Phosphorus TMDL Development for the Non-Tidal Passaic River Basin
Barbara Hirst (1), Marzooq Alebus (1), Kimberly Cenno (1), Helen (Hui) Pang, (1), Karen Dorris (1), Tavit O. Najarian, Sc.D., (2) Howard Litwack, (2), Joseph DiLorenzo, (2) Poshu Huang, (2) James Cosgrove, Jr., (3) and Thomas Amidon (3)
(1)New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Watershed Management, 401 East State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08625, 609-633-1441, 609-292-0687, www.state.nj.us/dep/watershedmgt
(2)Najarian Associates, 1 Industrial Way, Eatontown, New Jersey 07724, (732) 389-0220, (732) 389-8546, www.najarian.com
(3)TRC Omni Environmental Corporation, Research Park, 321 Wall Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, (609) 924-8821, (609) 924-8831, www.TRComni.com
Total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for phosphorus are being developed for the entire non-tidal portion of the Passaic River Basin (Basin) by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (Department) with assistance provided under contract through Rutgers, New Jersey EcoComplex. Nutrient studies, including data collection and model development, were performed by consultants in close coordination with the Department to assess 1) applicability of numeric in-stream criterion considering narrative standards, 2) need for site specific standards, and 3) critical locations and conditions at which to apply the selected endpoint(s). Extensive modeling studies were performed in order to relate nutrient sources to water quality impacts throughout the stream systems as well as within the Wanaque Reservoir. Two critical locations, the Wanaque Reservoir and Dundee Dam, were identified. It was determined that the total phosphorus numeric criterion does not apply to the rest of the Basin based on the application of the narrative criteria. Site-specific criteria were developed in order to ensure the required reductions are aligned with attaining water quality objectives. Endpoints expressed in terms of Chlorophyll a as a response indicator were identified as the target for the two critical locations.
The TMDL defines the loading capacity associated with attaining site specific water quality criteria for critical locations and specified endpoints within the non-tidal Passaic River Basin, which provides the basis for the apportionment of wasteload and load allocations within the Basin. As part of the TMDL development and TMDL Report, the Department will prepare and adopt an implementation plan designed to achieve water quality improvement. The allocation of wasteloads and loads may be modified, provided the overall loading capacity is met, through water quality trading, as approved by the Department. Load reductions can be achieved by a combination of wastewater treatment and treatment of water diverted to the Wanaque Reservoir. However, the need to assess the most cost effective means of achieving needed load reductions is paramount, recognizing that the public pays for the improvements through either water or sewer fees. One expected outcome of the TMDL process will be a strategic pollutant trading program that is being developed through a separate grant-assisted project.
Extensive stakeholder involvement over the past 13 years has informed the development of the TMDL. Stakeholder involvement has been and continues to be a key element in achieving New Jersey’s goal of “clean and plentiful water” for its citizens.