
XWCC-17
XWCC-18
XWCC-19
XWCC-20
XWCC-21
XWCC-22
XWCC-23
XUCC-24
EP01
EP02
EP03
LIC01
LIC02
L1C03
NJC01
NJC02
NJC03
Summer of
Summer of
Summer of
Summer of
Summer of
Summer of
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
Sampling Dates
8-27 SEP 76
28 APR - 6 MAY 77
31 MAY - 7 JUN 77
27 JUN - 1 JUL 77
1-9 AUG 77
11-19 OCT 77
APR 78
JUN 78
JUL 78
JUL - AUG 78
APR 79
MAY - JUN 79
JUL 79
AUG 79
17-18 APR 74
14, 16, 21 MAY 1974
14 JUN
9 JUL 74
1 MAY 74
6 JUN 74
11 JUL 74
6 APR 74
30 APR 74
10 JUL 74
15 MAY - 30 SEP 77
1 MAY - 30 SEP 78
1 MAY - 30 SEP 79
1 MAY - 30 SEP 80
1 MAY - 30 SEP 81
Number of
Stations
22
22
22
11
11
11
10
10
10
195
143
149
149
Organization/Principal Investigator
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Hazelworth
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental
Environmental
Environmental
Environmental
Environmental
Environmental
Environmental
Environmental
Environmental
Environmental
Environmental
Not yet published
Not yet published
Protection
Protection
Protection
Protection
Protection
Protection
Protection
Protection
Protection
Protection
Protection
Agency
Agency
Agency
Agency
Agency
Agency
Agency
Agency
Agency
Agency
Agency
-------
TABLE 4.3d(CONT.)
f
>—'
en
Cruise
CA12
A227
CR08
B159
B162
B165
CR13
B174
B179
B181
B183
B185
B195
B200
C112
AA52
CE04
CE06
CE07
CE08
CE09
CE10
CE12
Sampling Dates
16-23 AUG 49
10-15 SEP 56
28 NOV - 3 DEC 56
12-17 FEB 57
21-25 MAR 57
29 APR - 3 MAY 57
10-20 JUL 57
16-20 1SEP 57
18-23 NOV 57
21-27 JAN 58
6-10 MAR 58
12-16 MAY 58
5-8 SEP 58
25 JUL
11-12 AUG
15 SEP 58
16-21 J,UL 64
6-28 SEP 69
28 JAN 69
16 FEB 69
5 MAR 69
13 MAR 69
27 MAR 69
15-16 APR 69
12-13 MAY 69
Number of
Stations
64
25
25
24
25
25
25
25
21
17
15
21
8
25
32
19
7
10
10
10
4
16
16
Organization/Principal Investigator
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanr raphic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
-------
TABLE 4.3d (CONT.)
Number of
Cruise Sampling Dates Stations Organization/Principal Investigator
CE13 28 MAY 69 7 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE15 8-9 JUL 69 15 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE16 23 JUL 69 6 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service'
CE17 6-7 AUG 69 15 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE18 20 AUG 69 6 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE19 2-4 SEP 69 15 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE20 17 SEP 69 6 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE21 29 SEP - 1 OCT 69 15 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE22 16 OCT 69 6 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE23 27-28 OCT 69 15 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE24 12 NOV 69 6 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE25 24-25 NOV 69 15 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE26 9 DEC 69 6 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE27 27 JAN 70 7 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE28 25 FEB 70 13 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
CE29 17-18 MAR 70 11 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
-------
TABLE 4.3d(CQNT.)
CO
Cruise
CE30
CE31
CE32
CE33
CE34
Apex Monitoring
Number of
Sampling Dates Stations
13 APR 70 9
11 MAY 70 15
10 JUN 70 11
29 JUN 70 13
13 AUG 70 16
AUG 78 23
FEB 79
APR 79
JUN 79
AUG 79
FEB 80
MAR 80
APR 80
MAY 80
JUN 80
JUL 80
AUG 80
SEP 80
OCT 80
NOV 80
DEC 80
MAR 81
APR 81
MAY 81
JUN 81
JUL 81
AUG 81
Organization/Principal Investigator
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
National Marine Fisheries Service
City of New York, in compliance with
their ocean dumping permits has
conducted the monitoring cruises
and sample analyses on behalf of
the metropolitan area sewage
sludge dumpers.
-------
TABLE 4.3d(CONT.)
Cruise Sampling Dates
Apex Monitoring SEP 81
OCT 81
NOV 81
DEC 81
JAN 82
FEB 82
MAR 82
APR 82
MAY 82
JUN 82
JUL 82
AUG 82
Number of
Stations Organization/Principal Investigator
23 City of New York, in compliance with
their own dumping permits has
conducted the monitoring cruises
and sample analyses on behalf of
the metropolitan area s'ewage
sludge dumpers.
-------
the System 1032 database. To provide further detail than is available from
the summary inventory tables, listings of the numerous cruises in the New York
Bight are presented in Table 4.3 as taken from O'Connor e_t_ al. (1977),
Ecological Analysts and SEAMOcean (1983), Pearce et_ al. (1983) and working
documents from Brookhaven National Laboratory (Whitledge, personal
communication).
4-20
-------
5. WATER QUALITY OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT
5.1 INTRODUCTION
During the past three decades, anthropogenic nitrogen inputs to the New
York Bight, and other coastal ecosystems are estimated to have increased by an
order of magnitude as a consequence of deforestation, sewage disposal and the
use of agricultural fertilizers (Walsh et_ al.. 1981). Because of the
proximity to the New York metropolitan area, distributions of ecological
indicators (e.g., eutrophication and oxygen depletion) in the New York Bight
reflect complex interactions of both natural processes and anthropogenic
inputs.
Water quality distributions in the New York Bight vary spatially, season-
ally, and vertically. Concentration distributions of water quality parameters
are influenced by loading from anthropogenic and natural sources. Mass load-
ing of contaminant inputs from the Hudson-Raritan estuary, coastal runoff from
New Jersey and Long Island, and atmospheric deposition has been summarized by
Mueller et_ aj_. (1976, 1982). Naturally occurring chemical, biological and
physical processes influence the assimilation, biochemical reactions, disper-
sion, dilution and transport of contaminant inputs to the New York Bight. In
relation to the occurrence of coastal phytoplankton blooms in general, and the
green tides of 1984 and 1985 in particular, the parameters of concern for the
environmental inventory include the following:
o temperature
o salinity
o density
o dissolved oxygen
o nutrients
o chlorophyll-a.
Data sources and representative distributions of these water quality para-
meters are presented in the hydrographic processes section (temperature,
salinity, density) and in the following discussions (oxygen, nutrients,
chlorophyll ).
Applications of the New York Bight database have included evaluations of
water quality (Alexander and Alexander, 1977; O'Connor j?t__aj_., 1977), nutrient
enrichment (Matte et_ _al_., 1983); phytoplankton abundance and primary produc-
5-1
-------
tion (Malone, 1982; Walsh et_ _a_L, 1973; . Mai one et_ _aj_., 1983; Malone, 1984;
O'Reilly et_ al., in press; Zetlin and O'Reilly, 1983); oxygen depletion
(Swanson and Sindermann, 1979; Segar and Berberian, 1976; Stoddard, 1983;
Stoddard et_ _ajL, 1986; Whitledge and Warsh, submitted, 1986) and the fate of
carbon production on the shelf (Walsh et_ a]_., 1981; Walsh, 1980). In this
section, portions of the historical database are presented to summarize
seasonal and spatial patterns of nutrient enrichment, phytoplankton abundance,
and oxygen depletion.
5.2 NUTRIENTS AND PHYTOPLANKTON PRODUCTION
Depending on the loading of new nutrients imported to the coastal system
relative to water column recycling of nutrients, phytoplankton production can
be partitioned into new and regenerated production. When regenerated produc-
tion is high relative to new production, phytoplankton production as a whole
is typically low and nitrogen limited. Such systems develop when
phytoplankton production, heterotrophic consumption and nitrogen regeneration
are closely coupled in time and space.
As the proportion of new production increases in response to new nitrogen
supplies (including anthropogenic inputs), the magnitude and variance of
phytop-lankton production also increases. The increased nitrogen load and the
development of time or space lags between variations in phytoplankton produc-
tion and heterotrophic consumption uncouples production and consumption,
resulting in accumulation of phytoplankton biomass with its associated oxygen
demand and an increase in the susceptibility of the ecosystem to episodes of
oxygen depletion.
The analysis summarized below combines data generated from measurements
of nitrogen, chlorophyll and primary production from 1973 to 1981 for 3,186
stations in the New York Bight. The analysis documents the seasonal cycle of
phytoplankton production in relation to seasonal variability of ammonia,
nitrate and phytoplankton biomass expressed as chlorophyll within isobath
defined hydrographic regions (Figure 5.1).
