High Levels of Human Poop Bacteria Found in Navesink River

Navesink River - Yes, there is human sewage flowing into the Navesink River.

A high-ranking official with the state Department of Environmental Protection confirmed Thursday night what many in the area already suspected: The Navesink River tested positive for fecal bacteria, and the levels are climbing with every passing year. There were also high amounts of fecal bacteria in the water from animals, such as geese, horses and dogs whose owners don't pick up after them.

Bob Schuster, interim chief of the DEP's Bureau of Marine Water Monitoring, made the announcement at a community meeting Thursday night, reports the Asbury Park Press. Water testing of the Navesink by three different groups — the state DEP, Rutgers and Clean Ocean Action — all found fecal coliforms in the water, which come from human sewage.

The news is not surprising: Last year, the DEP prohibited the harvesting of shellfish from the Navesink, an extraordinary measure. Eating contaminated shellfish can cause stomach upset, and accidentally swallowing water from the Navesink could lead to gastrointestinal problems, as well as respiratory, skin, eye, ear, nose, and throat disease. According to an analysis of EPA data by the Asbury Park Press, the dirtiest spot in the river is at the Rt. 35 bridge that connects Red Bank and Middletown. Many attribute the increasing dirtiness of the river to overdevelopment in Monmouth County: The soil of what used to be farm fields and woods absorbed rain water. However, increasing parking lots and subdivisions prevent groundwater drainage, so the rain water goes into the sewage system, overflowing the sewers and pushing it out into waterways like the Navesink.