DA ANCHORLINE

NEWSLETTER February 15, 2004, Issue 37

Members are encouraged to submit articles, dive plans and dive reports.

Visit club web site at https://www.angelfire.com/nj4/divers/

Photographs can be viewed at the above noted website.

Editor: Tom Gormley

Contents

Next Meeting Notice

Peggy’s News

DA Dive Log

DA Dive Plan

January DA Meeting Minutes, Unapproved

DA Calendar

Next Meeting Notice

Monday February 23, 2004

A representative from the

Ocean Conservancy

Will give a presentation

At

730PM Mario’s Restaurant

710 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton, NJ

New Guests are welcome to attend this meeting

Payment is due at this meeting for anyone wishing to sign on for any of Tom’s boat charters. Booking is first come first served. Limit is 6 divers on the Spring Tide out of Brielle to inshore dives. 7am departure, 3pm return.

Tom’s boat dive dates are:

Sundays: May 02, June 6, and August 15, 2004

Bring a check for $60 for each date you wish to book. Once bookings are made, payment is non refundable unless Tom or Northeast Scuba Supply can fill the spot.

__________________________________________________________________

Ocean Wreck Divers Flea Market

If you plan to attend the February 29^th Ocean Wreck Divers Flea Market, bring your items to the flea market, and find our club table. Tom, Rich, and Ben will try to sell the items for you there. If you can’t make the event but can make our DA meeting on Feb 23, 2004, please bring your items to Tom, Rich, or Ben to sell at the flea market. Be sure to mark your price limits on the articles as well as your name and any comments you wish to include about your item.

For directions, check their site: www.oceanwreckdivers.com

Peggy’s News

Note: Tom and Rich attended the NJCDC meeting that led to the agreement with COA. We both wholeheartedly agree that this agreement can help keep our water clean.

The NJ Council of Diving Clubs has signed on as one of the 26 groups:

- - - - - - - - -

POORLY TREATED SEWAGE WOULD FOUL NJ'S WATERWAYS

Date: 3 Feb 2004

From: {Outreach@CleanOceanAction.org}

USEPA'S PROPOSED GUIDANCE WILL SKIP CRITICAL SEWAGE TREATMENT STEP

PUBLIC HEALTH AND NATURAL RESOURCES AT RISK

February 3, 2004

Trenton - Today, 26 organizations condemned the US Environmental

Protection Agency's (USEPA) draft policy that would allow the

discharge of partially and inadequately treated sewage during rain

events into waterways, including coastal waters. Representatives of

community, conservation, diving, environmental, fishing, religious,

and watershed groups, strongly urged USEPA to immediately withdraw the

blending guidance and continue to uphold the nation's momentum toward

improved protection of waterways by enforcing current law.

"This proposed change is irresponsible and unacceptable. New Jersey

and New York have worked hard to improve marine water quality after

suffering from poorly treated wastewater in the past, and this federal

policy will put our waters at risk," said Cindy Zipf, Executive

Director of Clean Ocean Action. "The proposed guidance is an

environmental rollback that would circumvent the real solutions to

managing wastewater treatment challenges and allow a cheap and dirty

scheme that will threaten public health and the environment. The

solution to pollution is not dilution."

"At a time when the attentions of our Governor, New Jersey Department

of Environmental Protection, and our local residents are focused on

improving water quality and levels of protection for ecological

resources, EPA's proposal is unacceptable," said Leanne Foster, Policy

Director for the American Littoral Society. "At this very moment,

residents and families in New Jersey and across the tri-state area are

making their plans to spend yet another summer at the shore. Houses

are being renovated and rented, fishing trips planned and paid for,

boats are being refurbished, and fishermen and shell fishermen are

making ready for a lucrative harvest. EPA's proposal could jeopardize

all of these planned activities."

