CWA 10-3
'XLEAN
POLLUTION CONTROL
IN THE
RARITAN BAY AREA
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION • U. S DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
HUDSON-DELAWARE BASINS OFFICE, EDISON NEW JERSEY
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POLLUTION CONTROL IN THE RARITAN BAY AREA*
by
Lester M. Klashman, Kenneth H. Walker and Richard T. Dewling**
Introduction
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, provides
that pollution of interstate waters which endangers the health or
welfare of any person is subject to abatement under procedures
described in Section 10 (33 USC 466g) of the Act. On the basis of
reports, surveys and studies the Surgeon General of the Public
Health Service, having reason to believe that pollution of the inter-
state waters of Raritan Bay and adjacent waters was endangering the
health and welfare of persons of the States of New York and New Jersey,
called a conference on the pollution of these waters. The aim of such
a conference was to review the existing water quality problems, es-
tablish a basis for future action by all parties concerned, and to
give States, interstate agencies, localities and industries an op-
portunity to take any indicated remedial action under State and local
law.
* For presentation at the Conference on Water Quality Research,
Jerusalem, Israel, June 23-25, 1969.
** Lester M. Klashman, Regional Director, Northeast Region, U. S. Dept.
of the Interior, Federal Water Pollution Control Administration,
Boston, Mass.; Kenneth H. Walker, Director and Richard T. Dewling,
Laboratory Director, U. S. Dept. of the Interior, Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration, Hudson-Delaware Basins Office,
Edison, New Jersey.
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At the first session in August 1961, conferees requested a
study by the Public Health Service to obtain scientific data for
further control of pollution. Accordingly, the Raritan Bay Project
was established to carry out such a program. The second session of
the conference was held in May 1963. At that time the Project re-
viewed its activities through December 1962 and was requested by the
conferees to continue its studies. On January 1, 1966, Congress
transferred water pollution control activities from the Public Health
Service to the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration. In
May 1966, a Presidential reorganization transferred the Administration
to the Department of the Interior, which continued the Raritan Bay
Project. Final recommendations, which are presently being implemented,
were presented to the conferees for adoption in May 1967. In this in-
terim period, pending completion of proposed abatement procedures, sur-
veillance activities are being carried out by the Project staff.
Objective: Clean Water
The objective of the Project was to develop the scientific data
necessary for the conferees to establish an effective program for the
abatement and control of pollution in the study area (Figure 1),which
includes Lower,Sandy Hook and Raritan Bays, a portion of the Narrows,
Arthur Kill, the tidal reach of the Raritan River and other small tri-
butaries to the above mentioned waterways.
2
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FIGURE I
3
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Waters of the study area are presently utilized for industrial
water supply, navigation, commercial fin and shellfishing, and a
variety of recreational activities. However, full utilization of
these waters is presently restricted by unsuitable water quality.
The present estimated annual value of water use is $2.0 million; 90%
of which is associated with recreation. With suitable quality,
future potential value of these waters could be at least $19.0
million annually.
Studies of water currents and dispersion patterns indicate that
Raritan Bay is affected by materials discharged into waters outside
the immediate limits of the Project study area. Hence, the suggested
control program considered the study area as a part of a system which
includes Upper Bay, Kill Van Kull and Newark Bay.
Sources of Pollution
Major pollutional loads to the study waters are presented in Table I
Examination of these data indicates the large demand placed upon the
assimilative capacity of these waters by the discharge of treated and
untreated municipal and industrial wastes. Raritan Bay and Arthur Kill
receive directly more than 480 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastes
from a tributary population exceeding 1.3 million people. These discharge
represent a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) loading of 430,000 lbs/day.