Dissolved nitrate concentrations exhibit an annual cycle characterized by
a winter maximum and a summer minimum, the amplitude of which decreases
5-2
-------
Figure 5.1. Stations for depth-averaged water quality of the New York Bight,
(Source: Stoddard et_al., 1986).
5-3
-------
Figure 5.2. Seasonal variation of nitrate across the New York Bight.
(Source: Malone et al., 1983).
150
100
50
(N
I
rO
O
150
100
50
a 300
o>
5 200
100
0
750
500
250
JFMAMJJASONO
< 40 m
JFMAMJ JASOND
MONTH
0: Mean ± 2 SE
A: Surface layer
•: Bottom layer
5-4
-------
seaward across the shelf (Figure 5.2). This seasonal trend reflects varia-
tions in the balance between inputs of new nitrate from the Gulf of Maine and
offshore slope water and uptake by phytoplankton. In contrast, ammonium is
typically highest during the summer or fall reflecting variations in the
balance between generation and uptake. The exception to this generalization
occurs in the Apex where new nitrogen inputs from waste water sources are
significant (Figure 5.2).
The annual distribution of chlorophyll is most closely related to that of
ammonium. The ammonium distribution is characterized by a winter-spring
maximum, a summer minimum, and a secondary maximum in the fall. Such a
seasonal cycle of phytoplankton abundance is characteristic of temperate
continental shelf environments. Phytoplankton production (monthly mean)
varies from less than 0.3 g C/m2day during winter to greater than 1.0 g
C/m2day during the spring (Figure 5.4). Chlorophyll specific production (an
index of growth rate) also exhibits a winter minimum and a summer maximum and
is most closely related to incident solar radiation observed in the nearshore
zone of the New Jersey coast.
Although the seasonal cycle is similar, the magnitude of peak August to
September chlorophyll concentrations (4 ug/1 ) in the nearshore region (0-20 m)
(Figure 5.5) of the Middle Atlantic Bight are considerably higher than over
the midshelf region (20 to 40 m, 40 to 60 m) where peak levels in August-
September are less than 2 ug/1. Maximum chlorophyll levels in the nearshore
zone (0-20 m) reflect the very high annual rate of primary production (505 g
C/m2yr). (O'Reilly et_^l_. in press.)
These, and other related observations (Malone, 1982, 1984; Mai one et a!.,
1983) have been used to reach the following conclusions with respect to the
effects of various nutrient sources on eutrophication in the New York Bight:
1. The biomass specific growth rate of phytoplankton is light limited on
a seasonal time scale while the production of biomass is nitrogen
limited on the scale of the residence time of water on the shelf;
2. Anthropogenic nitrogen loading, assimilated within the Apex and the
Hudson plume along the northern New Jersey coast has resulted in an
increase in annual phytoplankton production of approximately 30%.
3. Further increases in urban nitrogen loading may increase phytoplankton
production within the Apex during spring-summer and increase the area
over which production is elevated during fall-winter.
5-5
-------
Figure 5.3. Seasonal variation of ammonium across the New York Bight Shelf
(Source: MaloneetjQ., 1983).
I 50
JFMAMJJASONn
I 00
50
50
i
f
150
o
5* 100
50
150
100 -
50 -
< 40 m
41-80 m
81-1000
JFMAMJJ ASONO
0: Mean ± 2 SE
A: Surface layer
•: Bottom layer
5-6
-------
igure . . Seasonal variation of chlorophyll across the New York Bight
Shelf. (Source: Malone et a!., 1983).
250
JFMAMJJASONQ
0
150
M
I
e 100
<3
-) 50
300
o 200
100
0
400
300
200
100
< 40 m
41 -80 m
JFMAMJJASONO
0: Mean ± 2 SE
A: Surface layer
I: Bottom layer
5-7
-------
Figure 5.5. Seasonal variation of primary production across the New York
Bight. (Source: Malone et al., 1983).
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
? 2.5
o
o. 2.0
> I .5
i—
o
Q
i i.o
Q-
< 0.5
cc
Q.
0
1.00
0.75
0.50
0.25 -
J F M A M J J
1 1 T
A S 0 N 0
1 1 1 1
(A)
(B)
• APEX
o <40 m
A 41-80 m
0 81-1000 m
STRATIFIED
i I
JFMAMJJASOND
MONTH
5-8
-------
4. The effect of anthropogenic nutrient inputs on phytoplankton produc-
tion in the New York Bight as a whole, however, is small and will
remain small since current waste loading is on the order of 1-3% of
new nitrogen inputs from natural sources and;
5. The quantitative effects of anthropogenic loading on phytoplankton
production and other related impacts on water quality and fisheries
cannot be determined with any degree of certainty until the rates and
pathways by which nutrients are assimilated and recycled within the
New York Bight are known in terms of biotic and abiotic factors.
Data from the nearshore region off Atlantic City, NJ (Figure 5.6) for
nitrate and ammonia (Figure 5.7 and Figure 5.8) display seasonal patterns
generally similar to the composite data for the New York Sight region
shallower than 40 m (Figure 5.2 and 5.3). A trend of increase in ammonia
concentrations is observed in late summer (July, August) in the composite
data. A related increase of nitrate during August and September from
nitrification is also apparent. For the monitoring stations off Atlantic
City, NJ (Station 2,3, and 6) in shallow water, there is a definite increase
in water column ammonia during August and September, 1974 (Figures 5.7 and
5.8). Benthic generation of ammonia could account for the observed increase
over the shallow, well-mixed water column. Increasing phytoplankton produc-
tion (Figure 5.6, 0-20 m) during September in the shallow nearshore zone (0-20
m) of the Middle Atlantic Bight could account for the decline of nitrate and
ammonia observed during September and October at the inshore EG&G stations
2, 3, 6 off Atlantic City during 1974.
As suggested by Whitledge (personal communication), benthic generation of
ammonia in the shallow, vertically mixed nearshore zone could be a significant
nutrient source for phytoplankton production, including the occurrence of the
green tides in 1984 and 1985 off Ocean City-Atlantic City, NJ. Anthropogenic
sources of nitrogen from the local sewage outfalls combined with "naturally"
occurring benthic generation of ammonia could provide sufficient nitrogen
loading to sustain an algal bloom. Compilation of the nearshore monitoring
data into a compatible computer database would greatly facilitate data analy-
sis and construction of nutrient budgets for the nearshore region. Nutrient
budgets are needed to evaluate the significance of anthropogenic sources of
nitrogen in relation to natural processes.
5-9
-------
Figure 5.6. Temperature, salinity and marine chemistry stations in the
nearshore southern New Jersey coast. (Source: EG&G, 1975).
5-10
-------
Figure 5.7.
Seasonal variation of nitrogen in a transect running 20 km
southeast from Little Egg Inlet. (EG&G, 1975).
0.2
0.2
z
kj
i
a.
^
z'.
<"•
Z 6
O
O.I
STATION I
MAY
12 27
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
•I974--
IT I*
a I MAS
FEB MAR
APR
MAY
•1975-
1.0
0.5
y e
z
oc
o
0.2
z«<
-^
< z
STATION 3
14
MAY
—i—n—i 11 i 'i
12 in i< 2ir • n
JUN JUL AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
1974 •
JAN
FE3
1PH
MAY
1975-
1.0
0.5
y e
.organic nitrogen
•ammonia
nitrate
5-11
-------
Figure 5.8. Seasonal variation of nitrogen in a north-south transect
along the southern New Jersey Coast. (Source: EG&G, 1975).
0.20
Z
o
s
o is -
o.is -
0.12
0.10
o.oa
o.os
0.04
0.02
o
STATION 7
it
MAY
II
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
10 2*
OCT
li
NOV
it
DEC
• 1974 •
T
22
JAN
2* ..
FEB MAR
APR
MAY
-I37S-
l.O o
£5
0.5 z*
a:
o
<
a:
z £
o
a
0.20
0. 13
0. 16
0. 14
0. 12
0. 10
0.03
0.06
0.04
0.02
0
STATION 6
14
MAY
11 in a 2:
JUN I JUL
AUG
S£P
OCT
NOV
DEC
• 1974-
ti
JAN
111
APR
\<375
MAY
I 0
^
0 5 z z
<
o
IT
O
.organic nitrogen
•ammonia
nitrate
5-12
-------
5.3 NUTRIENT VARIATION RELATED TO LOW OXYGEN EVENTS
Data for nitrate, ammonium, chlorophyll and oxygen, collected within the
nearshore New Jersey hypoxic region, were aggregated from 1977 to 1985 to
characterize their distribution at the 40 m isobath in relation to seasonal
stratification of the water column (Figure 5.9 a-d) (Whit!edge and Warsh, sub-
mitted). Combining the data presented in this analysis for a single station
was the only way to obtain enough data to derive reliable generalizations and
conclusions.
