Some of the Costs of the Open Space Diversion

Posted on March 8, 2015 by Bill Wolfe

Deep Cuts At DEP Must Be Restored

A Detailed Look At Water and Monitoring Cuts

Tomorrow (Monday 3/9/15), the Senate Environment Committee will hear the open space funding implementation bill (see S2769).

But, you probably won’t hear anything about that in the press, because the Committee is also hearing a Resolution condemning Governor Christie’s Exxon deal, which is getting press saturation as an emerging scandal.

SCR-158 (Sweeney/Smith, B/Lesniak) (pending intro and referral) – Condemns, and strongly urges rejection of,  proposed $225 million settlement in lawsuit brought by NJ against Exxon Mobil for natural resource damages at Bayway and Bayonne oil refinery sites and certain other sites in NJ.

So, I thought I’d post an analysis put together by John Miller of the NJ Association of Flood Plain Managers of the cuts to various DEP water and monitoring programs caused by the Open Space diversion (does not include the site remediation cuts).

We’ve written about all this many times before.  While we prefer to go to readers and legislators with tightly focused issue briefs (that’s why it’s called Wolfenotes!), Miller goes into much greater detail on the programs that are cut. It’s always good to provide information and nice to get other credible points of view out there, so here goes: thanks John!

NJAFM

Water Resources Impacts of NJDEP CBT reassignment

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  • CBT covers roughly 8% NJDEP salaries department-wide; 61 positions in water resources direct and 42  Water Monitoring and Standards staff funded (update 123 jobs)
  • CBT for water resources programs will drop from $15 to $5 million; now $11 million salary/benefits and $4 for operations
  • Barnegat Bay monitoring would be hit (Governor and Sen. Smith’s priority) andother water quality monitoring for the ocean (coastal counties), all surface and groundwater statewide, shellfish monitoring needed by FDA to verify safety of the shellfish industry on the coast
  • Flood projections and warnings would be compromised in floodprone watersheds such as the Passaic and Raritan Watersheds; we can’t be without these systems from a public safety standpoint
  • Drought monitoring and projections would be hampered for underground aquifers; this is where most of South Jersey gets its water for drinking
  • NJ Weather and Climate Network overseen by NJ State Climatologist in jeopardy as result of CBT (or using that money to make up for CBT reallocation); this about $90K per year; this is really important data for climate projections and future conditions

Context

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  • Drinking water quality monitoring, availability, aquifer health, drought monitoring critical for public safety and maintenance of water supply and wastewater operations
  • Flood warning, emergency management operations, projections for evacuations, road closures and public action all crucial for lives and property
  • Shellfish industry monitoring needed to assure public health
  • Water quality for recreation, beach closures, water quality warnings, and ultimately property values in water dependent communities based on water quality improvements that are long term data intensive
  • Articles that have correct detail:

http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/11/open_space_ballot_question_passes_but_threatens_other_

environmental_programs_advocates_say.html#incart_river

http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/14/09/30/ballot-question-to-preserve-open-space-could-hurt-more- than-it-helps/

NJGWS Water Monitoring Networks FY2015 CBT Funding

Seven ambient water monitoring networks and projects in New Jersey are supported by annual CBT state funding of over $1.3M to the New Jersey Geological & Water Survey (NJGWS) and the Water Monitoring Management program (WMM). These are: Stream Gauging, Ground and Surface Water Quality, Ground Water Levels, Coastal Plain Synoptic, Drought Monitoring and Precipitation Mesonet. Networks are cooperatively operated with match funding of $1.3M from the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Network Descriptions and Costs

The Stream Gauging network collects continuous stage and discharge data at 67 stations and low flow data at 45 stations for water supply, watershed management, waste load allocation, site evaluations, floods, droughts and fish & wildlife management. FY2015 NJGWS & WMM funding from CBT is $310K and USGS match is $310K

The Ground and Surface Water Quality networks collects ground water quality information at 150 wells and 114 stream stations statewide and provides information for water resource planning & allocation, watershed management, land use impacts, pollution sources and fish & wildlife management. FY2015 NJGWS and WMM funding from CBT is $363K with a USGS match is $586K to CBT & other funding sources.

The Ground Water Level network collects water level data from 168 observation wells in all the major aquifers and provides long-term status and trends on ground water resources. It documents water use influences on these resources for water supply planning and allocations. FY2015 CBT funding is $91K with a USGS match of $178K.

The Coastal Plain Synoptic determines long-term ground water levels and chloride concentrations in approximately 800 wells in the confined aquifers of the New Jersey coastal plain. Data is needed for water supply planning and allocation decisions and serves as an early warning system for salt-water intrusion and overuse of the aquifers. FY2015 CBT funding is $88K with a USGS match of $150K to CBT & other funding.

