Citizen Science Monitoring for Pathogen Indicators in the NY-NJ Harbor

Grants of approximately $20,000 to New York and New Jersey nonprofit community and environmental organizations for citizen-driven science projects that monitor pathogen indicators in the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary. Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted by December 11.

This project builds on the framework of the 2014 Citizen Science Monitoring for Pathogen Indicators in NY-NJ Harbor Tributaries while shifting focus to public access locations in the more open waters of the Harbor. It provides an opportunity for community groups to collaborate with HEP, IEC and USEPA to gather water quality data in the NY-NJ Harbor Estuary, with a focus on pathogen indicators.

These data will be publicly available, enabling communities to gain knowledge about the health of their local waters. At the same time, HEP, USEPA, and the state environmental departments will obtain valuable datasets that may indicate areas needing following-up monitoring and further attention, among other potential uses.

The skills gained by the community groups carrying out the monitoring will empower them to pursue a variety of citizen science projects producing useful and valid environmental data. It is hoped that this project will help paint a more complete picture of recreational water quality in the Harbor.