U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
NEW YORK BIGHT WATER QUALITY
SUMMER OF 1994
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIVISION
REGION 2
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10278
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NEW YORK BIGHT WATER QUALITY
SUMMER OF 1994
Prepared By: United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region 2 - Surveillance and Monitoring Branch
Edison, New Jersey 08837
A
Helen Gre^be, Environmental Scientist
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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this report is to disseminate technical
information gathered by the Environmental Services Division of
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 2,
during the 1994 New York Bight Water Quality Monitoring
Program. The monitoring program was conducted using the EPA
helicopter, and .a U.,S. Fish and Wildlife Service helicopter for
sample collection and floatable surveillance. The monitoring
period was from May 15 to September 15 of 1994. The monitoring
program consisted of. four separate parts, as follows:
1. Beach network - 26 Long Island beach stations and 44
New Jersey beach stations sampled for bacteriological
analysis once a week,
2. Phytoplankton network - phytoplankton samples along
the New Jersey coast and in Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook
Bay, Barnegat Bay, Great Egg Harbor, and Delaware Bay
collected bimonthly,
3. Perpendicular network - 11 transects (2 New York
Bight and 9 New Jersey coast stations) extending 16
nautical miles east from the New Jersey coast sampled
three to four times during the sampling season for
dissolved oxygen and temperature, and
4. Floatable surveillance network - helicopter flights
around the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
conducted 6 days a week during the summer months.
Bacteriological data indicated that fecal coliform
densities at the Long Island and New Jersey beach stations were
well within the acceptable Federal guidelines and State limits
for primary contact recreation (a geometric mean of 200 fecal
coliforms/lOOml). A total of 319 samples along the Long Island
coast, and 622 samples along the New Jersey coast, were
collected for fecal coliform and enterococcus analyses. All
individual fecal coliform densities along the Long Island and
New Jersey•coasts were below the States' bathing water quality
standard of 200 fecal coliforms/lOOml. The recommended EPA
criterion for enterococci in marine waters is a geometric mean
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DATE:
SUBJECT:
FROM:
TO:
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
1996 REGION II
New York Bight Report - 1994
Helen Grebe, Environmental Scientist
Ambient Monitoring Section
Addressees
Enclosed for your information is a copy of our most recent New
York Bight report entitled "New York Bight Water Quality, Summer
of 1994".
Addressees
Jeanne M. Fox, 2RA
William Muszynski, 2DRA
Tudor Davies, HQ (WH-551)
Craig Vogt, HQ (WH-556F)
Karen Klima, HQ (WH-556F)
Roland Hemmett, 2BSD
Carl Soderberg, 2CFOD
Walter Mugdan, 2ORCD
Herbert Barrack, 20PMD
Conrad Simon, 2AWMD
George Pavlou, 2ERRD
Bonnie Bellow, 2EPD
Richard Caspe, 2WMD
Paul Molinari, 2WMD
Barbara Finazzo, 2TSB
Bob Runyon, 2MMB
Mario DelVicario, 2WMD
Randy Braun, 2SMB
Daniel Forger, 2WMD
Darvene Adams, 2SMB
Irwin Katz, 2TSB
Margo Hunt, 2MMB
Joel O'Connor, 2WMD
Doug Pabst, 2WMD
Bob Dieterich, 2WMD
John Kushwara, 2WMD
Mary Mears, 2EPD
Dorothy Szefczyk, 2ESD
Enclosure
REGION II FORM 132O-1 (9/85)
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of 35 enterococci/100ml. Individual enterococcus densities did
not exceed 35 enterococci/100ml along the Long Island coast.
Except for one occasion, individual enterococcus densities did
not exceed 35 enterococci/100ml along the New Jersey coast.
Based on fecal coliform and enterococcus data, Long Island and
New Jersey coastal waters are of excellent quality.
•
Dissolved oxygen levels were generally good along the New
Jersey and New York Bight perpendiculars. Bi-monthly average
dissolved oxygen concentrations remained above 6.5 mg/1.
Individual dissolved oxygen values remained above the "lethal
if prolonged" guideline of 2 - 3 mg/1. Dissolved oxygen values
have remained higher than those of 1985 when, in mid to late
summer, approximately 1600 square miles of ocean bottom off New
Jersey were plagued with dissolved oxygen concentrations
considered stressful for aquatic life> for extended periods of
time.
During the summer of 1994, phytoplankton blooms and
chlorophyll a levels were highest in the intercoastal bays of
New Jersey. Red algal blooms were predominant in Raritan and
Sandy Hook Bays through mid August. Most beaches along New
Jersey were affected by blooms of short duration more often in
1994, than in 1993. The green tide, caused by Gyrodinium
aureolum. which occurred along the southern New Jersey coast in
1984 and 1985, did not recur in 1994.
There were no beach closures due to wash-ups of floatable
debris in 1994. This was largely due to the initiation of a
Short-Term Action Plan aimed at addressing floatable debris in
the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex. The action plan is a
cooperative monitoring and response effort on the part of
various federal, state and local government agencies.
11
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT MONITORING PROGRAM . . 1
III. SAMPLING AND SURVEILLANCE PROCEDURES 7
IV. LOCATION OF SAMPLING STATIONS AND OBSERVATION POINTS 11
Beach Stations 11
Phytoplankton Stations 11
Perpendicular Stations 19
New York/New Jersey Harbor 19
V. DISSOLVED OXYGEN RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 21
Normal Trends in the Ocean 21
Dissolved Oxygen Criteria 22
Surface Dissolved Oxygen, 1994 24
Bottom Dissolved Oxygen, 1994 24
New York Bight Apex 24
New Jersey Coast 24
Dissolved Oxygen Trends 29
VI. FLOATABLES OBSERVATIONS AND DISCUSSION 35
Purpose 35
Criteria for Reportable Floatables 36
Trends 36
BIBLIOGRAPHY 43
APPENDIX A - Microbiological Water Quality New York
Bight Summer 1994
APPENDIX B - Summary of Phytoplankton Blooms and
Related Conditions in New Jersey
Coastal Waters Summer of 1994
APPENDIX C - Daily Floatables Observations for the
Summer of 1994
111
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LIST OF FIGURES
No. Title Page
1 The New York Bight 2
2 Bight Apex and Existing Dump Sites 3
3 Map of New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex 4
4 Long Island Coast Station Locations 13
5 New Jersey Coast Station Locations - 17
Sandy Hook to Island Beach Park
6 New Jersey Coast Station Locations - 18
Barnegat to Cape May Point
7 New Jersey and New York Bight Apex 20
Perpendicular Stations
8 Generalized Annual Marine Dissolved 23
Oxygen Cycle off the Northeast U.S.
(From NOAA)
9 New Jersey Perpendiculars, 1994 25
Bi-Monthly Average of Bottom Dissolved
Oxygen Concentrations
10 New Jersey Perpendiculars, 1994 28
Bi-Monthly Average of Bottom Dissolved
Oxygen Concentrations 1-16 Miles off
the Coast
11 New Jersey and New York Bight Perpendiculars, 30
1992, 1993, & 1994. Bi-Monthly Average of
Bottom Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations
12 New Jersey Perpendiculars Bottom Dissolved 31
Oxygen Concentrations 1- 16 Miles off the
Coast. Three Year Bi-Monthly Average, 1992,
1993, and 1994
13 Minimum Bottom Dissolved Oxygen Values 32
for New Jersey and New York Bight Apex
Perpendiculars, summers of 1979 through
1985
IV
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14 Minimum Bottom Dissolved Oxygen Values 33
for New Jersey and New York Bight Apex
Perpendiculars, summers of 1986 through
1993
15 Total Number of Slicks Observed in the 37
New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
May 15 - September 15, 1989, 1992, 1993,
and 1994
16 Total Number of Slicks Observed in the 39
New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex,
By Size Category in 1989, 1992, 1993,
and 1994
17 Total Number of Slicks Observed in the 40
New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex, By
Locational Subdivision in 1889, 1992,
1993, and 1994
18 Total Number of Slicks Observed at 41
Add-On Sites in 1994. Divided by
Size Categories
v
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LIST OF TABLES
No. Title Page
1 Outline of the 1994 Monitoring Program 8
2 Long Island Coast Station Locations 12
3 New Jersey Coast Station Locations 14
4 1994 New Jersey Dissolved Oxygen Distribution 26
(Bottom Values)
VI
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I. INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Services Division of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency has prepared this report to
disseminate environmental data for the New York Bight Apex, the
New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex, and the shorelines 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 2000 meter contour line,
and the southwest by Cape May. Figure 1 shows the limits of
the New York Bight. The New York Bight Apex, which contains
the de-designated sewage sludge, acid waste, and cellar dirt
disposal sites, and the active dredged material disposal site,
is shown in Figure 2. The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex,
for purposes of this report, is defined as the Arthur Kill,
Newark Bay, Kill Van Kull, southern portions of the East and
Hudson Rivers, Verrazano Narrows, Gravesend Bay, the Coney
Island coastline to the mouth of Jamaica Bay, and Upper and
Lower New York Harbors. The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
is shown in Figure 3.
This report is the twentieth in a series and reflects the
monitoring period from May 15 to September 15 of 1994. The New
York Bight Water Quality Monitoring Program is EPA's response
to its mandated responsibilities as defined under the Marine
Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, the Water
Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 and 1977, and the
Water Quality Act of 1987.
II. HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT MONITORING PROGRAM
Since its initiation in 1974, the New York Bight Water
Quality Monitoring Program has been modified several times to
be more responsive to the needs of the general public, the
states, the counties, and EPA; and to concentrate on specific
areas of concern during the critical summer period. Many
changes occurred after the summer of 1976, when anoxic
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BIGHT APEX LIMITS
CHEMICAL
WASTES
DUMP SITE
DE-DESIGNATED)
THE NEW YORK BIGHT
Figure 1
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LONG ISLAND
OUTER HARBOR
SANDY HOOK-
ROCKAWAY POINT
TRANSECT
DREDGED MATERIAL
(ACTIVE)
D
W -*-i
CELLAR* SEWAGE*
DIRT SLUDGE
LONG BRANCH/
NEW JERSEY
ASBURY PARK/
-ACID*
WASTES
c.
<
t*rf
/
o
e
f*\
f»
O
o
ft
r^
o
r-i
o
Figure 2
BIGHT APEX AND EXISTING DUMP SITES
= DE-DESIGKATED
10
20
30
KILOMETERS
5 10
15
NAUTICAL MILES
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NEW
JERSEY .
Passaic.*&•;'..".:.. V//&;.; '•-"./ >
. • -JI
Rockaway Point
Sandy Hook
Upper Harbor
Lower Harbor £
25'H
15
Figure 3 Map of New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
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conditions caused a fishkill in the Bight and an unusually
heavy wash-up 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,
investigate the origins of these crises, and direct any
decisions regarding protection of the Bight's water quality.
In 1986, the monitoring program was modified to intensify
sampling activities along the southern New Jersey beaches.
During mid to late summer in 1985, beaches along the southern
New Jersey coast were affected by algal blooms, which caused
"green tide", and high bacterial counts which resulted in beach
closings. To improve monitoring coverage, four additional
beach stations between Long Beach Island and Wildwood were
sampled weekly for phytoplankton. In addition, bacteria
samples were collected weekly rather than bimonthly along the
southern New Jersey beaches. However, since 1985, extensive
phytoplankton blooms of long duration have not occurred along
the New Jersey coast. As a result, beginning in 1993 and
continuing in 1994, the frequency of phytoplankton monitoring
decreased from once a week to bimonthly. Weekly
bacteriological samples continue to be collected.
