Issue #13

Fall 2006

The Basin Bulletin

Newsletter for Stakeholders of the Raritan River Basin 

Prepared on behalf of the Raritan Basin Watershed Alliance

     

Lockatong/Wickecheoke Creeks Projects 

Project Update:

USGS and DRBC flow and water quality data were analyzed to estimate the lowest stream flows that indicated effects by non-point source loadings.  The sites used in this analysis are those that are currently equipped with USGS monitors for continuous flow, near the mouth of the Lockatong Creek and the Wickecheoke Creek.

NRCS and NJWSA staff visited selected sites in the watersheds to determine the major sources of sediment.  Further review of GIS data, compared to field reconnaissance for stable soils associated with various crop production, indicated that erosion was occurring along the perimeter of fields where runoff was conveyed, and not necessarily within the fields.

The USGS flow monitors at Lockatong and Wickecheoke Creeks continue operation.  NJWSA has begun establishing subbasin flow-gaging stations to test the consistency of flow per drainage area throughout the watersheds.  Preliminary assessments of water quality are being initiated at the selected monitoring sites throughout the watersheds to determine the existing levels for pH, specific conductivity, and water and air temperature.  A contract laboratory has been selected to begin water quality analyses for the intensive NJWSA monitoring program, pending the approval of the QAPP by the NJDEP.

 

NJDEP 319 Grant Project Page