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New York
Bight
Water Quality
Summer of
1983
REGION
NEW YORK/ NEW JERSEY
PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS
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NEW YORK BIGHT WATER QUALITY
SUMMER OF 1983
Report Prepared By: United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region II Surveillance and Monitoring Branch
Edison, New Jersey 08837
Randy BDffln, Physical Scientist
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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this report is to disseminate technical information
gathered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region II, during the
1983 New York Bight Water Quality Monitoring Program. The monitoring program
was conducted using an EPA helicopter for water quality sample collection.
During the summer period of May 18 to October 5, 1983, approximately 140
stations were sampled each week, weather permitting. The Bight sampling
program was conducted 5 days a week, 6 days a week in July and August, and
consisted of four separate sampling networks.
The beach station network was used to gather bacteriological water
quality information at 26 Long Island coast stations and 40 New Jersey
coast stations. The New York Bight station network was used to gather
chemical and bacteriological information at 20 stations in the inner New
York Bight. The perpendicular station network consisted of 12 transects
extending from the New Jersey and Long Island coasts. Three transects
extended south from the Long Island coast, with 4 stations in each transect
and 9 transects extended east from the New Jersey coast, with 5 stations
in each transect. The transects covered the inner Bight from Jones Beach
on Long Island to Strathmere, along the New Jersey coast. Samples were
collected for dissolved oxygen and temperature. The New York Bight
Contingency Network consisted of 24 stations which were sampled twice
weekly for dissolved oxygen and once a week for fecal coliform densities.
Samples for phytoplankton identification and nutrient analysis were
collected at 9 stations along the New Jersey coast and in Raritan Bay.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. SAMPLE COLLECTION PROGRAM 5
III. DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLING STATIONS 9
Beach Stations 9
New York Bight Stations 9
Perpendicular Stations 17
New York Bight Contingency Plan Stations 17
Phytoplankton Stations 20
IV. DISSOLVED OXYGEN RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 21
Normal Trends in the Ocean 21
Dissolved Oxygen Criteria 24
Surface Dissolved Oxygen, 1983 24
Bottom Dissolved Oxygen, 1983 25
Long Island Coast 25
New York Bight Apex 25
New Jersey Coast 29
Dissolved Oxygen Trends 45
V. BACTERIOLOGICAL RESULTS 52
New Jersey 52
Long Island 55
New York Bight Apex 58
BIBLIOGRAPHY 59
APPENDIX
APPENDIX A - Summary of Phytoplankton Dynamics and Bloom
Incidence in New Jersey Coastal Waters
Summer of 1983
APPENDIX B - Microbiological Water Quality New York Bight
Summer 1983
11
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LIST OF TABLES
No. Title Page
1 Outline of 1983 sampling program 5
2 Parameters evaluated for each station group 6
3 Long Island coast station locations 10
4 New Jersey coast station locations 11
5 Dissolved oxygen concentrations less than 4 mg/1
found off the Long Island coast, summer, 1983 25
6 Dissolved oxygen concentrations less than 4 mg/1
in the New York Bight Apex, sunmer, 1983 27
7 Dissolved oxygen distribution (bottom values)
New Jersey coast perpendiculars, 1983 31
8 Summary of bacteriological data collected along the
New Jersey coast June 2, 1983 through October
5, 1983 53
9 Summary of bacteriological data collected along the
Long Island coast May 18, 1983 through September
27, 1983 56
111
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LIST OF FIGURES
NO. Title
1 The New York Bight 2
2 Bight Apex and existing dump sites 3
3 Long Island coast station locations 13
4 New Jersey coast station locations - Sandy Hook
to Island Beach Park 14
5 New Jersey coast station locations - Barnegat
to Cape May Point 15
6 New York Bight station locations 16
7 Long Island perpendicular stations and New Jersey
perpendicular stations from Sandy Hook to Seaside Heights 18
8 New Jersey perpendicular stations from Barnegat to
Strathmere 19
9 Generalized annual marine dissolved oxygen cycle off the
northeast U.S. (From NQAA) 23
10 Long Island coast botton dissolved oxygen, 1983
semi-monthly average of all Long Island perpendicular
stations 26
11 New York Bight bottom dissolved oxygen, 1983
semi-monthly average of all New York Bight stations 27
12 New Jersey coast bottom dissolved oxygen, 1983
semi-monthly averages of all northern (JC 14-JC 53)
perpendiculars and of all southern (JC 61-JC 85)
perpendicular stations 30
13 Dissolved oxygen concentration profiles, New Jersey
coast, July 1983 32
14 Dissolved oxygen concentration profiles, New Jersey
coast, August 1983 33
15 Dissolved oxygen concentration profiles, New Jersey
coast, September 1983 34
16 Shore to seaward distribution of bottom dissolved oxygen,
1983 semi-monthly averages of all northern New Jersey
perpendiculars, JC 14-JC 53, at fixed distances from shore 36
IV
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17 Shore to seaward distribution of bottom dissolved oxygen,
1983 semi-monthly averages of all southern New Jersey
perpendiculars, JC 61-JC 85, at fixed distances from shore 37
18 North-south bottom dissolved oxygen distribution for
northern New Jersey, 1983, semi-monthly averages along
perpendiculars, JC 14-JC 53, compared to overall average 39
19 North-south bottom dissolved oxygen distribution for
southern New Jersey, 1983, semi-roonthly averages along
perpendiculars, JC 61-JC 85, compared to overall average 40
20 Dissolved oxygen concentrations below 4 mg/1, New Jersey
coast, June 1979 - 1983 41
21 Dissolved oxygen concentrations below 4 mg/1, New Jersey
coast, July 1979 - 1983 42
22 Dissolved oxygen concentrations below 4 mg/1, New
Jersey coast, August 1979 - 1983 43
23 Dissolved oxygen concentrations below 4 mg/1, New
Jersey coast, September 1979 - 1983 44
24 Northern New Jersey coast bottom dissolved oxygen, 5 year
average of the individual semi-monthly averages,
1979-1983 46
25 Southern New Jersey coast bottom dissolved oxygen, 5 year
average of the individual semi-monthly averages,
1979-1983 47
26 Northern New Jersey coast bottom dissolved oxygen,
1979-1983 comparison, semi-monthly averages of all
JC 14-JC 53 perpendicular stations 48
27 Southern New Jersey coast bottom dissolved oxygen,
1979-1983 comparison, semi-monthly averages of all
JC 61-JC 85 perpendicular stations 49
28 New York Bight bottom dissolved oxygen, 1979-1983
comparison, semi-monthly average of all New York
Bight stations 50
29 Geometric means of fecal coliform data collected
along the coast of New Jersey, June 2, 1983 to
October 5, 1983 54
30 Geometric means of fecal coliform data collected
along the coast of Long Island, May 18, 1983 to
September 27, 1983 57
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I. INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared this report to
disseminate environmental data for the New York Bight Apex and the shore-
lines of New York and New Jersey. The New York Bight is an area of ocean
bounded on the northwest by Sandy Hook, the northeast by Montauk Point,
the southeast by the chemical wastes dump site, and the southwest by Cape
May. Figure 1 shows the limits of the New York Bight. The New York Bight
Apex, which contains the sewage sludge, dredged material, acid waste, and
cellar dirt dump sites, is shown in Figure 2.
This report is the tenth in a series and reflects the monitoring period
between May 18, 1983 and October 5, 1983. The New York Bight monitoring
program is EPA's response to its mandated responsibilities as defined
under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 and the
W&ter Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 and 1977.
Since its initiation in 1974, the New York Bight ocean monitoring
program has been modified several times to be more responsive and to con-
centrate on specific areas of concern during the critical summer period.
Most of these changes occurred after the summer of 1976, when anoxic con-
ditions caused a fishkill in the Bight and an unusually heavy washup of
debris occurred on Long Island beaches. It was clear that summer conditions
in the Bight called for more intensive monitoring in order to predict
environmental crises, to investigate the origins of these crises, and to
use data gathered from New York Bight monitoring to guide and direct any
decisions regarding protection of the Bight's water quality.
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7S'
74'
72'
MONTAUK
41
-ROCKAWAY POINT
BIGHT APEX LIMITS
CHEMICAL
WASTES
DUMP SITE
NAUTICAL HUES
FIGURE 1
THE NEW YORK BIGHT
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LONG ISLAND
OUTER HARBOR
SANDY HOOK-
ROCKAWAY POINT
TRANSECT
NEW JERSEY
DREDGED MATERIAL
CELLAR SEWAGE
.DIRT SLUDGE
WRECK
o
LTV
o
o
-a-
o
-ACID
WASTES
CL
<
X
oo
o
r^>
o
FIGURE 2
BIGHT APEX AND EXISTING DUMP SITES
10
20
30
KILOMETERS
5 10
15
NAUTICAL MILES
3
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In recent years, monitoring has been expanded to include analyses of
Bight sediments for heavy metals, toxics, and benthic organisms for species
diversity and number, and analyses of water in the sewage sludge disposal
area for viruses and pathogens. The sediment and benthic organism sampling
was conducted from EPA's ocean survey vessel "Antelope" and the data will
be presented in a separate report. Ongoing revisions to the program are
intended to improve the EPA's ability to track pollution sources and to
protect New York Bight water quality.
As in previous years, results indicated that New York Bight water
quality was generally good during the summer sampling period. Some stressful
dissolved oxygen (DO) conditions were found at the New Jersey perpendicular
stations and New York Bight Apex stations fron mid to late summer during
periods of low wind and storm activity. These depressed levels occurred
in specific isolated areas and did not remain low for extended periods of
time. The low DO in certain areas of the Bight is attributed to the combined
effects of the respiration of organisms in organic-rich sediments, the
decomposition of the algal blooms which occur in the nutrient-rich areas of
the Bight, thermal water column stratification, and no vertical mixing
due to a lack of storm activity.
Bacteriological data indicated that fecal coliform densities at the
beaches along, both the New Jersey and Long Island coasts were well within
the acceptable limits for water contact recreation.
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II. SAMPLE COLLECTION PROGRAM
;During the period of May 1983 through October 1983, ambient water
quality monitoring was carried out using the EPA Huey helicopter 5 days
a week, except for July and August when sampling occurred 6 days a week.
Table 1 is an outline of the 1983 sampling program. Table 2 lists
the parameters analyzed for each group of stations.
