Spruce Run Creek dumping by Eastern Concrete

[Hookmanski]

Glen Gardner/hunterdon county residents, I am urging you to give Eastern Concrete Materials a call and complain about the sediment dumped into the spruce run creek. Not only does this creek run into spruce run providing drinking water to people, it was also a pristine stream teaming with life. For a 2 mile stretch, that pristine habitat is now covered in sediment, green slime and dead fish. They need to be held accountable for the extreme amount of damage done to the environment and they need to hear that the people if Glen Gardner will not stand for this. Give them a call at 908-537-2135 and let them hear your voice!

I have spoken with managers of the quarry who told me they are working with the DEP to start the cleanup work. This is unacceptable. As a resident of Glen Gardner, I have grown up fishing in this stream, playing near it with my friends as a kid, and just appreciating its overall beauty that has now been tarnished by the actions of a few people. I am sick to my stomach writing this, but please help me in holding these people accountable for their actions.

[tycomps]

When did this occur? Can't find any info on it. Are they being fined for each day the illegally dumped material remains?

Is it listed with DEP?

http://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/reports-list.html

[NJSquatch]

:(:(:(:(:(:(


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyVi3-89PZ8

[Hookmanski]

After speaking with a manager from the Quarry, I have confirmation this occured over the weekend. DEP agents are on-site. I am not finding much info about it online either, which is why people need to speak up about this. I am sickened by this and will not stop making calls until everything is restored to what is was before the dumping occured.

https://www.facebook.com/brandon.simanski/posts/10211729156203400?notif_t=like&notif_id=1501872079998034

^a link to the post I made on facebook including a video of the damage.

[tycomps]

:(:(:(:(:(:(


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyVi3-89PZ8

so it's a pump job rather than a removable 'dump job'. that's not good! Spruce Run is a water source is the NJ Water Authority involved? should contact nj.com if they're not already covering it.

[tycomps]

After speaking with a manager from the Quarry, I have confirmation this occured over the weekend. DEP agents are on-site. I am not finding much info about it online either, which is why people need to speak up about this. I am sickened by this and will not stop making calls until everything is restored to what is was before the dumping occured.

https://www.facebook.com/brandon.simanski/posts/10211729156203400?notif_t=like&notif_id=1501872079998034

^a link to the post I made on facebook including a video of the damage.

"Sorry, this content isn't available right now"

[Riz]

geez man , seriously !!!!!! :mad:

[Hookmanski]

I Left a message with the Water Authority, I reported the story to News 12 NJ, nj.com is a good one to reach out to next. I am doing everything I can because I care DEEPLY for this river.

[Riz]

hookmanski I applaud your efforts. bravo

[tycomps]

I Left a message with the Water Authority, I reported the story to News 12 NJ, nj.com is a good one to reach out to next. I am doing everything I can because I care DEEPLY for this river.

It's gorgeous in the beginning of squatch's you tube video link, I'd take it personal too!

a stop work order would get their attention but that's probably too political to be a reality.

"an ounce of prevention's worth a pound of cure", unfortunately some don't get that!

keep us informed, thanks!

[Hookmanski]

I'm working right now, but I will be making calls to the Hunterdon County Soil Conservation District, the Raritan Headwaters Association, as well as other local conservation groups. Andy S, if you see this, please send me a PM.

[thmyorke1]

Good work, Hookmanski, for getting video.
You mentioned it's all the way down to the reservoir? Any idea what the 'sediment' is?

[Hookmanski]

Good work, Hookmanski, for getting video.
You mentioned it's all the way down to the reservoir? Any idea what the 'sediment' is?

From my understanding, the quarry pumped water from their retention ponds into the stream. Most of the sediment seems to be rock dust and other dirt, but who knows what else was in there.

For the record the video i posted is not mine, it is actually the same video posted earlier in this thread via a youtube link. So shoutout to the guy who took that video! My stepfather told me about this, when he saw the water it was emerald green, highly different from its usual crystal clear appearance.

[NJSquatch]

I am not that familiar with this area and did't realize the site is upstream of Spruce Run Reservoir :eek:

Maps of Area

https://goo.gl/maps/QLvmWh2Ck5A2

https://binged.it/2voVjru

Hook thanks for alerting us here and keep fighting

[thmyorke1]

I am not that familiar with this area and did't realize the site is upstream of Spruce Run Reservoir :eek:

Maps of Area

https://goo.gl/maps/QLvmWh2Ck5A2

https://binged.it/2voVjru

Hook thanks for alerting us here and keep fighting

Yea I noticed that there are two ponds not to far from the creek (if the satellite image is up to date enough). Im guessing they're more elevated from the creek so they run down south into it.
Along with mulhawkaway it's an important tributary.

