Latest news with #NewJerseyDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection
Mint
5 days ago
- Climate
- Mint
US air quality alerts: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania among 9 states hit by Canadian wildfire smoke
National Weather Service has issued a series of Air Quality Alerts across the northeastern and midwestern United States for August 5 as wildfire smoke from Canada continues to drift southward, blanketing large swaths of the country in hazardous fine particulate matter (PM2.5). NWS said residents in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Vermont, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana have been warned to limit outdoor activity due to unhealthy air conditions, especially for sensitive populations. New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut all remain under Air Quality Action Days through midnight tonight. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has flagged Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex, and Union counties, while the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation extended the alert to all five NYC boroughs and counties north of the city including Westchester, Rockland, Orange, and Putnam. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued alerts for Fairfield, New Haven, and Middlesex counties until 11 PM. Across all states, officials are advising sensitive individuals — including children, older adults, and those with asthma, lung, or heart disease — to limit strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities. The New York State Department of Health echoed this concern, urging those at risk to consider consulting a physician if symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest discomfort develop. The Air Quality Index (AQI) values in affected areas are expected to exceed 100, placing many regions in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category. Fine particulates (PM2.5), the primary pollutant, are microscopic particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, exacerbating existing health issues and triggering new symptoms in vulnerable populations. States such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana reported direct impacts from Canadian wildfire smoke, particularly from fires in Manitoba and Ontario. High pressure systems have trapped smoke close to the ground, worsening air quality. In Michigan, counties across the northern and central parts of the state were affected, with concentrations expected to ease by Wednesday. Meanwhile, Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources expects smoke to persist throughout the day, with heavier conditions in the northeast. Vermont: Counties of Bennington and Windham are under alert through midnight due to smoke-driven PM2.5 levels. Massachusetts: An alert is in effect from 11 AM to 11 PM for Fine Particulates. Pennsylvania: Issued a Code Orange Alert, indicating unhealthy air for sensitive groups, especially in urban centers. Indiana: Declared an Air Quality Action Day for fine particulates and advised reducing outdoor exposure. Officials across all regions recommend the following precautions: Avoid or limit outdoor exertion, especially if you're in a sensitive group. Keep windows closed and use air purifiers or HVAC systems with MERV-13 filters or higher. Avoid activities that worsen air quality, such as burning wood or refueling vehicles during the day. Monitor symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or eye irritation — and seek medical advice if they worsen. Check your local AQI at for real-time updates.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
It wasn't your imagination: May was the fifth wettest on record in NJ
After a long period of drought, New Jersey saw the fifth wettest May on record, according to a spring 2025 recap from the state climatologist's office. With all the rain that May provided, New Jersey reservoirs that supply drinking water to residents have been almost completely restored, said David Robinson, a Rutgers professor and the state climatologist. New Jersey is nearly out of its drought period and has sufficient reservoir levels for the hotter summer months ahead — and more rain is expected in the next few days. 'The Department of Environmental Protection is still cautious about this, and they have still retained the state in a drought warning primarily because the groundwater is being slow to respond, particularly in South Jersey,' Robinson 2024 was the driest in the state dating back to 1895, when records were first kept. New Jersey had not only the driest October on record, but it was the driest of any month in the state since 1895, Robinson said. The lack of precipitation in the fall and winter months were the result of patterns of precipitation in New England and around the Great Lakes that were just missing New Jersey as they passed by, Robinson said. Coastal storms such as Nor'easters are also sources of moisture for the area, but they didn't come until April and May when the pattern shifted. La Niña, a storm pattern in the Pacific Ocean, is possibly a reason other coastal storms were irregular due to sea surface temperatures, atmospheric pressure and wind patterns changing, Robinson said. 'A lot of what we are talking about here and what happened in May, that's just weather patterns that are associated with the day-to-day fluctuations in circulation,' Robinson said. 