«
Ammonium (Figure 5.9d) in the upper water column is reduced during July
and August as nitrate concentrations within the bottom layer of the water
column increase (Figure 5.10b). Approximately 50% of the nitrate accumulation
may result from nitrification (oxidation of ammonium to nitrate) in the bottom
layer with cross-shelf advection of nitrate rich slope water onto the shelf
accounting for the remainder (Riley, 1967). High near-bottom nitrate (7-9 ug-
at/1) during August-September (Figure 5.9b) is then vertically mixed through-
out the water column with the erosion of stratification in October-November.
Seasonal oxygen distributions (Figure 5.9a) are related to the decomposition
of detrital organic material (including phytoplankton biomass produced during
•
the March-April spring bloom, Figure 5.9c) in the bottom layer and the
seasonal establishment of the pycnocline which reduces vertical oxygen flux.
The analysis of the combined data demonstrates that the distributions and
dynamics of nutrients in the New York Bight are only partially related to
oxygen distributions in a direct way. The -bulk of nutrients are incorporated
into particulate or dissolved organic matter via primary production. Oxygen
production from photosynthesis occurs in the near surface layer while the
organic matter produced during photosynthesis sinks below the pycnocline where
oxygen demands are exerted by decomposition.
Large fluxes of nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon, released by minerali-
zation of detrital organic matter, are not biologically assimilated in the
bottom layer. As a result, high concentrations of the materials accumulate in
the late summer (e.g., Figure 5.9d). The transition from a dissolved in-
organic nutrient pool to photosynthetically produced particulate organic
matter and subsequent decomposition typically imposes a time-lag in oxygen-
5-13
-------
Figure 5.9. Seasonal variation in a) oxygen, b) NO^, c) chlorophyll and
d) NH4 in the New York Bight (Source: Whitledge and Warsh, submitted).
en
i
OXYGEN (ml/I)
NITRATE (ug-at/l)
15
45
60
0
CHLOROPHYLL (ug/l)
c)
30
45
60
AMMONIUM (ug-at/l)
J " f M A M J J A S O N D J DUJ F M~" AM J J A S 0 N~ 0 J
-------
nutrient relationships. However, in the relatively quiescent near-bottom
layer off New Jersey, oxygen depletion is correlated with the accumulation of
ammonium released by decomposition from July to September (Figure 5.10).
In summary, oxygen production in the euphotic zone is related to the
uptake of new nutrients by phytoplankton in the spring through early summer
while oxygen depletion is related to near-bottom decomposition processes that
produce ammonium with subsequent oxidation to nitrate. The extent that these
processes lead to serious environmental perturbations is related to nutrient
loading, the duration and degree of stratification, the frequency of storm
events that vertically mix the water column, and the frequency of upwelling
events which can replace nearshore water with cooler, oxygen rich water from
offshore.
5.4 CHARACTERIZATION OF BOTTOM OXYGEN DISTRIBUTION IN THE NEW YORK BIGHT
Hydrographic data collected in the New York Bight from 1977 to 1985, were
aggregated to characterize the near-bottom distribution of dissolved oxygen
during the summer (July, September). The compilation and selection of the
data represents a significant effort with 5,782 near-bottom oxygen
measurements obtained from a number of data sources (Table 5.1). Station
distributions of the combined data reflect high spatial resolution in the Apex
and the nearshore regions, where environmental gradients are most pronounced.
On a seasonal basis, lowest mean value oxygen levels are observed within
the near-bottom layer from July-September (see Figure 2.21) with nearshore
areas (<20 m) of the New Jersey coast characterized by localized hypoxia
(i.e., dissolved oxygen <2.5 ml/I). Recurrent low oxygen in the New Jersey
nearshore region is attributed to nutrient enrichment, high rates of primary
production, and settling and decay of algal biomass in the shallow, and
perhaps poorly flushed nearshore region.
In 1976, however, an unusual sequence of events resulted in anoxic condi-
tions over a 8600 km2 area off New Jersey (Figure 5.11) and mass mortalities
of shellfish valued at around $600 million. Anoxia in 1976 has been attri-
buted to 1) early stratification of the water column and a deep thermocline 2)
persistent southwest summer winds leading to 3) reversal of the subsurface
5-15
-------
Table 5.1. Data sources for bottom oxygen in the New York Bight, July-
September, 1977-1985. (Source: Stoddard et__al_., 1986).
Survey Area
NJ/LI Coast and apex
NYB
NYB
NYB
Long Branch
NYB
Shinnecock
Apex
PI
Hammett, Braun
O'Reilly, Steimle,
Waldhauer
Warsh, Gottholm,
Whitledge
Han, Stoddard
Draxler, O'Reilly
Mountain, Pa tan jo
Walsh, Whitledge
Malone, Garside
Data Source
EPA-II
NOAA/NMFS
NOAA/NOS
BIN
NOAA/NODC
NOAA/NMFS
NOAA/NMFS
BIN
BIN
No. Obs.
3,993
447
428
388
236
127
89
14
Reference
EPA 1985
Unpublished
Warsh et
al_. 19^5
NOAA/MESA
cruise
reports
Unpublished
Sibunka and
Sil verman
1984
Wold 1979
Ma lone et
al. 1985
NYB
Aikman, Haines
Columbia U.
30 Wold 1979
5-16
-------
Figure 5.10. Relationship between bottom oxygen and bottom ammonium in the
New York Bight. (Source: Whitledge and Warsh, submitted)
0
3 6 9 12
BOTTOM AMMONIUM (/xg-at/l)
5-17
-------
Figure 5.11. Distribution of anoxia in New York Bight, September 1976.
(Source: Stoddard 1983).
DISSOLVED OXYGEN -(ml 0,n
BOTTOM 5 METERS
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION Or ANOXIA
MIDDLE ATLANTIC BIGHT
SEPTEMBER 1376
5-18
-------
circulation regime off New Jersey 4) estuarine cross-shelf circulation with
onshore convergence resulting in 5) a massive subsurface bloom of Ceratium
tripos, and 6) respiration and decomposition of the bloom below the seasonal
pycnocline (Swanson and Sindermann, 1979; Malone et_ aj_., 1979; Falkowski et_
£]_., 1980; Stoddard, 1983).
Generally, the mean bottom oxygen distribution within the 20-40 m isobath
on the nearshore New Jersey side for the Hudson Shelf Valley is 0.7 ml/1 lower
than the comparable 20-40 m isobath region off the Long Island coast (Figure
2.21). The northern New Jersey nearshore is more likely to be influenced by
inorganic and organic loading from the Hudson-Raritan estuary than is the Long
Island coast. Based on the distribution of salinity and suspended solids
(Young and Hillard, 1984) and analyses of turbidity from remotely sensed
images (Munday and Fedosh, 1982), the Hudson plume is typically confined along
the New Jersey coast as it flows southward mixing with shelf water. This
systematic difference between the Long Island and New Jersey sides of the
Hudson Shelf Valley and the differences in volume of water beneath the season-
al thermocline (Armstrong, 1979) may be important factors that predispose the
New Jersey coast to anoxic conditions during major phytoplankton blooms such
as occurred in 1976.
The shallow (<20 m), nearshore waters off New Jersey between Long Branch
and Atlantic City are characterized by high rates of primary production and
near-bottom hypoxia with summer oxygen levels less than 3 ml/1 observed in 35%
of the 1,693 observations between 1977 and 1985 (Figure 5.12). The New Jersey
nearshore region, enriched by coastal upwelling of high nitrate subpycnocline
water, coastal sewage outfalls, and anthropogenic and non-point source loading
from the Hudson-Raritan estuary and numerous smaller bays and inlets along the
New Jersey coast, is characterized by frequent summer phytoplankton blooms
(EPA, 1985) that may be a significant factor in the recurrent coastal
hypoxia. Using the data from 1977 to 1985, the minimum values of all the
summer near-bottom observations within each grid segment were plotted as
contour distributions (see Figure 2.22). The data show the effect of the
Hudson plume with a nearshore band of low oxygen (<1 ml/1) water south of Long
Branch, NJ. The Christiansen Basin, a depositional area in the Apex that
receives particulate organic loading from the adjacent 12-mile sewage sludge
dumpsite, dredge spoil site, and the Hudson-Raritan estuary, is characterized
5-19
-------
Figure 5.12. Frequency distribution of bottom dissolved oxygen,
July-September, 1977-1985, in the New Jersey nearshore (0-20m) area.
