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Project Summary

Full Summary

Najarian Associates initiated a study to investigate the environmental impacts of water supply diversions from the Pompton, Passaic and Ramapo Rivers on the water quality and trophic level of the Wanaque and Monksville Reservoir complex in New Jersey.

Najarian Associates initiated a study to investigate the environmental impacts of water supply diversions from the Pompton, Passaic, and Ramapo Rivers on the water quality and trophic level of the Wanaque and Monksville Reservoir complex in New Jersey.

Mixed-Layer Hydrothermal Reservoir Model

Najarian developed an in-house, time-varying, two-dimensional hydrothermal model of the two reservoirs. Results have been published in the literature, “Mixed-Layer Hydrothermal Reservoir Model,” (ASCE, Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, Vol. 120, No. 7, July, 1994).

The mixed-layer model included a module for simulations of various water quality constituents and phosphorus dynamics. Najarian then collected the field data in a comprehensive water quality monitoring program for model calibration and verification.

Scenario Simulations

Najarian tested the model in two scenario simulations, including the filling of the Monksville Reservoir and the drought conditions which prevailed in the mid-1960s.The firm analyzed simulation results and made recommendations based upon the findings of the diversion impact studies.

The simulations helped generate a management tool to be used in the development of diversion policies for the Wanaque South reservoir system.

Wanaque Reservoir Progress

  • In 2000, Najarian Associates conducted a successful re-verification of the model for the NJDEP using ten years of in-reservoir data.
  • In 2005, NJDEP retained Najarian Associates to develop a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the Wanaque Reservoir based on model analysis.
  • In 2013, Najarian Associates applied the SWMM model to better simulate loadings from the reservoir’s upstream watershed. The firm re-verified the reservoir model as part of a linked-model simulation.