The following information is provided courtesy of:
League of Women Voters of Ocean County Education Fund
WHAT IS THE BARNEGAT BAY WATERSHED?
A watershed is the land area where rain and waterways like streams, creeks, and rivers drain into a common waterbody. The higher ridges separating drainage basins define watershed boundaries. The Barnegat Bay Watershed is roughly 660 square miles, stretching from Point Pleasant to Millstone to Plumsted to Little Egg Harbor, and including most of thirty-seven municipalities.
The Barnegat Bay Watershed is bounded on the east by barrier islands. There are many streams and rivers that flow into Barnegat Bay, establishing subwatersheds, The watershed is home to over 450,000 people and the population more than doubles during the summer season. It is the cumulative results of seemingly innocuous everyday activities throughout the watershed that are slowly degrading the environmental quality of Barnegat Bay.
WATERSHEDS OF DOVER TOWNSHIP
A watershed is an area of land that drains into a particular common waterbody (for example, a lake, stream, creek, river or bay). The higher ridges separating drainage basins define watershed boundaries.
Dover Township is approximately 44 square miles and it has many, many watersheds. The largest watersheds are the Toms River, Long Swamp Creek, Kettle Creek, Goose Creek, Silver Bay, and Barnegat Bay. Some of these waterways, like the Toms River or Kettle Creek, actually begin (headwater) in other municipalities.
Long Swamp Creek is an example of a watershed that is totally within Dover Township. Long Swamp Creek encompasses about 7.5 square miles. It starts (headwaters) near the intersection of Route 9 and Route 70 and discharges to the Toms River near the Money Island section of town.
The types of land uses in a watershed can have a direct impact on water quality.
Accordingly, all activities within our town eventually affect the water quality of Barnegat Bay, an estuary of national significance. It is the cumulative result of seemingly innocuous everyday activities throughout our watersheds that is slowly degrading the environmental quality of Barnegat Bay.
WHAT IS NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION?
Nonpoint source pollution (NPS) is a technical name for a very simple thing: pollution from runoff created when it rains.
Polluted runoff includes many things that get into our water supply.
Often referred to as "people pollution," nonpoint source pollution results from everyday activities such as fertilizing lawns, walking pets, changing motor oil, and littering. With each rainfall, pollutants generated by these activities are washed from streets and lawns into stormwater drains that flow into our waterways and the ocean.
In New Jersey over fifty percent of water pollution is from nonpoint sources! And there are few laws that control it.
HOW DOES "NPS" OR NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION GET INTO OUR WATER SUPPLY?
Rain, groundwater, and runoff are the primary routes through which nonpoint source pollution enters our drinking water. However, by far the greatest source of nonpoint source pollution entering surface waters is runoff.
Rainwater or snowmelt flows over land, streets and highways and into waterways. Water becomes polluted as it picks up silt from eroding, soils, (oils, litter, toxic metals, salts, and other wastes on roads from vehicles, and animal wastes, and chemicals from farm fields and suburban lawns. In urban areas, runoff from paved streets and parking lots carries grime, litter, and toxic metals that have accumulated on road, surfaces into local waters via street gutters and storm drains. Storm drains typically flow directly into streams; and virtually no laws control what flows into storm drains.
MOST PEOPLE CONTRIBUTE TO NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION UNKNOWINGLY
For example, when a homeowner turns a sprinkler on a newly fertilized lawn, harmful chemicals can be washed directly into waterways. Or, high pH detergents used in washing a car run out the driveway into the street, and down the storm drain. And, too often, used motor oil, anti-freeze, paints, and other harmful wastes are intentionally dumped into gutters and storm drains.
| Common Sources of Nonpoint Source Pollution: | |
|---|---|
 Litter |
Motor Oil |
| Fertilizers |
Car Washing Detergents |
| Pesticides |
Septic Systems |
| Pet and Animal waste |
Boat Discharges |
| Household Hazardous Products |
Soil Erosion |
THE SOLUTION TO NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION BEGINS WITH US
How to prevent nonpoint source pollution - what each of us can do
Polluted runoff is often called "people pollution" for good reason. It is all of us who contribute to the problem, we're just not aware of it. Many of the everyday things we do contribute inadvertently to the problem, whether it is over-fertilizing our lawns, not picking up after our pets, even driving our, cars. If only we knew that runoff from our lawn was running directly into our' drinking water supply, we'd think twice about using harmful chemicals. These types of daily activities cause pollution that closes beaches, kills wildlife, poisons drinking water resources, and contaminates fish. But, there are things we can do to prevent it.
FOUR CRITICAL AREAS . . .
where each of us can make an immediate contribution:
| CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF | |
|---|---|
| LAWNS |
|
| PETS |
|
| SEPTIC SYSTEMS |
|
| CARS |
|
A few simple changes in lifestyle will make a real difference in the water we drink and the beaches where we swim.
