Testing. Collaboration. Action.

Objective #1: 2025 Program Summary

Our work continued in 2025, sampling at storm water pipe outfalls that empty into the Shark River inlet/estuary, and testing for the presence of fecal indicator bacteria. Testing in 2025 continued utilizing EPA analysis method at an NJ DEP Certified Laboratory.

New Sampling Stations were at storm water outfalls were in Belmar, and Neptune City. (click on the picture for Google Maps version)

Quality Assurance Project Plan

We created a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) - a detailed plan to generate clear and quantifiable data by following consistent and scientifically valid process. The QAPP was reviewed by experts at US EPA and NJ DEP.

Testing sites were selected based on historical sampling data by the NJ DEP Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring.

Sampling Process

  • Samples collected directly into sterile bottles using a dip pole.

  • Sampling at low tide to help isolate direct effluent water from the stormwater pipe.

  • Data recorded: temperature, smell, appearance.

  • Cleaning steps to prevent cross contamination.

  • Samples put on ice during transport to prevent bacteria growth before analysis.

  • Water samples analyzed at an NJ DEP certified lab for for Fecal Indicator Bacteria – enterococcus

Analysis 2025 - Program Expansion

  • Addition of 3 new storm water outfall sampling locations:

    • “L” River Ave. in Belmar (Shark River Inlet, by the train bridge)

    • “M” MacLearie Park in Belmar (West side of Park)

    • “N” East End Avenue in Neptune City ( East Corner of Musquash Cove)

  • Pilot program testing continued at two upstream freshwater locations in Jumping Brook for e. Coli bacteria; addition of one Environmental Monitoring Station at Brighton Ave.

Objective #1: 2025 Results

We continued to share results in real-time with our partners at NJ DEP Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring and stakeholders in Neptune City. The results indicated inconsistent fecal indicator bacteria readings [see below] at the “F2” Station “Boston & Steiner ‘small pipe’” (near Riverview Ave.), where storm water empties into Shark River.