The Helicopter Monitoring Report
a Report of the New York Bight Water Quality
Summer of 2005
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United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2
Division of Environmental Science and Assessment
2890 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, New Jersey 08837
www.epa.gov/Region2/monitor/nybight/
EPA 902/R-05-002
December 2005
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THE HELICOPTER MONITORING REPORT
a Report of the
NEW YORK BIGHT WATER QUALITY
Summer of 2005
"The Bight Report"
Prepared By:
Helen Grebe, Regional Coastal Monitoring Coordinator
Monitoring Operations Section
Approved By:
John S. Kushwara, Chief
Monitoring and Assessment Branch
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2
Division of Environmental Science and Assessment
2890 Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, New Jersey 08837
December 2005
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The Helicopter Monitoring Report
a Report of the New York Bight Water Quality
Summer of 2005
Abstract
The Division of Environmental Science and Assessment of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Region 2, has prepared this report to disseminate environmental data collected for the
New York Bight. From May 26 through September 1, 2005, water quality monitoring and
surveillance activities were carried out using a helicopter. The monitoring program is comprised
of three separate networks; the beach station network, the perpendicular station network, and the
floatable surveillance network.
Results were as follows:
O A total of 180 samples was collected at the Long Island coastal stations, and 327 samples
were collected at the New Jersey coastal stations. Fecal coliform and enterococcus
analyses were conducted for the Long Island coastal stations and enterococcus analyses
were conducted for the New Jersey coastal samples. Low seasonal geometric means were
observed at all stations.
O Semi-monthly averages of dissolved oxygen results for the New York Bight and New
Jersey coast perpendicular station network, remained above 5 mg/1, in 2005. The lowest
semi-monthly dissolved oxygen average, 5.2 mg/1, occurred in early September of 2005.
Concentrations of dissolved oxygen 5 mg/1, or greater, are above the dissolved oxygen
guideline considered to be healthy.
O There were no ocean beach closures along the Long Island coastal waters or the New
Jersey coastal waters due to floatable debris in 2005.
Based on the data collected, the New York Bight Apex, and the New Jersey and Long Island
coastal waters had excellent water quality in 2005.
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INTRODUCTION
The Division of Environmental Science and Assessment of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), Region 2, has prepared this report to disseminate
environmental data for the New York Bight. Specifically, data coverage includes the
New York Bight Apex, the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex, and the coastal
shorelines of New York (NY) and New Jersey (NJ).
This report is the twenty-sixth in a series and reflects data collected from May 26,
through September 1, 2005.
The New York Bight Water Quality Monitoring Program
(The Helicopter 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. This program was initiated
in 1974 and incorporated the use of a helicopter in 1977.
Presently, a modified Twin Star helicopter is used (pictured
above).
Each year, with guidance from the U.S. Department of the
Interior's Office of Aircraft Services, aircraft water ditching
and survival training is provided for the incoming summer
interns (pictured left). Training includes water ditching
procedures, hands on use of personal floatation devices, raft
deployment and the importance of maintaining positive
control over your emotional and mental states.
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SAMPLING AND SURVEILLANCE
Purpose, Procedures and Locations
Water quality monitoring and
surveillance activities were carried
out using a helicopter. While the
helicopter hovered over the surface,
sampling was accomplished by
lowering a one liter Kemmerer
sampler into the water.
Details of the analytical and sampling
procedures can be found in the
Quality Assurance Project Plan for
the New York Bight Summer
Monitoring Program (available upon
request). The raw data can be found
in EPA's computerized database for
STOrage and RETrieval (STORET).
The monitoring program is composed
of three separate networks.
The beach station
network is sampled to gather
bacteriological water quality
information on swimmability for
comprehensive public health
protection.
Samples are collected once a week at
twenty-six Long Island coastal (LIC)
stations extending from the western
tip of Rockaway Point eastward to
Shinnecock Inlet (Figure 1) and at
forty-four New Jersey coastal (JC)
stations from Sandy Hook to Cape
May (Figure 2). All samples are
collected just offshore in the surf
zone at one meter depth.
Analyses for fecal coliform and
enterococcus bacteria densities are
conducted at the EPA Region 2
Edison Laboratory.
The perpendicular station
network is sampled to monitor for
bottom dissolved oxygen
concentrations and temperature.
These parameters are used for early
detection of anoxic conditions and
trend analysis.
