Ecological Evaluation Technical Guidance - State of New Jersey

5.3.2.1 Potential Contaminant Migration PathwaysI. Ditches and SwalesDitches and swales that do not contain standing or flowing water should besampled as indicated in Section 5.3.2.2 II or III. Ditches and swales thatcontain standing water should be sampled as indicated in Section 5.3.2.2 I. A.Ditches and swales that contain flowing water should be sampled as indicatedin Section 5.3.2.2 I. B.II. Overland FlowWhen the potential migration pathway consists of general overland flow withno discernable ditches or swales, samples should be collected as indicated inSection 5.3.2.2 III.III. GroundwaterWhen the potential migration pathway consists of groundwater, samplesshould be collected in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:26E-3.5, Site investigationgroundwater,and the relevant technical guidance. Samples from the mostdowngradient monitoring wells or piezometers, or samples in the closestproximity to ESNRs will be considered indicative of the migration pathway.5.3.2.2 Environmentally Sensitive Natural ResourcesI. Aquatic SystemsIn aquatic systems, the areas of greatest contamination will generally occur indepositional areas, thus these should be specifically targeted by the samplingplan. Such depositional areas are generally characterized by slow-movingwater where fine sediments tend to accumulate (e.g., pool areas, river bends).Sediment samples collected for chemical analysis, toxicity testing, and benthiccommunity surveys should be spatially and temporally collocated. Sedimentsamples should be collected in a manner to avoid the loss of fine-grainedsediments. Surface water and sediment samples should be spatially andtemporally collocated. Surface water samples should be collected beforesediment samples to avoid suspended sediments in surface-water samples.Samples should be collected in downstream areas first, and then successivelyat upstream sampling locations.A. Standing water areas (e.g., ponds, lakes, wetlands, surface impoundments,lagoons, storm water detention ponds, fire ponds, and excavations, naturaldepressions and diked areas that can accumulate water) should be sampledas follows:1. Collect a minimum of three surface water samples and three sedimentsamples in each area where there is evidence of a historical or ongoingdischarge, including but not limited to, stressed vegetation, sheens,seeps, discolored soil or sediment along the shoreline or in a wetland, orother evidence of a discharge;Ecological Evaluation Technical Guidance Document 22Version 1.2 8/29/12