In August 1987, a 50-mile slick of garbage washed ashore
along mid to southern New Jersey. In 1988, several miles of
Long Island beaches were plagued with garbage wash-ups,
including medical debris. This precipitated the need to
develop a response network to prevent future beach closures due
to floatables. As a result, EPA along with the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation, New York City
Department of Environmental Protection, New York City
Department of Sanitation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy, and
the U.S. Coast Guard developed the "Short Term Action Plan for
Addressing Floatables Debris in the New York Bight" (USEPA,
1989). The Short Term Action Plan establishes a monitoring and
response network to locate and coordinate cleanup operations
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for slicks found in the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex.
The intent was to prevent slick materials from escaping the
harbor and potentially stranding on regional beaches. The
nucleus of the plan consists of daily helicopter floatable
observation flights of the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex,
a command/communication center, and the cleanup of floatable
debris by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the New York City
Department of Environmental Protection.
In 1992, in response to a changing environment, i.e., the
cessation of sewage sludge dumping, monitoring for dissolved
oxygen in the New York Bight Apex has been modified. The
following stations were not sampled in 1992, 1993 or 1994: the
Long Island perpendiculars, the Manasquan Inlet perpendicular,
most New York Bight Apex stations, and New Jersey perpendicular
stations 3 and 7.nautical miles off the coast. Four New York
Bight Apex stations were retained, and four new ones added.
The New York Bight Apex stations now extend east off the New
Jersey Coast, approximately 4, 8, 12, and 16 nautical miles
offshore. New Jersey perpendicular stations were sampled at 1,
5, 9, 12, and 16 nautical miles off the coast, in 1992, 1993
and 1994. The new sampling scheme was developed to document
the extent of low dissolved oxygen concentrations off the New
Jersey coast.
Frequency of dissolved oxygen monitoring has also been
changed. In past years, monitoring for dissolved oxygen
occurred every week throughout the summer. In 1992, 1993 and
1994, dissolved oxygen monitoring occurred 3 to 4 times during
the summer season focusing around historically low periods.
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III. SAMPLING AND SURVEILLANCE PROCEDURES
During the period of May 15 through September 15, 1994,
water quality monitoring and surveillance activities were
carried out using the EPA Huey helicopter, and a Fish and
Wildlife Service helicopter. The EPA Huey helicopter was
especially designed for water sampling, while the Fish and
Wildlife Bell Jet Ranger was used for floatable surveillance
flights. The monitoring program is composed of three separate
sampling networks and one floatable surveillance network.
Table 1 outlines the 1994 monitoring program. It includes
station groups, frequency of sampling, parameters analyzed,
sample depth, and mode of transportation.
The beach station network was sampled to gather
bacteriological water quality information for the protection of
human health. Samples were collected weekly starting one week
before Memorial Day up until Labor Day. Twenty-six Long Island
coast stations and 44 New Jersey coast stations were sampled
once a week for fecal coliform and enterococcus bacteria
densities. At beach stations, samples were collected just
offshore in the surf zone, while the helicopter hovered over
the surface. Sampling was accomplished by lowering a 1-liter
Kemmerer sampler approximately 1 meter below the water surface.
The sample was transferred to a sterile plastic container, iced
and subsequently transported (within 6 hours) to the Edison
Laboratory for fecal coliform and enterococcus analyses. The
results of the bacteriological data for 1994 are contained in
Appendix A.
The phytoplankton sampling network was sampled to monitor
phytoplankton assemblages and red tide blooms in New Jersey
coastal waters and bays. Water samples for phytoplankton
identification and quantification, and chlorophyll analysis,
were collected eight times during the summer season. Sample
analyses were completed by the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The samples were collected
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Table 1
Outline of the 1994 Monitoring Program
Station Group
Long Island
Beaches
(Rockaway Pt.
to Shinnecock
Inlet)
New Jersey
Beaches
(Sandy Hook
to Cape May)
New Jersey
Phytoplankton
Station
Network
New Jersey
and New York
Bight Apex
Perpendicular
Station
Network
(Sandy Hook
to Hereford
Inlet)
NY/NJ Harbor
Overflight
Frequency
26
stations/
week
44
stations/
week
bi-
monthly
53
stations
11
transects
sampled
three
times/
season
6 days/
week
Parameter
Fecal Coliform
Enterococcus
Fecal Coliform
Enterococcus
Phytoplankton
Chlorophyll a
Dissolved
Oxygen and
Temperature
observations
Sample
Depth
one
meter
below
the
surface
one
meter
below
the
surface
just
below
the
surface
one
meter
below
the
surface,
one
meter
above
the
ocean
floor
surface
water
Mode of
Transportation
EPA Huey
Helicopter
EPA Huey
Helicopter
EPA Huey
Helicopter
EPA Huey
Helicopter
F&WL Jet
Ranger
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as close to the surface as possible, using a 1-liter Kemmerer
sampler. A 500 ml dark brown plastic bottle was filled for
phytoplankton and chlorophyll a analyses, and preserved by
cooling to 4°C. The NJDEP picked up the phytoplankton samples
at our Edison laboratory within 24 hours of collection. At the
laboratory, the NJDEP removed an aliquot of sample for
chlorophyll analysis. The results of NJDEP's analyses are
contained in Appendix B.
The perpendicular station network was established to
gather surface and bottom dissolved oxygen values during the
critical summer period. The perpendicular station network
consists of 11 transects extending east from the New Jersey
coast. Two transects extended east from Northern New Jersey in
the New York Bight Apex, with 4 stations in each transect; and
9 transects extended east from the remainder of the New Jersey
coast, with 5 stations in each transect. The transects cover
the inner Bight from Sandy Hook to Hereford Inlet, New Jersey.
Samples were collected for dissolved oxygen and temperature.
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. Samples were taken at 1
meter below the surface and 1 meter above the ocean floor.
After collection, the water sample was transferred to a
biochemical oxygen demand bottle for dissolved oxygen 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.
The samples were held for less than 6 hours before returning to
the laboratory, where 2 ml of sulfuric acid were added, and the
samples were titrated with 0.0375N sodium thiosulfate.
The floatable surveillance network encompassed overflights
of the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex. The networks'
objective was to improve water quality by removing floatable
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debris from the water column, thereby, preventing the debris
from stranding on regional beaches or shore lines. The
overflights consisted of flying a helicopter 50 to 300 feet
above the water, 6 days/week from May 15 to September 15.
Approximate size or dimension, contents, relative density,
location, possible sources and time of sighting of significant
floatable debris were recorded. The information was reported
to a central communication response network, specifically
established to coordinate cleanup efforts. Cleanup efforts
were conducted by the Corps of Engineers or the New York City
Department of Environmental Protection as necessary.
10
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IV. LOCATION OF SAMPLING STATIONS AND OBSERVATION POINTS
Beach Stations
A total of 70 bathing beach areas were sampled routinely
for bacteriological water quality along the Long Island and New
Jersey coastlines. The Long Island sampling stations extend
from the western tip of Rockaway Point 130 km eastward to
Shinnecock Inlet for a total of 26 stations (LIC 01-LIC 28).
Sample station locations, nomenclature, and descriptions are
given in Table 2 and Figure 4. There are 44 New Jersey coast
stations, beginning at Sandy Hook extending south to Cape May
Point (JC 01A-JC 99). These stations are described and
identified in Table 3 and in Figures 5 and 6.
The results of the bacteriological data are contained in
Appendix A.
Phytoplankton Stations
Phytoplankton samples were collected eight times during
the summer season along the New Jersey coast and in Raritan
Bay, Sandy Hook Bay, and Barnegat Bay. The stations were as
follows:
RB 05 JC 30 JC 65 JC 91
RB 15 JC 33 JC 75 BB 02
RB 51 JC 57 JC 83 DB 1
JC 11 JC 63 JC 87
A discussion of phytoplankton dynamics and bloom incidence
in New Jersey waters is presented in Appendix B.
11
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Table 2
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 "West
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
12
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CA)
NASSAU CO.
NEW JERSEY
/ SUFFOLK CO.
LONG ISLAND
- LIC28
- LIC27
L_ LIC26
- LIC25
- LIC24
— LIC 23
— LIC22
FIGURE 4
LONG ISLAND COAST STATION LOCATIONS
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Table 3
New Jersey Coast Station Locations
Station No. Location
JC 01A Sandy Hook, 1.2 km south of tip
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 13 Long Branch, Chelsea Avenue
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 26 Shark River Inlet
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 35 One block north of Manasquan Inlet
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 Road
JC 49 Lavallette, off foot of Washington
Avenue
14
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Table 3 (continued)
Station No. Location
JC 53 Seaside Heights, between the amusement
piers
JC 55 Island Beach State Park, off white
building north of Park Headquarters
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
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 most
southern water tower on Long Beach Island
JC 73 Brigantine, off large hotel on beach
JC 74 Absecon Inlet
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
15
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Table 3 (continued)
Station No. ' Location
JC 89 Avalon, off beige building on the beach
JC 92 Hereford Inlet
JC 93 Wildwood, off northern amusement pier
JC 95 Two mile beach, opposite radio tower
JC 96 Cape May Inlet
JC 97 Cape May, off white house with red roof
on the beach
JC 99 Cape May Point, opposite lighthouse
16
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LONG ISLAND
SANDY HOOK
NEW JERSEY
JC11
JC13
JC14
LONG BRANCH
JC21
JC24
'— JC26
JC27
JC30
JC33
JC35
JC37
JC41
J044
J047A
SEASIDE
HEIGHTS
FIGURE 5
NEW JERSEY COAST STATION LOCATIONS - SANDY HOOK TO
ISLAND BEACH PARK
17
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NEW JERSEY
BEACH
HAVEN
ATLANTIC CITY
STRATHMERE
CAPE MAY
POINT
JC96
JC97
JC99 FIGURE 6
NEW JERSEY COAST STATION LOCATIONS - 8ARNEGAT TO CAPE MAY POINT
18
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Perpendicular Stations
The perpendicular station network consists of 11 transects
extending east from the New Jersey coast. Nine New Jersey
coast (JC) perpendicular transects extend east from Long Branch
to Hereford Inlet, and two New York Bight (NYB) Apex
perpendicular transects extend east from the northern and
southern ends of Sandy Hook. New Jersey coast perpendicular
stations start at 1 nautical mile (nm) and extend east to 16 nm
offshore. In 1992, 1993 and 1994 perpendicular transects from
Long Branch to Hereford Inlet were sampled at 1, 5, 9, 12, and
16 nm offshore. The Hereford Inlet (JC90) perpendicular
transect was established in 1992. Two New York Bight Apex
perpendicular transects were established in 1992. The stations
on each transect are approximately 4, 8, 12, and 16 nm off the
northern and southern end of Sandy Hook. Four of the eight
stations sampled are part of the original ocean monitoring
program and have historical data dating back to 1973.
The perpendicular station locations are plotted in Figure
7.
