4.0 environmental conditions, impacts and mitigation

TABLE OF CONTENTSNew Meadowlands Stadium Project Preliminary Environmental Impact Statement
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION This section of the PEIS presents the existing environmental conditions of the Project Area,
how the proposed Stadium Project will impact these environmental conditions, and what
mitigation, if any, is necessary to compensate for any potential adverse impacts to
environmental resources from the construction and operation of the Stadium Project.
The Project Area currently consists of the existing Giants Stadium, the existing Giants practice
fields and bubble, expansive paved parking areas, roadways and grass medians. It contains no
regulated wetland areas or other environmentally sensitive areas. The construction of the
Stadium and the other proposed Project components as well as the use of existing
infrastructure on this currently developed site will avoid many potential adverse environmental
impacts. In addition, the mixed-use development nature of the Stadium Project will allow
ancillary uses to be located in close proximity to one another, thereby allowing for sharing of
many common resources, such as parking and infrastructure. This sharing of resources
reduces the land mass required for these various ancillary uses compared to locating each use
on its own site and thus reduces potential environmental impacts.
4.1 Land Form
4.1.1 Existing Conditions
The New Meadowlands Stadium Project is located on the Meadowlands Sports
Complex, located in the HMD. The HMD is situated in a valley with ridges on the east
and west sides rising more than 100 feet above sea level (Figure 2-1) (NJMC, 2004).
The topography of the Hackensack Meadowlands is generally flat, although naturally
occurring geological outcrops such as Little Snake Hill and man-made landfills provide
some topographic relief. The region also contains expanses of open water and
wetlands associated with the Hackensack River.
The Meadowlands Sports Complex, with its expansive parking areas, internal roadway
system and three major buildings (i.e., Giants Stadium, Meadowlands Racetrack and
Continental Airlines Arena) can be considered a distinctive landform in the HMD. The
Meadowlands Sports Complex was developed in the 1970’s by the placement of fill in a
generally flat area of fields and wetlands north of Route 3 and on both sides of Route
120 (formerly called Route 20). Several areas of wetlands still remain within the
Meadowlands Sports Complex including a large wetland complex located adjacent to
Berry’s Creek in the western portion of the Sports Complex just west of the Project
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New Meadowlands Stadium Project Preliminary Environmental Impact Statement
Area and a small remnant wetland associated with Cedar Creek located on the far
eastern portion of the Sports Complex adjacent to the New Jersey Turnpike (see
Section 4.3.1.1). A stormwater management lagoon system is present on the West
Site of the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
The Project Area is relatively level and consists of the existing Giants Stadium, the
existing Giants practice fields and bubble, expansive paved parking areas, roadways
connecting the site to the Meadowlands Sports Complex and the regional roadway
system, and grass roadway medians located west of Route 120 along the eastern
Project Area boundary (Figure 2-5). Topographical features within and adjacent to the
Project Area are shown in Figures 4-1A through 4-1E. Elevations of the roadways and
parking areas generally range between el. 4.5 and 15 feet (NGVD 1929 datum). The
highest elevation is approximately el. 35 and is found along the South Connector Road
at the overpass to Route 120. Lower elevations extending to el. -5 are found on the
existing field of Giants Stadium.
4.1.2 Impacts and Mitigation
The new Stadium, Giants Training Facility and Ancillary Development will be additional
structures on the Meadowlands Sports Complex. The new Stadium will replace the
existing stadium, which will be demolished with the operation of the new Stadium. The
new Giants Training Facility will replace and expand the existing practice facilities
currently located onsite. The proposed Ancillary Development will involve the
construction of new buildings on the Sports Complex. Given the developed nature of
the Meadowlands Sports Complex, the construction of these new structures and
buildings will not result in any significant impacts to existing land forms.
The Stadium Project will require the regrading of portions of the Project Area, mainly in
the location of the proposed structures, but will not result in a significant impact to any
major land forms in the HMD. As discussed in more detail in Section 4.4, the Project will
not result in an increase in the overall impervious surface coverage onsite. The finished
surface elevation for the new Stadium field and the service level (pedestrian entrance) is
proposed at el. 7 and el. 11, respectively (NM Stadco, 2006). The parking areas and
internal roadway network will be constructed at existing grades. Filling will be
necessary in the order of 5 feet for the construction of the Giants indoor training facility
to bring the elevation of the first floor of the building above the 100-year flood elevation.
Cuts and fills on the order of 1 foot are anticipated within the proposed outdoor practice
field areas.
Following the demolition and removal of the existing stadium, the remaining hole where
Giants Stadium is currently located will be filled with demolition material and other
acceptable fill and paved for use as new roadways, parking areas, paving, curbing,
landscaping and Ancillary Development. The proposed elevations in this area will
generally be similar to the parking areas currently located in and around the existing
stadium.
Given the developed nature of the Meadowlands Sports Complex and surrounding areas
and the minimal changes proposed to the existing topography onsite, the Project will
not result in any significant impacts to land form. As such, no mitigation is proposed.
4.2 Geology and Soils
The Hackensack Meadowlands Region is located within the Hackensack River basin of
the Piedmont physiographic province of the Appalachian Highlands (USEPA and USACE,
1995). The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the New Jersey Geological
Survey Bedrock Geologic Map of Northern New Jersey (1996), characterizes the
underlying bedrock in the region as reddish-brown silty to sandy mudstone, siltstone,
and shale as part of the Passaic Formation (formerly Brunswick) dating from the Lower
Jurassic and Upper Triassic Period (Figure 4-2). The Passaic Formation is part of the
Newark Supergroup of sedimentary and bedded volcanic rocks. The reddish-brown
mudstone, siltstone and shale of this bedrock originated from non-marine sediments
deposited from erosion of much older rocks, primarily from the Paleozoic and
Precambrian ages.
In more recent geological times, the Hackensack Meadowlands was covered by glacial
advances (USACE and USEPA, 1995). The ice sheets scoured and eroded the
Hackensack River Valley and then deposited the eroded material as they retreated. As a
result, glacial deposits cover most of the bedrock in the area.
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The most recent glacial advance carved out a depression in the Hackensack
Meadowlands that allowed for the formation of what is called Lake Hackensack (USACE
and USEPA, 1995). As the glacier receded, meltwater filled the lake and deposited
alternating layers of sand, silt, and clay on the lake bottom. Coarser soil particles, sands
and gravels were deposited during the warmer periods of a year. Fine-grained,
suspended silt and clay particles settled out during the winter when there was less
runoff into the lake. This deposition pattern resulted in one coarse-grain varve and one
fine-grain varve per year. There are areas in the Hackensack Meadowlands where the
varved clay stratum is nearly 200 feet thick. As water levels in the ocean and lakes
rose, the natural dam that enclosed Lake Hackensack was eroded away. The draining
of the lake caused a discontinuous layer of silty sand to deposit over portions of the
area. As ocean levels continued to rise, the deposits of organic matter (peat or
“meadow mat,” and organic silt and clay) created tidal marsh areas in the Hackensack
River basin.
According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey
Geographic Database, two soils are mapped in the Project Area: Urban Land (UR) and
Udorthents organic substratum (UdoB) (Figure 4-3). Neither of these soils is identified
as hydric soils in the Bergen County hydric soils list. Urban Land consists mostly of
areas that are either paved or built upon. The soils in the remaining open spaces have
been reworked to the extent that the original profile cannot be recognized. Udorthents
consist of areas where various types of material have been used to fill tidal marsh.
Dredged material makes up a considerable portion of this unit.
