REAPPRAISAL OF SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7 SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR

Transcription

1 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Land Use Management Post Office Box 409, Trenton Water Monitoring Project Water Monitoring and Standards Leslie J. McGeorge, Administrator June 2005 REAPPRAISAL OF SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7 SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR Water Monitoring Report Prepared by: Paul Wesighan Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring PO Box 405 Stoney Hill Road Leeds Point, NJ Robert Connell, Chief

2 STATE OF NEW JERSEY JAMES E. McGREEVEY GOVERNOR REAPPRAISAL OF SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7 SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection BRADLEY M. CAMPBELL COMMISSIONER

3 This report was funded by a State General Appropriation and the Federal Clean Water Act Written by: Paul Wesighan Project Manager Date Edited by: Deborah Watkins Principal Environmental Specialist Date Reviewed by: Robert Connell Bureau Chief Date Approved by: Leslie J. McGeorge Administrator Date i

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 INTRODUCTION 1 Purpose 1 History of NSSP 2 Functional Authority 3 Importance of Sanitary Control of Shellfish 4 PROFILE 6 Location 6 Description 8 History of Growing Area Classification 10 METHODS 11 Bacteriological Investigation and Data Analysis 11 Sampling Strategy 11 NSSP Criteria 12 Marine Biotoxins 13 SHORELINE SURVEY 15 Changes Since Last Survey 15 Land Use 16 Evaluation of Biological Resources 18 Identification and Evaluation of Sources 22 Indirect Discharge 22 Storm Water Inputs 26 Marinas 28 Spills or Other Unpermitted Discharges 1 HYDROGRAPHY AND METEROLOGY 37 ii

5 Patterns of Precipitation 37 WATER QUALITY STUDIES 42 Bacteriological Quality 42 Tidal Effects 46 Seasonal Effects 1 INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION OF DATA 1 Bacteriological 1 Nutrients 54 CONCLUSIONS 59 Bacteriological Evaluation 59 RECOMMENDATION 60 Shellfish Water Classifications 60 Recommended Changes in Monitoring Schedule 60 LITERATURE CITED 60 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 61 APPENDICES 62 iii

6 TABLE OF FIGURES Figure 1: State of New Jersey Shellfish Agencies 4 Figure 2: Location and Municipalities of Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor. 8 Figure 3: Current Classification of Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor. 10 Figure 4: Location of Phytoplankton Sampling Stations. 14 Figure 5: Location of Cape May Harbor. 16 Figure 6: Land Use Patterns for Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor. 18 Figure 7: Location of Cape May Harbor near Utsch s Marina where a large number of Gulls were seen feeding during Shoreline Survey. 19 Figure 8: Marsh Type and Marsh Vegetation in Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor. 20 Figure 9: Marsh Vegetation located to the west of Jarvis Sound (in Distance). 21 Figure 10: Shore Structures and Shore Type in Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor. 22 Figure 11: Indirect Ground Water Potentially Discharging to the Waters of Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor 24 Figure 12: Known Contaminated Sites in Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor. 26 Figure 13: Solid Waste Landfills in Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor. 28 Figure 14: Location of Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest. 2 Figure 15: Storm Water Discharges to Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor. 28 Figure 16: Marina Facilities Located in Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor. 31 Figure 17: Location of Shawcrest Marina in Wildwood. 33 Figure 18: Location of Two Mile Landing Marina in Lower Township. 34 Figure 19: Location of Utsch s Marina in Cape May Harbor. 34 Figure 20: Area of Ocean Shellfish Growing Waters near the Cape May Inlet Closed to Shellfish Harvesting by Sewage Spill in March Figure 21: Cumulative Precipitation Frequency Histogram ( ). 12 Figure 22: Sampling Stations in Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor. 44 Figure 23: Sampling Stations Affected by Tidal Component: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor. 48 Figure 24: Sampling Stations Affected by Seasonal Component: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor.51 Figure 25: SRS Sampling Stations exceeding Approved criteria: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor.54 Figure 26: Sampling Stations where additional data have been collected for nutrients. 58 iv

7 TABLE OF TABLES Table 1: Population Information for Municipalities Adjacent to Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor. 8 Table 2: Criteria for Adverse Pollution Condition Sampling Strategy. 12 Table 3: Criteria for Systematic Random Sampling Strategy. 13 Table 4: Marina Facilities Located in Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor. 31 Table 5: Average Mid-Atlantic Storm Event Information. 37 Table 6: Storm Event Volume for 2-Year Storm Event Recurrence. 37 Table 7: Climatological Data. 40 Table 8: Water Quality Summary :SRS Stations(10/3/1996-9/28/2000). 44 Table 9: Tidal Effects. 46 Table 10: Seasonal Effects. 49 Table 11: Data summaries for Nutrient Stations: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor (7/01/ /31/1999). 57 Table 12: 2000 Data summaries for Nutrient Stations: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor (1/01/ /31/2000). 58 v

8 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The water quality data presented in this Reappraisal of Shellfish Growing Area SE-7; Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor, were collected between October 1996 and September 2000, using the Systematic Random Sampling (SRS) strategy. However, additional sampling runs are recommended for the sampling stations that need 30 sets of data for the Systematic Random Sampling Strategy. The water quality of this shellfish growing area was good, and the Special Restricted and Prohibited classification of this shellfish growing area meets the water quality standards as specified by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) concerning water quality and shellfish growing water classification criteria (USPHS, 1999 Revision). No classification changes are recommended for this shellfish growing area. It is prohibited to harvest shellfish from this area for direct market without a special permit issued in compliance with the State of New Jersey s Relay or Depuration Programs. There were no changes to this area as observed during the shoreline survey. It was recommended and implemented that sampling stations 3602E and 3602F be added to the sampling schedule in Assignment 277 (Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor) for the sample year , and that the number of runs be increased from 12 runs/year to 15 runs/year for the sample year. INTRODUCTION PURPOSE This report is part of a series of studies having a dual purpose. The first and primary purpose is to comply with the guidelines of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) that are established by the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC). Reports generated under this program form the basis for classifying shellfish waters for the purpose of harvesting shellfish for human consumption. As such, they provide a critical link in protecting human health. The second purpose is to provide input to the Integrated Water Monitoring and Assessment Report, and this information is used for the Section 305(b) portion of the Federal Clean Water Act (P.L ). The information contained in the growing area reports is used for the New Jersey State Water Quality Inventory Report (305b) which provides an assessment to Congress every two years of current water quality conditions in the State's major rivers, lakes, estuaries, and ocean waters. These growing area reports provide valuable information for 1