Table 1
Outline of 1983 sampling program
Station Group
Frequency
per Week
Parameter
Long Island Beaches
(Rockaway Pt. to Fire
Island Inlet)
North Jersey Beaches
(Sandy Hook to Barnegat)
Long Island Beaches
(Fire Island Inlet to
Shinnecock Inlet)
South Jersey Beaches
(Barnegat to Cape May)
Long Island Perpendiculars
1
1
Bacteriological
Bacteriological
Bimonthly Bacteriological
Bimonthly Bacteriological
North Jersey Perpendiculars
(Long Branch to Seaside)
1
1
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved Oxygen
South Jersey Perpendiculars Bimonthly Dissolved Oxygen
(Barnegat to Strathmere)
Bight Contingency
Bight Contingency
Phytoplankton
Inner New York Bight
2
1
1
Dissolved Oxygen
Bacteriological
Phytoplankton,
Nutrients
Bacteriological
Dissolved Oxygen
Sample Depth
Topi
Topi
Topi
Topi
Topi, Bottom2
Topi, Bottom2
Topi, Bottom2
Topi, Bottom2
Topi, Bottom2
Topi
Topi, Bottom2
1 One meter below the surface
2 One meter above the ocean floor
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Table 2
Parameters evaluated for each station group
Parameters
Fecal Coliform
Salinity
Chlorinity
Temperature
Dissolved
Oxygen (DO)
Total
Phosphorus
(TP)
Phosphate
Phosphorus
(P04-P)
Aranonia
Nitrogen
(NH3-N)
Nitrite
Nitrogen
(N02-N)
Nitrate
Nitrogen
(N03-N)
Silica (SiO2)
Plankton
L.I. &
N.J. L.I. & N.J.
Beaches* Perpendiculars**
N.Y. Bight
Bight** Contingency**
Phytoplankton*
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
*Sample Depth: 1 meter below the surface
**Sample Depth: 1 meter below the surface and 1 meter above the ocean floor.
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The weekly sampling program averaged approximately 140 stations.
Beach stations along New York and New Jersey were sampled once a week.
These stations were sampled for fecal coliform bacteria densities. This
portion of the sampling program totaled 66 stations one week and 34 stations
the following week. At the beach stations, samples were collected just
offshore in the surf zone while the helicopter hovered approximately 3
meters from the surface. Sampling was accomplished by dropping a 1-liter
Kemmerer sampler through a cut-out in the mid-section of the helicopter to
approximately 1 meter below the water surface. The sample was transferred
to a sterile plastic container and subsequently transported (within 6
hours) to the Edison Laboratory for fecal coliform analysis.
Twenty stations in the apex of the Bight were sampled once a week.
Depending upon sea conditions, the EPA helicopter hovered or landed at the
designated station and a 1-liter Kemmerer sampler was used to obtain water
samples at 1 meter below the surface and 1 meter above the ocean bottom.
After collection, portions of the water sample were transferred to a BOD
bottle for dissolved oxygen analysis, and a sterile plastic bottle for
fecal coliform analysis. The dissolved oxygen sample was immediately
fixed at the station by the addition of 2 ml of manganous sulfate followed
by 2 ml of alkali-iodide-azide reagent. The sample was shaken to facilitate
floe formation and then placed in a metal rack and returned to the laboratory
for analysis. The samples were held for less than 6 hours before returning
to the laboratory for analysis by addition of 2 ml of sulfuric acid and
titration with 0.0375M sodium thiosulfate.
The third scheduled sampling portion of the program consisted of
sampling perpendicular stations once a week for dissolved oxygen and
temperature. Again, as with the inner Bight stations, samples were col-
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lected while hovering or landing, at 1 meter below the surface and 1 meter
above the bottom.
As part of the final Environmental Impact Statement on Ocean
Dumping of Sewage Sludge in the New York Bight, a Bight Contingency Plan
was developed in which criteria were established for the relocation of the
sewage sludge dumpsite, if necessary. This called for the establishment of
a 24-station network to be sampled twice a week for dissolved oxygen and
once a week for fecal coliform densities. Part of the sampling requirements
for the New York Bight contingency plan were satisfied by the regularly
scheduled Bight and perpendicular sampling runs. Bacteriological samples
for LIC 09, LIC 14, JC 14, and JC 27 perpendiculars were taken on the DO
runs for those stations. The bacteriological requirements for NYB 20, 22,
24, and the NYB 40, 42 and 44 transects were met by the regular Bight
sampling since bacteriological assays were performed for all Bight stations.
Additional sampling of dissolved oxygen for the 24 stations was carried
out once a week.
The fifth routinely scheduled sampling component involved the collection
of water samples for phytoplankton identification and quantification and
nutrient analysis. The phytoplankton analysis was done by the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the nutrient analysis
was done by EPA. The samples were collected as close to the surface as
possible, using 1-liter Kemmerer samplers. A 1-liter plastic cubitainer
was filled for phytoplankton analysis. The phytoplankton sample was pre-
served with Lugols solution and kept at 4ฐC. A 1-liter plastic cubitainer
was filled for nutrient analysis and kept at 4ฐC. The NJDEP picked the
phytoplankton samples up within 24 hours of collection. The results of
these analyses are contained in Appendix A.
8
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III. DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLING STATIONS
Beach Stations
A total of 66 bathing beach areas were sampled routinely for
bacteriological water quality along the Dong Island and New Jersey coastlines.
The Long Island sampling stations extend from the western tip of Rockaway
Point 130 km eastward to Shinnecock Inlet with a total of 26 stations
(LIC 01-LIC 28). Sample station location, nomenclature, and description
are given in Table 3 and Figure 3. Forty New Jersey coast stations, from
Sandy Hook at the north to Cape May Point at the south (JC 01A through JC
99), are described and identified in Table 4 and in Figures 4 and 5.
New York Bight Stations
The New York Bight stations established as part of the original ocean
monitoring program cover the inner Bight area in approximately 3 km inter-
vals via three transects as follows: New Jersey Transect (NYB 20-NYB 27)
extending from Sandy Hook 20 km eastward to the sewage sludge dump site;
Raritan Bay Transect (NYB 32-NYB 35) projecting along the Ambrose Channel
from the mouth of Raritan Bay southeast to the sewage sludge dump site;
and the Long Island Transect (NYB 40-NYB 47) extending from Atlantic Beach,
Long island southward to just beyond the sewage sludge dump site. The
locations of the New York Bight stations are shown in Figure 6.
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Table 3
Long Island coast-station locations
Station No. Location
LIC 01 Rockaway Point, Breezy Point Surf Club
LIC 02 Rockaway, off foot of B169 Road
LIC 03 Rockaway, off foot of B129 Road
LIC 04 Rockaway, off foot of B92 Road
LIC 05 Far Rockaway, off foot of B41 Road
LIC 07 Atlantic Beach, Silver Point Beach Club
LIC 08 Long Beach, off foot of Grand Avenue
LIC 09 Long Beach, off foot of Pacific Boulevard
LIC 10 Point Lookout, off Hempstead public beach
LIC 12 Short Beach (Jones Beach), off "Vvest End 2"
parking lot
LIC 13 Jones Beach
LIC 14 East Overlook
LIC 15 Gilgo Beach
LIC 16 Cedar Island Beach
LIC 17 Robert Moses State Park
LIC 18 Great South Beach
LIC 19 Cherry Grove
LIC 20 Water Island
LIC 21 Bellport Beach
LIC 22 Smith Point County Park
LIC 23 Moriches Inlet West
LIC 24 Moriches Inlet East
LIC 25 West Hampton Beach
LIC 26 Tiana Beach
LIC 27 Shinnecock Inlet West
LIC 28 Shinnecock Inlet East
10
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Table 4
New Jersey coast station locations
Station No. Location
JC 01A Sandy Hook, 1.2 km south of tip
JC 02 Sandy Hook, off large radone
JC 03 Sandy Hook, off Nature Center building
(tower)
JC 05 Sandy Hook, just north of Park entrance
JC 08 Sea Bright, at public beach
JC 11 Monmouth Beach Bath & Tennis Club
JC 14 Long Branch, off foot of S. Bath Avenue
JC 21 Asbury Park, off building north of
Convention Hall
JC 24 Bradley Beach, off foot of Cliff Avenue
JC 27 Belmar, off the "White House" near fishing
club pier
JC 30 Spring Lake, south of yellow brick building
on beach
JC 33 Sea Girt, off foot of Chicago Avenue
JC 37 Point Pleasant, south of Manasquan Inlet
JC 41 Bay Head, off foot of Johnson Street
JC 44 Mantoloking, off foot of Albertson Street
JC 47A Silver Beach, off foot of Colony Foad
JC 49 Lavallette, off foot of Washington Avenue
JC 53 Seaside Park, off foot of 5th Avenue
JC 55 Island Beach State Park, off white building
north of Park Hq.
JC 57 Island Beach State Park, between two main
parking lots in center of park
JC 59 Island Beach State Park, off white house
next to the lookout tower
11
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Table 4 (Cpntinued)
Station No. Location
JC 61 Barnegat, first rock jetty south of
Barnegat Inlet
JC 63 Harvey Cedars, opposite Harvey Cedars
standpipe
JC 65 Ship Bottom, opposite Ship Bottom water
tower
JC 67 Beach Haven Terrace, opposite standpipe
JC 69 Beach Haven Heights, opposite the roost
southern water tower on Long Beach Island
JC 73 Brigantine, off large hotel on beach
JC 75 Atlantic City, off the Convention Center
JC 77 Ventnor City, just north of fishing pier
JC 79 Longport, off water tower
JC 81 Ocean City, opposite large apartment
building
JC 83 Peck Beach, opposite large blue water tower
JC 85 Strathmere, off blue standpipe
JC 87 Sea Isle City, opposite blue water tower
with bridge in the background
JC 89 Avalon, off beige building on the beach
JC 91 Stone Harbor, off large blue water tower
JC 93 Wildwood, off northern amusement pier
JC 95 Two mile beach, opposite radio tower
JC 97 Cape May, off white house with red roof on
the beach
JC 99 Cape May Point, opposite lighthouse
12
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NASSAU CO.
NEW JERSEY
/ SUFFOLK CO.
LIC01
LIC02
LIC03
LIC04
LIC05
LIC07
LIC08
LIC09-
LIC10
LIC12-
LONG ISLAND
- LIC28
- LIC27
- LIC26
- LIC25
- LIC24
LIC 23
LIC22
FIGURE 3
LONG ISLAND COAST STATION LOCATIONS
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JC59
N
10
Kilometers
FIGURE 4
NEW JERSEY COAST STATION LOCATIONS - SANDY HOOK TO
ISLAND BEACH PARK
14
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NEW JERSEY
BEACH
HAVEN
ATLANTIC CITY
STRATHMERE
CAPE MAY
POINT
JC97
JC99 FIGURE 5
NEW JERSEY COAST STATION LOCATIONS - BARNEGAT TO CAPE MAY POINT
15
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SANDY HOOK
(42)
(43)
(20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27)
NYB (g)
(4?)