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TABLE I
MUNICIPAL AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE LOADINGS1
Flow
Type Source M3D
Loadings (lbs/day)
Suspended
BOD Solids
Tributary
Population
Population
Equivalent
(BOD) Dis-
charged
DISCHARGES TO RARITAN BAY
Municipal
Industrial
Total
72"12/
°'l2/
72.2-'
182,500
2,500
185,000
40,560
507,800
1,069,200
14,700
1,083,900
DISCHARGES TO ARTHUR KILL
Municipal
Industrial
Total
81.8 ,
367 - 3—
W 9.1—'
138,360
104,640
243,000
55,350
831,000
812,750
615,000
1,427,750
DISCHARGES TO RARITAN RIVER
Municipal
Industrial
Total
2' °2/
85 .7—
87 .7—
1,605
70,100
71,707
845
20,365
9,430
421,000
430,430
DISCHARGES TO STUDY AREA
Municipal
Industrial
Total
155.9
453.1
609.0
322,465
177 ,240
499,705
96,755 1,359,165
1,891,380
1,050,700
2,942,080
DISCHARGES TO UPPER BAY
Municipal
Industrial
Total
915.9
N.D.
915.9
808,510 645,100 3,815,100 4,758,400
N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D.
808,510 645,100 3,815,100 4,758,400
NOTES: 1. Does not include additional wastes loadings from recreational and
commercial vessels, or from stormwater overflow.
2. Excludes flow from power generating industry.
3. No data available.
5
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The discharge of additional wastes in adjacent waters increases
the magnitude of impact of the direct loads. When discharges to
Upper Bay and Raritan River are included the total wastes volume ap-
proaches 1,500 MGD, which represents a BOD loading of greater than
1,300,000 lbs/day from a population exceeding 5.0 million people.
Contamination by pollutants other than BOD from these same
sources is also a significant problem. Bacteriological pollution
results from the discharge of more than 900 MGD of unchlorinated and
raw municipal wastes emanating from a tributary population of 3.8
million persons. Such pollution constitutes a definite hazard to the
health of persons having contact with these waters.
Nearly 75% of the total wastes volume is from industry. This
results in pollution of study waters by a variety of contaminants
in addition to oxygen consuming material. Pollutants such as oil,
phenol, phosphate and nitrogen result in unsightly conditions, destruc-
tion of desirable aquatic life, tainting of fish and shellfish and
eutrophication of the water.
Additional pollution results from the discharge of more than
1.0 billion gallons per day of "hot" cooling water from power genera-
ting plants adjacent to these waters. Further contamination occurs
in localized areas due to the discharge of wastes from recreational
and commercial vessels. The overflow of sewage from combined storm-
6
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sanitary sewer systems also represents an important factor in
pollution of these waters.
Investigative Program
Based upon a review of existing data a sampling program was
designed which would permit an evaluation of the variations in
water quality and long-term trends. The Project conducted an
intensive program, with weekly sampling at each station (Figure 2)
during the 13-month period from August 1962 through September 1963.
From September 1963 to May 1966 the Project conducted a surveil-
lance program which involved collecting of monthly samples at
selected stations in the Bay and Kill.
7
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511 513 514
RARITAN BAY PROJECT
SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS
RARITAN BAY,ARTHUR KILL
a UPPER HARBOR
BOAT STATION
SHORE STATION
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLAN
MILES
FIGURE 2
8
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The intensive sampling program was designed to permit mathe-
matical analyses of the variations noted in parameter values. The
surveillance operation was pursued so as to maintain updated water
quality data and to provide information on any changes which might
have occurred during the period of surveillance.
Major activities undertaken by the Project during this study
included, but were not necessarily limited to:
1. Simultaneous sampling of Raritan Bay,the Arthur Kill and
waste treatment plant effluents emptying into these waters so as
to permit assessment of relationships between the waste loads and
water quality.
2. Intensive bacteriological sampling of Raritan Bay and
shoreline, entrant waters, and wastewater treatment plants discharg-
ing to the Bay to determine bacterial densities.
3. Biological investigations designed to define the area
of biological degredation, with particular emphasis on the benthic
populations.
