Observing and Forecasting Systems for Water Quality Alan Blumberg 1 and Eugenia Naranjo 2 1 Stevens Institute of Technology 2 EPA Region II May 13, 2008

Integrated system of observing sensors and forecast models plus secure, reliable wireless data transfer Know the Environment

Real-Time Data Weather Currents Water Level Internet distribution Salinity Temperature Waves

High Resolution January 2007 Data driven forecast models that can faithfully predict the spatial and temporal variability of the environment to explain observed results…with updates in near real time

The Lower Passaic River Restoration Project The goal of the project is to improve the water quality, remediate sediments, and restore the ecological health to the Lower Passaic River. If we take no action on the River, when will the contaminants of potential concern recover to acceptable concentrations? What actions can we take on the River to significantly shorten the time required to achieve acceptable risk- based conentrations? Are there contaminated sediments now buried that are likely to become "reactivated“ following a major flood event? What actions can we take on the River to significantly reduce the cost of dredged material management for the navigational dredging program?

Need for a model that will assist EPA Establish the magnitudes and relative importance of specific contaminant sources to the 17-mile tidal reach of the Passaic River, including: Provide management guidance for the adverse ecological and human health effects of the transport and ultimate fate of the chemical of concern within the system. Assess the impacts of sediment and chemical contaminant re- mobilization due to various remedial action alternatives that may be conducted within the 17-mile tidal reach of the Passaic River during the period of remediation, as well as during the recovery period. Assess sediment quality and contaminant levels if loadings are reduced or eliminated

HEP-CARP focus area Lower Passaic and Newark Bay

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Nationally: Record 25,643 beach closures or warnings in 2006 due to high levels of harmful bacteria. Up 28 percent, second straight record setting year. New Jersey: 134 ocean and bay beach closures and advisories in percent increase from 79 in in Only ocean beaches where Ocean County labor day garbage slick. In New Jersey – Rainfall events are the trigger for beach closures. Beach Closures – Concerns for Public Safety

N Y H O P S F O R E C A S T OFFSHORE ONSHORE NORTHBOUND SOUTHBOUND Water Temperature Low Bacteria CountHigh Bacteria Count Cross-shore Currents Along-shore Currents

Questions?