Geology topics

Kathryn Hunchak-Kariouk

Publications and source records attributed to Kathryn Hunchak-Kariouk.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2006

Relations of Water Quality to Streamflow, Season, and Land Use for Four Tributaries to the Toms River, Ocean County, New Jersey, 1994-99

The effects of nonpoint-source contamination on the water quality of four tributaries to the Toms River in Ocean County, New Jersey, have been investigated in a 5-year study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The purpose of the study was to relate the extent of land development to loads of nutrients and other contaminants to these streams, and ultimately to Barnegat Bay. Volumetric streamflow (discharge) was measured at 6 monitoring sites during 37 stormflow and base-flow sampling events over a 5-year period (May 1994-September 1999). Concentrations and yields (area-normalized instantaneous load values) of nitrogen and phosphorus species, total suspended solids, and fecal coliform bacteria were quantified, and pH, dissolved oxygen, and stream stage were monitored during base-flow conditions and storms. Sufficient data were collected to allow for a statistical evaluation of differences in water quality among streams in subbasins with high, medium, and low levels of land development. Long Swamp Creek, in a highly developed subbasin (64.2 percent developed); Wrangle Brook, in a moderately developed subbasin (34.5 percent); Davenport Branch, in a slightly developed subbasin (22.8 percent); and Jakes Branch, in an undeveloped subbasin (0 percent) are the subbasins selected for this study. No point-source discharges are known to be present on these streams. Water samples were collected and analyzed by the NJDEP, and discharge measurements and data analysis were conducted by the USGS. Total nitrogen concentrations were lower in Davenport Branch than in Long Swamp Creek and Wrangle Brook during base flow and stormflow. Concentrations of total nitrogen and nitrate were highest in Wrangle Brook (as high as 3.0 mg/L and 1.6 mg/L, respectively) as a result of high concentrations of nitrate in samples collected during base flow; nitrate loading from ground-water discharge is much higher in Wrangle Brook than in any of the other streams, possibly as a result of an experimental wastewater-(secondary effluent) disposal site that was in operation during the 1980's. Ammonia concentrations were higher in samples from Long Swamp Creek than in those from the other two monitoring sites under all flow conditions, and ammonia yields were higher during stormflow than base flow at all monitoring sites. Concentrations and yields of fecal coliform bacteria and total suspended solids were higher during stormflow than during base flow at all monitoring sites. Concentrations and yields were significantly higher in Long Swamp Creek, a highly developed subbasin and Wrangle Brook, a moderately developed subbasin than in Davenport Branch, a slightly developed subbasin. Concentrations and yields of phosphate species, which also are strongly related to stormflow, were higher during stormflow in Long Swamp Creek than in the other subbasins. Base-flow separation techniques were used on hydrographs generated for storms to distinguish the fraction of discharge and constituent loading attributable to storm runoff (overland flow) from the fraction contributed by ground-water discharge. Precipitation records were used to determine the total annual volumes of ground-water discharge and runoff at each monitoring site. These volumes were used in conjunction with water-quality data to calculate total annual loads of each constituent at each monitoring site, separated into ground-water discharge and runoff fractions. It was determined that loads of ammonia, nitrate, organic nitrogen, total nitrogen, and orthophosphate in ground-water discharge were significantly higher in the moderately developed Wrangle Brook subbasin than in the highly developed Long Swamp Creek subbasin, and that no relation was apparent between the percent of land development and constituent loads from ground-water discharge. The loading of each constituent contributed by ground-water discharge is specific

Scientific Investigations Report↗

USGS2003

Review of Selected References and Data sets on Ambient Ground- and Surface-Water Quality in the Metedeconk River, Toms River, and Kettle Creek Basins, New Jersey, 1980-2001