Nine New Jersey coast (JC)
perpendicular transects extend east
one nautical mile to nine nautical
miles off the coast between Long
Branch and Hereford Inlet, and one
New York Bight (NYB) Apex
perpendicular transect extends east
from the southern end of Sandy Hook
(Figure 3).
New Jersey coast perpendicular
stations were sampled at 1, 3, 5, 7,
and 9 nautical miles offshore.
Historical New York Bight Apex
stations, NYB 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24,
were sampled approximately 2, 4, 6,
7, and 8 nautical miles off the
southern end of Sandy Hook.
Samples are collected one meter
above the ocean floor, eight to ten
times during the critical summer
period. The dissolved oxygen
analyses are conducted at the EPA
Region 2 Edison Laboratory.
The floatable
surveillance network
encompasses overflights of the New
York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
six days a week during the summer
months. This surveillance is in
response to the Short Term Action
Plan for Addressing Floatable Debris,
(USEPA 1989) developed by the
Interagency Floatable Task Force.
The plan was initiated after extensive
garbage washups and beach closures
occurred in 1987 and 1988. The
plan's objectives are to improve
water quality, protect the marine
environment, and prevent the
occurrence of beach closures due to
floatables debris. This is
accomplished by sighting slicks and
determining the most efficient
coordinated cleanup effort possible.
Approximate size or dimension,
contents, relative density, location,
possible sources and time of sighting
of significant floatable debris are
recorded. The information is reported
to a central communication response
network, specifically established to
coordinate cleanup efforts. Cleanup
efforts are conducted via skimmer
boats or vessels by the Corps of
Engineers or the New York City
Department of Environmental
Protection.
For purposes of this report, the New
York/New Jersey Harbor Complex is
defined as the following five
waterbodies: 1) the Arthur Kill; 2)
Newark Bay, as far north as the New
Jersey Turnpike Bridge; 3) the Kill
Van Kull; 4) the Upper New York
Harbor, including the lower portions
of the Hudson River and the East
River as far north as Central Park,
New York; and 5) the Lower New
York Harbor including Gravesend
Bay, and the shoreline of Coney
Island as far east as the Marine
Parkway Bridge (Figure 4).
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Shinnecock Inlet East (LIC28)
Shinnecock Inlet West (LIC27)
Tiana Beach (LIC26)
West Hampton Beach (LIC25)
oriches Inlet East(LIC24)
oriches Inlet West (LIC23)
Smith Point County Park (LIC22)
Bellport Beach (LIC21)
Water Island (LIC2Q)
Cherry Grove (LIC19)
Great South Beach (LIC18)
Long
Island
Figure 1
Long Island Coast
Station Locations
Beach Sampling Locations
Robert Moses State Park (LIC17)
Cedar Island Beach (LIC16)
Gilgo Beach (LIC15)
East Overlook (LIC14)
Jones Beach (LIC13)
Short Beach (LIC12)
Point Lookout (LIC10)
Long Beach (LIC09)
Long Beach (LIC08)
Atlantic Beach (LIC07)
Far Rockaway(LICOS)
Rockaway(LIC04)
Rockaway(LIC03)
Rockaway(LIC02)
Rockaway Point (LIC01)
o
CM
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Figure 2
New Jersey Coast Station Locations
New Jersey
Sandy Hook (JC01A)
Sandy Hook (JC03)
Sandy Hook (JC05)
Sea BrightCJCOS)
Monmouth Beach (JC11)
Long Branch (JC13)
Long Branch (JC14)
As bury Paik (JC21)
Bradley Beach (JC24)
Shark River lnlet(JC26)
BelmarrjC27)
Spring Lake(JCSQ)
Spring Lake (JC33)
North Manasquan InletfJCSS)
South Manasquan lnlet(JC37j
Bay Head (JC41)
Mantoloking (JC44)
Silver Beach (JC47A)
Lavallette(JC49)
Seaside Heights (JC53)
Island Beach State Park (JC55)
Island Beach State Park CJC57)
Island Beach State Park (JC59)
Barnegat(JC61)
Harvey Cedars (JC63)
Ship Bottom (JC65)
BeachHaven Terrace (JC67)
Beach H aven Heights (JC6S)
Brigantine (JC73)
Absecon Inlet (JC74)
Atlantic City (JC 75)
Ventnor City (JC77)
Longport(JC79)
Ocean City CJC81)
'Peck Beach (JC83)
'Strathmere (JC35)
Sea Isle Crty(JC87)
1 Avalon (JC39)
'Hereford Inlet (JC92)
'Wildiraood(JC93)
Beact Sampllig l.ocatbi;
Two Mile Beach (JC95)
'Cape May lnlet(JC96)
Cape May (JC97)
Cape May Point(JC99)
10
20 Miles
A
N
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Figure 3
New Jersey and New York Bight Apex
Perpendicular Stations
NYB 20's
JC14 - Long Branch
JC27 - Belmar
