October 20 Green Brook litter trap litter tally

On Sunday October 20, LRWP Board Member Anton Getz, Litter Trap Coordinator Clare Levourne and a host of volunteers conducted a clean up at the Green Brook litter trap site, giving our new floodplain litter tally tool a trial run and documenting 3,279 pieces of trash(!!!). THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!!

911 Day of Service, LRWP, SEWA International & Americorps

On September 14, in honor of 911, the LRWP supported @sewainternationalcentraljersey in their 911 Day of Service event. Focusing on activities for the SEWA high school youth, the LRWP hosted an open house at the Boat Shop with stations for rain barrel building & painting, boat building, and talks about stormwater management and stewardship. After our service “on land,” we then took everyone to Donaldson Park for a chance to get in canoes and kayaks to do water quality monitoring and a mini-cleanup by water. For many of the youth it was their first time paddling and their first time on the Raritan River.

Of course events like these can only be realized through great community effort. Gratitude to our amazing boat build team of Derek Hartwick, Nick Schmidt and Brian Smith, and our Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino. We are so grateful to the board members working behind the scenes to make this a successful event: Dini Checko, Missy Holzer, Amy Braunstein, David Tulloch, Alex Zakrewsky and Heather Fenyk. Huge thanks also to Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Chris Obropta for teaching us all about good stormwater management, to Raritan Riverkeeper Bill Schultz & Lorraine for keeping us safe on the water, to Highland Park Mayor Elsie Foster Dublin and HP Borough Council President Matt Hersh for reminding us of the impact of environmental stewardship at the local level, and to the Americorps volunteers everyone else who pitched in to support this special day of service and stewardship!!

NPS Thomas A. Edison Park decision update

Many of you followed the LRWP’s organizing against conversion of Thomas A. Edison Park from free public land to fee-based access. Just a note to share that the National Park Service concluded its review of Middlesex county’s proposed changes to Thomas Edison Park, and has adopted the environmental assessment prepared by Middlesex County contingent upon Middlesex County making changes to ensure the park remains available for public recreational use and that funds raised from new facilities are invested back into the park.

NJ PACT REAL Rules

As the driest calendar month on record stretches into November, as new terms like “flash drought” and “red flag warnings” enter our lexicon, and as wildfires emerge in unusual places, the LRWP urges the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to protect our most vulnerable communities by adopting the NJPACT REAL rules. The adoption and implementation of these rules, short for “Protecting Against Climate Threats: Resilient Environments and Landscapes,” is especially and crucially important for heavily populated regions and Environmental Justice communities — like many Lower Raritan Watershed municipalities — located in proximity to Superfund toxic waste sites.

2019 US Government Accountability Office Report 20-73 identifies a total of 945 Superfund sites in the United States at special risk of disaster associated with wildfire, storm surge, flooding, and sea level rise. An incredible 24 of these sites (4% of the nation’s total at-risk Superfund sites) are within our 352-square mile Lower Raritan Watershed. Lower Raritan residents cannot escape these pollutant hazards: they are proximate to where we live and work. Without additional state-implemented resilient measures, wildfires and floods have the potential to bring toxins from these sites directly into our homes. More info on the GAO report, and a list of these sites, is on the LRWP website.

The NJDEP NJPACT REAL initiative is part of a broader commitment to safeguard New Jersey’s ecosystems, communities, and infrastructure in the face of climate threats, including sea-level rise, extreme storms, flooding, and heatwaves. The Watershed Institute has organized a petition to send to NJDEP in support of adopting the NJPACT REAL rules. The LRWP encourages you to join us in adding your name to the petition to show your commitment to a safer, more sustainable New Jersey.

More on the specifics of NJPACT REAL, its objectives, and the potential impacts on New Jersey’s communities, businesses, and natural environments, below:

Background of NJPACT REAL

New Jersey is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its extensive coastline, urban density, and critical infrastructure in low-lying areas. In response, NJDEP launched the Protecting Against Climate Threats (NJPACT) program, with the REAL rules addressing land use, environmental resource management, and flood risk.

The NJPACT REAL rules aim to:

  1. Integrate climate resilience into land use planning.
  2. Update and enhance flood protection standards.
  3. Encourage sustainable growth while protecting natural resources.
  4. Build upon New Jersey’s Coastal Management Program to address sea-level rise and other coastal challenges.