New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
A complete overflight of the New York/New Jersey Harbor
Complex included the following waterways: the Arthur Kill;
Newark Bay, as far north as the New Jersey Turnpike Bridge; the
Kill Van Kull; the Upper New York Harbor; the Hudson and East
Rivers as far north as Central Park, New York; the Verrazano
Narrows; Gravesend Bay; the shoreline -of Coney Island as far
east as the Marine Parkway Bridge; and the Lower New York
Harbor, see Figure 3.
19
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Figure 7
© ©
© 0© ©
© ®® ©
Long Branch - JC 14
Belmar - JC 27 /B) (7) (M) (?) (7)
._ A—' v ' ^X V—/ >—X
New Jersey
Barnegat
«t«5) ©
5) © ® © (z
Beach Haven - JC 69
N
10 KUontters
New Jersey and
New York Bight Apex
JC 90 Perpendicular Stations
Hereford Inlet
20
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V. 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. These are: the
photosynthetic conversion 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 4°C to 10°C 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.
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 cooler bottom water is
21
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effectively isolated from the upper layer by a 10°C
temperature 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 cause 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 8 depicts a
representative history of dissolved oxygen
concentration in the general ocean area off of New
Jersey, New York, and New England.
Dissolved Oxygen Criteria
The dissolved oxygen levels necessary for survival and/or
reproduction vary among biological species. Sufficient data
have not been accumulated to assign definitive limits or lower
levels of tolerance for each species at various growth stages.
Rough guidelines are available for aquatic species for purposes
of surveillance and monitoring. These are as follows:
5 mg/1 and greater - healthy
4-5 mg/1 - borderline to healthy
3-4 mg/1 - stressful if prolonged
2-3 mg/1 - lethal if prolonged
less than 2 mg/1 - lethal in a relatively
short time.
These criteria are consistent with biological information
22
-------
10
X 5
m
Z 4
I
I
J I
FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV
MONTH
FIGURE 8
GENERALIZED ANNUAL MARINE DISSOLVED OXYGEN CYCLE OFF THE
NORTHEAST U.S. (FROM NOAA)
-------
recorded in the New York Bight over the past 15-20 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
fishkills and benthic organism mortality.
Surface Dissolved Oxygen - 1994
During the 1994 sampling period, July 25 through August
26, a total of 57 surface samples were collected for dissolved
oxygen analysis. The upper water column, as in past years,
appeared to be completely mixed with dissolved oxygen levels at
or near saturation. Therefore, no further discussion on
surface dissolved oxygen will be presented in this report.
Bottom Dissolved Oxygen - 1994
New York Bight Apex Perpendiculars
New York Bight Apex perpendicular stations, (NYB21, 24,
26, 28 and NYB33, 36, 37, 38) were sampled 3 times during the
1994 sampling period. A total of 24 bottom samples were
collected for dissolved oxygen. Only two samples were below
the "healthy" guideline of 5.0 mg/1. These two values were:
Station Date Dissolved Oxygen
NYB24 8/15/94 4.8 mg/1
NYB24 8/25/94 4.5 mg/1
Based on these data, dissolved oxygen remained well above the
guidelines considered stressful to aquatic life.
New Jersey Coast Perpendiculars
Figure 9 illustrates the 1994 bi-monthly average of bottom
dissolved oxygen concentrations for the New Jersey coast
perpendiculars. The dissolved oxygen averages remained above
6.4 mg/1, from late July to late August.
Table 4 summarizes the bottom dissolved oxygen values for
24
-------
Figure 9
New Jersey Perpendiculars, 1994
Bi-Monthly Average of Bottom Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations
N)
late July
mid August
Bi-Monthlv
late August
-------
Table 4
1994 NJ Dissolved Oxygen Distribution (Bottom Values)
Jul25 Jul29 AuglS Augl9 Aug25 Aug26
JC14E
JC14I
JC14M
JC14P
JC14T
JC27E
JC27I
JC27M
JC27P
JC27T
JC41E
JC41I
JC41M
JC41P
JC41T
JC53E
JC53I
JC53M
JC53P
JC53T
JC61E
JC61I
JC61M
JC61P
JC61T
JC69E
JC69I
JC69M
JC69P
JC69T
JC75E
JC75I
JC75M
JC75P
JC75T
JC85E
JC85I
JC85M
JC85P
JC85T
JC90E
JC90I
JC90M
JC90P
JC90T
* * *
* * *
* * *
* *
*
* X *
* * *
* *
*
*
T *
* *
* *
*
*
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
*
*
*
T
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
KEY: *=> 5mg/l T=5-4mg/l X=4-3mg/l |=3-2mg/l 0=< 2mg/l
26
-------
Table 4 summarizes the bottom dissolved oxygen values for
the New Jersey coast perpendiculars. Of the 83 samples
collected, only three values were below the "healthy" guideline
of 5 mg/1. The three values were as follows:
Station Date Dissolved Oxygen
JC27E 8/15/94 3.5 mg/1
JC41E 8/15/94 4.2 mg/1
JC75E 8/19/94 4.8 mg/1
Figure 10 compares the shore to seaward distribution, (or
distance off the coast) of average dissolved oxygen
concentrations along the New Jersey coast perpendicular
transects. Generally the dissolved oxygen values increased
with distance offshore. The dissolved oxygen concentrations
for stations 9 and 12 nautical miles off the coast were
essentially identical from late July to in mid August. In late
August, the dissolved oxygen concentrations for stations 1, 5,
and 9 nautical miles off the coast were essentially the same,
within 0.5 mg/1 of each other.
The pattern of increasing dissolved oxygen with increasing
distance off shore has been observed over the past several
years. The lower values at the nearshore stations are
attributed to the influence of river discharges, treatment
plant effluents, stormwater runoff, benthic oxygen demand from
inlet dredged material disposal sites, and the plume from the
Hudson-Raritan River Estuary system.
27
-------
ro
oo
Figure 10
New Jersey Perpendiculars, 1994
Semi-Monthly Average of Bottom DO Concentrations 1-16 Miles off the Coast
8.5
D)
0)
0)
O
7.5 -
5.5
Sixteen Miles
Nine Miles
"""""""""»..„„„......
Twelve miles
"".,,
Late July
Mid August
Semi-Monthly
1
Late August
-------
Dissolved Oxygen Trends
Figure 11 compares the bi-monthly average of bottom
dissolved oxygen concentrations of the New Jersey and New York
Bight Perpendiculars, for 1992, 1993 and 1994. All average
values are above 5.0 mg/1, with the lowest value, 5.3 mg/1,
occurring in late August of 1992. In late July of 1994, the
dissolved oxygen concentrations are 0.8 mg/1 higher than the
1992 values, and 0.7 mg/1 lower than the 1993 value. In late
August of 1994, the dissolved oxygen concentrations are 1.2
mg/1 higher than the 1992 values, and 0.4 mg/1 lower than the
1993 value.
Figure 12 displays the three year bi-monthly average
dissolved oxygen concentrations along the New Jersey
perpendiculars 1 to 16 nautical miles off the coast, for 1992,
1993 and 1994. Generally the dissolved oxygen values increased
with distance offshore. Stations 9, 12, and 16 nautical miles
off the coast are consistent with the normal dissolved oxygen
sag curve (Figure 8), with low dissolved oxygen values ranging
from 6.4 to 6.7 mg/1, occurring in late August. Stations 1 and
5 nautical miles off the coast show low dissolved oxygen values
of 5.4 mg/1 in late August, and 5.5 mg/1 in mid August,
respectively. Stations 1 and 5 nautical miles off the coast
average dissolved oxygen concentrations are 1-2 mg/1 lower
than stations 9, 12, and 16 nautical miles off the coast.
Dissolved oxygen data have been collected from 1979
through 1993 at 28 stations that are common with the 1994
database. Figures 13 and 14 display minimum dissolved oxygen
values per station, that occurred during the sampling periods
of 1979 through 1985, and 1986 through 1993, respectively. The
data have been divided into pre/post 1985, due to the stressed
dissolved oxygen values recorded in 1985. Minimum dissolved
oxygen values recorded between 1979 and 1985 showed 48 percent
occurring in 1985. Minimum dissolved oxygen values recorded
between 1986 and 1993 showed 45 percent occurring in 1990.
Twenty-six (93 percent) of the 28 minimum values recorded
29
-------
Figure 11
NJ & NYB Perpendiculars, 1992, 1993, & 1994
Semi-Monthly Average of Bottom Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations
OJ
o
mid July
late July
mid August
Semi-Monthlv
late August
mid September
-------
Figure 12
NJ Perpendiculars Bottom DO Concentrations 1-16 Miles Off the Coast
Three Year Semi-Monthly Average, 1992,1993, and 1994
mid July
late July
mid August
Semi-Monthly
late August
mid Septemtx
-------
Figure 13
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1)
3-3.2 O
2-2.9 O
0.4-1.9 •
Minimum Bottom Dissolved Oxygen Values for New Jersey and
New York Bight Apex Perpendiculars, Summers of 1979 to 1985
32
-------
Figure 14
New York Bight
SANDY HOOK
NYB21 NYB24 NYB26
LONG BRANCH
JC14E JC14I JC14M
7E JC27I JC27M
JC41E JC41I JC41M
SEASIDE HEIGHTS/ ^ (_)
3E JC53I JC53M
61E JC61I JC61M
BEACH HAVEN
O O
JC69E JC69I JC69M
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/1)
4-4.9
3-3.9 O
ATLANTIC CITY
JC75E JC75I JC75M
STRATHMERE
0 2.5 5 7.5 10
JC85E JC85I JC85M
Minimum Bottom Dissolved Oxygen Values for New Jersey and
New York Bight Apex Perpendiculars, Summers of 1986 to 1993
33
-------
between 1979 and 1985, (Figure 13) were below the "lethal if
prolonged" guideline of 3 mg/1. In comparison, 16 (57 percent)
of the 28 minimum values occurring between 1986 and 1993,
(Figure 14) were below the "lethal if prolonged" guideline of 3
mg/1. No individual dissolved oxygen values, in 1994, were
below the "lethal if prolonged" guideline of 3 mg/1.
The prolonged depressed dissolved oxygen levels in 1985
were attributed to the decomposition of the organisms
responsible for the numerous algal blooms that occurred, the
lack of meteorological events favoring reaeration, such as
substantial winds and storm activity, and the presence of a
strong thermocline. The low dissolved oxygen levels in 1990
were not as widespread or persistent as those encountered in
1985.
Since 1985, dissolved oxygen values have shown significant
improvement with few values below 3 mg/1. This improvement may
be partially attributed to the increased storm activity in
subsequent years, promoting reaeration; and the absence of a
significant green tide event.
During the summer of 1994, fewer algal blooms were
observed, strong winds prevailed, water temperature remained
low, and there were numerous storms promoting reaeration.
Based on these facts and the data collected, New Jersey coastal
waters were of excellent quality in 1994.
34
-------
VI. FLOATABLES OBSERVATIONS AND DISCUSSION
Purpose
During the summer of 1989, the USEPA initiated
surveillance overflights of the New York/New Jersey Harbor
Complex in response to the Short Term Action Plan for
Addressing Floatable Debris. This Action Plan, which is part
of the New York Bight Restoration Plan, was developed by an
Interagency Floatable Task Force in an effort to prevent the
occurrence of beach closures due to floatable debris, as
occurred in previous years. Overflights of the New York/New
Jersey Harbor Complex for floatable surveillance continued
through 1994. All floatable observations were reported to
either the Army Corps of Engineers, or the New York City
Department of Environmental Protection. Cleanups were
conducted as necessary.
