Date: Wednesday July 13, 2016
Time start: 11:50 AM
Time end: 12:00 PM
Object: Hudson River (Pier 45)
Location: Near 10th St West St
Temperature:
Time start 
After collecting water
Wind direction: Southeast
Wind speed: 9 mph
Weather: Sunny, cloudy, hazy, mild, breezy, humid (partly because of the location)
Observation:
Pier 45 can be considered as an open park fitted out for joggers, sunbathers, dog walkers, families, and tourists. Basic and recreational facilities are mostly under good conditions, including tables and chairs, restrooms, and water taxis. An information center is also located there, but was not open that day. The temperature was a little bit high, accounting for many topless people. Thanks for the particular location, the weather was mild and comfortable though. Numerous birds and dogs could be seen in the park. One thing was noticeable. Although it was lunch time, few eaters were there.
As for the river, the water looks green and not too muddy. It feels warm. We found various floats in the river, such as plastic cups, straws, and pieces of plastic packages mostly for food (e.g. Oreo). A caution sign about wet weather discharge point is also posted on the dike. The information is related to what we were taught in the water lab. (It says: THIS OUTFALL MAY DISCHARGE RAINWATER MIXED WITH UNTREATED SEWAGE DURING OR FOLLOWING RAINFALL AND CAN CONTAIN BACTERIA THAT CAN CAUSE ILLINESS)
Ideas and Questions:
Ideas
- Hudson river is part of the water system as a discharge point for used and treated/untreated water.
- Animals waste might have greater impact on the water than human’s trash and sewage since there is no typical rainy season in New York.
- Floating trash might come partly from people in the water taxi.
- The river is not heavily polluted supported by the color and clarity.
Questions
- How much does the activity of the water taxi influence the quality of the water?
- For what reasons a discharge might happen during dry weather?
- What if the weather is hotter? Would there still be a lot of people and animals?
- What if it is dinner time? Would there be more people and animals?
- What if it is snowy? Would a discharge be necessary or not?