In compliance with New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) regulations,
Langan performed a Preliminary Geotechnical Engineering Study of the Project Area to
confirm the extent of fill soils and provide information for the design of the structures,
utilities, and earthwork proposed as part of the Stadium Project (Langan, 2005). The
study area for the Preliminary Geotechnical Engineering Study included the proposed
location of the new Stadium and Giants Training Facility. Test pits ranging from about
3 to 9 feet below existing grade were excavated in June 2005. Soil borings ranging
from 11 to 65 feet below existing grade were drilled in June 2005. Figure 4-4 shows
the location of the soil borings that were oriented to the proposed footprint of the new
Stadium. The borings were analyzed in the field and further tested in a laboratory for
water content, organic content, Atterberg Limit determinations, grain size analyses,
consolidation and unconfined compression.
The Preliminary Geotechnical Engineering Study describes the typical soil profile
encountered at the site (Langan, 2005). Asphalt covers the majority of the Project Area
with subsurface conditions generally consisting of fill materials underlain by organic silt
and peat (marsh deposits), varved clay, glacial till, and shale bedrock. Figures 4-5 and 4-
6 depicts profiles of the June 2005 soil borings. A general description of the observed
subsurface strata is provided in the following paragraphs. It is anticipated that additional
geotechnical investigations will be undertaken to meet the requirements of future
NJDCA submissions for new foundations and structures.
Surface Materials
The asphalt in the paved areas was generally observed to be 3 inches thick and
underlain by a 6-inch thick layer of stone or gravel base.
Fill
Underlying the surface materials of the existing Giants Stadium parking lot areas is a fill
material consisting of sand, silt, and organics with varying proportions of
cobbles/boulders and miscellaneous materials such as wood, plastic, concrete, glass,
and red brick. The fill was generally encountered in thicknesses ranging from 2.5 feet to
15 feet.
Marsh Deposits
A layer of marsh deposits consisting of dark brown peat (meadowmat) and gray to
brown organic silt was encountered beneath the fill layer. The marsh deposits range in
thickness from 6 inches to 7 feet, where encountered. The bottom of marsh deposits
were encountered at depths ranging from approximately 10 to 14 feet.
Varved Clay
A stratum of brown varved clay and silt (identified herein as “varved clay”) was
encountered beneath the marsh deposits. The thickness of this stratum is believed to
range from approximately 7 to 32 feet.
Glacial Till
Glacial till consisting of red-brown silty sand and sandy silt with varying proportions of
clay, gravel, and cobbles was encountered beneath the varved clay. This stratum varied
in thickness from approximately 4 to 10 feet, and was typically encountered in the
western portion of the study area.
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Shale Bedrock
Shale bedrock is located beneath the glacial till. The depth to rock ranged from
approximately 22 feet on the southwestern side of the Project Area to greater than
60 feet on the western portion of the area.
Based on the field investigation and sampling undertaken as part of the Environmental
Site Remediation Report/Remedial Action Work Plan (SI/RAWP), which is discussed in
more detail in Section 4.8, the entire Project Area has been characterized as historic fill.
This historic fill does not extend more than 15 feet below site grade.
The construction and operation of the Stadium Project will not result in any significant
impacts to regional geology. No adverse impacts to the bedrock and glacial till strata
underlying the Project Area are expected due to the construction of the Stadium Project.
The fill, marsh deposit, and varved clay strata present underlying the proposed
structures could be compressed under the loads from the structures. To avoid
compressing the soil layers, however, the larger structures to be constructed as part of
the Stadium Project will be placed on pile supported foundations that will transfer the
weight of the buildings directly to the shale bedrock.
To minimize any impact that the construction activities may have on the surrounding
stormwater management drainage features and historic fill areas, a Soil Erosion and
Sediment Control Plan and a Soil Reuse Plan will be prepared and implemented. These
plans are discussed below.
Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
Soil erosion and sediment control measures will be employed to control erosion and
minimize sedimentation from the Project construction area into nearby tidal creeks,
ditches, rivers, wetlands and floodplains. A site-specific Soil Erosion and Sediment
Control Plan in accordance with the Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in
New Jersey, certified by the Bergen County Soil Conservation Service (SCS), will be
prepared and implemented as a part of the Stadium Project’s Best Management
Practices (BMP) for construction.
Soil erosion and sediment control measures, as defined in the Soil Erosion and
Sediment Control Plan, will be in place prior to any site disturbance activities and will be
maintained throughout the construction phase of the Stadium Project. The following
measures will be incorporated into the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan:
Turbid discharge from dewatering construction activities will be contained in a
temporary dewatering basin to control sediment and provide water filtration prior
to discharge;
Temporary soil stockpiles will be placed in well-drained areas with adequate
temporary soil erosion and sediment control measures;
Soil erosion control measures will be inspected after each rain event and
corrective measures implemented to ensure adequate function when rip-rap
stones, coarse aggregate, silt fence, or hay bales are damaged due to washouts
or siltation; and,
Sediment traps and basins will be cleaned and silt fences, stone outlet
structures, and hay bales will have sediment removed when material
accumulates, as required.
In addition, soil erosion and sediment control features coupled with fencing will be used
to demarcate the various phases of the Project that are under construction.
4.3 Water Resources
4.3.1.1 Wetlands
The New Meadowlands Stadium Project is sited on the Meadowlands Sports Complex,
which is located within the HMD. The HMD contains extensive areas of wetlands and
open water. Over the course of many years some of these wetlands and water
resources have been filled or modified as a result of human activities. The site of the
Meadowlands Sports Complex formerly contained wetlands that were filled in the early
1970’s.
The National Wetlands Inventory Map does not depict any wetland areas mapped in the
Project Area (Figure 4-7). An estuarine emergent marsh, commonly known as Walden
Swamp, is the closest wetland complex and is located just west of the Project Area
(see Figure 2-4). Berry’s Creek provides tidal inundation of the Walden Swamp. This
wetland is the remnant of a larger expansive tidal wetland that once occupied the area.
High levels of mercury and other contaminants have been documented in the
sediments of Walden Swamp (NJSEA, 2004).
Wetland scientists from Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. (Langan)
conducted an inspection of the Project Area to determine the presence or absence of
wetlands and waters of the United States on 30 August 2005 and 9 February 2006. The
Project Area was inspected in accordance with USACE guidelines, as specifically
referenced in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. This
methodology utilizes a three-parameter approach to identify and delineate wetlands.
The technical criteria require a field evaluation of the dominance of hydrophytic
vegetation, the presence of suitable wetland hydrology, and hydric soils in a positive
determination. None of these three parameters were observed in the Project Area.
Therefore, no wetlands or other waters of the United States were determined to be
present within the Project Area (Langan, 2006h).
The NJDEP New Jersey Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act Rules (N.J.A.C.7:7A-1.1
et. seq.) do not apply in the HMD. Wetlands and Waters of the United States within the
HMD fall under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
A request for a Jurisdictional Determination (JD) was submitted to the USACE on 28
July 2006 to confirm the absence of any regulated wetlands and Waters of the United
States within the Project Area (Appendix B). This request is pending with the USACE
(see Section 6.2.2).
4.3.1.2 Surface Water
The surface waters within the vicinity of the Project Area and the Meadowland Sports
Complex are described in the following sections. Specific surface drainage
characteristics and water quality are also discussed.
4.3.1.2.1 Surface Drainage Characteristics
The HMD is located within the Hackensack River watershed, which is part of
Watershed Management Area (WMA) 5 as identified by NJDEP’s Division of Watershed
Management (NJDEP, 2004a). WMA 5 includes over 60 municipalities in parts of
Hudson and Bergen Counties.
