Waters of the U.S. and State And Aquatic Life

Transcription

1 Waters of the U.S. and State And Aquatic Life

2 Waters Streams Wetlands Ditches Ponds, Lakes, and Reservoirs Aquatic Life Fish Macrobenthos Unionid Mussels

3 Aquatic Ecology: Streams Goals of stream sampling on ODOT projects: Describe the flow characteristics and features that define it as a jurisdictional water of the U.S. and/or State Provide a provisional aquatic life use designation on any undesignated streams or to provide supplemental information on streams with assigned Ohio aquatic life use designations Determine if the stream provides habitat for any listed aquatic species or mussel beds Described using physical, chemical, and biological characteristics Within Ohio, a stream s quality is based on its ability to support aquatic life

4 Aquatic Ecology: Streams: Stream Definition: Any channel which carries water for at least a minimal period of time and has an ordinary high water mark (OHWM) OHWM - fluctuations of water cause: Clear natural line impressed on the bank Shelving Changes in the character of soil Destruction of terrestrial vegetation Accumulation of litter and debris Other Defined Channel OHWM

5 Aquatic Ecology: Streams Drainage Area: influences flow regime, channels physical characteristics, habitat potential, and biological community Streams with drainage areas less than 1 mi² and with natural pools less than 40 cm deep are classified as Primary Headwater Habitat Streams (PHWH) Streams with drainage areas greater than 1 mi² are considered Headwater (1-20 mi²), Wading or Boat sites (>20 mi² drainage area)

6 Aquatic Ecology: Streams Flow Regime: flow characteristics affect channel morphology as well as the biota Perennial - permanent, continuous flow at the surface (supraficial) or through the interstitial spaces (interstitial) Intermittent - flow for extended period of time seasonally, but dry out periodically Ephemeral -typically dry and flow only during and for a short time following precipitation events Diagrams taken from Ohio EPA s Field Evaluation Manual for Ohio s Primary Headwater Habitat Streams (September 2002)

7 Aquatic Ecology: Streams Flow Regime: context of Clean Water Act jurisdiction Relatively Permanent Water (RPW)- continuous flow on at least a seasonal basis(typically three months of the year) All perennial and some intermittent streams Non-Relatively Permanent Water (Non-RPW)- does not flow continuously for a least one season All ephemeral and some intermittent streams.

8 Aquatic Ecology: Streams Other terms used for Clean Water Act jurisdiction: Traditional Navigable Waters (TNW) - navigable waters of the U.S. as stated by individual USACE Districts through public notices, determined by court decisions, and waters that are navigable in fact All TNWs are considered federally jurisdictional Tributaries - include natural, man altered, or manmade water courses that carry flow directly or indirectly into TNWs only considered federally jurisdictional if they have a significant nexus with a TNW significant nexus - flow characteristics and functions affect the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of a downstream TNW

9 Aquatic Ecology: Streams Stream Aquatic Life Use Designations: existing or potential use of a stream by aquatic life Primary Headwater Habitat Streams Class 1 - ephemeral, few or no aquatic fauna, typically dry Class 2 - perennial or intermittent, warm-water fauna Class 3a - perennial, cool water fauna Class 3b - perennial, cold water fauna Larger (>1 mi²) Streams Limited Warmwater Habitat (LWH): lower quality waters Limited Resource Water (LRW): fauna severely limited by physical habitat or other irretrievable condition Modified Warmwater Habitat (MWH): tolerant fauna, modification/disturbance that inhibits recovery Warmwater Habitat (WWH): typical fauna expected in less impacted streams throughout Ohio Exceptional Warmwater Habitat (EWH): unique and diverse fauna Coldwater Habitat (CWH): cold water or cool water fauna Seasonal Salmonid Habitat (SSH): supports lake run steelhead trout fisheries.