[AndyS]

Our policy director, Bill Kibler, took this photo of sediment clouding the Spruce Run creek off Van Sycles Road in Clinton, at the mouth of the Spruce Run Reservoir. At some point last weekend, a large amount of stone dust sludge was apparently discharged from the Glen Gardner Quarry into the Spruce Run. Dead fish and frogs have been found, and Bill is working with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to assess the full impact on aquatic life in the stream. We'll post updates as we find out more.

[Hookmanski]

Our policy director, Bill Kibler, took this photo of sediment clouding the Spruce Run creek off Van Sycles Road in Clinton, at the mouth of the Spruce Run Reservoir. At some point last weekend, a large amount of stone dust sludge was apparently discharged from the Glen Gardner Quarry into the Spruce Run. Dead fish and frogs have been found, and Bill is working with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to assess the full impact on aquatic life in the stream. We'll post updates as we find out more.

It is good to hear that you guys are aware of the situation. Please send me a PM, I'd like to help in any way that I can. I have posted several reports from this stream since joining the site earlier this year and this creek is a huge part of my childhood/life.

Do you have a DEP case number I can follow up on? I'd like to read the reports.

Again, thank you, and thank everyone else for caring.

[CaptDipship]

Our policy director, Bill Kibler, took this photo of sediment clouding the Spruce Run creek off Van Sycles Road in Clinton, at the mouth of the Spruce Run Reservoir. At some point last weekend, a large amount of stone dust sludge was apparently discharged from the Glen Gardner Quarry into the Spruce Run. Dead fish and frogs have been found, and Bill is working with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to assess the full impact on aquatic life in the stream. We'll post updates as we find out more.

That's right where my buddies and I were fishing on Sunday. We were there for a few hours or so. Two people from the state (I think that's where they were from) told us to pack it up and move since it wasn't safe. I've never been fishing there, so I had no clue if it was normal or not.

[tycomps]

sounds like concerns were legit back in 2k12

https://www.raritanheadwaters.org/protect/issues/other-important-rha-projects/proposed-quarry-expansion-in-glen-gardner/

and 2k14

http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2014/03/quarry_land-swap_proposal_not.html

"The outlet of the retention pond in the quarry feeds directly to Spruce Run, a C-1 trout production stream. Spruce Run Reservoir, the source of clean drinking water for 1.5 million New Jersey residents, is just downstream. The stream and the reservoir should be protected from additional pollution resulting from the expansion of the quarry."

[Hookmanski]

I have family members on the town council, I will be speaking with them as well as the mayor. I want to put an end to this. The retention pond should NOT be allowed to be pumped out into the creek/reservoir.

[Lard Almighty]

Anyone who lives close by should grab a water sample as close to the discharge point as possible and keep it refrigerated. This company has an NJPDES permit (PI #46545), which means they have to monitor their discharges and submit the data to the state. If they are in violation of the permit, they face fines if they do not correct it. I noticed that one of the parameters they must monitor is total suspended solids. Judging by the color of Spruce Run Creek, they are likely in violation of that parameter at least. Keeping a water sample for future evidence may help should any legal action be taken against the quarry.

If it's any consolation, I would doubt there are any chemical parameters contaminating the water, with the possible exception of a few naturally-occurring metals.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Hookmanski!

[tycomps]

Anyone who lives close by should grab a water sample as close to the discharge point as possible and keep it refrigerated. This company has an NJPDES permit (PI #46545), which means they have to monitor their discharges and submit the data to the state. If they are in violation of the permit, they face fines if they do not correct it. I noticed that one of the parameters they must monitor is total suspended solids. Judging by the color of Spruce Run Creek, they are likely in violation of that parameter at least. Keeping a water sample for future evidence may help should any legal action be taken against the quarry.

If it's any consolation, I would doubt there are any chemical parameters contaminating the water, with the possible exception of a few naturally-occurring metals.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Hookmanski!

Does a New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit allow discharge to water supply feeds? Also I don't see a pipe at the point of the discharge in the video so I'm assuming they ran a line to the creek? Is this something they were allowed to do by the permit? Was this a regular activity?

[Lard Almighty]

Does a New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit allow discharge to water supply feeds? Also I don't see a pipe at the point of the discharge in the video so I'm assuming they ran a line to the creek? Is this something they were allowed to do by the permit? Was this a regular activity?All good questions. The specifics of the permit were not available online. If you want that information, you would need to request a copy of the original NJPDES permit application and approval from the DEP via an OPRA request.

[Jigman13]

I work for nj.com. can I help?

[FASTEDDIE29]

Jigman, do what you can do please! This makes me want to liveline the owner of Eastern Concretes family dog! You know, take a family pet, cut it's legs off and spray paint it black so it looks like a baby seal! I'm hungry, need shark steaks...........:mad:

[Hookmanski]

I work for nj.com. can I help?