Surface water and ground water from unconfined aquifers are the primary sources of drinking water for much of the population, about 391,000, in the Metedeconk River, Toms River, and Kettle Creek watersheds in the New Jersey Coastal Plain. The quality of these sources of drinking water is a concern because they are vulnerable to contamination. Indications of the occurrence, distribution, and likely sources and transport mechanisms of certain contaminants were obtained from 48 selected reports and 2 selected data sets on water quality in or near the watersheds (1980-2001). These indications are described and briefly summarized in this report. The findings of studies on ground-water quality indicate that shallow ground water within the study area generally meets primary drinking-water standards, with notable exceptions. Volatile organic compounds, mercury, arsenic, radionuclides, nitrate, and coliform bacteria have been detected in shallow ground water in some areas at levels that exceed Federal and State drinking-water standards. For example, results of analyses of untreated samples collected from more than 13,000 private wells during 1983-99 indicated that concentrations of volatile organic compounds in samples from 7.3 percent of the wells exceeded at least 1 of 11 drinking-water standards, according to records maintained by the Ocean County Health Department. In cases of exceedances, however, water treatment, well replacement, and (or) retesting assured that applicable drinking-water standards were being met at the tap. Reported concentrations of the pesticide chlordane in some areas exceeded the drinking-water standard; few data are available on the occurrence of other pesticides. Studies of nearby areas, however, indicate that pesticide concentrations generally could be expected to be below drinking-water standards. The combination of low pH and low dissolved solids in many areas results in shallow ground water that is highly corrosive and, if untreated, able to leach trace elements and release asbestos fibers from plumbing materials. Reported concentrations of nitrate, volatile organic compounds, trace elements, and pesticides in samples from the monitored mainstem and tributary streams within the study area generally are below maximum contaminant levels for drinking water or below detection limits. Results of studies in other areas indicate that pesticide concentrations in surface water could be considerably higher during high flows soon after the application of pesticides to crops than during low flows. Fecal coliform bacteria counts in streams vary considerably. Concentrations or counts of these classes of surface-water-quality constituents likely are functions of the intensity and type of upstream development. Results of limited monitoring for radionuclide concentrations reported by the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority of the Metedeconk River indicate that radionuclide concentrations or activities do not exceed maximum contaminant levels for drinking water. As a consequence of organic matter in surface water, the formati ultraviolet absorbance in samples from the Metedeconk River and the Toms River exceeded the alternative compliance criteria for source water (2.0 milligrams per liter for total organic carbon and 0.02 absorbance units-liters per milligram-centimeter for specific ultraviolet absorbance) with respect to treatment requirements for preventing elevated concentrations of disinfection by-products in treated water. Water-quality and treatment issues associated with use of ground and surface water for potable supply in the study area are related to human activities and naturally occurring factors. Additional monitoring and analysis of ground and surface water would be needed to determine conclusively the occurrence and distribution of some contaminants and the relative importance of various potential contaminant sources, transport and attenuation mechanisms, and transport pathways.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

USGS2002

Comparisons of water quality during various streamflow conditions in five streams in northern New Jersey, 1982-97

Relations between water-quality and flow characteristics and the relative importance of constant (point sources and ground-water discharge) and intermittent (nonpoint storm runoff) sources were determined for eight water-quality stations located on the Flat Brook and the Delaware, Musconetcong, Whippany, and Saddle Rivers. Water-quality and streamflow data were categorized on the basis of streamflow at the time of sample collection. Differences in concentrations and yields of selected water-quality constituents, including nutrients and bacteria, (1) among the stations during eight streamflow conditions and (2) at each station (a) between base flow and stormflow; (b) among before, during, and after a storm; and (c) among low, medium, and high flows were determined and related to the predominant type(s) of land development in the areas contributing drainage. At the station on the Delaware River, yields of fecal-coliform bacteria were affected more by contributions from storm runoff than by contributions from point sources and ground-water discharges; yields during a storm [7.0 x 108 (MPN/d)mi2 (most probable number per day per square mile)] were greater than yields during base flow (3.7 x 108 (MPN/d)mi2). Yields of nitrate plus nitrite, alkalinity, and chloride were affected more by contributions from point sources and ground-water discharges than by contributions from storm runoff; yields of these constituents were not significantly different during base flows and stormflows. At the Flat Brook and Whippany River stations, yields of most water-quality constituents were affected more by contributions from storm runoff than by contributions from point sources and ground-water discharge. For example, yields of nitrate plus nitrite were greater during stormflow (1.20 (lb/d)/mi2 (pounds per day per square mile) and 15.88 (lb/d)/mi2, respectively) than during base flow (0.26 (lb/d)/mi2 and 8.20 (lb/d)/mi2, respectively). At the Musconetcong River station, yields of total nitrogen, alkalinity, and chloride were affected more by contributions from storm runoff than by contributions from point sources and ground-water discharge. At three of the four water-quality stations on the Musconetcong River, yields of total phosphorus and bacteria were affected less by contributions from storm runoff than by contributions from point sources and ground-water discharge. At the Saddle River station, yields of alkalinity and chloride were affected more by contributions from storm runoff than by contributions from point sources and ground-water discharge; for example, yields of chloride during stormflows (707 (lb/d)/mi2) were greater than during base flows (401 (lb/d)/mi2). Yields of total phosphorus were affected less by contributions from storm runoff than by contributions from point sources and ground-water discharge; yields during base flows (4.00 (lb/d)/mi2) and stormflows (4.67 (lb/d)/mi2) were similar. Concentrations and yields of total phosphorus and nitrogen, and nitrate plus nitrite were strongly related to the amount of development in each drainage basin. At stations on the Saddle and Whippany Rivers, which drain areas with substantial development, concentrations and yields for all streamflow categories were higher than at stations on the Flat Brook and Delaware River, which drain areas with little development. Results of the Tukey test indicate that there are significant differences in total phosphorus concentrations at Saddle River and Flat Brook during base flows (0.77 mg/L (milligrams per liter) and 0.02 mg/L, respectively) and stormflows (0.42 mg/L and 0.02 mg/L, respectively).

