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Mulhockaway Creek Watershed-Based Stormwater Management Project The focus of the Mulhockaway Creek Regional Stormwater Management Plan has moved towards a watershed restoration plan to address existing stormwater problems and support the fecal coliform TMDL. The Creek is located in Bethlehem and Union Townships of Hunterdon County and flows into the Spruce Run Reservoir. The characterization and assessment indicates that the Creek has limited water quality problems and limitations on groundwater recharge due to the soil conditions in the watershed. Sampling by NJDEP after the initiation of the project indicated that the Creek met water quality standards for phosphorus, which had previously been of concern. The only other water quality standards violated were for fecal coliform and aquatic life. We have begun sampling to track down the major sources of fecal coliform, which are anticipated to be failing septic systems, equine operations, and wildlife. Long-term increases in flow volume and velocities from agricultural and development practices are the most likely source of aquatic life impairment, indicated by the abundance and diversity of bottom-dwelling insects. With the advent of the Highlands and Stormwater Regulations, additional improvement to municipal ordinances was not deemed necessary although avenues for the municipalities to ensure long term maintenance of detention basins, a requirement in municipal stormwater general permits, are being investigated. Hunterdon County Soil Conservation District inventoried stormwater structures in the watershed, which included 260 ditches/swales, 460 outfall pipes, 96 culverts, 1072 catchbasins, 245 pipe inlets, and 25 detention basins. Through the process of collecting this information, the District identified 20 priority retrofit/remediation projects for future consideration.
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