By addressing both urban and natural landscapes, NJPACT REAL provides a comprehensive approach to creating climate-resilient communities. The rules were informed by extensive scientific research, including data from New Jersey’s Climate Change Resilience Strategy, which outlines statewide climate adaptation and resilience goals.

Key Components of NJPACT REAL Rules

1. Enhanced Flood Protection Standards

One of the primary focuses of NJPACT REAL is flood protection. Recognizing the increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, the REAL rules set stricter standards for floodplain development. These standards account for both current and projected flood risks, addressing scenarios in which intense storms could cause extensive flooding.

Key changes include:

  • Flood elevation standards: The NJPACT REAL rules require new development to account for higher base flood elevations, meaning that buildings must be constructed to withstand projected flood levels based on future climate models.
  • Flood-resistant building requirements: REAL mandates specific design criteria for new structures in flood-prone areas to mitigate damage.
  • Stormwater management upgrades: Enhanced stormwater regulations are aimed at reducing runoff, preventing erosion, and improving water quality, benefiting both the environment and the community.

2. Protecting Inland Wetlands

Wetlands provide crucial protection against storms, flooding, and erosion by acting as natural buffers. The NJPACT REAL rules emphasize the preservation and restoration of these landscapes, particularly in coastal regions that are susceptible to rising sea levels and erosion.

The rules encourage:

  • Wetland conservation: By limiting development in wetland areas, REAL seeks to preserve these ecosystems’ natural resilience.
  • Restoration of degraded wetlands: REAL promotes initiatives to restore wetland areas impacted by past development, providing a buffer against coastal flooding and erosion.
  • Adaptive planning for saltwater intrusion: As sea levels rise, saltwater intrudes into freshwater areas, disrupting ecosystems and agriculture. NJPACT REAL includes guidelines for adaptive land use in regions threatened by saltwater intrusion.

3. Sustainable Land Use Planning

NJPACT REAL encourages sustainable land use by promoting green infrastructure and preserving open spaces. These practices not only reduce flood risks but also support biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide recreational opportunities for communities.

Specific goals include:

  • Green infrastructure: NJPACT REAL supports green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain gardens that manage stormwater sustainably, reducing flood risks.
  • Preservation of open spaces: REAL sets guidelines to discourage development in critical areas like floodplains and wetlands.
  • Zoning updates: REAL includes recommendations for local governments to adopt stormwater management master plans and land-use policies that account for future climate conditions, such as flood risks.

4. Adapting to Sea-Level Rise

New Jersey’s 1,800 miles of tidal shoreline make it highly vulnerable to sea-level rise. NJPACT REAL focuses on ensuring that coastal communities can adapt to the rising tides.

Key measures include:

  • Coastal building standards: Enhanced design standards for coastal buildings help reduce the impact of tidal and storm surges.
  • Encouraging natural buffers: REAL promotes the use of sand dunes, marshes, and other natural barriers to absorb the impact of storm surges.

5. Climate-Informed Decision-Making

The REAL rules emphasize data-driven decision-making, using the latest climate science and models to guide regulations. NJPACT REAL requires public and private projects to use updated climate data and projections, ensuring that investments in infrastructure and development account for anticipated climate changes.

Implications for New Jersey’s Residents and Businesses

For residents, NJPACT REAL means a safer and more resilient New Jersey. Homes built under the new standards will be better protected against floods, while green spaces and restored wetlands provide natural beauty and recreational areas that enhance quality of life. However, there may be costs associated with retrofitting older buildings or adhering to the new construction standards, which NJDEP is addressing through financial and technical assistance.

For businesses, particularly those in construction, real estate, and land development, NJPACT REAL introduces new requirements to mitigate environmental impacts. These standards may require adjustments to building practices, but they also create opportunities for innovation in sustainable construction and green infrastructure. Furthermore, companies specializing in environmental restoration and engineering will find increased demand for services related to flood protection and wetland restoration.

Challenges and Future Directions

While NJPACT REAL is a significant step forward, implementing these standards will require collaboration among government agencies, municipalities, businesses, and residents. Some communities may face challenges adapting to the new rules, particularly in areas where older infrastructure is prevalent.

Conclusion

The NJPACT REAL rules demonstrate New Jersey’s commitment to climate resilience, offering a proactive framework to address current and future climate risks. By enhancing flood protections, conserving wetlands, promoting sustainable land use, and incorporating climate science into decision-making, NJDEP is equipping New Jersey for a more resilient future. The REAL rules represent an essential step in building communities that can withstand the impacts of climate change while preserving the natural landscapes that make New Jersey unique.

