QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN

Transcription

1 QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN Integrating Citizen-based and Nontraditional Monitoring into the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership: Water Quality Monitoring in Non-Tidal Waters Prepared for: United States Environmental Protection Agency Chesapeake Bay Program Office Annapolis, Maryland Grant #CB Prepared by: Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Richmond, VA Dickinson College s Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring Carlisle, PA In Cooperation with: University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Annapolis, MD Izaak Walton League of America Gaithersburg, MD March 31, 2017

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3 Section A Program Management Elements A1. Title and Approval Page Project Name: Integrating Citizen-based and Nontraditional Monitoring into the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership: Water Quality Monitoring in Non-Tidal Streams (Tiers I & II) Responsibility Agency: Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Date: March 31, 2017 Liz Chudoba Project Manager Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Date Julie Vastine Project Partner Dickinson College s Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring Date Durga Ghosh Quality Assurance Coordinator US Geological Survey Date Julie Winters Project Officer US Environmental Protection Agency Date Rich Batiuk Chesapeake Bay Program Quality Assurance Manager U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Chesapeake Bay Program Date 1

4 This document has been prepared according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency publications The Volunteer Monitor s Guide to Quality Assurance Project Plans, EPA 841-B , 1996, available at and EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans, EPA QA/R-5, 2001, available at 2

5 A2. Table of Contents Section A Program Management Elements... 1 A1. Title and Approval Page... 1 A2. Table of Contents... 3 A3. Distribution List... 5 A4. Project/Task Organization... 6 A5. Problem Definition/Background A6. Project/Task Description A7. Data Quality Objectives for Measurement Data A8. Training Requirements/Certification A9. Documentation and Records Section B Data Generation and Acquisition B1. Sampling Process Design B2. Sampling Method Requirements B3. Sampling Handling and Custody Procedures B4. Analytical Methods Requirements B5. Quality Control Requirements B6. Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance Requirements B7. Instrument/Equipment Calibration and Frequency B8. Inspections and Acceptance Requirements for Supplies B9. Data Acquisition Requirements B10. Data Management Section C Assessment and Oversight C1. Assessment and Response Actions C2. Reports Section D Data Validation and Usability D1. Data Review, Validation, and Verification Requirements D2. Validation and Verification Methods D3. Reconciliation with Data Quality Objectives Version 1 March 31, 2017

6 Figures A4-1. Quality assurance (QA) organizational chart... 7 A4-2. Sampling sites of volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed... 8 A6-1. Areas of coordination by project partner (ACB & ALLARM) Tables A3-1. Distribution list for this Quality Assurance Project Plan... 5 A4-1. Roles and individuals participating in this project... 6 A5-1. Summary of the three CMC data tiers from the Tiered Framework A6-1. Project timeline for six-year grant period B2-1. Parameters, analytical methods, and equipment approved for use under this QAPP 28 Appendices Appendix A. Tiered Framework for Data Collection and Integration for Nontraditional Monitoring Appendix B. Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Appendix C. Property Owner Permission and Liability Release Agreement Appendix D. Water Quality Parameters Appendix E. Non-Tidal Standard Operating Procedures under the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Appendix F. ALLARM Specific Program Requirements Appendix G. Field Data Sheet Key Acronyms ACB ALLARM CBP CEC CMC DIWG EPA IAN INWG IWLA Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (Dickinson College) Chesapeake Bay Program Chesapeake Environmental Communications, Inc. Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative Data Integrity Workgroup Environmental Protection Agency Integration and Application Network Integrated Monitoring Networks Workgroup Izaak Walton League of America 4 Version 1 March 31, 2017

7 QA QAPP QC QMP SOP STAR UMCES Quality Assurance Quality Assurance Project Plan Quality Control Quality Management Plan Standard Operating Procedure Scientific, Technical Assessment and Reporting University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science A3. Distribution List Table A3-1. Distribution list for this Quality Assurance Project Plan. Name Phone Organization Kate Fritz Nissa Dean Liz Chudoba Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (ACB) Julie Vastine Jinnie Monismith Danielle Donkersloot Emily Bialowas William C. Dennison Caroline Donovan Rich Batiuk Terry Simpson Julie Winters Durga Ghosh Peter Tango Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Integration and Application Network (UMCES) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) United States Geological Survey (USGS) Dave Jasinski Chesapeake Environmental Communications, Inc. (CEC) 5 Version 1 March 31, 2017

8 A4. Project/Task Organization A4.1 Project Organization The Integration of Citizen-based and Nontraditional Monitoring into the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) Partnership project provides support, training, and guidance to volunteer and non-traditional monitoring groups sampling non-tidal and tidal portions of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The project is managed by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (ACB) in partnership with the project coordinator at Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA), and includes partners at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Integration and Application Network (UMCES) and Dickinson College s Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM). These four organizations together are hereafter referred to as the Project Team. The personnel involved in the implementation of this project are listed in Table A4-1, and participating organizations are shown in the organizational chart in Figure A4-1. Table A4-1. Roles and individuals participating in this project. Organization Role in Project Individuals Involved in Project Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (ACB) Project Manager Liz Chudoba, Water Quality Program Manager Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) Project Coordinator Emily Bialowas, Chesapeake Monitoring Outreach Coordinator Alliance for the Chesapeake Project Partner Nissa Dean, Virginia Director Bay (ACB) Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring Dickinson College Project Partner Julie Vastine, Director Jinnie Monismith, Assistant Director Candie Wilderman, Science Advisor Izaak Walton League of Project Partner Danielle Donkersloot, Clean Water America (IWLA) University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Integration and Application Network (UMCES) Project Partner Director Caroline Donovan, Program Manager Chesapeake Environmental Communications, Inc. (CEC) Database Contractor Dave Jasinski Dave Parrish Certified Trainers Trainer To be determined Monitoring Groups Data Collectors To be determined Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) Data Users EPA, Virginia DEQ, Maryland DNR, Pennsylvania DEP, etc. 6 Version 1 March 31, 2017

9 ACB and ALLARM will train and support volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups to collect water quality data following this Water Quality Monitoring in Non-Tidal Streams (Tiers I & II) Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). ALLARM will coordinate the project s Non-Tidal Water Quality Monitoring Program in the upper Chesapeake Bay Watershed (New York and Pennsylvania) and ACB will coordinate the program in the lower portion of the watershed (Delaware, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia). The volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups that will participate in this project will be spread throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, however the number or location of groups cannot be determined at this time. The Project Team surveyed over 100 volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups in the watershed (Figure A4-2). The groups that participate in the project will likely include a subset of the groups surveyed, groups that already have a relationship with The Project Team, and groups that begin a new monitoring program. 7 Version 1 March 31, 2017

10 Figure A4-2. Sampling sites of volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Note: all sites8are not accounted for on map. Version 1 March 31, 2017

11 A4.2 Roles and Responsibilities Data collected through this project will be categorized into three tiers based on the quality of the data (see A5.2 Data Use). The roles and responsibilities for the entire project are summarized below, however only those that pertain to Tier I and II water quality data collection in non-tidal streams are relevant to this Water Quality Monitoring in Non-Tidal Waters QAPP. Data Users Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership: a. Provides approval of Tier III QAPPs submitted by volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups participating in this project so that their data may be admitted into the Chesapeake Bay Program monitoring network at the level of attainment; b. Identifies individual(s) to approve the three project Tier I and II QAPPs (macroinvertebrate, non-tidal water quality, and tidal water quality monitoring); and c. Follows the communication protocols outlined in Figure A4-1. Project Manager Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: a. Manages the Project Team to ensure the Quality Management Plan (QMP), QAPPs, and Quality Assurance (QA) policies are implemented; b. Develops the QMP and annual reviews, and updates the documents as needed. Small changes will be reported to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in bi-annual reports. When substantial changes that impact the quality system are made to the QMP or QAPPs, the Project Manager will resubmit the QMP or QAPP to EPA for review and approval; c. Oversees the effective implementation of the QMP and QAPPs; d. Ensures that the quality program has adequate resources to accomplish all of the requirements established in the QMP and QAPPs; e. Screen Tier III candidate QAPPs and/or SOPs, summarize findings and make recommendations to the CBP for group integration; f. Schedule and coordinate on-site audits of Tier III candidates; g. Provide training and guidance to monitoring groups in Tier II and III for sampling protocols; h. Review Tidal Tier III audit reports and recommendations; provide technical assistance as needed to achieve Tier III status; and i. Is responsible for all items listed under Project Team. QA Management: Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring, Izaak Walton League of America, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science: a. Reviews the project QAPPs and provides guidance to the Project Team for effective implementation of the QAPPs; b. Reviews the QA/QC programs, practices, systems, training materials, and performance annually to ensure practices are in accordance with the QMP. Subsequently documents and responds to QA/QC needs and issues; 9 Version 1 March 31, 2017

12 c. Acts as a liaison between the Project Team and the Data Integrity Workgroup (DIWG) and attends DIWG meetings; d. Assists with QA dispute resolutions (if/when needed); and e. Assesses data management procedures for the monitoring programs and the project database to ensure they meet data quality objectives outlined in the QMP and QAPPs. Project Team Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring, Izaak Walton League of America, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science: a. Ensures that all monitoring groups adhere to the QMP and approved QAPPs; b. Ensures that all monitoring operations are covered by the appropriate documentation (i.e., SOPs, QAPPs, project plans); c. Develops, reviews, updates, and approves SOPs for monitoring activities; d. Conducts workshops and certifies monitors; e. Continually assesses collected data and monitors performance through data QC, workshops, and re-certifications to identify QA compliance or deficiencies. All QA deficiencies will be properly documented and attempted to be resolved; f. Establishes quality assurance measures for the three Tier I and II QAPPs and assists monitoring groups in QAPP implementation; g. Reviews and oversees QA policies and SOP s of monitoring groups and documents findings for CBP and project records; h. Provide training and guidance to monitoring groups in Tier II and III for data analysis and report card generation; i. Complies with findings and recommendations from QA reviews and audits; and j. Resolves disputes regarding quality system requirements, QA/QC procedures, certifications, or corrective actions. Monitoring Groups MD, DC, VA, WV, PA, NY, DE, Certified Labs: a. Adheres to SOPs and complies with QAPP guidelines; b. Evaluates and reports QA issues to designated Project Team member, regional liaison, or QA Manager as they occur; and c. Maintains certification as outlined in the project s QAPPs. Certified Trainer (see A8.4): a. Conducts workshops and certifies monitors; b. Adheres to the Certified Trainer requirements; c. Adheres to SOP guidelines; d. Maintains annual certification; e. Reports QA issues to regional Project Partner (ACB or ALLARM); and f. Complies with QA reviews or audits. Data Integrity Workgroup (DIWG), Integrated Monitoring Networks Workgroup (INWG), and Scientific, Technical Assessment and Reporting (STAR) Workgroup: 10 Version 1 March 31, 2017