The Hackensack River is approximately 34 miles in length (USACE, 2002). It originates
as a freshwater stream in southern New York State (Rockland County) and flows south
where it discharges into Newark Bay. In 1922 the Hackensack River was divided into
two segments approximately 10 miles north of the Project Area (mile 22.5 of the River)
through the construction of the Oradell Dam. The upper, northern segment consists of
freshwater supplying water to the Oradell reservoir, while the lower reach remains
tidally influenced from waters of Newark Bay with a semi-diurnal tidal cycle. The fluvial
flow into the lower reach is mainly limited by the Oradell Dam (USACE and USEPA,
1995). The major inputs of freshwater to the lower reach of the Hackensack River are
from Overpeck Creek and smaller waterways of Berry’s Creek, Chromakill Creek,
Bellman’s Creek, and Sawmill Creek.
Over the last 150 years the Hackensack River and its tributaries have been modified to
accommodate barge traffic, provide potable water, meet recreation needs, and control
the flow of water in the tidal wetlands found in the watershed (USACE, 2002). Because
of these modifications the flow regime of the Hackensack River estuary has been
significantly altered. The estuarine portion of the Hackensack River now acts as a
“trough” in which tidal waters slosh back and forth and are slowly released to the
Atlantic Ocean. In addition, since the river empties into the Atlantic Ocean between
New Jersey (Kill van Kull) and Staten Island (Arthur Kill), tidal flows have been restricted
in the river. The mean tidal range of the Hackensack River is approximately 5.46 feet,
with a mean high water of 3.18 feet and mean low water of -2.28 feet (NGVD 1929)
(Woods Hole Group, 2000).
The Project Area is located within the Berry’s Creek Drainage Basin, which is comprised
of six sub-basins with a total area of approximately 6,114 acres (Figure 4-8) (USACE and
USEPA, 1995). From the north, the Berry’s Creek basin drains the Teterboro Airport and
Moonachie area through the East and West Riser Ditches. The narrower northern
portion of Berry’s Creek widens in a downstream direction from 80 to 200 feet adjacent
to Walden Swamp. The southern portion of Berry’s Creek drains the surrounding
marshlands. The lower reaches of Berry’s Creek basin and Berry’s Creek Canal flow
into the Hackensack River.
The main waterways in the vicinity of the Meadowlands Sports Complex and the Project
Area are the Hackensack River, Berry’s Creek, and Berry’s Creek Canal (Figure 2-5). The
Hackensack River is located to the southeast of the Sports Complex. Berry’s Creek
flows in a north/south direction along the western boundary of the Meadowlands Sports
Complex, just west of the Project Area. Berry’s Creek eventually connects to Berry’s
Creek Canal, a man-made channelized diversion of Berry’s Creek. Berry’s Creek Canal
is located south of N.J. Route 3. Two small tidal creeks are present in the vicinity of the
eastern boundary of the Sports Complex. These creeks provide drainage into the
Hackensack River. Cedar Creek is a channelized waterway that flows easterly from the
eastern side of the Meadowlands Sports Complex, beneath the western spur of the
New Jersey Turnpike, and into the Hackensack River.
The United States Geological Survey Topographic Survey 7.5-minute quadrangle map of
the area does not show any streams or other surface waters within the Project Area
(Figure 2-4). In addition, Figure 4-7 does not depict any surface waters within the Project
Area. The site wetland investigations conducted by Langan confirmed the absence of
surface waters within the Project Area.
Table 4-1 presents the flow characteristics of the water bodies within the vicinity of the
Sports Complex including the annual mean freshwater discharge, mean tidal discharge
and mean tidal range that was presented in technical studies conducted by the New
Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) in 1986 (USACE and USEPA, 1995 and LBA, 1996).
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Table 4-1
Flow Characteristics of Tidal Water Bodies in the Vicinity of the Meadowlands Sports Complex
Drainage Area
(197 mi2) 5 cms
(170 cfs) 680 cms
28 cms (980 cfs)
1.6 meters (5.2 feet)
Cedar Creek 0.49 km2
0.5 cms (19 cfs)
0.02 cms (0.6 cfs)
0.3 cms (9.4 cfs)
Notes: a Combined drainage area of Berry’s Creek and Berry’s Creek Canal b Annual mean freshwater discharge: the arithmetic mean of individual daily mean discharges for the year. c Value differs from Woods Hole Study due to collection of data from different gauging stations Source: USEPA and USACE, 1995; LBA, 1996
The majority of the Project Area drains to Berry’s Creek through an on-site stormwater
management system. The Meadowlands Sports Complex stormwater management
system consists of a series of inlets and drainage pipes that collect stormwater from
the expansive parking lots and building and directs it towards three lagoons (Figure 2-3)
(Langan, 2006a). Lagoon 2 receives drainage from approximately 114 acres of the
western portion of the Sports Complex. Lagoon 3 receives drainage from approximately
118 acres of the southern and eastern portions of the Sports Complex. Lagoon 4 is
located within the Meadowlands Racetrack and receives drainage from approximately
237 acres of the northern portion of the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Lagoons 2, 3
and 4 are detention facilities that are interconnected with underground equalizer pipes.
Water from Lagoon 2 is pumped into Lagoon 1, where water is discharged to Berry’s
Creek. Lagoon 1 is located next to Berry’s Creek in the southwest corner of the Sports
Complex property adjacent to Lagoon 2. Although the four lagoons are located outside
the Project Area, they will be utilized to store and treat stormwater from the Project
site. (see Appendix C and Section 4.10 for additional details regarding the stormwater
management design). Stormwater runoff from the infields to the Sports Complex
entrances and exits along Route 120 South located in the eastern portion of the Project
Area currently discharge to the east. Runoff from the northern infield area is directed to
Cedar Creek through a series of pipes. Runoff from the southern infield area is directed
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to the radio tower site located adjacent to the New Jersey Turnpike through a series of
pipes (see Figure 4-16 in Section 4.10 for existing drainage areas).
4.3.1.2.2 Surface Water Quality
The water quality of the Hackensack River estuary has been significantly influenced by
the urbanization of the surrounding area, including the commercial and industrial
development that has occurred in the watershed in the last century (USACE and
USEPA, 1995). In a typical estuary, freshwater fluvial flow maintains a net seaward
movement of the water mass, along with any pollutant loads that may exist. The
estuarine system of the Hackensack River, however, does not maintain normal water
flow movement due to man-made changes including the Oradell Dam. Therefore,
pollutants discharged into the lower Hackensack River tend to diffuse more slowly than
in a typical estuary (USACE and USEPA, 1995).
The NJDEP has established Surface Water Quality Standards for all water bodies in the
State of New Jersey (N.J.A.C. 7:9B). These standards assign designated uses for each
water body and specifically water quality criteria that must be maintained to protect
these designated uses. The criteria evaluated to assess the water quality of a particular
waterbody include bacterial quality (fecal coliform counts), dissolved oxygen (DO),
petroleum hydrocarbons and other oils and grease, pH, total phosphorus, radioactivity,
suspended solids, total dissolved solids, sulfates, odors, temperature and heat
dissipation areas, and toxic substances.