New Jersey↗

USGS1999

Relation of water quality to land use in the drainage basins of four tributaries to the Toms River, New Jersey, 1994-95

The influence of land use on the water quality of four tributaries to the Toms River, which drains nearly one-half of the Barnegat Bay wateshed, was studied during the initial phase of a multiyear investigation. Water samples were collected from and streamflows were measured in Long Swamp Creek, Wrangel Brook, Davenport Branch, and Jakes Creek during periods of base flow and stormflow in the growing and nongrowing seasons during May 1994 to October 1995. The drainage areas upstream from the seven measurement sites were characterized as highly developed, moderately developed, slightly developed, or undeveloped. Concentrations were determined and area-normalized instantaneous loads (yields) were estimated for total nitrogen, ammonia, nitrate, organic nitrogen, hydrolyzable phosphorus plus orthosphosphorus, orthophosphorus, total suspended solids, and fecal-coliform bacteria in the water samples. Specific conductance, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were measured. Yields of total nitrogen, nitrate, and organic nitrogen at sites on Wrangel Brook, which drains moderately developed areas, were either larger than or similar to yields at the site on Long Swamp Creek, which drains a highly developed area. The magnitude of these yields probably was not related directly to the intensity of land development, but more likely was influenced by the type of development, the amount of base flow, and historical land use in the basin. The large concentrations of total nitrogen and nitrate in base flow in Wrangel Brook could have resulted from fertilizers that were applied to high-maintenance lawns and from agricultural runoff that has remained in the ground water since the 1950's and eventually was discharged to streams. Yields of ammonia appear to be partly related to the intensity of land development and storm runoff. Yields of ammonia at the site on Long Swamp Creek (a highly developed area) were either larger than or similar to yields at sites on Wrangel Brook (moderately developed areas). Yields were smallest at the site on Davenport Branch, which drains a slightly developed area. Yields of hydrolyzable phosphorus plus orthophosphorus and yields of orthophosphorus appear to be related to the intensity of development. Concentrations of hydrolyzable phosphorus plus orthophosphorus were greater in Long Swamp Creek (highly developed areas) than in Wrangel Brook (moderately developed areas). Concentrations of orthophosphorus were largest in Wrangel Brook (moderately developed) and Long Swamp Creek (highly developed). Total suspended solids and bacteria were somewhat related to intensity of development. Yields of total suspended solids were greater at sites downstream from highly and moderately developed areas than from slightly developed areas. Yields of bacteria were strongly related to streamflow and season. Specific conductance appears to be related to streamflow. pH probably was related to intensity of land development; pH was greater (more basic) in streams draining highly developed areas than in those draining other areas. Concentrations of dissolved oxygen were affected more by water temperature than by intensity of development or streamflow.