13 a. Data Integrity Workgroup (DIWG) will help to identify QA criteria for Tier III data collection and analysis; b. Integrated Monitoring Networks Workgroup (INWG) will help to identify QA criteria for Tier I and II data collection and analysis; and c. Scientific, Technical Assessment and Reporting (STAR) will help to review and provide feedback on the Project Team s monitoring and training protocols, quality assurance procedures, and data management, analysis, and communication tools. 11 Version 1 March 31, 2017

14 A5. Problem Definition/Background The Project Team members are partnering to provide technical, logistical, and outreach support for the integration of citizen-based and nontraditional (e.g., non-agency) monitoring data into the CBP partnership. While the CBP has immediate access to agency (federal and state) data gathered in the watershed, volunteer and nontraditional groups that collect stream data are scattered throughout the watershed, and their data are not compiled in one, easily-accessible platform. The water quality data these groups collect, which includes the parameters listed in Table B2-1 (alkalinity, ammonia-nitrogen, bacteria, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitratenitrogen, nitrite-nitrate, orthophosphate, ph, total dissolved solids, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, turbidity, water clarity, and water temperature), can be used to help answer many of the diverse questions asked by monitoring groups and the CBP. The integration of data collected by volunteer and nontraditional monitors into the CBP monitoring network will provide additional cost-effective information that supports shared decision-making and adaptive management by the CBP partners focused on restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. A5.1 Goals and Objectives The CBP has identified a series of goals for which additional data are essential. These include, but are not limited to: a. Understand the status and trends of Chesapeake Bay waters based on watershed inputs; b. Identify nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment inputs from contributing waters in the watershed to verify effectiveness and progress of management actions; c. Identify nutrient and sediment hot spots for better targeted restoration; and d. Assess the health of the waters at prominent input sites (e.g., headwaters, major tributary inputs, small watersheds). In addition, CBP has identified priority data gaps, including data from small watersheds, which are typically the foci of volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups. Based on the existing data available, as well as the potential for additional monitoring by these groups, the CBP is exploring ways to integrate nontraditional partners into the CBP partnership. The Project Team, using their background, expertise, and knowledge with the volunteer and nontraditional monitoring community, are working with the CBP Scientific, Technical Assessment and Reporting Team (STAR) to: a. Establish institutional structures and procedures, such as the Tiered Framework for Data Collection and Integration for Nontraditional Monitoring (Appendix A); b. Facilitate the development of rigorous and consistent monitoring and training protocols, technical guidance, data gathering tools, quality assurance mechanisms, and data analysis and communication tools; c. Inventory, prioritize and recruit monitoring groups; and d. Provide training and technical support to nontraditional monitoring groups. 12 Version 1 March 31, 2017

15 This comprehensive approach will ensure a consistent submittal of known quality data to the CBP. The objectives of this project are to: a. Provide technical, logistical and outreach support to nontraditional data collectors working in non-tidal tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, in order for them to produce data that can be integrated into the CBP partnership. These data will help to fill spatial and temporal gaps within the CBP dataset and provide additional information to support Chesapeake Bay Watershed management decisions; b. Provide support for nontraditional monitoring groups to produce and use data to help address concerns they may have about the health of their local waterways; c. Educate citizens about the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and the relationship between their local watershed health and the issues facing the Bay. Through this program, participants will learn about the scientific process and how water quality can be assessed in a number of ways to understand the general health of a stream. They will also gain an understanding of how data can be collected, managed, and analyzed to then communicate findings to the public and support watershed decisions in their communities and in the broader region; and d. Facilitate the use of the data by monitoring groups in addition to the key stakeholders. A5.2 Data Use A Tiered Framework for Data Collection and Integration for Nontraditional Monitoring (Tiered Framework; Appendix A) was developed by the Project Team to establish three categories of data based on data quality. The data quality requirements for each tier are largely dependent on the methodology used (analysis method and the established accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of the equipment) and the quality assurance procedures (documented internal and external QC procedures calibration logs, replicates, field blanks, certification, field audits, duplicate analysis of external lab, etc.) implemented by the monitor. The Project Team categorized the methods and QA procedures used by volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups into three tiers based on comparability testing, manufacturer s specifications, experience, and how they are classified by other water quality monitoring programs. The data collected through this project will be stored in the project database along with the metadata needed to inform the data users of the specific quality of the data. The Tiered Framework suggests potential uses of the data, however the uses can extend beyond what is suggested, and it is ultimately the decision of the data users to choose the data which are appropriate for their specific uses given the metadata supplied in the database. Table A5-1 lists the three data tiers along with the potential data uses and requirements. Table A5-1. Summary of the three CMC data tiers from the Tiered Framework. Tier Potential Data Uses Minimum Data Requirements Tier I Education, environmental health screening Documentation showing that procedures outlined in this QAPP for collecting and producing Tier I data have been followed. All items must be reviewed and approved by a member of the Project Team: a. Written study design 13 Version 1 March 31, 2017

16 Tier II Tier III Tier I uses plus environmental health report cards, targeting of management actions Regulatory assessment of water quality standards attainment b. Documented monitoring methodology c. Documented site location(s) (with coordinates) State or federal government-approved EPA volunteer monitoring QAPP or written agreement to follow the procedures outlined in this QAPP to collect and produce Tier II data. All items must be reviewed and approved by a member of the Project Team: a. Written study design b. Documented monitoring methodology using field or laboratory standard operating procedures with defined levels of precision and accuracy c. Documented site location(s) (with coordinates) d. Acquired and maintained Tier II certification For report card generation monitors must sample a minimum of three water quality indicators monthly from March to November. a. EPA or CBP approved QAPP b. EPA or CBP approved field/lab standard operating procedures c. Participation in DIWG field and lab audits The protocols established in this QAPP are intended to produce Tier I and Tier II data. Data collected from the Non-Tidal Water Quality Monitoring Program can be used by the CBP and other data users for the purpose of environmental health screening, environmental health report cards, targeting management actions, and education. Data can also be shared and used at the local level by local governments, community stakeholders, and residents to increase awareness and address environmental concerns. Using the data to inform local practices helps to meet the CBP goal of improving citizen engagement and the health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The data will also provide a baseline of current watershed conditions to compare to if/when changes in the watershed occur. Monitoring groups must demonstrate their ability to meet the data quality objectives, quality assurance standards, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) established by this QAPP. Once each group has established or demonstrated the appropriate requirements, a Project Team member will review the monitoring group s documentation, determine the tier designation, and accept the group into the program. When a group has been accepted, they may then begin to collect water quality data and submit it to the project database. If a groups data do not meet the data requirements of the different tiers, those data will still be submitted to the database, but will be marked as provisional until such a time the methodology is found to be comparable to the SOP established by this QAPP or the quality assurance standards are met. 14 Version 1 March 31, 2017

17 Tier III groups must demonstrate that they meet the sampling and analytical requirements of the CBP Methods and QA for water quality monitoring, which must be documented in a separate QAPP. The group s documentation must undergo an audit process and be accepted as a Tier III group in order to submit data to the database for use by the CBP. Additional information about Tier III data is included in the project s Quality Management Plan. Data collected at the Tier III level will meet the standards and requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Program monitoring program and thus will be used by the CBP. Dependent of the requirements of the data users, Tier III data could potentially be used for regulatory assessments of water and quality standards attainment in addition to the variety data uses of Tier I and Tier II data. Data will be archived in a new project database, accompanied by the appropriate metadata to allow data users (both traditional and nontraditional) to determine appropriate end uses for the data and to use them as they see fit. Chesapeake Environmental Communications, Inc. (CEC) will develop the database in coordination with the CBP Data Center staff. 15 Version 1 March 31, 2017

18 A6. Project Description A6.1 Project Timeline This Quality Assurance Project Plan is designed to ensure that new data collected for the CMC Non-Tidal Water Quality Monitoring Program will be done in an approved, quality-controlled, and standardized way. Monitors will collect water quality data from non-tidal streams in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (Figure A6-1) on a monthly basis for at least one year (minimum requirement). The entire project period is May 2016 through April 2021 (Table A6-1). This QAPP will undergo an evaluation annually, and the Project Description will be updated during the annual evaluation if needed. 16 Version 1 March 31, 2017

19 Figure A6-1. Areas of coordination by project partner (ALLARM & ACB). Table A6-1. Project timeline for six-year grant period. Major Tasks Timeframe Project Team Develop project QMP and QAPPs (3) Develop scientifically-valid and user-friendly protocols for monitoring streams and reporting data Develop workshop training materials Identify spatial and temporal gaps and develop strategies to fill those gaps Develop a user-friendly database Version 1 March 31, 2017

20 Recruit, train, and certify monitors to collect water quality data Train monitors on data analysis, synthesis, and communication Submit data to the CBP (from the project database) Annually Recertify Certified Trainers Annually Recertify certified monitors Biennially Provide data management and quality assurance oversight to monitors Ongoing Monitors Collect water quality data and enter the data into the project database Submit field data sheets to the Project Team Quarterly A6.2 Site Selection This project aims to collect data through the assessment of streams throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in order to gain a broader understanding of the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. To achieve the goals of this project, each monitoring group will create a customized monitoring study design, in which sampling sites will be selected in accessible areas where additional information is needed to inform local watershed concerns and fill data gaps by the CBP and other data users. To date, the Project Team has surveyed over 100 volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups and has collected information about their current sampling sites (Figure A4-2). The Project Team has also met with the CBP, state agencies, and key stakeholders to hear about their data needs. The information gathered by the Project Team from these entities, including a list of priority areas where data gaps exist, is summarized in the Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (Prioritization Report; Appendix B), and will help to inform the location of sampling sites. The Project Team will work with monitors to select their sampling site(s) during the Study Design Workshop, Water Quality Monitoring Workshop, or follow-up meeting. The process for choosing sampling sites is outlined below: 1. Access available information about the local watershed a. location of current and historical sampling sites b. current and history water quality data c. watershed features geology, land use, stream designations d. reports or other documentation regarding water quality or stream health 2. Identify specific areas where additional data are needed to help answer the monitoring group s question(s). 3. Identify specific areas that have been prioritized by the CBP or other data users. 4. Review the information gathered and choose sampling sites that are easily accessible and meet the needs of the data users. The number of sites selected will depend on the resources of the monitoring group. Once a sampling site is selected, the monitor will: 1. Visit their site to confirm that it is safe and easy to access. 18 Version 1 March 31, 2017

