Bronte Wells
New Jersey's beaches are often impacted by bacteria pollution, with high levels of bacteria from pollution and stormwater runoff causing beach closures and health advisories. Great Bay, located in southern New Jersey, is considered one of the least disturbed marine wetland habitats in the northeastern United States. It is part of the Mullica River-Great Bay estuary habitat, which provides a home to a diverse range of wildlife, including waterfowl, raptors, wading birds, shorebirds, and various fish and shellfish species. While Great Bay is known for its relatively pristine condition, it is not immune to the pollution issues affecting other bays and beaches in New Jersey. The state has taken steps to address these issues, with organizations like the Barnegat Bay Partnership working to improve water quality and the health of the ecosystem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern New Jersey's Atlantic Coastal Plain in Ocean and Atlantic Counties |
| Distance from Atlantic City | About 10 miles (16 km) north |
| Distance from Brigantine | About 5.5 miles (8.85 km) northwest |
| Distance from Beach Haven | About 5.5 miles southwest |
| Depth | 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) |
| Pollution | Bacteria, fertilizers, lawn chemicals, pet waste, oil spills, road salt, litter, sewage, runoff from roads and parking lots, and farms |
| Number of beach closures in 2020 | 35 |
| Number of beach advisories from 2005 to 2017 | 395 |
| Number of beach closures from 2005 to 2017 | 212 |
Explore related products
![Ground-water quality in east-central New Jersey, and a plan for sampling networks by Douglas A. Harriman and B. Pierre Sargent ; prepared in cooperation with the New Jersey Departmen [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81nNKsF6dYL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Simulation of ground-water flow in the unconfined aquifer system of the Toms River, Metedeconk River, and Kettle Creek basins, New Jersey / by Robert S. Nicholson and Martha K. Watt ; [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61IX47b4r9L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Is Great Bay in New Jersey considered a polluted wetland?
Great Bay in New Jersey is considered one of the least-disturbed marine wetland habitats in the northeastern United States. The bay is located in southern New Jersey's Atlantic Coastal Plain and is approximately ten miles (16 km) north of Atlantic City. The Mullica River flows into the bay, forming an estuary habitat that includes coastal salt, brackish, and freshwater marshes. This nearly pristine estuary provides a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including waterfowl, raptors, wading birds, shorebirds, and various fish and shellfish species.
However, New Jersey's bay beaches have been impacted by pollution, particularly bacteria pollution, which has led to health risks for swimmers and the closure of some beaches. While I could not find specific information on bacteria pollution in Great Bay, it is part of the New Jersey backbarrier lagoon system, which includes other bays that have experienced pollution issues. For example, Barnegat Bay, located north of Great Bay, has faced issues with fertilizer and stormwater runoff, as well as sewage pollution.
The "Safe for Swimming" report issued by Environment New Jersey Research & Policy Center in 2019 found that bacteria levels at New Jersey beaches made swimming potentially unsafe on at least one day 73 times. In 2020, a similar report by the same organization found that bacteria levels indicated water was potentially unsafe for swimming on at least 35 days. These bacteria can lead to health issues such as nausea, vomiting, stomachache, and fever.
To address the pollution issues in New Jersey's bays, there have been calls for new infrastructure and increased funding. The National Estuary Program (NEP) has promoted the conservation and management of estuaries threatened by pollution, and the Barnegat Bay Partnership is working towards cleaner water and a healthier ecosystem in the Barnegat Bay, which faces similar challenges to Great Bay. While Great Bay is considered one of the least disturbed marine wetlands, it is important to recognize that pollution is a widespread issue in New Jersey's bays and requires ongoing efforts to protect and restore these valuable ecosystems.
Pigs' Impact: Environmental Pollution and Solutions
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What are the sources of pollution in Great Bay?
Great Bay in New Jersey is considered one of the least-disturbed marine wetlands habitats in the northeastern United States. However, it is not entirely immune to pollution.