10 Aquatic Ecology: Streams Other stream designations: Anti-degradation Designations (OAC ) Limited Quality Waters General High Quality Waters Superior High Quality Waters Outstanding State Waters Outstanding National Resource Waters National and State Wild and Scenic River lists, and the Nationwide Rivers Inventory (NRI) list FEMA Flood Zones Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program

11 Aquatic Ecology: Streams START: Flow Chart for Conducting Stream Sampling To Sample or Not to Sample? That is the Question. Stream Sampling Flowchart When to sample Level of sampling effort Reduce unnecessary sampling YES Level 2 or Level 3 Ecological Survey required Does the stream sample location have a drainage area >1mi 2? YES Does the stream have a drainage area >200 mi 2 at the sample location? YES No full aquatic biological sampling required. -Conduct a QHEI (if possible)and water quality assessment. -Use the existing OEPA Aquatic Life Use Designation as well as other data (from OEPA, ODNR, USGS, etc.) to characterize the stream. -Check the banks and riffles for evidence of freshwater mussels within the study area (potential mussel beds). Level 2 or Level 3 Ecological Survey required NO NO NO Headwater Habitat Is the stream a State Wild or Scenic River at the sample location? YES Full aquatic biological sampling may be required. -Conduct a QHEI (if possible)and water quality assessment. -Use the existing OEPA Aquatic Life Use Designation as well as other data* (from OEPA, ODNR, USGS, etc.) to characterize the stream. -Check the banks and riffles for evidence of freshwater mussels within the study area (potential mussel beds). *If no recent data are available, additional aquatic biological sampling may be required. Contact OES to coordinate sampling with ODNR. Is the Stream Designated a National Wild, Secenic, or Recreational River? Does the project meet the requirements necessary to be coordinated under the Ecological MOA? Does the stream have pool depths >40 cm? YES Stream is either Primary Headwater Habitat (PHWH methods) or Headwater Habitat (QHEI method). Appropriate method should be determined by a qualified biologist. NO NO YES Primary Headwater Habitat Does the stream segment have an assigned OEPA Aquatic Life Use Designation of EWH or CWH? YES NO Conduct full aquatic sampling (habitat, water quality, fish, and macroinvertebrates) to characterize the stream within the project area and to identify the presence of any Threatened or Endangered species or mussel beds. If the stream is undesignated or has an unconfirmed designation, a "provisional" use designation should be made. No full aquatic biological sampling required. Summarize the habitat and water quality data and report the confirmed OEPA Aquatic Life Used Designation. If the stream has an unconfirmed or no designation, a "provisional" use designation should be made based on QHEI and water quality data. Follow the Level 1 Report process outlined in the Ecological Manual and submit to OES. If the literature review reveals the presence of aquatic Endangered or Threatened species, project specific coordination may be required and aquatic survey work may be requested by ODNR or the USFWS. The stream's existing OEPA Aquatic Life Use Designation should be noted. NO YES NO No full aquatic biological sampling required. Assess stream using OEPA's PHWH methodologies (see Stream Habitat Description section of Ecological Manual). Does the literature review (Natural Heritage Database or other) indicate the presence of aquatic Endangered or Threatened species? YES Does the stream have a QHEI score >60, a ph range between 6.5 and 9, and a D.O. > 4.0 mg/l? YES NO NO Conduct a QHEI and water quality analysis. Check the banks and riffles for evidence of freshwater mussels within the study area (potential mussel beds). Does the stream have a confirmed OEPA Aquatic Life Use Designation of WWH, MWH, or LRW?

12 Aquatic Ecology: Streams Stream Habitat Descriptions: Site Specific Information Stream name, existing aquatic life use designation, location (reference mapping), drainage area, date, weather conditions Flow Characteristics Flow regime (RPW, Non-RPW Riparian Habitat Characteristics Land use immediately adjacent to the stream In-stream Habitat Characteristics Qualitative Habitat Evaluation index (QHEI) Primary Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index (HHEI)

13 Aquatic Ecology: Streams All streams in the study area with drainage areas >1mi² require a QHEI assessment. Substrate In-stream cover Channel characteristics Riparian characteristics Pools & riffle quality Gradient & drainage! Stream morphology Visible pollution Stream drawing (photos) Can be used to assign a provisional aquatic life use designation 15 cm riffle cobble/gravel 40 cm pool silt/sand P 1 P 2 25 cm run sand/gravel