JC41 -Bay Head
JC53 - Seaside Heights
JC61 - Barnegat
JC69 - Beach Haven
Ł>© JC75-Atlantic City
JC85 - Strath mere
JC90 - Hereford Inlet
0 4 8 12 16 20 Miles
A
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Figure 4
New York Bight Apex
New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
Long Island
Raritan Bay
Historic Area
Remediation Site
(H AR S)
Former 12 mile
Sewage Sludge Site
Shrew sbury Ri ve r
New Jersey
New York Bight Apex
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THE BEACH STATION NETWORK
Guideline, Criteria and Standards
By determining the bacteriological water quality, one can estimate potential health risks associated with ocean
recreational activities. Epidemiological studies have attempted to assess the incidence of illness associated with
bathing in water containing fecal contamination. Evidence exists that there is a relationship between bacterial water
quality and transmission of certain infectious diseases (Cabelli, 1979).
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. When many indicator organisms are present, the likelihood
of pathogens being found is far greater. EPA has issued guidelines for the following indicator organisms:
EPA Guidelines/Criteria
Fecal Coliform
A fecal coliform bacterial guideline for primary contact
recreational waters was recommended by the EPA in
1976, and subsequently adopted by most of the States.
The EPA guideline states that fecal coliforms should be
used as the indicator to evaluate the suitability for
swimming in recreational waters, and recommends 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 coliforms/100 ml, nor
shall more than 10% of the total samples during any 30-
day period exceed 400 fecal coliforms/100 ml (USEPA,
1976).
Enterococci
In 1986, EPA issued a criteria guidance document
recommending enterococci andEscherichia 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 water is a single sample
maximum of 104 enterococci/100 ml, or a minimum of
not less than five samples taken over not more than a 30-
day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 35/100 ml
(USEPA 1986). The Beaches Environmental
Assessment, and Coastal Health Act of 2000, required
coastal States to adopt the 1986 criteria by April 2004.
Promulgation
As of December 16, 2004, EPA has promulgated water quality criteria for coastal and Great Lake waters that have
been designated for swimming, bathing, surfing, or similar water contact activities, and for which the State or
Territory did not have in place EPA-approved bacteria criteria that are as protective of human health as EPA'sl 986
recommended bacteria criteria. New York State coastal and Great Lakes waters were included in this promulgation.
NJDEP Surface Water Quality Standards
New Jersey has adopted and implemented the enterococci standard of 104 enterococci/100 ml.
New Jersey local officials may close a beach on the basis of a single sample. Local discretion
is allowed up to the point of two consecutive exceedances of 104 enterococci/lOOml, when
closure is required by New Jersey State law (NJDHSS, 2004).
NYSDEC Surface Water Quality Standards
New York State, for its primary contact recreational coastal waters, allowed the local permit
issuing official to choose one of two standards as follows: 1) a thirty day, five-sample log
average of 200 fecal coliforms/100 ml, or 2) a thirty day, five sample log average of 2400 total
coliforms/100 ml (NYSDEC, 1999). In addition to these standards, New York State has
implemented the enterococcus criteria consistent with EPA's 1986 criteria for their coastal
recreational waters.
Any
exceedances
of these
criteria are
immediately
reported to
the proper
state and
local
authorities.
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BACTERIOLOGICAL RESULTS
Each of the 26 Long Island coastal stations and the 44 New Jersey coastal stations was sampled four to eleven times
per year from late May through August. A total of 180 samples was collected at the Long Island coastal stations, and
a total of 327 samples was collected at the New Jersey coastal stations. All Long Island coastal samples were
analyzed for fecal coliform and enterococcus densities, and all New Jersey coastal samples were analyzed for
enterococcus densities. In 2004, due to new regulations, fecal coliform analyses were dropped from the New Jersey
samples.