NJDEP has assigned different classifications with corresponding water quality standards
(Standards) to various reaches of the Hackensack River and its tributaries as well as
Berry’s Creek (Table 4-2). The Standards classify the reach of the Hackensack River
closest to the Project Area as an SE-2 water body. The “SE” classification refers to
waters that are estuarine, with salinities greater than 3.5 parts per thousand (ppt) at
mean high tide. The category “2” refers to the designated uses of the waterbody,
which includes secondary contact recreation and maintenance of wildlife. The entire
length of Berry’s Creek is identified as an FW2-NT/SE2 waterbody. The FW2
classification refers to a general surface water classification that applies to fresh waters
that are not identified as FW1. The FW1 classification includes waters identified to be
maintained in their natural state of quality and not subjected to any man-made
wastewater discharges or increases in runoff from anthropogenic activities. The “NT”
designation refers to non-trout waters.
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The overall designation FW2-NT/SE2 indicates that Berry’s Creek is an estuary stream,
which by definition receives hydrologic influence from freshwater flowing from the
upstream watershed as well as from the downstream tidal water body. In addition,
Berry’s Creek does not support any trout population because of the saline nature of the
water body and water quality conditions in general.
Table 4-2
Surface Water Classifications of the Hackensack River and Berry’s Creek
RIVER SEGMENT CLASSIFICATION Main stem and saline tributaries from Overpeck Creek to Routes 1 & 9 Bridge SE-2
Main stem downstream from the Route 1 & 9 Bridge SE-3
Tributaries joining the main stem downstream of Overpeck Creek FW2-NT/SE-2
Berry’s Creek (entire length) FW2-NT/SE2
CLASSIFICATION TERMS: SE = the general surface water classification applied to saline waters of estuaries. SE-2 = saline waters of estuaries with the following designated uses: maintenance, migration and propagation of the natural and established biota; migration of diadromous fish; maintenance of wildlife; secondary contact recreation; and any other reasonable uses. SE-3 = saline waters of estuaries with the following designated uses: secondary contact recreation; maintenance and migration of fish populations; migration of diadromous fish; maintenance of wildlife; and any other reasonable uses. FW = the general surface water classification applied to fresh waters. FW1 = those fresh waters that are to be maintained in their natural state of quality (set aside for posterity) and not subjected to any man-made wastewater discharges or increases in runoff from anthropogenic activities. FW2 = the general surface water classification applied to those fresh waters that are not designated as FW1 or Pinelands Waters. NT = nontrout waters. Source: N.J.A.C. 7:9B
The USEPA continues to list the lower estuary of the Hackensack River as an “impaired
waterway” (USEPA, 2005). The impairments for the lower estuary are listed as
chlordane and dioxin in fish tissue, mercury and the presence of PCBs.
The NJMC has collected water quality data for the period between 1994 and 2006 for
two monitoring stations in the general vicinity of the Project Area. These sampling
stations are Station 3, located along the Hackensack River immediately north of the N.J.
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Route 3 crossing and Station 8, located along Berry’s Creek immediately north of the
confluence with Berry’s Creek Canal (Figure 4-9) (CIMIC, 2006; NJMC, 2006a). Tables
4-3 and 4-4 provide water quality data from Station 3 and Station 8, respectively.
During the monitoring period from 1994 through 2006 water quality attributes measured
at station 3 and station 8 have degrees of variability. Measured salinity levels vary in a
manner characteristic of an estuarine system with a maximum range of 0.3 to 13.2 ppt
found at in the Hackensack River Station 3 (Table 4-3). In 1999, salinity measurements
were discontinued when the water quality monitoring program was taken over by the
Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute (MERI).
The pH values at both monitoring stations were generally within the NJDEP Surface
Water Quality Standard of 6.5-8.5 Standard Units (S.U.) (Tables 4-3 and 4-4). The DO
standard of 4.0 mg/l for SE-2 surface water classifications was met during most of the
sampled years. The fecal coliform NJDEP Surface Water Quality Standard of 770
counts/ml was frequently exceeded at both sampling locations, with the highest counts
reaching up to 16,000 counts/ml (Tables 4-3 and 4-4).
Water quality data for the discharge of stormwater runoff from the Meadowlands Sports
Complex, including the Stadium Project Area, to Berry’s Creek are also available
(NJDEP, 2006). The NJSEA is required to sample the discharge from Lagoon No. 1 to
Berry’s Creek on a monthly basis in accordance with NJPDES Permit No. NJ0023345.
The sampled parameters include flow, biological oxygen demand (BOD5), suspended
solids, total nitrogen, oil and grease, phosphorus, fecal coliform, temperature, and pH.
Table 4-5 lists the past three years of monthly sampling of the lagoon system surface
water discharge to Berry’s Creek from May 2003 to May 2006. The results were
consistent for certain discharge parameters measured including suspended solids and
chemical oxygen demand. The range of observed values was 1.0 to 23.8 mg/L for total
suspended solids and 7.7 to 46.6 mg/L for chemical oxygen demand. The only
parameter of the NJPDES permit that had some high levels is fecal coliform based on
measurements recorded in August, September, October, and December 2004. The
observed fecal coliform levels in 2004 have since been corrected and the permit