FIGURE 6
NEW YORK BIGHT STATION LOCATIONS
16
N
10
Kilometers
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Perpendicular Stations
Sampling stations perpendicular to the Long Island coastline are 5.4 km,
12.6 km, 19.8 km, and 27 km (3, 7, 11, and 15 nautical miles) offshore.
Sampling stations perpendicular to the New Jersey coastline start at 1.8
km and are spaced every 1.8 km out to 18 km (1 nautical mile with 1 nm
>
increments to 10 nm) offshore. These stations are identified by suffixes
E through N (MAS stations have corresponding suffixes 1 through 10).
Normally, only every other New Jersey perpendicular station (3.6 km intervals)
was sampled; the intermediate stations remained available should DO conditions
warrant more intensive sampling.
The perpendicular stations were established to gather near-surface and
near-bottom dissolved oxygen values in the critical areas of the New York
Bight nearshore waters. Previous agreements had been made with NOAA to
provide dissolved oxygen profiles from stations further out in the Bight in
conjunction with their MESA project and Marine Fisheries Laboratory
activities.
The perpendicular stations described above are plotted in Figures 7
and 8. Tables 3 and 4 describe the shore station locations from which the
perpendicular stations originate.
New York Bight Contingency Plan Stations
The 24 stations sampled were:
NYB 20, 22, 24, 40, 42, 44,
LIC 09P, A, B, and C
LIC 14P, A, B, and C
JC 14E, G, I, K, and M
JC 27E, G, I, K, and M
17
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MANASQUAN INLET
BAY HEAD
JC53
N
Kilometers
rFIGURE 7
LONG ISLAND PERPENDICULAR STATIONS AND NEW JERSEY
PERPENDICULAR STATIONS FROM SANDY HOOK TO SEASIDE HEIGHTS
18
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NEW JERSEY
JC61
JC69
N
JC75
STRATHMERE
if
1?
JC85
FIGURE 8
NEW JERSEY PERPENDICULAR STATIONS FROM BARNEGAT TO STRATHMERE
19
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Their locations are described in the preceding tables and figures.
Phytoplankton Stations
Phytoplankton samples were collected once a week along the New Jersey
coast at the following stations:
JC 05
JC 11
JC 21
JC 30
JC 37
JC 57
NYB 20
RB 32
RB 15
A discussion of phytoplankton dynamics and bloom incidence in New
Jersey waters is presented in Appendix A.
20
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IV. DISSOLVED OXYGEN RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Normal Trends in the Ocean
Two major processes act to replenish dissolved oxygen in the water
column of the New York Bight area. These are the photosynthetic conver-
sion of carbon dioxide to molecular oxygen and the mechanical reaeration
of oxygen across the air-water interface. Subsequent turbulent diffusion
then distributes the dissolved oxygen throughout the water column or
into the upper warmer surface layer when stratified conditions prevail.
Concurrent oxygen utilization (depletion) processes such as bacterial
respiration and sediment oxygen demand act to influence the amount of
oxygen in the water column at any one time or location.
A general description of the oxygen cycle during a calendar year is
as follows:
In early January, the waters of the Bight are completely
mixed throughout the water column with temperatures
ranging from 4ฐC to 10ฐC while dissolved oxygen values
are between 8 and 10 mg/1 with slightly depressed values
at the sediment-water interface. The warm spring air
temperatures and solar heating increase the temperature
of the upper water layer and, in the absence of high
energy input from local storms or tropical hurricanes,
a thermally stratified water column develops. This
stratification effectively blocks the free transport
of the oxygen-rich upper layer into the cool oxygen-poor
bottom waters.
21
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As hot summer weather conditions set in, the
warmer upper layer of water remains completely mixed
and rich in oxygen (7 to 9 mg/1). This upper layer
ranges from 20 to 60 meters in depth depending on
time and location. The bottom cooler water is effec-
tively isolated from the upper layer by a 10ฐC temper-
ature gradient. Respiration of bottom organisms,
bacterial action on algal remains and detritus, and
sediment oxygen demand depress the residual dissolved
oxygen values in the bottom waters. In a typical
year, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the
bottom waters of the Bight reaches a minimum in mid
to late summer of approximately 4 mg/1. At this time,
cool evenings and reduced solar input causes the upper
waters to cool, decreasing the temperature gradient
between the two water masses. As the two masses become
closer and closer in temperature, the energy required
to break down the thermocline becomes less and less
until finally, in many instances after a local storm,
there is a complete mixing of the water column with
concomitant reoxygenation of the bottom waters. The
annual cycle begins again. Figure 9 depicts a repre-
sentative history of dissolved oxygen concentration in
the general ocean area off of New Jersey, New York, and
New England.
22
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10
9
8
X 5
G)
m
Z 4
ซq
I
I
I
I
I
I
J I
J I
FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV
MONTH
FIGURE 9
GENERALIZED ANNUAL MARINE DISSOLVED OXYGEN CYCLE OFF THE
NORTHEAST U.S. (FROM NOAA)
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Dissolved Oxygen Criteria
The dissolved oxygen levels necessary for survival and/or reproduc-
tion vary among biological species. Insufficient data have been accumu-
lated to assign definitive limits or lower levels of tolerance for
each species at various growth states. Rough guidelines are available
for aquatic species for purposes of surveillance and monitoring. These
are as follows:
5 mg/1 DO and greater - healthy
4-5 mg/1 DO - borderline to healthy
3-4 mg/1 DO - stressful if prolonged
2-3 mg/1 DO - lethal it prolonged
less than 2 mg/1 - lethal in a relatively
short time.
These criteria are consistent with biological information recorded
in the New York Bight over the past several years. Most data concerning
the lower tolerance levels were recorded during the summer of 1976. In
1976, widespread and persistent dissolved oxygen levels between 0.0 and
2.0 mg/1 occurred over a large area of the Bight. This resulted in
extensive fish kills and bottom dwelling organism mortality.
Surface Dissolved Oxygen - 1983
The completely mixed upper water layer had dissolved oxygen levels
at or near saturation during the entire sampling period, May 24, 1983
through October 4, 1983, therefore no further discussion of surface
dissolved oxygen will be presented in this report.
24
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Bottom Dissolved Oxygen - 1983
Long Island Coast
As in previous years, the dissolved oxygen levels off the coast of
Long Island were, for the most part, well above the 4 mg/1 "borderline
to healthy" guideline for the entire sampling period. Figure 10 shows
semi-monthly averages of dissolved oxygen values found from June through
September, 1983. Out of 47 samples taken throughout the summer,
7, or slightly less than 15 percent, were below the 4 mg/1 guideline.
Five of the seven samples were collected on September 27. No samples
were collected along Long Island after September 27, therefore the
recovery was not documented. Table 5 summarizes the dissolved oxygen
values below 4 mg/1 off the Long Island Coast during the summer 1983.
Table 5
Dissolved
found off
Date
9/07
9/13
9/27
9/27
9/27
9/27
9/27
New York Bight Apex
oxygen concentrations
the Long Island coast
Station
LIC 14P
LIC 14P
LIC 09P
LIC 09A
LIC 09B
LIC 09C
LIC 14A
less than 4 mg/1
, summer 1983.
D.O. (mg/1)
3.0
3.8
2.5
3.4
2.2
2.8
2.9
Figure 11 illustrates the semi-monthly dissolved oxygen averages found in
the New York Bight stations from May through September, 1983. The "double
minima" effect which has been observed in the New York Bight during the summer
25
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FIGURE 10
10
(|) NUMBER OF SAMPLES
(8)
(8)
(8) (15)
MAY
JUN
JUL
AU6
SEP
OCT
NOV
LONG ISLAND COAST BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN, 1983
SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGE OF ALL LONG ISLAND PERPENDICULAR STATIONS.
-------
FIGURE 11
to
I
(I) NUMBER OF SAMPLES
(15)
(20)
k
\
(20)
(20)
(20)
CM)
MAY
JUN
JUL
AU6
SEP
OCT
NOV
NEW YORK BIGHT BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN, 1983
SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGE OF All NEW YORK BIGHT STATIONS.
27
-------
months in other years, with the exception of 1982, was again apparent in
1983. The low point was observed in late July, followed by a 2 mg/1 recovery
throughout August and a subsequent 2 mg/1 decline throughout September.
The fall recovery was not documented in the New York Bight Apex this summer.
Out of 135 samples collected in the New York Bight from May 24-September
28 and measured for dissolved oxygen, 11 samples, or 8.1 percent, were
between the 3-4 mg/1 level considered "stressful if prolonged" for aquatic
life, and 11 samples, or 8.1 percent, were between the 2-3 mg/1 level con-
sidered "lethal if prolonged".
Table 6 summarizes the dissolved oxygen values below 4 mg/1 in the New
York Bight during the Summer 1983.
Table 6 - Dissolved oxygen concentrations less than 4 mg/1
in the New York Bight Apex, summer 1983
DATE
7/27
7/27
7/27
7/27
7/27
7/27
7/27
7/27
8/3
8/3
8/3
8/3
8/3
8/3
8/8
8/8
8/8
9/8
9/28
9/28
9/28
9/28
STATION
NYB22
NYB26
NYB34
NYB35
NYB41
NYB43
NYB44
NYB45
NYB20
NYB21
NYB22
NYB26
NYB34
NYB42
NYB22
NYB24
NYB44
NYB45
NYB22
NYB26
NYB27
NYB45
D.O. (mg/1)
2.0
2.9
2.4
3.2
3.5
3.2
2.8
3.1
3.8
3.1
2.6
3.8
2.8
2.0
3.2
2.6
2.6
3.4
3.7
2.5
2.8
3.8
28
-------
New Jersey Coast
Figure 12 illustrates the semi-monthly dissolved oxygen values off
the New Jersey coast during the sutmer of 1983, with separate lines for
the northern (JC 14-JC 53) perpendiculars and the southern (JC 61-JC 85)
perpendiculars. The average dissolved oxygen values along the southern
perpendiculars remained between 5.5 - 6.0 mg/1 during July and August and
decreased to about 4.0 mg/1 during September. The northern perpendicular
dissolved oxygen average exhibited the "double minima" phenomenon which
occurred in previous years, with the exception of 1982. A low of 4.5 mg/1
occurred in late July followed by a slight recovery in early August and
a second low of about 4.0 mg/1 in early September.