Individual Fecal Coliform Counts
Only one individual fecal coliform count for the Long Island coastal stations exceeded the federal guideline of 200
fecal coliforms per 100 ml. The exceedance, 300 fecal coliforms per 100 ml, occurred at Gilgo Beach (LIC15) on
June 14, 2005.
Individual Enterococcus Counts
Only one enterococcus count exceeded the federal
single sample maximum of 104 enterococci per 100
ml at the Long Island coastal stations.
The exceedance, 160 enterococci per
100 ml, occurred at Tiana Beach
(LIC26) on July 5, 2005.
Examples of non-enterococcus colonies (< 0.5 mm), and Enterococcus spp. colonies.
Three enterococcus counts exceeded the federal single sample maximum of 104 enterococci per 100 ml at the New Jersey
coastal stations. The exceedances, 120, 250 and 400 enterococci per 100 ml, occurred at Long Branch (JC14) on July 13,
Sandy Hook (JC05) on July 20, and Belmar (JC27) on July 20, 2005, respectively.
Bacteriological Trends
Seasonal geometric means were calculated
for each coastal station for the 2005
bacteriological results. All seasonal
geometric means were substantially below
fecal coliform and enterococcus
guidelines.
All individual counts that exceeded
bacteriological guidelines for the past ten
years, are presented in Table 1. The
highest occurrence of enterococcus
exceedances, 12 out of 318 samples (or
3.8 %), occurred at the Long Island
stations, in 1998. The highest occurrence
of fecal coliform exceedances, 5 out of
567 samples (or 0.8 %), occurred at the
New Jersey stations, in 2000.
Based on these data, the bathing waters of
Long Island and New Jersey are of
excellent quality.
Table 1: Bacteriological Trends 1996 - 2005
Year
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Long Island
Number
of
Samples
202
304
318
320
378
337
337
295
234
180
Number of Values
Exceeding 104
Enterococci/lOOml
0
0
12
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
Number of Values
Exceeding 200 Fecal
Coliform/1 00ml
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
New Jersey
Number
of
Samples
480
452
547
583
567
464
372
301
442
327
Number of Values
Exceeding 104
Enterococci/lOOml
7
1
11
0
5
1
2
2
1
3
Number of Values
Exceeding 200 Fecal
Coliform/1 00ml
0
1
1
0
5
0
0
0
*
*
* New Jersey samples were not analyzed for fecal coliform.
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The Perpendicular Station Network
Dissolved Oxygen Guidelines Discussion and Results
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.
As in previous reports, the following
guidelines will be used (USEPA 1977):
Dissolved Oxygen Guidelines
> 5 mg/1 - healthy
4-5 mg/1 - borderline to healthy
3-4 mg/1 - stressful if prolonged
2-3 mg/1 - lethal if prolonged
< 2 mg/1 - lethal in a relatively
short time
These guidelines are consistent with
EPA's Ambient Aquatic Life Water
Quality Criteria for Dissolved Oxygen
(Saltwater): Cape Cod to Cape Hatter as,
Nov. 2000 (USEPA, 2000).
In 2005, a total of 200 bottom water samples was collected and analyzed for
dissolved oxygen at the New York Bight (NYB20, 21, 22, 23, 24) and New
Jersey coast perpendicular stations (JC14, 27, 41, 53, 61, 69, 75, 85, 90).
For comparison, five years of bottom dissolved oxygen results are presented
in Table 2. In all five years, the majority of the dissolved oxygen results
was greater than the borderline to healthy guideline of 4 mg/1. There were
no individual dissolved oxygen concentrations below 2 mg/1 in 2001, 2003
or 2005. In 2004, only three dissolved oxygen values, or 1.0%, were less
than 2 mg/1. The highest percentage of dissolved oxygen values below 2
mg/1, 5.3%, occurred in 2002.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^v^^
Table 2: Bottom Dissolved Oxygen Results 2001 - 2005
Year
'
Total Number of Samples Collected
>
% greater than 5 mg/1
% between 4-5
% between 3-4
% between 2-3
% less than 2 mg/1
2001
309
49.2
19.1
18.1
13.6
0
2002
301
49.2
19.9
17.6
8.0
5.3
2003
128
88.3
9.4
2.3
0
0
2004
311
85.9
9.6
2.9
0.6
1.0
2005
200
84.0
i
14.0
1.5
0.5
0
New Jersey and NYB Perpendiculars, 2001 - 2005
Semi-Monthly Average of Bottom Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations
9
01
c
6)
I6
o
^ 5
V)
2004
2005 *^_^.*
2002
June
July August
Semi-Month ly
September
Semi-Monthly Averages
The 2005 semi-monthly averages of
bottom dissolved oxygen results for the
New York Bight and New Jersey coast
perpendiculars remained above 5 mg/1
(Figure 5). In 2001, a low semi-monthly
average dissolved oxygen concentration
occurred in late June, with a steady
increase through early September. The
lowest dissolved oxygen semi-monthly
average over the five-year period, 3.2
mg/1, occurred in late June of 2001.