renewed.
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Date Cadmium Chromium Copper Iron Lead Nickel Zinc Fecal Coliforms BOD COD NH 4 TSS TDS Turbity Temperature Conductivity Salinity* Chloride Sulfate pH DO ug/L ug/L ug/L ug/L ug/L ug/L ug/L MPN/100ml mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L NTU °C mS/cm ppt mg/L mg/L SU mg/L
3/8/1994 8.4 65.7 39.6 717.1 717.7 190.2 20.96 500 3.78 156.9 8.2 68.9 3527 10.2 6.4 6.15 3.6 1715 261.5 7.38 6.1 8/1/1994 28.95 0 60.17 0 138.6 300.25 175.49 500 3.38 40 4.48 42.6 3850 8 27.5 7.73 4.8 2429 409.8 7.15 3
11/14/1994 0 17.68 13.58 0 9.14 25.44 67.67 300 4.23 97.56 0 18.3 9270 6 11.7 13.25 8.4 0 587.4 7.5 5 2/22/1995 11.78 15.69 20.52 0 83.85 92.86 70.96 20 3.36 92.68 5.6 8.8 7716 5 3.3 13.58 8.4 8048 561.4 7.62 8.5 5/22/1995 24.7 14.9 65.6 0 68.7 235.4 37.9 1100 8.25 76.1 4.6 93.9 8775 10 20 11.62 7.4 4149 607.1 7.5 4.8 7/19/1995 20.6 24 8.2 0 118 67.2 180 9000 2.32 176.16 6.94 87.3 9425 6 27.2 11.91 7.7 5248 606.9 7.12 1.6 10/17/1995 10.7 12.6 16.8 0 250 256 151 230 10.4 64 4.3 5 7123 7 17.6 10.92 10.4 3876 478.6 7.21 4.6 2/27/1996 14.3 18.7 6.2 540 55.2 52.9 34.3 20 3.5 104 2.5 14 2197 18 7.3 1.99 4.7 997 116 7.58 10.7 6/11/1996 13 12.3 16.2 260 68.5 88.2 32.9 1700 2.1 51.2 1.8 38 3445 21 25 4.55 1 1912 284.5 6.93 5 12/4/1996 4.35 2.53 6.38 160 34.58 14.98 19.64 230 3.3 43.4 3.1 21.1 337 7 7.1 0.78 10.4 199 34.2 7.41 8 2/18/1997 4.3 8.1 4.6 60 38.6 27.1 18.8 40 3.8 67.5 5 0.6 1665 14 6.8 3.03 1.7 813 110 7.37 10.5 5/13/1997 9.8 7.8 18.1 194 46.1 56 35.8 20 4.1 54.8 4.03 13.5 2535 11 15.6 4.24 2.5 1226 195 7.4 8.3 7/15/1997 24.8 16.8 25.5 300 43.7 216 48.6 230 6 118 6.7 13.9 8575 13 30.3 13.18 8.6 4420 587 7.83 11.1 12/9/1997 11.7 11.5 13.9 280 207 103 54.5 130 3.7 136 7.4 10.7 6487 14 6.8 9.87 6 3339 475 6.65 3.9 3/4/1998 8.5 11.1 10.3 269 102 73.4 31.2 40 2.3 29.7 1.96 39.6 4628 18 8.1 7.7 4.7 2439 316 6.37 4.9
4/22/1998 1.6 5.4 7.1 316 20.4 22.1 25.7 130 4.4 73.5 5.15 43.7 991 21 14.8 1.76 1 458 78.9 7.2 4.8 7/14/1998 23.4 12.2 21.3 350 143 118 30.7 1400 3.2 67.2 4.7 17.5 6489 13 25 10.3 6.6 3439 447 6.98 1.7 10/14/1998 31.4 12.1 47.2 384 162 121 55.3 130 3.2 138 4.7 1.9 10261 7 17.6 16 10.4 5478 695 7.2 4
3/8/1999 18.8 8.6 19.7 332 70.6 76.1 42.6 40 5.1 32 6.6 17.5 4177 14.5 3.8 7.25 4.3 2339 348 6.17 9.9 6/8/1999 35.9 12.6 18.1 305 121 134 37.4 170 8.4 54.2 6.2 5.5 5940 7.6 25.2 9.48 6 3279 421 7.07 2.3 7/6/1999 30.3 16.9 32.7 488 133 170 39.2 300 5.3 160 4.9 25.6 9661 4.4 29.3 14.43 9.5 5278 782 7.36 6.5
10/19/1999 10.3 9.1 11.8 277 98.9 67 35.6 300 7.2 22.6 5 24.6 3315 6.5 16.2 5.57 1789 246 7.21 6.7 2/29/2000 10 20.3 19.1 240 77.1 68.8 34.1 90 5.9 70.6 7.4 11.9 5501 8.2 7.1 9.06 2939 394 5.84 7.2 5/9/2000 12.4 21.3 15.6 332 82.9 72.4 27.3 500 5.2 46.5 3.6 26.4 4864 19 22.1 7.81 2589 426 6.7 3.8 8/8/2000 6.8 6.1 9.3 327 57 30.5 16.6 230 9.6 27.4 2.8 35.1 2718 14.5 26.6 4.4 1545 212 7.33 7.6
12/5/2000 17.3 24.5 26.3 209 111 108 26.3 110 3.5 56.6 5.8 1.3 8161 6.2 6.5 11.98 4579 679 7.36 6.26 3/19/2001 6 24.5 13.8 189 40.1 29 32.6 500 5.9 18.9 4.7 26 4582 5.6 9 7.01 2449 317.5 7.56 9.3 5/14/2001 17 15.4 22.5 512 67.8 98.8 35.1 300 11.6 49.2 5 95 5276 19.5 19.9 8.16 2879 387 7.69 8.28 7/17/2001 17.3 34.2 19.5 370 87.4 129 23.6 70 5.4 82.1 5.4 21.2 6276 5 25.3 9.36 3597 507 7.33 2.36 10/22/2001 33.08 20.75 43.23 0.5 271.13 206.07 52.94 170 3.71 129.46 2.02 6.8 10057 7.3 16.1 15.02 5948 675.5 7.1 2.48
3/5/2002 30.6 25.8 44.2 404 230 203 62.6 40 7.3 86.8 5.8 20.5 10480 10.5 6.5 17.48 5478 763 7.4 7.32 4/23/2002 13.6 9.06 27.3 390 112 88.8 42.5 170 6.4 52.7 5.8 16 7750 4.1 16.26 12.17 4179 575 7.4 3.91 7/16/2002 24.1 20.4 24.2 540 143 180 72.7 170 7.33 43.1 4.26 9.5 8838 8.4 26.1 15.4 4878 629 7.56 5.96 10/28/2002 14.8 5 14.5 122 59 159 29.9 80 0 60 3.5 6 6645 5.2 13.8 11.5 3389 451 7.34 10.7 3/11/2003 7 3.66 9.71 242 113 38.3 42.4 80 5.71 66.8 3.7 7 3144 8.3 4.6 6.2 1819 216 7.3 8.68 5/13/2003 15.2 6.48 14.07 586 142.1 36 111.4 220 7.33 6.5 4.48 26 6645 5.8 0 6.85 2639 321.1 7.36 6.5 7/22/2003 11.76 9.92 17.01 455 96.3 55.4 30.5 2400 14.75 32.7 3.25 14 4843 0 25.7 8.7 2439 298.3 7.3 3.7 11/18/2003 9.12 22.6 23 426 31.4 31.4 71.5 70 7.92 28.2 4.14 11.5 4294 3.4 9.36 7.54 2089 304 7.55 7.59
3/2/2004 16.38 6.5 20.2 0 142.1 36 39 170 5.69 42.6 6.38 6.5 5930 4.57 7.4 9.3 2639 354 7.5 8.3 5/11/2004 5.72 13.1 15.5 1 63 34.4 38.6 3000 4.38 10.4 5.49 23 3339 16.2 19.7 5.3 1572 227 7.49 10.39 7/13/2004 12.91 18.6 25.4 0 122.9 98.2 39.5 5000 12.43 40.6 3.7 24 6405 16.2 23.59 11.03 0 391 7.9 8.03 12/8/2004 0.07 8.99 11.3 511 5.83 8.45 27.9 500 5.84 42.9 4.03 12 2115 8.2 7.88 3.88 995 153 7.73 8.51 2/15/2005 16.4 19.7 18.56 392 112 67.2 36 500 4.91 67.6 3.7 12.5 5987 12.9 4.09 10.02 3289 374 7.63 10.7 6/1/2005 13.3 12.7 18.3 625 182 119 50.4 5000 9.03 71.1 4.03 18 6530 11.9 19.8 11.1 4179 587 7.75 7.75
8/31/2005 38.4 23.6 35.6 374 286 184 34.4 70 8.02 224 1.62 12 14424 7.95 26.9 22.1 7078 939 7.43 3.46 10/25/2005 2.06 7.89 11 657 9 11.7 24.4 300 2.33 16.8 2.18 12.5 1530 8.54 13.56 2.93 876 113 7.74 7.86
2/6/2006 8.3 7.64 11 649 60.3 24.2 37.4 300 4.72 37.5 2.18 15 1738 16.4 878 115 9.8 Min 0.00 0.00 4.60 0.00 5.83 8.45 16.60 20.00 0.00 6.50 0.00 0.60 337.00 0.00 0.00 0.78 1.00 0.00 34.20 5.84 1.60 Max 38.40 65.70 65.60 717.10 717.70 300.25 253.10 9000.00 14.75 224.00 8.20 95.00 14424.00 21.00 30.30 22.10 10.40 8048.00 939.00 7.90 11.10
Median 13.00 12.60 18.10 305.00 96.30 76.10 37.40 230.00 5.20 56.60 4.48 16.00 5930.00 8.30 15.85 9.18 6.00 2639.00 391.00 7.37 6.70 Average 15.05 15.00 21.14 293.31 115.64 98.40 48.64 778.09 5.66 69.50 4.35 23.03 5711.94 10.13 15.44 9.12 6.10 2932.15 405.46 7.29 6.56
Notes: (1) This monitoring location is identified as Station 3 of the NJMC's water sampling station, located on the Hackensack River southwest of the project site.