A write up on this would be pretty fantastic. I know the DEP is involved, as well as Raritan Headwaters Association. I spoke to a quarry employee who admitted to me that they were the ones pumping in the waste water. She also told me they are cooperating fully with the DEP to get everything cleaned up.

I think a story on this could be a really powerful tool to make sure they are held accountable for their actions. I would like to see them donate money to local organizations to help with cleanup efforts, re-stocking, and future preservation of this beautiful creek.

[Randyb]

Anyone who lives close by should grab a water sample as close to the discharge point as possible and keep it refrigerated. This company has an NJPDES permit (PI #46545), which means they have to monitor their discharges and submit the data to the state. If they are in violation of the permit, they face fines if they do not correct it. I noticed that one of the parameters they must monitor is total suspended solids. Judging by the color of Spruce Run Creek, they are likely in violation of that parameter at least. Keeping a water sample for future evidence may help should any legal action be taken against the quarry.

If it's any consolation, I would doubt there are any chemical parameters contaminating the water, with the possible exception of a few naturally-occurring metals.




Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Hookmanski!







My girlfriends family ownes the property on the corner of van syckel and 635 it has a stream running through the property, it is private property but I'm more then willing to grab a sample for you guys

[tycomps]

I would like to see them donate money to local organizations to help with cleanup efforts, re-stocking, and future preservation of this beautiful creek.

what would you say the distance of the sediment affected stretch is?

when I first read "dumping by Eastern Concrete" I imagined a pile of debris that could be removed and properly disposed of but the coating shown in the video seems like it would require an 'Exxon Valdez' style wash and scrub job.

[Hookmanski]

what would you say the distance of the sediment affected stretch is?

when I first read "dumping by Eastern Concrete" I imagined a pile of debris that could be removed and properly disposed of but the coating shown in the video seems like it would require an 'Exxon Valdez' style wash and scrub job.

The distance from where the waste was pumped in to where the creek empties into the reservoir is about 1.7 miles.

[Jigman13]

Submitted this link and info to a number of staff writers at nj.com. We'll see if it gets picked up...

[AndyS]

What I don't get is the quarry by Chimney Rock in Martinsville dumps into the stream there. Countless times I have seen the creeks and streams around the quarry run milky white and never a word is said, that water ultimately ends up in the Raritan river. Maybe because it isn't a T-1 trout stream ??

[Hookmanski]

What I don't get is the quarry by Chimney Rock in Martinsville dumps into the stream there. Countless times I have seen the creeks and streams around the quarry run milky white and never a word is said, that water ultimately ends up in the Raritan river. Maybe because it isn't a T-1 trout stream ??

I think the reason there are a lot of people concerned about this is because 1.5 Million people in NJ get their drinking water from SRR (although i dont care about that, i'm much more worried about the wildlife, LOL). In addition, this really hits home for me because this creek is in my backyard, a 2 minute walk from my house.

I want to hear more about the Martinsville dumping though. There has to be a better way of getting rid of the waste water other than just dumping it into our waterways. It's 2017. We shouldn't be dumping ANYTHING into the rivers.

[thmyorke1]

What I don't get is the quarry by Chimney Rock in Martinsville dumps into the stream there. Countless times I have seen the creeks and streams around the quarry run milky white and never a word is said, that water ultimately ends up in the Raritan river. Maybe because it isn't a T-1 trout stream ??

middle brook, judging from maps (https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B035'04.5%22N+74%C2%B033'40.2%22W/@40.5845763,-74.5618508,217m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d40.58457 5!4d-74.561164) they would be dumping into the west branch at that location by the ponds (east branch is stocked and above a waterfall).

Another quarry to look at is the one in Watchung between Bonnie Burn and New Providence roads. However I dont see any access where they can be dumping into green brook unless they're utilizing a pipe under the roads.

You're sure it's the Stavola Quarry dumping sediment or is it just run off from the reservoir?

Id say any sediment dumping is bad- but for a trout stream that feeds into SRR it's a worse happening. Greenbrook and middle brook are already industrialized, have dams, etc.

[Lard Almighty]

What I don't get is the quarry by Chimney Rock in Martinsville dumps into the stream there. Countless times I have seen the creeks and streams around the quarry run milky white and never a word is said, that water ultimately ends up in the Raritan river. Maybe because it isn't a T-1 trout stream ??Different classifications have different requirements, as per N.J.A.C. 7:9B:

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/rules/rules/njac7_9b.pdf

The list of the classifications for each waterway in NJ begin on Page 45 of the document.

[buzzbaiter]

Friend of a friend who lives right on the creek in GG took one pic the day it happened and the other pic is from friday.

