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Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including New Jersey.

At least 415 records · Page 23Linked to original sources
USGS1981

Water-quality data for the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system, Trenton to Pennsville, New Jersey, 1980

Samples for chemical analysis were collected from June to December 1980 from 262 wells tapping the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system. The samples were analyzed for common ions, dissolved metals, nutrients, dissolved organic carbon, volatile organic compounds, pH, temperature, and specific conductance. This report contains the results of the analyses, well construction data for the wells sampled, and simple statistical summaries for each parameter. Most parameters showed wide variations in concentration. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon ranged from 0 to 108 mg/L (milligrams per liter), with a median of 1.7 mg/L. Chloride concentration ranged from 0.8 to 810 mg/L, with a median of 15 mg/L. Iron concentration ranged from 3 micrograms per liter to 79,000 micrograms per liter, with a median of 1,400 micrograms per liter. Detectable concentrations of volatile organic compounds were found in 46 wells, approximately 19 percent of the 246 wells sampled for such compounds. Trichloroethylene and benzene, the most common compounds, were detected in 24 and 18 wells, respectively. The maximum concentrations of several compounds detected include: benzene, 1,960 micrograms per liter; 1,1-dichloroethylene, 670 micrograms per liter; trichloroethylene, 472 micrograms per liter; and tetrachloroethylene, 335 micrograms per liter.

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USGS1981

Impact of suburban residential development on water resources in the area of Winslow Township, Camden County, New Jersey

Surface-water and ground-water quality, streamflow, and data on ground-water levels in the upper Great Egg Harbor River basin in the vicinity of the Winslow Crossing residential development in Winslow Township are evaluated. The data include continuous streamflow at four sites, monthly stream water quality at seven sites, ground-water levels and periodic ground-water quality in four wells from 1972 through 1978. Pumpage from the Cohansey Sand in the study area was lower than anticipated because of a slowdown in construction. The average pumpage of 0.48 million gallons per day during 1978 had little effect on ground-water levels. Dissolved-solids concentrations were lower in a well upgradient from the urbanized area. Elevated levels of dissolved solids, specific conductance, chloride, nitrate, and phosphorus were found in the shallow ground water in the vicinity of the Winslow wastewater treatment plant because of effluent infiltration ponds. Nitrate was greatly reduced in October 1974 by a change in the treatment process, which increased denitrification. Phosphorus concentrations in the ground water remained elevated, however. Water from the most urbanized drainage basin was a magnesium bicarbonate type, while the less developed basins had sodium chloride sulfate type waters. Water from the two developed basins had higher median pH (7.1) compared with that of the other basins (5.6-6.3). Winslow Crossing’s development had only a slight effect on the quality of water in Great Egg Harbor River. The river receives point and non-point discharges upstream from Winslow Crossing, and the quality of the water generally improves as the river flows downstream. Streamflow and rainfall were slightly above normal. Unit hydrograph analysis of one basin showed an 80 percent increase in the peak discharge of a 60-minute unit hydrograph (from approximately 150 to 270 cubic feet per second) after the development of 14 percent of the basin. Installation of a stormwater detention basin reduced the peak discharge to 220 ft 3 /s. Sediment discharge from this basin averaged 0.24 tons/d/mi 2 during construction but decreased to the preconstruction level of 0.06 tons/d/mi 2 after the completion of construction and the installation of the detention basin.

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USGS1980

Distribution of modern benthic foraminifers on the New Jersey Outer Continental Shelf

We used samples from 21 stations within a 600 km2 area of the New Jersey Outer Continental Shelf to assess the effects of a hydrodynamic environment on the distribution and redistribution of benthic foraminifers. These samples show that, although the predominant genera (Elphidium, Cibicides, and Saccammina) are the same as those reported by other investigators for this region, the environmental factors that control the generic distribution are more complex than were previously postulated. Generic distribution patterns derived from this study are correlated with the bottom topography and sediment distribution as well as the temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen concentrations of the bottom waters. The six predominant species observed in the samples (and their phenotypic variants) are cryophilic forms known to occur in the Virginian and Nova Scotian biogeographic provinces and in Arctic waters. Species distribution patterns also correlate well with bottom topography and hydrographic factors, but may be modified by seasonal fluctuations in test production and by redistribution of dead tests. At most stations, specimens of Elphidium subarcticum were attached to quartz grains. This phenomenon, which has not been reported before, probably is an adaptation to a high-energy environment. The distribution pattern of Elphidium subarcticum along with those of the sessile species Webbinella concava and Vasiglobulina n.sp. corroborate sedimentological evidence that the accumulation of modern sediments in the area is negligible.