State Plane coordinates Easting Northing Latitude Longitude
612,340.48 715,594.88 40 48 17 74 03 07 00 (2) In 1999, the water quality monitoring program was taken over by the Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute (MERI). Salinity measurements were discontinued at that time. Source: NJMC website. Data cimic.rutgers.edu/hmdc_public/wq/ and (meri.njmeadowlands.gov)
Table 4-3
Water Quality Data From Station 3 in the Hackensack River from 1994 to 2006
4-28
Date Cadmium Chromium Copper Iron Lead Nickel Zinc Fecal Coliforms BOD COD NH4 TSS TDS Turbidity Temperature Conductivity Salinity* Chloride Sulfate pH DO ug/L ug/L ug/L ug/L ug/L ug/L ug/L MPN/100ml mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L NTU °C mS/cm mS/cm mg/L mg/L SU mg/L
3/8/1994 1.1 0 16.8 410.9 113.5 117 32 1500 7.57 156.9 3 12.5 2453 9.9 4 4.23 2.5 1225 178.7 7.55 8.2 8/1/1994 20.94 26.9 51.4 0 0 462.08 253.07 230 10 47.8 0 41.3 2850 13 27.7 7.27 4.5 2149 338.4 7.65 4.7
11/14/1994 0 12.38 10.32 0 12.63 21.3 63.89 70 9.2 70.24 0 23.8 9734 7.5 10.9 14.43 9.2 0 635.7 7.52 6.6 2/22/1995 13.08 8.09 0 0 43.87 81.04 69.63 20 3.67 53.66 4.9 5.2 6788 6.5 1.8 10.97 6.7 5478 469.8 7.62 7.8 5/22/1995 29.8 14.9 49.2 0 68.7 278.5 50.7 9000 6.9 48.78 1.1 173.5 8475 10 20.4 12.28 7.9 4099 527.7 7.76 9.7 7/19/1995 18.4 97 3.2 0 76.3 77.8 147 3500 0 150.25 2.24 49.9 6940 9 25.7 7.68 4.9 3399 485.6 7.2 3.4 10/17/1995 14.7 11.4 19.5 0 203 213 190 2400 3.2 48 1.3 9.21 5893 10 17 8.82 10.3 3322 2267.6 7.45 10 2/27/1996 5.3 229.7 13.2 1180 581.2 97.8 49.1 20 8.4 125 2 15.2 2050 8.2 6.5 2.84 4.1 901 102 7.52 10.1 6/11/1996 11.9 16.1 16.2 430 52.5 88.2 43.7 1700 4.2 32 2.3 29.6 3622 24 24.5 5.39 1 1811 147 7.5 6.3 7/24/1996 7 12.92 12.65 430 67.79 51.1 37.33 500 5.71 68.5 0.2 35.4 2028 18 23.5 3.79 6.1 1080 168.8 7.35 5.7 12/4/1996 1.77 2.53 8.29 220 19.49 19.33 42.82 1300 2.1 22.5 0.4 14.7 747 8.4 7.5 1.46 10.3 375 49.3 7.36 6.6 2/18/1997 4.3 6 11.4 230 57.7 45 52.1 80 3.7 67.5 1.5 19.6 1932 17 5.7 3.33 1.9 975 130 7.41 10.2 5/13/1997 8 3.2 11.7 222 65.1 60.7 37.5 40 5.3 41.1 1.34 6 2485 11 16.4 4 2.4 1236 151 7.51 10.8 7/15/1997 22 19.1 36.7 350 64.9 200 64.3 500 10.2 96 0.8 14.7 8137 18 30.6 12.78 8.3 4420 544 8.02 15.4 12/9/1997 9.8 11.5 13.9 280 189 103 55.6 170 2.1 120 4.4 16.2 6706 4.1 5.8 10.16 6.2 3389 512 6.24 4.7 3/4/1998 8.5 11.1 41.1 240 68.4 58.8 32.8 110 1.6 73.5 1.01 13.3 3973 8.2 8.5 6.84 4.1 1939 246 6.35 4.5
4/22/1998 3 5.4 9.5 556 20.4 30.5 26.5 170 4 67.3 1.68 65.5 1088 24 14.8 1.9 1 570 85 7.9 14.4 7/14/1998 18.2 12.2 28 449 90 89.9 34.9 3000 3.2 33.6 2 35.3 5896 18 24.7 9.66 6.1 3189 378 6.97 2.6 10/14/1998 26.1 16.8 43.2 349 125 145 44.7 220 2.8 96 3.5 7.6 10228 8.4 17 15.8 10.3 5378 668 7.3 3.9 3/8/1999 19.2 12.7 18.4 385 94.2 73.3 43.9 170 4.8 44.8 5.5 40.5 4482 20 3.3 7.34 4.3 2489 345 6.51 9.8 6/8/1999 32.3 18.8 19.8 559 190 131 41.8 220 9 54.2 1.9 25.7 6206 14.5 25.4 10.3 6.4 3479 445 7.01 2.7 7/6/1999 28.8 19.1 36.9 541 180 111 41.8 230 7.2 122.8 2.1 20.8 9456 10 30 14.12 9.3 5078 746 7.32 11.1
10/19/1999 5.3 6.5 53.5 165 73.6 60.8 29.2 80 13.3 22.6 0.6 9.8 3706 10.2 15.8 5.94 2089 259 7.8 8.07 2/29/2000 6.9 15.9 17.4 356 60.9 73.9 23.8 20 3.4 113 4 16.8 5591 10 6 9.02 3039 383 6.01 7 5/9/2000 12.3 21.3 15.8 368 73.4 54.8 26 110 7.1 46.5 2.9 19.6 4814 15 23.3 7.53 2539 415 6.92 7.3 8/8/2000 6.8 9.1 11.8 514 16 33 20.1 80 7.5 34.7 2 36.1 3297 16 27.3 5.16 1839 223 7.83 13.1
12/5/2000 18.8 21.6 22.3 249 97.5 111 29.8 40 2.4 39.2 4 1.1 7499 4.4 4.5 10.94 4179 582 7.3 6.65 3/19/2001 5.2 21.6 17.8 671 36.5 24.9 66.5 20 6.4 12 1.9 312 3207 13 8.6 5.01 1713 215 7.35 8.7 5/14/2001 13.1 16.4 20.8 613 26.3 76.8 34.4 80 9.9 55.4 1.7 166 5254 30.5 18.9 8.14 2939 381 7.54 9.2 7/17/2001 20.8 31.3 28.4 1037 124 151 40.9 20 5.2 57.2 3.6 19.6 6445 20.2 24.3 9.72 3791 507 7.47 4 10/22/2001 45.92 26 46.16 0.61 294.71 272.73 65.53 20 3.14 209.13 3.25 8.9 11868 6.4 16.6 11.17 6965 830.1 7.43 3.45 3/5/2002 21.5 24.1 42.1 470 142 152 64.4 80 7.6 80.3 3 18.5 8964 10.3 5.7 13.57 4779 717 6.75 6.8
4/23/2002 3.57 11 23.7 629 34 43.3 43.5 3500 6.5 40.6 1.3 57 4979 23 14 7.82 2679 383 6.65 4.8 7/16/2002 26.7 26.7 27.3 1058 106 185 42 2400 6.19 16.2 1.57 21.5 9482 22 24.7 16.8 5278 715 7.32 5.19 10/28/2002 10.9 4.1 12.7 229 49 102 36.6 1700 0 32.7 2.4 5 5222 5.3 11.8 9.02 2814 257 7.41 5.87 3/11/2003 6.71 6.02 14.1 944 102 38.3 137 20 9.23 218 1.01 47.5 2008 4 3.4 4.75 1382 162 7.28 6.1 5/13/2003 12.5 8.99 11.41 873 127 66.8 136.6 1400 6.19 15.1 1.23 17.5 5222 4.5 16.4 5.67 1903 235.9 7.31 6.2 7/22/2003 13.71 11.48 18.09 645 67.4 59.7 41.9 16000 12.11 12 1.34 34 5222 0 25.4 8.5 2368 302.7 7.5 6.6 11/18/2003 6.69 24.4 15.2 563 29.5 29.5 45.1 20 6.01 22.9 1.9 14 3643 21.3 7.74 6.61 1917 270 7.61 10.39 3/2/2004 6.5 9 11.7 0 127 66.8 33.9 20 2.89 27.8 1.68 4.5 5460 4.16 6.2 8.6 2839 358 7.5 8.5
5/11/2004 3.35 14.8 12.4 1 18.2 7.4 29.9 300 6.16 31.1 1.12 32 2355 26.21 21 3.89 1123 144 7.77 13.91 7/13/2004 6.16 20 26.2 1 50.6 32.7 50.3 16000 9.06 22.6 2.91 33 5630 32.5 22.95 9.54 0 270 7.57 10.88 12/8/2004 1.86 8.97 15.7 793 123 12.4 41.5 0 4.19 19.5 2.13 10.5 2188 13.6 6.03 3.83 1145 153 7.64 8.7 2/15/2005 17.7 22 18.8 420 93.4 72.6 37.7 20 4.32 46.2 4.03 14 6253 14.8 3.13 10.41 3364 418 7.37 11.6 6/1/2005 17.7 16.3 20.8 1065 141 140 49.8 170 7.31 75.6 1.34 20.5 7106 11 20.7 11.7 4329 474 7.5 5.77