Hard to say what impact. Water is clear only bottom is covered so fish might be okay but the macroinvertebrates(insects/crayfish/worms/snails) in the creek are being smothered so that's not so good. If its quarry dust it may also raise the pH. Depends on whether its limestone or not. pH could creep up to 9 or 10 which may also impact aquatic life. A few good flushings from mother nature might correct things.

[tycomps]

got a bunch of rain near me in North Plainfield last night, any pics from today?

My water company in NP is NJ American Water, as per Wikipedia the largest water utility in the State of New Jersey, serving around two and a half million people in 183 communities in 17 counties. As far as I know a major source for it is the Raritan River. Along with my new tax bill was a letter about runoff (covering dumpsters etc...) and the town made a concerted effort to label the storm sewers "rainwater only". Hook's right, It's 2017. We shouldn't be dumping ANYTHING into the rivers.

[Hookmanski]

No new pictures, I've been working all weekend so I haven't been able to get down there during sun light. Here is a link to a write up in the Hunterdon review:

http://www.newjerseyhills.com/hunterdon_review/news/glen-gardner-quarry-apparently-discharges-sediment-into-spruce-run-reservoir/article_e8a8cb4a-b44d-54f9-9d0f-62239a62c388.html

I would like to set up a fundraiser of some kind and donate the money to a conservation group that could help restock some trout into the creek. Although most of the creek is seemingly unaffected, the installment of temporary dams will definitely hinder the migration patterns of spawning brown trout.

[tycomps]

why's it say 'apparently', they denying it?

[Hookmanski]

I'm not sure why it says apparently. Some people I've spoken to in local government seem to want this issue kept on the down low, which is why I will continue to speak out about it. From what I've heard, the quarry will be receiving some hefty fines, and rightfully so, but i don't think that is nearly enough. This should never happen again. I'm thinking about making up a petition to try and get the quarry to stop using the creek as a sewer for their stone sludge. There HAS to be a better way.

[Sako1]

The quarry has to receive a fine MUCH greater than the financial benefit associated with dumping in the stream or else there is no deterrent factor and they will simply do it again when it makes sense from a business case perspective. They need to be hit HARD.

Dave

[Jigman13]

Quick update from nj.com:

Good morning Jeremy,

Thank you for passing this information on to us. We will have a reporter follow up on the sediment ending up in Spruce Run.

Best regards,

Craig
*

Craig Turpin,*Community Editor

NJ Advance Media

200 Route 31 North

Suite 200

Flemington, NJ 08822

[Hookmanski]

Quick update from nj.com:

Good morning Jeremy,

Thank you for passing this information on to us. We will have a reporter follow up on the sediment ending up in Spruce Run.

Best regards,

Craig
*

Craig Turpin,*Community Editor

NJ Advance Media

200 Route 31 North

Suite 200

Flemington, NJ 08822

thanks for passing it on Jigman! I also reported this story to News 12 who apparently picked it up for their Friday afternoon newscast (I was working so i missed it :rolleyes:). We have to bring as much awareness to this issue as possible!!!

[tycomps]

I'm not sure why it says apparently. Some people I've spoken to in local government seem to want this issue kept on the down low, which is why I will continue to speak out about it. From what I've heard, the quarry will be receiving some hefty fines, and rightfully so, but i don't think that is nearly enough. This should never happen again. I'm thinking about making up a petition to try and get the quarry to stop using the creek as a sewer for their stone sludge. There HAS to be a better way.

there was A LOT of opposition when they were looking to acquire additional acreage for the expansion project I referenced in the previous links, if that's the source (don't know if the expansion was approved) there may be political ramifications. if they deny responsibility the cleanup could be delayed while the court determines culpability.

can't find the story on NJ12, searched for Glen Gardner, Spruce Run, Eastern Concrete, and there's nothing about it on the 'environment' page- http://newjersey.news12.com/category/323424/new-jersey-environment

[Hookmanski]

there was A LOT of opposition when they were looking to acquire additional acreage for the expansion project I referenced in the previous links, if that's the source (don't know if the expansion was approved) there may be political ramifications. if they deny responsibility the cleanup could be delayed while the court determines culpability.

can't find the story on NJ12, searched for Glen Gardner, Spruce Run, Eastern Concrete, and there's nothing about it on the 'environment' page- http://newjersey.news12.com/category/323424/new-jersey-environment

Yeah I had the same issue with News 12, I think they aired it as a "reader" story where the anchor talks about the story with a small picture for 15 - 30 seconds. No article online.

And i have spoken to a quarry manager twice now, they are definitely not denying their involvement. I have the cell phone number of one of the managers who admitted the pumping to me on a call Friday. What really makes me upset is that the town of Glen Gardner, more specifically the Mayor, has not made any public statements about this other than arguing logistics in Facebook comments. Truly sickening.