9 the 305(b) report, which describes the waters that are attaining state designated water uses and national clean water goals; the pollution problems identified in surface waters; and the actual or potential sources of pollution. Similarly, these growing area reports utilize relevant information contained in the 305(b) report, since the latter assessments are based on instream monitoring data (temperature, oxygen, ph, total and fecal coliform bacteria, nutrients, solids, ammonia and metals), land-use profiles, drainage basin characteristics and other pollution source information. From the perspective of the Shellfish Classification Program, the reciprocal use of water quality information from reports represent two sides of the same coin: the growing area report focuses on the estuary itself, while the 305(b) portion of the report describes the watershed that drains to that estuary. The Department participates in a cooperative National Environmental Performance Partnership System (NEPPS) with the USEPA which emphasizes ongoing evaluation of issues associated with environmental regulation, including assessing impacts on water bodies and measuring improvements in various indicators of environmental health. The shellfish growing area reports are intended to provide a brief assessment of the growing area, with particular emphasis on those factors that affect the quantity and quality of the shellfish resource. The shellfish growing area reports provide valuable information on the overall quality of the saline waters in the most downstream sections of each major watershed. In addition, the reports assess the quality of the biological resource and provide a reliable indicator of potential areas of concern and/or areas where additional information is needed to accurately assess watershed dynamics. HISTORY OF NSSP As a brief history, the NSSP developed from public health principles and program controls formulated at the original conference on shellfish sanitation called by the Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service in This conference was called after oysters were implicated in causing over 1500 cases of typhoid fever and 150 deaths in The tripartite cooperative program (federal, state and shellfish industry) has updated the program procedures and guidelines through workshops held periodically until Because of concern by many states that the NSSP guidelines were not being enforced uniformly, a delegation of state shellfish officials from 22 states met in 1982 in Annapolis, Maryland, and formed the ISSC. The first annual meeting was held in 1983 and the group continues to meet annually at various locations throughout the United States. The NSSP Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish sets forth the principles and requirements for the sanitary control of shellfish produced and shipped in interstate commerce in the United States. It provides the basis used by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in evaluating state shellfish sanitation programs. The five major points on which the state is evaluated by the FDA include: l. The classification of all actual and potential shellfish growing areas 2

10 as to their suitability for shellfish harvesting. 2. The control of the harvesting of shellfish from areas that are classified as restricted, prohibited or otherwise closed. 3. The regulation and supervision of shellfish resource recovery programs. 4. The ability to restrict the harvest of shellfish from areas in a public health emergency, and 5. Prevention of the sale, shipment or possession of shellfish that cannot be identified as being produced in accordance with the NSSP and have the ability to condemn, seize or embargo such shellfish. FUNCTIONAL AUTHORITY The authority to carry out these functions is divided between the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department of Law and Public Safety. The Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring (BMWM), under the authority of N.J.S.A. 58:24, classifies the shellfish growing waters and administers the special resource recovery programs. Regulations delineating the growing areas are promulgated at N.J.A.C. 7:12 and are revised annually. Special Permit rules are also found at N.J.A.C. 7:12 and are revised as necessary. The Bureau of Shellfisheries in the Division of Fish and Wildlife issues harvesting licenses and leases for shellfish grounds under the Authority of N.J.S.A. 50:2 and N.J.A.C. 7:25. This bureau, in conjunction with the BMWM, administers the Hard Clam Relay Program. The Bureau of Law Enforcement in the DEP, Division of Fish and Wildlife, and the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety enforce the provisions of the statutes and rules mentioned above. The Department of Health and Senior Services is responsible for the certification of wholesale shellfish establishments and, in conjunction with the BMWM, administers the depuration program. The division of authority between the three agencies can be seen in Figure 1. 3

11 GOVERNOR Department of Environmental Protection Department of Health and Senior Services Department of Law and Public Safety Land Use Management Natural & Historical Resources Division of Consumer Health Services Division of State Police Water Monitoring And Standards Division of Fish & Wildlife Shellfish Program Marine Bureau Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring Leeds Point Marine Fisheries Administration Bureau of Shellfisheries Nacote Creek Bivalve Bureau of Law Enforcement Marine Enforcement Regions LOCATION Nacote Creek Trenton Field Stations ACTIVITIES Water Monitoring Special Permits Classification Charts Licenses, Leases, Resource Plants Enforcement: Resource Management, Special Permits Certified Dealers; Depuration Plants Enforcement: All New Jersey Statutes FIGURE 1: STATE OF NEW JERSEY SHELLFISH AGENCIES IMPORTANCE OF SANITARY CONTROL OF SHELLFISH Emphasis is placed on the sanitary control of shellfish because of the direct relationship between pollution of shellfish growing areas and the transmission of diseases to humans. Shellfish borne infectious diseases are generally transmitted via a fecal-oral route. The pathway is complex and quite circuitous. The cycle usually begins with fecal contamination of the shellfish growing waters. Sources of such contamination are many and varied. Contamination reaches the waterways via storm water runoff from urban and agricultural areas and from direct discharges such as wastewater treatment facilities. Clams, oysters and mussels pump large quantities of water through their bodies 4

12 during the normal feeding process. During this process the shellfish also concentrate microorganisms, which may include pathogenic microbes, and toxic heavy metals/chemicals. It is imperative that a system is in place to reduce the human health risk of consuming shellfish from areas of contamination. Accurate classifications of shellfish growing areas are completed through a comprehensive sanitary survey. The principal components of the sanitary survey report include: 1. An evaluation of all actual and potential sources of pollution, 2. An evaluation of the hydrography of the area and, 3. An assessment of water quality. Complete intensive sanitary surveys are conducted every 12 years with interim narrative evaluations completed on a three year basis. If major changes to the shoreline or bacterial quality occur, then the intensive report is initiated prior to its l2 year schedule. The following narrative constitutes this bureau's assessment of the above mentioned components and determines the current classification of the shellfish growing waters. 5

13 PROFILE LOCATION Shellfish Growing Area SE-7; Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor, is located in the southern part of New Jersey, north of the city of Cape May and south west of Wildwood, in Cape May County (see Figure 2). These estuarine and back-bay waters are bordered on the east by Wildwood Crest and Lower Township, and to the west by Lower Township. The Cape May Canal, Cape May Harbor, and Cape May Inlet are also located in this shellfish growing area. The locations of the adjacent municipalities are shown in Figure 2, and the population statistics for the adjacent municipalities are shown in Table 1. 6

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15 FIGURE 2: LOCATION AND MUNICIPALITIES OF SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. 8