8/31/2005 26.2 17.9 28.8 454 235 125 41.8 130 23 115 0.95 19 13802 10.1 28.3 17.4 5528 687 7.84 3.2 10/25/2005 2.13 10.8 13.9 1412 7.3 14.4 44.5 1700 2.9 16.8 1.57 19 1484 30.4 12.06 2.82 786 115 7.62 6.86 2/6/2006 10.3 20 17.2 2402 110 30.5 40.4 20 6.45 48.8 1.57 31.5 2223 28.1 0 0 1183 144 0 5.5
Min 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.40 20.10 0.00 0.00 12.00 0.00 1.10 747.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 49.30 0.00 2.60 Max 45.92 229.70 53.50 2402.00 581.20 462.08 253.10 16000.00 23.00 218.00 5.50 312.00 13802.00 32.50 30.60 17.40 10.30 6965.00 2267.60 8.02 15.40
Median 11.40 14.85 17.60 415.45 73.50 73.60 42.41 170.00 6.09 48.39 1.80 19.60 5222.00 11.00 16.10 7.98 6.10 2514.00 351.50 7.44 6.83 Average 13.20 20.71 21.57 474.26 98.94 95.68 56.42 1439.58 6.11 63.99 2.00 34.68 5314.44 13.85 15.14 8.10 5.81 2676.90 400.44 7.19 7.57
Notes: (1) This monitoring location is identified as Station 8 of the NJMC's water sampling stations. The station is located on Berry's Creek southwest of the project site.
State Plane coordinates Easting Northing Latitude Longitude
604,971.06 720,794.16 40 48 41 74 05 31 00 (2) In 1999, the water quality monitoring program was taken over by the Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute (MERI). Salinity measurements were discontinued at that time. Source: http://cimic.rutgers.edu/hmdc_public/w/q
Table 4-4 Water Quality Data Fom Station 8 in Berry's Creek
From 1994 to 2006
4-29
4-30
May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Average Max/Min 7.02 6.14 5.70 5.70 13.20 7.15 6.60 5.30 7.10 13.2/5.3 7.68 7.70 7.60 8.10 7.90 7.10 7.92 7.30 7.66 8.1/7.3 1.80 7.00 5.50 5.20 4.00 2.80 1.70 3.25 3.91 7.0/1.8
19.40 32.70 22.40 7.70 17.00 22.90 36.30 20.30 22.34 30.3/7.7 5.80 4.90 5.30 5.30 5.30 4.70 4.70 5.70 5.21 10.3/4.7
<0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.1 <0.1/<0.1 1.0/1.0 1.4/1.4 1.3/1.3 1.3/1.3 1.3/1.3 1.1/1.1 0.9/0.9 0.7/0.7 1.125/1.125 1.4/1.4, 0.7/0.7 300.00 290.00 110.00 110.00 200.00 300.00 300.00 150.00 220.00 300/110
Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec Average Max/Min 8.60 7.90 5.30 8.95 9.00 6.30 8.40 15.80 11.60 8.60 8.80 5.30 8.71 15.8/5.3 7.90 7.10 7.50 8.25 6.70 7.40 8.00 7.60 7.60 7.80 7.69 8.26 7.65 8.26/6.7 2.80 1.00 2.30 2.25 4.00 4.00 5.80 10.30 6.50 9.80 8.30 2.00 4.92 10.3/1 8.40 15.20 27.80 10.40 13.80 23.30 46.60 16.20 27.80 22.50 41.50 23.40 23.08 46.6/8.4 2.00 5.40 5.40 3.02 4.60 4.80 5.20 4.50 4.80 4.70 5.15 4.30 4.49 5.4/2.0
<0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.1 <0.1/<0.1 0.6/0.6 0.2/0.2 0.2/0.2 <0.03/<0.03 0.4/0..4 0.1/0.1 0.3/0.3 0.8/0.8 0.6/0.6 0.5/0.5 0.4/0.4 0.4/0.4 0.4/0.4 0.8/0.8/, <0.03/<0.03 40.00 <20 40.00 20.00 <20 <20 330.00 2800.00 16000.00 5000.00 352.00 420.00 2778.00 16000/<20
Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Average Max/Min 11.10 6.60 13.80 6.30 9.45 13.8/6.3 7.10 7.90 8.20 8.09 8.20 8.50 8.17 8.40 8.35 8.30 NODI 7.85 8.10 8.5/7.1 1.00 1.00 1.40 13.20 2.00 1.80 6.50 9.50 4.80 23.80 NODI 4.00 6.27 23.8/1
17.80 21.30 11.30 11.30 8.90 11.10 20.10 33.50 29.30 12.90 NODI 22.40 18.17 33.1/12.9 4.40 4.59 4.50 4.60 4.50 2.46 2.70 2.46 2.60 2.50 NODI <0.01 3.53 4.6/2.4
<0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 NODI <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.8/0.8 0.2/0.2 0.3/0.3 <0.03/<0.03 0.2/0.2 0.3/0.3 0.1/0.1 0.2/0.2 2.2/2.2 <0.1/<0.1 NODI <0.1/<0.1 0`.412/0.412 0.8/0.8, <0.03/<0.03
<2 <20 20.00 110.00 <20 40.00 40.00 130.00 300.00 340.00 NODI 20.00 125.00 340/<20
Jan Feb Mar April Average Max/Min 15.8/26.3 5.3/5.3 8.42 7.53
7.58 7.40 7.50 7.59 7.52 7.59/7.4 8.5 6..7 7.79 7.80 8.23 8.20 7.40 6.60 7.61 8.2/5.2 23.8 1 5.44 4.00
22.50 22.30 22.70 24.30 22.95 24.3/20.9 46.6 7.7 21.26 22.30 2.35 2.50 4.30 2.60 2.94 4.3/2.35 10.3 2 4.16 4.60
<0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.1/<0.1 <0.1/<0.1 1.3/1.3 0.7/0.7 0.446/0.446 1.3/1.3, <0.03/<0.03 1.4/1.4 <0.03 0.57 0.60
<20 20.00 <20 230.00 62.00 230/<20 16000 <20 1023.62 200.00
NODI = No discharge therefore samples were not collected (1) Sampling location at the discharge from Lagoon #1 into Berry's Creek. (2) All water samples were collected at times of low water. Source: www.state.nj.us.dep/dwg/database.htm
2006 3-year Minimum
3-year Maximum
3-year Average
3-year Median
Lagoon System Surface Water Discharge to Berry's Creek Water Quality Data from Meadowlands Sports Complex
2003
2004
Standard Units MGD
Unit Description
Petrol Hydrocarbons (Avg./Max)
Flow Rate (Avg) pH (Max) Suspended Solids ((Max) Oxygen Demand, (Chem) High Level (Max) MG/L
MG/L
MG/L
MG/L
MG/L
Flow Rate (Avg./Max) pH (Max) Suspended Solids ((Max) Oxygen Demand, (Chem) High Level (Max)
Petrol Hydrocarbons (Avg./Max) Fecal Coliforms (Max)
Total Nitrogen (Max) Total Phosphorus (Max)
Parameter Description
Table 4-5
Total Phosphorus (Max) MG/L
Total Phosphorus (Max) MG/L
Total Nitrogen (Max) MG/L
4.3.1.3 Groundwater
The NJDEP Ground Water Quality Standards (N.J.A.C. 7:9-6) classify the groundwater
within the Project Area as “Class III – Ground Water with Uses other than Potable
Water Supply”. Class III groundwaters are not suitable for potable water use, due to
natural hydrogeologic characteristics or natural water quality (i.e., saline ground water).