4. Chemical evaluation of the existing water quality in the
Bay as well as characterizing waste effluents, with particular
emphasis being on nutrients and the oxygen demanding components.
A number of special investigations were undertaken by the Project
to provide further data on water pollution problems in the study area.
Included were an examination of water movement and dispersion patterns
9
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within Raritan Bay; an evaluation of the effects on water quality of
combined sewer overflows; mathematical analyses to explain the varia-
tions found in the chemical and bacteriological analysis of Bay water
samples; a study of the relationship between chlorination of waste-
water treatment plant effluents and bacteriological densities in
Raritan Bay, determination of the bacteriological and chemical quality
of shellfish taken from the Bay; and isolation of certain pathogenic
bacteria from study area waters, sewage effluents and shellfish. Re-
sults of certain of these special investigations are discussed later
in this paper.
Photosynthesis - Key Element in Maintaining Bay DO
Variation in dissolved oxygen throughout the Bay, which has an
average chloride concentration of approximately 14,000 mg/1, was at-
tributed to a predominant annual variation with secondary effects
caused by tidal and diurnal cycles (Figure 3)- During the winter,
values throughout the Bay were 9-10 mg/1 with virtually no dissolved
oxygen gradient. During the spring months dissolved oxygen values
remained at these levels, however, concentration gradients began to
appear, with lower concentrations near the Narrows and near the con-
fluence of the Raritan River and Arthur Kill. During the summer period,
gradients were more pronounced with dissolved oxygen values ranging
from 10 mg/1 in the center of the Bay to 4 mg/1 in the vicinity of the
Narrows, Raritan River and Arthur Kill. During autumn the gradient
10
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RARITAN BAY PROJECT
DISSOLVED OXYGEN
SAMPLE DEPTH 5 FEET
MEAN FOR
AUG 1962 THROUGH SEPT 1964
MILES
¦ HttUHUAJa
FIC^jRE 3
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essentially disappeared and dissolved oxygen concentrations through-
out the Bay were on the order of 5 to 7 mg/1. From a dissolved
oxygen standpoint, autumn appears to be the most critical period
throughout the Bay, although near the Narrows and the junction
of the Raritan River and Arthur Kill, equally critical dissolved
oxygen levels were found during the summer.
Photosynthetic production of oxygen by marine organisms was a
major factor in maintaining Bay dissolved oxygen levels. Biological
surveys revealed that an increase in netplankton concentration was
accompanied by an increase in dissolved oxygen levels. Increases
in the zooplankton Dopulation, on the other hand, were accompanied
by decreasing dissolved oxygen levels with a simultaneous occurrence
of lowest dissolved oxygen concentrations and peak zooplankton pop-
ulations.
Respiration of the dominant zooplankters found during peak pop-
ulations utilized as much as 37 mg/1 per day of oxygen. This large
loss of oxygen due to respiration was offset, at least partially, by
simultaneous blooms of nanoplankton which are active oxygen producers.
Special studies were conducted at two stations in Raritan Bay to
determine the net effect of photosynthetic production and respiration
by marine organisms. The results, presented in Figure 4, suggests that
oxygen production in the Bay is essentially limited to the top 11 feet
with peak production occurring in the upper 6 feet. Between 38 and 55
12
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OXYGEN PRODUCTION, UPTAKE 8 YIELD
PHOTOSYNTHETIC ZONE
RARITAN BAY
8
AUGUST 1964 DISSOLVED OXYGEN
MILLIGRAMS PER LITER PER DAY
2 4 6
YIE
(
u>?
62 %)
/
h
*
1
/
rp\
iODUC'
ION
2 A
I 8
YIEl
<
D ^
45 %
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percent of the oxygen produced by photosynthesis was consumed by
respiration, with the remainder being made available to the waters
of the Bay.
