Recently, the Borough of Spring Lake retained Najarian Associates to conduct environmental and engineering studies of Wreck Pond.  The Pond is located along the Spring Lake-Sea Girt Boundary, adjacent to recreational beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.  Bacteria-laden discharges from the Pond reportedly have been responsible for 50 of 59 ocean swimming bans in New Jersey during 2004, and 58 of 80 during 2003.  Potential sources of contamination include stormwater flow into the Pond, waterfowl use, pet waste, and residential fertilizer use.  Studies are needed to determine the actual condition of the Pond and to determine optimal control measures to improve water quality, ecological habitat and flood control.

The NJDEP has proposed dredging of the pond to improve water quality and reduce the impacts of overflows on Ocean water quality.  Some of the sandy material taken from the Pond is proposed for beach replenishment.  Concerns have been raised about possible environmental impacts associated with the dredging, including impacts to the shorebird populations that use the Pond.  Further, the State is planning to extend the outflow pipe from the Pond farther out into the ocean to reduce the impact of any discharge on the bathing beaches.

Wreck Pond exchanges water with the ocean through a 7 foot diameter outfall pipe. This pipe conveys ocean water into the pond during ocean high tides, and allows water to drain out of the pond during ocean low tides. In addition to ocean water, the pond receives tributary flows, as well as stormwater flows through outfall structures from surrounding residential areas.   The Pond’s watershed area is approximately 15 square miles and contains a mix of wooded areas, agricultural areas, low to medium density residential areas, and mixed use areas.  In addition to tributary streams, the Pond receives direct stormwater flows through outfall structures from surrounding residential areas.