16 TABLE 1: POPULATION INFORMATION FOR MUNICIPALITIES ADJACENT TO SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. Community Area (sq. mi.) Population (2000 Census) Population Density (Persons/ sq.mi.) Middle Township sq.mi. 16, Wildwood 1.43 sq.mi. 5,436 3,801 Wildwood Crest 1.43 sq.mi. 3,980 2,783 Lower Township sq.mi. 22, Cape May 2.61 sq.mi. 4,034 1,546 DESCRIPTION The area from Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor and the waters that drain into Cape May Inlet, are located in Cape May County, New Jersey. The principal bodies of water in this area are Taylor Sound, Sunset Lake, Jarvis Sound, Cape May Harbor, and Cape May Inlet. This area also includes Richardson Channel, Grassy Sound Channel, Shaw Cutoff, Stites Creek, Swain Channel, Jarvis Sound Thorofare, Reubens Thorofare, Upper Thorofare, Middle Thorofare, Lower Thorofare, Skunk Sound, and part of the Cape May Canal. The approximate size of this shellfish growing area is 2, acres, and the shellfish classification for this growing area is Special Restricted and Prohibited for shellfish harvesting. There are approximately 1, acres of Special Restricted waters, and 1, acres of Prohibited waters in this shellfish growing area. The Special Restricted waters are located in Taylor Sound, Swain Channel, Sunset Lake, the Intercoastal Waterway extending from Swain Channel to Jarvis Sound, Jarvis Sound, the Cape May Harbor, and the Cape May Inlet. The Prohibited waters include the rest of the waters in this shellfish growing area. Tidal flushing of this area mainly occurs through the Cape May Inlet. This shellfish growing area can be found on Chart 9 of the 2003 State of New Jersey Shellfish Growing Water Classification Charts (NJDEP, 2003). Figure 3 shows the current classification of this shellfish growing area. 8

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18 FIGURE 3: CURRENT CLASSIFICATION OF SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. 10

19 HISTORY OF GROWING AREA CLASSIFICATION The shellfish waters of this area are primarily classified as Special Restricted or Prohibited. The Special Restricted classification applies to the waters of Taylor Sound, Swain Channel, Sunset Lake, Jarvis Sound, and part of the Cape May Harbor and Cape May Inlet areas. The Prohibited classification applies to the remaining waters in this shellfish growing area (see Figure 3). The Special Restricted classification signifies that it is prohibited to harvest shellfish from these waters for direct market, unless a special permit is issued which is in compliance with the State of New Jersey s relay or depuration programs. Before 1970, this entire shellfish growing area was classified as Prohibited waters. It wasn t until 1970 that certain parts of this area were upgraded to the Special Restricted classification based on water quality. Prior to 1996, this shellfish growing area was composed of two assignment areas (assignments 277 and 278). An assignment area includes all of the sampling stations located in the shellfish growing waters of a specified area, which are sampled using the same sampling strategy. In the scheduled runs for this area, both assignment areas were consolidated into one assignment area (assignment 277) and this area was sampled using the Adverse Pollution Condition (APC) Strategy (the adverse condition was rainfall priority). In October 1996, a reevaluation of this shellfish growing area was written using data from 1988 to 1996, and 325 acres were upgraded from Prohibited to Special Restricted. For the sampling years, the sampling strategy was changed from Adverse Pollution Condition (APC) to Systematic Random Sampling (SRS) Strategy due to improvement in the water quality of Sunset Lake. A reappraisal for this area, written in October 1998, proposed no changes in shellfish classification, and water data from 1992 to 1998 were used to determine the water quality. The last Sanitary Survey for this area was written in An Annual Review of this area was submitted in February 2000, using water data from 1995 to 1999 and no classification change or upgrade was proposed for this area at that time. A sewage spill from the forced main sewer pipe that extended across Middle Thorofare, north of the Cape May Canal and Harbor, was originally identified on March 14, This sewer line is located under the bascule bridge that extends along Ocean Drive from Wildwood Crest to Lower Township. The extent of time and amount of the sewage that spilled into Middle Thorofare was unknown. A large area of ocean shellfish growing waters near the Cape May Inlet was temporarily closed to shellfish harvesting (see Figure 20). The forced main sewer pipe was finally sleeved, tied in and fully operational on November 30, The waters of Middle Thorofare are classified as Prohibited to shellfish harvesting. The Cape May Canal and the Cape May Harbor are classified as Special Restricted, and the ocean 10

20 shellfish waters outside the Cape May Canal are classified as Prohibited. METHODS Water sampling was performed in accordance with the Field Procedures Manual (NJDEP, 1992). Approximately 1560 water samples were collected for total and fecal coliform bacteria between 1996 and 2000 and analyzed by the three tube MPN method according to the American Public Health Association (APHA, 1970). Figure 22 shows the Shellfish Growing Water Quality monitoring stations in this area. Approximately 52 stations are monitored during each year in assignment 277. Water quality sampling, shoreline and watershed surveys were conducted in accordance with the NSSP Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish, 1999 Revision (USPHS, 1999 Revision). Data management and analysis was accomplished using database applications developed for the Bureau. Mapping of pollution data was performed with the Geographic Information System (GIS:ARCVIEW). BACTERIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION AND DATA ANALYSIS The water quality of each growing area must be evaluated before an area can be classified as Approved, Seasonally Approved, Special Restricted, or Prohibited. Criteria for bacterial acceptability of shellfish growing waters are provided in NSSP Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish, 1999 Revision (USPHS, 1999 Revision). SAMPLING STRATEGY The State Shellfish Control Authority has the option of choosing one of two water monitoring sampling strategies for each growing area. The Adverse Pollution Condition Strategy requires that a minimum of five samples be collected each year under conditions that have historically resulted in elevated coliforms in the particular growing area. The results must be evaluated by adding the individual station sample results to the preexisting bacteriological sampling results to constitute a data set of at least 15 samples for each station. The adverse pollution conditions usually are related to tide, and rainfall, but could be from a point source of pollution or variation could occur during a specific time of the year (Connell, 1991). The Systematic Random Sampling strategy requires that a random sampling 11

21 plan be in place before field sampling begins. This strategy can only be used in areas that are not affected by point sources of contamination. A minimum of six samples per station are to be collected each year and added to the database to obtain a sample size of 30 for statistical analysis. This area was sampled using the Systematic Random Sampling Strategy, year-round, with no tidal preferences for all of the sampling stations in this shellfish growing area, (Sampling Assignment 277). NSSP CRITERIA Each shellfish producing state is directed to adopt either the total coliform criterion, or the fecal coliform criterion. While New Jersey bases its growing water classifications on the total coliform criterion, it does make corresponding fecal coliform determinations for each sampling station. These data are viewed as adjunct information and are not directly used for classification. The criteria were developed to ensure that shellfish harvested from the designated waters would be free of pathogenic (disease-producing) bacteria. Each classification criterion is composed of a measure of the statistical central tendency (geometric mean) and the relative variability of the data set. For the Adverse Pollution Condition sampling strategy, variability is expressed as the percentage that exceeds the variability criteria (see Table 2). For the Systematic Random Sampling Strategy, variability is expressed as the 90 th percentile (see Table 3). Areas to be Approved under the Seasonal classification must be sampled and meet the criterion during the time of the year that it is approved for the harvest of shellfish. TABLE 2: CRITERIA FOR ADVERSE POLLUTION CONDITION SAMPLING STRATEGY Total Coliform Criteria Fecal Coliform Criteria Geometric mean (MPN/100 ml) No more than 10% of samples can exceed (MPN/100 ml) Geometric mean (MPN/100 ml) No more than 10% of samples can exceed (MPN/100 ml) Approved Water Classification Special Restricted Water Classification

