Waterbody / Watershed Facts - Shellbank Basin

BOROUGH:

Queens

SEWER DISTRICTS

Jamaica

COMMUNITY DISTRICT(S):

10

SHORELINE USES:

Recreational; Residential; Commercial; Municipal; Parkland and Open Space

NYSDEC CLASSIFICATION:

Class 1 - Secondary Contact; Fishing.

Existing Water Quality:

Dissolved oxygen levels are in non-compliance with standards. Coliform levels are in compliance with standards (Jamaica Bay CSO Facility Plan, 1993). Basin morphology at head end and poor flushing contributes to stratification and hypoxic dissolved oxygen conditions. Water quality conditions improve in lower reaches towards Jamaica Bay.

EXISTING WATER USES:

Commercial and Recreational Boating

SOURCES OF
WATER POLLUTION:

CSO, stormwater and other runoff,
impact of Jamaica Bay water quality

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
EFFECTING WATER QUALITY
AND USES:

Nuisance odors/discoloration

ECOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION:

Special Natural Waterfront Area at mouth(NYCDCP)
Significant Coastal Fish & Wildlife Habitats at mouth (NYSDOS)

DEP WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT(S):(WQIP)

Catch Basin Hooding Program;
CSO Facility Plan
– elimination of CSO
– alternative technology pilot testing
– ongoing planning

PROJECTED WQIP WATER QUALITY:

Dissolved oxygen conditions will improve but standards will not be met throughout the basin. Reduction of floatables discharges.

OTHER WQIP INITIATIVES:

NY/NJ Harbor Estuary Program
– salt marsh restoration to improve habitat diversity