21 2. Use the Property Owner Permission and Liability Release Agreement form (Appendix C) to obtain written permission allowing them to access the stream, if the sampling site is on private property. 3. Record a description of the site and the latitude and longitude coordinates using GPS with the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). 4. Send the sampling site description and coordinates to ACB/ALLARM for verification using Google Maps and/or the USGS National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) in ESRI ArcMap. A6.3 Water Quality Parameters The parameters chosen for this project represent many of the water quality indicators currently being monitored by citizen and nontraditional groups in non-tidal streams, and provide an assessment of the predominant water quality concerns in the Chesapeake Bay. The techniques used to measure these parameters are performed with accessible and affordable equipment, making the process feasible for citizen and nontraditional monitoring groups. The parameters to be analyzed and the equipment to be used are found in Appendix D. This project is comprised of a diversity of monitoring groups, each with their own monitoring goals. While the project does not require that a monitoring group sample all parameters listed in Table B2-1, groups that wish to produce a report card must sample a minimum of three water quality indicators of the following: total nitrogen, turbidity, conductivity, total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, ph, water temperature, benthic macroinvertebrates, and bacteria. This QAPP covers all parameters except benthic macroinvertebrates which are covered by the project s Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring QAPP. A6.4 Data Management Monitors will use field data sheets provided by ACB/ALLARM to record their observations and water quality results, and will enter the information into the project database. The Project Team will assist monitors in interpreting their data throughout the process and will hold data interpretation and communication workshops after the first year of data collection to help monitors share the information learned from water quality monitoring. The overarching goal of the database is to provide a centralized location where all volunteer and nontraditional data can be housed, accessed, and then used by stakeholders to better understand the quality of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Water quality data will be evaluated for different purposes by different stakeholders, and the database will not only provide access to all of the volunteer and nontraditional-collected data throughout the watershed for this project, but will also visualize the data through mapping and graphing applications. A query function will allow database users to search and find data that fit their specific needs, and datasets with corresponding metadata detailing the methods and QA measures followed, can then be downloaded for use. The database is currently being constructed by Chesapeake Environmental Communications, Inc. (CEC), located in Richmond, VA. 19 Version 1 March 31, 2017

22 A7. Data Quality Objectives for Measurement Data The Integration of Citizen-based and Nontraditional Monitoring into the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership project is designed to collect water quality (and macroinvertebrate) data that can be used to assess the health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed rather than to accept or reject a hypothesis. Therefore, the most effective means of ensuring that the data quality objectives are met, is to establish quality goals for the individual measurements that will be used to meet those objectives. Measurement of the quality for the various measurements obtained for the project can be expressed in terms of representativeness, completeness, comparability, accuracy and precision. A7.1 Data Precision, Accuracy and Measurement Range ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will train monitors how to properly measure water quality parameters. During the study design process, monitoring groups will choose to measure a subset of the parameters and methods listed in Table B2-1, depending on their monitoring question(s) and local watershed concern(s). ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer (described in section A8.4) will help groups choose parameters that will help them answer their monitoring question(s) and methods that align with how they intend to use their data. Monitors will analyze water samples in the field and at home unless their intended data use, as outlined in their study design, requires them to submit water samples to a certified laboratory for analysis. Monitors who use a certified laboratory for analysis, will select a lab that has state, federal, or NELAP-certification for the laboratory quality system. Laboratory data will be accompanied by a Method Detection Limit (MDL) for each parameter measured, which is established by the laboratory and represents the minimum concentration that the lab can measure and qualitatively state that the analyte is present, with 95% confidence that the signal is caused by the analyte. A7.2 Representativeness A7.2.1 Selection of Sampling Sites Each monitoring group will create a customized monitoring study design, in which sampling sites will be selected in accessible areas where additional information is needed to inform local watershed concerns and fill data gaps by the CBP and other data users. The information gathered by the Project Team from monitoring groups, the CBP, and other key stakeholders will help to inform the location of sampling sites. The Project Team recommends that monitoring groups consult with local, state, or federal government agencies to identify sampling sites that will best augment and complement the data gathered by those agencies. Final site selection will occur after a discussion between ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer and the monitoring group. Sampling sites will be selected with the expectation that they will provide an adequate representation of the water quality of the stream segment being sampled. Monitors will use GPS to determine the latitude and longitude coordinates of the sampling site. ACB/ALLARM will verify the site coordinates using Google Maps or the USGS National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) in ESRI ArcMap using the North American Datum of 1983 projection to ensure that the 20 Version 1 March 31, 2017

23 coordinates overlay the stream on the map and that the mapped sampling location matches the physical site description provided by the monitor. A7.2.2 Sample Collection Sample data shall be representative of the actual conditions or concentrations present in the stream at that point in time. Sample collection, preservation, and handling methods are interactive factors that directly affect field sample representativeness. Monitors will collect water samples from as close to mid-stream as feasible, by either wading into the stream, using a sample collection pole, or sampling from a bridge using a bucket. Water samples will be collected using bottles appropriate for the parameter being measured. Sample bottles (and sample bucket if applicable) will be rinsed three times, and swiped vertically through the water column, in order to collect a single sample that is representative of the conditions in the stream at that particular location and time. During sample collection and analysis, monitors will follow prescribed methods and QA procedures to ensure representative data are collected. These techniques combined with sample container requirements, sample preservation, and sample holding times described in the CMC Non-Tidal Methods Manual will ensure that the minimum standards of field representativeness are met. A7.2.3 Number of Sites One goal of the project is to increase the amount stream data collected by volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. In order to achieve this goal, ACB/ALLARM will work with these groups to develop and implement stream monitoring programs that help to answer local and regional questions. The number of sites each group samples will vary by group depending on the group s monitoring question(s) and available resources. While the number of sites sampled through this project cannot be determined at this time, it is expected that additional sites will be monitored each year and the total number of sites will increase over the timeframe of this project. A7.2.4 Sampling Timelines Water quality samples will be collected and analyzed by monitors at least once a month, and can be more frequent if time and resources allow, or is required by a particular study design. Samples will be collected and analyzed year round when applicable, however the monitoring season for some parameters, such as bacteria, may be as short as May through October. Sampling may be cancelled due to drought or unsafe conditions such as high water or strong storms, which could put monitors at risk of bodily injury or harm if sampling were to proceed. A7.3 Comparability This project is comprised of numerous monitoring groups spread throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, which highlights the need for data comparability. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainers will develop and implement workshops to train monitors to follow comparable methods to collect, store, and analyze their water quality samples. Monitors will choose parameters, methods, and equipment from a standardized list (Appendix D) and will follow the standard operating procedures and QA/QC requirements outlined in their tailored methods 21 Version 1 March 31, 2017

24 manuals, which will help to ensure comparability throughout the watershed. Monitors will also be required to attend workshops to become certified and maintain biennial certification. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will work closely with monitoring groups to help ensure that the data collected are comparable within and between sampling sites monitored by their group (parameter and tier-specific). A7.4 Completeness Monitoring groups will choose a subset of the parameters listed in this QAPP to monitor, selecting those that are appropriate to address their monitoring questions and goals. Monitors will be trained to sample their monitoring location once a month for a minimum of one year. There are no legal or compliance uses anticipated for the data collected under this QAPP, however it is important that at least 75% of the monthly samplings occur (9 sampling events per year) in order to have a strong record of data for understanding the water quality conditions at the site, which can vary throughout the year. A8. Training Requirements/Certification The Project Team will hold workshops and offer customized assistance to monitoring groups who request it, and will check in with monitors on a regular basis. Workshop facilitators will have a thorough understanding of water quality sampling and analysis methods and QA protocols implemented by this project. They will also have experience working with volunteer and nontraditional groups and leading training events. A8.1 Study Design Workshop ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will train monitoring groups how to develop a study design, which outlines and describes their monitoring plan. During the study design workshop, the monitoring group will review and determine the following: Monitoring goal(s) and question(s) Appropriate parameters to monitor and methods to follow Number and location of monitoring sites How they will use and disseminate their data and results locally Who will monitor Monitoring schedule A8.2 Water Quality Monitoring Workshop Monitors will be required to attend a Water Quality Monitoring Workshop in their region before they begin collecting water quality data for this project. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will provide the workshops on an as-needed basis during the project timeframe ( ). At the Water Quality Monitoring Workshop, ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will present the following information to the participants: Goals and objectives of the project Science of water quality issues in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed 22 Version 1 March 31, 2017

25 Water quality parameters, including state criteria and values of concern Water quality impacts and the significance of the indicators to be measured Importance of safety when monitoring ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will train workshop participants how to: Clean, calibrate, use, store, and maintain monitoring equipment Collect, store, and transport water samples for water quality analysis Analyze water samples Fill out and complete field data sheets accurately Follow quality assurance and quality control procedures Enter monitoring results into the project database Participant performance will be evaluated at the workshop during the training activities. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will work closely with the participants during the hands-on training exercises to be sure that they achieve the goals of the exercises. For example, they will work with each person until they successfully calibrate their equipment and measure the water samples provided accurately (water sample knowns will be created and brought to the workshop for training purposes). It is expected that each participant will be able to collect and analyze water samples and enter the results into the project database after attending the Water Quality Monitoring Workshop. Monitors will be given the equipment and supplies (and/or information on how and where to purchase the materials) needed to begin monitoring at the conclusion of the Water Quality Monitoring Workshop. They will also receive copies of the workshop materials and the CMC Non-Tidal Methods Manual, which contains the information they learned at the workshop, standard operating procedures for collecting, recording, and entering their data, field data sheets, external QC forms (ALLARM monitors), and references of how and where to access regional resources to supplement and reinforce what they learned at the workshop. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will distribute a workshop evaluation to all participants at the end of the workshop, and participants will report their perceived level of understanding of the important concepts covered during the workshop. The workshop will be fine-tuned to improve the pedagogy of the workshop, based in part by the results from the evaluation. A8.3 Certified Monitors Each person who wishes to collect Tier II data for this project will be required to become a certified monitor by a Certified Trainer and will be required to maintain the certification by participating in a re-certification process biennially. In order to become (re)certified, a person will be required to participate in a Certification Event administered by a Certified Trainer, where they will successfully need to: 1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the water quality monitoring methods and QA/QC procedures included in their monitoring plan. 23 Version 1 March 31, 2017