22 TABLE 3: CRITERIA FOR SYSTEMATIC RANDOM SAMPLING STRATEGY Total Coliform Criteria Fecal Coliform Criteria Geometric mean (MPN/100 ml) Estimated 90 th percentile (MPN/100 ml) Geometric mean (MPN/100 ml) Estimated 90 th percentile (MPN/100 ml) Approved Water Classification Special Restricted Water Classification MARINE BIOTOXINS The Department collects samples at regular intervals throughout the summer to determine the occurrence of marine algae that produce biotoxins (see Figure 4 for the location of Phytoplankton sampling stations). Certain planktonic species have the potential to adversely affect the suitability of shellfish for human consumption. These planktonic species cause algal blooms that deplete the dissolved oxygen levels in the water. Algal blooms were reported each year for the period The areas most severely impacted include the Raritan / Sandy Hook Bay, the Barnegat Bay, and sporadic offshore areas (NJDEP, 2001, Zimmer, 2000, Zimmer, 2001). No algal blooms capable of producing biotoxins were identified for this area during 1998, 1999, or 2000 (NJDEP, 2001). These data are evaluated weekly by the Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring in accordance with the NSSP requirements. An annual report is compiled and is available electronically at: 13

23 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Water Monitoring and Standards FIGURE 4: LOCATION OF PHYTOPLANKTON SAMPLING STATIONS. 14

24 SHORELINE SURVEY CHANGES SINCE LAST SURVEY As of February 2001, North Wildwood was continuing to connect homes to the public sanitary sewer system. Also, according to the reappraisal of this area written in October 1998, homes in parts of Lower Township (Erma, Erma Creek, and Cold Springs Village) were being connected to the public sanitary sewer system. However, some of the homes in these same areas of Lower Township are still on private septic systems. The shoreline survey that was performed by the author for this area on August 20, 2001 determined that there have not been any changes since the last reappraisal of this area. Figure 5 shows the Cape May Harbor, which is in this shellfish growing area. 15

25 FIGURE 5: LOCATION OF CAPE MAY HARBOR. PHOTOGRAPH WAS TAKEN FROM BREEZEE LEE YACHT CLUB AT 12:15 P.M. ON AUGUST 20,

26 LAND USE Much of this area is a resort area bordered by an extensively urbanized area to the east, and tidal wetlands to the west. The urban areas to the east are resort areas (Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and Cape May City) with significant boating and water activities during the summer (see Figure 5). There are currently 46 marinas in this area. The wetlands to the west of the growing area act as a buffer for the communities on the western side of the bay. However, four small creeks (Taylor Creek, Jones Creek, Mill Creek, and Warren Creek) cross the Garden State Parkway and enter this shellfish growing area from these communities. Since some of these communities are still on septic systems, there is a potential for pollutant inputs into these shellfish growing waters (APHA, 1995). However, there is no evidence that they currently impact this area. 16

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28 FIGURE 6: LAND USE PATTERNS FOR SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. 18

29 EVALUATION OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES This growing area has a wide diversity of biological resources. Hard clams (Mercenaria Mercenaria) exist in high densities and are privately and commercially harvested. Taylor Sound, Sunset Lake, Jarvis Sound, Cape May Harbor, and Cape May Inlet are also utilized for fishing and boating. Many species of animals and vegetation can be found in the marshes of this shellfish growing area. Wildlife populations of birds and animals are actual contributors of water quality in Richardson Channel, Grassy Sound Channel, Taylor Sound, Swain Channel, Sunset Lake, Jarvis Sound, Upper Thorofare, Middle Thorofare, and Lower Thorofare. Figures 8, 9, and 10 show the marsh type, marsh vegetation, shore structures, and shore type in this shellfish growing area. In the October 1998 reappraisal of this shellfish growing area, visual evidence of eelgrass was seen along the abandoned piles at the southern end of Sunset Lake (Louisville Avenue). During the shoreline survey done for this area on August , a large number of gulls were observed feeding near the marinas at the east end entrance of the Cape May Canal in Cape May Harbor (east side of the bridge going into Cape May) (see Figure 7). 18

30 FIGURE 7: LOCATION OF CAPE MAY HARBOR NEAR UTSCH S MARINA WHERE A LARGE NUMBER OF GULLS WERE SEEN FEEDING DURING SHORELINE SURVEY. PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN FROM UTSCH S MARINA AT 12:35 P.M. ON AUGUST 20, page #ing problem again 2 page 21 s; see next page

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32 FIGURE 8: MARSH TYPE AND MARSH VEGETATION IN SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. 20

33 FIGURE 9: MARSH VEGETATION LOCATED TO THE WEST OF JARVIS SOUND (IN DISTANCE). PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN FROM CORNER OF NEWARK AVENUE AND BAYVIEW DRIVE IN WILDWOOD CREST AT 11:30 A.M. ON AUGUST 20,

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35 FIGURE 10: SHORE STRUCTURES AND SHORE TYPE IN SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. 22

36 IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF SOURCES The only industrial wastewater producer was Borden s Clam Products, which discharged wastewater into Upper Thorofare, south of Jarvis Sound. However, on April 1,1992, they were required to connect to the township wastewater treatment facility. The plant is now owned by Snow/Doxee. There are several indirect ground water discharges, solid waste landfills (closed), and known contaminated sites located in this shellfish growing area (see Figures 11, 12, and 13). However, there is no evidence that they currently impact the shellfish water quality (APHA, 1995). INDIRECT DISCHARGE There are several indirect ground water discharges, known contaminated sites, and solid waste landfills located in this shellfish growing area (see Figures 13, 14, and 15). However, there is no evidence that they currently impact the shellfish growing water quality (APHA, 1995). 22

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38 FIGURE 11: INDIRECT GROUND WATER POTENTIALLY DISCHARGING TO THE WATERS OF SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR 24

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40 FIGURE 12: KNOWN CONTAMINATED SITES IN SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. 26

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42 FIGURE 13: SOLID WASTE LANDFILLS IN SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. 28

43 STORM WATER INPUTS There are many storm water outfalls located to the north and east of this shellfish growing area. These storm water outfalls mainly border Post Creek Basin (which is south of West Wildwood and west of Wildwood), Grassy Sound Channel (which is west of Wildwood and Wildwood Crest), Sunset Lake (which is west of Wildwood Crest), and Jarvis Sound (which is west of Wildwood Gables in Wildwood Crest) (see Figures 14 and 15). There are also some storm water outfalls located to the west of this area in Lower Township near the Garden State Parkway and Route 9, and north of the Cape May Canal (see Figure 15). However, this shellfish growing area is not directly impacted by the outflow from these storm water outfalls, which is why it is sampled using Systematic Random Sampling (SRS) strategy. 26