"What we flush down our toilets should be not be mixed with what

comes out of our faucets," said Doug O'Malley, Clean Water Advocate

for New Jersey Public Interest Research Group. "The Bush

Administration forgets that logic by allowing sewage to skip a crucial

treatment step. This is a raw deal for our waterways and our health."

"New Jersey as a state is already plagued with compromised water

quality that fails to meet standards set for recreational uses

including fishing and swimming," said Kelly McNicholas, Administrative

Assistant for the Sierra Club, NJ Chapter.

The groups opposing USEPA's draft guidance say the guidance will not

motivate Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) to pursue solving the

problems associated with wet weather. For instance, in coastal areas

of New Jersey, facilities are reaching capacity and the proposal

undermines state and local efforts to directly address the problems of

inflow, infiltration, and increasing population.

USEPA'S PROPOSED GUIDANCE

On November 7, 2003, USEPA released a draft guidance that would allow

Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) to re-route sewage around

secondary treatment units after the primary filtering treatment step

in the sewage treatment process during wet weather. The untreated, but

filtered, sewage would then be "blended" with fully treated wastewater

before being discharged directly into a waterbody. The result will be

inadequately treated sewage during wet weather, less incentive to fix

chronic infiltration problems, and polluted waters.

As proposed, this policy would apply to all of New Jersey's POTWs, as

well as entire nation's. The proposed guidance also would apply to

sanitary and combined sewers. USEPA is accepting public comments on

the draft guidance, the "National Pollutant Discharge Elimination

System (NPDES) Permit Requirements for Municipal Wastewater Treatment

Discharges During Wet Weather Conditions," until February 9, 2004.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND MARINE RESOURCES THREATENED

Contact with sewage-polluted water can make people sick. Swimming,

surfing, and other contact with inadequately treated wastewater

exposes people to harmful pathogens and viruses.

"Blending will result in poorly treated wastewater and increased

levels of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. And, one of the

solutions, chlorination of blended sewage, is ineffective in treating

human pathogens. The end result could well mean that, during wet

weather, recreational users of our coastal waters would be more likely

exposed to pathogens with increased risks of gastrointestinal and

respiratory illnesses. Also, chlorination by-products are highly toxic

to marine life and do not have permit limits in coastal waters," said

Kristen Milligan, Ph.D., Staff Scientist for Clean Ocean Action.

"Surfers have been called an indicator species when it comes to water

pollution. We spend more time in the water, and we are in the ocean

when other people wouldn't be - like when it is cold, or during and

after storms," said John Weber, Chair of the Jersey Shore Chapter of

the Surfrider Foundation. "Surfers therefore have much greater contact

with wastewater and water-born pathogens. This proposal is a giant

step backwards for surfers and everyone who depends on clean water."

New Jersey monitoring only tests for indicators of bacterial

pathogens, not all types of pathogens. Indicator bacteria such as

these are not directly harmful to humans, but are typically found in

the presence of other harmful viruses, parasites, and bacteria.

Currently, the pathogen indicators used to protect human health are

limited to bacterial pathogens and do not protect against viral

pathogens that are common causes of bathing-related illnesses, such as

respiratory infections. Elevated levels of bacterial pathogen

indicators are used as the basis for closing bathing beaches and

shellfish beds to protect human health.

"USEPA's proposed policy to allow inadequately treated wastewater to

be discharged into our waterways would result in chronic negative

effects on the shellfish beds and in turn have a negative effect on

the economic vitality and survivability of the shellfish industry, not

just in the Raritan Bay, but throughout New Jersey and New York," said

Debbie Mans, Policy Associate for NY/NJ Baykeeper.

Toxins that remain in wastewater after the treatment process also

threaten the health of humans and marine life. Many of the toxins that

enter the wastewater system have no permitted discharge limits. This

may allow toxins to build up in sediments and the tissues of marine

organisms, having detrimental, if not lethal effects on marine

organisms and placing human consumers of seafood at risk. Also,

chlorine added for disinfection creates a number of very toxic by-

products which further threatens waterways.