One of the main sources of pollution in Great Bay is stormwater runoff. As developed land has increased in the area, so has the amount of pollution flowing into the bay. Rainwater and melting snow run off hard surfaces such as buildings and paved areas, carrying pollutants like lawn chemicals, pet waste, oil spills, road salt, and litter down roadway storm drains and into the streams and rivers that feed into the bay. This type of polluted runoff is a common source of contamination in coastal waterways and can have significant impacts on water quality and ecosystems.
Fertilizers used on land are another source of pollution in Great Bay. A study by the US Geological Survey estimated that about 1.4 million pounds of nitrogen enter the bay each year, primarily from fertilizers. This excess nitrogen contributes to the overgrowth of algae and phytoplankton, upsetting the balance of the bay's ecosystem. The decay of excessive aquatic plants can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the water, which can be detrimental to fish and other animal species that depend on sufficient oxygen levels to survive.
In addition to stormwater runoff and fertilizers, sewage pollution is also a concern in Great Bay. Failing sewer systems and septic tanks can release untreated or partially treated wastewater into the bay, leading to high levels of bacteria and other pathogens that can pose risks to human health and the environment. Beach closures and advisories due to elevated bacterial levels, such as Enterococci bacteria, have been reported in the area, indicating the presence of sewage pollution.
While Great Bay is known for its relatively pristine condition, these sources of pollution highlight the importance of implementing effective pollution control measures and infrastructure improvements to protect and preserve the health of this valuable ecosystem.
Tech Innovations for Pollution Prevention
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How does pollution in Great Bay affect the local wildlife?
Great Bay in New Jersey is considered one of the least-disturbed marine wetland habitats in the northeastern United States. The Mullica River flows into the bay, and together they form the Mullica River-Great Bay estuary habitat. This habitat provides a home for a variety of anadromous, estuarine, marine, and freshwater fish and shellfish, nesting and migratory waterbirds and raptors, migratory and wintering waterfowl, and rare brackish and freshwater tidal communities and plants.
However, Great Bay is not immune to pollution. As developed land has increased in the Barnegat Bay watershed, so has the amount of pollution flowing into the bay. Rainwater and melting snow run off the hard surfaces of buildings and paved areas, carrying pollutants like lawn chemicals, pet waste, oil spills, road salt, and litter down roadway storm drains and into the streams and rivers that eventually enter the bay.
One of the main issues caused by pollution in Great Bay is the excessive growth of algae and phytoplankton, which can upset the balance of the bay's ecosystem. As aquatic plants die, their decay uses oxygen dissolved in the water. With excessive algae and phytoplankton decomposing in the bay, oxygen levels can drop too low to sustain many of the fish and other animal species that live there. These low oxygen levels can lead to fish kills and changes in the types of wildlife able to survive in the bay.
In addition, the fertilizer-fueled growth of algae and phytoplankton can make the water more "turbid," or cloudy, blocking sunlight from reaching submerged plants called eelgrass. Eelgrass beds are an important source of food and shelter for many species of fish, shellfish, crabs, and other bay animals, as well as a nursery area for their young. Any loss of this critical habitat can have a significant impact on wildlife populations throughout the bay.
Pollution in Great Bay can also affect the health of people who visit the beaches. High levels of bacteria from pollution and stormwater runoff have been known to close beaches in the area, as they can cause nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache, and fever, as well as ear, eye, nose, and throat infections.
Daily Polluters: Counting the People Harming Our Planet
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What is the government doing to address pollution in Great Bay?
Great Bay in New Jersey is considered one of the least-disturbed marine wetland habitats in the northeastern United States. However, it is facing threats from pollution, development, and overuse. The bay is an important habitat for a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, raptors, wading birds, shorebirds, and fish. It is also a popular destination for recreational activities such as sailing, kayaking, boating, and fishing.
The government has recognized the importance of addressing the pollution in Great Bay and has taken several measures to improve the situation. Here are some key actions:
- The National Estuary Program (NEP): Great Bay is part of the National Estuary Program, which aims to promote the conservation and management of nationally significant estuaries threatened by pollution, development, or overuse. The Barnegat Bay Partnership, one of the programs within NEP, has over 30 partners, including government agencies, academic institutions, businesses, non-profit organizations, and citizen groups, working together for cleaner water and a healthier ecosystem in the Barnegat Bay, which is connected to Great Bay.
