Local Waterways are Healthy According to Stream Critters

Clinton Township, NJ – On Saturday, November 10, 2007, at Echo Hill Environmental Education Area, the South Branch Watershed Association (SBWA) presented the results of their 2007 river monitoring season.  Their recently completed comprehensive report on the health of the South Branch Raritan River using 12 years of SBWA monitoring data was also showcased.

This was the 14^th year of collecting biological data at 18 sites along the South Branch of the Raritan River and its tributaries.  Nicole Rahman, Program Director for the SBWA, explained that every June trained volunteers collect a macroinvertebrate, or “bug” sample at their assigned sites along the river.  They follow specific protocols to maintain accuracy and precision in the data collection.  “This bug sample is analyzed at a certified lab.  The species of bugs present tells us whether the river is healthy or not.  Certain bugs can live in polluted water, but others cannot.  If you find a large number and variety types of bugs that need clean water to survive, you know you have a healthy river,” Rahman said.

Of the 18 sites monitored this year, 13 were non-impaired, 5 were moderately impaired, and none were severely impaired.  Rahman said, “This is similar to last year’s results of 14 non-impaired and 4 moderately impaired.  With 14 years of data collected so far, it will be interesting to see any trends in water quality that may be present.” 

Trends in water quality were discussed by the guest speaker, Ben Jessup, Aquatic Ecologist from Tetra Tech, and author of the report, in his presentation, “South Branch Raritan River – 12-Year Monitoring Trends,” which was the highlight of the event.  The EPA had provided a $20,000 grant in 2006 to prepare this comprehensive report analyzing and documenting trends in river health.  The report was published by Tetra Tech and released this past summer.

Ben explained the results of the report and what they mean for the river.  In the report, it was shown that urban areas increased equally throughout the watershed area from 1994 to 2005, while agriculture was stable.  Ben stated, “However, the further you head downstream, the more agriculture you encounter and the lower the water quality is according to the bugs.  The habitat quality also diminishes as you head downstream.  I would recommend evaluating the habitat more frequently, collecting replicate bug samples for quality assurance, and continuing to monitor consistently each year.”     

Bill Kibler, Executive Director of the SBWA, said, “Thanks to all of the volunteers, monitoring advisory committee members, spring workshop trainers, and sponsors. These dedicated people make the monitoring program possible.”

For more information about the conference, or about becoming a volunteer monitor, please call Nicole Rahman, Program Director, at 908-782-0422 ext.14, or visit the Association’s website at www.sbwa.org.