New Jersey↗

USGS1999

Relations of surface-water quality to streamflow in the Wallkill and upper Delaware River basins, New Jersey and vicinity, water years 1976-93

Relations of water quality to streamflow were determined for 18 water-quality constituents at 18 surface-water stations within the drainage basins of the Wallkill and upper Delaware Rivers in New Jersey and vicinity for water years 1976-93. Surface-water-quality and streamflow data were evaluated for trends (through time) in constituent concentrations during high and low flows, and relations between constituent concentration and streamflow, and between constituent load and streamflow, were determined. Median concentrations were calculated for the entire period of study (water years 1976-93) and for the last 5 years of the period of study (water years 1989-93) to determine whether any large variation in concentration exists between the two periods. Medians also were used to determine the seasonal Kendall’s tau statistic, which was then used to evaluate trends in concentrations during high and low flows. Trends in constituent concentrations during high and low flows were evaluated to determine whether the distribution of the observations changes through time for intermittent (nonpoint storm runoff) or constant (point sources and ground water) sources, respectively. Highand low-flow trends in concentrations were determined for some constituents at 15 of the 18 water-quality stations; 3 stations have insufficient data to determine trends. Seasonal effects on the relations of concentration to streamflow are evident for 16 of the 18 constituents. Negative slopes of relations of concentration to streamflow, which indicate a decrease in concentration at high flows, predominate over positive slopes because of the dilution of instream concentrations by storm runoff. The slopes of the regression lines of load to streamflow were determined in order to show the relative contributions to the instream load from constant (point sources and ground water) and intermittent (storm runoff) sources. Greater slope values indicate larger contributions from storm runoff to instream load, which most likely indicate an increased relative importance of nonpoint sources. The slopes of load-to-streamflow relations along a stream reach that tend to increase in a downstream direction indicate the increased relative importance of contributions from storm runoff. The slopes of load-to-streamflow relations for several nutrients and dissolved ions increase in the downstream direction at the Wallkill River, Paulins Kill, and Musconetcong River. Likewise, the slopes of load-to-streamflow relations along a stream reach that tend to decrease in a downstream direction indicate the increased relative importance of point sources and groundwater discharge. The slopes of load-to-streamflow relations for several dissolved ions decrease in the downstream direction at the Delaware River.

New Jersey↗

USGS1999

Relations of surface-water quality to streamflow in the Raritan River basin, New Jersey, water years 1976-93

Relations of water quality to streamflow were determined for 18 water-quality constituents at 21 surface-water stations within the drainage area of the Raritan River Basin for water years 1976-93. Surface-water-quality and streamflow data were evaluated for trends (through time) in constituent concentrations during high and low flows, and relations between constituent concentration and streamflow, and between constituent load and streamflow, were determined. Median concentrations were calculated for the entire period of study (water years 1976-93) and for the last 5 years of the period of study (water years 1989-93) to determine whether any large variation in concentration exists between the two periods. Medians also were used to determine the seasonal Kendall’s tau statistic, which was then used to evaluate trends in concentrations during high and low flows. Trends in constituent concentrations during high and low flows were evaluated to determine whether the distribution of the observations changes through time for intermittent (nonpoint storm runoff) or constant (point sources and ground water) sources, respectively. Highand low-flow trends in concentrations were determined for some constituents at 13 of the 21 water-quality stations; 8 stations have insufficient data to determine trends. Seasonal effects on the relations of concentration to streamflow are evident for 16 of the 18 constituents. Negative slopes of relations of concentration to streamflow, which indicate a decrease in concentration at high flows, predominate over positive slopes because of the dilution of instream concentrations by storm runoff. The slopes of the regression lines of load to streamflow were determined in order to show the relative contributions to the instream load from constant (point sources and ground water) and intermittent sources (storm runoff). Greater slope values indicate larger contributions from storm runoff to instream load, which most likely indicate an increased relative importance of nonpoint sources. The slopes of load-to-streamflow relations along a stream reach that tend to increase in a downstream direction indicate the increased relative importance of contributions from storm runoff. The slopes of load-to-streamflow relations increase in the downstream direction for alkalinity at North Branch Raritan and Millstone Rivers, for some or all of the nutrient species at South Branch and North Branch Raritan Rivers, for hardness at South Branch Raritan River, for dissolved solids at North Branch Raritan River, for dissolved sodium at Lamington River, and for suspended sediment and dissolved oxygen at Millstone River. Likewise, the slopes of load-tostreamflow relations along a stream reach that tend to decrease in a downstream direction indicate the increased relative importance of point sources and ground-water discharge. The slopes of load-to-streamflow relations decrease in the downstream direction for dissolved solids at Raritan and Millstone Rivers; for dissolved sodium, dissolved chloride, total ammonia plus organic nitrogen, and total ammonia at South Branch Raritan, Raritan, and Millstone Rivers; for dissolved oxygen at North Branch Raritan and Lamington Rivers; for total nitrite at Lamington, Raritan, and Millstone Rivers; for total boron at South Branch Raritan and Millstone Rivers; for total organic carbon at North Branch Raritan River; for suspended sediment and total nitrogen at Raritan River; and for hardness, total phosphorus, and total lead at Millstone River.