- Comprehensive Plan of Action: In 2010, Governor Chris Christie announced a Comprehensive Plan of Action for Barnegat Bay, which included ten action items to address the changes in the bay’s condition. The plan is being implemented by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, the Barnegat Bay Partnership, and other partners through research, education, planning, land acquisition, legislation, and stormwater management projects.
- Water Infrastructure Funding: The government has recognized the need for investments in water infrastructure to reduce sewage overflows and stormwater runoff pollution. In 2020, the EPA awarded New Jersey $84 million for improvement projects. Additionally, Congress has been working on funding initiatives, such as the Clean Water State Revolving Funds, which provide loans and grants for municipalities, counties, and water utilities to enhance water infrastructure.
- Weekly Bacteria Testing: The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection conducts weekly bacteria tests at over 200 beaches, including those in Great Bay and the surrounding areas. This testing helps identify unsafe water conditions and triggers closures or advisories to protect public health.
- Public Awareness and Education: The government, through organizations like Environment New Jersey Research & Policy Center, is raising awareness about the impact of pollution on Great Bay and other beaches in the state. They are also advocating for social distancing and cleaner waters during the COVID-19 pandemic, when natural areas experienced increased crowding.
While these actions demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing pollution in Great Bay, continued collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and environmental organizations is necessary to ensure the long-term health and preservation of this valuable ecosystem.
Policy and Pollution: National Strategies for Prevention
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How does Great Bay's pollution compare to other beaches in New Jersey?
Great Bay, located in southern New Jersey, is considered one of the least disturbed marine wetland habitats in the northeastern United States. However, it still faces pollution challenges, particularly from stormwater runoff, which carries pollutants such as fertilizers, lawn chemicals, and pet waste into the bay.
The pollution levels at Great Bay are comparable to other beaches in New Jersey, many of which struggle with similar issues. A report by Environment New Jersey Research & Policy Center found that in 2019, bacteria levels at New Jersey beaches made swimming potentially unsafe on at least one day 73 times. Beachwood Beach West, for example, had potentially unsafe water nine out of 18 tests (50%). Other beaches with multiple unsafe swimming days in 2019 include Sea Girt, Wildwood, Surf City, Belmar, and Long Branch.
In 2020, bacteria levels at New Jersey beaches indicated that the water was potentially unsafe for swimming on at least 35 days. The 5th Ave. Bay Front Beach at Seaside Park Borough had the highest number of exceedances, with bacteria levels above the safety threshold on 47% of tested days.
The pollution in New Jersey's beaches, including Great Bay, is mainly due to polluted runoff from roads, farms, and failing sewer systems. This runoff ends up in the bays and oceans, leading to beach closures and health risks for swimmers.
To address these issues, there have been calls for infrastructure improvements and increased funding for projects to reduce runoff and sewage pollution. The National Estuary Program's Barnegat Bay Partnership, for instance, aims to improve water quality and the ecosystem in the Barnegat Bay, which faces similar challenges to Great Bay.
Squatter Settlements: Environmental Hazards and Health Risks
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Great Bay, located in southern New Jersey, is considered one of the least-disturbed marine wetland habitats in the northeastern United States. However, it is not immune to pollution. While I cannot find specific data for Great Bay, studies have shown that pollution from stormwater runoff, sewage, and fertilizers affects many of New Jersey's beaches and bays.
The main source of pollution in Great Bay is likely to be stormwater runoff, which carries pollutants such as fertilizers, lawn chemicals, pet waste, oil spills, road salt, and litter into the bay.
Efforts are being made to address the pollution in Great Bay and other affected areas in New Jersey. The Barnegat Bay Partnership, for example, has over 30 partners working together for cleaner water and a healthier ecosystem in the Barnegat Bay, which is similar to the Great Bay ecosystem. Additionally, the National Estuary Program promotes the conservation and management of estuaries threatened by pollution, and New Jersey's Environment Research & Policy Center advocates for better protection of the state's beaches and bays.
