The specific objective of this project is the reduction of bacteria, nutrients and sediment in tributaries and the main stem of the Musconetcong River. 

​

Background:  States must establish lists of impaired waters and develop action plans, known as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), to improve water quality. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has adopted and approved a TMDL for fecal coliform in the Musconetcong River. This TMDL requires a 93% reduction in nonpoint source fecal coliform loads from low density/rural residential and agricultural lands such as those present in this focus area.  The restoration of Turkey Hill and West Portal Brooks relies heavily on the installation of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve water quality to achieve compliance with the New Jersey Water Quality Standards.  At present the project area does not meet those standards for fecal coliform or water temperature.

​

This project builds upon data and implementation activities completed through the 2006 319(h) Subwatershed Study and it will implement projects described in the Musconetcong Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan:  Hampton to Bloomsbury Borough.

​

MWA will work with partner NJ Resource Conservation & Development (NJRC&D) to install agricultural BMPs, establish a riparian buffer along West Portal Brook, fence livestock out of the tributaries, enroll farms in the River-Friendly Farms Certification programs and facilitate river channel restoration via bank stabilization and streambed manipulation activities.