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USGS1980

Seismicity map of the State of New Jersey

This map is one of a series of seismicity maps produced by the U.S. Geological Survey that show earthquake data of individual states or groups of states at the scale of 1:1,000,000. This map shows only those earthquakes with epicenters located within the boundaries of New Jersey, even though earthquakes in nearby states may have been felt or may have caused damage in New Jersey.

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USGS1980

Investigation of acidity and other water-quality characteristics of Upper Oyster Creek, Ocean County, New Jersey

Water-quality data collected in the upper Oyster Creek drainage basin, Ocean County, N.J., indicate that the stream has excellent water quality except for a persistently low pH. The mean concentrations of the major inorganic ions were all less than 6.0 milligrams per liter. Mean concentrations of total nitrogen and total phosphorus were 0.15 mg/L and 0.01 mg/L, respectively. Dissolved oxygen averaged 8.7 mg/L and 81% saturation. Low pH levels are typical of streams draining cedar swamps. In Oyster Creek, the pH tended to decrease downstream due to chemical and biological processes. The pH levels in swamps were one-half unit or more lower than the pH levels in the adjacent stream. Sharp declines in stream pH were noted during runoff periods as the result of the mixing of poorly-buffered stream water with more highly acidic water from surrounding swamp areas. The quality of ground water within the study area was similar to the quality of streamflow, except for higher iron and ammonia-nitrogen concentrations and a higher pH range of 4.9 to 6.5. Precipitation represented a major source of many chemical constituents in the ground- and surface-waters of the Oyster Creek basin. (USGS)

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USGS1980

Digital-simulation and projection of head changes in the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system, coastal plain, New Jersey

The Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system of Cretaceous age, which is the principal source of water to the major population and industrial centers in the Coastal Plain of New Jersey, has undergone continuous and widespread reduction in head. The reduced head, already below sea level throughout most of the aquifer system, in conjunction with encroachment of salty water toward centers of pumping, threatens the continued use of the aquifer as a source of freshwater in the area. A single layer, two-dimensional finite difference digital model was used to simulate the response of the aquifer system to pumping stresses during the 18-year period, 1956-73. Model simulations were based on close agreement between (1) observed and calculated heads and head trends for 10 observation wells during the period, 1956-73; and (2) the computed nonpumping steady-state potentiometric surface and a potentiometric surface based on early water-level observations (1900±) solutions. In addition, the hydrologic budget estimated by the model appears to be reasonable for the transient (1956-73) and the steady-state (1900±) solutions. The model was used to compute projected potentiometric heads and trends to the year 2000. Three sets of conditions, all using the 1973 distribution of pumping centers, were simulated. The conditions are: (1) no increase in ground-water extractions; (2) continued growth in ground-water extractions at the rate of 1.7 and 3 percent annually; and (3) continued growth in ground-water extractions at the rate of 3 percent annually, in conjunction with the activitation of a freshwater head barrier in the fresh-salty transition zone. Under the first set of conditions, further head reduction would cease over very large regions within two years. Under the second set of conditions involving a 3 percent growth rate similar to that experienced during the simulation period, the broad cone of depression already encompassing most of the New Jersey Coastal Plain would broaden and deepen. Heads would range from 60 to 160 feet below National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929. The reduction of head after 1973 would approach 90 feet in some areas. The resultant steeper hydraullic gradients would accelerate the rate of movement of salty ground water toward the pumping centers. A freshwater head barrier could be established in the transition zone to prevent migration of salty ground water across a 35-mile stretch in Gloucester, Camden, and Burlington Counties. A line of injection wells would be required, with total rates of injection to the head barrier ranging from about 56 cubic feet per second in 1984 to about 95 cubic feet per second in 2000. Barrier recharge rates would be equivalent to about 20 percent of the ground water pumped in the fine-grid area in any particular year for a 3 percent increase in extractions.

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USGS1980

Flood of August 31-September 1, 1978, in Crosswicks Creek basin and vicinity, central New Jersey

A thunderstorm during the evening of August 31, 1978, caused flooding in a small area of south central New Jersey. Maximum peaks of record occurred on the upper Crosswicks Creek basin in the vicinity of Fort Dix, Wrightstown, and New Egypt. At New Egypt, high water crest elevations for Crosswicks Creek were approximately 4 feet higher than the previous maximum recorded on August 28, 1971. Total damages were in excess of 2 million dollars, with 70 houses and 14 businesses affected.

