Browsing by Author "Spayd, Steven"

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Contribution of Naturally Occurring Radioisotopes to Gross Alpha-Particle Activity in Ground Water in Bedrock Aquifers of Northern New Jersey
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Environmental Health, 2015) Szabo, Zoltan; Louis, Judith B.; Spayd, Steven; Kraemer, Thomas F.; Parsa, Bahman
Contribution of Naturally Occurring Radioisotopes to Gross Alpha-Particle Activity in Ground Water in Bedrock Aquifers of Northern New Jersey: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Environmental Health, 2016-02) Szabo, Zoltan; Louis, Judith B.; Spayd, Steven; Kraemer, Thomas F.; Parsa, Bahman
A study was conducted to determine the relative contributions of uranium and radium isotopes to overall gross alpha-particle activity in ground water from the Highlands and Piedmont Provinces of New Jersey. The general relationship between the occurrence of these two radionuclides and other water quality parameters in aquifers of these regions was also evaluated. A total of 80 ground water samples were collected from public and private drinking water wells in the Highlands and Piedmont Provinces between 2007 and 2011. Bedrock composition, including mineralogy, lithology, and mineral surface coatings, as well as geochemical conditions including pH and oxidation-reduction potential in the aquifer, directly affect the occurrence and distribution of naturally occurring radionuclides in ground water. Gross alpha-particle activity exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and New Jersey Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 15 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) was documented in ground water from widely scattered areas in the bedrock aquifers of northern New Jersey. Most of the measured alpha-particle activity in the waters was attributable to the long-lived isotopes of uranium (U) and, to a lesser extent, radium-226 (Ra-226). Uranium isotope ratios were extremely variable in some areas of the Piedmont, and uranium may account for more of the gross alpha-particle activity in these areas than is evident from a simple uranium mass measurement. Some limited guidance as to the occurrence of uranium and radium for homeowners with private wells is possible on the basis of gross alpha-particle activity, dissolved oxygen, and, to lesser extent, other parameters (pH, bicarbonate alkalinity, filtered iron and/or manganese, and rock type), but none of these “surrogates” are completely definitive. Further investigations to improve understanding of parameters that are predictive of the occurrence of radium and uranium in ground water may be useful to further refine this guidance.
Investigation of Elevated Sodium and Chloride in Well Water, Village of Columbia, Knowlton Township, Warren County, New Jersey
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Water Resources Management, 2022) New Jersey. Department of Environmental Protection. Division of Water Supply and Geoscience. New Jersey Geological and Water Survey; Lubenow, Brady; Gagliano, Michael; Spencer, Michelle; Bousenberry, Raymond; Spayd, Steven
An investigation of elevated sodium and chloride concentrations in well water was conducted in the Village of Columbia, Knowlton Township, Warren County, New Jersey. Water testing was made available at no cost to residents and 82 private wells throughout the Township were sampled and tested for sodium and chloride in November 2015. Of these wells, 25 were also tested for additional water quality parameters to help categorize water in different aquifers and different parts of the Township. A follow-up well water sampling event for chloride and lead was conducted in May 2016 at no cost for residents. A continuous water quality monitor was placed within one of the wells with the highest concentrations to measure water quality over a 3.7-year timeframe. The karst geology was confirmed by review of available well records and borehole geophysics conducted in four wells. Surface geophysics, including resistivity and electrical conductivity, were conducted to help characterize water quality upgradient and downgradient of the accessible Township Storage Area. Elevated concentrations of sodium and chloride, often above New Jersey Secondary Maximum Contaminate Levels (SMCL), in private wells in the Village of Columbia, was confirmed.
New Jersey Geological Survey. Information Circular. Arsenic Water Treatment for Private Wells in New Jersey
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Geological Survey, 2023) State of New Jersey. Department of Environmental Protection. Land Use Management. Geological Survey; Spayd, Steven
New Jersey Geological Survey. Information Circular. Arsenic Water Treatment for Private Wells in New Jersey Frequently Asked Questions
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Geological Survey, 2023) State of New Jersey. Department of Environmental Protection. Land Use Management. Geological Survey; Spayd, Steven
Northern New Jersey Radionuclide Investigation: Determination of Uranium, Radium and Radon in Ground Water with High Gross Alpha-Particle Activity, and Implications for Future Monitoring Efforts: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2008-03) Louis, Judy; Szabo, Zoltan; Spayd, Steven; Serfes, Mike; Carter, Gail
While a great deal is known about radioactivity in southern New Jersey ground water, the amounts of radioactivity in the ground water in Northern New Jersey ground water are not as well defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of gross alpha, radium, uranium, and radon in ground water in the Highlands Physiographic Province. A total of 31 wells were targeted for sampling. The wells selected were known to have high levels of gross alpha-particle activity or were near wells that had previously been shown to have radiological problems.The ground water samples from the targeted wells were collected between June, 2007 and November, 2007.