[tycomps]

Yeah I had the same issue with News 12, I think they aired it as a "reader" story where the anchor talks about the story with a small picture for 15 - 30 seconds. No article online.

And i have spoken to a quarry manager twice now, they are definitely not denying their involvement. I have the cell phone number of one of the managers who admitted the pumping to me on a call Friday. What really makes me upset is that the town of Glen Gardner, more specifically the Mayor, has not made any public statements about this other than arguing logistics in Facebook comments. Truly sickening.

post the facebook link.

[Hookmanski]

post the facebook link.

Unfortunately the post in question was seemingly deleted. Basically someone who lives on main street was talking about the pumping and the the mayor was saying that "we dont know for sure they pumped it into the creek" and the main street resident said "uh, yes we do, a quarry employee was in my yard and told me they did."

I am trying to investigate some of the mayors claims tomorrow, and he is a good friend of my parents, so I don't want to stir up a witch hunt until I have some more facts. I will be speaking with the Pequest Hatchery to investigate some intel I received that I believe to be bogus. Will post updates when I have them.

Thanks for everyone's support and awareness! We need to continue spreading the word so the Quarry is held accountable.

[tycomps]

heavy rain tomorrow, did they start a cleanup or just the containment booms? chances are they're waiting to see what a flush from mother nature does.

here's the stream gauge on spruce run at main st glen gardner (no turbidity, oxygen level, or ph parameter on this one but gauge height will show what kind of flush it gets tomorrow)-

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nj/nwis/uv?site_no=01396582

there's a few more in the area (looks like there's one in the pic of the boom at van syckles), not sure which ones are pertinent, check it out-

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nj/nwis/rt

[buzzbaiter]

Pictures of the booms that probably won't do anything. This isn't an oil spill.

https://goo.gl/photos/u6cvxtd4BGcUVFKB7

[tycomps]

Pictures of the booms that probably won't do anything. This isn't an oil spill.

https://goo.gl/photos/u6cvxtd4BGcUVFKB7

judging from the appearance of the water pre/post boom it doesn't look like it. :(

[Hookmanski]

Here's something the mayor posted on Facebook regarding the pumping:

"As some may know.. last Sunday the quarry had drained one of the basins- they were supposed to tell us and the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) as a matter of protocol. This is as violated and I'm sure they will be fined. I was there last Sunday as was a the DEP. It didn't go unnoticed. We are on it!

What you should understand- the basin captures water and sediment. Water is used to clean the gravel. No chemicals etc are used just water.

The DEP should always be there to monitor the amount of sediment drained as not to impact the beautiful trout stream.

A video was recently posted and didn't contain all the facts. Fish are dying etc 4 days later. It is still to be determined as to why they are dying (Pequest Hatchery stocks the river and the trout they had released in the past had bacteria in them which also caused them to die). The wildlife and game warden is doing an autopsy to get the actual facts on that.

Out town engineer, attorney, Mayor, Council and environmental engineer along with the DEP are all over the situation. The Raritian Headwaters association and Trout Unlimited as well.

At the end of the day know we are on it and let's not exacerbate the situation half informed, instead we will solve it when we have ALL the facts. The sky isn't falling and the world isn't ending.

Until then use your energy to enjoy the beautiful weather! We are on it!

Sorry for the length of this post and be rest assured this will be resolved!

I will update you as the information comes in!

Feel free to private message me if you like!

Kindly,
Mattias"



What I don't understand is the claim that the trout were "infected with bacteria". They stopped stocking months ago...if they really did have some sort of bacteria they most likely would have died long ago, right? Doesn't make much sense to me. I left a message with the hatchery so hopefully I'll speak with them tomorrow to see if that is true or not.

[tycomps]

Here's something the mayor posted on Facebook regarding the pumping:

"As some may know.. last Sunday the quarry had drained one of the basins- they were supposed to tell us and the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) as a matter of protocol. This is as violated and I'm sure they will be fined. I was there last Sunday as was a the DEP. It didn't go unnoticed. We are on it!

What you should understand- the basin captures water and sediment. Water is used to clean the gravel. No chemicals etc are used just water.

The DEP should always be there to monitor the amount of sediment drained as not to impact the beautiful trout stream.

A video was recently posted and didn't contain all the facts. Fish are dying etc 4 days later. It is still to be determined as to why they are dying (Pequest Hatchery stocks the river and the trout they had released in the past had bacteria in them which also caused them to die). The wildlife and game warden is doing an autopsy to get the actual facts on that.

Out town engineer, attorney, Mayor, Council and environmental engineer along with the DEP are all over the situation. The Raritian Headwaters association and Trout Unlimited as well.

At the end of the day know we are on it and let's not exacerbate the situation half informed, instead we will solve it when we have ALL the facts. The sky isn't falling and the world isn't ending.

