Final Reports and White Papers

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10929/16968

Final reports and white papers published by the Division of Science and Research. Short, 3-5 page research project summaries for many of these reports can be found in the Research Project Summary collection: https://dspace.njstatelib.org/handle/10929/68526

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 192

Assessments of Feasibility of Regulation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Drinking Water as the Entire Class or as Certain Subclasses or Mixtures and Treatment Technologies for Removal of PFAS from Drinking Water or Wastewater in Response to P.L.2023, c.279.
(2026-03) Post, Gloria; Llerena-Olivera, Camila; Poonolly, Filina; Stevenson, Cory; New Jersey. Department of Environmental Protection
Plastic-to-Plastic Recycling Life Cycle Assessment Report
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2026-01) Kinny, Timothy; Campbell, Christopher; Ko, Sarah; Miller, Casey
This Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report, commissioned by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), evaluates the environmental impacts of producing plastic through six different methods: virgin production, mechanical recycling, and four chemical recycling technologies (pyrolysis, gasification, methanolysis, and dissolution). The study focuses on three major plastic types— polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—selected because they were optimally fit for the chemical recycling technologies and corresponding outputs chosen for this study. These plastic types also had overlap between scenarios which facilitated comparison of recycling technologies per plastic type.
New Jersey GHG Inventory Standard Operating Procedure for the Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry Sector
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2026-01) Lyandres, Olga; Benchimol, Alissa
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) provides a comprehensive and standardized framework for estimating and reporting GHG emissions and removals from the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. Developed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in partnership with the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (GHGMI), the SOP aligns with the methodologies outlined in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories and the practices used in the U.S. national GHG inventory.
A Female Reproductive System-on-a-chip to Identify Reproductive Toxicants
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2026-06) Xiao, Shuo; Zhan, Tingjie; Cheron, Samantha; Zhang, Congcong; Yang, Hilly; Buckley, Brian
Rivers play a vital role in supporting diverse ecosystems and meeting various crucial human needs. There is a growing concern about various organic contaminants in the rivers, including dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and phthalates. Many of these contaminants are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), posing potential risks to the reproductive health of both humans and wildlife animals. The current study aims to develop a female reproductive tissue-on-chip, 3D in vitro microtissue culture, and other approaches to investigate the female reproductive effects of organic pollutants in major river waters in New Jersey (NJ). A total of eight surface water samples were collected from six sites in three NJ rivers, including the Delaware River (three sites, duplicates in one site), Passaic River (two sites, duplicates in one site), and Raritan River (one site). Organic pollutants were extracted using the solid-phase extraction approach, with double-distilled lab water as the control. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was used to quantify 72 EDCs. The river water organic extract from the site of Elmwood Park of the Passaic River (PREP) had the highest concentrations of all measured EDCs, including alkylphenols, PFAS, phthalates, and pharmaceuticals.
Microplastic Analysis in NJ Wastewater Treatment Systems and Receiving Water Bodies
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2026-05) Fahrenfeld, Nicole L.; Arbuckle-Keil, Georgia
Impacts of Type 1L Cement on Properties of Cement Pastes for Use in Well Applications
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2025-12) Adams, Matthew P.; Hasan, Md Maruf
This report presents a study of the use of Type 1 and Type 1L cements for use in wellbore applications in New Jersey. A broad range of testing was done to examine the performance of the systems, including unconfined compressive strength, shrinkage, setting time, flowability, electrical conductivity, and permeability. Testing was completed following applicable standardized methods and quality assurance procedures. This work was completed at the request of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) due to the imminent switchover, industry wide, from Type 1 cement to Type 1L; which will result in low availability of Type 1 cement. N.J.A.C. 7:9D “Requirements for Well Construction and Maintenance; Sealing of Abandoned Wells” currently limits the type of portland cement that can be used to traditional portland cements (i.e, Types 1, II, III and V), but does not allow the use of Type 1L. Therefore, the testing presented in this report is necessary to determine if Type 1L can be used in place of Type 1.
Protected Species Aerial Surveys in the Mid- Atlantic Region off Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2025-12) Cole, Tim; McKenna, Brigid; Whitt, Amy
The New Jersey offshore wind Research and Monitoring Initiative (RMI) is administered by the Department of Environmental Protection in collaboration with the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). The Initiative seeks to employ a rigorous scientific approach to research and monitoring of marine and coastal resources during the development, construction, operation and decommissioning of offshore wind as recommended in the New Jersey Offshore Wind Strategic Plan. The goal of the Research and Monitoring Initiative is to ensure that as New Jersey moves toward a clean energy economy, the State continues to protect and responsibly manage New Jersey’s coastal & marine resources.
A 30-Year Heat Wave Analysis in New Jersey
