Meghan Hodges
New Jersey has some of the most polluted water in the US, with only 5% of its river miles safe for drinking, recreation, aquatic life, and fish consumption. The state also has over 150 Superfund sites—more than any other state. Air pollution in New Jersey is among the worst in the nation, with a large swath of the state receiving failing grades for smog and ozone levels. While soot in the air continues to decline, and the state has some of the strictest environmental cleanup regulations in the country, air pollution blown in from the Midwest, as well as emissions from vehicles, non-car engines, and industrial facilities, continue to pose serious health risks for residents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution | New Jersey's air is among the most polluted in the nation, with high levels of smog and ozone. |
| Water pollution | New Jersey has some of the most polluted water in the nation, with only 5% of its river miles safe for drinking, recreation, and aquatic life. |
| Soil pollution | Pollutants that affect water supplies can also contaminate the soil, including lead and chemicals from industrial facilities. |
| Health impacts | Air and water pollution can cause asthma attacks, lung cancer, kidney damage, reproductive issues, and other serious health problems. |
| Superfund sites | New Jersey has over 150 Superfund sites, indicating a high level of contamination requiring federal intervention and cleanup efforts. |
| Efforts to reduce pollution | New Jersey has strict environmental cleanup regulations and actively works to track groundwater contamination. The state has taken steps to reduce air pollution, such as retiring old diesel engines and closing coal-fired power plants. |
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What You'll Learn
New Jersey's air quality is among the worst in the nation
New Jersey's air quality is a significant concern, with the state consistently ranking among the worst in the nation for ozone smog and particle pollution. The American Lung Association's annual air quality report has found that New Jersey residents breathe some of the most unhealthy air in the country, driven by emissions from vehicles and industrial sources. This places the health and lives of residents at risk, particularly those more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, such as older adults, children, and individuals with lung diseases.
The 2023 ALA report highlights the mixed bag of air pollution in New Jersey. While all counties that monitor their air quality receive grades of A or B for particulate pollution, the picture is very different when it comes to ozone levels. Out of 15 counties monitored, only one receives an A, and six receive failing grades. This disparity in air quality across the state is a cause for concern, as residents in certain areas are exposed to much higher levels of pollution.
Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to New Jersey's poor air quality. A 2021 study found that vehicle emissions caused 1,175 deaths in the state in 2016. Emissions from non-car engines, such as planes, trains, boats, construction vehicles, and farm equipment, are also significant, producing 39% of the state's air pollution. Industrial sources are another key factor, with chemical plants and other facilities releasing toxic chemicals into the air and contributing to the state's poor air quality.
In addition to the health risks posed by air pollution, New Jersey also struggles with water and soil pollution. Many towns in the state have unsafe drinking water due to old pipes containing toxic lead or other sources of contamination. New Jersey also has over 150 Superfund sites, more than any other state, indicating the presence of toxic chemicals and the need for remediation. While the state has strict environmental cleanup regulations and actively works to address these issues, the high number of Superfund sites and the persistent air pollution problems highlight the significant challenges New Jersey faces in improving its overall environmental quality.
Overall, New Jersey's air quality remains a pressing issue, with the state consistently ranking among the worst in the nation for ozone and particle pollution. The health risks associated with poor air quality, as well as the impact on the environment and the need for stringent cleanup efforts, make addressing air pollution a critical priority for New Jersey. While there have been some improvements over time, the state still has a long way to go to ensure that its residents can breathe healthier air.
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Water pollution is unsafe for drinking in many towns
New Jersey has some of the most polluted water in the US. Only 5% of its river miles are safe for all their designated uses, including drinking. In many New Jersey towns, pollution makes drinking water unsafe. Even when reservoirs are clean, harmful substances can enter the water supply from other sources. For example, some urban water systems have old pipes that contain toxic lead. According to the Environmental Working Group, 30 NJ water utilities are in violation of EPA safety standards.
New Jersey has over 150 Superfund sites, more than any other state. These are sites identified by the EPA in 1980 that require remediation due to the release of toxic chemicals. In 2015, Linden and Deepwater had the biggest toxin releases by far: over 2 million pounds each. In 2020, high levels of the toxic chemical 1,4-Dioxane were found in the Delaware River, threatening the drinking water of hundreds of thousands of customers in several counties.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are another group of harmful "forever chemicals" that have contaminated New Jersey's drinking water. PFAS are found in a range of everyday products like nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and stain-resistant carpets. PFAS exposure has been linked to metabolic disorders, decreased fertility in women, developmental delays in children, and increased risk of certain cancers. From 2019 to 2021, PFAS were detected in 63% of New Jersey water systems, serving 84% of the state's population. Communities of color and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by PFAS contamination.
To address water pollution, New Jersey has implemented the right-to-know law, requiring companies to disclose releases of toxic chemicals. The state has also proposed rules to limit 1,4-Dioxane in drinking water and is expanding its treatment processes to handle this chemical. Additionally, New Jersey was the first state to regulate certain PFAS in drinking water, beginning statewide sampling in 2019. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has also allocated $9 billion for tackling PFAS and other contaminants.