The Drought Monitoring network uses satellite telemetry, to provide real-time conditions for streams (47) and ground water wells (20). Additional stream low flow measurement stations (35) and continuous ground water well level recorders (19) are also operated. This network provides information statewide on ambient conditions for quick response to drought (or flood) events. FY2015 CBT funding is $138K with USGS match of $70K.

The Mesonet Precipitation Monitoring network provides real-time precipitation information statewide for use in assessing drought (or flood) indicators. FY2015 NJGWS funding from CBT is ~$180K.

Justification for ongoing support of the New Jersey Weather and Climate Network

Prepared by Dr. David Robinson, NJ State Climatologist December 2014

The New Jersey Weather and Climate Network (NJWxNet) is a real-time network of 58 stations from High Point to Cape May. The NJWxNet provides important information to decision makers involved with protecting the health and safety of NJ residents and those involved with managing the infrastructure and commerce of the state. The network contributes to extreme weather monitoring, drought assessment, other water supply issues, fire danger evaluation and general environmental monitoring across the Garden State.

A rich array of environmental data and derived products are associated with air temperature, precipitation, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, solar radiation, soil temperature and moisture, fuel moisture and temperature, and snow depth. Observations are gathered via cellular communication on a five-minute basis, quality controlled, archived and disseminated via the web in tabular, graphic and map formats (http://njweather.org). There is at least one NJWxNet station in every county, with the exception of Essex and Union, where nearby stations lie within several miles of their borders.

Currently, the NJDEP provides $90,000 of annual support for network operations. DEP funding has been continuous since the early 2000s, when funding assisted in the purchase and installation of some of the network’s first stations. Presently, NJDEP funds cover approximately 30% of network operating expenses. Other funding comes from the National Weather Service and the US Forest Service. In the past, the NJ Office of Emergency Management and NJ Department of Transportation have contributed some support.

During Sandy, a continuous flow of data from no fewer than 80% of the stations at any point during the storm was maintained and available to the Governor and others at the state emergency management headquarters, to local emergency managers, the National Weather Service, the media and the general public. This included stations up and down the coast. Only stations not solar or generator powered were off line.

The NJWxNet is operated at a much lower expense than a number of weather networks in other states. Any loss of support raises the threat of vastly reducing the reliability and even the existence of the network. Jobs would be lost, stations closed, maintenance reduced, and communication limited.

For further information regarding the NJWxNet please contact Dr. David Robinson, NJ State Climatologist and Professor of Geography, Rutgers University at 848-445-4741 or david.robinson@rutgers.edu.

New Jersey Water Monitoring Networks

In order to assess the quantity and quality of the state’s water resources, the State of New Jersey has developed, and maintains, a number of water monitoring networks. The data collected is used by NJDEP as natural resource “vital signs’ that describe the condition of the state’s water resources and also to determine the effectiveness of their resource management programs. The data are also used by water suppliers, the National Weather Service, the USEPA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and many other government agencies, private water companies and industrial water users .

Seven ambient water monitoring networks and projects in New Jersey are supported by annual CBT state funding of over $1.3M. These are: Stream Gaging, Ground Water Levels, Ground and Surface Water Quality, Coastal Plain Synoptic, Drought Monitoring and Precipitation Mesonet. These networks are cooperatively operated and maintained by the US Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS provides federal matching funds of $1.3M annually.

Stream gaging network- This statewide network collects continuous stage and discharge data at 67 stations and low flow data at 45 stations. The NJDEP uses the streamflow data for water supply planning, watershed management, waste load allocation, drought declarations and response, and fish & wildlife management. In addition, the NJDEP uses this network to insure compliance with the Water Allocation Permit program and to establish regulatory limits for the state floodplain management program. FEMA also relies on the stream flow data to maps flood prone areas for the national flood insurance program. The National Weather Service Mid Atlantic River Forecast Center uses the stream gage network to predict flooding. The real time streamflow data is used by state and local emergency management agencies for their flood warning systems and to order evacuations.

Groundwater levels monitoring network –There are 180 wells used by the NJDEP to assess the condition of the groundwater aquifers across New Jersey. Water level data collected at these wells provides long-term status and trends which are used for water supply planning and allocations and to assess the effectiveness of the state groundwater management programs.

Surface and ground water quality networks – The water quality of the streams and rivers in New Jersey are monitored at 80 locations . The data is used by NJDEP to develop an integrated water quality assessment report and determine whether the waters are meeting water quality standards. The state is required to monitor the surface waters of the state to comply with the Federal Clean Water Act and related state statutes.