26 2. Demonstrate they can perform the monitoring methods and QA/QC procedures included in their monitoring plan correctly in order to produce data of known quality. Monitors collecting Tier II data will be invited to participate in a data analysis, synthesis, and communication training workshop, led by UMCES, when they have collected data for at least one year. These workshops will provide monitoring groups with the tools they need to analyze their data and produce a watershed report card. A8.4 Certified Trainers A Certified Trainer is any person who is certified to lead a Water Quality Monitoring Workshop and certification process for monitors participating in this project. To become a Certified Trainer, a person will be required to: 1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of water quality monitoring methods and QA/QC procedures implemented by this project. This can be achieved through prior knowledge and experience (as deemed appropriate by ACB/ALLARM) or by being a Certified Monitor for at least one year; 2. Attend a Train-the-Trainer Workshop led by ACB/ALLARM. The workshop will cover the goals of the project, information on how to conduct Water Quality Monitoring and Certification Workshops, and how to manage the project documentation; and 3. Conduct a Water Quality Monitoring Workshop or Certification Workshop while being observed and evaluated by ACB/ALLARM on their ability to: a. Logistically plan and lead a Water Quality Monitoring Workshop, including preparing the equipment and completing all of the necessary documentation, b. Explain water quality parameters, water quality science, and the importance of assessing stream health in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, and c. Effectively train workshop participants to collect data following the project s Non-Tidal Water Quality Monitoring Program procedures. ACB/ALLARM will distribute a workshop evaluation to all participants at the end of the workshop, and participants will report their perceived level of understanding of the important concepts covered during the workshop. The workshop will be fine-tuned to improve the pedagogy of the workshop, based in part by the results from the evaluation. ACB/ALLARM will provide Train-the-Trainer Workshops on an as-needed basis during the project timeframe ( ), for those interested and qualified to lead Water Quality Monitoring and Certification Workshops. ACB/ALLARM will provide Certified Trainers with the materials and supplies (and/or information on how and where to purchase the materials) needed to conduct Water Quality Monitoring and Certification Workshops. A Certified Trainer may train and recertify monitors in their region in coordination with ACB/ALLARM. To maintain certification, Certified Trainers must: 1. Lead at least two workshops (Water Quality Monitoring and/or Certification) per year, 24 Version 1 March 31, 2017

27 2. Certify at least five monitors per year, and 3. Meet once a year with ACB/ALLARM in person to review the CMC Non-Tidal Water Quality Monitoring Program and check/verify their training equipment, including their master thermometer. If Certified Trainers wish to maintain their certification but have not had the opportunity to lead two workshops, they may conduct a mock workshop during their annual meeting with ACB/ALLARM in lieu of requirements #1 and #2 listed above. ACB/ALLARM may attend and/or assist with workshops led by the Certified Trainer as time and funding allow and will observe a workshop conducted by a Certified Trainer in person or by video at least once every two years. All documentation resulting from Train-the-Trainer and (re)certification process will be managed by ACB/ALLARM and filed in their office for at least seven years. A9. Documentation and Records A9.1 Field Data Sheets Monitors will fill out and complete their field data sheet for every sampling event, as prescribed by ACB/ALLARM (Appendix G). Monitors may tailor the ACB/ALLARM data sheet to suit their individual or group needs with permission and approval from ACB/ALLARM. On the data sheet, monitors will record their name, date, time, and sample site location/name. They will also record weather conditions, their monitoring results, and the amount of time spent monitoring. Calibration information will be recorded before and after monitoring. Monitors will enter the information from their field data sheet into the project database once they complete their analysis, or they may send their data sheets to their monitoring group leader for data entry. The original data sheets will be submitted to ACB/ALLRM and archived for at least seven years after the sampling date. The project will also maintain electronic (digital) records of the data within the project database. A9.2 Spot Check Procedure ACB/ALLARM will check in with each new monitor within three months of the Water Quality Monitoring Workshop to ensure that they are comfortable and confident in stream monitoring methods and that the data they collect are being entered and archived into the project database correctly. It is recommended that monitors submit their data sheets to ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer every six months. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will spot check 10% of a monitor s total number of field data sheets and compare the results entered in the database for data entry errors. If a monitor is found to be at fault of a data entry error, their previous six data sheets will be checked. Errors in the database will be corrected by ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer. If substantial data entry errors are identified by ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer, they will alert the monitor and work to remedy the issue. 25 Version 1 March 31, 2017

28 A9.3 Other Documentation and Records ACB will maintain verification logs for the ACB master thermometer and thermometers used by monitoring groups managed by ACB. ALLARM will maintain verification logs for the thermometers used by monitors in Pennsylvania and New York in addition to Quality Control Forms submitted by monitors for laboratory analysis of duplicate samples (Appendix F). All documentation from workshops (Water Quality Monitoring and Train-the-Trainer) and certifications will be held in the ACB/ALLARM office for a minimum of seven years. 26 Version 1 March 31, 2017

29 Section B Data Generation and Acquisition B1. Sampling Process Design ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will help monitoring groups prioritize and determine the location of their sampling sites. The specific criteria used to prioritize the location of sampling sites will vary depending on the monitoring group s goal(s) and question(s), but will always take into account the priority areas identified by the CBP and other data users in the Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (Appendix B). The total number and location of sampling sites will be dependent on the number and location of monitoring groups participating in this project. Once the sampling site locations are determined, monitors will visit their site(s) to document the site coordinates with GPS, record the site description, and confirm that the site is safe and easy to access. If the site is adjacent to private property, monitors will use the Property Owner Permission and Liability Release Agreement form found in the CMC Non-Tidal Methods Manual to obtain permission from the property owner to access the site prior to sampling. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will tailor the CMC Non-Tidal Methods Manual (Appendix C) to suit the needs of the monitoring group, based on the decisions made during the Study Design Workshop (A8.1). Monitors will follow the methods and QA procedures in their tailored monitoring manual to collect water quality data (possible parameters listed in Table B2-1) at their sampling site monthly or more frequently for a minimum of one year. They will test all field parameters in-stream or stream-side and will collect water samples to test non-field parameters within the maximum holding time. Safety while monitoring is strongly emphasized by the Project Team and will always be discussed at workshops. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer advises monitors to use the buddy system when possible or at a minimum, notify someone before and after sampling. Monitors are instructed not to enter the stream during high flow events, icy conditions, inclement weather, environmental hazards, or when they are not feeling well. B2. Sampling Methods Requirements Each group participating in the project will develop a study design that includes their sampling schedule, parameters sampled, site locations, and the methods and equipment they use. Groups adopting this QAPP will submit their study design to ACB/ALLARM for approval prior to collecting water quality data. Table B2-1 lists the possible parameters, analytical methods, equipment options, and tier designations that groups may choose to adopt as part of this QAPP. 27 Version 1 March 31, 2017

30 Monitors will receive a tailored copy of the CMC Non-Tidal Methods Manual at the Water Quality Monitoring Workshop. The manual will contain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample collection, sample analysis, data management, and QA/QC procedures. Table B2-1. Parameters, analytical methods, and equipment approved for use under this QAPP. Parameter Analytical Equipment Tier Tier II Method Additional Requirements Alkalinity Kit; titration LaMotte 4491-DR- Tier II 01; LaMotte DR-01; LaMotte Alkalinity Digital checker; Hanna HI 775 Tier II Standardization colorimetric Ammonia-nitrogen Laboratory Lab-specific Tier II Lab analysis Bacteria E. coli Coliscan Easygel Tier I Bacteria E. coli Lab-specific Tier II Lab analysis Conductivity Meter LaMotte 1749 Tier II Calibration Dissolved oxygen Meter Ex. LaMotte 1761 Tier II Calibration Dissolved oxygen Kit; Winkler LaMotte 5860 Tier II Standardization titration Nitrate-nitrogen Colorimetric kit; Hach NI ; Tier I cadmium reduction LaMotte 3110 Nitrate-nitrogen Colorimetric kit; LaMotte 3354 Tier I zinc reduction Nitrate-nitrogen Colorimeter or Ex. Hach Tier II Known, Acidwash spectrophotometer glassware Nitrate-nitrogen Laboratory Lab-specific Tier II Lab analysis Nitrite-nitrate Laboratory Lab-specific Tier II Lab analysis Orthophosphate Colorimetric kit; Hach PO-19 Tier I ascorbic acid ; Hanna HI Orthophosphate Digital checker; Hanna HI 713 Tier II Known, Acidwash ascorbic acid glassware Orthophosphate Colorimeter or Ex. Hach Tier II Known, Acidwash spectrophotometer glassware Orthophosphate Laboratory Lab-specific Tier II Lab analysis ph Strips ColorpHast Tier I ph Meter Ex. Hanna, LaMotte, Tier II Calibration Oakton, Extech ph Colorimetric LaMotte, Hach Tier II Total dissolved Meter LaMotte 1749 Tier I solids 28 Version 1 March 31, 2017

31 Total dissolved Laboratory Lab-specific Tier II Lab analysis solids Total nitrogen Laboratory Lab-specific Tier II Lab analysis Total phosphorus Laboratory Lab-specific Tier II Lab analysis Turbidity Kit LaMotte 7519 Tier I Water clarity Transparency tube Ben Meadows Tier I Water clarity Secchi disk Ben Meadows Tier I Water temperature Armored LaMotte 1066 Tier II Verification thermometer Water temperature Digital Hanna Tier II Verification thermometer Water temperature Thermometer or thermistor of meter Ex. LaMotte 1761 Tier II Verification As noted by the Tiered Framework (Appendix A) in section A5.2, the Project Team categorizes the data collected based on the quality of the data. Data quality is dependent upon the: a. Analytical method used, b. Equipment used (based on based on accuracy, precision, and sensitivity), and c. Documented quality control procedures used to collect the information. Under this QAPP, data are categorized as Tier I or Tier II. For data to qualify as Tier II, monitors must: a. Meet the data quality requirements for each parameter, b. Test samples in replicate, and c. Demonstrate they follow the SOPs by maintaining certification through ACB or ALLARM. Parameters/analytical methods designated as Tier II include samples analyzed by a certified laboratory, the use of equipment that can be calibrated, standardized, and/or verified, or the use of methods that involve a titration with a specific endpoint. Specific requirements to achieve Tier II classification are also included in Table B2-1 by parameter and outlined in the Rubric for Tier Determination and Inclusion of Data in the CMC Database. If a monitor does not meet all of the QA requirements for Tier II classification, the data will be flagged in the database and reclassified as Tier I, if appropriate. B3. Sample Handling and Custody Requirements Monitors may choose to collect water samples to transport to another location for analysis (non-field parameters only). All water samples will be collected in a properly cleaned 29 Version 1 March 31, 2017

