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Phase Two: Moving Science into Action

Stormwater Volunteer Water Monitoring Project

Graduates of the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES) presented water quality findings from two sites to DEP officials, the media and public on August 5, 2011 (they began sampling on June 28).

The work of these four students was funded by the Barnegat Bay Student Grant Program that is available from Save Barnegat Bay.

Their summer research was part of a pilot project led by DEP to test stormwater runoff using optical brighteners, a chemical found in laundry detergent, that if present, signifies the presence of bacteria or other contaminants. Their findings did in fact prompt further investigation and follow-up monitoring by DEP's Compliance and Enforcement division and the Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring.

The pilot project depicts a successful model of collaboration between partners and the leveraging of existing resources for a common purpose. It also facilitated skills from among the students in such areas as scientific analysis, planning and coordination, and teamwork.

This pilot project provided support for Action #7, #8 and #9, part of the Governor's Action Plan to protect and restore Barnegat Bay.

Various presentations, media resources and student reports are provided below.

DEP and Partners:

DEP Water Monitoring and Standards (Link: https://www.nj.gov/dep/wms/)

Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Sciences (MATES)
(Link: http://www.ocvts.org/htm/mates/mates-academy.html )

Save Barnegat Bay's Save Barnegat Bay Grants Program
(Link: https://www.savebarnegatbay.org/educate/student-grant/ )

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County - Coastal Water Quality
(Link: http://ocean.njaes.rutgers.edu/marine/wq.html)

Resources:

Presentation Slides: Barnegat Bay Water Quality Monitoring: A Student's Perspective
* Dr. John Wnek, MATES, presented at DEP's 8th Water Monitoring Summit on December 1 - 2, 2011
Presentation Slides: Barnegat Bay Student Grant Program (PP Slides)
* DEP and student presentation on August 5, 2011

YouTube Video: Water Quality Movie - Final
* Created by the students and posted on August 5, 2011
(Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ts58uQs8vE )

MATES Students Receive Grant, Present Findings to Public

Danielle Clancy
Joseph Convery
Kevin Dillon
Lauren Mae Henry

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