Wastewater Plants Need Tougher Standards, Report Urges

njspotlightnews.org

Scientists at the Delaware River Basin Commission are urging the agency to ensure more oxygen is available for migrating fish by setting stricter standards for wastewater treatment plants that discharge into the urban section of the river.

In a landmark report that represents the conclusion of five years’ work, the water experts said it’s technically feasible to reduce the ammonia content of the plants’ output to the point where dissolved oxygen — a key measure of the river’s health — would significantly increase, and the “designated use” of that section of the river would be upgraded to allow propagation of fish.