32 polyethylene bottle, labeled with the site location (monitors testing dissolved oxygen using the Winkler titration will collect a water sample using the glass bottle provided in their monitoring kit). Monitors will record the sample information onto their field data sheet. Samples will be preserved as indicated in Appendix C. ALLARM monitors collecting duplicate samples for lab analysis will follow the procedures outlined in Appendix F. B3.1 Samples collected for lab analysis Sample custody procedures are an integral part of laboratory and field operations. Since the data generated from this project are not used for legal purposes, formal Chain of Custody (COC) procedures are not required. However, if a monitor collects a water sample to be analyzed by a certified laboratory, and the laboratory requires a COC procedure, the procedure will be outlined in the monitoring group s tailored sampling plan to ensure the integrity of the samples received by the laboratory. Water samples that are collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis will be labeled in the field and each bottle label will include at minimum the monitor s name, sampling site information, date and time of collection, and method used to preserve the sample. A sample tag will also be attached to the sample bottle. Field sampling operations are described in detail in CMC Non- Tidal Methods Manual, and include procedures for: a. Filling out lab scheduling forms, field and lab sheets, and sample label tags; b. Preparing samples for shipment; and c. Documenting sample custody in the field. Upon completion of sampling, the cooler containing the water sample(s) will be surrounded by wet ice and shipped/delivered to an approved laboratory as soon as possible within specified holding time (see CMC Non-Tidal Methods Manual for a list of applicable holding times). Once samples have been received, the laboratory will assume all sample custody responsibility. Detailed procedures for custody procedures at each laboratory should be made available upon request by the laboratory. The laboratory receiving the samples may reject the analysis of any water sample under any of the following conditions: a. Sample tag is not attached; b. Collection information is not included; c. Sample tag and collection information does not exactly match and the issue cannot be resolved; d. Temperature of the sample exceeds 4 (± 2) C, if applicable; or e. Holding time requirements for parameter(s) have been exceeded (CMC Non-Tidal Methods Manual). 30 Version 1 March 31, 2017

33 B4. Analytical Methods Requirements A tailored version of the CMC Non-Tidal Methods Manual will distributed to all monitors at the Water Quality Monitoring Workshop. The manual will be customized for the monitoring group based on the decisions they make during the Study Design Workshop. The CMC Non-Tidal Methods Manual contains detailed information on all sampling protocols and equipment. A complete list of parameters and the analytical methods used under this QAPP are included in Appendix D and is summarized in Table B2-1. Laboratory analyses will be performed by a state, federal, or NELAP laboratory that has a certified quality system and pertinent SOPs for sample analysis should be available from each laboratory upon request. An outline of the analytical methods used by the ALLARM lab to test duplicate samples sent by ALLARM monitors for quality control and/or recertification can be found in Appendix F. B5. Quality Control Requirements A goal of this project is to collect data that can be used to assist local and regional decisions affecting the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed, so it is essential that a high level of QA/QC be maintained. All members of the project will follow established procedures to ensure data accuracy, precision, representativeness, comparability and completeness necessary for a successful program. Before collecting data for this project, each monitor will attend a Water Quality Monitoring Workshop to learn the procedures and requirements for collecting water quality information. Monitors will receive a tailored copy of the CMC Non-Tidal Methods Manual, which clearly documents information about the quality control plan and detailed instructions on sample collection and analysis methods, to ensure credibility. Monitors will also learn how to properly care for, calibrate (if applicable), and use their monitoring equipment. Monitors will visit their monitoring site at least once a month to assess water quality parameters. Some of the analysis will be done stream-side, either directly in the stream or immediately following sample collection. Non-field parameters may be measured at an alternative location if the samples are collected and stored properly. Parameters will be measured in a particular order, taking into account the maximum holding times. The parameters each monitor measures will be listed in the order in which they should be measured on their field data sheet. B5.1 Field QC Checks B5.1.1 Equipment Calibration 31 Version 1 March 31, 2017

34 Prior to sampling, monitors will calibrate any equipment that requires calibration using standard solutions and will note on their field data sheet (Appendix G) that they calibrated their equipment. After sampling, it is recommended that monitors check their probes against the standard solutions used for calibration to identify any instrument drift. Monitors will record the calibration and verification values on their field data sheet and enter the values into the project database as metadata. If calibration is not successful (i.e. values drifting or out of range), monitors will troubleshoot their meter and recalibrate it. The step-by-step directions for each method are included in Appendix C. B5.1.2 Field Blanks Monitors who collect water samples for laboratory analysis will submit field blank samples to the lab approximately 10% of the time. Monitors will perform all field procedures using deionized or distilled water as the water sample, including preserving the samples as required, to bring to the lab for analysis. The field blank values reported by the laboratory will be entered into the project database as field blanks. B5.1.3 Field Replicates Monitors trained by ACB or an ACB Certified Trainer to collect Tier I data will test each parameter in replicate 10% of the time. Monitors trained by ALLARM and monitors trained by ACB/ACB Certified Trainer to collect Tier II data will test each parameter in replicate (at least two replicates) for every sampling event. Monitors will record the replicate values onto their field data sheet, and if the first two replicates fall within the acceptable precision range for the parameter being tested and equipment used (Appendix F), the values will be averaged for the final result. If the values are not within the acceptable precision range, additional replicates will be tested until two values are within the acceptable precision range. Only those two values will be averaged for the final result. The other values will be crossed out with a horizontal line going through the middle of the number. The acceptable precision range for each parameter is listed in Appendix F, and is based on the precision and sensitivity of the equipment used. Monitors will enter the replicate values into the project database and the database will calculate the final result. B5.1.4 Field Duplicates Monitors who use the Winkler titration method to measure dissolved oxygen will collect duplicate samples (two) using the glass sample collection bottles included in their LaMotte dissolved oxygen kit. Monitors trained by ACB or an ACB Certified Trainer to collect Tier I data will test dissolved oxygen in duplicate 10% of the time. Monitors trained by ALLARM and monitors trained by ACB/ACB Certified Trainer to collect Tier II data will test dissolved oxygen in duplicate for every sampling event. Monitors will record the duplicate values onto their field data sheet, and if the two duplicate values fall within the acceptable precision range (± 0.6 mg/l), the values will be averaged for the final result. If the values are not within the acceptable precision range, monitors will titrate both samples again. Only two values that fall within the acceptable precision range will be averaged for the final result. The other values will be crossed out with a horizontal line going through the middle of the number. If two values do 32 Version 1 March 31, 2017

35 not fall within the acceptable precision range after titrating both duplicate samples three times, the monitor will not record a dissolved oxygen value for the sampling event and will contact ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer for troubleshooting advice. The acceptable precision range for the Winkler titration method is ± 0.6 mg/l, and is based on the precision and sensitivity of the LaMotte dissolved oxygen kit. Monitors will enter the duplicate values into the project database and the database will calculate the final result. Monitors who collect water samples for laboratory analysis will submit duplicate samples to the lab approximately 10% of the time. Monitors will collect duplicate samples by collecting one large sample and splitting it between two containers or by filling two sample bottles simultaneously. The values from the duplicate samples will be entered into the project database. B5.2 Laboratory QC Checks All laboratories used will be NELAP, federal, or state certified and adhere to the established standards for precision and accuracy control limits for each parameter, as determined by laboratory duplicates and spikes, respectively. If any data fail these criteria they will be flagged as failing QC criteria. Laboratory QC procedures are developed by the individual laboratory. When requested, the Project Manager will contact the laboratory to obtain a copy of the procedures. B5.3 Data Entry QC Checks Monitors will enter their results into the project database after sampling and will submit their field data sheets to ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer biannually. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will spot check 10% of a monitor s total number of data sheets and compare the results entered in the database for data entry errors. If a data entry error is found, it will be corrected by ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer, and noted on the monitor s field data sheet and in the project database. If a monitor is found to be at fault of a data entry error, their previous six data sheets will be checked. If data entry errors, incomplete data sheets, or written notes by the monitor are found consistently, ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will contact the monitor and work to remedy the issue. The project database will have algorithms to perform basic data entry checks to flag data that are outside the acceptable ranges for each parameter. The ranges used to flag these questionable data will be those used by the CBP Data Upload and Evaluation Tool (DUET). The project database will alert the monitor and ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer of questionable data, and if data are flagged consistently, ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will contact the monitor and work to remedy the issue. The monitor and/or ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer may flag individual data points in the project database if the data are questionable. Example scenarios that would result in a monitor and/or ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer manually flagging a data point include: 33 Version 1 March 31, 2017

36 a. Absence of metadata including calibration values for probes and chemical viability checks for sodium thiosulfate b. Required samples not taken (e.g., two dissolved oxygen samples are required to be taken at each monitoring event, only one sample taken) c. Out of range results due to: 1. Equipment issues (e.g., monitor writing on data sheet that syringe broke during testing 2. Monitor not performing test correctly (e.g., determined by monitor comments on data sheet or investigation by ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer or QA Manager resulting in retraining of monitor) 3. Chemical expiration or contamination (e.g., determined by monitor comments on data sheet, investigation by Project Team staff, or certified trainer, resulting in chemical replacement or recall of reagent) B6. Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance Requirements Monitors will inspect their equipment prior to each sampling event to ensure that all materials are clean and working properly as outlined in Appendix C. After testing, monitors will clean all equipment following the procedures in their tailored methods manual. A summary of the ACB and ALLARM cleaning requirements for each parameter can be found in Appendix E and Appendix F, respectively. Once a year, ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will meet with each monitor to check their equipment and resupply calibration solution, reagents, cleaning supplies, etc. If materials are needed between those annual meetings, the monitor will contact ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer. B6.1 Equipment Maintenance Monitoring equipment and supplies are stored according to the manufacturer s directions when not in use. Unless chemicals and reagents are discolored, fail standardization, or show other obvious signs of degradation or damage, they are considered valid until the printed date of expiration. Expired chemicals are to be disposed of properly in accordance with federal, state and local environmental control regulations. All monitoring equipment will be maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. B7. Instrument/Equipment Calibration and Frequency Monitors will calibrate all meters that can be calibrated following the manufacturer s instructions prior to sampling or analysis, using standard calibration solutions when applicable. Monitors will document that they calibrated their meter(s) on their field data sheet. Monitors who use a Hanna Digital Checker to measure alkalinity and/or orthophosphate will verify that their Digital Checker is performing properly by testing known solutions provided by 34 Version 1 March 31, 2017