(Source: Stoddard et__al_., 1986).
30-
_O
3
5 20-
.a
O
•s 10
N= 1,693
28
24
10
27
0-1
1-2
2-3 3-4 4-5
Dissolved Oxygen (ml/1)
>6
5-20
-------
by 1) organically enriched sediments, 2) high rates of seabed oxygen consump-
tion (Thomas _et_ aj_., 1976), 3) steep vertical gradients of dissolved oxygen
near the seabed (Draxler, personal communication), and 4) low bottom oxygen
during the summer. The depositional area of the Christiansen Basin in the
Apex is also reflected in the distribution of minimum values (<1 ml/1).
Although previous data for specific years have identified hypoxic regions
along the southern New Jersey coast (e.g., Pearce £t__aj_., 1983), the composite
data from 1977 to 1985 clearly documents a large area of recurrent hypoxia in
the vicinity of Ocean City-Atlantic City, NJ that extends out to approximately
the 20-30 m isobath region. In the shallower inshore waters (<10 m), tidal
mixing, winds and waves result in a mixed water column even during the summer
when the water column is strongly stratified further offshore. Consequently,
restricted vertical exchange of oxygen from the surface layer to the lower
layer could not be a dominant factor in accounting for the observed widespread
hypoxia in the inshore region. The remaining physical process that could
account for such extensive oxygen depletion is horizontal and lateral advec-
tive processes that determine the overall residence time of water masses in
the nearshore region. If high rates of organic loading (from estuarine out-
flow, sewage outfalls, and decaying phytoplankton blooms) were coupled with
sluggish circulation patterns characterized by long residence times of water
masses in the area, and low rates of replenishment of dissolved oxygen from
advection and dispersion, then oxygen demands could exceed the supply rate of
oxygen and hypoxic conditions could then result. Historical evidence (e.g.,
Bumpus, 1973) and numerical circulation models (e.g., Hopkins and Dieterle,
1983) indicate that persistent southwest winds during late summer (i.e.,
August) can frequently result in upwelling (Ingham and Eberwine, 1984) and
alongshore flow in the nearshore region parallel to the coast near the
northern coast of New Jersey. This pattern, in fact, is to be expected in
shallow, nearshore coastal zones where circulation is strongly influenced by
wind forcing (Scott and Csanady, 1976; Hopkins and Swoboda, 1986). The effect
then of such a reversal of the "typical" net drift towards the southwest along
the New Jersey coast is to increase the residence time of water masses and set
up the nearshore ecosystem for 1) high rates of primary production, and 2)
hypoxia. The occurrence of persistent southwest winds during the summer is a
factor in a contingency table for anoxia in the New York Bight suggested by
Falkowski et_aj_. (1980).
5-21
-------
In summary, low oxygen below the summer thermocline is the net result of
a complex interaction of physical and biological factors. These factors in-
clude organic and nutrient loadings, chemical and biological oxidation rates,
flushing rate and near-bottom circulation, aperiodic renewal of oxygen from
storm mixing and lateral transport, stratification, and turbidity. Turbidity
affects light penetration and determines the extent of vertical separation of
photosynthetic oxygen production from oxygen consumption in the water column.
Partial insight into the interactions of these factors was gained from the
studies of the 1976 anoxic episode (e.g., Swanson and Sindermann, 1979).
Additional retrospective analyses of the historical database will provide 1)
further insight into the factors and processes that establish and maintain
hypoxic conditions, and 2) a basis for generating and testing hypothesis on
the interactions of nutrient enrichment, coastal eutrophication and oxygen
depletion.
5-22
-------
6. PLANKTON OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT
6.1 PHYTOPLANKTON
Fairly distinct communities of phytoplankton are characterized by season-
al and spatial patterns that are typical of temperate, continental shelf eco-
systems. Phytoplankton distributions have been investigated for the New York
Bight (Malone, 1976; Hurlburt, 1966 1970; Mandelli et_ aj_., 1970; Ryther and
Yentsch, 1958), Georges Bank (Riley, 1946; Riley and Bumpus, 1946), Block
Island Sound (Riley, 1952), Vineyard Sound (Lillick, 1940; Fish, 1925), and
other adjacent regions. Summary discussions of these seasonal and spatial
observations in the Middle Atlantic Bight are presented in Malone (1977),
Yentsch (1977) and Smayda (1973). Historical references to the occurrence of
Gyrodinium aureolum in the New York Bight include Hurlburt (1957) and Martin
(1929).
Phytoplankton populations in the Hudson-Raritan estuary, the Bight Apex
and coastal waters off Long Island and New Jersey are typically dominated by
netplankton diatoms (e.g., Skeletonema costatum) during the unstratified
winter-spring months (November-April) and by nanoplankton chlorophytes (e.g.,
Nanochloris atomus) during the stratified summer/fall months (May-October).
(Figures 6.1, 6.2). Diatoms typically dominate at all times in the offshore
waters of the New York Bight although during the summer of 1985, an unusually
large bloom of the small green chlorophyte (Nanochloris atomus) persisted over
the New Jersey shelf (NJDEP, 1985).
Within the nearshore region of Long Island and New Jersey, summer phyto-
plankton populations are typically dominated by diatoms (Rhizosolenia sp.;
Nitzschia sp.) dinoflagellates (Prorocentrum sp.; Peridiniurn; Ceratium sp.)
and chlorophytes (Nannochloris atomus). Dominance between alternating cycles
of diatoms and dinoflagellates appear to be characteristic of shallow coastal
waters during stratified conditions off Long Island (Mandelli et_ aj_., 1970)
and New Jersey (NJDEP undated report). Dinoflagel late blooms off New Jersey
are recurrent events during the summer. Since 1968, red tides have been
associated with Olisthodiscus luteus (1976, 1984) and Prorocentrum mi cans
(1968, 1972 and 1983) (NJDEP, undated).
Transient perturbations of characteristic phytoplankton species dominance
in the Middle Atlantic Bight are becoming increasingly common summer events.
The following anomalous episodes have been observed in the past two years:
6-1
-------
Figure 6.1. Surface phytoplankton cell densities for July and December.
(Source: Malone,1977)
76'00 40*00 75 30
71~00 40 00
?~30 39'00
I'OO *0'00
Traniversa Mercator Proj«ction
6-2
-------
Figure 6.2. Relative surface abundance of diatoms and chlorophytes for July
and December. (Source: Malone, 1977).
LEGSWD
y>60% diatoms
>60% chlorophvtes
LEGEND
>60% diatoms
>60% diatoms and chlorophvtes
6-3
-------
o August-September 1984-Green tide at Carmens River estuary in southern
Long Island and off Atlantic City - Ocean City, NJ. Tentatively
identified as Gyrodinium aureolum for New Jersey bloom.
o July-August 1985-Green tide off Atlantic City - Ocean City, NJ.
o August 1985-Brown tide in Narragansett Bay, RI, Peconic Bay and off
Shinnecock, Long Island, NY. Widespread shellfish mortality resulted
from their failure to consume available phytoplankton. There were
reports of greenish water offshore of New Jersey out to 75 miles.
o July 1986-Brown tides observed in Barnegat Bay, NJ, and in Peconic
Bay, LI. Viable sediment spores of toxic red tide organism
(Gonyaulax tamarensis) identified in Peconic Bay, LI, and off south
shore of Long Island near Shinnecock.
Summary documentation of phytoplankton observations off New Jersey during
the summers of 1984 and 1985, including observations of the green tide, is
presented by NJDEP (undated reports). Mahoney and Olsen (1986) have prepared
a literature review on the occurrence, distribution, abundance and physio-
logical characteristics of Gyrodinium aureolum, the dinoflagellate tentatively
identified as the green tide organism. Tables 6.1 and 6.2 presents the
spatial and temporal chronology of green tide observations in 1984 and 1985 as
reported by NJDEP (unpublished). The various data sources for phytoplankton
observations in the New York Bight and the nearshore New Jersey coastal zone
are summarized in Table 6.3.
Phytoplankton production in temperate shelf ecosystems such as the New
York Bight is dependent on temperature, light level and nutrient concentration
in the water column. A large body of literature beginning with Riley (1946)
exists for marine phytoplankton ecology. More recently Yentsch (1977) has
summarized the factors related to phytoplankton production in the New York
Bight. Eppley (1972) and Malone and Neale (1981) have summarized the temper-
ature dependence of phytoplankton growth rates for diatoms (Figure 6.3).
Investigations of light dependence of algal photosynthesis in the Middle
Atlantic Bight include studies by Ryther (1956), Ryther and Yentsch (1958),
Malone (1977), Malone and Neale (1981), and Falkowski (1981) (Figure 6.4).
