This map demonstrates the correlation that exists between lands that are being farmed or have the ability to be farmed, with known contaminated sites. In the bottom right hand corner, a map legend can be found to examine these factors in more detail.

INTRODUCTION

The general area of Morris county is home to many open spaces, covered with soil. Unfortunately, we also recognize that there is an abundance of contaminated sites due to wastewater, runoff, and many other causes. These sites can greatly impact the way that we are able to utilize and interact with our soils, and can change the quality of life for those who do.

DATA

The data shown to the right comes from New Jersey- specific GIS layers. Small pink circles show where wells are restricted due to high levels of contaminants in groundwater.  Light blue is Farmland of Statewide Importance, while darker blue is prime farmland. Open Space is included in green. 18 red stars demonstrate known contaminated sites in Madison (where groundwater is contaminated to a detrimental level). 

More detailed information about open space highlights why some of these regions are not being farmed. 

RESULTS

We are able to see that there is little to no overlap between known contaminated sites, and land that is currently being used as farmland. The one exception is to the northwest of Madison, with one overlapping site. 

Additionally, we see that the restricted well sites are overlapping with the contaminated sites, and that there is not active farmland nor open space within a close proximity of these sites. Madison does not contain very much land that is being farmed.

CONCLUSION

From these results, we are able to understand why certain regions of Madison may be used for farmland, while other regions are not. While some of the unfarmable regions are developed and being used for other purposes, there are large regions of open space that are not considered arable land. This in part could be due to their close proximity to contaminated sites. It is also important to note that people who live in areas near the well restricted sites are at a disadvantage or both water and potential farming. Even the opportunity to garden can be very important for people to be able to receive nutrients. When a site is contaminated beyond repair, there is sometimes a way to repurpose it, and while this is positive, it is not the ideal fix. 

ABOUT THE DATA

Well restricted sites data comes from the CEA (Classification Exempt Areas- Well Restriction Areas for New Jersey- Groundwater Contamination Areas), created by the Site Remediation Program and the NJDEP (https://gisdata-njdep.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/bfd549e193a947e9923492da13c24e4b_11/about)[This is whole state data specifically regarding well restricted sites, showing broader context]  

Contaminated Sites data comes from Known Contaminated Site List for New Jersey- Known Contaminated Sites List (NJDEP and SIte Remediation Program). Arable Land comes from New Jersey Important Farmland Soils, State Classified Farmland Soils, sourced from the NJDEP.

Open Space data comes from the NJDEP.Supporting data not shown on map comes from rosenet.org. and epa.gov.

Original Map created by Rebecah Bashant can be found using ArcGIS online publicly at https://arcg.is/1GnbWv

Related ERI sites:

Hydric Soils

https://madisoneri.org/map-drawer/land/farmland-soils/

https://madisoneri.org/map-drawer/pollution/known-contaminated-sites/surficial-aquifers/