Bacteriological Studies - Shellfish Plus Overlying Waters
Analyses were performed for both total and fecal coliform by
both the MPN and MF procedures and for fecal streptococcus by only
MF procedures. Figure 5 presents the mean MPN coliform count for
the Bay. High densities were found both in the vicinity of the
Narrows and at the junction of the Arthur Kill and Raritan River.
From these two sources coliforms appear to radiate out into the
Bay. Those stations with the lowest mean count formed an apparent
edge between the two radiating sources appearing as a straight band
running from Princess Bay, Staten Island, New York to Sandy Hook
Bay, New Jersey. Geometric mean counts for MPN confirmed coliform
ranged from 10,000/100 ml at the Narrows, and 7,000/100 ml at the
mouth of the Raritan River to less than 50/100 ml in Sandy Hook Bay.
The high fecal coliform densities and the ratio of fecal coliform to
fecal streptococcus group organisms, which are characteristic of human
feces, strongly suggested that contamination in the study area waters
resulted from human sources.
The Project conducted bacteriological analyses on 391 shellfish
samples taken from 50 stations throughout Raritan Bay. Analyses were
performed for MPN total coliform, MPN fecal coliform, and for the
presence of Salmonella bacteria. The results are summarized in Table II.
14
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RARITAN BAY PROJECT
MPN CONFIRMED COLIFORM
SAMPLE DEPTH 3 FEET
MEAN FOR
AUG 1962 THROUGH SEPT 1964
IOIS349
FIGURE 5
15
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1
2
3
4
6
7
10
13
14
15
16
17
18
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
36
TABLE II
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF SHELLFISH MEATS
Total CoHform, MPN/100 g. Fecal Coliform, MPN/100 g. Salmonella Isolations
No.
Min
Max
Geom
Mean
No.
Min
Max
Geom
Mean
No.
Serotypes
8
<20
490
180
8
<20
330
120
8
<20
1,700
550
8
<20
460
140
8
<20
2,300
700
8
<20
2,300
370
9
<20
24,000
3,200
9
<20
7,900
970
7
<20
17,000
5,700
7
< 20
13,000
3,100
4
S. st. paul; S.anatum;S.montevideo;
S. litchfield
8
<20
160,000
39,000
8
<20
92,000
16,000
2
S. oranienburg; S.derby
7
<20
35,000
8,700
7
<20
11,000
2,600
2
S.derby; S.infantis
6
<20
7 ,900
1,400
6
<20
2,300
410
8
<20
330
100
8
<20
130
45
8
<20
330
120
8
<20
20
20
8
<20
330
120
8
<20
230
52
9
<20
2,300
580
9
<20
790
210
7
<20
4,900
1,600
7
<20
1,300
350
7
<20
13,000
4,000
7
<20
2,300
1,100
6
<20
13,000
4,900
6
<20
3,300
1,300
1
S.derby
8
<20
3,300
1,200
8
<20
3,300
740
1
S.derby
8
<20
7 ,000
1,400
8
<20
790
260
8
<20
4,900
1,300
8
<20
1,300
280
9
<20
35 ,000
5,700
9
<20
3 ,300
1,000
1
S.tennessee
9
<20
16,000
2,800
9
<20
3,500
610
8
<20
3,300
1,000
8
<20
2,200
620
8
<20
1,300
600
8
<20
490
160
1
S.derby
7
<20
790
260
7
<20
490
110
7
<20
460
200
7
<20
170
71
8
<20
460
210
8
<20
230
95
8
<20
7 ,900
1,400
8
<20
950
320
7
<20
2 ,300
930
7
<20
790
350
8
<20
92,000
13,600
8
<20
35,000
4,700
1
S.derby
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37
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
56
57
58
61
73
TABLE II(Cont.)
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF SHELLFISH MEATS
Total Coliform, MPN/100 g. Fecal Coliform, MPN/100 g. Salmonella Isolations
No.
Min
Max
Geom
Mean
No.
Min
Max
Geom
Mean
No.