The water quality of the state’s shallow ground water is monitored at 150 wells. The locations of the monitoring wells are selected to assess the impact of various land use activities on ground water quality. This data allows NJDEP to identify potential threats to human and ecological health from surface and ground water pollution and provides information for water resource planning & allocation, watershed management, and fish & wildlife management.

Coastal Plain Synoptic – This network determines long-term ground water levels and chloride concentrations in approximately 800 wells in the confined aquifers of the New Jersey coastal plain. Data is needed for water supply planning and allocation decisions and serves as an early warning system for salt-water intrusion and overuse of the aquifers.

The Drought monitoring network – This network uses satellite telemetry to provide real- time streamflow conditions at 47 locations and 20 ground water wells . In addition, low flow measurements are taken at 35 stream stations and continuous ground water well levels are collected at another 19 wells. This network provides information statewide on ambient conditions for quick response to drought (or flood) events.

New Jersey Water Monitoring Networks

The Stream Gaging network collects continuous stage and discharge data at 67 stations and low flow data at 45 stations throughout the state of New Jersey.

These monitoring locations are used to assess and manage the state’s water supply. The NJDEP uses the streamflow data to determine the quantity of water available for water supply and to assess the impact of water withdrawals on that supply. The NJDEP regulatory and enforcement programs use the data to insure minimum passing flow requirements are met by water allocation permittees.

Streamflow data is also used for the NJDEP watershed management programs. Specifically, the data is used to determine waste load allocations, which are needed to set pollutant discharge limits for waste water treatment plants and other dischargers.

The NJDEP uses streamflow data to establish ecological limits of hydrologic flow alteration for their fish & wildlife management programs.

Stream flow data is also used by the National Weather Service to forecast floods, and by the NJDEP, FEMA and the US Army Corps of Engineers to establish the boundaries for regulatory floodplains. State and local emergency managers use this information to plan and manage emergency evacuations during flood events

The Ground and Surface Water Quality networks collect water quality data at 150 wells and 114 stream stations statewide.

The data collected from these monitoring sites are essential to determining the impact of various land uses and other pollution sources on the water quality of the state’s surface and ground water resources.

The data are also used to determine which streams and rivers are meeting the state and federal water quality standards and to develop the list of ‘impaired waters’ as required by the federal Clean Water Act . (see attached article)

The surface water quality data is combined with the flow data from the stream gaging network to determine pollutant loads and to establish regulatory Total Maximum Daily Loads ( TMDL’s).

Water quality data is used to assess water quality trends over time which allows NJDEP to determine the effectiveness of water resource planning, permitting and enforcement programs.page8image19064page8image19336

The Ground Water Level network collects water level data from 168 observation wells in all the major aquifers throughout the state.

The data from this network provides long-term status and trends on ground water resources. It is also used by the NJDEP water supply planning and water allocation programs to document the impacts of water withdrawals on these resources and on other permitted withdrawals.

The Coastal Plain Synoptic determines long-term ground water levels and chloride concentrations in approximately 800 wells in the confined aquifers of the New Jersey coastal plain. Data is needed for water supply planning and allocation decisions and serves as an early warning system for salt-water intrusion and overuse of the aquifers.

The synoptic groundwater network was used to document declining water levels in aquifers along the coast of New Jersey, which resulted in salt water intrusion that threatens public water supplies from Perth Amboy to Cape May City. This network also documented ground water level declines in Cumberland County that were determined to be caused by excessive ground water pumping in the State of Delaware.

The Drought Monitoring network uses satellite telemetry to provide real-time conditions at 47 stream locations and 20 ground water wells. This network also includes low flow stream measurements at 35 stream locations and 19 continuous ground water well level recorders. This information from this statewide network is essential for determining when drought declarations should be issued, for assessing the effects of drought restrictions and deciding when drought declarations can be terminated.

NJDEP Programmatic impacts

The loss of the CBT funds for these NJDEP water monitoring networks could also result in the loss of federal matching funds. In FY 14 the United States Geological Survey provided approximately $1.3 million to support the NJDEP networks. Without the CBT funds, these federal matching funds would be in jeopardy.