Using Rivers as a Contextual Bridge to Connect K-8 Students to Their Communities

By LRWP Board Members Missy Holzer and Heather Fenyk

For K-12 students, there is only one New Jersey Student Learning Standard (NJSLS) on rivers: “Use maps to identify physical features (e.g., continents, oceans, rivers, lakes, mountains).” On Monday October 20, Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership Board Members Missy Holzer and Heather Fenyk joined K-12 educators attending the New Jersey Council for the Social Studies annual conference to lead what we hope was the first of many workshops to support educators and students in using maps and rivers to learn about, and connect to, their communities. We now invite K-12 educators from all disciplines to explore curricular materials we shared at our NJCSS2024 session, titled “Using Rivers as a Contextual Bridge to Connect K-8 Students to Their Communities: A First Nations Perspective.” A curriculum guide and all workshop materials, including the powerpoint, bibliography, and detailed teacher and student case study guides, are available at: https://tinyurl.com/LRWP24NJCSS.

This LRWP workshop for social studies teachers emerged from our own place-based, problem-based teaching orientation, and built specifically on our Spring 2024 volunteer eel monitoring program. We centered the lesson around a special case study: “The Mystery of the Missing American Glass Eels,” and also worked to support educator comfort with using maps, particularly topographic maps, as tools for student understanding of change to their local landscape over time. Our aim, as always, is to help educators use local waterways to connect students to their backyards, while developing our next generation of local stewards.

While it may seem unusual for an environmental non-profit to engage with K-12 social studies educators, the LRWP sees great potential to connect with multiple disciplines, including social studies, science, math and art. From the past to the present, and into the future, New Jersey’s waterways were and are vital to our existence. Besides being a continual source of water, our rivers, streams, and canals have implicitly and explicitly shaped our presence in the state. Drinking water, food, transportation (people and goods), industry, energy, and recreation are a few of the services our waterways have contributed to life in New Jersey.

Viewing our waterways from a watershed perspective that includes all the tributaries, rivers, and wetlands within a drainage area, connects communities to each other as much as they connect the flow of water from the headwaters of a river to the sea. Our Lower Raritan Watershed, its lands, streams, and the Raritan River, offer a host of case-based, problem-based, and place-based approaches to formal and informal investigation of these connections from the past, present, and future. The LRWP invites formal and informal educators to connect with us to discuss opportunities to partner for classroom or field based approaches to learning and inquiry.

Raritan Pathogens Results 10.03.2024

By LRWP Monitoring Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino

The Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County have wrapped up their 6th season of water quality monitoring along the Raritan river! A very big thank you to all the volunteers who joined us in the field this summer: Art Allgauer, Ed Carrington, Frank Dahl, Shely Dash, Andrew Gehman, Sofi Grossman, Amane Kariya, Rose Lawless, Sanil and Thulasi Nambiar, Irene Riegner and Nibav Velan. Throughout the summer, we collect water quality samples at six non-bathing public access beach sites, provide our samples to the Interstate Environmental Commission for analysis in their laboratory and report the results to the public on Friday afternoons. Our mission is to share this data with the community and partners to ensure the safe use of the Raritan river for all.

Our lab results for water quality samples taken on Thursday October 3, 2024 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at TWO of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart which includes: Riverside Park (Piscataway) and Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation, which include: Edison Boat Basin and Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Edison), South Amboy Waterfront Park (South Amboy) and 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy).

Pathogens/Enterococci levels are used as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria in recreational waters. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people coming in primary contact with the water (touching) through recreational activities like fishing, kayaking or swimming in a water body. Possible sources of bacteria include stormwater runoff, Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, leaking septic systems, animal carcasses, and runoff from manure storage areas.

Our goal in reporting these results is to give residents a better understanding of the potential health risks related to primary contact during water-based recreation. If you decide to recreate on Raritan this weekend, please keep this data in mind and wash up properly after any activities!

