Understanding the Threats to Barnegat Bay
When it comes to the challenges facing Barnegat Bay and the surrounding natural lands, one common culprit stands out: runoff. Before diving into how pollutants like nitrogen, phosphorus, and legacy contaminants impact these spaces, let’s first explain runoff and how you can help combat it.
What Is Runoff?
In the past, Barnegat Bay’s watershed thrived with intact woodlands and preserved open spaces. Rainwater was absorbed into the ground, where it was filtered naturally and returned to the water cycle.
Today, the story is different. With Ocean County’s rapid development—once the fastest-growing county in the nation—woodlands and open fields have been replaced by impervious surfaces like roads, driveways, and patios.
When rain hits these hard surfaces, it “runs off” instead of soaking into the ground. Along the way, it collects contaminants like trash, pet waste, chemicals, and fertilizers, carrying them into storm drains and eventually into Barnegat Bay.
How You Can Help Reduce Runoff
- Pick up after your pets to prevent bacteria from entering waterways.
- Install rain barrels or rain gardens to capture and filter stormwater.
Join our Clean-Up Crew to help remove trash and pollutants from your community. Join Here
Major Pollutants Impacting Barnegat Bay
Nitrogen & Phosphorus
Excess nitrogen and phosphorus, often from overdevelopment and overuse of lawn fertilizers, have created significant issues for Barnegat Bay over the last 20 years.
These nutrients fuel harmful algal blooms, which:
- Lower dissolved oxygen levels, killing fish and reducing biodiversity.
- Block sunlight, harming sensitive aquatic plants like eelgrass.
What You Can Do:
- Check the weather before applying fertilizer to avoid runoff.
- Avoid overapplication and choose fertilizers with low NPK scores (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium).
- Consider alternatives like Oceangro, an eco-friendly fertilizer option.
Save Barnegat Bay played a key role in creating the nation’s strongest fertilizer law, limiting nitrogen levels in commercial fertilizers. Learn More Here
Legacy Pollutants from Ciba-Geigy
One of the most pressing challenges today is the contamination from the Ciba-Geigy Superfund site in Toms River. This former chemical and dye manufacturer dumped thousands of gallons of toxic wastewater and buried over 50,000 drums of hazardous waste on-site, causing untold damage to Barnegat Bay’s resources.
The NJ Department of Environmental Protection recently struck a deal with BASF, the current owner, that:
- Lacks proper safety data.
- Undervalues the environmental damage.
- Disregards input from affected communities.
- Allows redevelopment rights with limited liability.
Our Response:
Save Barnegat Bay has filed an appeal to challenge this flawed settlement and push for better oversight and accountability. This fight is far from over, but we remain committed to securing justice for the Bay and our community. Read More Here
Your Role in Protecting Barnegat Bay
Every effort matters. By learning about these issues and taking action, you can make a real difference in the fight to protect Barnegat Bay.
Together, no task is too big, and no battle is unwinnable. Join us in preserving and protecting Barnegat Bay for generations to come.