Until then use your energy to enjoy the beautiful weather! We are on it!

Sorry for the length of this post and be rest assured this will be resolved!

I will update you as the information comes in!

Feel free to private message me if you like!

Kindly,
Mattias"



What I don't understand is the claim that the trout were "infected with bacteria". They stopped stocking months ago...if they really did have some sort of bacteria they most likely would have died long ago, right? Doesn't make much sense to me. I left a message with the hatchery so hopefully I'll speak with them tomorrow to see if that is true or not.

was that the post that was removed? read ur PM

[NJSquatch]

A video was recently posted and didn't contain all the facts. Fish are dying etc 4 days later. It is still to be determined as to why they are dying (Pequest Hatchery stocks the river and the trout they had released in the past had bacteria in them which also caused them to die). The wildlife and game warden is doing an autopsy to get the actual facts on that.


It is my understanding that the state didn't stock any of the "potentially" diseased brookies or browns in Trout Production waters. And that was 3 or 4 years ago.

[Hookmanski]

I just spoke with Chris from the Pequest Hatchery who informed me the bacteria claim is 100 percent FALSE and that the fish in the affected area are a total loss. Extremely disheartening but that means we just have to work harder to restore the stream.

[NJSquatch]

Dug around on NJDEP dataminer and it looks like the facility has a long running history of violations over the past 10 years.

https://www13.state.nj.us/DataMiner

Quite a few are for discharging turbid waters to Spruce Run Creek. In fact the ones in 2012 and 2013 sound exactly like the current situation.

Inspections
(http://rhodynascar.orgfree.com/njfishing/dataminer/InspectionsCompletedbySiteIDandDate.pdf)
Violations (http://rhodynascar.orgfree.com/njfishing/dataminer/ViolationsbySiteIDandDate.pdf)

Enforcement Actions
(http://rhodynascar.orgfree.com/njfishing/dataminer/EnforcementActionsIssuedBySiteIDandDate.pdf)

[tycomps]

Mayors Facebook page with post (spellcheck?)-

https://www.facebook.com/mayormattiasschroeter/

[thmyorke1]

Dug around on NJDEP dataminer and it looks like the facility has a long running history of violations over the past 10 years.

Quite a few are for discharging turbid waters to Spruce Run Creek. In fact the one in 2012 sounds exactly like the current situation.



If this has been happening for the last 10 years (surely the quarry was around for much longer and had less restrictions before)

then how was it ever suited for TP-1 and maintained that status? Maybe cause it's only a partial part of the stream? Sediment not that damaging?

[Hookmanski]

If this has been happening for the last 10 years (surely the quarry was around for much longer and had less restrictions before)

then how was it ever suited for TP-1 and maintained that status? Maybe cause it's only a partial part of the stream? Sediment not that damaging?

My best guess is that the 1.7 mile stretch that has been dumped into is only a small fraction of the total distance of the stream. The silver lining here (if you want to call it that) is that the majority of the creek is still healthy and pristine.

[thmyorke1]

My best guess is that the 1.7 mile stretch that has been dumped into is only a small fraction of the total distance of the stream. The silver lining here (if you want to call it that) is that the majority of the creek is still healthy and pristine.

Im only guessing since I dont know about their operations but they'd be testing for water quality at the tail end of the stream if anywhere.

[Eskimo]

.


A video was recently posted and didn't contain all the facts. Fish are dying etc 4 days later. It is still to be determined as to why they are dying (Pequest Hatchery stocks the river and the trout they had released in the past had bacteria in them which also caused them to die).

Sounds like the mayor is just a stooge for the quarry. He just completely discredited himself by blaming Fish & Game.


.

[NJSquatch]

Sounds like the mayor is just a stooge for the quarry. He just completely discredited himself by blaming Fish & Game.

is the quarry a family/friend?

would be interesting to see political contributions to his campaign

[tycomps]

.



Sounds like the mayor is just a stooge for the quarry. He just completely discredited himself by blaming Fish & Game.


.

http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2015/05/schroeter_kovach_glen_gardner_mayor.html

Residents "all need to be heard and addressed accordingly. I plan on having regular town hall meetings in every neighborhood. People have families and busy lives and can't necessarily attend Council meetings."
Schroeter said he believes it's the job of the mayor and Council "to take the initiative and lead in making sure everyone is heard and understood. After all, we report to, and work for, the people (they are ultimately the town's customers)."