37 ALLARM/ACB/Certified Trainer prior to analyzing their water sample. Monitors will record the value of the known solution on their field data sheet. After sampling, monitors using meters should check their probe by measuring the same standard solutions used for calibration. Monitors will record the value of the standard solution on their data sheet and enter the value into the project database. If values are outside the acceptable range (ph ± 0.2 units, DO ± 0.3 mg/l (compared to theoretical value), specific conductance ± 5% of standard value), the data will be flagged in the database and the meter will be assessed and fixed or replaced if needed. ACB owns a master precision thermometer that is verified annually against the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality s NIST-traceable thermometer. If the ACB master thermometer is not found to be within the acceptable range of ± 1 C, ACB will obtain a new thermometer to be verified. ALLARM/Certified Trainers will also obtain master precision thermometers that will be verified against ACB s verified master thermometer annually. These verified thermometers will be used to ensure proper verification of the thermometers used by monitors. Verified thermometers will be tracked using a unique identification number. Verification logs will be retained by ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainers for seven years. B8. Inspection and Acceptance Requirements for Supplies ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainers will obtain monitoring equipment and materials from reputable laboratory supply companies such as LaMotte, Micrology, HACH, Forestry Suppliers, Hanna, AquaPhoenix Scientific, VA Laboratory Supply, and Fisher Scientific. Monitoring equipment for this project will be chosen based on accuracy, precision, ease of use, cost, experience using, and/or recommendations from other monitoring program coordinators. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainers will inspect purchased equipment and broken or defective items will be sent back to the supplier. Equipment will be distributed to monitors at the Water Quality Monitoring Workshop or afterwards as needed. Monitors will check their supplies, including calibration solutions and reagents each month to be sure they have not expired and will return expired chemicals and defective equipment to ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainers. B9. Data Acquisition Requirements The Integration of Citizen-based and Nontraditional Monitoring into the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership project will acquire data from monitoring groups which have demonstrated that the data were collected using QA/QC procedures that generate data of known quality. Historic data will be assigned a tier designation based upon the requirements established within this QAPP and outlined in the Rubric for Tier Determination and Inclusion of Data in the CMC Database. Historic data will be adequately marked within the database as being of a known quality, but not collected under the requirements of this QAPP. 35 Version 1 March 31, 2017

38 In Pennsylvania and New York, ALLARM will map watersheds and select characteristics for participating groups using ESRI ArcMap and data downloaded from federal and state spatial data clearinghouses. Sampling locations will be mapped by ACB/ALLARM using Google Maps and/or the USGS National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) in ESRI ArcMap. The spatial data used to help select sampling locations will not affect the quality of the data produced through this project. In some cases, weather conditions and precipitation values will be collected from and stream flow data from nearby USGS stream gages may be used to determine stream flow conditions prior to sampling for safety. Stream flow data will be obtained from the USGS stream gage network at Monitors will consult with ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer to determine which USGS stream gage station to refer to assess stream flow conditions (if applicable). B10. Data Management Monitors will record their water quality results onto field data sheets (Appendix G) supplied by ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer immediately after each measurement is taken. Monitors will completed all sections of their field data sheets and file them in their monitoring binder for six months until they send them to ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer to be spot checked (Section A9.2) and then archived for seven years. The water quality results will also be entered into the project database either by the monitor or the monitoring group s data manager (if applicable) via phone, tablet, or computer. Each monitor will have an individual account that is also linked to information specific to their monitoring group, such as methods manuals and contact information. To enter results into the database, a monitor will access the database website and login to their account using a unique login ID and password. Once logged in, they will see their individual profile, which will include information specific to their account, including a list and map of the site(s) they sample. The monitor will click on their site to enter the results into a data input form using drop-down menus and boxes. After entering all of the information from their data sheet into the data input form, the monitor will review and compare the information between the two for errors before submitting the data record to the database. The data input form will be tailored for each monitor and will only include the parameters they monitor and will include places to record calibration and QC information only when applicable. The database will have built-in functions to help reduce input errors and will not allow monitors to input values that are not feasible (e.g. a ph of 15). It is recommended that ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer contact monitors within three months of the Water Quality Monitoring Workshop to answer questions and review the sampling and data management methods. At the same time, ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer should review any data the monitor has entered into the project database and assess it for data completeness. 36 Version 1 March 31, 2017

39 Within the project database, data will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Summary statistics will be calculated and values will be plotted in order to help identify anomalies within the dataset. When anomalies occur, ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will review the field and laboratory data sheets (in addition to the spot check procedure defined in section B5.3) and make corrections if necessary. Digital data files will be maintained and backed up regularly by Chesapeake Environmental Communications, Inc. Anyone who accesses the project database will be able to download and use the data for analysis. 37 Version 1 March 31, 2017

40 Section C Assessment and Oversight C1. Assessment and Response Actions The Project Team will use four categories of assessment to ensure the integrity of the data: a. Laboratory b. Program c. Field Sampling d. Validation and Reporting C1.1 Laboratory Assessments The internal audits used to evaluate the laboratory will examine: a. Sample blank b. Procedures c. Quality assurance d. Data reduction and reporting The specific makeup of the audit team and procedures to conduct laboratory audits are contained in the individual laboratory project plans. In addition, external audits are conducted by the EPA, state agencies, and NELAP and may include laboratory systems and performance audits. C1.2 Program Assessments The QA Management will perform an annual assessment of the QA/QC procedures of the CMC Non-Tidal Water Quality Monitoring Program to determine if the data collected meet the program s objectives and are of known quality. If the QA Management discovers any QA issues within the program they will work with ACB/ALLARM to resolve the issue(s). It will be the responsibility of ACB/ALLARM to follow up on any issues. Data submitted to the project database during this time will be flagged until ACB/ALLARM has verified that the issues have been eliminated. C1.3 Field Sampling Assessments ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer is responsible for ensuring that all monitors collecting Tier II data maintain their certification and participate in the recertification process every two years. The recertification process serves as an audit or test for the monitors and their equipment. If a monitor demonstrates a faulty sampling technique during the recertification process, ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will retrain the monitor and will not renew the monitor s certification until the monitor can demonstrate that the sampling technique has been mastered, which is crucial in meeting data quality objectives. If the monitor is unable to meet the data quality objectives, ACB/ALLARM will decide on corrective action (e.g., training monitors to use an alternate method of sampling; requiring that equipment be more frequently verified; or the monitor ceases measuring the parameter in question). Any equipment 38 Version 1 March 31, 2017

41 determined to be faulty during recertification will be replaced. Details of the recertification process are outlined in Appendix E and Appendix F. C1.4 Validation and Reporting Assessments The project database will be developed to incorporate a data validation and reporting system that will be supported by ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer. These procedures will be reviewed as a part of the annual assessment conducted by the QA Manager. C2. Reports The QA Management will create an annual assessment report of the QA program that will be circulated to the Project Team, CBP, and EPA QA staff. All Project Team members are required to submit a quarterly report to the Project Manager of all project activities, including workshops, certifications, and QA problem resolution. In addition, the Project Manager is required to submit bi-annual reports to EPA Region III of all project activities and will include any significant QA issues that have been addressed by EPA or CBP staff. UMCES will provide trainings on data interpretation and reporting to monitoring groups collecting Tier II or III data. These trainings will provide monitoring groups with the tools they need to create a water quality monitoring report card using the data they have collected. All monitoring group reports generated within the project will be shared throughout the project, with local and state officials, as well as with the CBP and EPA. 39 Version 1 March 31, 2017

42 Section D Data Validation and Usability D1. Data Review, Validation, and Verification Requirements The water quality results will be entered into the project database and compared to the results on the original field data sheet for data entry errors using the spot check procedure (A9.2). Any errors found will be corrected by ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer. Calibration information will be examined to determine how well the equipment performed. If significant drift in the instrument occurs, the data will be flagged accordingly. Field data sheets will be retained by ACB/ALLARM for at least seven years after the sampling date. D2. Validation and Verification Methods ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will work with monitors to ensure that their data are validated and verified before it is approved by the project database. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer and monitoring groups will perform a spot check of field data sheets as described in Section A9.2 to ensure proper data entry procedures are upheld. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will provide advice and technical assistance to ensure that procedures are properly followed and that submitted data have been checked thoroughly. Monitors will send their original field data sheets to ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer twice a year. If data are found to be outside of known ranges, erroneous, or questionable during the spot check process, they will be flagged by the database and/or ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer during data review. When errors are identified during the spot check process, all of the data sheets submitted by the monitor at that time will be checked. If more errors are found, ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will contact the monitor for more information and to thoroughly investigate the error. If errors are easily identifiable, the monitor will be informed of the errors and retrained on the applicable protocol to ensure proper data collection. If the error is unable to be resolved, the data from that monitor for that period and onward will be flagged in the project database until a resolution is found. During a Certification Workshop, ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will work with monitors to ensure that their equipment and reagents are still in good condition and that they are performing the testing methods correctly. Monitors using meters will log their calibrations on their field data sheet and in the project database. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will log verifications of thermometers other applicable equipment. ACB/ALLARM/Certified Trainer will keep thermometer verification log sheets to be checked and referenced if any questionable data arise to confirm proper equipment verification. Calibration of meters will occur before and after each use or as specified by the manufacturer s instructions and will recorded onto the field data sheets. Verification of master thermometers will occur yearly. Thermometers for new monitors will be verified before they are given 40 Version 1 March 31, 2017