14 Aquatic Ecology: Streams Streams with drainage areas <1 mi² and natural pool depths 40 cm should be scored using OEPA s HHEI. The HHEI and other PHWH methodologies can be used to assign provisional aquatic life use designations to PHWH streams. Substrate Pool depth Bankfull width Stream drawing 5 cm riffle cobble/gravel P 1 20 cm pool silt/sand P 2 15 cm run sand/gravel

15 Aquatic Ecology: Streams Level One, Level Two,and Level 3 ecological surveys (with a small number of PHWH streams) All PHWH streams are assessed using the HHEI. Level Three ecological surveys (with multiple corridors or alternatives) Sub-sample method for Preliminary Draft and Draft Level3 Ecological Survey Reports (ESR) Walk corridor and photograph each PHWH stream Establish reference sites Conduct HHEIs on reference sites Categorize unsampled streams with reference stream types Display results on project mapping and in matrix tables Use information to select alternatives (following Preliminary Draft Level 3 ESR), and to select the preferred alternative (following Draft Level 3 ESR) All PHWH streams impacted by the preferred alternative will need to be assessed and presented in the Final Level 3 ESR

16 Aquatic Ecology: Streams Water Chemistry: Measure basic water quality parameters in the field Assess the overall quality of a stream or large wetland with open water habitat water temperature ph dissolved oxygen specific conductivity / total dissolved solids other, may include sediment, as required by the resource agencies and approved by OES) Water quality measurements outside of the "normal" range can indicate a source of chemical impairment.

17 Aquatic Ecology: Streams Results of stream studies (literature and field review) Identify and map all streams A determination of the length of stream within the study area Assess all streams (QHEI and or HHEI) and determine a provisional aquatic life use designation (or determine the assigned designation) Photographs of each stream Determine the flow characteristics (RPW or Non-RPW) and how each may connect to a TNW Determine any other assigned designations and/or uses

18 Aquatic Ecology: Wetlands Goals of wetland sampling on ODOT projects: Identify wetlands and determine their boundaries Describe the hydrology characteristics that define a wetland as a jurisdictional water of the U.S. and/or State Characterize the wetlands in terms of their biological communities Determine the quality of the wetlands and their appropriate anti-degradation category Determine if the wetland provides habitat for any listed plant or animal species The overall importance of the wetland from a local and regional context Within Ohio, a wetland s quality is based on its position in the landscape, the extent of past and present disturbance, and the diversity and quality of the plant communities residing within the wetland.

19 Aquatic Ecology: Wetlands Wetland Definition: Areas inundated or saturated by water long enough during the growing season to support plants adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Examples include swamps, marshes, bogs and fens From a regulatory perspective, a resource defined as a wetland must possess adequate hydrology, a prevalence of hydrophytic vegetation, and the presence of hydric soil conditions.

20 Aquatic Ecology: Wetlands Wetland Delineation: Guidelines in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and Interim Regional Supplements Midwest Region North central and Northeast Region Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Typical ODOT projects will require the use of the onsite routine delineation method USACE Wetland Determination Forms should be completed for each wetland delineated within a project study area

21 Aquatic Ecology: Wetlands Wetland boundary delineation project mapping avoidance minimization calculation of impacts Level One and Level Two ecological surveys wetland boundaries surveyed with a horizontal accuracy of <1 meter Level Three ecological surveys Preliminary Draft Level Three ESR and the Draft Level Three ESR - aerial photographs and contours on topographic mapping used to estimate approximate wetland boundaries Final Level Three ESR - surveyed with a horizontal accuracy of <1 meter

22 Aquatic Ecology: Wetlands Three main wetland systems in Ohio (Cowardin et.al, 1979). Palustrine wetlands depressions, pond fringe, floodplains, seeps, areas of persistent wetland vegetation along rivers and lakes (marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens) Aquatic bed, emergent (non-persistent and persistent), scrub shrub, and forested Riverine wetlands Contained within a natural or man-made channel (typically rivers or streams) Aquatic bed or non-persistent emergent vegetation. Lacustrine wetlands Areas along lakes, reservoirs, or ponds Aquatic bed or non-persistent emergent vegetation.

