Federal, state and local agencies are joining forces in an effort to clean up the Navesink River in northeastern Monmouth County, NJ. It is the first attempt at controlling nonpoint source runoff--water pollution from sources other than discharge pipes. The Navesink has no municipal or industrial discharges, instead, runoff--from city and suburban storm drains and nearby horse farms--pollutes the river. Some horses are allowed to roam into streams in the watershed and piles of manure wash into the Navesink's tributaries. Storm runoff can carry with it dog and cat waste. Boating wastes may be a secondary source of pollution. The Navesink project will concentrate on trying to change public habits that add to the nonpoint pollution in the river.
--Peter Montague, Ph.D.

Descriptor terms: nj; navesink river; water pollution; remedial action; non-point sources;