The regulation of phytoplankton growth by levels of nutrients in the water
column is described by Dugdale (1967, 1975, 1976) (Figure 6.5) and Conway and
Whitledge (1979) for the New York Bight. A summary of nitrogen kinetics
theory and data is presented by McCarthy (1980). Nutrients for phytoplankton
growth include nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon and assorted trace
6-4
-------
Table 6.1 History of bloom events in 1984.
DATE
LOCATION
OBSERVATION
NOTE
Seaside Heights
April
19
June
A rapid but brief warming trend
21 Raritan and Sandy
Ju
Hook Bay, ocean
to Sea Bright
2 Long Branch
5 Rplmgr to Sea
Girt
Water temperatures erratic (mostly
17 Sandy Hook to
Long Branch
19
20
23
23
20-26
31
August
1
2
Keansburg
(Raritan Bay)
Sandy Hook Bay
Horseshoe Cove
(Sandy Hook Bay)
Sea Bright
Harvey Cedars
Seaside Park
Long Branch
Long Branch
stringy, greenish-brown floating
material in surf, resembling
sewage
occurred early in the month.
red tide (seen from EPA Heli-
copter)
patches of murky water in
surf
Batches of murky v.'ater in
surf
cool) the past month; much rainfall
water cloudy
red tide
sea cabbage (Ulva) washed up on
shore
dead bunker in bay and cove
brown foam in surf
seaweed ("smelly") at sea wal
junk on beach throughout
brown, green and white foamy
substance in surf
yellowish water to l-\ mile out
followed northeast
storm
phytoflagellate and
diatom bloom
mixture of flagella
and diatoms
mixture of flagel la
and diatoms
detritus & Nannoch-
loris sp. (moderate
bloom)
unconfirmed
Ulva killed by heat
and sunlight at low
tide
dead fish from pounc
nets
brought in by on-
shore winds at high
tide
unconfirmed
cleaned up by beach
patrol
phytoflagellate
bloom
Qlisthodiscus sp +
diatoms abundant
in sample
6-5
-------
::istory of Bloom events in 1984 (continued).
DATE
LOCATION
OBSERVATION
NOTE
15
16
15-16
16-17
18-20
19
22
23
25-26
26
27
29
Belmar and
Manasquan
Asbury Park
Shark River
Inlet
Harvey Cedars
Harvey Cedars to
Surf City,
Atlantic City-
Absecon Island
Ocean City -
5th to 12th Sts.
Beach Haven,
Sea Isle City to
Avalon
Manasquan
(two miles off)
Bay Head (two
miles off)
Long Branch to
Allenhurst
Belmar to Sea
Girt (to 2 miles
off)
Little Egg Inlet
Lavalette to
Beach Haven
Mantoloking to
Island Beach
oily and foamy solid substance
on beach; "unaesthetic"
conditions come and go
oily condition in surf
possible red tide over several
square miles to one mile out
"green water" in surf, dead
mussels on beach
green tide densest in these
areas to one-half mile out
green tide along shore
subsurface slime found by a
diver
dissolved 0- low on bottom
(0.46 ppm at 22 meters)
"green slime" covering 5-mile
stretch (seen by a party boat)
intermittent patches (20x50 yds
of brilliant green water
small patch of "pink water"
patches of green water along
beach (EPA helicopter)
brown water in surf
Inshore water temperatures quite warm ( 5 75 F) during this period.
Sept
1 Vicinity of Little water brownish in morning,
Egg Inlet bright green in afternoon
(h mile off Little Beach)
3 Rehobeth, Delaware green tide (beginning around
and Belmar, NJ Labor Day)
Belmar beaches
temporarily closec
bloom remnants
unconfirmed
green floe settlin
out in samples
Gymnodinium sp.
bloom(s); cells
settle out in slim.
mass, shrivel up wi
preserved (ocean ot
falls in each area
same species as abc
dissipated somewhai
after storm on
remnants of 0_. lute
diatom bloom
same vicinity as at
bloom
same (Gymnodinium)
species as in south
area
seen by fishermen
in a boat
ctenophores (h. mi le
out)
densest off Ship
Bottom, smaller
patches north of
Lavalette.
bloom remnants +
diatoms in sample
sky clear, bright si
(greenish color
extended into Great
Bay;
caused irritation tc
at least one bather
6-6
-------
DATE
Sept.
^•MBMBI^BB
6
10
13
18
Oct.
12-14
Table 6.1 History of bloom events in 1984 (continued).
LOCATION OBSERVATION NOTE
Southern Monmouth
County to Long
Beach Island
Shark River
Beach Haven to
Atlantic City
Long Island
(Nassau County)
green tide (seen from EPA_
helicopter)
some green water off inlet
(EPA helicopter)
green tide (seen by fisher-
men)
green tide continuing in
this area
Manasquan to Belmar green slime washing in
not as dense as
last week
other areas clear
densest off Brigan-
tine (to 3 miles oui
same species as in
N.J.
bloom remnants; roue
seas caused by Hurri
cane Josephine
6-7
-------
Table 6.2. History of Bloom Events in 1985
DATE
May
21,28 Late spring diatom flowering with highest cell densities in
Sandy Hook Bay; dissolved oxygen readings as low as 2.0 ppm on
bottom of Sandy Hook Bay.
June
12 Phytoflagellate bloom in Raritan and Sandy Hook Bay.
20,25 Diatoms abundant in ocean south of Spring Lake.
July
2 Blooms extend southward in patches along the Monmouth ocean
front to Spring Lake.
4 Diatoms in Long Branch to Asbury Park sector apparently
associated with masses of decomposing cells.
9 Yellowish brown water reported in portions of Barnegat Bay,
probably NannochIon's atomus, normally dominant at Sandy Hook
in late summer.
18 Murky water, sometimes greenish, also reported in ocean at
Island Beach and Long Beach Island.
Gaps in phytoplankton data for northern stations beginning in
late July and continuing through August; low DO south (to
Beach Haven) and farther offshore than usual.
30 Bloom of Nannochloris sp. (to 300,000 cells/ml) within three
mile's of shore from Beach Haven to Brigantine; conspicuous
abundance of jellyfish, primarily Cyanea sp. (roughly one
individual per square yard of ocean surface) to ten miles off
Beach Haven.
Bright green water along the beaches of southern New Jersey,
first in the vicinity of Hereford Inlet and, subsequently, at
Ocean City.
24 Water temperatures up to 24°C within the latter area.
29-31 Brilliant green water most apparent in Ocean City from 20th
Street to the south end; also seen at points southward to
Hereford Inlet.
August
7 Dinoflagellate counts as high as 30,000 cells/ml at Ocean
City; lifeguards experienced nausea, sore throat & sinuses,
eye irritation, fatigue, dizziness, fever and lung congestion;
most persons on the beach apparently unaffected.
6-8
-------
Table 6.2. History of Bloom Events in 1985 (Continued)
August (cont.)
10
12,13,14
9 to 29
28
29
September
9
11
Northward drift of green tide. On August 10, beach from 29th
to 37th Streets were closed due to the presence and odor of
the algae.
Complaints from the Atlantic City area. On the 13th, algae
much more abundant from the north end of Ocean City near 9th
Street, around Great Egg Inlet, and along Absecon Island to
Absecon Inlet, generally in patches within a half-mile of the
surf zone extending out one to two miles in the estuarine
plume. Yellow-green color most vivid around mid-day after
greenish brown in early morning.
Bloom of Gymnodinium sp. peaked
Atlantic City, the green tide was
about this time.
not as evident as
North of
in 1984.
Murky greenish coloration, earlier
City, expanded throughout coastal
from light green to yellowish-brown.
to Cape May County, with similar
coastal area from
summer, several
evident north of Atlantic
waters in shades varying
Apparent from Sandy Hook
conditions in the intra-
Great Bay to upper Barnegat Bay. In late
potential red-tide species including
Katodinium rotundatum and Prorocentrum redfieldi
Gymnodinium sp. also abundant in northern coastal
, as well
waters.
as
Turbid green water as far out as the Hudson Canyon. Bottom
dissolved oxygen remained low between Manasquan and Beach
Haven transects; few minor fishkills were reported in the area
one to two miles off Manasquan Inlet.
Material resembling sewage washed ashore at Sea Girt and
adjacent sections of Monmouth County; scattered reports of
bathers becoming ill, but no direct associations could be
made.
Murky greenish water remained through most of September.
Nannochloris remained moderately high while diatoms increased
in abundance in the second week of September at northern shore
and lower Cape May County.
Strong northeast storm resulted in increase in bottom dis-
solved oxygen levels to 6.0 ppm or better at all stations.
