Report: Aquatic life hurting in New Jersey
TRENTON - Of 846 bodies of water tested in New Jersey, only 27 percent met standards for healthy aquatic life, according to a new state Environmental Protection Department report.
The state's coastal waters are improving, however, the report said.
Test results covered the years 2002 to 2006. They found aquatic life was hurt by increased amounts of phosphorus, and acidity levels that weren't balanced. Urban and agricultural runoff produced many of the pollutants. Industry and wastewater plants also caused problems.
Jeff Tittel at the New Jersey Sierra Club says commercial and residential development is hurting water quality in the western part of the Highlands, located in the state's northwest.
Coastal waters and salt water bays and marshes, meanwhile, are improving because of the health of clams, oysters and mussels.
- AP
