A Natural Resource Management Guide for the County of Morris A ...

Seven - South Branch of the Raritan River Watershed Dischargers
Table
MUNICIPALITY RECEIVING WATERS
FACILITY
Mine Estates Mount Olive Budd Lake
Gold
Treatment Mount Olive Drakes Brook
Cloverhill
Inn Roxbury Township Drakes Brook
Days
STP Roxbury Township Trib. to Drakes Brook
Skyview
Shopping Center Chester Borough Tiger Brook
Chester
Shopping Plaza Mount Olive South Branch Raritan
Equity
Mountain STP Washington Twp. South Branch Raritan
Schooley’s
Farms Inc. Washington Twp. Trib. to South Branch Raritan
Welsh
New Jersey 1992 State Water Quality Inventory Report, 1993, Pg. III - 349-373 and
Source:
Jersey 1996 State Water Quality Inventory Report, 1996, Pg. 91.
New
RARITAN BASIN
South Branch of the Raritan River Watershed
The South Branch of the Raritan generally exhibits good water quality, actually improving as it progresses
downstream (transitioning from FW2-NT(C1), to FW2-TM(C1), to FW2-TP(C1). The upper reaches of the
river exhibit a moderately impaired biota. Downstream from Long Valley nonimpaired conditions exist.
Most of the upstream tributaries (Sun Valley, Turkey, Flanders, Ledgewood, and Electric Brooks) are rated
FW2-TP(C1).
Problems in the river include warm summertime temperatures which pose a threat to aquatic life. Phosphorus
is slightly elevated and the swimmable designated use is partially supported. Elevated lead levels are
considered a threat to the “aquatic life support” designated use.
Point sources of pollution as regulated by the NJ DEP include:
The nature of the nonpoint source contamination reflects a declining influx from agriculture paralleled by an
increase from suburban development contributions. Nonetheless the Natural Resources Conservation Services
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has identified “agricultural sheet and rill erosion to be severe in the watershed.” Septic tanks, road runoff,
storm drains, and construction-related activities are also exacting significant impact by way of nutrient and
sediment loadings to the river.
Portions of Drakes Brook have received FW2-TM(C1) designation, with a tributary designated as FW2-
TP(C1). The upper reaches support the “aquatic life support” designated use, and the lower reaches fully
support it. Accordingly, the upper reaches of the brook is considered moderately impaired and non-impaired
downstream before joining the mainstem.
Stony Brook fully supports the “aquatic life support” designated use. It is designated as FW2-TP(C1).
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NJ DEP, 1996 Inventory 92.
102
Surface Water