Table 7 summarizes the dissolved oxygen values for all the New Jersey
coast perpendiculars. During the sutmer there were 72 values between 4-5
mg/1, 126 values between 2-4 mg/1 and 13 values between 0-2 mg/1. This
compares with 1982 when 72 values were between 4-5 mg/1, only 54 values were
between 2-4 mg/1 and 0 values were between 0-2 mg/1. In general, the DO
values were slightly lower in 1983 than in 1982. Dissolved oxygen at the
bottom reaches a minimum in late August/September due to a lack of reaeration
and sediment oxygen demand. Values usually improve later in the season
when storms and/or increased winds aid reaeration.
Figures 13, 14, and 15 show dissolved oxygen profiles along the coast
for July, August, and September. The profiles show that, generally, DO
increases with distance offshore and September values are lower than July
and August. In Figure 13 there are no profiles for the Barnegat, Beach
Haven, and Atlantic City perpendiculars because no data were collected along
these three perpendiculars during August. The strathmere perpendicular
in August, below Atlantic City, was one of the few perpendiculars throughout
the summer where the DO was higher closer to shore. This perpendicular
29
-------
FIGURE 12
12
10
I
LEGEND
'*
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
NEW JERSEY COAST BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN, 1981 SEMIMONTHLY
AVERAGES OF All NORTHERN (JCH-JC53) AND SOUTHERN (JC61-JC85)
PERPENDICULAR STATIONS.
30
-------
TABLE 07
Dissolved Oxygen Distribution (Bottom Values)
New Jersey Coast Perpendiculars
1983
LD LncoooojfOLncorxooo
MODCDt^
CM tO (O
JC85M
JC85K
JC85I
JC85G
JC85E
JC75M
JC75K
JC75I
JC75G
JC75E
JC69M
JC69K
JC69I
JC69G
JC69E
JC61M
JC61K
JC61I
JC61G
JC61E
JC53M
JC53K
JC53I
JC53G
JC53E
JC41M
JC41K
JC41I
JC41G
JC41E
JC27M
JC27K
JC27I
JC27G
JC27E
JC14M
JC14K
JC14I
JC14G
JC14E
^ ? ~^
0 3
^ ->
4
4
A
*
*
4
4
A
4
A
4
4
4
*
*
4
4
*
A
4
4 A
4 4
* *
4 A
*
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 A
* *
4 4
*
*
4
*
*
*
*
*
*^f ซซr ซ^ ซ^ __S _W ซ^ ซ^ _^
33D3333D3
~>~>~>>~)^~>~>-}
4 4
4
A
4
A
4
4
4
A
4
4
4
4
* *
4 4
4 4 4
4 4 <
A A <
A 4 ,
444 44
444 44
A A 44
444 44
444 44
444 44
A 4 A 4
*
* *
A A A
A
4 A
A A
4 4 A
A A 4
WS W/ W/ W/ \-t * \-L- LJ
> ^
4
4
*
4
>
>
>
1
440 4 *
A
440 4
444 ซ
A 4 0
444 A
444 4
* * 4 A
A * 4 e
A A 4 ซ
444 4 A
44 4 *
*
*
*
4 44
4 A A
A
A
A
- LJL. LJU L-i_ U. *'
ฎ O CD O O
^0 CO CO CO ^^
^ *
ป 4 0
> 4 0
*
4
A
A
A B
*
A *
*
B
B
4
4
4
* *
* *
A *
A A 4
A A 4
A 4 4
A 4
A
* *
A 4 4
A 4 4
A
4 4
4 4
4
A
KEY: * - > 5 mg/l A - 4~5 mg/L - 2-4 mg/L - 0-2 mg/L
-------
FIGURE 13
Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Profiles
New Jersey Coast
July 1983
to
c
0>
cr>
>\
0
-------
FIGURE 14
Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Profiles
New Jersey Coast
August 1983
OJ
X
O
-o
a>
_>
o
v>
-------
FIGURE 15
Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Profiles
New Jersey Coast
September 1983
c
V
en
&
O
Tf
ts
E
o
*-
-*_>
o
CD
KEY
= Average DO Concentration per Station
= Actual Location of each Station
-------
reversed in September, Figure 15, and the DO again increased with distance
from shore. !
There were 486 samples collected along the New Jersey perpendiculars
between May 25 and October 4, 1983 and analyzed for dissolved oxygen. Of
these, 139 samples, or 28.6 percent, were below 4 mg/1.
Figure 16 compares the shore to seaward distribution of dissolved
oxygen values along the northern New Jersey perpendiculars. This graph
shows the following:
0 As in previous years, with the exception of 1982, a dissolved oxygen
"double minima" occurred along the New Jersey coast. Dissolved oxygen
lows were recorded in late July, 1, 3, 5 and 7 miles off the coast,
followed by an improvement in early August with a subsequent second
minima occurring in early September. This year the "double minima"
was not observed 9 miles off the coast.
0 With the exception of the DO average 3 miles off the coast in early
August, throughout July, August, and September the northern New Jersey
perpendicular stations that are 1 and 3 miles offshore had average
dissolved oxygen values approximately 1-2 mg/1 less than the stations
5, 7 and 9 miles offshore. In general, the lower DO values found at
the nearshore stations may be attributed to the influence of river
runoff, treatment plant effluent, inlet dredged material disposal
sites, and the Hudson Estuary system on the water along the New Jersey
coast.
Figure 17 compares the shore to seaward distribution of dissolved
oxygen values along the southern New Jersey perpendiculars. The stations
5,7, and 9 miles off the coast had dissolved oxygen values between
35
-------
10
ฃ 7
FIGURE 16
LEGEND
o 1MILE
.P....JJ.MUB
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
SHORE-TO-SEAWARD DISTRIBUTION OF BOHOy DISSOLVED OXYGEN, 1983
SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES OF ALL NORTHERN PERPENDICULAR STATIONS
(JCM-JC53X AT FIXED DISTANCES FROM SHORE.
NOV
36
-------
FIGURE 17
10
ฃ 7
1
I
LEGEND
iidlLL
"~
JUL
AUG
SEP
SHORE-TO-SEAWARD DISTRIBUTION OF BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN, 1983
SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES OF All SOUTHERN PERPENDICULAR STATIONS
(JC61-JC85), AT FIXED DISTANCES FROM SHORE.
OCT
37
-------
5.5 and 6.5 rog/1 in early July which fell slowly throughout the summer
to about 3.0 mg/1 in late September. The stations 1 and 3 miles off the
coast exhibited the "double minima" with the lowest values occuring in
early September followed by a recovery in late September. The stations 1
and 3 miles off the coast had dissolved oxygen averages of approximately
5.5 mg/1 in early July, which fell to about 4.5 mg/1 in late July, rose to
5.5 to 6.0 mg/1 in late August, fell to about 3.0 mg/1 in early September
and recovered in late September.
Figure 18 illustrates the DO values for the northern perpendiculars in
1983 as compared to an overall average. JC 27, MAS, JC 41, and JC 53 clearly
show the "double minima" phenomenon. JC 14 shows a minima in late July,
another in early September and a third in early October. The recovery for
the JC 14 perpendicular was not documented.
Figure 19 gives the same plot for the southern perpendiculars. All
perpendiculars, with the exception of JC 85 show a slow downward trend from
early July through early September. JC 85 perpendicular exhibits a 2.0 mg/1
drop from early September to late September. The only southern perpendicular
to show signs of a fall recovery in late September was JC 61.
Figures 20, 21, 22, and 23 show the number of dissolved oxygen obser-
vations on each perpendicular over the last 5 years which, during June,
July, August and September, were below a level of 4 mg/1. June has consis-
tently had high dissolved oxygen values. There were no values below
4 mg/1 in June over the last 5 years, Figure 20. 1983 had the greatest
number of dissolved oxygen values below 4 mg/1 during July, Figure 21.
The JC 14 perpendicular had 20 observations below 4 mg/1. August 1983
dissolved oxygens, Figure 22, were slightly better than average, while
September 1983 dissolved oxygens, Figure 23, were the lowest in the last
five years.
38
-------
FIGURE 18
1
I
8
LEGEND
O JC14
MAY
JUN
JUL
AU6
SEP
oa
NOV
NORTH-SOUTH BOHOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN DISTRIBUTION FOR NORTHERN NEW JERSEY, 1981
SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES ALONG PERPENDICULARS JC14-JC53, COMPARED TO OVERALL AVERAGE.
39
-------
J5. 7
o
a
JUL
FIGURE 19
LEGEND
o JCCT
AUG
SEP
OCT
NORTH-SOUTH BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY, 1983,
SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES ALONG PERPENDICULARS JC61-JC85, COMPARED TO OVERALL AVERAGE
40
-------
FIGURE 20
Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations
Below 4 mg/l
New Jersey Coast
June
OU"
A/\-
m
c
JO
"ซ "\rt-
Q>
0>
OOIC.
"o
S 20-
|
z
1ft-
0-
0.09,00.00.00.09.00.00.0
0.oO.OO.OO.OD.oO,flO.OO.O
O.OO.OO.OO.OO.OO.OO.OO.O
O.OO.OO.OO.Oo op.OO.OC
i
g
CiC
.0
Chart Leaend
3 \J\~r4C.. / iKJKi W^^Oi?
3 JC4". BS JC75
vJUO^> llliJ JUtJO
o op.OO. OO.On nO.or.00.0
1979
1980
1981
Year
1982
1983
-------
50-
45-
35-
m
c
o
0)
m
jQ
O
30-
20-
15-
10
FIGURE 21
Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations
Below 4 mg/l
New Jersey Coast
July
1979
1.0
O.OKTO.OO.Op.oO.OO.OO.O
1980
. oo.o
Chart Legend
JC14 *4-l JC61
JC53
5.0
20.0
w.o
i
ffl J^
:;*^v
o.o
1981
Year
1982
1983
12.0
-------
FIGURE 22
Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations
Below 4 mg/l
New Jersey Coast
August
Chart Legend
(S3 JC14 HI JC61
JC27 BSB JC69
JC41 KS JC75
EZ3 JC53 EB JC85
1979
1983
-------
FIGURE 23
Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations
Below 4 mg/l
New Jersey Coast
September
JC4' JC75
eza JC53 ma jess
1979
1983
-------
Dissolved Oxygen Trends
Figure 24 shows the five year average, made up of the average of all
semimonthly averages, for the northern New Jersey perpendicular stations.
The DO starts off at approximately 8 mg/1 in late May and drops at a fairly
constant rate to approximately 5 mg/1 in late July. It remains at 5 mg/1
until late August when it drops to 4.5 mg/1 in early September. Throughout
the remainder of September and into October the DO begins to recover, rising
quite rapidly in October.