Waters still somewhat murky as Nannochloris gradually dimin-
ished and diatoms gained in prominence. Hurricane Gloria, in
September, resulted in heavy suspension of organic matter and
a few scattered red tides off Ocean County. Waters remained
turbid until late October.
6-9
-------
Table 6.3. Summary of phytoplankton data sources
for the New York Bight
Survey Area
NYB
Hudson Plume
NJ Coast
NJ Embayments
Years
1980-85
Aug. 1985
1974-Present
1974-Present
fi
Mahoney, Cohn
Marshall
Falkowski
Cosper
Mai one
Olsen
Runyon
Agency/Institution
NOAA/NMFS-Sandy Hook
Old Dominion U.
BNL
SUNY-Stony Brook
U. Maryland, Horn Point
NJDEP
NJDEP
6-10
-------
Figure 6.3. Temperature dependence of phytoplankton growth rates for a)
Nanoplankton and b) Ceratlum tripos. (Source: Stoddard, 1983).
4.0
o
1 2.0
2
X
1.0
0.0
0.4O
Ts» 0.30
_o
•? 0.20
o.io
0.00
- A
-a*
- a
3 10 13 20 25
TEMPERATURE CO
2.5
ZJO __
1.3 §.
I
1.0
0.3
0.0
0.23
0.20
">.
0.13 3
i
O.iO
0.05
0.00
6-11
-------
Figure 6.4. Uptake of nitrate and ammonia as a function of light, following
Michaelis-Menten kinetics. (Source: Dugdale, 1976).
r*
2
Nutrient Cycles
TT36-69
VMiX t 0.0134
K'13
TT37-I
vwax i 0.0083
K t 4
JO 40 60 80
INCIDENT LIGHT. PERCENT
100%
6-12
-------
Figure 6.5. Nitrogen uptake as a function of nitrogen concentration,
(Source: Dugdale, 1976).
0008
0-OO4
TT-26 STA-15
0008
0-004
TV-13 STA-65IA
0-008
0-004
TT-26 STA-36
1
I I I
O040
0-020
- AC-IO STA-129,141
• STA 129
A STA 141
0 2-0 4-0 0 2-0 4-0 6-0 8-0
NH4-N, ^.q- atoms /hire
0-060
0-040
0-020
TT-26 STA-38
20 4-0
NOj-N, fj.q • atoms / li Ire
6-0
6-13
-------
elements and vitamins. Nitrogen and phosphorus are required by all phyto-
plankton species groups; silicon is required only by diatoms. In contrast to
freshwater systems where phosphorus is usually the nutrient limiting phyto-
plankton growth, nitrogen is generally the limiting nutrient in marine eco-
systems (Ryther and Dunstan, 1971).
In addition to regulation of the growth rate, the abundance and distri-
bution of phytoplankton is controlled by lateral and vertical transport and
mixing, respiration, excretion, settling, natural mortality, and grazing by
herbivorous zooplankton and shellfish in shallow waters. Although.biological
and chemical processes are important factors, physical transport processes and
hydrographic characteristics are critical factors in determining phytoplankton
abundance and distributions. A summary of physiological, kinetic and
stoichiometric data is presented for nanoplankton (Table 6.4) and netplankton
diatoms (Table 6.5).
6.2 ZOOPLANKTON AND ZOOPLANKTON GRAZING
Zooplankton distributions in the estuarine, nearshore and coastal shelf
regions of the New York bight are summarized in Grice and Hart (1962),
Jeffries and Johnson (1973), Malone (1977), and Judkins _et_ aj_. (1980)
(Figure 6.6). Summary investigations of zooplankton grazing rates in the New
York Bight and Georges Bank are presented in Dagg and Turner (1982).
Grazing by coastal copepods in the New York Bight (e.g., Acartia tonsa;
Centropages typicus (Judkins _et_ a]_., 1980) is the major loss mechanism for
summer nanoplankton (chlorophytes) dominated phytoplankton communities. In
contrast, the major loss mechanisms for the spring diatom bloom is sinking out
of the water column and cross-shelf transport off the continental shelf
(Malone and Chervin, 1979; Walsh et_ _al_., 1978). Significant reductions in
zooplankton predation have been reported for both small red tide dinoflagel-
lates (Gymnodinium splendens) in a bloom off La Jolla, California (Fiedler and
Huntley, 1981) and large non-red tide dinoflagellates (e.g., Ceratium tripos)
in the New York Bight (Dagg and Grill, 1980). These, and other similar obser-
vations, strongly suggest that a reduction in grazing mortality can provide a
significant competitive advantage to dinoflagellate populations over fast-
growing nanoplankton or diatoms. These observations for other dinoflagellates
6-14
-------
Table 6.4. Nanoplankton parameter values. (Source: Stoddard, 1983)
Notation
(C/Chl)x
(N/Chl)!
(C/N)x
(02/ChDx
(Si/CHL)!
(Kn)l
(K8)l
(»p)l
(02/C)i
"1
(Krp)l
8
(M») I
(Is)1
Parameter Range
carbon/chlorophyll 69-72
nitrogen/chlorophyll 10-14
carbon/nitrogen' 5-7
oxygen/chlorophyll
silica/chlorophyll .
half saturation constant
nitrogen
half saturation constant
allica
sinking velocity 0.1-0.3
oxygen/carbon
herbivore selectivity
coefficient
respiration rate at 20°C
temperature coefficient
for respiration
maximum growth rate
at 20°C
optimal light intensity
Value
80
12
6.67
0.148
0
1.0
0
0.1
1.84
1.0
0.1
1.08
2.1
300
Units
Mg C Mg Chi"1
Mg N Mg Chi"1
Mg C Mg N"1
ml 02 Mg Chi"1
Mg at SI Mg Chi"1
Mg at N I"1
Mg at Si I"1
m day"1
mi 02 mg C"1
day"1
day"1
ly day"1
Reference
Malone and Chervin (1979)
Chervin et al. (1981)
Chervin et al. (1981)
Chervin et al. (1981)
Malone (pers. coma.)
Thomas et al. (1979)
Blenfang (1979)
Burns and Rosa (1980)
Scavla (1980)
Eppley (1972)
Yentsch and Lee (1966)
(Kep>l
DOC excretion as
fraction of net
production
0.07-0.34
0.20
Parsons and Tatcahashi (1973)
Thomas et al. (1979)
Eppley and Sloan (1965)
Herman and Holm-Hahaen (1974)
6-15
-------
Table 6.5. Netplankton parameter values. (Source:
Stoddard^ 1983)
Notation
(C/Chl)3
(N/Chl)3
(C/N)3
(02/Chl)3
(Sl/Chl)3
(K0)3
(*s>3
("p)3
(02/C)3
W3
(Krp)3
Parameter
carbon/chlorophyll
nitrogen/chlorophyll 5
carbon/nitrogen 5
oxygen/chlorophyll
silica/chlorophyll
half saturation constant
nitrogen
half saturation constant
silica 0
sinking velocity
oxygen/carbon
herbivore selectivity
coefficient
respiration rate at 20°C
Range
.7-9.7
.1-8.7
.7-3.4
1-10
Value
50
7.7
6.5
0.092
0.825
1.0
1.5
1.0
1.84
1.0
0.1
Unlta
Mg C Mg Chi"1
Mg N Mg Chi"1
Mg C Mg IT1
ml 02 Mg Chi'1
Mg at SI Mg Chi"1
Mg at M t"1
Mg at SI I"1
• day"1
at 02 ag C"1
day"1
Reference
Malone and Chervln (1979)
Halone and Chervln (1979)
Halone and Chervln (1979)
Halone (pera. coan.)
Dugdale (1976)
Eppley et al . (1979)
Eppley and Thoaas (1969)
Falkouskl (1975)
Faaache (1980)
Saayda (1970)
Scavla (1980)
DIToro et. al. (1977)
6 temperature coefficient
for respiration
(MB) 3 aaxlaua growth race
at 20°C
Q tenperature coefficient
for growth
(Ia)3 optimal light Intensity
(Kep)3 Doc excretion aa fraction
of net production
1.045
2.5
1.066
day
,-1
300 ly day"1
0
Steenan—Nlelaen and Hansen
(1959)
DIToro et al. (1977)
DIToro et al. (1977)
6-16
-------
Figure 6.6. Seasonal variation of zooplankton in the New York Bight.
(Source: Stoddard, 1983).
100
80
60
40
20
0
CHAETOGNATHS
(1959-1960) 4
(1974-1975)
k-Sagitta e/egans
- B-ofher chaetognaths
-I
o
o 4
o
£
^
(1974-1975)
k-Pseudocalanus sp.
- B-C.f/flf'cus
_ C-T. longicornis
D-other copepods
COPEPODS
(1959-1960)
I
0
»-•
B
SONDJFMAMJJAS
MONTH
i
o
o>
16 4.