In 1994, a joint effort by the Interagency Floatable Task
Force, resulted in the acquisition of a new vessel to be owned
and operated by New York City Department of Environmental
Protection for collection of floatables debris in designated
New York waterways. As a result, surveillance of the New
York/New Jersey Harbor increased to include the following New
York waterways (or add-on sites): the southern portions of the
Hudson and East Rivers, Gravesend Bay, the coastline of Coney
Island, and the mouth of Jamaica Bay.
The following information specifically relates to the 1994
aerial surveillance of floatables and/or slick lines in the New
York/New Jersey Harbor Complex. From May 15 to September 15,
1989 - 1994, the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was
surveyed for floatables, six days a week, weather permitting.
For comparison reasons, data from 1989, 1992, 1993 and 1994
will be presented.
35
-------
Criteria for Reportable Floatables
For cleanup purposes, the Short Term Action Plan defined a
"slick" as an aggregation of floating debris of indefinite
width and a minimum length of approximately 400 meters. Using
this as a guideline, all slicks have been divided into the
following five categories (from largest to smallest):
Major: any slick over 1600 meters in length;
Heavy: 800 meters to 1600 meters
Moderate: 400 meters to 800 meters;
Light: any slick under 400 meters;
Dispersed: any area that contains a significant amount of
floatables, but no defined slick.
A slick under the categories of Light or Dispersed is
usually difficult to detect and maintain a sighting for
purposes of an efficient cleanup.
The categories of slicks are subjective. All floatable
observations have been placed in one of the five categories
according to the slick's estimated dimensions, relative density
and other recorded observations. Any slick not meeting the
length requirements that has a relatively heavy density or
extensive width can be moved up a category; as any slick with a
relative light density or broken pattern can be moved down a
category.
Trends
Figure 15 displays the total number of slicks observed in
the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex divided into two
categories: 1) slicks meeting cleanup requirements - major,
heavy, and moderate, and 2) slicks not meeting cleanup
requirements - minor and dispersed slicks. The sighting of
slicks meeting cleanup requirements has decreased steadily
since 1989. In 1989, 63 slicks were observed which met the
cleanup requirements; in 1992, 38 slicks were observed; in
1993, 21 slicks were observed; and in 1994, 19 slicks were
observed, see Pie Chart 1, Figure 15. Of the 19 slicks that
36
-------
Figure 15
Total Number of Slicks Observed in the NY/NJ Harbor Comlpex
May 15 - September 15, 1989, 1992,1993, and 1994
Piel
Slicks Meeting Cleanup Requirements
Pie 2
Minor and Dispersed Slicks
-------
were observed which met the cleanup requirements in 1994, 4
slicks occurred at the add-on sites. The sightings of minor
and dispersed slicks have decreased from 1989 to 1993, but
increased in 1994, see Pie Chart 2, Figure 15. Of the 80 minor
and dispersed slicks observed in 1994, 29 slicks (or 36
percent) were observed at the add-on sites. Figure 16 presents
the total number of slicks observed by each size category for
each year. As in Figure 15, slicks meeting cleanup
requirements steadily decreased from 1989 to 1994, however,
slicks not meeting cleanup requirements decreased from 1989 to
1993, but increased in 1994.
Figure 17 shows the total number of slicks reported
corresponding to one of six locational divisions of the New
York/New Jersey Harbor Complex, and the total number of slicks
observed at the add-on sites. The sighting of slicks generally
decreased in the Verrazano Narrows, the Kill Van Kull, and the
Lower New York Harbor. The sighting of slicks in the Upper New
York Harbor, Newark Bay, and the Arthur Kill decreased from
1989 to 1993, but increased in 1994.
Figure 18 displays the total number of slicks observed at
the add-on sites divided by the size categories. Gravesend Bay
had the greatest number of slicks observed, ten slicks. The
greatest number of slicks observed meeting the cleanup
requirements, two slicks, occurred at the Hudson River.
Since 1989, there has been a significant reduction of
floatable slicks requiring cleanups. The reduction of slicks
can be directly attributed to the initiation of beach and
litter cleanup activities, such as the Short Term Action Plan,
the Clean Streets/Clean Beaches campaign, and Operation Clean
Shores. , The Clean Streets/Clean Beaches campaign commenced in
1992 by a coalition of metropolitan-area public and private
groups. The campaign stresses public education on the link
between street and beach litter. Operation Clean Shores, a
program utilizing prisoners, was initiated by the New Jersey
38
-------
Figure 16
Total Number of Slicks Observed in the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
60
By Size Category in 1989, 1992, 1993, and 1994
0
Size Category
n
1992
1993
1994
Dispersed
Minor
Moderate
Size Category/Year
Heavy
Major
-------
Figure 17
Total Number of Slicks Observed In the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
By Locational Subdivision in 1989, 1992, 1993, and 1994
Year
1989
1992
1993
1994
Newark Bay
Upper NY Harbor Verrazano
Lower NY Harbor
Locational Subdivision
Add-On Sites
-------
Figure 18
Total Number of Slicks Observed at Add-On Sites, 1994
Divided by Size Categories
Size Category
Heavy
Moderate
Minor
Dispersed
Hudson River
East River Gravesend Bay
Locational Subdivision
Coney Island
Jamaca Bay
-------
Department of Environmental Protection and Energy in 1989 to
remove floatable debris from impacted shorelines, 'increasing
the program from seasonal to year-round, and with the
cooperation from participating municipalities, 11.6 million
pounds of floatables were removed in 1992, 11.5 million pounds
in 1993, and approximately 8 million pounds in 1994. Removal
of floatables from impacted shorelines prevents the material
from resuspending into the water column and washing up on other
shorelines or bathing beaches.
42
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Cabelli, V. J., A. P. Dufour, L. J. McCabe, M. A.
Levin, "A Marine Recreational Water Quality Criterion
Consistent with Indicator Concepts and Risk
Analysis", Journal WPCF, Volume 55, November 10,
1983.
2. Cabelli, V. J., A. P. Dufour, L. J. McCabe, M. A.
Levin, "Swimming-Associated Gastroenteritis and Water
Quality", American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume
115, No. 4, 1982.
3. National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere,
"The Role of the Ocean in a Waste Management
Strategy", Washington, D.C., January 1981.
4. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), "Response of the
Habitat and Biota of the Inner New York Bight to
Abatement .of Sewage Sludge Dumping", 2nd Annual
Progress Report—1988, NOAA Technical Memorandum
NMFS-F/NEC-67, July 1989.
5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1979", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, 1979.
6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1980", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, 1981.
7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1981", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, 1982.
8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1982", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, 1983.
9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1983", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, 1984.
10. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1984", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, 1985.
11. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1985", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, August 1986.
43
-------
12. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1986", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, July 1987.
13. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1987", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, July 1988.
14. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "Short-term
Action Plan for Addressing Floatable Debris in the
New York Bight", prepared by Batelle Ocean Sciences,
Contract No. 68-03-3319, Work Assignment No. 2-147,
March 1989.
15. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1988", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, July 1989.
16. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1989", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, August 1990.
17. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1990", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, July 1991.
18. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1991", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, September 1992
19. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1992 and 1993", Environmental
Services Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey,
April 1994.
44
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APPENDIX A
Microbiological Water Quality
New York Bight Summer 1994
-------
MICROBIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY
NEW YORK BIGHT
SUMMER 1994
-------
Introduction
A study of the density* of fecal coliform and enterococcus
organisms was conducted in 1994 as part of the continuing annual
monitoring of the nearshore waters off the Long Island and New
Jersey coasts.
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 the 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 (1) .
Investigations have shown that agents of bacterial disease,
enteropathogenic/toxigenic Escherichia colif Pseudomonas
aeruginosaf Klebsiella, Salmonella,, and Shigella are excreted in
large numbers in the feces of infected individuals, and are thus
potentially present in sewage. Members of the genera Salmonella &
Shigella are not indicator but legitimate intestinal pathogens.
Clostridium perfringens, a pathogen, which are present as normal
flora in man, and warm-blooded animals, are also excreted in
large numbers (2). It is common practice to use an indicator
organism to detect fecal contamination because of the ease of
isolating and quantitating certain microorganisms on membrane
filters. Elaborate procedures are usually required for the
detection of most pathogens in mixed populations. When numerous
indicator organisms are present, the likelihood of pathogens
being found is far greater.
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 indicator 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 fecal coliform per 100 ml, nor
shall more than 10% of the total samples during any 30-day period
exceed 400 fecal coliforms per 100 ml. The rationale for the
limits was developed using data collected from studies at the
Great Lakes (Michigan) and the Inland River (Ohio) which showed
an epidemiological detectable health effect at levels of 2300-
2400 coliforms/100 ml. Subsequent investigations conducted on
the Ohio River suggested that fecal coliforms represent 18% of
* Bacterial density in this study is referred to as the number of
fecal coliforms and enterococci per 100 ml of water.
-------
-2-
the total coliforms. This would indicate that detectable health
effects may occur at a fecal coliform level above approximately
400/100 ml. A limit of 200 fecal coliforms per 100 ml would
therefore provide a quality of water which should exceed that
which would cause a detectable health effect (3).
New York State, for its primary contact recreational coastal
waters, adopted the standard of 200 fecal coliforms/100 ml,
provided that the log mean is not exceeded during 5 successive
sets of samples. New Jersey also has the standard of 200 fecal
coliforms/100 ml. By 1978, most of the states adopted the fecal
coliform indicator with geometric mean limits at 200 fecal
coliforms/100 ml.
Fecal Coliform Indicator Bacteria
Fecal coliforms comprise all of the coliform bacteria that
ferment lactose at 44.5 ± 0.2°C. This group, according to
traditional theory, more accurately reflects the presence of
fecal discharges from warm-blooded animals. As an indicator,
fecal coliforms have the advantage of being less subject to
regrowth in polluted waters. Their increased specificity to
fecal sources" made them the choice over other coliform organisms.
Enterococcus Group; Indicator Bacteria
Enterococci are a subgroup of the fecal streptococci. The
occurrence of fecal streptococci in water indicates fecal
contamination from warm-blooded animals. One is able to pinpoint
the source of fecal contamination (such as human, equine, bovine,
avian) by identifying the species utilizing biochemical tests.
The enterococcus group includes the following species:
Enterococcus faecalis; Enterococcus faecalis, subspecies
liquefaciens; Enterococcus faecalis, subspecies zymogenes; and
Enterococcus faecium. Enterococcus faecalisf one of the group D
streptoccal species, grows in broth containing 6.5% NaCl,
hydrolyzes arginine and utilizes pyruvate (4-6). Enterococcus
faecium grows in 6.5% NaCL broth, hydrolyzes arginine, but does
not utilize pyruvate. Streptococcus bovis does not grow in 6.5%
NaCl broth, does not hydrolyze arginine, and does not utilize
pyruvate. These are the three most common species of group D
streptococci found as pathogens in human infection. Enterococcus
durans is isolated occasionally, and Streptococcus equinus is
found rarely (7).
The taxonomy and nomenclature of the streptococci have undergone
major changes over the past few years. Primarily on the basis of
the results of DNA-DNA hybridization studies two new genera,
Enterococcus and Lactococcus have been proposed to accommodate
the fecal group D and lactic group N streptococci respectively
(8).