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Dissolved Oxygen Trends
One Mile vs. Nine Miles
With the exception of 1992, average
dissolved oxygen values are 0.3 to 2.2
mg/1 higher nine miles off the coast
than one mile off the coast, from 1992
through 2005 (Figure 6). The lower
values at the one mile offshore stations
can be explained by the oxygen
demand created by the influences of
river discharges, treatment plant
effluents, stormwater runoff, and/or
the plume from the Hudson-Raritan
River Estuary system.
Values Below 4 mg/l
The percent of New Jersey bottom
dissolved oxygen values below 4 mg/1,
ranged from a low of zero percent to a
high of 43.8 percent, during the
sampling period of 1981 - 2005
(Figure 7).
Depressed levels fluctuated greatly,
year to year, from 1981 through 1986.
From 1986 to 1996, fluctuation from
year to year was less severe. The
highest percentage of hypoxic samples
Figure 6
New Jersey Perpendiculars, 1992 - 2005
Average Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations: One and Nine Nautical Miles off the Coast
8
Nine Nautical Miles off the Coast
One Nautical Mile off the Coast
'92 '94 '96 '98 '00 '02 '04
'93 '95 '97 '99 '01 '03 '05
Year
occurred in 1985.
The 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
Figure 7
Dissolved Oxygen Trends - Percent of Bottom Values Below 4 mg/1
Off the New Jersey Coast, 1981 - 2005
and storm activity, and the presence of
a strong thermocline. The below
average dissolved oxygen levels in
1997, 2000, 2001 and 2002 were not
as widespread or persistent as those
encountered in 1985.
Water Quality
The 2005 data set was limited,
however, during the summer, late
summer coastal algal blooms were not
observed, strong winds prevailed,
there were numerous storms promoting
reaeration, and no adverse effects were
reported.
Due to the decreasing dissolved
oxygen values observed in 2000, 2001
and 2002, these waters have been
listed as impaired and further
investigation of low dissolved oxygen
off the coast of New Jersey is being
conducted by NJDEP.
I" I" I" I"I" I" I" I" I"I" I" I" I" I" I" I" I" I" I" I" I' I I
'81 '83 '85 '87 '89 '91 '93 '95 '97 '99 '01 '03 '05
'82 '84 '86 '88 '90 '92 '94 '96 '98 '00 '02 '04
Year
^^^^^m
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THE FLOATABLE SURVEILLANCE NETWORK
Observations and Discussion
Floatable surveillance was conducted Monday through Saturday, weather permitting, from May 26 through September
1,2005.
Guidelines for Reportable Floatable Debris
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 (USEPA, 1989).
Using this as a guideline, all slicks have been divided into three
categories (from largest to smallest):
Size Category
For Floatable Debris/Slicks
Major: any slick greater than 1600 meters in length
Heavy: 800 meters to 1600 meters
Moderate: 400 meters to 800 meters
All floatable observations have been placed in one of the three
categories according to the slick's estimated dimensions, relative
density and other recorded observations. The categories of slicks are
somewhat subjective. Any slick just short of the length requirement 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.
2005 Floatable Observations
A total of twenty-five significant floatable slicks was
observed in 2005 (Table 3). Newark Bay had the most
slicks observed, nine, and the Arthur Kill with two slicks
observed, had the least.
-igure
Trends of Floatable Observations in the NY/NJ Harbor Complex
late May - early September, 1989 - 2005
ou
/in
OU
40
OA
ŁU
1
Table 3
2005
Floatable Observations
Newark Bay
Lower NY Harbor
Upper NY Harbor
Arthur Kill
Kill Van Kull
2
2
0
1
2
,
O
S
2
2
1
1
2
'89 '91 '93 '95 '97 '99 '01 '03 '05
'90 '92 '94 '96 '98 '00 '02 '04
Year
Floatable Observation
Compilation
A total of 492 significant slicks was
observed over a sixteen year period (Figure
8). The sightings of slicks were variable
from year to year with the most number of
slicks, 81 reported in 1990. The least
number of slick sightings, six slicks, was
reported in 1998. For unknown reasons,
there was a significant increase in slick
sights in 2004 followed by a decrease in
2005.