An overcast covered the Raritan from the docks of the Rutgers boathouse, the river’s tranquility gave us a peaceful start to our last Thursday morning of monitoring. Photo credit: Jocelyn Palomino

While doing field observations at the Edison Boat Basin, Sofi Grossman and Jocelyn stumbled upon a seemingly injured gull on the rocks by the water. It did not appear to be physically injured, however, it was unable to fly or walk. Art Allgauer gladly offered to drop the gull off at The Raptor Trust- a rehabilitation center in Millington. Photo credit: Sofi Grossman

We usually spot a lot of interesting wildlife at our Sayreville site, but we think we may have spotted a juvenile eagle yesterday thanks to Sofi and Franks’s binoculars. Photo credit: Sofi Grossman

Very large horseshoe crab shell on the shores of the South Amboy beach! Photo credit: Sofi Grossman

The sun broke through the clouds as we reached the end of our 2024 season at Perth Amboy. Thank you again to all the volunteers who were a part of the program- hope to see you again next summer! Photo credit: Sofi Grossman

Raritan Pathogens Results 9.26.2024

By LRWP Monitoring Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino

Every Thursday from May to October, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County run a volunteer-based monitoring program along the Raritan river. During the summer, we collect water quality samples at six non-bathing public access beach sites, provide our samples to the Interstate Environmental Commission for analysis in their laboratory and report the results to the public on Friday afternoons. Our mission is to share this data with the community and partners to ensure the safe use of the Raritan river for all.

Our lab results for water quality samples taken on Thursday September 26, 2024 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at FOUR of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart which includes: Riverside Park (Piscataway), Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick), Edison Boat Basin and Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Edison). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation, which include: South Amboy Waterfront Park (South Amboy) and 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy)

Pathogens/Enterococci levels are used as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria in recreational waters. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people coming in primary contact with the water (touching) through recreational activities like fishing, kayaking or swimming in a water body. Possible sources of bacteria include stormwater runoff, Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, leaking septic systems, animal carcasses, and runoff from manure storage areas.

Our goal in reporting these results is to give residents a better understanding of the potential health risks related to primary contact during water-based recreation. If you decide to recreate on Raritan this weekend, please keep this data in mind and wash up properly after any activities!

Our monitoring team was eager to be joined by Sandy Castor on the Rutgers Boathouse docks, Middlesex County’s Department Head and our VIP this week! Sandy took part in our usual monitoring work like collecting data off the YSI and grabbing our sample for the week, alongside our community volunteers. Despite the gloomy weather, sharing our pathogens work with Sandy was a great start to the morning!

Another week of bottles and debris at the Rutgers Boathouse, along with a fish kill. Photo credit: Jocelyn Palomino (left) and Art Allgauer (right)

A massive log found its way in between the docks at the Edison Boat Basin, Photo credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Amongst the usual flock of gulls at Sayreville, we were able to spot one cormorant on a dock post using the breeze to dry up, while another went for a lonesome swim in the Raritan. Photo credit: Jocelyn Palomino

We usually find very little trash when we arrive at our South Amboy site, however, a lot of garbage was left behind after the high tide for us to clean-up. We also found two smooth dogfish/sand sharks on the shore that appear to have been preyed on… Photo credit: Art Allgauer (left) and Jocelyn Palomino (right)

The combined sewer system (CSS) in Perth Amboy had a light overflow due to some morning drizzle, however, it most likely increased with the rain that followed after. Special thanks to our volunteers: Art Allgauer, Sofi Grossman, Sanil Nambiar, and Irene Riegner! Photo credit: Art Allgauer (left) and Jocelyn Palomino (right)

Raritan Pathogens Results 9.19.2024

By LRWP Monitoring Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino

Every Thursday from May to October, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County run a volunteer-based monitoring program along the Raritan river. During the summer, we collect water quality samples at six non-bathing public access beach sites, provide our samples to the Interstate Environmental Commission for analysis in their laboratory and report the results to the public on Friday afternoons. Our mission is to share this data with the community and partners to ensure the safe use of the Raritan river for all.

Our lab results for water quality samples taken on Thursday September 19, 2024 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at FOUR of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart which includes: Riverside Park (Piscataway), Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick), Edison Boat Basin (Edison) and 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation, which include: Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Edison) and South Amboy Waterfront Park (South Amboy).

Pathogens/Enterococci levels are used as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria in recreational waters. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people coming in primary contact with the water (touching) through recreational activities like fishing, kayaking or swimming in a water body. Possible sources of bacteria include stormwater runoff, Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, leaking septic systems, animal carcasses, and runoff from manure storage areas.

Our goal in reporting these results is to give residents a better understanding of the potential health risks related to primary contact during water-based recreation. If you decide to recreate on Raritan this weekend, please keep this data in mind and wash up properly after any activities!