-------
EPA has recently published the results of two research projects
which compared the relationship between illnesses associated with
bathing in recreational waters and ambient densities of several
indicator organisms (9). One study was performed on marine
bathing beaches and one on freshwater beaches. Studies at marine
and fresh water bathing beaches indicated that gastroenteritis is
directly related to the quality of the bathing water and that
enterococci is a better indicator of water quality than fecal
coliforms (1,3).
EPA has issued a criteria guidance document recommending
enterococci and Escherichia coli for inclusion into state water
quality standards for the protection of primary contact
recreational uses in lieu of fecal coliforms. The EPA (1986)
recommended criterion for enterococci for marine waters is 35/100
ml. This information was published in the Federal Register on
March 7, 1986.
Materials and Methods
Marine water samples were collected by helicopter from May to
September 1994. The samples were collected using a Kemmerer
sampler and transferred to 500 ml sterile, wide-mouthed plastic
containers, and then transported in an ice chest to the Region 2
Edison laboratory for analysis.
Fecal coliform determinations were conducted according to the
membrane filtration (MF) procedures described in Standard
Methods, 18th edition, 1992 (4) and Microbiological Methods for
Monitoring the Environment,, Water and Wastewater, (5)
Enterococci determinations were conducted according to the MF
procedure described by Levin (10), and DuFour (11), using the
modified mE media. Confirmation of enterococci colonies were
conducted following procedures outlined in Microbiological
Methods for Monitoring the Environment,. Water and Wastewater,
(5).
-------
-4-
Results and Discussion
Fecal Coliform - New Jersey
Along the New Jersey Coast, fecal coliform densities equal to or
greater than 50/100 ml occurred on four occasions at station
JC-14 (Long Branch, off of the foot of S. Bath Avenue), JC-53
(Seaside Heights, between the amusement piers), JC-92 (Hereford
Inlet) and JC-96 (Cape May Inlet). Refer to Tables 1 & 2 and
Figure 1 for specific data.
Fecal Coliform - Long Island
Fecal coliform densities greater than 50/100 ml did not occur.
The maximum density of 48/100 ml occurred at station LIC-18
(Great South Beach). Refer to Table 3 and Figure 2 for specific
data.
Enterococci - New Jersey
Enterococci densities exceeding the criteria of 35/100 ml (3)
occurred on one occasion at Station JC-92 (Hereford Inlet).
Refer to Tables 4 & 5 and Figure 3 for specific data.
Enterococci - Long Island
Enterococci densities exceeding the criteria of 35/100 ml did not
occur. The maximum density of 12/100 ml occurred at station LIC-
04 (Rockaway, off of the foot of B92 Road). Refer to Table 6 and
Figure 4 for specific data.
For the majority of New Jersey and Long Island Coastal Station
low fecal coliform geometric mean densities per 100 ml were
observed.
New Jersey had higher maximum peaks on specific dates than in
prior years. This profile is visually presented in the geometric
mean value of fecal coliform densities in Figres 1 and 2.
Geometric mean densities for enterococci along the New Jersey and
Long Island Coastal Stations were somewhat lower. These profiles
are visually evident in Figures 3 and 4.
Numerous studies addressing the disappearance of fecal coliform
and enterococci in marine waters show extremely varied results.
Bacterial survival is affected by numerous physical and
biological parameters (12).
-------
-5-
REFERENCES
1. Cabelli, V.J. et al. 1979. Relationship of Microbial
Indicators to Health at Marine Bathing Beaches. American
Journal of Public Health. 69:690.
2. O'Reilly, J.E., I.J. Katz, & A.F.J. Draxler. In Press.
Changes in the Abundance and Distribution of Clostridium
perfringensf A Microbial Indicator, Related to Cessation of
Sewage Sludge Dumping in the New York Bight. NOAA Tech.
Rep. NMFS-F/NEC
3. Cabelli, V.J. 1983. Health Effects Criteria for Marine
Recreational Waters, EPA-600/1-80-031.
4. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and
Wastewater. 1992. 18th ed., American Public Health
Association. Washington, DC.
5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1978. Microbiological
Methods for Monitoring the Environment - Water and
Wastewater. EPA-600/8-78-017.
6. Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology. 1984. Volume I.
Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD.
7. Facklam, R.R. 1980. Isolation and Identification of
Streptococci. Department of Health, Education & Welfare,
CDC, Rev. 1.
8. Schleifer, K.H. 1984. Transfer of Streptococcus faecalis
and Streptococcus faecium to the genus Enterococcus nom.
rev. as Enterococcus faecalis comb. nov. and Enterococcis
faecium. Comb. nov. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriolog 34:31-34
9. DuFour, A.P. 1984. Health Effects Criteria for Fresh
Recreational Waters. EPA-600/1-84-004.
10. Levin, M.A., J.K. Fisher & V.J. Cabelli. 1975. Membrane
Filter Technigue for Enumeration of Enterococci in Marine
Waters. Appl. Microbiol. 30:66-71.
11. DuFour, A.P. 1980. Abstracts Annual Meeting American Society
for Microbiology, Q69.
12. Bonnefont, Y.P. et al. 1990. Experimental Studies on the
Survival of Fecal Bacteria from Urban Sewage in Seawater
Wat. Res. 24:267-273.
-------
TABLE 1
FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES > 50 PER 100ML
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1994
OBS. STATION DATE VALUE
1 JC14 080394 60
2 JC53 081794 56
3 JC92 062294 70
4 JC96 081094 . 78
-------
TABLE 2
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF FECAL COILFORM DENSITIES
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1994
OBS
STATION
GEO MEAN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
JC01A
JC03
JC05
JC08
JC11
JC13
JC14
JC21
JC24
JC26
JC27
JC30
JC33
JC35
JC37
JC41
JC44
JC47A
JC49
JC53
JC55
JC57
JC59
JC61
JC63
. JC65
JC67
JC69
JC73
JC74
JC75
JC77
JC79
JC81
JC83
JC85
JC87
JC89
JC92
JC93
JC95
JC96
JC97
JC99
1.22106
1.27880
1.00000
1.14870
1.74110
1.35566
1.55056
1.18017
1.32991
2.48214
1.31951
1.00000
1.29444
1.09682
1.72774
1.10409
1.04729
1.00000
1.19786
3.76698
1.00000
1.00000
1.09682
1.00000
1.09682
1.14912
1.04729
1.07599
1.14778
1.30551
1.57889
1.47142
1.00000
1.23773
1.21064
1.23773
1.23860
1.21064
1.99325
1.21064
1.21064
3.64612
1.05477
1.00000
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
0
0
0
0
0
MAXIMUM
20
20 v
1
4
16
12
60
3
24
24
16
1
24
2
11
4
2
1
5
56
1
1
4
1
4
7
2
3
6
4
20
7
1
4
4
8
20
4
70
4
12
78
2
1
N
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
14
14
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
14
15
15
13
13
12
11
13
13
13
13
14
13
13
13
13
13
13
12
-------
FIGURE 1
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1994
ao
70 -
60
50
40
30
20 -
10
0
LEGEND
STATIONS
ODD MAXIMUM -A—6—i!r MEAN
-------
TABLE 3
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1994
OBS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
STATION
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
MEAN
1.27694
1.11253
1.11253
2.12412
1.00000
1.05477
1.11253
1.64195
1.75675
1.00000
1.05946
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.38071
1.00000
1.18921
1.46281
1.25992
1.25992
1.20094
1.18921
1.00000
1.05946
1.00000
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
MAXIMUM
8
4
4
20
1
2
4
12
6
1
2
1
1
1
1
48 '
1
4
8
8
4
9
4
1
2
1
N
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
12
12
12
12
12
12
- 12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
-------
FIGURE 2
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1994
so H
40
30
20
10
s*~-\ A
/\' '
"H & H B
T 1 1 1 1 1 I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 T~ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I T
n n H n n n in n H i n n n
LEGEND
STATIONS
D Q MAXIMUM -A—&—A- MEAN
-------
TABLE 4
ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES > 35 PER 100ML
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1994
OBS STATION DATE VALUE
1 JC92 062294 36
-------
TABLE 5
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1994
OBS
STATION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
JC01A
JC03
JC05
JC08
JC11
JC13
JC14
JC21
JC24
JC26
JC27
JC30
JC33
JC35
JC37
JC41
JC44
JC47A
JC49
JC53
JC55
JC57
JC59
JC61
JC63
. JC65
JC67
JC69
JC73
JC74
JC75
JC77
JC79
JC81
JC83
JC85
JC87
JC89
JC92
JC93
JC95
JC96
JC97
JC99
GEO MEAN
1.04729
,00000
,09682
,00000
,00000
1.04729
1.04729
00000
00000
1.31951
1.11326
.14870
.04729
.09682
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1.16013
,10409
,00000
,00000
1.04729
1.28297
,00000
11326
00000
,14870
,00000
,00000
,00000
,00000
,05477
1.13179
1.67277
1.10503
00000
21064
05477
1.14778
1.16013
1.14778
1.71136
1.14778
05477
02455
00000
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
2,
1,
1.09587
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
0
0
0
0
0
MAXIMUM
N
2
1
4
1
1
2
2
1
1
16
5
4
2
4 i
4
4
1
1
2
7
1
5
1
4
1
1
1
1
2
5
20
3
1
12
2
3
4
3
36
3
2
25
1
3
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
is
15
14
14
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
14
15
15
13
13
12
11
13
13
13
13
14
13
13
13
13
13
13
12
-------
FIGURE 3
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1994
40 H
30 -
20 -
10
LEGEND
STATIONS
ODD MAXIMUM -A—i!j—tfr MEAN
-------
OBS
TABLE 6
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1994
STATION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
LIC01
LIC02
LIC03
LIC04
LIC05
LIC07
LICO8
LIC09
LIC10
LIC12
LIC13
LIC14
LIC15
LIC16
LIC17
LIC18
LIC19
LIC20
LIC21
LIC22
LIC23
LIC24
LIC25
LIC26
LIC27
• LIC28
MEAN
MINIMUM
1.17346
1.31454
1.24899
1.38854
1.13179
1.00000
1.08818
1.23008
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.09587
1.18921
1.12246
1.00000
1.09587
1.12246
1.00000
1.18921
1.09587
1.05946
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
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
N
4
7
9
12
5
1
3
4
1
1
1
3
8
2 '
1
3
4
1
4
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
12
12
12
12
- 12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
-------
FIGURE 4
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1994
GEO
LEGEND
STATIONS
•a—B—B- MAXIMUM -A—A—£• MEAN
l l I I I T
m n m n m n n i n m m
-------
APPENDIX B
Summary of Phytoplankton Blooms and
Related Conditions in New Jersey
Coastal Waters
Summer of 1994
-------
NJ Department of Environmental Protection and Energy
Division of Science and Research
CN 422, Trenton, NJ 08625-0422
WATER MONITORING MANAGEMENT
James Mumman, Administrator
October 1995
ANNUAL SUMMARY OF PHYTOPLANKTON BLOOMS
AND RELATED CONDITIONS
IN NEW JERSEY COASTAL WATERS
SUMMER OF 1994
Water Monitoring Method Prepared By:
Paul Olsen
Project Manager
Paul Olsen
Bureau of Water Monitoring
Biomonitoring Unit
-------
ANNUAL SUMMARY OF PHYTOPLANKTON BLOOMS
AND RELATED CONDITIONS
IN NEW JERSEY COASTAL WATERS
SUMMER OF 1994
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ENERGY
DIVISION OF SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
OFFICE OF WATER MONITORING MANAGEMENT
BUREAU OF WATER MONITORING
BIOMONITORING UNIT
-------
ANNUAL SUMMARY OF PHYTOPLANKTON BLOOMS
AND RELATED CONDITIONS
IN NEW JERSEY COASTAL WATERS
SUMMER OF 1994
INTRODUCTION
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) each
summer monitors phytoplankton assemblages and red tide blooms in
its coastal waters and major estuaries with regard to water quality
conditions. This information, obtained cooperatively with the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region II, is summarized for
the 1994 season. These results complement the dissolved oxygen and
sanitary bacteriological data also gathered during their annual New
York Bight Water Quality Survey [1] and the Coastal Cooperative
Monitoring Program (CCMP) involving DEP and the shore county health
agencies [2].