44 FIGURE 14: LOCATION OF SUNSET LAKE IN WILDWOOD CREST. STORM WATER OUTFALLS ARE LOCATED AT THE END OF THIS STREET AND FLOW INTO SUNSET LAKE. PHOTOGRAPH WAS TAKEN ON FORGET-ME-NOT ROAD AT 11:23 A.M. ON AUGUST 20,

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46 FIGURE 15: STORM WATER DISCHARGES TO SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. 28

47 MARINAS Marina facilities have the potential to affect the suitability of shellfish growing areas for the harvest of shellfish. The biological and chemical contamination associated with marina facilities may be of public health significance. New Jersey defines a marina as "any structure (docks, piers, bulkheads, floating docks, etc.) that supports five or more boats, built on or near the water, which is utilized for docking, storing, or otherwise mooring vessels and usually but not necessarily provides services to vessels such as repairing, fueling, security or other related activities." New Jersey designates the confines of the EQUATION 1: MARINA BUFFER EQUATION. (ADAPTED FROM FDA. 1989): marina as Prohibited for the harvest of shellfish. Adjacent waters are classified using a dilution analysis formula. It is recognized by the NSSP Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish (USPHS, 1999 Revision) that there are significant regional differences in all factors that affect marina pollutant loading. The NSSP Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish, therefore, allows each state latitude in applying specified occupancy and discharge rates. The NSSP guidelines assume the worst case scenario for each factor. 9 2x10 ( FC / person / day) x2( person / boat) x[(.25slips 24') + (0.065 slips < 24')] x2 BufferRadius( ft) = x3.28( ft / M ) ( FC / M ) xdepth( ft) x0.3048( M / ft) xπx2( tides / day) Explanation of terms in equation: Fecal coliform per person per day: 2 x 10 9 Number of people per boat: 2 For slips able to accommodate boats > 24 feet (combination of factors yields multiplier of 0.25): Number of slips occupied: 50% Number of boats occupied: 50% For boats < 24': 6.5% discharge waste Angle of shoreline: 180 o, which results in factor of 2 Number of tides per day: 2 Depth in meters: depth in feet x conversion factor Water quality to be achieved: FC/meter 3 Convert meters to feet: 3.28 Marina buffer zones may be calculated using the formula above (see Equation 1), or may be determined using a dilution analysis computer program developed by the State of Virginia and the USFDA. The formula above considers only dilution and occupancy rates. The computer program, which is used for complex configurations where the formula is unlikely to provide the needed accuracy, also considers tidal exchange and bacterial die-off. There are 46 marinas in area SE-7, as shown in Table 4 and Figure 16. The waters enclosed by the marina (the 28

48 marina basin) are classified as Prohibited. Depending on the size of the marina, the water quality, flushing rates, and the depth of the water, shellfish waters immediately adjacent to each marina may be classified as Prohibited, Special Restricted, or Seasonally Approved (no harvest during summer months when the marina is normally active). Marina buffer zones for this shellfish growing area were calculated using the New Jersey Marina Buffer Equation (see Equation 1). The size of each buffer zone is shown in Table 4. Figures 17, 18, and 19 (which are photographs taken during the shoreline survey of this area on August 20, 2001) show some of the marinas in this shellfish growing area. 29

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50 FIGURE 16: MARINA FACILITIES LOCATED IN SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. 31

51 TABLE 4: MARINA FACILITIES LOCATED IN SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. Map Key Marina Name Location # of Wet Slips Total/Boats > 24ft. Size of Buffer Area (radius; feet) 1 Pier 47 Marina Wildwood 80/ Dino s Marina Wildwood 12/ B & E 26 th Street Marina Wildwood 75/ B & E Marina Wildwood 0/ Summer Place Marina Wildwood 0/ Gallo s Marina Wildwood 30/ Spraydock Marina West Wildwood 12/ Bridgeport Marina West Wildwood 0/ West Bay Marina West Wildwood 36/ Depth (ft) 10 Hayes Waterway Marina Wildwood 25/ Mocean Water Sports Wildwood 12/ Sea Raider Charter Wildwood 7/ Condominiums with Slips Wildwood 18/ Lighthouse Point East Wildwood 0/ Schooner Island Marina Wildwood 297/ Lighthouse Point Marina Wildwood 165/ Lighthouse Point Con. Wildwood 0/ Shawcrest Marina Wildwood 99/ Starcrest Marina Wildwood 10/ Royal Flush Fleet Wildwood Crest 3/ Sunset Lake Marina Wildwood Crest 0/ Captain Sinns Marina Wildwood Crest 3/ Greater Wildwood Yacht Wildwood Crest 14/ Lake View Docks Wildwood Crest 4/ Greater Wildwood Yacht Wildwood Crest 16/ Hinch s Marina Lower Township 110/ Two Mile Landing Marina Lower Township 24/ Two Mile Landing (Co.) Lower Township 5/ Cape Harbor Yacht Club Lower Township 25/

52 Map Key Marina Name Location # of Wet Slips Total/Boats > 24ft. Size of Buffer Area (radius; feet) 30 Breezee Lee Yacht Club Lower Township 200/ Mill Creek Marina Lower Township 100/ McDuell s Marina Lower Township 25/ Cedar Creek Marina Lower Township 65/ Harbor View Marina Lower Township 25/ Canyon Club Resort Mar. Lower Township 257/ Utsch s Marina Lower Township 250/ Miss Chris Fishing Center Lower Township 11/ South Jersey Marina Lower Township 63/ Tony s Marine Railway Lower Township 0/ Cape May Marine Cape May 165/ Roseman s Boat Yard Cape May 20/ Cape May Marina Cape May 210/ Yacht Lodge Marina Cape May 12/ Harbor Village & Yacht Cape May 26/ Corinthian Yacht Club Cape May 18/ Depth (ft) 46 U.S. Coast Guard Cape May 8/