"Pollution directly affects the health of our waters and, in turn,

directly affects the health of the animals living in these waters. In

order to cleanup the waterways of this country, the sources of

pollution need to be cleaned up," said Gil Hawkins, Recording

Secretary and an environmental affairs coordinator for the Hudson

River Fishermen's Association - New Jersey Chapter. "Last year, the

Hudson River was in one its dirtiest states in a long time and the

combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and non-point source pollution were

good reasons for that."

"Our businesses depend upon clean water and a healthy marine

environment. Marinas and their boating customers are under strict

regulations in regard to sanitary waste, as well they should be. They

comply. The state and nation should do no less," said Scottie

Franklin, Environmental Chairperson for the Marine Trades Association

of New Jersey.

- - -

Alliance for a Living Ocean, American Littoral Society, Clean Ocean

Action, Coalition Against Toxics, Coastal Conservation Association of

New York - Staten Island Chapter, Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc.,

Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, Hudson River

Fishermen's Association - New Jersey Chapter, Ironbound Community

Corp., Isles, Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, Monmouth County

Friends of Clearwater, Natural Resources Protective Association, New

Jersey Audubon Society, New Jersey Council of Dive Clubs, New Jersey

Environmental Federation, New Jersey Environmental Lobby, New Jersey

Public Interest Research Group, New Jersey State Federation of

Sportsmen's Clubs, New York/New Jersey Baykeeper, Red Bank

Environmental Commission, Shark River Cleanup Coalition, Inc., Sierra

Club - New Jersey Chapter, Surfrider Foundation - Jersey Shore

Chapter, Upper Raritan Watershed Association, Waterspirit

* * *

Clean Ocean Action   W: http://www.cleanoceanaction.org

18 Hartshorne Dr

POB 505

Highlands NJ 07732

T: 732-872-0111   F: 732- 872-8041

E: Outreach@CleanOceanAction.org

---------------------------------------

From: Peggy Bowen, Director, NJ Council of Diving Clubs

E-mail: mailto:pegdiver@monmouth.com

http://www.scubanj.org/

______________________________________________________________________

DA Dive Log

Angela O’Reilly did 4 dives off the San Diego coast during the second week of February. On one dive off the shore she reported seeing newly deposited clusters of squid eggs on a dive to 65 feet. The shore drops off in several layers right off the shoreline. This is quite different from our New Jersey coast that just goes on at a mild slope for miles offshore. The water temperatures were in the high 50’s and the air was in the mid 70’s. Angela highly recommends members visit the area for diving if you get to our west coast.

Tom Gormley and Rich Mullen dove the Manasquan River Bridge on Saturday afternoon, February 14. The air temperature was well into the high 40 degrees, but the wind was blowing steady at 20 knots making it feel cool in unsheltered areas. Both divers said that it was good to get back in the water, even though the dive was short. Tom lasted 20 minutes in the 34 degree water and warm blooded Rich lasted 10 minutes longer. Tom reported seeing sparse marine life that included soft brown weed which covered just about everything, mussels were spread over the bottom and attached to pilings and rocks. A few starfish were holding the bottom as were anenomies, stony coral, and urchins. We saw a sparse few hermit crabs and green crabs barely moving. The only moving life were several tiny shrimp swimming in the eddies of the slack current. The vis was 15 feet.

Carl and Frank were there diving as well, and Angela was providing shore support as were Norva and Luke. Carl gets the cold water diver prize for lasting almost an hour in the water. He sure knows how to get the most out of an air fill!

Don Van Dyk traveled to Florida and dove the west coast for shark and mammal fossils. He showed several teeth and manatee bones at our Holiday Party. He said the diving was easy and being a northeast diver he was used to the digging. He plans to bring his finds and more information to a future meeting.

DA Dive Plan

Tom and Rich plan to dive somewhere soon, but the air temperature needs to cooperate. When it gets to around 40 degrees and it’s a weekend, you can count on them being out for a dive. Anyone who wants to join them should email Tom or Rich to let them know you plan to join the fun.