'That's what makes it so difficult to unravel all of this and explain all of this.' North Jersey reservoir levels dropped to nearly 20% below average between the months of January and March, according to data from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. In April and May, those reservoirs' water levels shot up to about 10% above average. For instance, the three reservoirs operated by Veolia along the Hackensack River in Bergen County — the Oradell Reservoir, Lake Tappan and Woodcliff Lake — had dropped to just above 50% of capacity by February, and well below the historical average for that time of year. By the end of May, they had rebounded to 100% capacity. The reservoirs rely on winter to supply them with water in time for the summer, Robinson said. The just-below normal precipitation in spring slightly reduced the statewide drought, but the large amounts of rain in May were able to replenish the reservoirs. 'We should always be careful with our use of water, because New Jersey's freshwater supplies are quite finite, and they can change pretty quickly,' Robinson said. 'With just a couple of hot, dry months, we could be back into a worrisome position again. The indicators are that we won't, but better to be careful.' The area will get more rain in the next few days with stronger showers the evening of June 6 and lighter showers the evening of June 7, according to the National Weather Service. July and August are also generally the wettest months of the year, so a drought in New Jersey this summer is not likely, Robinson said. 'Patterns become more local or regional during the summer, so it's hard to get a grasp on just what's going to unfold,' he said. 'However, there is some indication that this summer will lean toward the normal to somewhat above normal precipitation pattern.' This article originally appeared on May 2025 was 5th wettest on record in NJ, as reservoirs rebound
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Beaches in NJ tested for bacteria, declared safe for swimming. Kicks off summer season
With Memorial Day weekend in sight, seven Jersey Shore beach spots have been tested for bacteria and declared to be safe for swimming, according to state environmental officials. Throughout the summer, health officials will test more than 300 sites around New Jersey weekly, looking for high bacteria levels that could cause illness. Testing is performed each Monday and results are typically available by Tuesday afternoon. Beaches that fail for having high bacteria levels are retested daily during the week, until their microbe counts fall to level considered safe for swimming. Leaky sewer systems, animal waste and stormwater runoff are all contributors to high levels of bacteria at lakes and beaches. In large enough concentrations, these microbes can cause illnesses like vomiting, diarrhea and ear infections in swimmers. People with weak immune systems, young children and elderly adults are particularly at risk. The seven beaches that have tested safe for swimming as of May 20, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, are: Belmar beach at 5th Avenue. Belmar beach at 12th Avenue. Belmar beach at 20th Avenue. Belmar's L Street beach on the Shark River. Point Pleasant Beach's northernmost beach. Point Pleasant Beach at Jenkinson's Pavilion. Point Pleasant Beach at Maryland Avenue. Despite low bacteria levels, swimming can still be dangerous at these locations. Local officials regularly warn swimmers not to enter the water unless lifeguards are present. Additionally, midweek rain could flush animal waste, pesticides, oil and other pollutants into streams and rivers and increase bacteria counts in some waterways temporarily, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Swimmers should avoid water that is cloudier than usual, discolored or has a bad smell, according to the Centers for Disease Control. To prevent illness, avoid swimming with any cuts or wounds, and keep sand out of children's mouths, according to the agency. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before eating on the beach, according to the CDC. Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 17 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@ or 732-557-5701. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Worried about ocean swimming? Belmar, Point Pleasant beaches safe
Int'l Business Times
25-04-2025
- Int'l Business Times
NJ Wildfire: 19-Year-Old Charged With Arson As Blaze Burns 15,250 Acres
A massive wildfire in New Jersey has now devoured over 15,000 acres. AFP Joseph Kling was charged with arson after he allegedly set wooden pallets on fire and left them before they were fully extinguished Several structures were still threatened by the wildfire after it already burned down a commercial building and multiple vehicles Sen. Andy Kim said "there's still a lot of anxiety" as he visited contained sites that the wildfire left charred Authorities in New Jersey have charged a 19-year-old individual with arson and aggravated arson following a massive wildfire that started Tuesday in Ocean County. The wildfire has since been spreading dramatically since Tuesday, even as firefighters work tirelessly to contain and extinguish it. The Jones Road Wildfire has now scorched 15,250 acres and remains at 50% containment as per the New Jersey Forest Fire Service's latest update. Teen charged In a joint statement Thursday, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradly D. Billhimer, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, and Ocean Township Chief of Police Michal Rogalski, announced that Joseph Kling, 19, was "charged with Aggravated Arson and Arson in connection with a wildfire that started in Waretown on April 22, 2025, and continued to spread throughout the southern Ocean County area." Investigations into the cause of the fire revealed that "Kling was the individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire – and then leaving the area without the fire being fully extinguished." Kling is now at the Ocean