Serotypes
7
<20
24,000
6 ,600
7
< 20
4,900
1,700
1
S.anatum
9
<20
24,000
5,200
9
< 20
24,000
3,500
1
S.6,7:K mono.
8
<20
22,000
5,600
9
< 20
7 ,900
2,100
3
S.derby;S.anatum; S.6,7 non.mot.
9
<20
3,300
1,100
9
<20
490
150
8
<20
3,500
540
8
<20
310
70
7
< 20
490
150
7
<20
140
67
8
<20
2,300
630
8
<20
230
77
7
<20
490
190
7
<20
140
52
1
S.typhimur ium
8
<20
230
97
8
<20
80
31
8
<20
1,300
350
8
<20
230
76
2
S.6,7:non.mot; S.6,7:K mono.
8
<20
3,300
780
8
<20
790
150
8
<20
13,000
2,000
8
<20
1,300
300
8
<20
3,300
600
8
<20
490
92
7
<20
2,300
400
7
<20
2,300
340
7
<20
4,900
860
7
<20
460
110
8
<20
2 ,100
380
8
<20
130
37
7
<20
7,900
1,300
7
<20
490
90
7
<20
490
180
7
<20
170
44
2
S.infantis; S.muenchen
8
<20
4,900
820
8
<20
490
160
6
<20
3,300
1 ,200
6
<20
230
120
6
110
7,000
1 ,400
6
<20
4,600
820
6
<20
2,300
400
6
<20
170
45
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Samples from 12 of the 50 stations had geometric mean total
coliform densities greater than 2,400 per 100 grams of shellfish meat.
The geometric mean fecal coliform density in shellfish taken from these
same 12 stations ranged from 610 to 16,000 per 100 grams. The presence of
high total coliform densities appeared to show some correlation with water
temperature. None of the shellfish taken from waters with temperatures
less than 8.5°G had total coliform MPN's of 2,400 or more per 100 grams.
The 12 stations having geometric mean coliform densities greater than
2,400 per 100 grams were located in the northerly sector of the Bay in an
area extending generally south of Staten Island to and across the New York-
New Jersey state line.
Salmonellae were isolated from clam meats collected at 14 of the 50
sampling stations. Of these 14 stations, nine also showed geometric mean
total coliform densities greater than 2,400 per 100 grams of clam meat.
The geometric mean coliform density in shellfish from the other five
stations ranged from 180 to 1,200 per 100 grams. A total of 23 Salmonella
isolations were made with 13 serotypes identified. Salmonella derby was
the predominant serotype and was isolated in shellfish from seven of the
14 stations. Stations which showed the presence of Salmonella in the
clam meats covered two general areas, one of which corresponded with
the location of high coliform counts in the clam meats as described
above. The second area was located along the New York-New Jersey state
line, in an area bounded roughly by Great Kills, Staten Island, N. Y.,
and Keyport and Keansburg, N. J.
18
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Chemical analyses of meats from shellfish taken from these 50
sampling stations indicated high phenol and mineral oil concentra-
tions from a number of stations in the western sector of the Bay,
with highest values associated with those stations nearest the mouths
of the Arthur Kill and Raritan River. Specific analyses for a number
of metals, including copper, chromium, zinc and lead, and for pesti-
cide residues, revealed trace amounts in clam meats.
Pathogen Isolations from Sewage and Bay Waters
In an attempt to further evaluate the effects of Upper Bay and
the Narrows on the eastern portion of Raritan Bay, studies were under-
taken to isolate Salmonella and Shigella from sewers discharging into
the Narrows, and from the waters of Raritan Bay and the Narrows.
