FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES

Alerto de Cangrejos de Tenazas Azules en la Region de la Bahia de Newark

Exposure to low levels of some contaminants in the environment may have long lasting health effects on people. Mercury, PCBs and dioxins are among the major contaminants found in some New Jersey fish in portions of the state. These contaminants can be especially harmful to women of childbearing age, pregnant women and nursing mothers. Children are also at risk of developmental and neurological problems if exposed to these chemicals.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) provide advice on consuming those species of fish in which high levels of dioxin, PCBs and mercury have been found.

Click here for the NJDHSS Woman's Guide to Eating Fish and Seafood.

Updated Lower Passaic River Commercial Navigation Analysis [December 2008]

This document presents the current status of commercial navigation use on the Lower Passaic River. The draft of this report (March 2007) was presented in Appendix F in the Draft Source Control Early Action Focused Feasibility Study (June 2007). The updated report incorporated additional information from two data sets obtained from the IWR Waterborne Commerce Statistics including: (1) general trends from 1980 to 2006 and (2) current berth by berth uses of the waterway for the most recent ten years available (1997-2006). The analysis presents a qualitative evaluation of commodities, tonnage, and loaded drafts for all active berths. The August 2008 Conditions Survey was used to present average and controlling depths for each authorized reach of the federal navigation channel. To review this report, please click here.

Vegetation Sampling, Wetland Delineation, and Bio-Benchmark Report [December 2008] and Plant Resource Document [October 2008]

The USACE conducted vegetation studies at selected sites along the Lower Passaic River (Brackish, Transitional, and Freshwater sections), tributaries of the river and at reference sites during fall 2007 and spring 2008. Wetland delineations and bio-benchmarking were also conducted at select locations. The Vegetation Sampling Report documents the methods and findings of the sampling events. The vegetation sampling results were used for the preparation of a Plant Resource Document, which provides a comprehensive list of plant species, recommended plantings zones, planting windows, and habitat recommendations to be restored. Both of these documents provide information that will aid in future restoration sampling and planning efforts for the Study. To review the Vegetation Sampling Report, click here and to review the Plant Resource Document, click here.

EPA Makes Cleanup Decision Final For First Phase of Passaic River Cleanup

EPA, in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, has selected a final cleanup plan for the first stage of a two-phased project to remove dioxin-laden sediment from the lower Passaic River. The cleanup plan, outlined in an Action Memorandum, signed by EPA on January 9, 2009, involves mechanical dredging of 40,000 cubic yards of sediment with mechanical processing to dewater the sediment on land nearby. Click here for the press release.

Please visit the "Project Activities" section for an overview of what we've been working on for the Lower Passaic River Restoration Project, and for our project documents.

The government agencies involved in the Lower Passaic River Restoration Project and the Newark Bay Study will be holding joint project meetings to discuss progress with stakeholders.

The Remedial Options Work Group met on June 30, 2009 to discuss an update on the alternatives being evaluated in the Focused Feasibility Study. Click here for a copy of the slides presented.

The next project meeting will be on September 2, 2009 from 1 to 3 PM at the NJTPA Conference Room, 17th Floor of One Newark Center, Newark, NJ. If you plan to attend the PDT Meeting, please RSVP to Alice Yeh at (212) 637-4427 by August 31, 2009.