Quarry Water Management Plan
What’s going on with water at the Quarry?
In late 2023, the Hopewell Quarry waters tested positive for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). We were all disappointed that our season ended early because of the algae bloom last year and we are doing everything in our power to prevent this from happening again.
This is unfortunately becoming common for freshwater bodies in the region. HABs are caused by the proliferation of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria is one of the oldest living organisms on Earth dating back almost three billion years. Cyanobacteria thrives in warmer temperatures (climate change is making New Jersey weather warmer) and in waters with phosphorus to feed it. Phosphorus can come from a variety of sources.
Who is managing the situation?
The Hopewell Quarry is working with leading consultants on managing HABs. We have consulted with experts from the NJ DEP, the Watershed Institute, Montclair State, and Rutgers University. We have developed a multi-pronged, environmentally sensitive approach to improve our water quality and prevent future blooms.
We are committed to regular testing, implementing proactive measures to prevent the HABs from occurring again, and communicating everything we know in a transparent and timely manner to our members via our website and social media.
How are we addressing it?
In consultation with our expert water quality consultants, we have developed a multi-pronged environmentally sensitive approach to prevent blooms. This approach includes:
implementing a monitoring program so that we get a good understanding of the Quarry water properties and have regular information about if and when a HAB starts to occur again.
controlling the geese population because they contribute to the phosphorus in the Quarry. Limiting phosphorus limits the HABs’ food source, essentially starving them,
adding barley straw to the water to prevent algal blooms. Barley straw has minimal environmental impact, similar to leaves and twig, but can be effective at reducing or preventing algal blooms,
installing an aerating device to oxygenate the water and reduce the availability of phosphorus in a form HABs can use,
one time application this spring of a nutrient-binding solution to reduce the concentrations of phosphorus that is available for algal propagation.
All of the approaches we have selected are safe and will improve our water quality while protecting the environment and our swimming community.
Why did this happen?
We take great pride in providing clean, safe waters for our community to play, relax and exercise. The increasing occurrences of HABs in NJ are due to milder winters and increasing air and water temperatures, along with an excess of nutrients, like phosphorus that allow the algae to overgrow.
Where can I find more information?
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is working with all organizations and officials in all 21 counties to reduce the occurrence of HABS in New Jersey Waters. More information, identification resources, and tips on how to do your part to reduce HABs can be found on their website at: https://www.nj.gov/dep/hab