No isolations could be made of Shigella organisms but a number
of positive results were obtained for Salmonella. From October 1963
through April 1964, these organisms were isolated in four of seven
samples taken from a sewer which discharges raw municipal wastes from
Staten Island into Upper Bay just above the Narrows. Between October
1963 and July 1964 a total of 20 samples in the Narrows were analyzed,
40% of which were positive for Salmonella. A total of 15 different serotypes
were identified, and as many as seven different serotypes were isolated
from one sample. Areas of Staten Island shore closest to the Narrows
showed the greatest frequency of Salmonella isolation. Five of 13 samples
taken at South Beach were positive; at Midland Beach two of 14 samples
19
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showed Salmonella. No Salmonellae were recovered from samples
further west at the Miller Field beach areas. Some of the same
serotypes found in the Narrows were isolated from the bathing
area samples. Although a limited number of samples were analyzed,
the relatively small sample volume (2 liters) which was used for
these determinations suggest a substantial density in these areas.
Attempts were made to isolate Salmonella from various locations
in eastern Raritan Bay (See Figure 6) extending on a line from the
Narrows southerly towards Sandy Hook. Of the 16 stations sampled, 10
were positive. Of the 48 samples processed, 27% contained Salmonella,
and a total of 25 Salmonella isolations were made. S_. derby was the
predominant serotype, being isolated on eight different occasions, and
was also the predominant serotype in the samples collected at the
Narrows. Salmonellae were isolated below the Narrows as far as approx-
imately six miles south of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
Plankton and Benthic Populations Studied
During the period of study nanoplankton comprised 94% or more of
the total phytoplankton population. At all sampling stations (See
Figure 7) the nanoplankton population was high during the summer and
low in the winter. Nanoplankton blooms developed as water temperatures
increased sharply in May and June and showed peak densities coincident
with peak water temperatures. During summer blooms nanoplankton com-
prised as much as 99.9% of the total plankton population. Netplankton
20
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FIGURE 6
21
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FIGURE 7
22
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blooms occurred during the colder months, disappearing as tempera-
tures reached 8 or 9°C; hence, netplankton densities were lowest
during the summer and greatest in the spring. At their peak, spring
blooms of netplankton constituted 27 to 48% of the total plankton
population. In both 1962 and 1963 blooms of netplankton occurred
during the first week of October at Station 18. Such fall blooms
are a normal occurrence in coastal waters.
Phytoplankton populations were dominated by two algal species,
Nanochloris atomus and Skeletonema costatum. The former, a green
alga, comprised more than 50 to 99.9% of the nanoplankton community.
Skeletonema costatum, a diatom, comprised from less than 1.0 to more
than 99% of the netplankton population. During August and September
1962, and again in 1964, a dinoflagellate, Peridinium trochoidum,
numerically dominated the netplankton population. This alga was not
observed in quantitative samples collected during the summer of 1963.
Coincidental with plankton studies, levels of selected nutrients
were determined at each of the plankton stations. These selected
nutrients total phosphorous, nitrate, organic nitrogen, ammonia
were always present in amounts sufficient to support the observed
plankton populations.
Benthic Studies: Key Biological Tool
Benthic samples were collected in Raritan Bay (See Figure 8) and
subjected to both chemical and biological analyses. Sediments were
23
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classified according to median grain size. Those stations with
sediment composed of the smallest size particles had fewer animals
than those areas with the larger grain size.
The types of benthic organisms and their relative numbers are
presented in Table III. The polychaete, or segmented worms and anphi-
pod crustaceans were the dominant benthic organisms. Tube dwelling worms,
regarded as pollution tolerant organisms, were more numerous towards
Stations 62 and B, indicating a greater degree of pollution in that
area.
In May and August 1964, certain chemical analyses were performed
on samples of bottom sediment. A comparison was made between these
data and the average number of benthic species found at each station.
With the exception of Station H the results presented in Figure 9
indicate a general decline in the level of Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen,
BOD and GOD with increasing distance from the more polluted stations.
The higher concentrations at H were attributed to a small sewer outfall
located in the immediate vicinity. In general, fewer benthic species
were found at those stations having the higher concentrations of nitrogen.