Figure 25 shows the five year average, made up of the average of all semi-
monthly averages, for the southern New Jersey perpendicular stations. The
DO starts off in June at approximately 8.5 mg/1 and drops fairly rapidly
to about 5.5 mg/1 in early July. It remains between 5.0 and 5.5 mg/1 until
early September when it drops to about 4.5 mg/1. It rises steadily through
September and into October.
Figures 26, 27 and 28 illustrate the five year trends in dissolved
oxygen for Northern New Jersey perpendiculars, Southern New Jersey perpen-
diculars and New York Bight Stations, respectively.
Figure 26 shows a dissolved oxygen "double minima" occurring in 1979,
1980, and 1983 with an initial low occurring in late July followed by a
small recovery and then a second low in early to mid September. In 1981
and 1982 there was one low occurrence each in early August, 1981 and early
September, 1982.
In 1983 along the southern New Jersey perpendiculars, Figure 27, the
average DO started at about 6.0 mg/1 in early July and dropped to about 4.0
mg/1 in late September. Figure 27 shows no obvious trends over the years.
45
-------
FIGURE 24
10
J. 7
X
SXป
\
MAY JUN JUL AU6 SEP OCT NOV
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY COAST BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN, FIVE YEAR
AVERAGE OF THE INDIVIDUAL SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES, 1979 T01983
46
-------
10
ฃ 7
FIGURE 25
V
MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OGT NOV
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY COAST BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN, FIVE YEAR
AVERAGE OF THE INDIVIDUAL SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES. 1979 T01983
47
-------
10
ฃ 7
I
FIGURE 26
LEGEND
O 1879
A*
i:
E.
a
: -I/-
X^xN
ta.
*ป-"'
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY COAST BOHOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN, 1979-1983
COMPARISON. SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES OF ALL JC14-JC53 PERPENDICULAR
STATIONS.
NOV
48
-------
FWURE 27
LEGEND
o 1979
o nao
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUC
SEP
OCT
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY COAST BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN, 1979-1983
COMPARISON. SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES OF ALL JC61-JC85 PERPENDICULAR
STATIONS.
NOV
49
-------
ซ& 7
1
5
FIGURE 28
LEGEND
O 1979
Q.--"
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NEW YORK BIGHT BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN, 1979-1983 COMPARISON.
SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGE OF All NEW YORK BIGHT STATIONS.
NOV
50
-------
In Figure 28 a comparison of all New York Bight stations is shown for
the years 1979-1983. The 1983 semimonthly DO average is approximately 1 mg/1
lower than in the previous four years except for late August when it is just
about average. The "double minima" is evident for 1980, 1981, and 1983. The
fall recovery is not documented in 1983.
51
-------
V. BACTERIOLOGICAL RESULTS
New Jersey
Table 8 presents a summary of the fecal coliform data collected along
the coast of New Jersey between June 2, 1983 and October 5, 1983. The
geometric mean for each station is plotted in Figure 29. The State
standard for primary contact recreation along the New Jersey Coast is a
geometric mean of 50 fecal coliforms/100 ml based on five or more samples
analyzed within a 30 day period. Due to the low values found and the
relatively small number of samples collected, only one geometric mean was
calculated for each station over the entire summer. The highest geometric
mean, 2.9, is at station JC 81 at Ocean City. Station JC 93 at Wildwood
and JC 01A at Sandy Hook had geometric means of 2.8 and 2.5, respectively.
All of the geometric means are very low. Figure 29 clearly shows that
the New Jersey coastal stations are well below the bacteriological
standard. Based on fecal coliform data, New Jersey coastal waters have
excellent water quality.
Throughout the summer sampling period, a total of 442 samples were
collected for fecal coliform analysis along the New Jersey Coast. Of the
442 samples, four or approximately one percent were above 50 fecal coli-
forms/100 ml. These samples were:
Station Date Sampled Fecal Coliform/lOOml
JC 01A 6/02/83 100
JC 14 8/31/83 53
JC 30 8/11/83 96
JC 75 7/21/83 152
The causes for the elevated densities at stations JC 14 and JC 30 are
unknown. The cause of the high value at JC 75 is probably poorly treated
sewage from the Atlantic City Sewage Treatment Plant. The cause of the
elevated value at JC 01A is probably poorly treated sewage from New York
Harbor or Faritan Bay.
52
-------
TABLE 8
Summary of bacteriological data
collected along the New Jersey coast
June 2, 1983 through October 5, 1983
Station
JC01A
JC02
JC03
JC05
JC08
JC11
JC14
JC21
JC24
JC27
JC30
JC33
JC37
JC41
JC44
JC47A
JC49
JC53
JC55
JC57
JC59
JC61
JC63
JC65
JC67
JC69
JC73
JC75
JC77
JC79
JC81
JC83
JC85
JC87
JC89
JC91
JC93
JC95
JC97
JC99
Number of
Samples Collected
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
10
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Maximum Value
Fecal Coiiform/100 ml
100
4
3
3
24
7
53
3
8
16
96
36
35
20
3
2
5
11
5
1
3
2
2
4
6
6
3
152
5
18
18
3
4
2
2
12
13
2
2
3
Geometric Mean
Fecal Colif orVlOO ml
2.5
1.2
1.2
1.1
1.4
1.2
2.0
1.1
1.3
2.0
2.1
1.6
2.1
1.2
1.1
1.1
1.3
1.3
1.1
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.1
1.2
1.4
1.3
1.1
2.1
1.2
1.7
2.9
1.3
1.3
1.1
1.3
1.5
2.8
1.3
1.2
1.4
53
-------
FIGURE 29
STANDARD
50
10
it 8
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF FECAL COUFORM DATA COLLECTION ALONG THE
COAST OF NEW JERSEY, JUN 2,1983 TO OCT 5,1983.
(ACTUAL VALUES PRINTED ABOVE BARS)
54
-------
Long Island
Table 9 presents a summary of the fecal coliform data collected
along the coast of long Island from May 18, 1983 through September 27,
1983. Hie geometric mean for each station is plotted in Figure 30. The
State standard for primary contact recreation along the Long Island coast
is 200 fecal coliforms/100 ml. This value is a monthly geometric mean of
five or more samples. Cnly five samples were collected all summer at
stations LIC 17-28, therefore this portion of the graph represents a geometric
mean of only five data points at each station. As with the New Jersey
data, due to the low values found and the relatively small number of samples
collected, only one geometric mean was calculated for each station over the
entire summer. The highest geometric mean is 2.0, which occurred at stations
LIC 08 and 10. Station LIC 10 also had the highest geometric mean in
1980, 1981, and 1982. LIC 10 is under the direct influence of any poorly
treated sewage that may flow out of Jones Inlet. From Figure 30, it is
apparent that the standard is not approached. Based on bacteriological
data, the New York coastal waters along Long Island are of excellent quality.
A total of 242 samples were collected during the summer along the
coast of Long Island and analyzed for fecal coliform bacteria. The highest
density found all summer, 28 fecal coliforms/100 ml, was at station LIC 10.
This value is well below the State standard.
55
-------
TABLE 9
Summary of bacteriological data collected
along the coast of Long Island
May 18, 1983 through September 27, 1983
Station
LIC01
LIC02
LIC03
LIC04
LIC05
LIC07
LICX)8
LIC09
LICIO
LIC12
LIC13
LIC14
LIC15
LIC16
LIC17
LIC18
LIC19
LIC20
LIC21
LIC22
LIC23
LIC24
LIC25
LIC26
LIC27
LIC28
Number of
Samples Collected
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Maximum Value
Fecal Col if orm/100 ml
3
2
4
5
3
5
10
16
28
11
12
2
4
10
3
1
1
1
1
6
5
4
1
1
1
2
Geometric Mean
Fecal Col if orm/100 ml
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.2
1.1
2.0
1.6
2.0
1.5
1.3
1.1
1.1
1.5
1.2
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.4
1.8
1.3
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.1
56
-------
200ป"
FIGURE 30
STANDARD
a:
ง
o
o
b!
0102030405070809 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22232425262728
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF FECAL COUFORM DATA COLLECTION ALONG THE
COAST OF LONG ISLAND, MAY 18, 1983 TO SEP 27, 1983.
(ACTUAL VALUES PRINTED ABOVE BARS)
57
-------
New York Bight Apex
During the surener of 1983 a total of 348 samples were collected in
the inner New York Bight for fecal coliform analysis. The stations
sampled were the 20 inner NYB series stations, the LIC 09 and LIC 14
perpendicular stations, and the JC 14 and JC 27 perpendicular stations.
Of the 348 samples collected, three had fecal coliform densities in excess
of 50 fecal coliforms/100 ml. This represents 0.9 percent of the samples.
There is no fecal coliform standard for the New York Bight Apex waters.
The value of 50 fecal coliforms/100 ml was chosen for use in comparison
with previous years. In 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1982 the percentage of
samples having counts above 50/100 ml was 3.3, 2.3, 0.4, 0.7, and 2.1,
respectively. The three high values found this past summer were:
Date Sample Fecal Coliform/
Station Collected Depth (feet) 100ml of sample
NYB 26 7/27/83 076 138
NYB 26 8/03/83 076 100
NYB 45 7/13/83 088 108
These elevated counts at stations NYB 26 and NYB 45 were probably due
to recent disposal of sewage sludge in the sewage sludge dump site.
A further discussion of the bacteriological data prepared by the EPA
Regional laboratory which includes a discussion of the standards, indicator
bacteria, materials and methods, and results is presented in Appendix B.
58
-------
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere; "The Role of
the Ocean in a Waste Management Strategy, "Washington, D.C., January
1981.
2. Reid, Robert and Vincent Zdanowicz, National Oceanic and Atmosphere
Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service; "Metals in Surface
Sediments of the New York Bight and Hudson Canyon, August, 1981 -
Preliminary Data Report," Highlands, New Jersey, May 14, 1981.
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "Ocean Dumping in the New
York Bight - Facts and Figures", Surveillance and Analysis Division,
Region II, Edison, New Jersey, July 1973.
4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "Briefing Report - Ocean
Dumping in the New York Bight Since 1973", Surveillance and Analysis
Division, Region II, Edison, New Jersey, April 1974.
5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "Ocean Disposal in the New
York Bight: Technical Briefing Report, No. 1", Surveillance and
Analysis Division, Region II, Edison, New Jersey, July 1974.
6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "Ocean Disposal in the New
York Bight: Technical Briefing Report, No. 2", Surveillance and
Analysis Division, Region II, Edison, New Jersey, April 1975.