53 FIGURE 17: LOCATION OF SHAWCREST MARINA IN WILDWOOD. PHOTOGRAPH WAS TAKEN AT 10:50 A.M. ON AUGUST 20,

54 FIGURE 18: LOCATION OF TWO MILE LANDING MARINA IN LOWER TOWNSHIP. PHOTOGRAPH WAS TAKEN AT 11:43 A.M. ON AUGUST 20,

55 FIGURE 19: LOCATION OF UTSCH S MARINA IN CAPE MAY HARBOR. PHOTOGRAPH WAS TAKEN AT 12:40 P.M. ON AUGUST 20,

56 SPILLS OR OTHER UNPERMITTED DISCHARGES A sewage spill from the forced main sewer pipe that extended across Middle Thorofare, north of the Cape May Canal and Harbor, was originally identified on March 14, This sewer line is located under the bascule bridge that extends along Ocean Drive from Wildwood Crest to Lower Township. The sewage spill was occurring at a place on the sewage pipe where the pipe was previously repaired with a patch, and the patch failed to hold. The extent of time and amount of the sewage that spilled into Middle Thorofare was unknown. On March 15, 2000, it was determined that the sewage pipe was leaking and the leak was occurring from the middle section of the pipe that extended under the bridge. A large area of ocean shellfish growing waters near the Cape May Inlet was temporarily closed to shellfish harvesting (see Figure 20). Another attempt to fix the sewage pipe was attempted on March 21, 2000, but this repair also did not work. Trucks were used to transport the sewage that would have run through the pipe, in order to cease the discharge of raw sewage. After collecting water samples in the Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor area for a study of the water quality during the tidal cycle, the NJDEP Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring determined that the sewer line was leaking sewage into Middle Thorofare (personal conversation with Schuster and Hayek, 2002). Water samples collected near this area on July 31, 1999 and September 24, 2001 showed elevated fecal coliform levels in the Middle Thorofare area. The forced main sewer pipe was finally sleeved, tied in and fully operational on November 30, Water samples collected by the NJDEP Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring near this area on February 6, 2002 showed that the fecal coliform levels were within accepted standards and the sewer line was no longer leaking sewage into Middle Thorofare (personal conversation with Schuster and Hayek, 2002). The waters of Middle Thorofare are classified as Prohibited to shellfish harvesting. The Cape May Canal and the Cape May Harbor are classified as Special Restricted, and the ocean shellfish waters outside the Cape May Canal are classified as Prohibited. 40

57 FIGURE 20: AREA OF OCEAN SHELLFISH GROWING WATERS NEAR THE CAPE MAY INLET CLOSED TO SHELLFISH HARVESTING BY SEWAGE SPILL IN MARCH

58 HYDROGRAPHY AND METEROLOGY PATTERNS OF PRECIPITATION Precipitation patterns in the coastal areas of New Jersey are typical of the Mid-Atlantic coastal region (see Table 5). Typical summer storms are localized storms associated with thunderstorms. Winter storms are frequently associated with northeasters. Hurricanes can occur during the summer and early fall. TABLE 5: AVERAGE MID-ATLANTIC STORM EVENT INFORMATION. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE SOURCES: USEPA; US Annual Average Number of Storms 60 Average Storm Event Duration 10 hours Average Storm Event Intensity inches/hour Average Storm Event Volume 0.65 inches Although the average storm event lasts approximately 10 hours, with an accumulation of 0.65 inches, it is not unusual for an individual storm volume to be 2 3 inches. Note the data below that show the 2-year return 6-hour storm event to be between two and three in inches, while the 2-year 24-hour return volume varies between three and four inches (see Table 6). Storm volumes greater than approximately inches are much less frequent. TABLE 6: STORM EVENT VOLUME FOR 2-YEAR STORM EVENT RECURRENCE (SOURCE: USGS) Location 2-Year, 1-Hour Rainfall 2-Year, 6-Hour Rainfall 2-Year, 24-Hour Rainfall Millville Cape May Atlantic City Long Branch Newark Sandy Hook

59 The duration and volume of storm events can also be depicted as frequency histograms. This graphical depiction (shown below in Figure 21 for Shellfish Growing Area SE-7 with measurements taken at the NOAA Cape May station for the time period from 1996 to 2000) provides insight into the frequency of cumulative precipitation of a given size. Cumulative Precipitation Frequency Range > 5.0 Precipitation (in Inches) FIGURE 21: CUMULATIVE PRECIPITATION FREQUENCY HISTOGRAM ( ) (SOURCE: NOAA CLIMATIC DATA) This shellfish growing area is bordered by an extensively developed area to the east and south, and tidal marshes to the north and west. The five main bodies of water in this area are Taylor Sound, Sunset Lake, Jarvis Sound, Cape May Canal, and Cape May Harbor. The back bays in this area typically have depths ranging from 1 to 23 feet (MLW). The depth of the water in 42 Middle Thorofare and the Intracoastal Waterway average about 15 to 20 feet. There is a mean range of 4.4 feet for the tides in this area. The tidal cycle is diurnal (twice/day). Tidal flushing is mainly through the Cape May Inlet, with some tidal flushing through the Cape May Canal. This shellfish growing area was sampled with no tidal preference for Assignment

60 Area 277 (Shellfish Growing Area SE-7: Sunset Lake to Cape May Harbor). The tidal preferences are ebb tides, flood tides, or neither of these two types of tides. Ebb and flood tides describe the horizontal motions associated with the fall and rise of the tide in restricted regions along the coast. Tidal currents can affect the water quality of a shellfish growing area, because hydrographic and meteorological characteristics, such as tidal amplitude and type, water circulation patterns, depth, salinity, stratification characteristics, rainfall patterns and intensity, and prevailing winds, may affect the distribution of pollutants in a specific area (Ingmanson and Wallace, 1989). This is why an evaluation of pollution sources and hydrographic characteristics are used to evaluate the water quality in a shellfish growing area. Precipitation inputs to the area for the period 1996 through 2000 are shown in Table 7. There have been no significant changes in hydrography since the last reappraisal report was written in The primary weather station for this area is Cape May. The secondary weather station for this area is Millville. The secondary station data are used when data from the primary station are incomplete. 39

61 TABLE 7: CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA Rainfall Recorded at NOAA s Cape May Station Sampling Date Precipitation in Inches Day Sampling of 1 day prior 2 days prior 10/10/ /09/ /25/ /31/ /29/ /13/ /27/ /12/ /24/ /21/ /15/ /19/ /19/ /17/ /17/ /15/ /14/ /11/ /28/ /30/ /12/ /29/ /11/ /25/ /09/ /27/ /25/ /10/ /23/ /06/

62 Sampling Date Precipitation in Inches Day Sampling of 1 day prior 2 days prior 4/24/ /19/ /06/ /27/

63 WATER QUALITY STUDIES BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY The statistical summaries for this area (sampled according to SRS sampling strategy) are listed in Table 8. This shellfish growing area is composed of one assignment area, Assignment 277 (Jarvis Sound and Cape May Harbor). It is sampled using SRS sampling strategy year-round. Figure 22 shows all of the sampling stations for this area. The raw data listings for each sampling station in accordance with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) criteria are given in the Appendix. There were no stations that exceeded the NSSP criteria applicable to the Special Restricted and Prohibited classification of each area. 42