This season diving is weather permitting. Remember that March 21, 2004 there is a scheduled DA dive somewhere at the jersey shore. The count down for this date is only 5 weeks from now. Just give that some thought when you look out the window and see the snow on the ground and the cold wind blowing. It won’t be long!

Contact Tom or Rich if you are interested in diving any Sunday or Thursday at various sites throughout the area depending on water and weather conditions.

Boat Dives: Tom and Ben plan to personally charter the Spring Tide out of Brielle for dives in 2004. Tom’s dates are posted on his site www.safescuba.com These dates are open to club members as well as Tom’s students so contact Tom or Ben for information about their dives. The sign up date will be our February 2004 meeting. Bring $60 for each dive trip you wish to make.

Tom’s boat dive dates are:

Boat Dives: Sundays: May 02, June 6, and August 15, 2004

Other club members have indicated that they will be arranging charters. As dates are set, they will be added to the calendar.

Boat Diving Requirements

Everyone please be advised that the following are required by Tom and Ben to dive on any of their charters:

1) Standard NAUI Waiver and Release signed before boarding naming Tom Gormley and Ben Gualano as Instructors and Divemasters.

2) Logbook indicating northeast boat diving experience or arrangements to do guided dive with Tom or Ben.

3) Pony bottle and regulator with pressure gauge or other suitable redundant gear.

4) Compass, wreck reel, safety sausage, safety whistle and power surface audible signaling device, cutting device as well as other mandatory scuba gear.

5) DAN or equivalent insurance.

Members wishing to sell gear can post it here!

(Any sales of gear are subject to terms agreed upon by sellers and buyers.)

E-mail: Rick Farmer stainless steel backplate and OMS back inflation BCD,

E-mail: Tom Gormley 50 cuft low pressure steel tank, Nitrox ready, new condition

Meeting Minutes

Divers Anonymous Scuba Dive Club

Mario’s Restaurant / 710 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton, NJ

January 26, 2004 Monthly Meeting Minutes

Members Present:

Greg Collucci

Maurizia Corrao

Mike Dox

Ian Fryer

Tom, Norva & Garth Gormley

Fred Marcus

Leo and Connie Mazur

David Montroni

Gary Mullen

Richard Mullen

Al Nesterok

Charlie and Lara Padula

Chris Rollins

Kiiri Tietjens

Don Van Dyk

Paul Ward

The meeting began at 7:30 p.m. with 20 of 44 active members present.

Executive Committee Reports

Treasurer Report / Lara Padula

These funds are used to pay for expenses occurred running our club and to help offset expenses for various club offered activities.

Secretary Report / Richard Mullen

Last months minutes accepted unread as they appeared in December’s Newsletter. Made table reservation ($70) for upcoming Ocean Wreck Divers Flea Market to be held on February 29^th. All club members are invited to place items on table for sale. Contact Tom or Rich for details. Made arrangements for payment ($50) to NJ Council of Diving Clubs for our annual dues.

Vice President’s Report / Al Nesterok

Special thanks was given to Al to his excellent handling of our Annual Christmas Party held at San Carlos in Lyndhurst on January 10, 2005. Al made payment of $937.17, which was reimbursed from club’s treasury. Other funds collected at door and raffle was given to Lara to be placed into the treasury.

President’s Report / Thomas Gormley

Tom went over recent and upcoming club activities. Refer to attached calendar of events for details or visit our website. Other Activities

Local Dives

Contact Tom or and Rich for possible Sunday shore dives.

Remote Dives

Angela O’Reiley will be going out to San Diego on Feb 4~12 to do some diving and promote her new business venture. We look forward to getting updated details upon her return. Ben, Mike and Rich will be going to St. Thomas and St. Croix March 5~15 for artifact hunting. Paul Ward is looking into putting together a Mar 19~21 trip to dive Cooper River in SC and to visit local museum.