The loss of the CBT funding may also affect staffing levels in the NJDEP water resource programs. A total of 123 NJDEP positions in their water resource programs are funded by the CBT. These programs include the New Jersey Geologic and Water Survey, the Bureau of Water Quality Standards and Assessment, the Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring, and the Water Quality Management Planning Program.page9image19864page9image20136page9image20408

The loss of these positions could adversely affect a number of critical NJDEP water resource programs, including the watershed characterization and management initiative which is assessing the status of the state’s ground-water resources. This initiative requires knowing the geologic and hydrologic properties of a watershed. The New Jersey Geologic and Water Survey contributes essential information for the characterization process including the location, extent, and productivity of aquifers, the distribution and rates of ground-water recharge, data on ground-water quality, and the amount of ground- water discharge to surface streams (base flow).

The Survey also analyzes and reviews hydrogeologic reports submitted in support of water supply diversion applications for the Water Allocations, provides input to Well Permitting on the drilling, abandonment and sealing of wells penetrating multiple aquifers and maintains and updates geologic and hydrologic databases used by Water Supply and DEP permit applicants. In addition, the Survey conducts regional water resource assessments and regional ground water models required by the 1981 Water Bond Act and provides geologic & hydrologic information to the regulated community for locating high capacity industrial and municipal wells.

The Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring is responsible for monitoring the ambient conditions of the state’s fresh and ground water resources. The data collected is used to assess the water quality of the state’s water resources.

The Bureau of Water Quality Standards and Assessment (BWQSA) is responsible for the development, adoption, and administration of New Jersey’s surface and ground water quality standards. BWQSA is also responsible for conducting and coordinating water quality assessments of all waters of the State, including assessment of data collected by other agencies and watershed associations (e.g., regional and local government agencies and volunteer monitoring organizations). These assessments are reported through the New Jersey Water Quality and Assessment Integrated Reports.

The Integrated Reports are intended to provide effective tools for maintaining high quality waters and improving the quality of waters that do not attain their designated uses (i.e., contain impaired waterbodies). The Integrated Reports describe attainment of the designated uses of surface waters of the State, as specified in the New Jersey Surface Water Quality Standards (N.J.A.C. 7:9B), which include: aquatic life, recreation, drinking water, fish consumption, shellfish consumption, industrial and agricultural. In addition to identifying impaired waterbodies, the Integrated Reports identify subwatersheds where there is no water quality impairment, i.e., all designated uses are attained.

The primary purpose of the Water Quality Management Planning Program is to establish policies, procedures, and standards which were developed to restore, enhance and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the waters of the State. Attainment of the water quality standards is essential to protect public health, to safeguard fish and aquatic life and scenic and ecological values, and to enhance the domestic, municipal, recreational, industrial and other uses of water.

Water Monitoring Fact Sheet

ACWA Annual Meeting – August 4-7, 2013
Roundtable 3 – Monitoring Program Adaptations: Criteria and More

1. Clean Water Act (CWA) Monitoring Objectives

Monitoring is a core water program. Congress recognized monitoring as the foundation for Clean Water Act implementation when making it one of two eligibility requirements for states receiving 106 grants. The other eligibility requirement is enforcement authority.

CWA Monitoring Objectives include:

  • Establishing, reviewing, and revising water quality standards (Section 303(c)).
  • Reporting on the extent of waters that support the goals of the Act, and determining water quality standards attainment (Section 305(b), 314, 205).
  • Identifying impaired waters (Section 303(d)).
  • Identifying causes and sources of water quality impairments (Sections 303(d), 305(b), 319, 205, 604). Supporting the implementation of water management programs
  • Water quality based permits reflecting receiving water characteristics and assimilative capacity (Section 402).
  • TMDL models using ambient data to develop and validate load estimates (Section 303(d))
  • Watershed Plans, including source water protection plans
    Supporting the evaluation of program effectiveness (Sections 303, 305, 402, 314, 319, etc.).

Additional Monitoring Objectives include:

• BMP effectiveness monitoring
• Emergency response needs baseline data, quick response hazard assessment, and long- term impact assessment (e.g., BP spill, TVA coal ash, Hurricane Sandy, etc.)

2. Key Questions Answered by Monitoring

A State monitoring program that meets CWA objectives should be able to answer the questions below for the different water types (e.g., rivers, lakes, estuaries)and water uses (e.g., recreational, aquatic life). Different monitoring designs may be needed to answer different questions, or to assess various types of criteria.

  • What is the overall quality of waters in the State?
  • To what extent is water quality changing over time?
  • What are the problem areas and areas needing protection?
  • What level of protection is needed and how do we achieve that through point and nonpoint controls?
  • What are the most effective monitoring and assessment indicators to track progress?
  • How effective are clean water projects and programs at protecting and restoring water quality?