-------
7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight Water Quality
Sutmer of 1977", Surveillance and Analysis Division, Region II,
Edison, New Jersey, January 1979.
8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight Water Quality
Summer of 1978", Surveillance and Analysis Division, Region II,
Edison, New Jersey, January 1980.
9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight Water Quality
Summer of 1979", Surveillance and Analysis Division, Region II,
Edison, New Jersey, January 1981.
10. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight Water Quality
Summer of 1980", Environmental Services Division, Region II, Edison,
New Jersey, January 1982.
11. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight Water Quality
Sunnier of 1981", Environmental Services Division, Region II, Edison,
New Jersey, January 1983.
12. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight Water Quality
Summer of 1982", Environmental Services Division, Region II, Edison,
New Jersey, May 1984.
-------
APPENDIX A
SUMMARY OF
PHYTOPLANKTON DYNAMICS AND BLOOM INCIDENCE
IN NEW JERSEY COASTAL WATERS
SUMMER OF 1983
New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection
Division of Water Resources
Bureau of Monitoring and Data Management
Biological Services Unit
-------
SYNOPSIS
Weekly during summer, phytoplankton are again analyzed by the NJDEP in
conjunction with EPA's annual helicopter survey of water quality conditions
in the New York Bight. Our sampling scheme includes stations in the
'New Jersey northern estuarine and coastal area where red tides caused by
phytoflagellate blooms tend to recur (see Figure 1). We are concerned
about the unaesthetic qualities as well as effects possibly toxic to
humans or lethal to fish. Background, methods and references pertinent
to this program are given in previous reports.
During 1983, red tides were not prominent around Sandy Hook where early
summer blooms of Olisthodiscus luteus have occurred in recent years. A
profusion of species, including a few responsible for past red tides, was
seen at various locations. During the last two seasons, we saw an increase
over the previous few years in the number of significant blooms along
the ocean front southward from Sandy Hook. In 1982 most of these occurred
in the northern half of Monmouth County; while, in 1983, most were in the
southern half. A few events, most notably the July bloom in the Belmar
vicinity of Prorocentrum micans (one of the few suspected toxic species in
our area) are reported independently of the routine sampling effort.
A-l
-------
1983 HIGHLIGHTS
Phytoplankton results for 1983 are given in Tables I and II; nutrients,
in Table III. Other significant events are summarized in Table IV.
The diatom, Thalassiosira nordenskioldii, generally maintained dominance
in late spring. Also abundant during this period, Cyclotella sp. ( a
similar form) may actually be a smaller phase in the life cycle of
^T. nordenskioldii. Some species normally dominant in winter and spring,
particularly Skeletonema costatum and Asterionella glacialis, may have
peaked before sampling commenced in June. Diatom blooms detected
within the routine sampling scheme occurred typically at the Raritan Bay
and Sandy Hook stations (see Table II).
Although several phytoflagellate species attained dominant or bloom
proportions, major red tides were not observed in the above vicinity to
the extent seen in recent years. However, Olisthodiscus luteus, a species
which has been responsible for red tides (non-toxic) here in early summer,
was dominant in the June samples from the estuary (RB32 and 15). We also
detected a dominance of several associated phytoflagellates (primarily
Cryptomonas and Rhodomonas sp.) at the estuarine stations in June and early
July.
A gap in routine sampling occurred with the helicopter deployed for maintenance
between June 16 and July 14. A visible bloom of 0_. luteus (100,000 cells/ml in
one sample) was reported on June 21/22 by personnel of the National Marine
Fisheries Service lab. at Sandy Hook. This bloom apparently never reached
significantly beyond Sandy Hook Bay. In a separate incident, orange-colored
water with associated vegetable odors was reported June 24-2? in the surf
from Spring Lake to Sea Girt. Examination of a sample taken by the Monmouth
County Health Department revealed a profusion of species with 0. luteus and
Katodinium rotundatum dominant. ~~
Resumption of sampling by the helicopter on July 13, revealed blooms of
Prorocentrum micans from one-half mile off Asbury Park into the surf at Belmar.
The previous night, fishermen on the Long Branch Pier reported irritation caused
by a yellow substance on their lines. Boat samples taken on July 15 by the
Monmouth County Health Department revealed no viable blooms in the vicinity;
however, many dead cells of P_. micans were found off the Belmar surf line, while
this and other samples contained a brown flocculent material. During this time,
irritation to bathers caused Belmar officials to temporarily close the beachfront.
Routine samples taken from the helicopter July 14 through the 29th found an
abundance or dominance of several phytoflagellates at coastal stations southward
to JC57 (Table II). Notable here were other potential red tide species, such
as K. rotundatum and Peridinium trochoideum as well as P_. micans. Certain
diatoms, particularly Cerataulina pelagica and S_. costatum also gained dominance
during mid to late July. Another data gap was seen between July 29 and August 19
however, no major phytoflagellate blooms were reported during this period.
A-2
-------
In late summer, several incidents of brown or discolored water occurred
which were apparently not associated with red tides. On July 28-30, brownish
water was sighted in the ocean from Sea Bright to Seaside Heights and off
Atlantic City. This may have been associated with an onwelling of cooler
ocean waters which brought a radical drop in surf temperatures (from about 75
to 60 F) along much of the New Jersey coastline around this time. A few
diatom and flagellate species, primarily SL costatum and Gymnodinium splendens,
respectively, were prominent at some routine stations during this period.
Through August a few separate incidents of dirty water, with some associated
phytoplankton species, were reported from the Ocean County and Cape May County
surf. .
On August 21-22 a dense area of brownish dirty water was sighted off Asbury Park
to Spring Lake. This gave rise to some citizen complaints, including one
videotape account which was sent to the Governor (now in custody of this
Division) claiming it was untreated sewage. A sample by EPA, taken off Allenhurst,
revealed a significant concentration of diatoms (several species abundant) along
with organic detritus.
Some late summer peaks of various flagellates, a few diatoms (notably Phaeodacty-
lum sp.) and chlorophytes (Nannochloris sp.) typically took place in Raritan and
Sandy Hook Bays. By September, at the end of the routine monitoring period,
diatoms regained prominence. Dominants included Leptocylindrus sp., S_. costatum,
and Thalassiosira gravida.
-------
EVALUATION
Red tides caused by phytoflagellate blooms have been documented in
annual occurrence in Lower New York Bay and adjacent New Jersey
estuarine and coastal waters for over 20 years. Nutrients for their
growth are in ample supply in these waters, especially in the estuarine
complex. The NJDEP has formally monitored blooms and phytoplankton
dynamics here since 197A. Several species have been responsible but,
in recent years, the most dramatic events have been dominated by
Olisthodiscus luteus. Most have been benign in nature.
These blooms typically orginate in the Raritan Bay sector in June
following spring diatom flowerings, (usually not visible) and early
spring flow and nutrient peaks from the Raritan River. Hydrographic
patterns in the area allows phytoplankton densities to build up along
the south shore of the estuary into Sandy Hook Bay, and then to wash
around the Hook into the ocean. Coriolis forces cause the estuarine
plume to curl back in toward the beach, and from there it spreads
southward along the shore. This effect can be augmented by the discharge
of the Hudson River which usually peaks in late spring (after the Raritan)
and, from Ambrose Channel, also curls to its right and along the N.J. shore.
Often we see a peak in phytoflagellate activity in the ocean in early summer
following that in the estuary. Blooms tend to spread out or become patchy
southward of Sandy Hook, and they can be sustained by localized nutrient
sources such as inlets, storm drains and sewerage outfalls.
In the past few seasons, blooms of ฃ. luteus have not been of the intensity
or duration seen in some previous years. Significant blooms of other species
dominant in the past, such as Prorocentrum micans and Katodinium rotundatum
(dinoflagellates) or a mixture of several species, have occurred. In 1983
(and''82) blooms occurred along the Monmouth County oceanfront apparently
separately from any activity in the bay. The more noteworthy events of 1983
occurred along the southern half (Long Branch to Spring Lake); while, in 1982,
more were observed in the northern (Sea Bright to Long Branch) sector.
Various effluents or nutrient sources are located in both segments. Local
health jurisdiction for Monmouth County is split between a few different
agencies. This area warrants more attention and closer coordination in future
monitoring efforts.
Since blooms may localize , or may materialize or disappear within one or
a few days, they often go undetected in routine sampling. Therefore, we rely
on other sources such as the local health agencies, lifeguards or citizen
complaints. We encourage anyone witnessing a possible bloom (water discolored
yellowish or greenish to deep red or brown) to take a sample in a clean bottle
and notify authorities immediately.
Often a brown, flocculent or stringy mass (bloom remnants) is all that is
found after a bloom is reported. Other species, including diatoms, may thrive
on the decomposing mass, further compounding a condition which resembles
sewage. This may be concentrated at the shoreline by onshore breezes or
dissipated by stronger winds. Upwelling of bloom remnants or'other decomposing
organic matter can occur from currents washing inshore or out of the bays,
depending on certain weather or oceanographic conditions. Several of these
events are reported each season from northern to southern reaches of the
New Jersey shore.
A-4
-------
In 1983, the bloom of Prorocentrum micans in the lower Monmouth sector
was reminiscent of a more extensive and persistent bloom of that species
here in 1968 (and again in 1972). These blooms caused superficial
irritation and respiratory discomfort to bathers, along with diminished
aesthetic value of the beaches and consequent economic losses. A possible
role in fish mortality was also seen in several localized incidents,
primarily via anoxia when the cells decomposed. The latter occurred on a
large or massive scale only in 1976, caused by a different species (Ceratium
tripos). This was an offshore phenomenon separate from the inshore red tides.
Our red tides thus far have not been of the variety which causes acute toxicity
to humans (particularly via ingestion of shellfish), such as occurs in New
England. Gonyaulax tamarensis, causative agent of paralytic shellfish poisoning
(PSP), has not been found to any significant degree in any of our New Jersey
monitoring programs. The proximity of this, however, along with the other
adverse effects, are major reasons why we continue to monitor.
A-5
-------
LONG ISLAND
FIGURE 1
NEW JERSEY COAST STATION LOCATIONS - SANDY HOOK TO
ISLAND BEACH PARK
* Stations where phytoplankton samples were collected
A-6
-------
TABLES I and II
Major phytoplankton species round in the 19B3 survey. Those seasonally
dominant (+) often attained cell densities greater than 1000/ml.
