Partial Sanitary Survey: Shellfish Growing Area BB3, Sunrise Beach to Westecunk Creek, 1997-2001

This Partial Sanitary Survey covers the shellfish growing waters from southern Barnegat Bay to northern Little Egg Harbor. The results of water quality analysis for samples collected between October 1997 and August 2001 indicate that the Approved waters in the shellfish growing area consisting of the bay waters extending from Sunrise Beach to Westecunk Creek (BB3) met all criteria for classification as Approved. All waters classified as other than Approved also met criteria for their respective classifications. In this Survey, a section of BB3 located due East of Beach Haven West in Barnegat Bay is proposed to be upgraded from it's current Seasonal (Jan-Apr) classification to Seasonal (Nov-Apr). Further, another area in Barnegat Bay located just West of the Barnegat Inlet is recommended for upgrade from Special Restricted to Approved. The persistence of continually good data from sampling and analysis in these areas provides opportunity for recommendation of partial change in BB3 classification(s).This report was funded by a State General Appropriation and the Federal Clean Water Act.This shellfish growing area report is part of a series of studies having a dual purpose. The first and primary purpose is to comply with the guidelines of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP), which are established by the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC). Reports generated under this program form the basis for classifying waters for shellfish harvesting while insuring public health and safety with regard to human consumption of those harvests