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FLOATABLE TRENDS
For comparison, data from the last
twelve years will be presented.
Locational Subdivision
The Upper New York Harbor had
the greatest number of slicks, 80,
observed in the twelve-year period.
The Kill Van Kull, with 26 slicks,
had the least number of slicks
observed (Figure 9). During six of
the twelve years, the Upper New
York Harbor had the most number
of slicks observed per year.
Size Category
For the twelve-year period, the
majority of slicks observed, 54.1
percent, were in the moderate
category, 28.2 percent were in the
heavy category, and 17.8 percent
were in the major category (Figure
10).
Figure 9
Trends of Floatable Observations by Locational Subdivision
NY/ NJ Harbor Complex, late May - early September, 1994 - 2005
20
i i i i i i i i i
'94 '96 '98 '00 '02 '04
'95 '97 '99 '01 '03 '05
Locational Subdivision
Trends
NY/NJ Harbor
F oatab e Obervations
Heavy
Size Category
Cleanup
The inter-agency monitoring and
cleanup program, the initiation of
beach and litter cleanup activities,
such as the Clean Streets/Clean
Beaches campaign, and Operations
Clean Shores have contributed to a
decrease in beach closures due to
floatable debris, and a significant
decrease in the number of slicks
observed, as compared to the
extensive washups in 1987 and
1988. More information on cleanup
activities can be found in the
Floatable Action Plan Assessment
Report 2004 (USEPA, 2004).
There were no ocean beach closures
along the Long Island coastal waters
or the New Jersey coastal waters
due to floatable debris in 2005.
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PROMOTING PARTNERSHIPS
The Helicopter Monitoring Program afforded EPA the unique opportunity to address the press and promote partnerships
by assisting other federal and state agencies in the real time collection of water quality data. With a little extra
coordination, EPA assisted other agencies in collecting data to complement or maintain objectives for the following
national/state programs:
New Jersey Shellfish
During the data collection for the
New Jersey beach station sampling
network, additional samples were
collected for phytoplankton analyses
along the New Jersey coast, and in
Raritan/Sandy Hook Bay, Barnegat
Bay, Great Egg Harbor and Delaware
Bay. Phytoplankton identification,
quantification and chlorophyll a
enumerations were completed by the
New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection's (NJDEP)
Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring,
at the NJDEP Leeds Point
Laboratory. This sampling provides
early warning of noxious algal
blooms and complements NJDEP's
commitment to the National Shellfish
Sanitation Program.
Long Island Shellfish
During the data collection for the Long Island beach station sampling network, additional samples were collected at each
station for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The NYSDEC's Division of
Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources, Bureau of Marine Resources analyzed the samples for fecal coliforms. These
samples help fulfill NYSDEC's commitment to the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.
New Jersey Nutrients
As part of EPA's Performance Partnership Agreement with NJDEP, surface water samples were collected in June and
July at 41 stations from Sandy Hook to Cape May, and in Delaware Bay. The samples were analyzed by NJDEP for
chlorophyll, salinity, nitrate, nitrite, ortho-phosphate, ammonia, total nitrogen, and total suspended solids. Temperature
was recorded in the field and dissolved oxygen analyses were conducted by the EPA Edison Laboratory. The 41 stations
are part of NJDEP's 200 Station Network.
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REFERENCES
Cabelli, V. J. et al. 1979. Relationship of Microbial Indicators to Health Effects at Marine Bathing Beaches.
American Journal of Public Health. 69:690-696.
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS), 2004. New Jersey State Sanitary Code Chapter
iX Public Recreational Bathing, N.J.A.C. 8:26, Authority: N.J.S.A. 26:lA-7 & 26:4A-7, Effective Date:
March 10, 2004, Readoption, April 5, 2004, Amendments, Operative Date: October 1, 2000, Amendments,
Expiration Date: March 10, 2009.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), 1999. Water Quality Regulations Surface
Water and Groundwater Classification and Standards New York State Codes, Rules and Regulations Title
6, Chapter X Parts 700-706.
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