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USGS1980

Computer-model analysis of the use of Delaware River water to supplement water from the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system in southern New Jersey

A computer model of the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system was used to simulate the effects of supplementing ground water with water from the Delaware River. Replacement of ground water pumpage with surface water in a 150-square-mile area near Camden, N.J., was simulated. Artificial recharge of surface water was also simulated in the same area. A series of nine simulations was made. The simulations include the period 1974 to 2000. Two projections for water use were used. Also, in some of the model simulations a line of injection wells was simulated to prevent movement of saline water into pumping centers. The simulations indicate that heads will be as much as 100 feet higher in the year 2000 near the 150-square-mile area than that if ony ground water would be used without supplement of surface water. In the model simulations, heads recover upon application of surface water, but start declining again within 2 years. The rate of head decline after suface-water application is slower than before the application.

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USGS1980

Effects of storm runoff on water quality in the Mill Creek drainage basin, Willingboro, New Jersey

The effect of storm runoff on the quality of water in the the Mill Creek drainage basin in west-central New Jersey is described in this report. The study area (23.7 square kilometers) consists of agricultural and undeveloped land and the residential community of Willingboro. From October 1975 to September 1976, stream discharge and 86 water-quality constituents were measured during five base flows and five storms at nine sites within the basin. Only 38 of the measured consitituents were detected in significant amounts. Insignificant amounts of pesticides, except 2,4-D and silvex, and the metals cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, mercury, selenium, and carbonate were measured even during heavy runoff. All other constituents showed an increase in concentration with increasing streamflow and the corresponding loads usually correlated with streamflow. Runoff from the nonresidential part of the study area in the upstream part of the drainage basin had a more significant impact on the stream quality than did the runoff from the residential area. The nonresidential area contributed more nutrients, common inorganics, sediment, and organic carbon than the residential area. The residential area contributed more calcium, nitrite, lead, iron, BOD, 2,4-D, and silvex. With the exception of suspended iron, fecal coliform bacteria, suspended lead, and suspended phosphorus, all recorded concentrations under all streamflow conditions met the recommended limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for domestic water supplies or streams not discharging directly into a lake or reservoir. Very short-term exceptions were recorded during peak storm runoff. Iron concentrations exceeded recommended limits of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Occasional releases of suspended iron from the water-treatment plant in the lower part of the drainage basin contributed to this high concentration. However, Mill Creek and its tributaries will still have naturally occurring high suspended iron concentrations even after the water-treatment plant eliminates its sludge-holding pond. Fecal coliform bacteria affected the quality of water in the Mill Creek basin more than any other constituent measured. It exceeded recommended limits by as much as two orders of magnitude and was found in equal amounts throughout the streams in the basin. The source of the bacteria could not be identified. Runoff from the Willingboro residential area produced mean suspended lead concentrations up to three times greater than the 50 micrograms per liter criteria set for domestic water supplies. Mean concentrations of suspended phosphorus throughout the basin were 2.5 times greater than the recommended limit of 0.1 milligrams per liter. Sediment concentrations and loads increased with increasing streamflow. However, the amounts are not considered unusual for a developed area. The only sediment deposition occurred at the downstream end of the study area, which is slightly affected by tide. A significant part of the deposited material was composed of sludge material from the water-treatment plant in the lower end of the study area.

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USGS1979

Technique for estimating depth of 100-year floods in New Jersey

Techniques are developed for use in estimating 100-year flood depths on New Jersey streams. Equations and graphs are presented relating the 100-year flood depth above the mean annual flood to drainage area and area of lakes and swamps. Separate relations for the Coastal Plain and non-Coastal Plain streams in the four hydrologic areas in New Jersey are shown. A method of mapping flood-prone areas on U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute topographic quadrangles is detailed.

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USGS1979

Flood of November 8-10, 1977, in northeastern and central New Jersey

This report documents hydrologic and meteorologic aspects of flooding in northeastern and central New Jersey during November 8-10, 1977. Peak stages and discharges at 51 streamflow gaging sites are tabulated and compared to previous maximums. High-water flood crest elevations are presented for eight stream reaches in or near Bergen County where the most severe flooding occurred. While no lives were lost, 21,700 homes were affected and 96 million dollars of damage resulted.