County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing over the charges. Several structures still threatened by wildfire Meanwhile, the local forest fire service said in its Thursday update that evacuation orders have now been lifted for around 5,000 residents in the Lacey and Ocean Townships who were forced out of their homes at the peak of the fire Tuesday. Despite the evacuations being lifted, the wildfire's threat remained, especially on four structures within the blaze's path. WILDFIRE UPDATE: Jones Road Wildfire - Ocean & Lacey Townships, Ocean CountySIZE & CONTAINMENT🔥 15,250 acres 🔥 50% contained — New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) April 24, 2025 Some previously closed roads have now been reopened, but "unimproved roadways within the fire perimeter remain closed." As of Thursday, the Jones Road Wildfire has destroyed one commercial building and multiple outbuildings and vehicles. Senator visits contained area amid lingering "anxiety" Democratic Sen. Andy Kim on Thursday visited some areas across the county where the devastating wildfire has already been contained. In his video, Kim stood on the backdrop of charred road signs and trees as he explained how a warehouse near where he stood was completely burned down. There is a lot of damage and anxiety around Ocean County from the Jones Road Wildfire. The service of our firefighters and first responders is nothing short of heroic. This isn't over yet as they keep up their progress containing the fire. It is 50% contained right now, impacting… — Senator Andy Kim (@SenatorAndyKim) April 24, 2025 He praised the work of first responders, firefighters, and everyone involved in containing the fire. "Certainly, it's not over yet," he noted, as the fire was still at 50% contained -- the same figure from Wednesday, and yet the wildfire expanded over 2,000 acres more. He also reiterated that "there's still a lot of anxiety" for Ocean County residents and others in New Jersey due to the wildfire. © Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Rain headed for Northeast, but key drought areas may miss out
Drenching rain is coming for parts of the Northeast from late Friday to Saturday evening, AccuWeather meteorologists say. However, some areas could miss out on the heaviest rain and with dry winds expected to follow, wildfire risk may ramp up again next week. Very light winds from Tuesday to Thursday morning gave firefighters the chance to gain significant containment on the massive Jones Road Fire tearing across New Jersey. A south-southwest breeze will pick up later Thursday and continue into Friday and could cause the fire to spread more rapidly once again. The temperature will also increase compared to earlier this week. Highs are forecast to be well into the 70s F in most locations in New Jersey and even into the 80s in parts of the mid-Atlantic. Smoke fills the sky as an inferno rages from a wildfire in Lacey Township, New Jersey, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection via AP) As firefighters control the active part of the fire, smoke will diminish, but flareups and certain fuels can cause the amount of smoke to increase. Aside from the threat of fire, visibility and air quality will be the main issues as flames continue to ravage the state. Downwind of the fire, smoke can cause air quality issues dozens of miles away. Farther south and west, where smoke has invaded the lower and middle parts of the atmosphere due to light winds, haze and the smell of smoke are possible. During the first part of the weekend, higher humidity levels may keep some fuels moist as a storm swings through with sporadic rainfall ranging from spotty showers to a thorough soaking. Areas from upstate New York to northern and central New England will likely be the greatest beneficiaries of the rain, with a general 0.50 inch to 1.50 inches in store. Behind the rain or sporadic showers into Saturday night, winds will kick up. "While it will be much cooler on Sunday, when compared to Friday, the gusty winds and very dry air will quickly dry out the brush and fallen leaves once again," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said. "That could boost the wildfire risk, depending how much rain fell on local areas from the storm earlier in the weekend." Monday will likely be similar to Wednesday with light winds, sunshine and dry air. In much of New Jersey, highs will range from the mid-60s to the low 70s. By Tuesday, however, warmth will build over the region on a quickening southwest breeze. "Even though humidity levels are likely to rise on Tuesday, the combination of warmth, sunshine, a breeze and dry brush may lead to a rising wildfire risk," Anderson said. Yet another storm will swing through on Tuesday night, bringing showers and thunderstorms to the Northeast. Once again, the showers could be sporadic, with some areas in the mid-Atlantic missing the rainfall. April has brought little rain to parts of New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, southeastern New York and southern New England. In some cases, rainfall has only been 25-50% of the historical average for the month that typically brings between 3 and 4 inches. While drought conditions are not exceptional in the Northeast, many locations are experiencing abnormally dry soil conditions. Some areas are in the throes of a moderate to severe drought, according to the United States Drought Monitor. You can check the air quality in your area anytime-for free-on the Accuweather app. Our air pollution forecast models have been enhanced to provide you with superior accuracy - before, during and after wildfires - to help keep your family, friends and your business better prepared and informed. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