Water Movement and Dispersion
Examination of the geographical structure of the study area suggests
the hydraulic complexity of the system, due to interconnections between
the bodies of water as well as other waters external to Raritan Bay and
Arthur Kill. Any satisfactory pollution control program developed for
Raritan Bay and Arthur Kill must be based on knowledge of the movement
25
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TABLE III
PERCENTAGE OF BENTHOS AT REPRESENTATIVE STATIONS
Station
62
Station
B
Station
29
Station
H
1964
PW
AC
SC
0
PW
AC
SC
0
PW
AC
SC
0
PW
AC
SC
Feb.
0
0
0
0
76
6
0
18
67
17
0
16
8
92
0
May
100
0
0
0
65
15
0
20
33
66
0
1
15
85
0
Aug.
0
0
100
0
35
28
10
27
7k
19
7
0
55
38
0
PW = Polychaete Worms
AC = Amphipod Crustaceans
SC = Soft Shell Clams
0 = Others: All types of organisms that comprised separately less than
5% of the total.
26
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RARITAN BAY PROJECT
CHEMICAL 6 BIOLOGICAL SEDIMENT ANALYSIS
MAY AND AUGUST 1964
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FIGURE 9
27
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of waters between these various bodies so as to recognize probable paths
of flow of pollutional materials. Accordingly, the Project conducted
investigations of water movement by tracer dye studies, geological in-
vestigations, and by reviewing available hydraulic model data.
Dye studies provided information on water movement and dispersion
characteristics under conditions actually observed at the time of
each dye release.
Dye release studies were made in the Raritan River, Arthur Kill,
westerly portion of Raritan Bay and in Upper Bay to observe the inter-
relationship of these waters. Rhodamine B dye, used in all studies
conducted by the Project, was added to the water as an instantaneous
release. In all studies, except upper Raritan River, resulting move-
ment of dye was monitored visually and by the use of fluorometers for as
long as deemed advisable. During the monitoring phase, boats equipped
with fluorometers and continuously recording meters cruised the dye mass
to determine its movement, location of the limits, and the peak concen-
trations. Monitoring boats proceeded on a predetermined course
established between known navigational aids at a fixed rate of speed.
In addition to recording dye concentration, records were also maintained
28
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on time and boat course so as to permit proper correlation between
an observed dye concentration and the exact location and time of such
reading.
Results of the largest 1,000 pounds dye release, conducted
in Upper Bay at high water slack, are shown in Figure 10 and summarized
as follows:
• Material introduced in the northwest sector of the Upper
Bay affects a broad area of Lower Bay, and is found on
the Staten Island shore from Midland Beach to the Narrows
within 6 hours of release;
• Within 32 hours of release such material affects a large
area of Raritan Bay, and is found on the Staten Island
shore from the Narrows to Great Kills, as well as on the
Coney Island shore of Brooklyn, N. Y.;
• On an ebb current there was little lateral mixing across
the Narrows, but lateral mixing does occur on the first
flood current following release;
• Material moving from the release point on the first ebb
passes along the western edge of the channel and the
Staten Island shore before passing through the Narrows.
A geological investigation of Raritan Bay was made to obtain in-
formation on long term water movement and sediment distribution. In
summary, the investigation found, based upon the sediment distribution
29
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FIGURE 10
30
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within the Bay, that:
(1) fresh water inflow from the Raritan River moves
along the southern section of the Bay towards
Sandy Hook; and
(2) particles introduced into the Bay at widely varying
locales were eventually transported throughout the
Bay with the finer particles gravitating toward the
area bounded by Seguine Point and Great Kills, Staten
Island, N. Y., and Keyport and Keansburg, N. J.