1. HOMEOWNER LAWN AND GARDEN CARE WITHOUT HARMFUL CHEMICALS
The care you give your lawn and garden has an impact on our water. On average, homeowners use 10 times more chemical fertilizers and pesticides per acre than farmers use on farmland. When these end up in our water supply through runoff, they pollute our water. When a lawn is managed properly, however, it can actually help to prevent water pollution by controlling soil erosion and filtering contaminants in runoff.
What You Can Do To Have an NPS Pollution-Free Lawn:
Test your soil to determine, what's needed for a balanced pH. Grass grows best at a neutral pH between 6 and 7. If below 6.0, lime the lawn to increase the pH. One application of lime will last for several years. Use a grass that's suited to local growing conditions - it will require less water and fewer chemical fertilizers. Rutgers Cooperative Extension can make recommendations. Mow high. Set mower blade at 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches in height, which is best for most New Jersey lawns. This will shade out weeds and provide longer roots, which absorb more water and result in less runoff. Leave grass clippings on your lawn to return nitrogen to the soil. Use non-chemical fertilizers, such as compost and fishmeal, to fortify the lawn. Water your lawn only when it really needs it. Over-watering is one of the most common mistakes. Once established, lawns need water only during very dry periods.
The Problem with Fertilizers . . . .
Fertilizers and pesticides used on lawns and gardens are a significant source of water pollution. Over use of these chemicals can be dangerous to human health if they find their way into the groundwater and drinking supply. Fertilizer runoff contributes to unwanted bacterial and algae growth in nearby streams or lakes and an oxygen-robbing process, called eutrophication.
Use Non-polluting Alternatives to Fertilizers:
Compost. An excellent way to fertilize vegetable and flower gardens is to use compost. Starting a compost pile is as easy as collecting your grass clippings or leaves and tossing in your kitchen vegetable waste. The breakdown of this material provides most of the nutrients plants and grass need and it's all natural. Well-rotted animal manures are also an excellent fertilizer - but do keep manures away from watersources.
If You Use a Lawn Service, Ask Them to:
Check your lawn for specific problems and treat only when problems exist Spot-treat whenever possible Use natural organic fertilizers Let you know if they expect to apply pesticides Use Integrated Pest Management Practices (see IPM sections)
The Problem with Pesticides...
The term "pesticides" includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides. These synthetic compounds are designed to kill "pests," but are also dangerous to humans and the environment. Exposure to pesticides through the skin, or from water, is harmful to human health. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to pesticides, which have been linked to childhood illnesses and may be one of the leading causes of cancer in dogs.
Use Non-Polluting Alternatives to Pesticides:
Use beneficial insects to control pest insects. Ladybugs, lacewings, praying mantis, soldier beetles, and assassin bugs are all examples of helpful bugs that eat pest insects. Natural bacteria, such as milky spore, can kill the Japanese beetle grub. Deter bugs by using companion plants. For example, marigolds will repel beetles, nematodes, whitefly, and tomato hornworm.Physical Pest Control: the use of barriers and devices for insect removal.
Spray plants with a hose to dislodge and kill insects such as aphids, red spider mites, mealy bugs and other harmful pests. Set traps and use tree bands to catch caterpillars, moths, and weevils. Hand-pick and destroy insects and eggs. Use insect barriers like netting or row cover, or place screens over plants. Wrap aluminum foil around plant bases to limit cutworm damage.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated Pest Management is a fancy name for a simple and logical approach to controlling pests in and around your home using alternatives to chemicals. Remove weeds by hand around the yard. Remove dead leaves and debris from the landscape before inspects make them a home. Use natural predators to controls pests by releasing beneficial inspects, such as ladybugs, to feed on harmful pest insects, like aphids, and hand-pick pests off vegetables and ornamentals. When you have no other choice, use non-toxic or low-toxicity pesticides such as insecticidal soaps and use only the amount you need to do the job. If you use a lawn service, requires them to use IPM.
If All Else Fails, and You Must Use Pesticides:
Read and follow label instructions and precautions; use pesticides carefully and appropriately. Use the least toxic products or ones that break down quickly. Make sure the pesticide controls the pest in your situation before purchasing it. Apply only to infected plants; spot treat to confine use to smallest possible area, Mix only what you need and do not over-apply chemicals; more is not better. Do not apply pesticides near your pond, lake, streambed, or private well. Never pour leftover pesticides down sinks, storm drains or sewers.2. PICKING UP AFTER PETS: ANIMAL WASTE
A major cause of polluted runoff is animal waste. Waste from all animals, including farm animals, overwintering geese and other waterfowl, contributes to water pollution, but one of the biggest problems comes from waste left on the ground by our domestic pets, particularly dogs. The New Jersey Health Department estimates that there are over 500,000 dogs in the state. When dog waste is deposited along roadways or near waterways, it can quickly find its way into nearby streams and lakes.