23 Aquatic Ecology: Wetlands Wetland hydrology: Duration of inundation and saturation, water depth, varying hydrology sources each influence the biotic community Main wetland water regimes in Ohio (Cowardin et. al., 1979) Saturated Temporarily Flooded Seasonally Flooded Semi-permanently Flooded Intermittently Exposed Permanently Flooded

24 Aquatic Ecology: Wetlands Wetland Hydrology: context of Clean Water Act jurisdiction Differ from traditional wetland hydrology types Based on the wetland s connectivity (or lack thereof) to other waters of the U.S. Abutting not physically separated from a TNW or tributary Adjacent border TNWs or tributaries, but are separated from these waters by barriers (such as dikes or natural river berms) Isolated wetlands that do not possess a surface water connection (are not abutting or adjacent) to a TNW or tributary. Only considered federally jurisdictional waters of the U.S. if they are found to have a significant nexus with a TNW. Functions affect the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the downstream TNW.

25 Aquatic Ecology: Wetlands OEPA Wetland Antidegradation Categories: Category 3 Wetlands: Superior wildlife habitat, hydrological, or recreational functions High diversity of native species, narrow range of ecological tolerances. Little indication of disturbance Habitat for sensitive, rare, listed, or climax species. Category 2 Wetlands: Moderate wildlife habitat, hydrological, or recreational functions Common native species Subjected to some level of disturbance Reasonable chance of regaining lost functions or ecological values Category 1 Wetlands: Minimal wildlife habitat, hydrological, and recreational functions Low species diversity, non-native and/or invasive species Highly disturbed Little chance of regaining lost functions or ecological values.

26 Aquatic Ecology: Wetlands Wetland Habitat Assessment: Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0 A functional assessment of the habitat Generates a score (number of points) that is used to assign the wetland to an anti degradation category Other Methods (Quantitative) Vegetation index of Biotic Integrity (VIBI) Amphibian index of Biotic Integrity (AmphIBI) Density-based Invertebrate Community Index (DICI) An investigator must consult with ODOT to determine if use of these quantitative methods are appropriate and within the scope of the ecological survey.

27 Aquatic Ecology: Wetlands Results of wetland studies (literature and field review) Delineate and map all wetlands A determination of the area of wetland within the study area and total size Assess all wetlands (ORAM) and determine an anti-degradation category Photographs of each wetland Determine the hydrology characteristics and how each may connect to a TNW (abutting, adjacent, or isolated)

28 Aquatic Ecology: Roadway Ditches Goals of ditch sampling on ODOT projects: Identify any ditches that may be potentially jurisdictional waters of the U.S. and/or State Describe the flow characteristics Identify any ditches that may act as a non-jurisdictional conveyance for an abutting or adjacent wetland information needed by the USACE to complete a significant nexus determination for the wetland

29 Aquatic Ecology: Roadway Ditches Ditch Definition: Water conveyances, from grassy swales to captured streams, that possess a constructed defined channel and convey water for at least a minimal period of time Within Ohio, most ditches function to provide drainage from an area (roadway, agricultural field, residential area, etc ) May also have been constructed to provide irrigation to an area.

30 Aquatic Ecology: Roadway Ditches Roadway Ditches: context of Clean Water Act jurisdiction Ditches can be jurisdictional waters subject to Clean Water Act regulations Jurisdictional roadway ditch: RPWs with an OHWM (not fully vegetated), or were constructed in a hydric soil unit for the purpose of draining a wetland at the time of construction Constructed entirely on roadway right-of-way Non-jurisdictional ditch/conveyance: Non-RPWs and/or do not possess an OHWM Do not possess a captured stream and were not constructed in a hydric soil unit to drain a wetland at the time of construction Can occasionally act as a non-jurisdictional conveyance for an abutting or adjacent wetland