43 out. The monitor s thermometer will be checked during the monitor s recertification and will be replaced with a new, verified thermometer if needed. At a minimum, 10% of the samples collected and analyzed will be field replicates, duplicates, or blanks. These quality control samples will be used to validate and verify field and lab procedures. The results from these quality control samples will be used to flag data in the project database. D3. Reconciliation with Data Quality Objectives This QAPP is applicable to two data quality objectives defined by Tier I and Tier II criteria. Classifications for data use and quality objectives are summarized in Table A5-1 and data completeness goals are described in section A7.4. If Tier II data do not meet the completeness goals required for report card analysis but maintain QA/QC rigor, the data may still be designated as Tier II, but will not be used for report card generation. The results from all Certification Workshops will be analyzed immediately to determine if monitors have met quality assurance requirements for each parameter they measure. If a monitor does not meet the requirements, their equipment will be checked and replaced if it is determined to be faulty. If a monitor s technique is incorrect, they will be retrained and reassessed until they can demonstrate the correct technique. If a monitor does not meet all of the QA requirements for Tier II classification, the data will be flagged in the database and reclassified as Tier I, if appropriate. 41 Version 1 March 31, 2017

44 Appendix A: Tiered Framework Tiered Framework for Data Collection and Integration for Nontraditional Monitoring

45 Tiered Framework for Data Collection and Integration for Nontraditional Monitoring Introduction The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (Alliance), Izaak Walton League of America (League), Dickinson College s Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM), and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Integration and Application Network (UMCES IAN) (referred to as the Project Team in this document) are partnering to provide technical, logistical, and outreach support for the integration of citizen-based and non-traditional (i.e., non-agency) monitoring data into the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) partnership. The integration of these data into the CBP monitoring networks will provide additional cost-effective data and information that supports shared decision-making and adaptive management by the CBP partners focused on restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. The Project Team, using their background, expertise, and knowledge with the nontraditional monitoring community, are working with CBP STAR (Scientific, Technical Assessment and Reporting Team) to: 1) establish institutional structures and procedures, such as the tiered data use framework; 2) facilitate development of consistent monitoring and training protocols, technical guidance, data gathering tools, quality assurance mechanisms, and data analysis and communication tools; 3) inventory, prioritize and recruit monitoring groups; and 4) provide training and technical support to monitoring entities. This comprehensive approach will ensure a consistent submittal of known quality data to the CBP. Purpose of the Framework The Tiered Framework for Data Collection and Integration for Nontraditional Monitoring identifies recommended categories of data quality and their associated end uses. Broad data quality requirements for each category are identified. This framework also provides recommendations of existing resources to inform data production protocols. For the development of this framework and associated data collection and management protocols, the Project Team is working with experienced nontraditional monitoring programs, state agency programs, and the STAR Data Integrity workgroup to incorporate best practices and lessons learned. Additionally, the Project Team has examined thirteen states volunteer monitoring programs, and identified five states to best inform the development of this tiered framework. The Project Team will seek adoption of the tiered data use framework, monitoring protocols, and Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) by the CBP. The framework is meant to be a guiding document that will be subject to change and refinement once the Project Team receives data from a watershed monitoring census (to document the most commonly used monitoring techniques in the Bay Watershed) which will inform equipment testing and the development of corresponding monitoring method manuals and QAPPs. Once those key monitoring

46 tools are established, the framework document will be updated (Fall 2016) to reflect the monitoring that is and will be taking place in the watershed. Monitoring Questions Non-traditional monitoring entities typically develop study designs, in part to identify their research questions and objectives. Most non-traditional monitoring entities have been monitoring for water quality status and trends using three lines of evidence: Water quality/chemistry Biological macroinvertebrates and submerged aquatic vegetation Physical habitat and stream bank assessments Although the issues addressed are almost always locally-based, the data collected can also be utilized, along with other Bay-wide data, to address the status and trends of waterway health in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Some examples of Bay-wide priority research questions that local non-traditional monitoring data can inform include: What is the effectiveness of management actions? What are the relationships in space and time between watershed health and bay health? What are the effects of emerging contaminants and climate change on the status and recovery of bay and watershed health? Where should natural resource managers prioritize restoration efforts? How does the inclusion of citizen science data change individual behaviors and increase environmental stewardship? Once the data are organized and entered into a database, CBP may use the non-traditional data to help answer these and additional questions. Intended Data Use TIERS TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 Intended Data Use Education, Environmental Health Screening Environmental Health Report Cards, Environmental Health Screening, Targeting of Management Actions Chesapeake Bay Watershed trends and assessments to help inform policy and management decisions Tier Descriptions and Framework for Determining Tiers There are diverse motivations for monitoring and diverse projects where non-traditional data are collected. In the aquatic citizen science field/volunteer monitoring, most organizations developing monitoring programs answer the question how do they intend to use their data prior to identifying parameters, appropriate techniques, and corresponding quality assurance measures. This process is done with the goal to match the data quality with the intended use. For the integration of non-

47 traditional data into the Bay program, the Project Team has identified Tiers for data use. If data do not meet the data requirements of the different tiers, those data will not be included in this project. Tier 1 Education and Environmental Health Screening : Definition: Tier 1 data include programs whose data do not meet the requirements of Tier 2 and Tier 3 but are of known quality, have written study designs, documented quality assurance/quality control measures, and as a result still contribute to understanding of the health of the Bay watershed. Data Uses: These data can be used to: Provide location information on where monitoring is taking place; Provide on-the ground information for future site development; Indicate potential pollution hot spots; Prioritize sites for follow-up monitoring; Target restoration projects; Inform sub watershed report cards; and Highlight local, community projects that are implemented to improve the health of the Bay watershed. Data Requirements: Clearly documented monitoring methodology, site locations, and written study designs. Tier 2 - Environmental Health Report Cards, Environmental Health Screening, Targeting of Management Actions: Definition: Tier 2 data are data with clearly defined and approved methodology (using the volunteer monitoring EPA QAPP guidelines) but do not meet Tier 3 data requirements. Data Uses: These data will: Be used for Bay Program report cards; Be used to help target stream segments for water quality standards attainment assessments and Clean Water Act 305(b) reports; Be used for screening for Clean Water Act 303(d) stream segments; Target new priority agency sites; Track the performance of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation projects; and Be used for all uses identified in Tier 1. Data Requirements: Program, at minimum, has an approved volunteer monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan ( Data collected, uses approved field or laboratory standard operating procedures with defined levels of precision and accuracy for the measurements, or

48 program can be participating in an umbrella monitoring initiative that has an approved QAPP or field/lab standard operating procedures. Tier 3 - Chesapeake Bay Watershed trends and assessments to help inform policy and management decisions: Definition: Tier 3 data are regulatory, decision-making, legally defensible data. Data Uses: These data can be used for: Attainment purposes, Clean Water Act 305 (b) reports, Clean Water Act 303 (d) listing and delisting; and All uses identified in Tier 1 and Tier 2. Data Requirements: United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or CBP approved QAPP and field/lab standard operating procedures. The Project team will be refining data requirements (Fall 2016) criteria after monitoring method manuals and QAPPs are developed to add additional information on types of monitoring techniques, their precision, accuracy, and sensitivity as well as quality assurance measures. Examples of Non-traditional Data Contributor Success Stories within Each Tier There a number of existing success stories that highlight the diverse ways that nontraditional data can be used to inform education, screening of pollution problems, long-term trend analysis, and water quality standards attainment. Tier 1 - Education: Data collection is inherently educational for participants. Beyond the educational development of the data collector/analyzer, a typical goal for watershed organizations and programs is to use the data collected to educate municipal officials, community members, and other stakeholders about water quality in their community. Most data-collecting entities use the stories found in their data for local education. One successful case study in Pennsylvania is the work accomplished by the Antietam Watershed Association (AWA). When AWA developed their study design with technical support from ALLARM, they were primarily concerned with the effect of non-point source runoff in the watershed; agricultural runoff was the primary issue in the West Branch of the Antietam and stormwater runoff was the primary issue in the East Branch of the Antietam. Three years into their baseline data collection, there were three large farms that were sold in the West Branch for housing subdivisions. Using the data they collected, AWA was able to illustrate the impact of agricultural runoff on the West Branch as well as the impacts of stormwater runoff in the East Branch. As a result, AWA was able to work with the local municipality, Washington Township, to develop a buffer ordinance for the new housing subdivision. The South Anna Monitoring Project is a citizen water quality monitoring volunteer group that operates under a VA DEQ-approved QAPP to monitor water quality parameters at designated sites along the

49 South Anna Creek and its tributaries in Louisa County, Virginia. Volunteers have been collecting data and noting land use changes in the upper portion of the watershed for the past 10 years. With this data, an educational report was developed to illustrate land use change impacts. Tier 2 - Screening, Report Cards, Targeting: A common product of watershed monitoring activities are reports and report cards that outline findings as well as recommendations on data use, sites for further investigation, and additional questions to answer in the watershed. The Shermans Creek Conservation Association (SCCA) was a watershed group located in Perry County, Pennsylvania (one of Pennsylvania s more rural counties). SCCA formed in 1998 and conducted baseline chemical, biological, and physical stream monitoring from with technical support and mentoring from ALLARM. Throughout their nine years of water quality data collection they went through three rounds of data interpretation and data use. The first watershed report on Shermans Creek was published in 2004 and it was the impetus and primary content used for the development of a Rivers Conservation Plan. As a primarily agricultural county, the watershed data were particularly useful in identifying locations for best management practices to be installed to address a variety of issues from faulty manure storage facilities to lack of riparian buffers. Another result of the 2004 report was a petition to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) to upgrade the stream designation of a portion of the main stem of Shermans Creek, based on the citizen-collected data. The SCCA data which were submitted to the state helped the state target their own monitoring to inform the designated use upgrade process. The Reedy Creek Coalition (RCC), a watershed group in Richmond, Virginia, with training and technical assistance from the Alliance, has been collecting water quality data to help identify pollution hotspots and potential sources. Through regularly monthly monitoring along the creek and streamwalks, the Coalition has identified several illicit discharges over the span of the monitoring program. In 2011, during a streamwalk, a dry weather discharge was detected at a large stormwater pipe, along with a strong sanitary sewer odor and bacterial growth. This, along with follow-up testing from Randolph Macon College students which showed very high levels of E. coli, prompted the City of Richmond to investigate. They discovered a damaged sanity sewer line nearby and repaired it. Also, in 2012, the water quality monitors identified foul odors and elevated E. coli counts at a monitoring site on Crooked Branch, a tributary of Reedy Creek. The RCC notified the City of Richmond s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regarding their observations and the DPU Pretreatment Program began an investigation. Their monitoring confirmed the volunteers findings and they traced the contamination to a blocked sanitary sewer line. This was fixed, and follow up sampling showed much lower concentrations of E. coli. Tier 3/Tier 2 - Water Quality Standards Attainment: Typically for monitoring programs interested in attainment, there is a strong reliance upon stateapproved protocols and certified laboratories for data analysis. However, there are success stories of nontraditional data being used to inform Clean Water Act violations as well as the listing and delisting of streams. The Codorus Creek Watershed Association was formed in 1998 to implement watershed assessments. One of the group s concerns centered on the Glatfelter Paper Plant, whose discharge led to the community nickname of the Codorus as the inky stinky. Upstream of the plant s effluent the Codorus is classified as a High Quality Cold Water Fishery (the second highest designated use in PA). As a result