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USGS1979

Water-resources data for New Jersey, water year 1978, Volume 1. Atlantic Slope Basins, Hudson River to Cape May

Water resources data for the 1978 water year for New Jersey consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage, contents, and water quality of lakes and reservoirs; and water levels and water quality in wells and springs. This volume of the report contains discharge records for 72 gaging stations; tide summaries for 7 stations; stage and contents for 15 lakes and reservoirs; water quality for 39 gaging stations, 154 partial-record stations, and 185 wells; and water levels for 18 observation wells. Also included are 45 crest-stage partial-record stations and 38 low-flow partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not part of the systematic data collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in New Jersey.

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USGS1979

Geohydrology and digital-simulation model of the Farrington aquifer in the northern coastal plain of New Jersey

A two-dimensional digital-computer flow model was developed to simulate the Farrington aquifer in the northern part of the Coastal Plain of New Jersey. The area of detailed study includes approximately 500 square miles in Middlesex and Monmouth Couties where the aquifer provides a large part of the municipal and industrial water supply. The area modeled is much larger, extending seaward as well as northeastward into Long Island. The aquifer consists chiefly of the Farrington Sand Member of the Raritan Formation and is composed of sand and some gravel. It thickens from a featheredge in outcrop to more than 170 feet, 11 miles to the southeast. The confining unit between the Farrington and the overlying Old Bridge Sand Member of the Magothy Formation consists primarily of the Woodbridge Clay Member of the Raritan Formation and has a maximum thickness of 244 feet. The model simulates both water-table and artesian conditions. The confining unit overlying the Farrington aquifer is simulated as having a variable thickness and vertical hydraulic conductivity. The effect of a declining water level in the overlying Old Bridge aquifer on the Farrington aquifer is also simulated by the model. Values used to describe the hydraulic properties of the Farrington aquifer are: a hydraulic conductivity of 105 feet per day, a storage coefficient of 1.6 x 10 -4 for artesian conditions, and a specific yield of 0.25 for water-table conditions. Values for the overlying confining unit are: a vertical hydraulic conductivity ranging from 4.2 x 10 -7 to 1.0 x 10 -10 feet per second and a specific storage of 4 x 10 -5 feet -1 . Aquifer simulation for the 15-year period, 1959-73, was used to calibrage the model. The model was calibrated by comparing the observed potentiometric surface of November 1973 with the simulated potentiometric surface. In addition, hydrographs for selected wells were compared with model results. Ground-water withdrawals for 1959 and 1973 were 12.1 and 28.5 milion gallons per day, respectively. Potentiometric surfaces for 1985 and 2000 were computed based on a linear projection of ground-water withdrawals (39.5 and 56.9 million gallons per day in 1985 and 2000, respectively) of the period 1959 through 1973. These surfaces are deeper than that of November, 1973, and the cone of depression is wider. The potentiometric head projected by the model in the vicinity of Sayreville will be more than 150 feet below mean sea level by 2000; the head in this area was 70 feet below sea level in 1973. The model calculated ground-water budgets for steady-state and transient conditions for the entire modeled area and for several rectangular subareas. Ground-water flow into the modeled Farrington aquifer under steady-state conditions before ground-water development was 16 cubic feet per second for the entire area. Recharge in the outcrop area and vertical leakage from the Old Bridge was 8 cubic feet per second each. Approximately 75 percent of the discharge occurred as seepage into surface-water bodies in and near the outcrop and as lateral flow southwestward into Burlington County near the outcrop area. The remaining 25 percent occurred southeast of the outcrop as vertical leakage into the overlying Old Bridge aquifer and as lateral flow to the south into Ocean and Burlington Counties. A transient water budget for 1973 was calculated for a subarea consisting mainly of Middlesex County. The model indicates that 48 percent (14.3 cubic feet per second) of the total inflow to the subareas was through its boundaries. Other sources of water include direct recharge within the subarea (5.4 cubic feet per second), vertical leakage (mainly from the Old Bridge) within the subarea (2.6 cubic feet per second), and water released from storage (3.4 cubic feet per second). Discharge from the subarea consisted mainly of withdrawals (26.5 cubic feet per second). It also included vertical leakage to the Old Bridge and discharge to surface-water bodies simulated by constant-head nodes (3.2 cubic feet per second).

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