Did you know that untreated animal waste:
Can increase, waste bacteria to levels unsafe for swimming and shell fishing. Can carry waterborne diseases, such as tuberculosis, salmonella, and other gastrointestinal disorders, which can be, transmitted to humans and other animals. Contains high levels of plant nutrients, which can increase plant and algae growth in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, and diminish the water supply's ecological, health, and recreational value.What You Can Do To Reduce Animal Waste Pollution:
Pick up after your pet Dispose of waste in trash or toilet Support "pooper scooper" laws and encourage your neighbors to do so. Do not feed ducks, geese, gulls or other water animals. Feeding encourages them to stay and overpopulate the area, thus contributing to water quality problems.3. SEPTIC SYSTEM AND HOUSEHOLD WASTEWATER: CARE AND MANAGEMENT WITHOUT NPS POLLUTION
One of the biggest problems with septic systems is a misunderstanding of their function and purpose. Septic systems are designed for the treatment of sanitary waste, not for the disposal of household waste or chemicals. Household wastewater from sinks, toilets, soap, and human wastes flows "down the drain" and out of your house. Wastewater carries disease -- causing bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Over time, "good" bacteria in the system break down organic matter in the wastewater.
Do's of a Septic Tank System:
Pump septic systems on a regular basis, usually every 2, to 3 years. Use water-conserving fixtures and practices; less water in the system allows more time for solids to settle out so they are not carried into the disposal field. Spread major water uses like laundry or lawn watering out over the week; do no more than 2 loads of wash per day. Keep a map of your septic location and keep records of repair and maintenance. Keep vehicles and other heavy objects away from disposal field. Plant grass or other shallow rooted plants over disposal field.Don'ts of a Septic Tank System:
Never flush diapers, baby wipes, sanitary napkins, cigarettes and other solid waste. Keep out paints, thinners, solvents, pesticides, and other contaminating chemicals. Keep out grease, fats, or coffee grinds. Avoid using a garbage grinder or disposal to reduce the, frequency of pumping out. Don't use "septic aids" or "breakdown" chemicals; they don't work and can be harmful.How to Know the Signs of Trouble of a Septic Tank System:
Sewage odors in the house or yard. Household drains run slowly or back up. Soil wet or spongy in disposal field area. Well water tests positive for coliform bacteria, high nitrates, or toxic chemicals.If you're on a sewer system, remember that sewage treatment plants are designed to treat human sewage, not toxic chemicals, so any chemicals you introduce into the system, either by flushing or dumping down a drain, end up in your local water resource.
4. CAR CARE WITHOUT NPS POLLUTION
Automotive products containing toxic chemicals include motor oil, gasoline, battery acid, antifreeze, rust preventatives, and even car wax. Many car owners do their own maintenance work and improperly dispose of these used products down a storm drain. This practice is a significant contributor to the pollution of our ground and surface waters because storm drains deposit polluted runoff directly into lakes or stream, rather than to sewage plants for treatment, as many people think.
The Problem with Used Motor Oil:
Used motor oil is "dirty" motor oil that has been contaminated with heavy metals, lead and chemical additives. It is regulated as a hazardous waste in New Jersey: Used motor oil must be brought to county recycling centers or motor oil collection centers located at service stations. Recycling used motor oil conserves a valuable petroleum resource and protects the environment.
What You Can Do to Avoid NPS Pollution From Your Car:
Maintain your vehicle so toxic fluids like motor oil and antifreeze don't leak. Put used motor oil in a clean, reusable container with non-leak lid. Dispose of unused motor oil and cooling fluids at designated recycling centers. NEVER dispose of any hazardous materials or wastes in storm or home drains. Do not mix antifreeze with gasoline or cleaning solvents to produce hazardous waste. Wash a car only when necessary; use a low pH detergent and a car wash that recycles.This booklet was produced by the LWVNJ Education Fund with funding by Grant ES97-113 from NJDEP Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Environmental Services Program. Reproduction and distribution is underwritten by the LWVOC Education Fund with funding from the Barnegat Bay Estuary Program Year 2000 Public Participation & Education Mini-Grant Program and the Trust for Public Land Year 2000 Barnegat Bay Environmental Grant Fund. TPL was designated the administrator of The Bay Fund through a donation from Ciba-Geigy Corp. to NJDEP. Mapping provided by the Ocean Co. Planning Dept. Text by Anne Zeman and Jan Larson; design by Jean Haley.