(10,000 for Mannochlorisj. Tnose abundant (-) appeared frequently,
usually in lower numbers, though occasionally in dominant or bloom
proportions. Visibility of a bloom is related to cell size and density,
all those listed except Nannochloris sp. being greater than 5 /im. In
Table II, blooms (*) occurred when concentrations at some observed point
exceeded 10,000 cells/ml (100,000 for N. atomus).
A-7
-------
TABLE i
Diatoms
Leptocylindrus danicus (-)
L_. minimus (-)
Skeleconema costatum ( + )
Uyclotella sp. (+)
Thalassiosira gravida (+}
T_. nordenskioldii ( + )
Coscinodiscus sp.
Biddulphia sp.
Eucampia zoodiacus
Cerataulina pelagica ( + )
.Chaetoceros sp. (-)
Rhizosolenia sp.
Uuinardia flaccida
Thalassionema nitzschioides
Pheodactylum tricornutum (-)
Asterionella glacialis (-)
Prorocentcum... micans (-)
P_. minimum ( + )
P_. scutellum
Exuviaella sp.
Dinophysis acuta
Gymnodinium sp. (-)
G_. sp lend ens (-)
Katodinium rotundatum (+)
Dinoflagellates
) Heterocapsa triquetra (-)
Oblea rotunda
Peridinium trochoideum (-}
P_. aciculiferum
Gonyaulax diegensis
Other Phytoflagellates
Olisthodiscus luteus (+)
Calycomonas gracilis (+)
ฃ. ovalis (+)
Chrysochromulina sp. (-)
Chroomonas sp. (+)
Rhodomonas amphioxiea (+)
R_. minuta
Cryptomonas sp. (-)
Euglena sp.
E_. proxima (-)
Eutreptia sp.
Pyramimonas sp. (-)
P_. grossii (-)
P_. micron ( + )
Biped inompnas sp. (-]
Chlorella sp. (-)
Chlorophytes
Nannochloris atomus (+}
A-8
-------
TABLE II
1
f2
June 7
J* 16
n^ป
Ju| 1.4
f-
21
t29
A*. 19
Succession of Dominant
Phytoplankton Species
Skeletonema costatum
Thalassiosira (Cyclotella)s
T. nordenskioldii
Asterionella glacialis
Olisthodiscus luteus
Calycomonas ovalis
Cryptomonas sp.
Nannochloris atomus
S. costatum
Thalassiosira (Cyclotella)sp
T. nordenskioldii
A. glacialis
Prorocentrum minimum
0. luteus
Cryptomonas sp.
N. atomus
T. nordenskioldii
P. minimum
0. luteus
Chroomonas sp.
Chlorella sp.
N . atomus
Cerataulina pelagica
Prorocentrum micans
Peridinium trochoideum
Rhodomonas amphioxiea
Euglena/Eutreptia sp.
Pyramimonas/Chlorella sp.
N. atomus
S. costatum
Thalassiosira gravida
C. pelagica
Katodinium rotundatum
Peridinium trochoideum
Rhodomonas amphioxiea
Pyramimonas/Chlorella sp.
N. atomus
i
Leptocyl-indrus sp.
S. costatum
T. gravida
Gymnodinium splendens
K. rotundatum
Calycomonas gracilis
Chroomonas sp.
Pyramiraonas micron
S. costatum
Gymnodinium splendens
Calycomonas sp.
Rhodomonas sp.
Pyramimonas micron
Chlorella sp.
N . atomus
Sampling Location
RB 32
>
H-
-f
*
-
+
+
+'
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
+
+
+
+ -
+
-
-
-
-
+
\
+
RB 15
_
+
*
+
+
" " *
-
+
*
+
-
+
+
*
+
+
+
+
*
+
-
+
+
+
+
+
X
+
-
-
NYB 20
+
-
*
+
-
+
-
-
-
+
+
-
+
_
+
+
- -
_
K
-
-
+
+
+
-
+
+
A-9
JC 05
-
*
+
-
+
+
*
+
*
+
-
-
+
+
_
*
+
+
-
-
+
+
-
-
_
_
*
-
+
+
-
-
-
+
-
JC 11
-
+
+
+
-
-
+
_
+
-
+
+
+
+
-
+
JC 21
H-
-
-
-
+
_
-
+
-
+
_
+
-
-
JC 30
-
-
_
-
+
-
+
+
-
+
+
_
+
_
-
JC 37
+
+
+
-
-
+
_
-
-
I
+
+
4-
+
-
_
+
JC 57'
~
-
+
+
-
+
+
_
_
_
-
-------
TABLE II (Continued)
1983
Aug. 26
Aug. 31
Sept.
Succession of Dominant
Phytoplankton Species
Leptocylindrus sp.
T. gravida
C. pelagica
Rhodoraonas sp.
Cryptomonas sp.
N . atomus
S. costatum
C. pelagica
P . tricornutum
K. rotundatum
Peridiniura sp.
0. luteus
Calycomonas gracilis
ChrysochrQmulina sp.
Rhodomonas/Chroomonas sp
Euglena/Eutreptia sp
Pyramimonas/Tetraselmis sp
N. atomus/Ghlorella sp.
Leptocylindrus danicus
S. costatum
T. gravida
Chaetoceros sp.
Cnroomonas sp.
N. atomus
Sampling Location
RB 32
+
*
ป
*
+
-
-
+
+
.
+
+
+
-
+
+
RB 15
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
+
+
NYB 20
+
+
-
-
-
+
-
+
+
+
-
+
-
-
JC 05
-
-
.+
+
-
+
+
-
-
-
+
-
-
-
-
+
+
-
+
JC 11
+
-
-
+
-
+
-
+
+
+
-
+
JC 21
-
+
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
JC 30
-
+
-
-
+
-
+
+
+
+
-
+
-
JC 37
-
-
+
-
+
+
+
+
JC 57
A-10
-------
TABLE III
Nutrient Data for the 1983 Phytoplankton Survey
Tfete
June 2
ง 7
16
July 21
ig. 4
16
31
Ifept. 15
23
ฉ
RB 15
.087.28
.03/.06
.037.11
.117.04
.117.05
.607.16
167.19
^.027.13
.027.05
.777.33
RB 32
.577.42
.437.48
.217.16
.337.19
.127.17
.877.37
.837.39
.827.33
1.17.34
1.47.50
NYB 20
^.027.22
.037.03
. 047 . 07
^.02/^.02
^ .027^ .02
.117.08
.127.13
- -
-r. 027-=. 02
.337.17
JC 05
^.027.21
^ .027.05
-' -
.097.03
<= .02/-r.0e
.147.08
.087.11
.067.08
.06/^.0^
i
.397.19
JC 11
<.027.15
.207.05
.037.02
.257.03
-------
TABLE IV
Blooms and Similar Events Reported Independently of Routine Sampling
in 1983.
Date
Location
Observation
Note
June
21-22
24-27
July
12-13
13
18
19
21
28-30
August
3
4
6-8
21-22
26
Sandy Hook Bay
Spring Lake to
Sea Girt surf
Long Branch Pier
Asbury Park to
Belmar
Avon to Spring
Lake
Ocean City
Long Beach Island
Long Branch and
Point Pleasant
Sea Bright to
Seaside Heights;
Atlantic City
Avalon
Pt. Pleasant
Beach Haven .to
Atlantic City
Seaside, Normandy
Allenhurst to
Spring Lake
Ocean City
Red Tide in bay to tip of hook
eported by NOAA Sandy Hook Marine
_,ab.
Orange colored water and strong
odor reported via Monmouth County
Health Department.
Yellow substance on fishing lines,
ted Tide sighted by helicopter
one half mile off Asbury to beach
at Belmar.
Brown flocculent material to 1000
yds. off, Monmouth Co. Health Dept
from Coast Guard Boat
Blooms
calls.
Blooms
calls.
!?) reported; several Press
!?) reported; several Press
Brown, foamy substance seen from
helicopter
Brownish water sighted from
lelicopter; colder water reported
along shore.
Possible red tide reported by
ape May Co. H.D.
Bloom reported by Ocean Co. H.D.
Brown water reported by helicopter
dirty water reported in surf
Brownish water to 1000 yds off;
resident sends videotape of
unaesthetic conditions to DEP
Brown foam in surf at 48th St.
ฃ. luteus dominant
TOO,000 /ml (one sample)
Several species; 0 .luteus
+ K. rotundatum dominant
causing irritation.
P_. micans dominant up to
13,000/ml.,
Bloom remnants., Belmar Beach
closed because of irritati
to bathers.
Unconfirmed.
Unconfirmed.
Bloom remnants.
Radical drop in surf
o o
temperatures (75 -60 F!
Detritus in sample.
Several species &
detritus.
Detritus in samples.
Diatoms and one dino-
flagellate dominant +
detritus.
Unconfirmed.
1
A-12
-------
APPENDIX B
Microbiological Water Quality
New York Bight
Simmer 1983
-------
INTRODUCTION
A study of the density* of fecal coliform (FC) organisms was con-
ducted in 1983 as part of the continuing annual monitoring of the
near shore waters off the Long Island and New Jersey Coast.
Monitoring at selected stations in the New York Bight was also
conducted.
By determining the bacteriological water quality one can estimate
potential health risks associated with the presence of sewage
pollution. Epidemiological studies have attempted to assess
incidence of illness with bathing in water containing fecal
contamination. Evidence exists that there is a relationship between
bacterial water quality and transmission of certain infectious
diseases (Cabelli, V.J., et al, 1979,1980).
A fecal coliform bacterial guideline for primary contact recreational
waters was recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) in 1976 and subsequently adopted by most of the states. The
EPA standard stated that fecal coliforms should be used as the
indicators to evaluate the suitability of recreational waters, and
recommended that fecal coliforms, as determined by MPN or MF procedure
and based on a minimum of not less than five samples taken over not
more than a 30 day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 200/100
ml, nor shall more than 10% of the total samples during any 30 day
period exceed 400/100 ml. Rationale for the limits was developed
using data collected from studies at Great Lakes, Michigan and the
Inland River, Ohio which showed an epidemiological detectable health
effect at levels of 2300-2400 coliforms/100 ml. Later work done on
the Ohio River suggested that fecal coliforms represent 18% of the
total coliforms. This would indicate that detectable health effects
may occur at a fecal coliform level of approximately 400/100 ml
limit, providing for a quality of water which should be better than
that which would cause a health effect.
New York State, for its primary contact recreational coastal waters,
has adopted the log mean of 200 fecal coliforms/100 ml. New Jersey,
however, chose to adopt more stringent limits. For their coastal
primary contact recreational waters, a log mean of 50 fecal coli-
forms/100 ml was established. By 1978, most of the states adopted
the fecal coliform indicator with geometric mean limits at 200/
100 ml.
