Development and Implementation of an USEPA Approved Sampling and Monitoring Program for a Phase II Nutrient TMDL

This paper presents a discussion of the comprehensive estuary sampling and monitoring of the Lower Hackensack River (River) as an integral part of the Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) Lower Hackensack River Phase II Nutrient TMDL Study. The 6 month sampling and monitoring program consists of real-time measurement of water quality in the River, and collection of grab samples for parameters of concern during weekly and two, intensive continuous five day events. The data gathered by this program will be used to calibrate an enhanced version of the water quality model of the River developed by Najarian Associates for the BCUA over 20 years ago. This model will be used to evaluate the assimilative capacity of the River for additional nutrients that impact dissolved oxygen concentration under various flow and load discharge scenarios to the River. The data and modeling will provide the basis for a Phase II Nutrient TMDL.