31 Aquatic Ecology: Roadway Ditches Caution! Other water resources can be found in ditches. Captured streams: RPW or Non-RPW streams Originate outside of the roadway right-of-way and flow into the rightof-way becoming captured within the roadway ditch May lose their OHWM due to maintenance, or may become fully vegetated due to a wide configuration. Should be characterized and assessed as streams Wetlands: Jurisdictional wetlands can form in ditches due to the lack of maintenance (aggraded ditch profiles or clogged culverts) or by their design (such as a fade-away ditch line) The wetland boundary must extend more than an insignificant amount beyond the configuration of the ditch Should be characterized and assessed as wetlands rather than ditches

32 Aquatic Ecology: Roadway Ditches Petition ditches: Historically channelized watercourses constructed or improved in accordance with Ohio s petition ditch Laws. Often modified streams, with clearly defined channels and OHWMs. Petition ditch laws do not apply to impacts that are not implemented in accordance with the ditch laws (such as a roadway project) Petition ditches within an ODOT project study area should be evaluated to determine if they meet the characteristics of a stream, wetland, or ditch, regardless of the petition ditch designation In most circumstances, these watercourses will be characterized and discussed as streams

33 Aquatic Ecology: Roadway Ditches START: Roadway Ditch Characterization Flowchart Characterizing roadway ditches on ODOT projects: Flowchart Challenging to the most experienced field staff USACE will make the final determination as to whether a ditch is a jurisdictional Water of the U.S. YES Evaluate as a roadway ditch. Is the ditch a Relatively Permanent Water (RPW) with an OHWM? Note: fully vegetated ditches are considered to be lacking an OHWM. NO Was the ditch constructed in a hydric soil unit for the purpose of draining a wetland at the time of construction? NO Has the ditch (due to lack of maintenance or by design) extended more than an insignificant amount beyond its original configuration and formed a jurisdictional wetland outside of the ditch configuration? NO Does the ditch originate entirely within the existing roadway right-of-way? NO YES YES YES NO Does the ditch possess an Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) and a defined channel upstream of the right-of-way? YES Evaluate the drainageway as a captured stream (regardless of whether the ditch possesses an OHWM in the right-of-way). Note: Often small streams captured within the roadway drainage system lose their OHWM due to regular maintenance or become fully vegetated due to a wide configuration. The ditch is potentially jurisdictional. The ditch characteristics should be documented for the Ecological Survey Report. Note: In some instances, a ditch will drain to a tile or storm sewer system. In this scenario the investigator should attempt to determine the flow path to a TNW. If none can be established, the USACE may not take jurisdiction on the ditch despite it being a RPW with an OHWM. The ditch is potentially jurisdictional to the lateral limits of the OHWM or wetland parameters. The ditch characteristics should be documented for the Ecological Survey Report. The ditch has formed a potentially jurisdictional wetland. Delineate the area expanded beyond the ditch as wetland, and incorporate portions of the ditch abutting this wetland into the boundary. Note: Sections of the ditch located beyond the wetland should only be considered potentially jurisdictional if they are a RPW with an OHWM. If they do not possess these characters, the ditch should be identified and mapped as a non-jurisdictional conveyance for the wetland Significant Nexus Determination completed by the USACE. The ditch is not potentially jurisdictional and does not need to be documented. Note: If wetlands are abutting or adjacent to this ditch, it may be necessary to identify and map the ditch as a a non-jurisdictional conveyance for the wetland Significant Nexus Determination completed by the USACE. In all cases, the USACE will make the final determination as to whether a ditch is a jurisdictional Water of the U.S.

34 Aquatic Ecology: Roadway Ditches Results of ditch studies: Identify any potentially jurisdictional ditches and ditches that may act as non-jurisdictional conveyances Map only potentially jurisdictional ditches and nonjurisdictional conveyances Determine length and width of the wetted potentially jurisidctional ditch (not the top of the banks) Photographs of each potentially jurisdictional ditch Determine how any potentially jurisdictional ditches and non-jurisdictional conveyances for wetlands ultimately connect to a TNW

35 Aquatic Ecology: Ponds, Lakes, and Reservoirs Goals of pond, lake, and reservoir sampling on ODOT projects: Identify any ponds, lakes, or reservoirs within a project study area Determine if it is jurisdictional water of the U.S. Describe the functions and uses of any identified ponds, lakes, or reservoirs.