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2025-07-08) Wiley, Brett; Lester, Lori A.
New Jersey is the third-fastest warming state in the country since 1970 (Climate Central, 2024) and has experienced a 3.5°F rise since the beginning of the 20th century (Runkle et al., 2022). The warming recorded in New Jersey is part of a broader, region-wide trend that has seen the Northeast United States warm faster than many other regions in the US (Marvel et al., 2023). Unlike much of mid-latitude North America, the coastal Northeastern United States has experienced significant warming in both summer and winter, leading to a high increase in the annual mean temperature. This has resulted in an increase of over 4°F (2°C) in the Northern Hemisphere since 1902 (Karmalkar & Horton, 2021). Rapid warming leads to a higher baseline temperature for the region, increasing the likelihood of extreme heat events occurring. Additionally, climate change impacts atmospheric circulation, resulting in alterations to weather patterns. For example, shifts in the jet stream can trap hot air in one place for longer periods, resulting in prolonged heat waves (Coumou et al., 2018). A heat wave is a stretch of at least three days with temperatures of 90°F or greater (NOAA, 2018), and alterations in localized weather can lead to more frequent and persistent heat waves within the region.
An Ecological and Oceanographic Baseline to Inform Offshore Wind Development Over the Continental Shelf Off the Coast of New Jersey
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2025-11) Saba, Grace; Kohut, Josh
New Jersey has set a goal to procure half of its energy from renewable resources by 2030, which includes the development and operation of offshore wind energy.1 Offshore energy developments would occur in a coastal shelf that is characterized by remarkable variability across time scales from days and weeks to seasons, years, and decades. This intense ocean variability drives an equally variable ecosystem from the primary producers to the highly migratory fisheries and marine mammals found throughout the existing and planned lease areas. The tight coupling between the ocean conditions and the habitat preference of local and migratory species leads to distributions that can significantly vary from season to season and year to year. Furthermore, the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) is situated in one of the most rapidly warming regions in the world and is vulnerable to both ocean and coastal acidification. These long-term environmental trends are associated with observed and projected changes in species distributions, biomass, and diversity. Therefore, it is critical to monitor ongoing oceanographic and ecological change in New Jersey’s productive coastal waters to support an environmentally responsible offshore wind (OSW) planning process and examine potential effects during development, operation, and decommissioning phases. The oceanographic and ecological effects of OSW development are likely to be complex and vary at different spatiotemporal scales which, without long-term regional monitoring programs, would make it difficult to tease apart OSW effects from other natural and anthropogenic effects.
Investigation of PFAS and other Emerging Contaminants in New Jersey Fish Tissue, Sediment, and Surface Water
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2025-12) Goodrow, Sandra M.; Ruppel, Bruce; Lippincott, Lee
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of man-made chemicals that have been extensively used in numerous products and industrial procedures since the 1940s. PFAS can enter the environment in numerous ways, including through industrial releases, or from the discharge of Class B Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF). Releases of PFAS have also been related to aggregate sources such as wastewater discharges and leaching and emissions from landfills that have accepted PFAS in waste. New Jersey’s environment has been particularly impacted by PFAS, with it being found in multiple environmental media, related to known or unknown sources. An earlier occurrence study collected single samples at eleven targeted sites in New Jersey (Goodrow et al, 2020). The current study sought to expand on the earlier study and to provide a directed investigation of several known types of sources that have not been fully characterized. The study examined five categories of potential PFAS releases that relate to AFFF, biosolid application, car washes, industrial activities, discharges of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The study was intended to only provide an initial indication of potential impact from a source, as samples were generally limited to grab samples taken at a single sample collection event. Twenty-one locations were selected for investigation, with 58 subsampling locations chosen to characterize the locations. Grab samples of surface water and sediment were collected at each site and fish were collected where available, for a total of 74 surface water, 71 sediments, and 118 fish samples evaluated for this project. Samples were also collected from a sixth category, five isolated ponds in the state with limited impact from overland migration of contaminants.
Assessing New Jersey's drinking water quality : a status report on the implementation of the 1984 amendments to the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act (A-280), 1984-1990
(Trenton, N.J.: Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 1992) New Jersey. Department of Environmental Protection and Energy. Division of Science and Research; New Jersey. Bureau of Safe Drinking Water; Bono, Pat; McGeorge, Leslie; Krietzman, Sandra
Offshore Wind Farm Contributions to a Regional Environmental and Ecological Monitoring System to Address Multi-User Needs
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2025-10) Kohut, Josh; Crowley, Michael; Coleman, Kaycee; Zemeckis, Douglas; MacDonald, Tony; Herrington, Tom; Ampela, Kristen; Hein, Cris; Ohleth, Kris; DeMarsico, Lisa