64 43

65 FIGURE 22: SAMPLING STATIONS IN SHELLFISH GROWING AREA SE-7: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. 44

66 TABLE 8: WATER QUALITY SUMMARY :SRS STATIONS(10/3/1996-9/28/2000) Station Depth Geo. Mean Year Round Summer Winter Est. N Geo. Est. N Geo. Est. 90th Mean 90th Mean 90th N 3600D Surface Surface A Surface B Surface C Surface E Surface Surface B Surface C Surface D Surface G Surface H Surface I Surface J Surface Surface A Surface C Surface D Surface A Surface E Surface C Surface A Surface A Surface Surface

67 Station Depth Geo. Mean Year Round Summer Winter Est. N Geo. Est. N Geo. Est. 90th Mean 90th Mean 90th N 3608A Surface B Surface C Surface D Surface E Surface F Surface G Surface H Surface I Surface A Surface B Surface C Surface A Surface Surface A Surface Surface A Surface Surface A Surface B Surface C Surface E Surface F Surface A Surface B Surface D Surface

68 TIDAL EFFECTS The tidal effects or preferences can be either ebb currents, flood currents, or neither of these two types of currents. Ebb and flood currents describe the horizontal motions associated with the fall and rise of the tide in restricted regions along the coast. Tidal currents can affect the water quality of a shellfish growing area, because hydrographic and meteorological characteristics, such as tidal amplitude and type, water circulation patterns, depth, salinity, stratification characteristics, rainfall patterns and intensity, and prevailing winds may affect the distribution of pollutants in a specific area. This is why an evaluation of pollution sources and hydrographic characteristics are used to evaluate the water quality in a shellfish growing area. Table 9 lists the sampling stations in this shellfish growing area that show a relationship between tidal effects and water quality. Figure 23 shows the locations of these sampling stations. This shellfish growing area was sampled with no tidal preferences. TABLE 9: TIDAL EFFECTS Station Geometric Mean Total Coliform MPN Probability>[T] Ebb Flood 3614A F

69 47

70 FIGURE 23: SAMPLING STATIONS AFFECTED BY TIDAL COMPONENT: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. 48

71 SEASONAL EFFECTS In the hydrologic cycle, the motion of all water is controlled by the sun s energy, tides, the motion of the earth, and the differing densities of water masses. The basic component of the hydrologic cycle is the energy of the sun, which moves water by evaporation, convection, and precipitation. As the earth experiences variations in the tilt of its axis and its revolution around the sun, it goes through seasonal phases of summer, spring, autumn, and winter. These seasonal phases have much variation on the atmosphere of the earth, causing changes in weather patterns. Since the atmosphere and the hydrosphere are intimately related, any variation to the atmosphere has an effect on the hydrosphere. Temperature, precipitation, wind, and the general circulation of the atmosphere have seasonal variations that also affect the marine environment. Shellfish are filter-feeding organisms that live in the sand, silt, and mud on the bottom of oceans and bays. They have a range of tolerance to specific environmental conditions, such as temperatures, salinity levels, oxygen levels, quantity and availability of food, and water quality. Seasonal effects on these variables will have an effect on shellfish populations. For example, different species of shellfish require very specific salinity levels for survival. Since salinity levels can have an effect on the species found in certain waters of an area, the salinity level is important for a complete understanding of the complex ecological balance in the marine environment. At a time of the year when rainfall is low, where evaporation exceeds precipitation, the salinity of the marine environment in certain areas is higher than it is in regions where precipitation exceeds evaporation. This can affect the quantity and type of shellfish found in a specific area. Seasonal variations also affect human activities, with generally more human activity in the warmer months of the year. An increase in human activities in or near the marine environment can have an impact on shellfish populations. Increased pressure from human activities on already stressed failing septic systems and overloaded wastewater treatment facilities can cause sewage to spill into the marine environment, which can negatively impact the water quality of a shellfish growing area by increasing the coliform levels in the water. Table 10 lists the sampling stations in this shellfish growing area that showed a correlation between seasonal effects and water quality. Figure 24 shows the locations of these sampling stations. 1

72 TABLE 10: SEASONAL EFFECTS Station Total Coliform Geometric Mean Probability > [T] Summer Winter 3608D A A A

73 50

74 FIGURE 24: SAMPLING STATIONS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL COMPONENT: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. 51

75 INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION OF DATA BACTERIOLOGICAL Criteria for bacterial acceptability of shellfish growing waters are provided in the National Shellfish Sanitation Program Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish (USPHS, 1999 Revision). Each state must adopt either the total coliform criteria or fecal coliform criteria for growing water classifications. Historically, New Jersey has based growing water classifications on the total coliform criteria and continues to use the total coliform criteria. While New Jersey does make corresponding fecal determinations for each total coliform determination, these data are viewed as adjunct information and are not directly used for classification. Therefore, the data analysis is based on the total coliform results in which the total coliform median or geometric mean MPN (most probable number) for Approved classification does not exceed 70/100 ml and the estimated 90 th percentile shall not exceed an MPN of 330/100 ml, where the three tube decimal dilution test is used for Systematic Random Sampling (SRS) (see Table 3) (USPHS, 1999 Revision). Also, the total coliform median or geometric mean MPN for Special Restricted classification does not exceed 700/100 ml and the estimated 90 th shall not exceed an MPN of percentile 3300/100mL, where the three tube decimal dilution test is used for Systematic Random Sampling (SRS) (see Table 3) (USPHS, 1999 Revision). In this shellfish growing area, water quality data were evaluated using the Systematic Random Sampling (SRS) Strategy. This sampling strategy requires a minimum of 30 sets of data for each sampling station. However, sampling stations 3602B, 3602C, 3602H, and 3602J only have 23 sets of data (see Table 8). For sampling station 3602B to meet the criteria for Systematic Random Sampling (SRS) Strategy, it would be necessary to go back to 1989 to get enough sets of data (these stations were originally sampled as Adverse Pollution Condition (APC) Strategy and only needed 15 sets of data for this sampling strategy). Sampling stations 3602C, 3602H, and 3602J were not sampled until October 1998 and also do not have enough sets of data to be evaluated as Systematic Random Sampling (SRS) Strategy. Since there are not enough data to evaluate any of these sampling stations as Systematic Random Sampling (SRS) Strategy, they will not be included in this report. 1