New Jersey↗

USGS1998

Relations of surface-water quality to streamflow in the Hackensack, Passaic, Elizabeth, and Rahway River basins, New Jersey, water years 1976-93

Relations of water quality to streamflow were determined for 18 water-quality constituents at 19 surface-water-quality stations within the drainage basins of the Hackensack, Passaic, Elizabeth, and Rahway Rivers in New Jersey for water years 1976-93. Surface-waterquality and streamflow data were evaluated for trends (through time) in constituent concentrations during high and low flows, and relations between constituent concentration and streamflow, and constituent load and streamflow, were determined. Median concentrations were calculated for the entire period of study (water years 1976-93) and for the last 5 years of the period of study (water years 1989-93) to determine whether any large variation in concentration exists between the two periods. Medians also were used to determine the seasonal Kendall’s tau statistic, which was then used to evaluate trends in concentrations during high and low flows. Trends in constituent concentrations during high and low flows were evaluated to determine whether the distribution of the observations changes over time for intermittent (nonpoint storm runoff) or constant (point sources and ground water) sources, respectively. Highand low-flow concentration trends were determined for some constituents at 11 of the 19 waterquality stations; 8 stations have insufficient data to determine trends. Seasonal effects on the relations of concentration to streamflow are evident for 16 of the 18 constituents. Negative slopes of relations of concentration to streamflow, which indicate a decrease in concentration at high flows, predominate over positive slopes because of dilution of instream concentrations from storm runoff. The slopes of the regression lines of load to streamflow were determined in order to show the relative contributions to the instream load from constant (point sources and ground water) and intermittent sources (storm runoff). Greater slope values suggest larger contributions from storm runoff to instream load, which most likely indicate an increased relative importance of nonpoint sources. Load-to-streamflow relations along a stream reach that tend to increase in a downstream direction indicate the increased relative importance of contributions from storm runoff. Likewise, load-to-streamflow relations along a stream reach that tend to decrease in a downstream direction indicate the increased relative importance of point sources and ground-water discharge. For most of the 18 constituents, load-to-streamflow relations at stations along a river reach remain constant or decrease in a downstream direction. The slopes increase in the downstream direction for some or all of the nutrient species at the Ramapo, lower Passaic, and Rahway Rivers; for dissolved solids, dissolved sodium, and dissolved chloride at the lower Passaic River; and for alkalinity and hardness at the Rahway River.

New Jersey↗

USGS1995

Surface-water-temperature statistics for streams in New Jersey and vicinity, 1955-93

Monthly Statistical summaries of surface-water temperatures collected at 277 U.S. Geological Survey surface-water sites in New Jersey and adjoining states are tabulated. The study was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, to provide temperature data to characterize the condition of streams in and near New Jersey. Of the 277 sites, 259 are in New Jersey, 10 in Pennsylvania, 6 in New York, and 2 in Delaware. The Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware sites are included because conditions there reflect conditions in New Jersey streams. Most of the temperatures were measured during 1955-93. Measurements were made prior to 1955, but were included only if available in the computer files. Temperature data from 265 periodic, 37 continuous, and 18 daily temperature records were used to compile monthly statistics for each site. The summaries for periodic and daily records include the number of observations; the maximum, minimum, and median temperatures; and the 25th and 75th percentile temperatures. Summaries of continuous records include the maximum, minimum, and median temperatures.

Open-File Report↗