Small Volume Chemical Water Column Monitoring Program [August 2011]:

Surface water in the Lower Passaic River and Newark Bay is being collected and analyzed for a suite of contaminants to characterize chemical concentrations in the water column. Relatively small volumes of water (about 2 liters or less per contaminant group being analyzed) are being collected under various flow conditions (routine, high and low flows) over the four seasons of the upcoming year. Stations are located throughout the 17-miles of the Lower Passaic River, around Newark Bay, and on the major tributaries of the Lower Passaic River and Newark Bay. The data will be used to evaluate risks to human health and biota from exposure to surface water and to calibrate the model that simulates fate and transport of contaminants in the river and bay. The work plan that details the sampling is posted in the Digital Library, under "Current Passaic River Sampling Activities".

Phase I and Phase II Field and Data Report Released [October 2008]:

To define the nature and extent of contamination in the Newark Bay Study Area, two phases of work have been performed so far, in 2005 and 2007. Although the data from these phases of work were provided electronically via this website, we are now releasing a report that compiles the Phase I and Phase II data, summarizes the work done, and includes graphical presentations of surface sediment concentrations and maximum sediment concentrations at each sampling location. Click here to download the Field and Data Report.

EPA Approves Report on the Biologically Active Zone: [October 2008]

One of the goals of the Phase I work performed in the Newark Bay Study Area was to estimate the depth of the biologically active zone (BAZ) throughout the different areas of the bay. A draft BAZ Report was produced as a result of the work done in 2005. Based on comments from the government partners, the BAZ Report was revised, and the final report has now been approved. Click here to download the Final BAZ Report.

Phase II RIWP Sampling Results Released [August 2008]:

Phase II RIWP sampling was implemented from October 23, 2007 through December 14, 2007. Fifty-two sediment cores were targeted for sampling, however, two needed to be abandoned due to lack of fine-grained sediment at those locations. The sediment sample analytical results from the Phase II RIWP effort are available in Microsoft Access database format. To download and review the Phase II RIWP analytical data, click here and for the sample location map, click here.

Phase 2 Remedial Investigation Work Plan Approved [October 2007]:

EPA has approved the Newark Bay Phase 2 Remedial Investigation Work Plan (RIWP) which was developed by Tierra Solutions, Inc. (TSI) in accordance with the requirements of an EPA Administrative Order on Consent dated February 2004. The RIWP briefly summarizes the Phase 1 sediment sampling program (a detailed evaluation of the Phase 1 and 2 results will be performed upon receipt of the validated Phase 2 data), it describes the Phase 2 project quality objectives for the field work, and it outlines the tasks to be performed during the Phase 2 sediment investigation program. The primary purpose of Phase 2 is to characterize sediments in select areas of Newark Bay that have had significant accumulation of sediments since 1940. The characterization of sediments during Phase 2 will enhance EPA's understanding of contaminant deposition and distribution patterns over time in Newark Bay and it will help identify upland sources of contaminants. Collection and analysis of sediment cores began on October 23, 2007 within varied geomorphic units in Newark Bay (e.g., navigation channels, sub-tidal flats). Fifty-two sediment cores will be collected and analyzed for select contaminants. Phase 2 work is generally considered to be an extension of Phase 1 work. A Phase 3 effort will be needed in the future to fully accomplish all of the remedial investigation goals.

The Phase 2 RIWP includes an Investigation Work Plan, Sampling and Analysis Plan, Site Management Plan, and Quality Assurance Project Plan (Volumes 1 & 1a), and a Health and Safety/Contingency Plan (Volume 2). Click here to download the files that comprise the EPA-approved Phase 2 RIWP (Due to the large size of the file, downloading may take a few minutes). Click here to download a copy of the approval letter.

Click here to download the 2 sets of minor modifications that have been made to the workplan based upon observations made while implementing the field work.

Phase I Remedial Investigation Work Plan [September 2005]:

The Phase I Remedial Investigation Work Plan (RIWP) was developed by Tierra Solutions, Inc. (TSI) in accordance with the requirements of the USEPA Administrative Order on Consent. The Phase I RIWP includes an Inventory and Overview Report of Historical Data (Volume 1), Investigation Work Plan/Sampling and Analysis Plan/Site Management Plan/Quality Assurance Project Plan (Volume 2), and Health and Safety/Contingency Plan (Volume 3). The numerous files that comprise the USEPA-approved Phase I RIWP can be downloaded and reviewed from this website

(Please navigate to the digital library, click on "Public Documents" on the left hand side, then expand the files listed under branches beginning wih "Path: Current NB Sampling Activities" to find the file list for each volume).

The Phase I RIWP presents an initial geomorphological site model and RI/FS project goals; the included Investigation Work Plan addresses investigation of the horizontal and vertical distribution and concentration of selected contaminants in the NBSA sediments. The Investigation Work Plan calls for the collection and laboratory analysis of samples from 69 sediment cores located within varied geomorphic units in Newark Bay (e.g., navigation channels, tidal flats, industrial waterfront areas).

Phase I RIWP Sampling Results [July 2006]:

The sediment sample analytical results from the Phase I RIWP effort are available in Microsoft Access database format. To download and review the Phase I RIWP analytical data, click here and for the sample location map, click here.