This region includes the lower Passaic River (from the Pompton River confluence downstream to Newark Bay) and its tributaries, including the Saddle River. The Area covers portions of Passaic, Essex, Hudson and Bergen Counties and includes the following watersheds: Lower Passaic River, and Saddle River

The Lower Passaic River is considered in this report to be that section from the Pompton River confluence downstream to Newark Bay. This 33 mile section includes parts of Bergen, Hudson, Passaic and Essex Counties. Major tributaries include the Saddle River, Preakness Brook, Second River, and the Third River. This is a densely populated area, including the major cities of Newark, Paterson, Clifton, and East Orange. Water quality conditions in the region's surface waters are reflective of numerous point sources, significant nonpoint source contributions, and high sediment oxygen demands.

This area is characterized by highly elevated phosphorus, poor sanitary quality, elevated sodium and lead. Copper and mercury could also be threatening Elmwood Park and Little Falls, respectively. Nutrients, bacteria and sodium are all highly elevated. This location is threatened with possible ammonia toxicity.

The Lower Passaic River from the Pompton River to the Dundee Dam is severely affected by point sources which overload the assimilative capacity of the river.

A number of hazardous waste sites and contamination problems are found in the Lower Passaic and Saddle River watersheds.