Assessment of Nutrient Loading to Jamaica Bay, Gateway National Recreation Area, New York

Significant changes in nitrogen loads to Jamaica Bay have likely occurred with progressive improvements to Water Pollution Control Plants (WCWPs) that discharge into the Bay. Data available from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and others will be used to determine loads from WPCPs, combined sewer overflows, and the atmosphere.

Selected wells within the USGS water quality database, including those near the landfills that are immediately adjacent to Jamaica Bay, will be used to determine concentrations of nutrients in shallow ground water that enter the bay from ground water seepage. To facilitate evaluation of ground water loads, an existing USGS Finite element model that simulates sub sea discharge to Jamaica Bay will be used to calculate historic and present loads.

Jamaica Bay surface water nutrient data (current and historic) will be reviewed from NPS, NY State and NY City data bases.

A report will be produced to document current nutrient loads to Jamaica Bay from various sources and present historic trends in nutrient loading. The outcome of this study will provide technical information to the National Park Service, which can be incorporated into its assessments of marsh loss in the Bay. 

Project Location by County

Kings County, NY

Queens County, NY