36 Aquatic Ecology: Ponds, Lakes, and Reservoirs Pond, Lake, Reservoir Definition: Permanent open water habitats greater than 2 meters deep, inhibiting the growth of emergent vegetation and often allowing for thermal stratification Vary greatly in terms of their size, formation, and function Ponds generally less than 5 acres in surface area Lakes and reservoirs are generally greater than 5 acres in size.

37 Aquatic Ecology: Ponds, Lakes, and Reservoirs Origins: Manmade Impounding streams and drainages Excavating areas with high groundwater tables Construction of up-ground storage reservoirs (fed by pump stations) Natural Kettle lakes that formed during the last ice age (approximately 110 scattered throughout Ohio in 21 counties) Cutoff stream oxbows Natural impoundments (such as beaver dams

38 Aquatic Ecology: Ponds, Lakes, and Reservoirs Functions: Wildlife habitat Waste water treatment Storm water retention/detention Recreation Industrial or drinking water supply source Aquaculture Agriculture (stock watering, irrigation, etc ) Aesthetics Etc..

39 Aquatic Ecology: Ponds, Lakes, and Reservoirs Lake and Reservoir Designations: Exceptional Warmwater Habitat (EWH) All lakes and reservoirs Warmwater Habitat (WWH) All up-ground storage reservoirs Public Water Supplies (PWS) All publicly owned lakes and reservoirs (with the exception of Piedmont reservoir) and all privately owned lakes and reservoirs used as a source of public drinking water General high Quality Waters All water bodies (including ponds) unless designated superior high quality waters or outstanding state waters

40 Aquatic Ecology: Ponds, Lakes, and Reservoirs Lake Erie: Designated as an EWH, superior high quality water, public water supply, agricultural water supply, industrial water supply, and bathing water ODOT projects located within the Lake Erie Coastal Zone Management Area (CZMA) require additional considerations and coordination efforts CZMA includes all of the waters of Lake Erie, the islands in the lake, and the lands under and adjacent to the lake, including transitional areas, wetlands, and beaches.

41 Aquatic Ecology: Ponds, Lakes, and Reservoirs Ponds, Lakes, and Reservoirs: context of Clean Water Act jurisdiction Ponds, Lakes, and Reservoirs can be jurisdictional waters subject to Clean Water Act regulations the determination is based on its connection to other waters of the U.S. or possible use in interstate commerce Non-Isolated possess a surface water connection to a TNW or tributary impoundments of RPW streams ponds that discharge to RPWs oxbow ponds located in the floodplain of a river Isolated do not possess a surface water connection to a TNW or tributary

42 Aquatic Ecology: Ponds, Lakes, and Reservoirs Results of ponds, lakes, and reservoir studies: Identify any ponds, lakes, and reservoirs within a project study area Delineate using aerial photography and/or GPS and mapped The total size of the water body should be determined as well as the size of the area located within the project study area Functions or uses the water body may have should be noted, as well as any official water body use designations Noted how the water body connects to a Water of the U.S.

43 Aquatic Ecology: Fishes Fishes: More than 160 species of fish are known to inhabit Ohio s waters Biological indicators of stream health Types and abundance of fish within a stream can give an indication of the quality of the water and aquatic habitats Goals of fish sampling on ODOT projects: Catalog species within a stream Determining a provisional aquatic life use designation on undesignated streams and supplemental information on streams with assigned Ohio aquatic life use designations Determine if the stream contains any listed species

44 Aquatic Ecology: Fishes Not all streams will require fish sampling for ODOT projects (see aquatic sampling flowchart) Use qualitative sampling methods on ODOT projects Generalized information about a stream s fish community and its quality (OEPA Biocriteria fact sheets) Document the presence and abundance of listed species Fish sampling techniques should include both: Seining Pulsed DC electro-fishing Voucher when appropriate Fish should be identified to species