3. Programs and Functions Which Depend on Monitoring include:

  • Assessment & Listing – CWA 303(d) and 305(b)
  • Water Quality Standards
  • NPDES Permits
  • TMDLs and Modeling
  • Watershed Protection/Restoration
  • BMP Effectiveness
  • Source Water Protection
  • Fish and Shellfish Consumption Advisories
  • Compliance & Enforcement
  • Emergency Response

4. State Long-term Water Monitoring Strategies

All states develop and maintain a monitoring strategy that describes how monitoring objectives are or would be met, and the resources needed for implementation (Elements of a State Monitoring and Reporting Program, EPA, 2003). For each water type, these plans include: objectives, designs, indicators, quality assurance, data management, analysis and assessment, reporting, resources and infrastructure, and programmatic evaluation.

The State strategies identify monitoring gaps, help States set monitoring priorities, and guide program enhancement funding from the 106 Monitoring Initiative Grant. Examples of funded enhancements include new State lab capacities, fish tissue monitoring, data management, new biological monitoring protocols and index development. Some states have used the strategies, and the identification of monitoring gaps, to secure additional monitoring funding through State legislative mandates.

  1. Potential Funding Sources for State monitoring programs include:
    • CWA 106 base grant – Water Pollution Control Programs
    • CWA 319 grant – Non–point source program
    • CWA 604 grant – Water Quality Management Planning
    • BEACH grant (available at least through FFY14)
    • CWA 106 Monitoring Initiative – For monitoring gaps/enhancements
    • State General Funds
    • State Permitting Fees
    • State Dedicated Funds (e.g., Watershed, Water Monitoring)
    • Leverage Partner Resources – government (federal, interstate, local), private, nonprofit & volunteer
  2. Water Monitoring Councils Assist with Monitoring Challenges
    • Through communication, collaboration & coordination, Councils improve water quality through development of partnerships, sharing data and promoting the efficient use of resources
    • The National Water Quality Monitoring Council (NWQMC), co-chaired by EPA and USGS, includes 10 state representatives and > 40 members from many types of organizations
    • Water resource management in 18 States/Regions is benefitting from the partnerships and data exchange developed through their Water Monitoring Councils
    • State Water Monitoring Councils include: CA, CO, FL, IN, MD, MI, NJ, ND, OH, OK, UT, VA, WI National Water Quality Monitoring Council

EPA Finalizes List of Polluted Water Bodies in New Jersey

PCBs, Arsenic, and Phosphorus are Most Common Pollutants

Contact: John Martin, (212) 637-3662, martin.johnj@epa.gov

(New York, N.Y. – October 24, 2014) From Raritan Bay to the Maurice River in Cumberland County, New Jersey continues to struggle with meeting federal water standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved the 2012 list of waters in New Jersey that are considered either impaired or threatened by pollutants. An impaired water body does not meet federally- approved water quality standards even after pollution controls have been put in place. A threatened water body is expected to be impaired within two years. The list helps establish regulatory priorities for addressing threats from water pollution.

“Identifying and prioritizing the state’s most seriously polluted waters are important steps in the effort to reduce water pollution,” said Judith Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. “Since the Clean Water Act was adopted, water quality in New Jersey’s rivers, lakes and streams has improved, but we still have a very long way to go. By investing in infrastructure and by implementing green infrastructure to control stormwater runoff, communities throughout New Jersey can improve water quality. Also, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is tackling a decades-old problem by putting in place more stringent regulatory controls at combined sewage outfalls in the Camden and NY/NJ harbor areas. As New Jersey finalizes and fully implements these permits, we expect to see improvements in water quality.”

The most common pollutants causing impairment in New Jersey water bodies includepolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (14% of impairments), arsenic (13%), phosphorus (9%), and low dissolved oxygen (8%). New Jersey’s 2012 list identifies 1770 instances in which a pollutant is causing an impairment of a water body that keeps it from supporting its “designated use” for drinking water, swimming and recreation, fishing or other activities specified by the state. Seventeen water body/pollutant combinations that were on New Jersey’s impaired waters list in 2010 were not included in the 2012 list, in many cases due to the work of state and local government agencies and local community groups to improve water quality.

The list notes the most common sources of water pollutants, which include urban/stormwater runoff, combined sewer overflows from systems that capture both domestic sewage and stormwater, and air pollution. A pollutant may come from more than one source.

The Clean Water Act requires states to assess the quality of their waters and to report their findings to the EPA every two years. The list is compiled by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and is a valuable tool for reaching the Clean Water Act goal of “fishable and swimmable” waters for all of New Jersey.

The list specifically includes impaired waters for which the development of budgets for the amount of water pollution allowed is necessary. The budgets define the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards. They are developed by states and approved by the EPA once the agency determines that the budget will allow the water body to achieve water quality standards.

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