Fecal Coliform Indicator Bacteria
Fecal coliforms comprise all of the coliform bacteria that ferment
*Bacterial density in this study is referred to as the number of
fecal coliform organisms per 100 ml of water.
B-l
-------
lactose at 44.5 + 2ฐC. This group according to traditional thinking,
more accurately reflects the presence of fecal discharges from
warm-blooded animals. As indicators, the bacteria have the advantage
of being less subject to regrowth in polluted waters. Their in-
creased specificity to fecal sources made them the choice over
other coliform organisms.
For more detailed information about this bacterial group, please
refer to the following:
1. Standard Methods 15th ed., 909C (F.C.)
2. Microbiological Methods for Monitoring the Environment, Water
and Wastes. EPA-600/8-78-017, Sect. C, p. 124.
3. Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. 8th Ed.
1974. p. 290, members of the Enterobacteriaceae, p. 295,
Escherichia coli.
Materials and Methods
Marine water samples were collected by helicopter on a weekly
sampling schedule from May to October 1983. Samples were col-
lected using a Kemmerer sampler, transferred to a 500 ml sterile
wide-mouth plastic container, and then returned to the Region II
Edison laboratory for analysis.
Fecal coliform determinations were conducted according to the
membrane filter (MF) methodology contained in Standard Methods, 15th
edition, 1980 and Microbiological Methods for Monitoring the
Environment, EPA 600/8-78-017.
Results and Discussion
Along the New Jersey Coast, fecal coliform (FC) densities greater
than 50/100 ml were only observed at four stations (Table 1).
The observations were made at JC-01A (Sandy Hook, 1.2 km south of
the tip), JC-14 (Long Branch), JC-30 (Spring Lake), and JC-75
Atlantic City). For the majority of New Jersey Coastal Stations,
low FC densities were observed (see Table 2). This profile is
visually presented in the geometric mean values of FC densities
in Figure 1.
Fecal coliform densities along the Long Island Coast were even lower.
Fecal coliform densities greater than 50/100 ml were not detected.
Geometric mean FC densities were all less than 1.4 (Table 3 and
Figure 2).
The New York State standard for primary contact recreation waters
states that the monthly geometric mean of 5 or more samples shall
B-2
-------
not exceed 200 fecal coliform/100 ml. Geometric mean values for
all stations were two orders of magnitude less than this standard.
New York Bight
The distribution of fecal coliform densities >50/100 ml in the
New York Bight is shown in Table 4. The geometric mean densities
of fecal coliforms found in the Bight are presented in Table 5.
Station NYB-26 is located in the center of the sewage sludge dis-
posal site. Samples at this site were taken at a depth of 76 feet
and had a fecal coliform counts of 138 and 100 on two occasions.
Station NYB-45 which is approximately 1 mile northwest from the
sewage sludge site had a fecal coliform count of 108. Samples at
this site were taken at a depth of 74 feet (Tables 4 & 5). The
fecal coliform counts obtained at these stations are a likely result
of deposition of sewage sludge at the sewage sludge dump site.
Fecal coliform indicator organisms are sometimes more numerous in
the sediments and off the bottom suggesting greater survival after
sedimentation. (Van Donsel, et al, 1971.; Rittenburg et al, 1958).
The high count observed at Station NYB-45, outside the dump site
proper, may be attributed to movement of sewage sludge into the
Christiensen Basin. Such movement has been suggested by Cabelli
(1980) to explain the distribution of Clostridia species in the
New York Bight apex.
Data presented in this report affirms that waste emanating from
the upper New York Bay flows in an east-south easterly direction
down through the Narrows and into Lower New York Bay. Previous
studies by the FWPCA also support these flow patterns (FV\fl?CA,
1967).
B-3
-------
REFERENCES
1. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,
15th Ed., American Public Health Association, Washington,
D.C. (1981)
2. Microbiological Methods for Monitoring the Environment, Water
and Wastes, EPA-600/8-78-017 (1978).
3. Sergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology, 8th Ed. (1974)
4. Geldreich, E. et al. (1965). Fecal Coliform Organism Medium for
the Membrane Filter Technique, J.A.W.W.A. 57:208-214.
5. Rittenberg, S.C. et al. (1958). Ooliform Bacteria in Sediments
Around Three Marine Sewage Outfalls. Limnol. Oceancgr. 3_: 101-108.
6. Van Donsel, D.J. et al. (1971). Relationship of Salmonellae to
Fecal Coliforms in Bottom Sediments. Water Research 5^:1079-1087.
7. Cabelli, V.J. et al. (1979). Relationship of Microbial Indicators
to Health Effects at Marine Bathing Beaches. American Journal of
Public Health.
8. Cabelli, V.J. (1980). Health Effects Criteria for Marine
Recreational Waters, EPA-600/L-80-031.
9. FWPCA. 1967. Report on the Quality of the Interstate Waters
of the Lower Passaic River and Upper and Lower Bays of N.Y. Harbor.
FWPCA, Nov. 1969.
B-4
-------
TABLE 1
BACTERIAL DENSITIES >SO PฃH 100 ML
JEHSEY flEACH STATIONS
SUMMER 1983
STATION DATE DENSITY
JCniA 830602 100
JC14 830fl31 53
JC30 830811 96
JC75 830721 152
3-5
-------
TABLE - 2
GEOMETRIC
NEW
STATION
JC01A
JC02
JC03
JC05
JC08
JC11
JC14
JC21
JC24
JC27
JC30
JC33
JC37
JC41
JC44
JC47A
JC49
JC53
JC55
JC57
JC59
JC61
JC63
JC65
JC67
JC69
JC73
JC75
JC77
JC79
JC81
JC83
JC85
JC87
JC89
JC91
JC93
JCS5
JC97
MEANS OF BACTERIAL DENSITIES
JERSEY BEACH STATIONS
SUMMER 1963
MEAN
2,19279
0.43694
0.48599
0.41421
0.48348
0.41421
1.37478
0.38545
0.56737
1.57855
1.32519
0.62880
1.37316
0.24292
0.31853
0.19422
0.51121
0.49855
0.13653
0.05076
0.54221
0.31607
0.25103
0.22284
0.59553
0.27537
0.29684
1.53631
0.48774
1.07374
2.41255
0.62239
0.66828
0.14720
0.64645
0.72390
2.81426
0.50980
0.56508
MINIMUM
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 .
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
MAXIMUM
100
4
3
3
24
7
53
3
8
16
96
36
35
20
3
2
5
11
5
1
3
2
2
4
6
6
3
1S2
5
18
18
3
4
2
2
12
13
2
2
N
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
10
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
ft
8
8
8
JC99
0.76923
B-6
-------
TABLE - 3
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF BACTERIAL DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND HEACH STATIONS
SUMMER 1983
STATION
MF AN
MINIMUM
MAXIMUM
LIC01
LIC02
LIC03
LIC04
LIC05
LIC07
LIC08
LIC09
LIC10
LIC12
LIC13
LIC14
LIC15
LIC16
LIC17
LIC18
LIC19
LIC20
LIC21
LIC22
LIC23
LIC24
LIC25
LIC26
LIC27
LIC28
0.23773
0.21064
0.32811
0.21064
0.54591
0.27694
1.36876
1.24464
1.38646
0.55077
0.39812
0.21064
0.19178
0.64774
0.31951
0.14870
0.14870
0.00000
0.31951
0.47577
0.97435
0.37973
0.00000
0.14870
0.31951
0.24573
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
2
4
5
3
5
10
16
2fl
11
12
2
4
10
3
1
1
0
1
6
5
4
n
1
1
?
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
B-7
-------
TABLE - 4
BACTERIAL DENSITIES >^>0 PE" 100 ML
NE* YORK RIGHT STATIONS
SUMMER 1983
STATION DATE DENSITY DEPTH
NYH26 H307P7 138 H
NYH?
-------
TABLE - 5
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF BACTERIAL DENSITIES
NEW YORK BIGHT STATIONS
SUMMER 1983
STATION
DEPTH
KEAN
MINIMUM
MAXIMUM
N
NYB20
NYB21
NYB22
NYB23
NYB24
NY825
NYB26
NY827
NYB32
NYB33
NY834
NYB35
NY640
NYB41
NYB42
NY843
NYB44
NY645
NYB46
NYB47
NY820
NY821
NYB22
NYB23
NY824
NYB25
NYB26
NYB27
NY832
NYB33
NYB34
NYB35
MY840
NYB41
NYB42
NYB43
NY844
NYB45
NYB46
NYR47
8
8
8
8
8
8
B
e
B
B
B
B
B
B
8
B
8
B
B
B
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.9195
0.9622
15.1757
0.2190
0.1487
0.1487
0.0000
0.3797
0.0000
0.0000
0.1699
0.4860
2.7688
10.9476
0.6189
0.0000
0.1041
0.0000
0.1041
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.7170
0.0000
1.2581
0.6438
0.0000
0.1487
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.1041
0.0000
0.7426
0.1225
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
u
0
7
6
138
3
1
1
0
4
0
0
2
3
19
108
8
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
10
0
12
3
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
27
1
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
5
5
5
5
6
7
7
7
7
7
6
6
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
4
5
5
5
6
7
7
7
7
7
6
6
B-9
-------
I
I-
o
30
?0
10
FIGURE - 1
GEOMETRIC MF.ANS OF flACTF.HIAL UEUSITIKS
Ntfc JEHSEY tiEACM STATIONS
PLOT OF MFANซSTATION
PLOT OF MAXIMUM'STATION
SYMHOL llStl) IS ซ
SYMBOL OSfcO TS L'
JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ.IJv
A A
jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj
STATIC J
MJTF:
HAD KISSING voLUtS CH ปtKt CUT Oh
-------
FIGURE - 2
GEOMETWIC MEANS OF BACTERIAL DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND BEACH STATIONS
SUMMER !<)ซ.}
PLOT OF MF.ANปSTATION
PLOT OF MAXIMUM'STATION
SYMHOl USED IS ซ
SYMHOL IISF.I) IS 0
W
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c
1)
I
c
n
I
c
0
"3
I
C
1)
4
I
C
0
b
I
C
0
7
I
C
0
e
I
c
0
4
I
C
1
0
I
c
1
2
I
C
1
3
I
C
1
4
I
C
1
s
I
c
1
fl
I
c
1
1
1
c
I
M
[
r
i
*j
I
C
s
u
i
c
2
1
I
C
2
I
C
?
I
C
2
I
C
'd
L
I
C
?.
I
C
?
1
I
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?_
n
ST4TTON
------- |