Just two more weeks left of summer monitoring!! As always, BIG thanks to our volunteers who joined us in the field this week: Irene Riegner, Sofi Grossman, Frank Dahl, and Art Allgauer.

Frank Dahl manning the YSI at Riverside Park in Piscataway, catch a glimpse of the real-time numbers Frank was looking at in the second picture. Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Stagnant waters at the Rutgers Boathouse caused a scummy buildup across the surface of the Raritan, we also spotted a dead fish among the pile of debris next to bottles, bottles, and more bottles! Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Tuesday’s Supermoon greatly affected the tides Thursday morning, some of our sites were too flooded to access but luckily we had waders ready, Photo Credit: Art Allgauer

The carcass of what appeared to be a juvenile black-backed gull washed up on the boat ramp at LR4- Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park, Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

At LR5- South Amboy Waterfront Park, we also had some interesting finds as a result of aquatic life being washed up from the high-tide. Apart from dozens of horseshoe crabs molts, we spotted a dried up Manta stingray right along the shoreline- which was a first for us! Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino (left) and Art Allgauer (right)

Raritan Pathogens Results 9.12.2024

By LRWP Monitoring Outreach Coordinator Jocelyn Palomino

Every Thursday from May to October, the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County run a volunteer-based monitoring program along the Raritan river. During the summer, we collect water quality samples at six non-bathing public access beach sites, provide our samples to the Interstate Environmental Commission for analysis in their laboratory and report the results to the public on Friday afternoons. Our mission is to share this data with the community and partners to ensure the safe use of the Raritan river for all.

Our lab results for water quality samples taken on Thursday September 12, 2024 show Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeding the EPA federal water quality standard of 104 cfu/100mL at TWO of our monitoring sites this week. Problem sites are indicated by red frowns on the map and chart which includes: Riverside Park (Piscataway) and 2nd Street Park (Perth Amboy). Green smiles on the chart and map indicate the sites with bacteria levels safe for recreation, which include: Rutgers Boathouse (New Brunswick), Edison Boat Basin and Ken Buchanan Waterfront Park (Edison), and South Amboy Waterfront Park (South Amboy).

Pathogens/Enterococci levels are used as indicators of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria in recreational waters. Such pathogens may pose health risks to people coming in primary contact with the water (touching) through recreational activities like fishing, kayaking or swimming in a water body. Possible sources of bacteria include stormwater runoff, Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants, leaking septic systems, animal carcasses, and runoff from manure storage areas.

Our goal in reporting these results is to give residents a better understanding of the potential health risks related to primary contact during water-based recreation. If you decide to recreate on Raritan this weekend, keep this data in mind and be sure to wash up after any activities!

Special thanks to the volunteers who joined us on the field: Sofi Grossman, Irene Riegner and Art Allgauer!

Once again, the Rutgers Boathouse docks were piled up with debris and trash similar to last week. We witnessed some fish jumping out of the water and floundering about near the docks, however, the Dissolved Oxygen levels we recorded (9.0 mg/L and 102.7% saturation) indicated an appropriate level of oxygen for aquatic life to survive. We will keep a close eye on the situation in the following weeks. Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

The Raritan river was abundant with wildlife early Thursday morning. From two deer embracing each other on the shore of the Rutgers Boathouse, to a number of egrets and gulls at the Edison Boat Basin- it was a lively day to do some monitoring! Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

The docks at Sayreville’s Ken Buchanan Waterfront after days with no precipitation. The smell was FOUL to say the least! Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

We don’t usually spot herons at our Perth Amboy site, but this lovely heron was spotted on the docks before flying out for his catch of the morning. Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

In our newly implemented monitoring task of “site clean-ups,” we have noticed LR2 and LR6 tend to have a higher volume of trash in comparison to our other sites, a majority of the trash being plastic/glass bottles. Photo Credit: Jocelyn Palomino

Sept 14 – SEWA USA & LRWP Open House!

In partnership with SEWA USA – Central New Jersey Chapter, the LRWP is pleased to co-host a special Boat Shop Open House on Saturday September 14, 2-5pm at our 101 Raritan Avenue Boat Shop in Highland Park.

We welcome you to join us for refreshments, boat build demos, rain barrel painting, a special presentation by Rutgers Professor Chris Obropta, a clean-up at Donaldson Park, and a change to get out on the Raritan River for a paddle!

Please note that parking will be tight: if you drive, you will want to find parking on the side streets.

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