Is he still doing town hall meetings? "After all, we report to, and work for, the people (they are ultimately the town's customers)."

his other facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/mattias.schroeter?fref=ufi&rc=p

if this post from his page is him, he's driving like that! I wouldn't want to be coming the other way! (or stopped in front of him for that matter)

[Hookmanski]

Check out the link below for pictures I took of the creek this morning. These were taken where the creek enters into the reservoir, right off Van Syckles Road.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147680405@N08/shares/UFwFdh

Does anyone know which chapter of Trout Unlimited operates in this area? I'm looking to join up, but I didn't want to join a chapter that's far from my house and isn't assisting with the restoration efforts. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[tycomps]

Check out the link below for pictures I took of the creek this morning. These were taken where the creek enters into the reservoir, right off Van Syckles Road.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147680405@N08/shares/UFwFdh

Does anyone know which chapter of Trout Unlimited operates in this area? I'm looking to join up, but I didn't want to join a chapter that's far from my house and isn't assisting with the restoration efforts. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

is that piece of heavy equipment there for the cleanup or boom installation?

[Hookmanski]

To my understanding it is being used for cleanup, the booms will catch the sediment and the machinery will be used to scoop it out once it gets caught.

[ScowardNJ]

That's an unfortunate scene you guys have down there. With all the recent rains we have had there have been erosion issues all over the north east. The fact that this was mechanical,a pump issue, I'd assume someone's head will roll. Unless they had an emergency situation where they had to pump out a basin leading to a worse situation. Either way they still should be liable.

It looks like a floating turbidity barrier. Hopefully it has a subsurface silt curtain that drapes down to the channel bottom. They cant filter out the colloidal material, but they do an okay job settling out the heavier stuff as long as the channel velocity stays mellow. That's a long arm dredge bucket on that excavator for sure.

Hopefully they have their discharge points under control by now. I've seen clean ups where they set up pumps with a 3" hose, like a fire hose, and use it like a pressure washer sending all the accumulated fines down stream to the settling area where they could dredge it out. Then a restoration effort might follow.

It's a shitty situation, but cleanable..Eastern Concrete def has the coin and insurance for a clean up like that. They have plants all over the state.

[tycomps]

NJDEP incident report

[Hookmanski]

That's an unfortunate scene you guys have down there. With all the recent rains we have had there have been erosion issues all over the north east. The fact that this was mechanical,a pump issue, I'd assume someone's head will roll. Unless they had an emergency situation where they had to pump out a basin leading to a worse situation. Either way they still should be liable.

It looks like a floating turbidity barrier. Hopefully it has a subsurface silt curtain that drapes down to the channel bottom. They cant filter out the colloidal material, but they do an okay job settling out the heavier stuff as long as the channel velocity stays mellow. That's a long arm dredge bucket on that excavator for sure.

Hopefully they have their discharge points under control by now. I've seen clean ups where they set up pumps with a 3" hose, like a fire hose, and use it like a pressure washer sending all the accumulated fines down stream to the settling area where they could dredge it out. Then a restoration effort might follow.

It's a shitty situation, but cleanable..Eastern Concrete def has the coin and insurance for a clean up like that. They have plants all over the state.

Yeah that's the good thing, it IS cleanable. And it WILL be cleaned.

[tycomps]

looks like it got a decent flush from the gauge height info, can you post some pics of the affected area after the level goes back down (probably tomorrow) to see what remains on the bottom?

[Hookmanski]

looks like it got a decent flush from the gauge height info, can you post some pics of the affected area after the level goes back down (probably tomorrow) to see what remains on the bottom?

Yeah I'll stop by a few places and take some shots. I passed a whole bunch of DEP workers preparing to clean today, that big excavator was moved about a mile upstream to a spot where the sediment is pretty deep. The rain should definitely move some of that sediment out and down to those booms at the confluence.

[Rich196]

GREAT job on this guy's, this kinda stuff sickens me to no end. Thank you for taking your own time to make sure it's taken care of.

[Hookmanski]

GREAT job on this guy's, this kinda stuff sickens me to no end. Thank you for taking your own time to make sure it's taken care of.

Thanks for your kind words! If anyone ever wants to fish this creek, send me a PM. I could pretty much act as a guide:D

[tycomps]

Dug around on NJDEP dataminer and it looks like the facility has a long running history of violations over the past 10 years.

https://www13.state.nj.us/DataMiner

Quite a few are for discharging turbid waters to Spruce Run Creek. In fact the ones in 2012 and 2013 sound exactly like the current situation.

Inspections
(http://rhodynascar.orgfree.com/njfishing/dataminer/InspectionsCompletedbySiteIDandDate.pdf)
Violations (http://rhodynascar.orgfree.com/njfishing/dataminer/ViolationsbySiteIDandDate.pdf)

Enforcement Actions
(http://rhodynascar.orgfree.com/njfishing/dataminer/EnforcementActionsIssuedBySiteIDandDate.pdf)

Am I reading that right? Numerous violations over the years, Notice's of Violation are closed/satisfied, no penalties assessed or received since 4/14 (NEA 140001)? Is there a listing for the current event yet?