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Soil pollution is caused by industrial facilities and old paint
New Jersey has a varied landscape of forests, wetlands, coastal areas, and urban centres, and its pollution levels vary across the state. The state has some of the most polluted water in the US, with only 5% of its river miles safe for drinking, recreation, and aquatic life. Air pollution is also a concern, with ozone levels particularly problematic.
Soil pollution is a serious issue in New Jersey, and it is caused by a variety of factors, including industrial facilities and old paint. Industrial processes, such as mining, manufacturing, and energy production, release toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the soil, contaminating it and rendering it infertile. These pollutants can have lasting adverse effects on soil quality and composition, and they can also enter the food chain, posing risks to human health. New Jersey has over 150 Superfund sites, more than any other state, which are areas contaminated by toxic chemicals and in need of cleanup.
The state's industrial facilities are responsible for soil pollution through various mechanisms. Firstly, the release of toxic chemicals and heavy metals during manufacturing, mining, and energy production contaminates the soil. Secondly, air pollution from industrial facilities can settle into the soil, adding to the problem. Finally, physical disturbances of the soil by construction and other activities can reduce soil quality. The extent of soil pollution from industrial facilities depends on the industry type, the quantity and nature of the pollutants, and the proximity of the facilities to agricultural or natural areas.
Old paint is another significant contributor to soil pollution in New Jersey. Paint products are made with various chemicals and synthetic pigments, which can find their way into the environment and impact different ecosystems. Traditional paints contain toxic ingredients, and their solvents have high levels of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are harmful to the environment and human health. VOCs react with oxygen to form an ozone layer, contributing to global warming and air pollution. Old paint products, such as lead-based paints, can leach into water supplies, poisoning water resources. Additionally, biocides in paint can act as pollutants, impacting the soil microbiome and causing negative changes in soil properties and microorganisms.
To address soil pollution in New Jersey, efforts are being made to identify and clean up contaminated sites. The EPA's Superfund program aims to remediate these sites, and responsible industrial companies are also working to mitigate their environmental impact. Additionally, residents can help lessen pollution by using environmentally safe products and disposing of waste properly.
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Air pollution is caused by vehicles burning gas or diesel fuel
New Jersey has some of the most polluted water in the US, with only 5% of its river miles safe for drinking, recreation, and aquatic life. In addition, pollution in many parts of the state is severe enough to cause health issues for residents. Air pollution, for example, can lead to acid rain, which harms wildlife and damages buildings.
Non-car engines, such as planes, trains, boats, construction vehicles, and farm equipment, produce even more pollution than cars, accounting for 39% of the state's air pollution. While electric vehicles (EVs) have no tailpipe emissions, it is important to consider that emissions are created during the production and distribution of the electricity used to power them.
To reduce air pollution from vehicles, states can implement several measures. These include supporting the manufacture and sale of zero and low-emission vehicles, selling modified fuels, and requiring special equipment at gas pumps to recover vapors instead of releasing them into the air. Individual motorists can also make a difference by adopting practices outlined in guides such as "Living the Green Life."
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New Jersey has the most Superfund sites in the US
New Jersey has a significant issue with pollution. A 2023 ALA report indicates that while the state's air quality is generally good, with all counties that monitor their air quality receiving grades of A or B for particulate pollution, the same cannot be said for ozone levels, with only one out of 15 counties receiving an A and six getting an F. The state also has some of the most polluted water in the US, with only 5% of its river miles safe for drinking, recreation, aquatic life, and fish consumption.
Water and soil pollution are also worse in some parts of the state than in others. New Jersey's right-to-know law requires companies that release toxic chemicals into the environment to disclose it. In 2015, Linden and Deepwater were the biggest toxin releasers by far, with over 2 million pounds each. At the other end of the scale, towns like Irvington, Fords, and Eatontown released less than one pound apiece. Pollution in many parts of New Jersey is severe enough to cause health problems for residents, including kidney damage, reproductive issues, and cancer.
The state's willingness to classify sites as Superfund sites and its strict environmental cleanup regulations have also contributed to the high number. Being listed as a Superfund site provides access to federal funding for cleanup efforts, which is crucial for addressing the extensive contamination in New Jersey. The state actively works to map and track groundwater contamination and make this information available to the public.
While the presence of Superfund sites indicates a history of environmental contamination, it also signifies a commitment to remediation and the protection of public health. New Jersey's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to address pollution and its lasting impacts.
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Frequently asked questions
New Jersey has implemented various measures to tackle air pollution, including retiring older diesel engines, closing coal-fired power plants, and transitioning to natural gas, which produces fewer pollutants. The state has also introduced initiatives to buy back high-emission vehicles and impose new restrictions on diesel truck emissions.
Vehicles burning gas or diesel fuel are a significant contributor to air pollution in New Jersey, accounting for about one-third of all air pollution in the state. Non-car engines, such as planes, trains, and construction vehicles, produce an even higher proportion, at 39% of the state's air pollution.
Air pollution in New Jersey poses a risk to the health of residents, with smog triggering asthma attacks and contributing to lung diseases, including lung cancer. Pollutants in drinking water can also cause various health issues, such as kidney damage and reproductive problems.
New Jersey has over 150 Superfund sites dedicated to identifying and cleaning up contaminated areas. The state has strict environmental cleanup regulations and actively works to map and track groundwater contamination, making this information available to the public.