The responsible development of offshore wind energy in the New Jersey/New York Bight and the broader mid-Atlantic region depends on a robust, long-term environmental and ecological monitoring system. Implemented through two coordinated tasks, this project supports New Jersey’s Research and Monitoring Initiative (RMI) by advancing offshore wind farm contributions to a regional environmental and ecological monitoring system designed to address multi-user needs. The conceptual framework developed through this project provides guidance for such a system, leveraging offshore wind energy infrastructure, fixed and mobile platforms, and shore connectivity to generate and transmit valuable data.
Harmful Algal Blooms in Select New Jersey Coastal Lakes 2021-2023
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2025-06-04) Adolf, Jason E.
The objective of this project was to increase our understanding of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (HABs) in NJ lakes, addressing a core need in the state to understand the environmental conditions driving the formation of HABs. Here, the focus was on coastal lakes, principally Deal Lake (and the hydrologically linked Sunset Lake) in Monmouth County, NJ. Coastal lakes differ from other NJ lakes in that they have a connection to the ocean. Two important consequences of this are (1) coastal lakes have higher salinity and conductivity than typical inland lakes, and (2) coastal lakes discharge at ocean bathing beaches, potentially delivering cyanobacteria plumes and their toxins when HABs are present in the lake. A combination of traditional and innovative genomics-based techniques were used to examine water quality and HAB dynamics, as well as their relationship to upper trophic level community structure.
Mid-Atlantic Tidal Wetland Rapid Assessment Method (MidTRAM) of the Lower Raritan River Site Specific Intensive Monitoring (SSIM) Site
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2024-05) Lathrop, Richard G.
This study developed a Coastal Ecological Restoration and Adaptation Plan (CERAP) and assessed tidal wetland trends throughout New Jersey. The CERAP was developed as a GIS interface to display data related to coastal vulnerabilities, priority issues to address, implemented restoration projects, and areas of concern for local stakeholders. This project (1) identified priority areas for ecological restoration projects in the coastal zone, (2) collected tidal wetland monitoring data in the Raritan and Tuckahoe Rivers, and (3) created a publicly accessible website and database for the New Jersey Tidal Wetland Monitoring Network (NJTWMN).
Assessment and Monitoring of Tidal Marshes along the Tuckahoe River
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2024-06) Payne, Andres; Burke Watson, Elizabeth
This study developed a Coastal Ecological Restoration and Adaptation Plan (CERAP) and assessed tidal wetland trends throughout New Jersey. The CERAP was developed as a GIS interface to display data related to coastal vulnerabilities, priority issues to address, implemented restoration projects, and areas of concern for local stakeholders. This project (1) identified priority areas for ecological restoration projects in the coastal zone, (2) collected tidal wetland monitoring data in the Raritan and Tuckahoe Rivers, and (3) created a publicly accessible website and database for the New Jersey Tidal Wetland Monitoring Network (NJTWMN).
Site Specific Intensive Monitoring (SSIM) of a Raritan River Tidal Marsh
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2024-05) Lathrop, RIchard G.
This study developed a Coastal Ecological Restoration and Adaptation Plan (CERAP) and assessed tidal wetland trends throughout New Jersey. The CERAP was developed as a GIS interface to display data related to coastal vulnerabilities, priority issues to address, implemented restoration projects, and areas of concern for local stakeholders. This project (1) identified priority areas for ecological restoration projects in the coastal zone, (2) collected tidal wetland monitoring data in the Raritan and Tuckahoe Rivers, and (3) created a publicly accessible website and database for the New Jersey Tidal Wetland Monitoring Network (NJTWMN).
An Investigation of Potential Impacts of Wind Turbines and Foundations on the Cold Pool
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2025-07) Miles, Travis; Pareja-Roman, L. Fernando
This project investigates how offshore wind farms (OWFs) may alter ocean mixing and stratification in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB), with a specific focus on the Cold Pool—an ecologically critical bottom layer of cold water that forms in spring, persists through summer, and breaks down in fall. As OWF development is carried out along the U.S. East Coast, scientific understanding of how turbine foundations and wind wakes affect coastal oceanography remains limited. This study addresses high-priority questions outlined by the New Jersey Offshore Wind Research and Monitoring Initiative (RMI), particularly the potential impacts of OWFs on ocean stratification and circulation patterns.
Protected Species Aerial Surveys in the Mid- Atlantic Region off Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2025-07) Cole, Tim; Whitt, Amy
The New Jersey offshore wind Research and Monitoring Initiative (RMI) is administered by the Department of Environmental Protection in collaboration with the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). The Initiative seeks to employ a rigorous scientific approach to research and monitoring of marine and coastal resources during the development, construction, operation and decommissioning of offshore wind as recommended in the New Jersey Offshore Wind Strategic Plan. The goal of the Research and Monitoring Initiative is to ensure that as New Jersey moves towards a clean energy economy, the State continues to protect and responsibly manage New Jersey’s coastal & marine resources.
Ecological assessment: ecosystem management, current status and implications for New Jersey
(Trenton, N.J.: Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2024-05) New Jersey. Department of Environmental Protection. Division of Science and Research
Establishing Dialogue: Planning successful environmental management
(Trenton, N.J.: Department of Environmental Protection and Energy, Division of Science and Research, 1994) New Jersey. Department of Environmental Protection and Energy. Division of Science and Research; Pflugh, Kerry Kirk; Shaw, Judith Auer; Johnson, Branden B.

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