12
8
4
0
120
100
80
CD
o
o>
3.
60 2
O
03
CC
40 o
20
6-17
-------
species are potentially significant in explaining the persistence of the green
tide of Gyrodinium aureolum in 1984 and 1985 off the New Jersey coast.
The fate of phytoplankton carbon production within the nearshore and
shelf ecosystem varies considerably on a seasonal basis. Because of low
grazing stress and a relatively fast sinking rate (Smayda, 1970) about 90% of
the winter-spring diatom bloom (35% of annual production of 300 g C/m2day) is
exported across the shelf to the continental slope (Malone et_ a]_., 1983). By
contrast, summer production of the nanoplankton dominated phytoplankton -com-
munity is nitrogen limited, controlled by grazing, and phytoplankton carbon is
retained within the shelf food web of the water column and benthos. During
summer stratification, only about 9% of phytoplankton biomass produced from
May to October (5% of annual production) is exported off the shelf to the
slope (Malone et_ al., 1983). Interannual variations in the magnitude of
cross-shelf export of phytoplankton carbon produced during summer stratified
conditions may be coupled to the strength and persistence of south-
southwesterly wind forcing and the resultant occurrence of flow reversals
along the New Jersey coast (i.e., transport towards the northeast parallel to
the coast) (Hopkins and Dieterle, 1983). Recurrent, but intermittent hypoxic
episodes during late summer in the nearshore New Jersey region most likely
reflect this interannual variability of cross-shelf export of phytoplankton
biomass. The low frequency of widespread anoxic events, such as the 1976
episode, may reflect the annual cross-shelf export of about 10%. of
phytoplankton biomass produced during stratified conditions (Malone et al.,
1983).
6-18
-------
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7-11
-------
APPENDIX A
Summary of Quantitative Current and Nutrient Data Available for
The Southern New Jersey Shore, Off-Shore and Estuaries,
Not Included in the References
The following reports were reviewed to determine if they contain any data that
could be used to quantify currents and/or nutrient levels in the study area.
Many of the reports have been described as having "no data". These reports
may have other useful information but did not contain the quantitative data of
principal interest.
Ref. 1: Beach and Offshore Seafloor Stability of the Coastal Waters
Offshore Cape May County New Jersey, Supplement No. 2, Diamond
Beach Site. Prepared for Cape May County Municipal Utilities
Authority by Pandullo Quirk Associates, December 1977.
This report does not present any information needed for this
study. It provides topographic data for an area off-shore of
Diamond Beach in Lower Township, NJ.
Ref. 2: Physical Oceanography Of The Coastal Waters Offshore Cape May
County, New Jersey, Supplement No. 1, Stone Harbor Site, December
1977.
This report presents an evaluation of the currents found off Stone
Harbor. Two months of in-situ current data were obtained and five
drogue studies were conducted at the site. A current meter
collected data between April 11 and May 16, 1977 and again between
June 29, 1977 and July 31, 1977. Drogue trackings were conducted
on April 12, 13, 19, May 16 and August 2, 1977. These trackings
consisted of following the movement of drogues over a time period
of about one-half of a tidal cycle. Three drogues were used; one
set at 3 feet below water surface, one at 6 feet and one at 9
feet. Histograms, summarizing the in-situ current data for each
instrument and time period, were produced, and a harmonic analysis
was performed on the current data to extract the tidal current
component. The drogue trajectories were plotted for analysis.
Ref. 3-5: Comparison of Natural and Altered Estuarine Systems: The Field
Data - Volumes I and II.
This study consisted of several parts which are referenced separa-
tely below. The study area which is basically the same in each
part is little Egg harbor, slightly north of the principal area of
concern for this study. However, it does contain a considerable
amount of temporal nutrient data that might be useful.
Ref. 3: Part 1. Estuarine Evaluation Study: Primary Aquatic Production
and Nitrogen. Four Year Report 1973 - 1977.
This report deals with studies of primary productivity and
nitrogen in the salt marshes and lagoons adjacent to Beach Haven
West near Manahawkin, NJ. Nutrient data is provided for stations
-------
in creeks and lagoons draining into Little Egg Harbor. The term
of study was from June 1973 through June 1977. Nitrogen,
dissolved oxygen, water temperature, salinity, chlorophyll and
run-off data are reported. Monthly variation in most of these
parameters and horizontal statification are also reported.
Ref. 4: Estuarine Evaluation Study: Benthic Invertebrates. Four Year
Report, 1973 - 1977.
This report provides data from portions of the western side of
Manahawkin Bay and Little Egg harbor in Ocean County, NM. The
waterways were sampled between July 1973 and March 1975. Seasonal
values are provided for temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen
at the water surface and bottom. Data was provided for six and
seven seasons (i.e., summer '73 to winter '75) at 18 sites.
Ref. 5: Studies of the Manahawkin Bay - Little Egg Harbor System: 1.
Finfish Study: John F. McClain, 2. Physical - Chemical Study:
John Makai, and 3. Use Study: Peter J. Himchak.
The second portion of this study "Physical - Chemical Study"
provides data that may be useful. This part of the study maps and
describes the physical and chemical attributes of the Manahawkin
Bay-Little Egg Harbor system. Thirty-four water quality stations
were selected and sampled bimonthly, monthly, and/or seasonally
from July 1973 until February 1974 and from June 1974 until May
1975. 'The parameters measured were temperature, dissolved oxygen,
salinity, pH, carbon dioxide, ammonia nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen,
nitrate nitrogen, detergent, B.O.D., orthophosphate, and total and
fecal coliforms. Monthly values and standard deviations are re-
ported for temperature at three sites. Monthly values at several
sites are reported for salinity, nitrogen, phosphates, and
8.O.D. There are some breaks in the monthly data over the study
period, but values for June through November 197.4 are complete.
Ref. 6-9: Ecological Studies in the Bays and Other Waterways Near Little Egg
Inlet and in the Ocean in the Vicinity of the Proposed Site for
the Atlantic Generating Station, New Jersey.
The results of this study are presented in several progress
reports, each of which is referenced separately below. The study
area is a site in the ocean roughly two miles off Little Egg Inlet
which is in our area of interest and Little Egg Harbor which is
slightly north of our area of interest.
Ref. 6: Progress Report for the Period January - December 1972, Part One.
This report presents the results of a sampling program which began
in January, 1972 for fishes and invertebrates from Manahawkin
Causeway at Long Beach Island to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Phys-
icochemical parameters that were recorded with each biological
collection were water temperature, dissolved oxygen and salinity,
usually at the surface and bottom. Physicochemical data are
summarized by month. Nutrient analyses of water samples collected
-------
in the vicinity of the ocean site during the period May 1 - July
6, 1972 and Little Egg Inlet during the period May 19 - July 25,
1972 are provided with values for nitrate, nitrite, ammonia,
silicate and phosphate.
Ref. 7: Progress Report for the Period January - December 1973. Volume
Three: Protoplankton and Periphyton; Zooplankton, and Terrestrial
Study.
This report presents same data as the previous reference for a
year later. Data is provided for temperature, salinity, dissolved
oxygen, nitrate, silicate and phosphate for the period beginning
May 1972 and ending June 1973. Samples were taken at many sites
in the ocean and around Little Egg Inlet, Great Bay and the
Mullica River at different depths and tides.
Ref. 8: Progress Report for the Period January - December 1974, Volume
One; Fishes, Experimental Studies.
This report provides oxygen, salinity, and temperature data in the
ocean off Long. Beach Island, in Little Egg and Brigantine Inlets
and in Great Bay. Data was generally collected for the surface
and the bottom at different phases of the tide. Bimonthly means
and ranges for all of 1974 are presented for several sites.
Measurements made on individual .samples collected on 60 different
days over the years at various sites are also provided.
Ref. 9: Progress Report for the Period January - December 1975
This report provides the same data as the previous reference
except the time period in January 1975 through December 1975.
Ref. 10: Ecological Studies for the Oyster Creek Generating Station
Progress Report for the Period September 1975 - August 1976,
Volume One, Fin- and Shellfish.
Water temperature, salinity-, pH, dissolved oxygen, and water
clarity were measured in Barnegat Bay-, Forked River and Oyster
Creek. The region studied in this report is 20 to 30 miles north
of the area of interest. The study period was September 1975
through August 1976. Only salinity and temperature data is
presented in detail. Their presentation is limited to monthly,
mean surface and bottom values.
Ref. 11: Summary of Oceanographic Observations in New Jersey Coastal Waters
Near 39° 28' N Latitude and 74° 15' W Longitude During The Period
May 1973 Through April 1974. A report to Public Service Electric
and Gas Company, Newark, NJ by EG&G, Environmental Consultants,
Ualtham, MA, February 1975.