Routine helicopter surveillance and sample collections in coastal
waters of the New York Bight commenced in 1977 following the
massive offshore Ceratium tripos bloom, which was associated with
oxygen depletion and consequent widespread fish mortalities [3].
Prior to this, beginning in 1973, the NJDEP and the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS) Sandy Hook Laboratory conducted an
intensive phytoplankton survey of the New Jersey northern estuarine
and coastal area [4]. Red tides caused by a few species of
phytoflagellates have been recurrent in this region since the early
1960's. The blooms often extended from the Hudson-Raritan estuary
southward along the N.J. coast, sometimes as far as Shark River or
beyond. The blooms have been associated with hypertrophication in
the region [5]. Adverse effects were usually only aesthetic in
nature, albeit occasional fish kills via hypoxia, or complaints by
bathers o'f minor irritation, did result. Gonyaulax tamarensis,
causative species of paralytic shellfish poisoning within the
northwestern Atlantic region, has been found in New Jersey, but
only in very low concentrations [6]. A history of bloom events in
New Jersey waters, and the phytoplankton species involved, is given
in previous reports [1].
The dinoflagellate green tides of 1984-85, caused by Gyrodinium cf
aureolum [7], were the first serious blooms along the southern New
Jersey coast. Also in 1985, yellowish - brown water caused by the
chlorophyte, Nannochloris atomus, became conspicuous in the
Barnegat Bay system and has recurred each subsequent summer [8] .
Following these events, routine surveillance was expanded southward
from Island Beach to Cape May. In more recent years, major
phytoflagellate red tides have been confined primarily to the
Hudson-Raritan estuary; the dominant species has been Katodinium
rotundatum. These have usually occurred in early summer followed
by blooms of several diatom species both in the major estuaries
(with the exception of Barnegat Bay) and, to a lesser degree, along
the New Jersey coast [1].
-------
METHODS
The current survey encompasses the entire New Jersey coastal region
including the major estuaries at the northern and southern
extremes. Fourteen stations selected from the .USEPA New York
Bight, N.J. beach network (Figure 1) were sampled for phytoplankton
concurrently with bacteriological sampling. In 1994, due to
personnel limitations, samples were collected only seven times, in
the following sequence: late May (pre-Memorial Day) - eight sites
including all of those in Raritan/Sandy Hook Bay and the NJ coast
south to Island Beach; mid June (about the equinox) - same as late
May; early July (pre July 4th)- twelve estuarine and coastal
locations, complementing the full sampling range to Cape May,
including RB56A, 51A and 15 in Raritan/Sandy Hook Bay, all coastal
locations in Figure 1, Barnegat Bay and Delaware Bay; mid July -
eight sites, including three in Raritan/Sandy Hook Bay (RB56A, 51A
and 15) and five coastal locations south to Cape May County (JC11,
33, 57, 75, 83); end of July/start of August-same as mid July; mid
August-same as mid July; early September (pre Labor Day) — same as
pre-July 4th.
Field collections via helicopter were made as in previous years by
members of the USEPA, Region II Monitoring and Surveillance Branch
(Edison NJ) . Samples were taken at a one meter depth using a
Kemmerer sampler. Coastal stations were sampled just outside the
surf zone. Water aliquots for phytoplankton species
composition/chlorophyll a remained iced, to be analyzed within 48
hours of collection. All procedures were in accordance with DEPE
standard field methods [9]. Phytoplankton identification, cell
counts, a/id chlorophyll a analysis were performed according to
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the DEP Aquatic
Biomonitoring Laboratory.
-------
1994 Highlights
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
May 25 - June 15:
June 15 - June 29;
June 29 - September 1:
July 13 - August 3:
Blooms of diatoms from Raritan Bay
through Sandy Hook Bay to the northern
Monmouth County coast; Asterionella
glacialis dominant; Skeletonema
costatum, flagellate Chroomonas
amphioxiea, chlorophytes Chlorella sp.
and Nannochloris atomus abundant; 5.
costatum and C. amphioxiea present in
significant numbers along the coast of
Ocean County.
Mixed blooms of flagellates and
chlorophytes from Raritan and Sandy Hook
Bays, extending along the Monmouth
County coast; flagellates Eutreptia
lanowii (a euglenoid) and Tetraselmis
sp. abundant; diatoms Cyclotelia sp. and
Thalassoiosira nordenskioldii abundant
in Raritan Bay, Cerataulina pelagica
common from there along the coast to
southern Monmouth County; a few diatom
species and N. atomus present along the
Atlantic - Cape May County oceanfront; a
diversity of species in Delaware Bay,
both diatoms and flagellates;
Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the
chlorophyte N. atomus dominant; diatoms
Thalassiosira sp, Pleurosigma sp, and
Gyrodinium sp (a dinoflagellate)
abundant.
Blooms of N. atomus ongoing in Barnegat
Bay; diatoms Nitzschia sp.,
Cylilndrotheca closteriujn, and the
flagellate Calyconionas ovalis, abundant;
greenish-brown water discoloration
observed.
Mixed blooms, primarily of diatoms, from
Raritan to Sandy Hook Bay, S. costatum,
T. nordenskioldii, Chaetoceros sp, and
the euglenoid E. lanowii dominant; other
flagellates Euglena sp. and
Olisthodiscus luteus, and chlorophytes
abundant; resultant water discoloration
reported.
-------
August 17 - September 1: Blooms of the diatom, Thalassiosira
gravida in Raritan and Sandy Hook Bays
extending to the northern Monmouth
County coast; T. nordenskioldii, S.
costatum and flagellates E. lanowii and
Chroomonas spp. abundant there and, to a
lesser degree, southward to Ocean
County; Euglena sp. and Katodinium
rotundatum (a dinoflagellate) abundant
along the Atlantic and Cape May County
coast, with several diatom species also
present; in Delaware Bay, again an
abundance and diversity of diatom
species with a bloom of N. atomus and
presence of several flagellate species.
Phytoplankton Species Composition
A list of major phytoplankton species for the 1994 season, with
notes on occurrence and distribution, is presented in Table 1;
spatial and temporal succession of dominant species are included.
Species considered dominant occurred often in cell concentrations
greater than 103 ml"1. Blooms occurred when densities of one or
more dominants approached or exceeded 104 cells ml'1;
concentrations of this magnitude tend to impart visible
coloration to the water, i.e. cause "red tide". Red tides in
this region historically have been attributed to blooms of
phytoflagellates, especially Olisthodiscus luteus, Katodinium
rotundatum and Prorocentrum spp. In recent years, however, blooms
of diatom species, most notably Skeletonema costatum and
Thalassiosira spp., have been responsible for brownish water
discoloration, with resultant accumulations of brown floe
following bloom collapse. Additionally, the euglenoid flagellate
Eutreptia lanowii has also attained dominant status. The most
intense red tides in recent years have been in Raritan-Sandy Hook
Bay, especially stations RB56A and 51A. In 1994 these occurred
during the June 15-August 13 period. The densest cell
concentration, with concomitant red to brown water, were detected
on the August 13 sampling date; dominant species included diatoms
S. costatum, Chaetoceros spp and Thalassiosira spp (maximum 2-2.5
X 104 ml'1) and E. lanovfii (max. 2.5 X 104 cells ml*1). For
Nannochloris, because of its minute size (<5um) the criterion for
blooms (105 ml"1) is an order of magnitude higher than for the
other species. Although N. Atomus has been abundant throughout
the region, especially in Raritan-Sandy Hook Bay, in recent years
its densities in Barnegat Bay (to >106 ml"1) have well exceeded
those in the other areas.
-------
Biomass Measurements
As opposed to species differential cell counts, chlorophyll a
measurements are reflective of total phytoplankton biomass. In
1994, seasonal variation, as well as highest levels, again were
greatest in the major estuaries at northern and southern extremes
of the New Jersey coast (Table 2, Figures 2 & 3). This is
attributed in part to tidal fluctuations, but more so to the
intense bloom pulses in these estuaries. Delaware Bay again had
the highest overall value, 107 mgrl"1 on August 31, 1995,
attributable to its normal diversity of diatoms, chlorophytes and
flagellates. Barnegat Bay again sustained moderately high
chlorophyll a levels, around 20 jngrl"1 in summer due to the
persistence of N. atomus. Although cell densities have been
considerably greater in Barnegat Bay than in the other estuaries,
the minute size of the dominant species (<5um) represents
considerably less biomass than the dominant species in other
areas. Mean chlorophyll a levels for the entire season are shown
for each station in Figure 3. Overall, values for 1994 were
slightly higher than those for 1993. In the coastal region,
certain sites (especially in Monmouth and Atlantic - Cape May
Counties) reflected estuarine influence, having somewhat higher
chlorophyll values than the others.
Environmental Factors
Given the ample nutrient supply of the inner New York Bight
(5,10), it is surprising that major phytoflagellate blooms have
not been more frequent in recent years, particularly in coastal
areas (the last being in 1985) . For the past few summers, major
red tides have been confined principally to the Hudson - Raritan
estuary; £hese have occurred primarily in early summer, preceded
and often followed by blooms of diatom species (1). In view of
the fact that diatoms are normally dominant during the cooler
months, the mid-summer shift from flagellate to diatom dominance
(as occurred in recent years) may have been weather-induced.
This is supported by the fact that the same diatom species were
abundant simultaneously in both the estuary and adjacent coastal
waters. Most of the phytoflagellate species encountered are
characteristically indigenous to the estuarine areas. The
abundance of diatoms in the bays, however, may reflect a
contribution from ocean waters via wind and tidal currents. The
nearshore waters of the New York Bight are subject to
considerably greater turbulence and slower warming than the
sheltered estuaries and embayments. Sustained southwesterly or
northeasterly winds can promote upwelling or downwelling
(respectively), and thus water column mixing, along the New
Jersey coast (10). National Weather Service regional data
indicates that conditions such as these have persisted in varying
degrees during the past several summers. Conversely, flagellate
blooms, or red tides, in the coastal waters have typically
developed under conditions of quiescence and warmth, which
promote water column stratification; likewise, the same
-------
conditions have prolonged the blooms in the estuaries and bays
(1,7,10). Diligent monitoring of current meteorological and
oceangraphic data (i.e. wind direction and velocity,
precipitation and sunlight, water column temperature and
salinity), thus could aid considerably in prediction of red tide
blooms in areas where they have historically occurred.
-------
REFERENCES
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1978-1992
(inclusive). New York Bight water quality, annual reports,
Summers of 1977-1990 (inc.). Region II, Surveillance and
Monitoring Branch, Edison, NJ.
2. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy
1988-1991 Inc.). The Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program,
1987-1990 (inc.). annual reports. Division of Water Resources,
Bureau of Water Monitoring, Trenton.
3. Swanson, R.L. and C. J. Sindermann (eds). 1979. Oxygen
Depletion and Associated Mortalities in the New York Bight, 1976.
NOAA Prof. Paper No. 11. Rockville, MD., 345 pp.
4. Olsen, P. and M. S. Cohn. 1979. Phytoplankton in Lower New
York Bay and Adjacent New Jersey Estuarine and Coastal Areas.
Bull. N.J. Acad. Sci. 24:59-70.
•
•
5. Mahoney, J.B. and J. J. A. McLaughliln, 1977. The Association
of Phytoflagellate Blooms in Lower New York Bay with
Hypertrophication. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 28:53-65.
6. Cohn, M.S., P. Olsen, J. B. Mahoney and E. Feerst. 1988.
Occurrence of the Dinoflagellate, Gonyaulax tamarensis, in New
Jersey. Bull N.J. Acad. Sci. 33:43-49.
7. Mahoney, J. B., Olsen, P. and M. Cohn. 1990. Blooms of a
Dinoflagellate Gyrodinium of aureolum in Ne Jersey coastal waters
and their occurrence and effects worldwide. J. coastal Res.
6:121-135'.
8. Olsen, P.S. 1989. Development and distribution of a brown-
watre algal bloom in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, with perspective
on resources and other red tides in the region. In Novel
phytoplankton blooms: causes and impacts of recurrent brown
tides and other unusual blooms, pp. 189-211. E. M. cosper, E. J.
Carpenter and V. M. Bricelj eds. Coastal and Estuarine Studies.
Springer-Verlag Berlin.
9. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy
(NJDEPE) 1992. Field Sampling Procedures Manual. NJDEPE,
Trenton, 360 pp. with Appendices.
10. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1986. An
Environmental Inventory of the New Jersey Coast/New York Bight
Relevant to Green Tide Occurrence. Prepared by Science
Applications International Corp. for USEPA, Region II, New York,
New York, 156 pp.
-------
MIL£S
Flgw* i. N»w JWMV co«*t •tattoo tooattom.
9«ndy Hook to Cap* M«y.
-------
Figure 2. Seasonal changes in Chlorophyll 'a' concentrations for the 1dd4 NJ coastal and estuanne phytoplankton
survey. Lines represent composite values for major segments of the survey region.
o J
NJ Coastal & Estuarlne Major Segments
Composite Chlorophyll 'a* values
25 May 15 Jun 30Jun 13Jul 03Aug
Sample Collection Date
18Aug
31 Aug
H/RE -a- MCC
OCC
BB
A/CMC -a- DB
H/RE • Hudson/Raritan Estuary (RB57,56A,51 A, 16,15)
MCC - Monmouth County coast (JC11,33)
OCC - Ocean County coast (JC57.65)
BB - Barnegat Bay (BB02)
A/CMC - Atlantic/Cap* May Counties coast (JC75,83,89,92)
DB - Delaware Bay (DB01)
-------
Figure 3. Mean Chlorophyll 'a* values for NJ coastal and estuarine stations north to south for the 19S4
season.
NJ Coastal and Estuarine Stations
Mean Chlorophyll 'a' values
RBS7 RB56A RBS1A RB16 RB1S X11 JC33 JC57 JC65 B802 JC7S JC83 JC89 DB01
Norirt<—Station—> South
-------
Table 1. Major phytoplankton species found in the 1994 New Jersey coastal and estuarine survey with
notes on occurrence and distribution. An asterisk (*) denotes species which were dominant
or abundant, exceeding cell concentrations of 103al~l at soae tiae during the sampling
period. Two asterisks (**) denote species which blooaed, approaching or exceeding 10 cells
ml"1. For iBJinochloris. because of its minute size (1.5-3.0 UB), these criteria are incrased
by a factor of ten. Other species listed occurred coaaonly, although not usually in
in abundance. Spatial and temporal distribution of dominants is included; for genera with
more than one species on the list, a capital letter following the name indicates the species
which attained dominance.
Diatoas
Leptocylindrus danicus (A)
L. minimus (B)
Skeletoneaa costatua**5
Cyclotella sp.*2'5
Thalassiosira sp.5
T. gravida**5(A)
T. nordenskioldii**5(B)
Eucaapia zoodiacus
Cerataulina pelagica*
Chaetoceros spp."~
Rizosolwiia «p. (setigera)
AsterioMlla glacialis"5
Guinardia flaccida
Ditylua Urightwelli
Navicula sp.
Pleurosigaa sp.
Nitzschia sp.*
N. seriata (A)
Phaeodactylua tricornutun*
Cylindrotheca closteri.un**
Dinoflagellates
Prorocentrum ouniaua
1.5
P. triestinun (redfieldi)
Dinophysis acuta3
CymnodiniuB spp.
Gyrodiniua spp.
KatodiniuB rotundatua*1'
1.5
Heterocapsa triquetra
Oblea rotunda
ProtoperidiniuB sp.1
P. trochoideuB
Ceratiua spp.
Other Phytoflagellates
Olisthodiscus luteus* '
Calycoaonas ovalis
Chrysochroaulina sp.2
PyraaiBonas spp.2
Tetraselais sp.2
Euglena sp.*(proxiaa)*
Eutreptia lanowii*» (A)
E. viridis!(B)
CryptoBonas sp.5
Chrooaonas aaphioxiea*5(A)
C. ainuta«2(B)
C. vectensis (C)
Nonaotile Coccoids
Chlorella spp.*
Nannochloris atoaus**
2,4
Footnotes:
1 - historically responsible for red tides in the region
2 - priaarily estuarine
3 - priaarily coastal
4 - nost predominate in Barnegat Bay
5 - most abundant in Raritan/Sandy Hook Bay and adjacent NJ coastal waters
-------
Table 1. (continued)
LOCATION
SAMPLING DATES
North
Bar it an RB57
Bay RB56A
RB51A
Sandy RB16A
Hook
Bay RB1S
Monnouth JC11
County
coast
JC33
Ocean JC57
County
coast JC6S
Barnegat BB2,
Bay
spring
May 25
Skeletoneaa*
Asterionella**
Chrooaonas A*
Chlorella*
Nannochloris*
Skeletonema
Asterionella**
Cerataulina
Chroooonas A
Chlorella
Asterionella*
Chrooaonas A
Skeletoneaa
Chrooaonas A
early suaaer
June 15,29
Cyclotella*
Thalassiosira B*
Cerataulina
Olisthodiscus
Eutreptia A**
Chlorella*
Nannochloris**
Cerataulina
Asterionella
Tetraselnis*
Eutreptia A**
Chlorella
Nannochloris*
Cyclotella
Cerataulina
Tetraselais
Eutreptia
Chlorella
Leptocylindrus A
Ceratiua
Nannochloris
Bidsuiaer
July 13, August 3
Skeletoneaa"
Thalassiosira A,B*
Chaetoceros**
Euglena*
Eutreptia A**B
Olisthodiscus*
Chlorella*
Nannochloris*
Skeletoneaa*
Thalassiosira A,B«*
Chaetoceros
Olisthodiscus
CalycoBonas
Nannochloris*
Thalassiosira B*
Skeletoneaa*
Asterionella*
Chroovjonas
Chlorella
Thalaasiosira B
ChrooBonas
Chlorella
late sumner
August 17 .September
Thalaasiosira A**B*
Sk«l«toneBa
Iutr«ptia A*
ChrooBonas A*B*C
Nannochloris"
Thalassiosira A**B*
Skeletoneaa
CalycoBonas
Chlorella
•'.
Thalassiosira A*,B
Cerataulina
Rhizosolenia
Nitzschia A
ChrooBonas
Leptocylindrus
Rhizosolenia
Nitzschia A
Eutreptia
Chrooaonas A
Nitzschia*
Cylindrotheca
Calycoaonas
Nannochloris**
Atlantic JC75
County
coast
Cap* Hay JCM
County
coast JCM
Delaware DB1
Bay
capeshore
Skeletoneaa
Thalassiosira
Nitzschia
Nannochloris
Leptocylindrus B
Thalassiosira*
Navicula
Pleurosigna*
PhaeodactyluB*
GyrodiniuB*
Nannochloris**
Skeletonesa
Skeletoneaa
Euglena*
Eutreptia A
Katodinium*
Leptocylindrus A
Skeletoneaa
Nitzschia A
Katodiniua*
Thalassiosira*
Skeletoneaa
Nitzschia*
Olisthodiscus
Cryptoaonas
Nannochloris**
South
-------
Table 2. Chlorophyll 'a1 (mg/m3) for the 1994 NJ coastal and estuarine phytoplankton survey.
25 May 15Jun 30Jun 13Jul 03Aug 18Aug 31 Am
Mean
H/RE - Kudson/Raritan Estuary (RB57.56A.51 A.16,15)
MCC - Monmouth County coast (JC11.33)
OCC - Ocean County coast (JC57.65)
BB - Barnegat Bay (BB02)
A/CMC • Atlantic/Cape May Counties coast (JC75.83.89)
OB • Delaware Bay (DB01)
-------
APPENDIX C
Daily Floatables Observations
for the Summers of 1994
-------
Dailv Floatable Observations. 1994
May 15 - June 3. 1994
The New York Harbor Complex was monitored for floatables a total
of seventeen times during the period of May 16 - June 3, 1994.
The New York Harbor was clear of significant floatables on May
16, 17, 18, 20, 27, 30, 31, and June 1, 2, and 3.
On May 19, two small patches of floatables were reported in the
Hudson River and under the Verrazano Bridge.
On May 21, a light density slick, 2000 feet by 5 feet, consisting
of plastic and reeds, was reported east of Pralls Island.
Scattered floatables consisting of large wood and plastic, were
reported throughout Newark Bay with a heavy concentration around
Bergens Point, on May 23. Light scattered Debris was reported in
the Arthur Kill. A one mile slick line of scattered
floatables, large wood and plastic, was reported north of the
Holland Tunnel in the middle of the Hudson River, on May 23.
On May 24, a heavy amount of scattered floatables were reported
in the Arthur Kill, the Kill Van Kull, Newark Bay, Upper New York
Harbor, and the Hudson River. The heaviest concentration
occurred in the Middle of Newark Bay near green buoy #3 running
North for approximately 1 mile. The floatables consisted mostly
of large wood, plastic, and timbers. The Army Corps of Engineer
vessel's the Hayward and the Driftmaster, were observed cleaning
up slicks in the Kill Van Kull and the Upper New York Harbor.
On May 25, a slick approximately 200 meters in length, was
reported in Newark Bay, and scattered debris was reported in the
Lower New York Harbor.
On May 26, large slicks were reported in the south east end of
Newark Bay and the east side of the Narrows, off Brooklyn and
just north of the Verrazano Bridge. Both slicks were of moderate
density, approximately one and a half miles long, and consisted
of large wood, plastic, timbers and scum. Scattered debris was
reported in the Arthur Kill and Gravesend Bay.
On May 28, a slick approximately 100 feet long, consisting mostly
of reeds and some plastic was reported in the Verrazano Narrows.
June 4 - June 10. 1994
The New York Harbor Complex was monitored for floatables a total
of six times during the period of June 4 - June 10, 1994.
-------
The New York Harbor was clear of significant floatables on June
4, and 9.