Class III groundwaters do not meet the special ecological significance criteria for Class I
groundwater formations, such as those that contribute to a freshwater Level 1
watershed or those located on State park lands.
As documented in the SI/RAWP Report completed for the Stadium Project, overburden
groundwater was encountered in nearly all of the test pits and borings performed as
part of this SI, some of which were advanced to a maximum depth of 16 feet below site
grade (Appendix F). Groundwater was encountered anywhere between four feet and
eight and one-half feet below grade (Langan, 2006c). Additional groundwater
information is provided in Section 4.8 of this PEIS.
4.3.2.1 Wetlands
As previously described (Section 4.3.1.1), based on observations made during an
investigation of the Project Area on 30 August 2005 and 9 February 2006 there are no
wetlands located within the Project Area (Langan, 2006h). The NWI map shows no
wetlands occurring within the Project Area (Figure 4-7). Therefore, no wetlands are to
be impacted from the Stadium Project. As such, no mitigation is required or proposed.
The stormwater from the Project will be discharged to the lagoon systems, which
contains no wetlands.
4.3.2.2 Surface Water
4.3.2.2.1 Surface Drainage Characteristics
The Stadium Project will maintain the current overall stormwater drainage system for
the West Site of the Meadowlands Sports Complex. All drainage pipes from the new
buildings, realigned roadways and modified parking areas will be directed to the on-site
lagoon system (Langan, 2006a). Drainage from the two Route 120 infield areas located
in the Project Area, which currently drain easterly to Cedar Creek and Blackmans Creek
parking areas, will be redirected to the Sports Complex lagoon system as part of the
construction of expanded parking areas. The Project will require the installation of some
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new drainage pipes but not require any changes to the overall lagoon system. No direct
construction is proposed in any of the lagoons located on the Meadowlands Sports
Complex. All stormwater runoff from the Project Area will continue to be managed on-
site by the existing lagoon system in accordance with the existing Sports Complex
NJPDES permit. The Project will have minor changes to the overall surface drainage
characteristics of the Meadowlands Sports Complex and will not impact the lagoon
system. As further discussed in Section 4.10, the Project will slightly modify the
existing drainage areas directed at the lagoons. A net total of approximately 4.4 acres of
new drainage area will be directed to the lagoons. Peak flows will slightly decrease due
to increases in pervious surfaces associated with the playing fields.
4.3.2.2.2 Surface Water Quality
Stormwater from the Project Area will continue to be collected and treated within the
existing Sports Complex lagoon system in accordance with the NJPDES permit. The
Project will result in a slight net decrease in impervious surfaces and will include an
increase in rooftop surfaces (see Section 4.10.2.1 for further details). The replacement
of existing paved parking areas with rooftop area will minimize contact between
rainwater and pollutant sources currently found on the existing parking surfaces,
thereby resulting in a minor improvement to water quality. The stormwater discharged
from the Project Area and retained by the lagoons will continue to meet the required
water quality effluent levels of the NJPDES Permit at the discharge point to Berry’s
Creek. Therefore, the Project is not expected to significantly affect quality of surface
waters in the region.
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP) and Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
Plan (SESCP) will be implemented prior to each construction phase and will be
maintained throughout that period of construction to minimize temporary impacts to
water quality. The SPPP consists of a soil erosion and sediment control component and
a construction site waste control component. The first component is governed by the
certified SESCP, and the second component outlines requirements for material
management to prevent or reduce waste and waste handling. The SESCP will show the
location(s) for stockpiling soils and erosion controls that will be used for the stockpiles
(e.g. silt fencing surrounding the stockpiles, plastic sheeting beneath and over each
stockpile, dust control measures, etc.). As discussed in the Section 4.8 and the RAWP
(Appendix F), these measures will be implemented to minimize environmental impacts
during handling and transportation of the contaminated soil and to prevent the spread of
contaminated soils (historic fill) during the course of the earthwork. The SESCPs will be
prepared in accordance with the Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in
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New Jersey and certified by the Soil Conservation District prior to the start of each
construction phase. These plans will be implemented as part of the Project’s Best
Management Practices (BMPs) for construction. Details of the SESCPs are provided in
Section 4.2.2.
4.3.2.3 Groundwater
Potential impacts to groundwater are expected to be minimal as a result of the
construction and operation of the Project. During the construction phase of the Project
soil excavation for utility line installation and earthwork associated with foundation
placement will occur. These activities will most likely be deep enough and encounter
groundwater. Temporary dewatering will be necessary to complete construction of
these Project-related items. It is anticipated that water from dewatering activities will
need to be treated prior to discharge to the local waterways.
As discussed in Section 4.8, additional sampling being completed as part of the RAWP
includes a limited groundwater investigation. Unless major groundwater contamination
is encountered, a Classification Exception Area (CEA) will be instituted and natural
attenuation will be selected as the remedial action for the remaining groundwater
contamination. Additionally, as discussed in Section 4.8.2, several isolated areas of
benzene and PCB soil contamination will be further delineated and excavated, thus
removing any potential impacts to groundwater. A limited groundwater investigation will
be performed in the area of the dieldrin contamination to determine if groundwater has
been impacted. If any impacts are detected, they will be addressed accordingly.
The Project is being designed and will be constructed to develop an effective
engineered remedial “cap”, such as paved surfaces and building foundation over the
historic fill on the Project site in accordance with NJDEP oversight. This capping
approach will limit rainfall from penetrating the historic fill. The stormwater
management system will be designed to prevent recharge of groundwater due to the
presence of historic fill on the Project site. The Project design attempts to isolate the
historic fill from contact with any rainfall. During operation of the Stadium Project no
active pumping of groundwater will be performed. Therefore, the Project is not
expected to result in any significant impacts to groundwater.
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4.0 environmental conditions, impacts and mitigation

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