Location: MERI Conference Room, NJMC Administrative Building
Presenter: Evert J. Elzinga, Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark

Abstract:  

Between 1905 and 1976, chromite ore containing 45-50% chromium (Cr) was shipped from all over the world to plants in Jersey City and Kearny for chromate and bichromate chemical manufacturing. An estimated 2.75 million tons of chromite ore processing residue (COPR) containing 2-7% chromium was produced in this time period and was widely used as wetland backfill and foundation material throughout Northern New Jersey. More than 130 chromite ore processing residue dumpsites have been identified in Hudson County, many of which are located in urban residential areas. The environmental impacts of COPR are not well understood. Of concern is the presence in COPR of hexavalent Cr(VI), which is a strong carcinogen and mutagen; trivalent Cr(III), in contrast, is much less toxic and mobile. The research presented here characterized the chemical speciation of Cr in samples taken from a COPR dumpsite in the New Jersey Meadowlands, using a combination of chemical extraction experiments and synchrotron-based spectroscopic analyses. The Cr content in the < 1 mm size fraction of the samples ranged between 200 to 850 mg Cr kg-1. The spectroscopic data indicate that Cr is in the trivalent oxidation state, with no evidence to suggest the presence of hexavalent Cr. The extraction data and spectroscopic measurements identified two major Cr species in these samples, which varied in importance depending on sample location. This talk will present and discuss the results from this study in detail, and outline the implications of the findings for the Cr geochemistry at the site.

Location: MERI Conference Room, NJMC Administrative Building
Presenter: GIS Group, MERI

Abstract:

The MERI GIS group will be hosting members of the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners for a presentation on the utilization of GIS technologies in the Meadowlands District and how such programs may benefit other organizations with similar goals and responsibilities. The presentation will encompass a thorough examination of the GIS Outreach (MAGNET) Program, Emergency Response Information System (ERIS), Flood Warning & Mapping, and WinCan & Utility Mapping projects. This presentation will also focus on how the NJMC has developed its enterprise GIS through the years since the resolution (2003) executing the Commission to provide GIS infrastructure for its member municipalities. 

Location: MERI Conference Room, NJMC Administrative Building
Presenter: Brian Kennedy, GIS Specialist/Developer, MERI

Abstract:  

Brian Kennedy will present a review of the web traffic analytics and trends for the MERI website.  The presentation will focus on various methods for increasing MERI's web presence in 2010. 

Location: MERI Conference Room, NJMC Administrative Building
Presenter: Brigid Burke & Richard Goerner, Fairleigh Dickinson University

Abstract:  

The Meadowlands Commission provided Fairleigh Dickinson University with grant funding to provide a digital copy of maps and documents relevant to researchers at the Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute, and to preserve and maintain the original items. Brigid Burke (Digital Projects Librarian) and Richard Goerner (University Archivist) of FDU will discuss the materials selected for digitization and provide details about the completed digital copies and their accompanying metadata (MARC, Dublin Core, SGML/XML, and FGDC Geospatial). Richard Goerner will also discuss the completion of the project, including his plans for preserving and maintaining the original materials for future research.