T1 PM Contaminant Cycling Assessment and Prevention in the NY/NJ Harbor (Part 2)
Tuesday, 15 November 2005: 1:50 PM - 5:30 PM in Ballroom 1

(CHA-1117-821333) Sediment Transport processes in the Passaic River.

Fugate, D¹, ¹ Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08904

ABSTRACT- A series of moored and shipboard hydrodynamic surveys of the lower Passaic River have characterized critical aspects of the circulation and sediment transport processes of this highly contaminated river. This reach has been highly depositional with accumulation rates of order 5 cm/year since dredging ceased in the 1940. However, our recent observations suggest that today the river now exports sediments to Newark Bay. This transport is of concern because of the highly contaminated nature of Passaic River sediments Our observations shown that stratification in this reach is characterized by a salt wedge that can be blown out of the river and into Newark Bay during high river discharge and strong tidal forcing. More importantly, observations show a strong correlation between the structure of the salt field and the structure of suspended sediment. Estimates of suspended sediment transport made with acoustic backscatter that has been calibrated against total suspended sediment measurements samples clearly indicate that the net sediment transport in the Passaic River is down stream, and opposite to the 50 year trend. We suggest that this change is permanent due to the reduced depths associated with the past depositional nature of the river and therefore the Passaic will continue to supply Newark Bay and the Harbor with sediments.

Key words: Estuary, Contaminated, Sediment