Membership

Welcome to new members Mike Dox and Dave Montroni.

Web Site

Visit club web site at https://www.angelfire.com/nj4/divers/. If members want to post club or scuba related activities they are encouraged to use email group mailing. If you have any club related photographs you wish to have posted on the web, send Tom electronic copy.

Old Business

There was nothing new to report.

New Business

· Ian is looking into putting together a warm water scuba dive trip -details to follow.

· Don is looking into doing a shore dive in Long Island Sound – details to follow.

· Ben is looking into putting together some dredging and artifact dive outing on the Springtide – details to follow.

Guest Speaker

Guest speaker Dean Fessler could not make the meeting tonight due to bad weather forecast. Instead, Tom brought in a video tape of recent NJ diving.

Minutes submitted by Secretary, Richard Mullen

2004

Divers Anonymous Calendar

Updated 02-15-04

Jan 2004 · 01/05: DA Planning meeting 6:30 p.m. at 6 Bros Diner Rt. 46 · 01/10: DA Holiday Party 7:30 p.m. San Carlos Rest 620 Stuyvesant Ave, Lyndhurst · 01/26: DA Club Meeting 7:30 p.m	Feb 2004 · 02/01: Bottle Show, South River · 02/14: 4^th Annual DA Ski Day · 02/29: Toms River Flea Market · 02/23: DA Club Meeting 7:30 p.m. Tom and Ben’s Boat Charters, Payment and Sign-Up, and “Ocean Conservancy” speaker	Mar 2003 St Thomas with Mr Ben 03/21: South Jersey Shore Dive (?) 03/26~28: Beneath-The-Sea 03/29: DA Club Meeting 7:30 p.m. Don Wilson will discuss his exploits, Dan Lieb for NJHDA Symposium 03/??: Winter Field Trip - TBA
Apr 2004 · 04/04: Manasquan RR Bridge Dive, 8AM · 04/14: Pool Dive for gear check and warm-up 9:15 p.m. Clifton YMYWHA · Sunday shore dives · 04/26: DA Club Meeting 7:30 p.m. Annual Dues and Officer Elections, Rescheduled. “White Shark Research Presentation” by Dean Fessler	May 2004 05/02: Tom – Spring Tide Boat Dive Sunday shore dives 05/15: Pre-Memorial Day Picnic 05/17: DA Club Meeting 7:30 p.m., Tom and Ben discuss the making of “Shore Diving in NJ” Local Shore Dives TBA	June 2004 06/14 8pm Shark River Inlet, Avon, NJ 06/05: Tom – Spring Tide Boat Dive 06/28: DA Club Meeting 7:30 p.m. - Diving Safety Issues” by DA Members
Jul 2004 · Local Shore Dives TBA · 7/17 & 18 DA Weekend at Dutch Springs · 07/26: DA Club Meeting, Topic, “Favorite Dives”	Aug 2004 8/1 715am Dual Wrecks Dive, Long Branch 8/7 “Crab Dive” Belmar Shark River 08/15: Tom – Spring Tide Boat Dive 08/30: DA Club Meeting 7:30 p.m.	Sep 2004 · 09/05: Labor Day Delaware Picnic · 9/12 Sun Shore Wreck Dive · 9/16 Thursday Night Dive, 9pm, Shark River Inlet, Avon · 09/27: DA Club Meeting 7:30 p.m.
Oct 2004 Local Shore Dives TBA 10/17 10am Halloween dive at MRRRBr, Pt Pleasant : DA Club Meeting 10/257:30 p.m.	Nov 2004 · Local Shore Dives TBA · Annual gear maintenance workshop TBA · 11/29: DA Club Meeting 7:30 p.m. 2004 Artifact & Story Contest	Dec 2004 · 12/13: DA Club Meeting 7:30 p.m. · “Happy Holidays” · Friday, 12/31: Last Dive of Year 10AM

Pink highlighted events are subsidized by DA dues