The Commission conducts investigations of complaints of unpermitted discharges of pollutants to surface and groundwater. Direct discharges from industrial facilities to surface water are regulated by NJDEP and such discharges to sewers are regulated the local sewer authority. The Commission will investigate complaints regarding these scenarios and ensure appropriate referrals are made. The Commission has participated with NJDEP to conduct a pilot project to assess the bacteriological quality of the waterways surrounding Hudson County. This report may be found below.
Surface Water Bacteriological Monitoring Report
Due to historic industrial discharges, the sediments of some of our rivers and bays, particular the Newark Bay complex are contaminated with a number of pollutants. Due to this contamination the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has implemented a complete ban on harvesting, eating or selling crabs from the Newark Bay and associated areas. Less stringent restrictions are in place for other water bodies surrounding Hudson County. This issue is not unique to Hudson County. The NJDEP report that details these restrictions and guidelines may be found below.
NJDEP Fish Advisory Brochure (2004)