45 Aquatic Ecology: Fishes Quantitative sampling follow Ohio EPA's guidelines Generate biological indices (IBI and MIwB) Must receive pre-approval from OES Typically not used due to level of sampling effort (cost / time) May be required for stream mitigation monitoring Results of fish studies: List of species encountered and the streams they were found in Dominant species and characteristics (sensitivity, feeding and breeding habits, etc..) Discuss distribution of fishes within the various habitats in the project area Note the presence of any listed species

46 Aquatic Ecology: Macrobenthos Macrobenthos: Crayfishes, aquatic insects, other aquatic arthropods, aquatic snails, Sphaeriid clams, and other lower invertebrate taxa due to their unique habits, protected status, and the number of listed species, mussels have been discussed separately from the other macro benthos Biological indicators of stream health Goals of macrobenthos sampling on ODOT projects: Catalog species within a stream Determine a provisional aquatic life use designation on undesignated streams and provide supplemental information on streams with assigned Ohio aquatic life use designations Determine if the stream contains any resident populations of listed species of macrobenthos

47 Aquatic Ecology: Macrobenthos Not all streams will require macrobenthos sampling for ODOT projects (see aquatic sampling flowchart) Use qualitative sampling methods generalized information about a stream s macrobenthos community and its quality In PHWH streams the Headwater Macroinvertebrate Family Evaluation Index (HMFEI) HHEI Family level (or higher) index Can be conducted in the field

48 Aquatic Ecology: Macrobenthos Macrobenthos sampling Qualitatively: dip nets, dredges, seines, hand picking, or hand sieves Quantitatively: artificial substrate samplers All available habitats are sampled until no new taxa are encountered Vouchers for identification and deposit when necessary Identification to family, genus, or species taxonomic difficulties and limitations within the literature

49 Aquatic Ecology: Macrobenthos Quantitative sampling follow Ohio EPA's guidelines Generate biological indices (ICI) Must receive pre-approval from OES Typically not used due to level of sampling effort (cost/time) May be required for stream mitigation monitoring Results of macrobenthos studies: List of species encountered and the streams they were found in Summarize the composition of the macrobenthic community Species richness and species diversity Community structure (i.e. pollution tolerance of the dominant taxa or scraper-grazer/detritivore ratios) Note the presence of any listed species

50 Aquatic Ecology: Unionid Mussels Mussels: 62 species of mussel currently known in Ohio 24 endangered, 4 threatened, 9 species of concern Biological indicators of stream health Protected by state law and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act Goals of macrobenthos sampling on ODOT projects: Catalog species within a stream Determine the presence of mussel populations or mussel beds Determine if a mussel relocation may be required for a project Determine if the stream contains any resident populations of listed species of mussels Breeding Wavy-rayed Lampmussel Salamander Mussels

51 Aquatic Ecology: Unionid Mussels Mussel Sampling: Presence/absence and suitable habitat surveys on every stream Streams on the species screen list may need to be surveyed by an approved malacologist As authorized surveys Quantitative surveys to determine the number and species composition of a bed within a project area. Mussel relocation

52 Aquatic Ecology: Unionid Mussels Presence/Absence Survey Techniques: Check banks, exposed gravel bars, and shallow water areas for dead mussel shells. Identify shells to species if possible. If the consultant cannot identify the species, photographs of the shell should be taken and sent to a malacologist or OES for identification. Any live mussels found should be identified, photographed (if ID is not possible), and placed back in the substrate. If a state threatened or endangered or a federally listed species is found, photograph the shell/live mussel and contact this office.

53 Aquatic Ecology: Unionid Mussels Photographing mussels for ID

54 Aquatic Ecology: Unionid Mussels Vouchering and Permits All empty shells that are retained for vouchers should be deposited in museums or retained in a permanent type collection and should be addressed in the report. Live mussels should not be taken. They should be photographed and returned to the stream All collecting of freshwater mussels requires a collecting permit from ODNR-DOW. Collecting of Federally Listed species requires a special permit from USFWS and may be site or species specific.

55 Aquatic Ecology: Unionid Mussels Results of mussel surveys: List species Discuss shell quality Fresh Dead Dead Weathered Dead Discuss relative abundance and age class of the shells found. Discuss habitat types and preference of live mussels found in the river.