Background

The Passaic River Institute for Environmental Research and Education (commonly known as the “Passaic River Institute” or “PRI”) is housed within the College of Science and Mathematics at MSU. It represents faculty, research associates, visiting colleagues, students, programs, and facilities dedicated to a coordinated approach to examining the various environmental issues associated with the Passaic River watershed.  Industrial development of the last century, so critical to the economic growth of northern New Jersey, led to serious ecosystem challenges for the River that must now be carefully examined and, in many cases, remedied through a strong interdisciplinary approach.  The PRI is designed to respond to these river-based challenges and opportunities as we move into the twenty-first century.

The drainage basin of northern New Jersey’s Passaic River system covers approximately 2200 km², about 11% of the state’s surface area.  The river system is characterized by a complex web of major and minor tributaries (notably the Third, Saddle, Pompton, Ramapo, Wanaque, Pequannock, Rockaway and Whippany Rivers), draining much or part of eight New Jersey counties, as well portions of two New York counties, ultimately reaching Newark Bay at its confluence with the Hackensack River.  The basin contains some of the most densely populated land in the nation and is afflicted with numerous environmental problems, including major industrial pollution and suburban sprawl.  The Montclair State University campus is near the geographic center of the watershed and is thus ideally situated to serve as the focus for environmental research and educational efforts pertaining to the river.

The severely polluted lower reaches of the Passaic River (between Dundee Dam at Garfield and Newark Bay) have recently drawn considerable public interest as state and federal agencies have sought to jump start their efforts at remediation.  Part of the mission of the PRI will be to provide a neutral forum for the discussion of controversial environmental questions concerning the Passaic basin, bringing academic researchers from MSU and other institutions together with government regulators, industry representatives and concerned community groups, and undertake significant research to help understand and rectify the plight of this historic River.

Many of the environmental issues confronting the Passaic basin are interdisciplinary, requiring an integrated approach by a team of physical, biological and social scientists, with accompanying outreach to the affected communities.  Riverine problems that directly impact the regional human population include the subsistence harvest of contaminated fish and shellfish from the Passaic River (particularly prevalent in lower income and immigrant communities and considered an issue of “environmental democracy”), contamination by herbicide and pesticide residues from suburban horticultural and (upstream) rural agricultural activities, airborne combustion residues discharged by vehicles and home heating systems, and remnant brownfield properties from historic but now defunct industries.