[NJSquatch]

Am I reading that right? Numerous violations over the years, Notice's of Violation are closed/satisfied, no penalties assessed or received since 4/14 (NEA 140001)? Is there a listing for the current event yet?

I see an enforcement action from 2016 where they discharged to the train tracks. Activity PEA 160001

I don't see anything on the current situation.

You can checkup by going to https://www13.state.nj.us/DataMiner

Perform a search --> Search By Site -->Name-->Enter eastern concrete--> scroll down to Glen Gardner site --> select report to run-->enter time frame

Don't use your browsers Back buttons. Use the navigation under the data miner header to go back

[tycomps]

I see an enforcement action from 2016 where they discharged to the train tracks. Activity PEA 160001


no penalties assessed or received are listed for that or the other closed/satisfied violations on the enforcement page since the 2014 settlement, wonder what the repercussions have been for continued non-compliance?

ps- looks like the level's back to average at main st since the rain, be interesting to see what's left on the bottom of the affected stretch.

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nj/nwis/uv?site_no=01396582

also be interesting to see the level at the boom, assuming that as it clogs with sediment the water rises, as well as the amount removed by the excavator.

[Hookmanski]

Hey all, just a few quick updates for you. Unfortunately no new pictures as I have been working like a mad man, but here is some new info:

1) The DEP clean up seems to be moving along at a pretty good pace. They have several sites along 31, at least 4 or 5, where they have made temporary driveways for their machines to be able to reach the stream. I have seen people working everyday on my way to work.

2) The water is starting to return to its clear nature in some spots, while others are still murky. I'm sure this will change several times as different parts of the creek are excavated, but its good to know things are moving along.

3) I checked out a couple of my fishing holes last night on my way home from work, all of which are upstream from the dumpsite, and was glad too still see some trout and other fish darting around in the twilight. Hopefully the fall spawn won't be too harshly impacted and the surviving trout will move downstream and re-inhabit the affected holes after the clean up is complete.

4) Lastly, I would really like to set up a fundraiser to support the restoration and future conservation of this beautiful stream. However, I'm having a little trouble coming up with a solid idea. I would love to hear any ideas people had! Possibly a tournament, or a "day in the park" or something like that. All ideas are welcome either in this thread or via PM.

Thanks for everyone's continued interest in this!

[tycomps]

http://www.nj.com/hunterdon/index.ssf/2017/08/sediment_from_quarry_discharged_near_spruce_run_re .html

interesting comments

[Hookmanski]

http://www.nj.com/hunterdon/index.ssf/2017/08/sediment_from_quarry_discharged_near_spruce_run_re .html

interesting comments

Glad to see a write up on NJ.com! There are definitely some interesting comments in there.

[Hookmanski]

Decided to hit the creek above where the dumping was and I was glad to see all the usual suspects dwelling in my secret holes. Caught 3 creek chub, 2 rainbows and a bluegill all on the trout magnet. Pics of the trout in the ink below!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147680405@N08/shares/69q63o

[bigfishy]

Decided to hit the creek above where the dumping was and I was glad to see all the usual suspects dwelling in my secret holes. Caught 3 creek chub, 2 rainbows and a bluegill all on the trout magnet. Pics of the trout in the ink below!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147680405@N08/shares/69q63o

Nice work!!! what were the water temps??

[tycomps]

Decided to hit the creek above where the dumping was and I was glad to see all the usual suspects dwelling in my secret holes. Caught 3 creek chub, 2 rainbows and a bluegill all on the trout magnet. Pics of the trout in the ink below!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/147680405@N08/shares/69q63o

any pics from the affected stretch?

[Hookmanski]

Nice work!!! what were the water temps??

Water temps were chilly, just around 68-70 degrees.

No new pics of the affected stretch from me personally, but here's a link to an update post from the RHA.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1402637889783658&id=193248897389236

[tycomps]

Does anyone know who's paying for the cleanup?

[tycomps]

any updates?

[Hookmanski]

Hey all, I was out of the country for 5 days so sorry for not giving updates! I'm catching up on info, but right now the only new info I have is that the DEP has installed at least 5 rock dams to help catch the sediment. I passed a pump truck getting ready this morning, as well as several pickups and lots of workers. They seem to be working pretty hard on this! However, the dams they installed are "temporarily permanent" which worries me a little, I'm hoping it won't impact the brown trout spawn.

[Hookmanski]

Hey all, just a quick update for ya! I recently found out that the clean up of the river is being done by a contractor hired by the Quarry, and they're paying for it, so it's good to see them taking responsibility for their actions. Dams are still in the water catching sediment, crews are there pretty much every day pumping stuff out, clean up is definitely not close to being done but its moving along.