This report contains data and analyses of data collected to sup-
port an environmental site assessment off Little Egg Inlet, NJ.
Both current and nutrient data was collected from May 1973 to
April 1974 at stations located in the ocean off Little Egg Inlet,
-------
Ref.12-16:
off Brigantine Inlet, in the ocean off Beach Haven, in Little Egg
Inlet and in the mouth of Great Bay. Monthly average windspeeds
and directions are provided. Monthly off-shore current statistics
at several stations are provided including along and off-shore
mean velocities, the standard deviations of the previous velocity
components, the mean speed, the standard deviation of the mean
speed and the maximum speed. Current statistics by octants
oriented to coastline for each station and by season are also
presented. Monthly levels of nitrate, ammonia, ortho-phosphate
and total phosphorus are presented for each station at surface,
mid-depth and bottom. The average concentration of chlorfde at
each station is presented by season, and depth. Measured values
are also presented for 28 metals. Monthly temperature and
salinity data are also presented.
New Jersey Sea Grant,
Sciences Consortium.
New Jersey Sea Grant,
Sciences Consortium.
Annual Report 1984-1985, New Jersey Marine
Annual Report 1983-1984, New Jersey Marine
New Jersey Sea Grant, Annual Report 1982-1983, New Jersey Marine
Sciences Consortium.
New Jersey Sea Grant, Annual Report 1981-1982, New Jersey Marine
Sciences Consortium.
Ref. 13:
Ref.14-24:
Ref. 14:
New Jersey Sea Grant,
Sciences Consortium.
Annual Report 1980-1981, New Jersey Marine
and not found to contain any
These annual reports were reviewed
information relevant to our study.
Review of the Ocean County Sewerage Authority Outfall Design, for
The Ocean County Sewerage Authority by Pritchard - Carpenter,
Consultants, May 1973.
The data in this report is North of the principal study area. The
report describes a review of the design of an outfall near Island
Beach State Park. The report contains a table that provides the
results of a dye study. The table contains the date, dye concen-
tration, wind direction and speed. The dye study was conducted
June 26 through September 12.
The following reports were reviewed but contained no data.
Anoxia on the Middle Atlantic Shelf During the Summer of 1976,
Report on a workshop held in Washington, D.C., October 15 and 16,
1976. Report prepared at the University of Delaware, November
1976.
-------
Ref. 15: Three-Dimensional Numerical Models for Hindcasting or Forecasting
Estuarine Tides, Currents and Salinities, Applications of Real-
Time Oceanographic Circulation Modeling, Symposium Proceedings.
Ref. 16: Landsat Analysis of the Dynamics of the Chesapeake Bay Plume on
the Continental Shelf, Final Report, National Marine Fisheries
Service, Northeast Fisheries Center, Sandy Hook Laboratory,
Highlands, New Jersey, April 30, 1981.
Ref. 17: Mixing Processes on the Atlantic Continental Shelf, Cape Cod to
Cape Hatteras, Limnol. and Oceanogr., 25(1): 114-125.
Ref. 18: Environmental Assessment Report on the Proposed Sewerage
Facilities of the Ocean County Sewerage Authority, Volume I,
Prepared by Environmental Assessment Council, May 15, 1973.
Ref. 19: Satellite Analysis of Estuarine Plume Behavior, Remote Sensing
Center, School of Marine Science, Virginia Institute of Marine
Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia.
Ref. 20: Mixing Zone Definition for the Proposed Central Plant Outfall Off
Island Beach State Part. Prepared for the Ocean County Sewerage
Authority, Ocean County, New Jersey by Stevens Institute of
Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey.
Ref. 21: Evaluation of Proposed Sewage Sludge Dumpsite Areas in the New
York Bight, NOAA Technical Memorandum ERL MESA-11, February 1976.
Ref. 22: The Ocean County Sewerage Authority Ocean County, New Jersey,
North Central and Southern Outfall Diffusion Studies. Prepared by
Woodward-Envicon, Inc. June 5, 1974.
-------
Table A-l
Summary of Readily Available Quantitative Current and Nutrient Data
Currents
Ref. 1: Beach and Offshore Seafloor Stability No Data
of the Coastal Waters Offshore Cape
May County, New Jersey, Supplement No.
2. Diamond Beach Site. Prepared for
Cape May County Municipal Utilities
Authority by Pandullo Quirk Associates,
December 1977.
Ref. 2: Physical Oceanography Of The Coastal Drogue
Waters Offshore Cape May County, New Current
Jersey, Supplement No. 1, Stone Meter
Harbor Site, December 1977.
Ref. 3: Comparison of Natural and Altered No Data
Estuarine Systems: The Field -
Volumes I and II Part 1. Estuarine
Evaluation Study: Primary Aquatic
Production and Nitrogen. Four Year
Report 1973 - 1977.
Ref. 4: Comparison of Natural and Altered No Data
Estuarine Systems: The Field Data -
Volumes I and II, Estuarine
Evaluation Study: Benthic Inverte-
brates. Four Year Report, 1973 -
1977.
Ref. 5: Comparison of Natural and Altered No Data
Estuarine Systems: The Field Data -
Volumes I and II, Studies of the
Manahawkin Bay - Little Egg Harbor
System: 1. Finfish Study: John F.
McClain, 2. Physical - Chemical
Study: John Makai and 3. Use Study:
Peter J. Himchak.
Ref. 6:. Ecological Studies in the Bays and No Data
Other Waterways Near Little Egg Inlet
and in the Ocean in the Vicinity of
the Proposed Site for the Atlantic
Generating Station, New Jersey,
Progress Report for the Period
January - December 1972, Part One
Nutrients
No Data
No Data
Nitrogen
D.O., Temp.
Salinity
Chlorophyl1
Runoff
(monthly)
D.O., Temp.
Sa 1 i n i ty
(seasonal )
Nitrogen
B.O.D.
Temperature
Phosphates
Salinity
(monthly)
D.O., Temp.
Salinity
(monthly)
Nitrogen,
Phosphate,
& Si licate.
(spec.days)
-------
Ref. 7: Ecological Studies in the Bays and
Other Waterways Near Little Egg Inlet
and in the Ocean in the Vicinity of
the Proposed Site for the Atlantic
Generating Station, New Jersey,
Progress Report for the Period
January-December 1973, Volume Three:
Protoplankton and Periphyton,
Zooplankton, and Terrestrial Study.
Ref. 8: Ecological Studies in the Bays and
Other Waterways Near Little Egg In-
let and in the Ocean in the Vicinity
of The Proposed Site for the Atlantic
Generating Station, New Jersey,
Progress Report for the Period
January-December 1974, Volume One:
Fishes, Experimental Studies.
Ref. 9: Ecological Studies in the Bays and
Other Waterways Near Little Egg Inlet
and in the Ocean in the Vicinity of
the Proposed Site for the Atlantic
Generating Station, New Jersey,
Progress Report for the Period
January-December 1975.
Ref. 10: Ecological Studies for the Oyster
Creek Generating Station Progress
Report for the Perion September 1975
- August 1976, Volume One, Fin- and
Shellfish.
tef. 11: Summary of Oceanographic Observations
in New Jersey Coastal Waters Near 39°
28' N Latitude and 74°15'W Longitude
During The Period May 1973 Through
April 1974. A report to Public
Service Electric and Gas Company
Newark, NJ by EG&G, Environmental
Consultants, Waltham, MA, February
1975.
if.12-16: New Jersey Sea Grant, Annual Reports
(four reports) 1980-1985, New Jersey
Marine Sciences Consortium.
No Data
if. 13: Review of the Ocean County Sewerage
Authority Outfall Design, for the
Ocean County Sewerage Authority by
Pritchard - Carpenter, Consultants
May 1973.
No Data
No Data
No Data
Current Me-
ter (wind
data) also
Little Egg
Inlet Area
off-shore
7 the mouth
of Great
Bay
No Data
Dye Study
(North of
principal
area of
interest)
Temperature
Salinity,Oxy-
gen, Nitrate,
Silicate,Phos-
phate (spec.
days 5/72-5/73)
Ocean, Great
Bay, Mullica R.
& L. Egg Inlet
Temp., Salin-
ity, Oxygen,
(spec, days &
bimonthly avg.
1-12/74)
Ocean, Great
Bay, & Little
Egg Inlet
Same as
previous
(bimonthly
only) all
1975
Minimal 75-76
nutrient, re-
lated data but
collected too
far north
Nitrate, Amm-
onia, ortho-
phosphate, &
total phos-
phorus. Chlo-
ride, metals
Salinity, Temp.
(monthly avg.)
Mainly Ocean
No Data
No Data
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