Project studies, as well as those performed by the U. S. Army
Corps of Engineers on the Vicksburg model of New York Harbor, which
have been reported previously by other agencies, indicated the com-
plexity of the Raritan Bay system. Essentially the waters of Raritan
Bay may be affected by materials discharged into waters outside the
immediate limits of the study area. Hence, any effective control
program for pollution control in Raritan Bay must consider the Bay
not as an independent estuary, but as part of a larger interconnected
system which includes Upper Bay, Kill Van Kull, Newark Bay, Arthur
Kill and the Raritan River.
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Recommendations for Remedial Action
On the basis of Project studies the following recommendations were
made in order to reclaim study area waters for maximum beneficial uses:
1. Municipal treatment facilities should provide a minimum of
80% removal of BOD and suspended solids at all times, in-
cluding any four hour period of the day when the strength
of the raw wastes might be expected to exceed average
conditions. Effective year round disinfection (effluent
coliform count of no greater than one per ml in more
than 10% of samples examined) at all municipal plants
discharging directly to these waters shall be provided.
Unless existing orders specify earlier completion dates, in which
case the earlier dates must be met, all improvements are to be completed
by 1970.
2. Industrial plants shall improve practices for the segregation
and treatment of wastes so as to effect maximum reduction of
the following:
a) Acids and alkalis
b) Oil and tarry substances
c) Phenolic and other compounds that contribute to taste,
odor and tainting of fin and shellfish meat.
d) Nutrient materials, including nitrogenous and phosphorous
compounds.
e) Suspended material
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f) Toxic and highly colored wastes
g) Oxygen requiring substances
h) Heat
i) Foam producing discharges
j) Bacteria
k) Wastes which detract from optimum use and enjoyment
of receiving waters.
Industrial treatment facilities, to accomplish such reduction,
must provide removals at least the equivalent of those required for
municipal treatment plants. Such facilities or reduction methods
must be provided by 1970 unless existing orders specify earlier
compliance dates, in which case the earlier dates must be met.
3. Facilities and procedures be established at each treatment
facility to provide laboratory control.
4. State regulations be extended to require waste treatment
facilities or holding tanks on all vessels and recreational
boats using the area. If holding tanks are to be used,
adequate dockside facilities should be required to ensure
proper disposal of wastes.
5. Investigate additional proposals to safeguard water quality
in the study area. These studies are to include, but not be
limited to:
a) Relocation of the main shipping channel through Raritan
Bay to improve circulation characteristics;
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b) Selection of areas for dredging for construction
materials;
c) Suitable outfall locations for waste effluents
to include possible trunk systems to divert ef-
fluents from the Arthur Kill.
Conferees, which include representatives from FWPCA, the States
of New York and New Jersey, and the Interstate Sanitation Commission
should meet every six months to review and initiate progress on the
water quality improvements outlined above.
The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of Mr. Paul De Falco, Jr.,
Regional Director, Southwest Region, FWPCA, who was the Project Director of
the Raritan Bay Study, and Mr. Merrill S. Hohman, Director, Planning and
Program Management, Northeast Region, FWPCA, who was Chief of Planning and
Evaluation for this investigation.
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References
Report on the Pollution of Raritan Bay, Raritan Bay Conference,
August 22 - 23, 1961, PRS, Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare.
Progress Report for the Conference on Pollution of Raritan Bay and
Adjacent Interstate Waters, Second Session, April 1963, PHS, Dept.
of Health, Education and Welfare.
Proceedings Volume 1, Conference on Pollution of Raritan Bay and
Adjacent Interstate Waters, Third Session, June 13-14, 1967, FWPCA.
Proceedings Volume 2, Conference on Pollution of Raritan Bay and
Adjacent Interstate Waters, Third Session, June 13-14, 1967, FWPCA.
Proceedings Volume 3, Conference on Pollution of Raritan Bay and
Adjacent Interstate Waters, Third Session, June 13-14, 1967, FWPCA.
Effect of Effluent Chlorination on Bxterial Populations in Raritan
Bay Waters by Paul De Falco, Jr., and Roscoe P. Kandle, M.D.
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