Hopewell Quarry Water Management Plan
2024
What’s going on with water at the Hopewell Quarry?
In late 2023 and 2024, the Hopewell Quarry waters tested positive for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). A HAB is a type of algal bloom that can cause harm to people, animals, and the environment. Some HABs, like the ones we experience at the Quarry, can release toxins that are harmful to humans if ingested, inhaled, or if contacted by skin. HABs are caused by the proliferation of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria is naturally occurring, and is one of the oldest living organisms on Earth (dating back almost three billion years!). However, these bacteria can grow to unhealthy levels in sunlight and hot weather. Cyanobacteria thrives in warmer temperatures, which means that as the planet continues to warm due to global warming, we will continue to experience more HAB’s in our freshwater and marine environments. This problem is becoming common for freshwater bodies in the region. For example, a nearby lake, Rosedale Lake, has been experiencing HABs that prevent recreational activities.
Exposure to cyanobacteria is harmful in many ways. It can cause rashes, flu-like symptoms, gastroenteritis, respiratory and eye irritation, among other things. Accidental ingestion of water containing the toxins released by cyanobacteria can cause serious problems.
Who is managing the situation?
The Hopewell Quarry is working with leading consultants on managing our HABs. We have consulted with experts from the NJ DEP, the Watershed Institute, Montclair State, and Rutgers University as well as a water management company, Tigris. We have developed a multi-pronged, environmentally sensitive approach to improve our water quality and prevent future blooms. We are also exploring options within our nonprofit budget for the potential use of cutting edge technology to remediate this recurring issue.
We are committed to regular testing, implementing proactive measures to prevent the HABs from occurring again, and communicating everything we know in a transparent and timely manner to our members via our website and social media.
How are we addressing it?
In consultation with our expert water quality consultants, we have developed a multi-pronged environmentally sensitive approach to prevent blooms. This approach includes:
Implementing a monitoring program so that we get a good understanding of the Quarry water properties and have regular information about if and when a HAB starts to occur again. We have our water tested frequently during our season to ensure the highest levels of safety for our patrons and our environment.
Controlling the geese population because they contribute to the phosphorus in the Quarry. Cyanobacteria feed primarily on phosphorus. Limiting phosphorus limits the HABs’ food source, essentially starving them,
Installation of an aerating device to oxygenate the water and reduce the availability of phosphorus in a form HABs can use.
Application this spring of a nutrient-binding solution to reduce the concentrations of phosphorus that is available for algal propagation.
Application of biosafe algaecide and copper treatments to reduce the HAB cyanobacterial toxins, if HABS occur.
All of the approaches we have selected are safe and will improve our water quality while protecting the environment and our swimming community.
Why did this happen?
We take great pride in providing clean, safe waters for our community to play, relax and exercise. The increasing occurrences of HABs in NJ are due to milder winters and increasing air and water temperatures, along with an excess of nutrients, like phosphorus, that allow the algae to overgrow. While this is a global problem, we are doing our part to ensure we facilitate a healthy part of the environment for all to benefit from.
Where can I find more information?
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is working with all organizations and officials in all 21 counties to reduce the occurrence of HABS in New Jersey Waters. More information, identification resources, and tips on how to do your part to reduce HABs can be found on their website at: https://www.nj.gov/dep/hab
How can I help?
As we are a nonprofit organization, we require revenue generated in our summer season to maintain this cherished community resource. Closing for any amount of time, although necessary, puts extreme stress on our available resources. If you would like to donate to contribute to funding for water tests, water maintenance equipment, and other water management costs, please visit the donation tab on our website. We appreciate your contributions and continued support.