Scattered debris was reported in Newark Bay, on June 6; and in
the Upper New York Harbor, on June 7.
On June 8, floatables were sighted at red buoy 6 in Newark Bay.
The slick was of moderate density and approximately 100 feet long
and 50 feet wide. The slick consisted of wood, plastic, and
scum. One mile north of the Verrazano Bridge in the middle of
the Harbor was a 100 ft. x 50 ft. patch. The patch was very
dense and consisted of large wood pieces, plastic, and other
scattered debris.
On June 10, floatables were sighted in the Narrows west of red
buoy 20A and one mile north of the Verrazano Bridge. The slick
was 5 feet wide and 1/4 mile long. The slick consisted of wood,
plastics, and scum.
June 11 - June 17. 1994
rt
The New York Harbor Complex was monitored for floatables a total
of five times during the period of June 11 - June 17, 1994.
On June 11, a slick was reported just north of the Verrazano
Bridge. It was approximately 200 meters long and 3 meters wide
consisting of plastics, wood, and grass.
On June 13, west of Pralls Island, scattered debris was reported
approximately 1/2 mile long and 1 meter wide. Northeast of the
Verrazano bridge oil was sighted along the shoreline.
•
On June 14, oil was sighted in the Arthur Kill from red buoy 36
to the ships graveyard. Oil was also sighted in the New York
Harbor at green buoy 3.
On June 15, floating timbers were seen under the Verrazano
Bridge. In Gravesend Bay light scattered debris was reported
approximately 1/4 mile offshore.
On June 17, in the Verrazano Narrows and in the Gravesend Bay
area light patches of scattered debris was reported highly
dispersed.
June 18 - June 24. 1994
The New York Harbor Complex was monitored for floatables a total
of five times during the period of June 18 - June 24, 1994.
Light scattered debris was reported in the Arthur Kill and
Jamaica Bay, on June 20.
-------
Light dispersed floatables covering one half a mile was reported
in the Hudson River and Jamaica Bay, on June 21.
On June 22, scattered debris was reported in Newark Bay and the
Hudson River.
On June 23, in Newark Bay a light dispersement of wood planks and
logs was seen between red buoys 6 and 8. The slick was
approximately one mile long beginning at the mouth of the Bay.
The East River.contained a light slick consisting of wood and
plastic. The slick went from the Brooklyn Bridge to the
Manhattan Bridge. Scattered debris was reported in the Kill Van
Kull.
On June 24, there was a slick in the Arthur Kill 1/4 mile long
containing wood, plastic, and grass. Across from the Freshkills
Landfill was an oil slick approximately 1/2 mile long which also
contained logs and branches. A slick was reported in Newark Bay,
approximately 1 and 1/4 miles long, starting at red buoy 6 and
extending to a 1/4 mile past red buoy 8. The slick contained-
large logs, planks, tree stumps, grass and plastic and/consisted
of four dense patches. The largest patch was 20 feet long and 5
feet wide. Also in Newark Bay just west of the Bayonne Bridge
was a small, medium density slick consisting of wood and grass.
It was about 200 feet in length.
June 25 - July 1. 1994
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatables a total of five times during the period of June 25 -
July l, 1994.
*
The New York/New Jersey Harbor was clear of significant
floatables on June 28, and July 1.
On June 27, an oil sheen approximately 1/4 mile long was reported
in the East River northwest of the Willamsburg Bridge.
On June 29, scattered debris was reported in the Arthur Kill and
Gravesend Bay.
On June 30, a slick approximately 200 yards long and 5 feet wide
was reported north of the Goethals Bridge. It consisted of
household debris, reeds and wood.
July 2 - Julv 8. 1994
The New York Harbor Complex was monitored for floatables a total
of seven times during the period of July 2 - July 8, 1994.
The New York Harbor was clear of significant floatables on July
2, 3, 4, and 6.
-------
On July 5, on the north side of the Upper Harbor a light slick
consisting of scattered wood, plastic, and paper was reported. A
large patch was reported just south of Governor's Island.
On July 7, at the mouth of Newark Bay extending from green buoy 5
to red buoy 2, was a scattered slick consisting of reeds, wood,
sticks, and plastic. In the middle of the Kill Van Kull was a
1/4 mile long slick consisting of wood, reeds, and paper. One
quarter mile off of the Brooklyn shore in the Verrazano Narrows
was a mile long moderately dense slick consisting of wood, reeds,
paper, and plastic.
On July 8, in the Newark Bay between red buoy 6 and red buoy 8
was a 75 meter long slick consisting of several wood planks logs
and scattered debris. In the Verrazano Narrows a 100 meter long
slick around red buoy 22 consisting of wood, paper, and plastic,
was reported.
July 9 - July 15. 1994 v
The New York Harbor Complex was monitored for floatablss a total
of six times during the period of July 9 - July 15, 1994.
The New York Harbor was clear of significant floatables on July
11, 12 and 14.
On July 9, a slick was reported in the southern portion of Newark
Bay. The slick was approximately 200 yards long and 5-10 feet
wide. It consisted of reeds, wood, and household debris. In the
Upper New York Harbor, just west of Governor's Island, a 200 yard
slick was reported consisting of reeds, wood, and household
debris. -Scattered debris was reported in the Arthur Kill.
On July 13, scattered pieces of paper and plastic were reported
at green buoy 3 south of Governor's Island. In Gravesend Bay,
light scattered debris was reported shoreward of buoy A.
On July 15, a light slick was reported in Gravesend Bay near
yellow buoy A. It was approximately 500 feet long consisting of
wood, plastic, and paper.
July 16 - Julv 22. 1994
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatables a total of six times during the period of July 16 -
July 22, 1994.
The New York/New Jersey Harbor was clear of significant
floatables on July 22.
Minor dispersed floatables were reported in the Arthur Kill,
Newark Bay, East River, and Lower New York Harbor, on July 16.
-------
On July 18, a half mile long oil sheen in the mouth of the Arthur
Kill was reported. A light density slick approximately 200 ft
long near red buoy 16, in Newark Bay, was reported.
On July 19, a light density slick, west of the Bayonne Bridge,
containing wood, paper, and plastic was reported. In the Hudson
River south of the Holland tunnel a 50 foot long medium density
slick, containing wood, plastic, and paper, was reported.
On July 20, scattered debris was reported in the Upper New York
Harbor, were a Corps of Engineers vessel was on sight.
On July 21, in the Arthur Kill a light density oil sheen was
reported beginning just south of the Fresh Kills landfill
extending to Pralls Island. In the Kill Van Kull a light density
150 foot long slick, containing wood, paper, and plastic, was
reported. A light density slick 100 feet long, was reported one
half mile north of the Verrazano Bridge. Scattered Debris was
reported in the East River.
Incidents
NJDEP reported floatables washing ashore on the New Jersey coast
from Asbury to Barnegat, early in the week. NJDEP accompanied
the EPA helicopter crew, including two Discovery Students, and
video taped parts of the coast, on Wednesday, July 20. A small
amount of floatables was observed scattered in the surf zone,
throughout the coast. No floatables were observed on the beach.
An oil spill was reported in the Delaware River in Gloucester
County New Jersey, just south of the Philadelphia airport, on
Wednesday, July 20. The oil had spread into a sheen covering 50
percent of the river for approximately 2 miles north and south of
the tanker. A cleanup crew was on sight. The EPA helicopter
crew took pictures for ERRD.
July 23 - July 29. 1994
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatable* a total of six times during the period of July 23 -
July 29, 1994.
The New York/New Jersey Harbor was clear of significant
floatables on July 23 and 26.
Small amounts of scattered debris was reported in Newark Bay, on
July 25; in the Upper Harbor on July 28; and in the Arthur kill
on July 27, 28, and 29.
-------
July 30 - August 5. 1994
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatables a total of six times during the period of July 30 -
August 5, 1994.
The New York/New Jersey Harbor was clear of significant
floatables on July 30, and August 1 and 5.
On August 2, a slick was reported on the northwest side of
Governor's Island approximately 200 feet long and 3 f««t wide.
It consisted of wood and plastic. Garbage was seen washing
ashore at Coney Island. It was moderately dispersed and
consisted of household debris and plastic.
On August 3, light scattered debris was reported in Gravesend Bay
and off Coney Island shoreline.
On August 4, a light slick consisting of household debris, paper
and plastics was reported at Coney Island. It was approximately
300 yards long and 2 feet wide.
August 6 - August 12. 1994
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatables a total of six times during the period of August 6 -
August 12, 1994.
The New York/New Jersey Harbor was clear of significant
floatables on August 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Minor dispersed floatables were reported in Jamaica Bay, the Kill
Van Kull, and off Coney Island shoreline, on August 6.
On August 8, in the Arthur Kill, a 1/2 mile light slick extending
south of red buoy 30 containing wood and paper was reported.
Also in the Arthur Kill a light density slick between red buoy 30
and red buoy 32 containing wood and paper was reported. In
Newark Bay a slick containing wood and paper beginning at red
buoy 2 extending to green buoy 7 was reported. On the northwest
side of Governors Island densely scattered debris, approximately
1 1/2 mil*» long, consisting of wood, paper, and plastic was
reported. In the Verrazano Narrows a dense slick consisting of
wood, paper, and plastic approximately 300 yards long was
reported.
August 13 - August 19. 1994
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatables a total of six times during the period of August 13 -
19, 1994.
-------
The New York Harbor was clear of significant floatables on August
15, 16, 18, and 19.
On August 13, a moderately dense slick, approximately one mile
long, was reported in Gravesend Bay. The slick consisted of
plastic and wood. Dispersed floatables were reported in the East
River.
Scattered debris was reported in Newark Bay and the Hudson River,
on August 17.
August 20 - 26. 1994
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatables a total of five times during the period of August 20 -
26, 1994.
The New York Harbor was clear of significant floatables on August
24 and 26.
On August 20, a heavy density slick, approximately one ••mile long,
was reported in the middle of Newark Bay. The slick consisted of
plastic, tires, scum, and wood.
Light dispersed floatables were reported in Gravesend Bay, on
August 23 and 25.
August 26 - September 9. 1994
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatables a total of fourteen times during the period of August
26 - September 9, 1994.
The New York Harbor was clear of significant floatables on August
26, 27, 29, and September 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9.
Scattered debris was reported off the coastline of Coney Island,
on August 30; and in the Upper New York Harbor, on August 31.
On September 6, a light density slick, approximately 60 yards by
10 yards, vts reported along the Bayonne side of Newark Bay.
Slicks approximately one half and one quarter mile long were
reported in the Hudson River and the Upper Harbor. Scattered
debris was reported in the East River, Gravesend Bay, and off the
coastline of Coney Island. All slicks consisted of plastic,
leaves, scum, and wood.
An oily sheen, approximately 500 feet by 20-50 feet, was reported
just south of the Fresh Kills Landfill in the ship graveyard, on
September 7. Several patches of oil sheen were reported 100
yards north of the graveyard. Light scattered debris was
reported in the Verrazano Narrows.
-------
Small slicks, approximately 50 - 60 meters, were reported in
Newark Bay and the Upper New York Harbor, on September 9.
All oil sheens were reported to the US Coast Guard. All
floatables were reported to the Army Corps of Engineers or the
New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Cleanups
were conducted as necessary.
Floatable observation flights will continue on a lunar cycle
schedule - the day of and two days after a new or full moon
event.
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