76 Figure 25 shows the sampling stations that exceed the Approved criteria for water quality after being sampled as Systematic Random Sampling Strategy. These sampling stations are located throughout this shellfish growing area in Special Restricted and Prohibited shellfish waters, and they meet the total coliform levels for the Special Restricted and Prohibited shellfish classification criteria. Based on the water data collected, 2 sampling stations showed a significant tidal component (see Figure 23 and Table 9). Sampling stations 3614A and 3616F are located in Cape May Harbor. Tidal impacts were evaluated by performing a t-test on log- transformed total coliform MPN values. This shellfish growing area is not sampled with either an ebb tide or flood tide preference. Since these two sampling stations showed higher total coliform levels during the ebb tide, this shellfish growing area should be sampled with an ebb tide preference. In the previous reappraisal of this area, no sampling stations showed a tidal component for water quality. However, in the Annual Review for 2000, one sampling station showed a tidal component (sampling station 3601C). This sampling station is located in Shaw Cutoff, north of Sunset Lake. A correlation between total coliform MPN and rainfall did not occur at any of the 52 sampling stations in this shellfish growing area. Rainfall impacts were assessed by correlating total coliform MPN values with cumulative rainfall on the day of sampling, 24 hours prior to the day of sampling, and 48 hours prior to the day of sampling. A correlation between rainfall amounts and total coliform levels exists if the rainfall correlation levels are greater than 0.6. In the 2000 Annual Review of this area, only two sampling stations (sampling stations 3608C and 3610B) showed a rainfall correlation for water quality. Both of these sampling stations are located in the western part of Jarvis Sound. The area of Jarvis Sound is one of the stormwater monitoring areas, which the Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring studies for rainfall impacts to the water quality of this shellfish growing area. There are 5 sampling stations showing a seasonal correlation for water quality in this area (see Figure 24 and Table 10). Sampling station 3608D is located in Jarvis Sound, and sampling stations 3613A, 3615, 3615A, and 3616A are located in Cape May Harbor. Seasonal effects were assessed using a t-test to compare log-transformed total coliform values for summer versus winter data. In the 2000 Annual Review of this area, nine sampling stations showed a seasonal component for water quality. Sampling stations 3603A, 3608D, 3615, 3615A, 3616A, and 3617A were also included in that report as having a seasonal component. All of these sampling stations show a higher total coliform geometric mean during the summer than during the winter. This is consistent with an area that has 46 marinas and a harbor area north of the city of Cape May, which have an indirect impact on the water quality of this shellfish growing area. These indirect sources are the reason that the shellfish waters of the Cape May Harbor area are classified as Special Restricted to shellfish harvesting. 52

77 52

78 53

79 FIGURE 25: SRS SAMPLING STATIONS EXCEEDING APPROVED CRITERIA: SUNSET LAKE TO CAPE MAY HARBOR. 54

80 NUTRIENTS There are 6 stations in this shellfish growing area that are sampled under the estuarine monitoring program for chemical parameters including nutrients (see Figure 26, and Tables 11 and 12). These nutrient stations include sampling stations 3602D, 3607A, 3614A, 3616B, 3617A, and They are located throughout this shellfish growing area (see Figure 26). At these nutrient stations, the various parameters measured include water temperature (in Celsius), salinity levels, Secchi Depth, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen levels, ammonia levels, nitrate and nitrite levels, orthophosphate levels, total nitrogen levels, and the inorganic nitrogen to phosphorus ratios (Zimmer, 2000, Zimmer, 2001) (see Tables 11 and 12). Water temperature (measured in degrees Celsius) is taken for each nutrient station. Water temperature is very important because warmer water has less dissolved oxygen that can trigger certain life processes (such as spawning and setting of shellfish larvae), or cause the shellfish to die. Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) can tolerate water temperatures ranging from 1.7 C to 36.0 C but has an optimum temperature range of 20.0 C to 30.0 C (Zimmer, 2000, Zimmer 2001). Salinity levels (measured in parts per thousand) are also taken for each nutrient station because different species of shellfish require very specific salinity levels for survival. Since salinity levels can have an effect on the species found in these waters, the salinity data collected at these nutrient stations is important for a complete understanding of the complex ecological balance in these coastal waters. Oysters have a tolerance for salinity levels from 5.0 to 30.0 ppt but require salinity levels of 10.0 to 28.0 ppt for optimum growth. Oysters also grow better in waters with fluctuations in salinity levels (Zimmer, 2000, Zimmer 2001). Secchi Depth (measured in feet) is an indicator of the relative turbidity of the coastal waters. When Secchi Depths are low, less sunlight can penetrate the water column and this sunlight is not available as an energy source for photosynthesis. The turbidity is affected by many sources, such as sediment load from anthropomorphic sources and algal cell concentrations in the water. Secchi Depth tends to be somewhat higher in the winter months (when the concentration of algal cells is diminished) and lower in the summer. The pumping rate of oysters will also decrease with the increased turbidity of the surrounding waters (Zimmer, 2000, Zimmer 2001). Total Suspended Solids (measured in mg/l) is usually composed of clay, silt, sand, and biological sediments from many sources. An increase in the total 54

81 suspended solid concentrations in the water column will cause turbidity levels to rise and Secchi Depth levels to lower. Dissolved oxygen (measured in mg/l or as percent saturation in conjunction with temperature and salinity) is an important component for the life processes of aerobic organisms such as shellfish. Oysters can only survive in anaerobic (absence of oxygen) conditions for only three days. Even though oysters can survive at oxygen concentrations of only 1.0 ppm, shellfish located in waters of low dissolved oxygen concentrations will usually have a greater potential for biological stress from insufficient oxygen levels in the water column and have a greater potential for hypoxia and death of the organism. New Jersey has a minimum standard of 4.0 mg/l for dissolved oxygen levels in marine water (N.J.A.C. 7:9B). If the percent saturation of dissolved oxygen levels drop below 50%, there is a greater potential for biological stress. Levels of percent saturation of dissolved oxygen over 100% are an indicator of algal material in the water column (Zimmer, 2000, Zimmer 2001). The nutrient parameters that are measured include ammonia (measured in µg N/L), nitrate and nitrite (measured in µg N/L), orthophosphate (measured in µg P/L), total nitrogen (measured in µg N/L), and inorganic nitrogen to phosphorus ratios. These parameters affect the primary productivity of shellfish (Zimmer, 2000, Zimmer 2001). The nitrogen present in the form of inorganic nitrogen (ammonia, nitrate and nitrite) is the form most readily utilized by phytoplankton. Certain planktonic species have the potential to adversely affect the suitability of shellfish for human consumption. These planktonic species cause algal blooms that deplete the dissolved oxygen levels in the water. Algal blooms were reported each year for the period The areas most severely impacted include the Raritan / Sandy Hook Bay, the Barnegat Bay, and sporadic offshore areas (Zimmer, 2000, NJDEP, 2001). Total nitrogen includes the organic nitrogen component, which often results from the discharge of pollutants from anthropogenic sources, from high levels of algal growth, the decay of organic material and other related sources. High concentrations of orthophosphate and phosphorus are usually found in waters that receive discharges from areas that use chemical fertilizers (Zimmer, 2000, Zimmer 2001). For detailed information concerning dissolved oxygen and nutrient levels, see the Estuarine Monitoring Report published by the NJDEP. The report, New Jersey Ambient Monitoring Program: Report on Marine and Coastal Water Quality is available electronically at: 55

82 56

83 57

84 FIGURE 26: SAMPLING STATIONS WHERE ADDITIONAL DATA HAVE BEEN COLLECTED FOR NUTRIENTS 58