50 of the temperature and color of the plant s discharge the creek downstream only met criteria for a Warm Water Fishery. Using two parameters, temperature and color, the group produced data that illustrated the plant was in violation of the Clean Water Act and the Pennsylvania Chapter 93 code. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection then sued the plant, which resulted in $2.5 million in penalties and required the plant to install $32 million worth of new equipment to improve the clarity and temperature of the discharge. Existing Tools There are a number of existing tools to help identify appropriate chemical water quality monitoring procedures that will be helpful for this project: To inform non-tidal monitoring procedures, the Project Team will use the VA DEQs Virginia Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program s Methods Manual and the Mid Atlantic Tributary Assessment Coalition Nontidal Protocols ing/citmon_manual.pdf; To inform tidal monitoring procedures, the Project Team will use the Mid Atlantic Tributary Assessment Coalition Tidal Protocols; and To inform attainment data use, the Project Team will use the Chesapeake Bay Program s Recommended Guidelines for Sampling and Analysis as well as the 2015 Technical Addendum for Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Dissolved Oxygen, Water Clarity, and Chlorophyll a for the Chesapeake Bay and Its Tidal Tributaries. Areas for Development and Consideration For chemical data, the VA DEQ methods will have to be examined and the Project Team will have to confirm that those tiers fit in appropriately with this project. The questions that nontraditional data will help answer are expansive and will require integrative data. One consideration here is how the program will diversify the information inputs into the tiered framework to better integrate additional parameters such as benthic macroinvertebrates, physical habitat, and submerged aquatic vegetation. Metadata Requirements As a part of the tiered approach, data producers will need to submit accompanying metadata alongside their monitoring data. All data of known quality are valuable as long as the end use matches the data quality; metadata are crucial to ascertain the quality of data.. The metadata provide additional information as to how the measurements were obtained and the level of precision and accuracy. Typically metadata includes, but is not limited to: equipment and materials used, storage methods, holding times, and analysis methods. There are a number of approaches to determining what metadata is needed, including relying on existing tools and frameworks, such as:

51 EPA Volunteer Monitoring QAPP Development guidelines VA DEQ established metadata protocols for their databases; and Conversations with the Chesapeake Bay Program teams that are discussing required metadata for different data uses. Below is an example of metadata from a Pennsylvania Watershed Group s Study Design: Parameter Equipment Holding Container Storage Maximum Holding Time Method Temperature LaMotte Hg-Free Thermometer Measured at stream N/A Immediate Field Thermometer Conductivity ph LaMotte Tracer PocketTester EMD Millipore ColorpHast ph strips 500 ml Nalgene N/A Immediate Field meter Measured at stream Dissolved Oxygen LaMotte Kit # ml glass container Water Clarity LaMotte Transparency Tube Refrigerate 2 hours ph strips N/A Fixed at streamside, titrate within 8 hours Immediate Winkler Titration Visual Ortho-Phosphates Hach Kit #PO ml Nalgene Refrigerate Within 48 hours Nitrate- Nitrogen Hach Kit #NI ml Nalgene Refrigerate Within 48 hours Benthic Macroinvertebrates Indefinite Kick net or D-net with 500-micron mesh Identify at stream side; OR Preserve in wide mouth 1 liter plastic screw cap container Preserved in at least 70% ethanol Ascorbic Acid Cadmium Reduction EASI or VA SOS protocol Streamwalk Field data sheet, camera N/A N/A N/A Adaptation of Tier I of USDA Visual Assessment Protocol Stream Reach Survey Field data sheet, camera Heavy Metals Professional lab 500 ml container Preserve with nitric acid to a ph < 2 N/A N/A N/A Adaptation of EPA Volunteer Stream Monitoring Protocol Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy or Inductively Coupled

52 Plasma Mass Spectrometry

53 Appendix B: Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

54 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed The Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative has investigated spatial data gaps and data needs with respect to programs tracking water quality and benthic macroinvertebrates as condition indicators throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This report summarizes the findings of the data needs assessment and identified avenues for nontraditional data to help meet some of the needs.

55 PRIORITIZATION REPORT Produced by the Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative Working together to understand the health of our waters March 31, 2017 The development of this report was supported through a cooperative agreement with the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program; ACB CB Citizen and Nontraditional Monitoring chesapeakemonitoringcoop.org Prepared for: Chesapeake Bay Program partnership: A regional partnership that leads and directs Chesapeake Bay restoration and protection. Bay Program partners include federal and state agencies, local governments, non-profit organizations and academic institutions. Citation: Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Authors: Lea Rubin 1, Caroline Donovan 2, Alexandra Fries 2, Julie Vastine 3, Jinnie Monismith 3, Suzi Spitzer 2, Danielle Donkersloot 1, Nissa Dean 4 1 Izaak Walton League of America, iwla.org 2 University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, ian.umces.edu 3 Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring, dickinson.edu/allarm 4 Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, allianceforthebay.org Figures by: University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Integration and Application Network and Izaak Walton League of America (ed.) i

56 Table of Contents Executive Summary... 1 The Prioritization Process... 9 Identified Data Needs in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed...10 Delaware District of Columbia Maryland New York Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia Extensive Monitoring of the Watershed...32 How the CMC Will Approach the Integration of Monitoring Partners...35 Prioritizing the Cooperative in States Actions...40 Conclusion...42 Glossary...43 Appendix 1: Catalogue of Volunteer Monitoring Groups who Participated in the Chesapeake Monitoring Census Appendix 2: Resources and Technical Support Offeredoffered by the CMC Appendix 3: Contributors ii

57 Executive Summary The Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative (CMC) was formed to help integrate water quality and nontidal benthic macroinvertebrate volunteer and nontraditional monitoring data into the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) partnership s decision-support system to better manage ecosystem recovery. This project was initiated by a Request for Proposals (RFP) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency s CBP Office. CBP is interested in engaging new partners that can augment and enhance the existing CBP partnership s long-term water quality monitoring networks. A priority area as defined for this report is any area with an identified need for more information that could conceivably be filled by volunteer or nontraditional data of known quality. This report showcases priority areas for water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate data as identified by the CBP partnership including federal agencies, interstate commissions, and state agencies. In addition, this report synthesizes results from the Chesapeake Monitoring Census, a survey of over 100 volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups in the watershed, used to identify common goals and objectives of volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups. The responses to this Census provided a preliminary assessment of possible partnerships between the diverse monitoring entities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The CMC team facilitated opportunities to listen to diverse water quality stakeholders throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Reoccurring outcomes of these discussions identified that water resource managers throughout the region want access to data of known quality to assist with: measuring long term trends, conducting short term assessments, informing public education, improving assessments to help target limited management resources, and identifying opportunities for research. Tier designation The data collected from this project will be categorized into Tiers to help account for the variability of methods, quality assurance procedures, and equipment used to collect water quality data. Classifying each data point will help data users understand how the data were collected. The CMC team developed a Tiered Framework (Table 1) which lists potential ways the data collected by volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups can be used by the CBP partnership. Table 1. Intended data use for the different Tier designated data Tiers Intended Data Use Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Education, environmental health screening Environmental health report cards, environmental health screening, targeting of management actions Chesapeake Bay watershed trends and assessments to help inform policy and management decisions Executive Summary Prioritization Report, Page 1

58 Identified data needs in the Chesapeake Bay watershed Through meetings with data users in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, within the Bay watershed, the goals and objectives of their water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring programs were identified and acknowledged. Possible synergies for aligning monitoring approaches across jurisdictional boundaries were evaluated to support watershed-wide consistency in assessments and understanding of regional aquatic resource conditions while retaining support for local information needs. The goals and objectives for data use are, however, often unique to each state. Figure 1 shows the compilation of all priority areas identified for data integration in the Chesapeake Bay watershed by each jurisdiction. Additionally, CBP staff identified the Coastal Plain ecoregion as a priority area, which includes the entire Eastern Shore of Maryland, the Western Shore Uplands and Lowlands of Maryland and the areas east and south of the Piedmont Plateau in Virginia. While the CBP partnership identified the integration of Tier 3 data as a priority, the added value of Tier 1 and 2 data was recognized for the purpose of answering the myriad of watershed management questions and meeting the objectives of the Partnership. Executive Summary Prioritization Report, Page 2

59 Executive Summary Prioritization Report, Page 3

60 Figure 1. Priority areas identified by federal agencies, interstate commisions, and state agencies in the Chesapeake Bay watershed during the investigation for this report. Input was received from state agency staff in every Chesapeake Bay watershes jurisdiction (DC, DE, MD, NY, PA, VA, WV). The priority tidal creeks in Maryland are clearly defined in Figure 9. As are the HUC10 watersheds of the priority streams in New York in Figure 10. Delaware The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is interested in reducing spatial and temporal data gaps for state water quality assessments and reporting. There is specific interest in integrating volunteer and nontraditional data in the Pocomoke, Chester, and Choptank River watersheds. The CMC will investigate groups already monitoring in those watersheds such as the Wicomico Environmental Trust, Chester River Association, and Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy, as well as engaging other monitoring groups active in Maryland that extend across the Maryland/Delaware state boundary. District of Columbia The District of Columbia s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is interested in baseline water quality and living resource data such as dissolved oxygen, water temperature, conductivity, ph, and benthic macroinvertebrates in five select watersheds: the Pope Branch, Nash Run, Hickey Run, Watts Branch, and Ft. Dupont. The CMC will investigate potential partnerships with the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, Potomac Riverkeepers Network, Rock Creek Conservancy, and the Audubon Naturalist Society. Collectively, these groups conduct programs that collect data on chemical, biological, and aesthetic monitoring parameters in both tidal and nontidal waters. Maryland Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) identified a need for data to fill spatial and temporal water quality information gaps, assess baseline conditions, support the identification of trends, assess project effectiveness, and help to redirect or target agency monitoring program resources. They have a key interest is in additional conductivity data throughout the state to assess the impacts of winter road salt application. Two broad areas of Maryland were highlighted for the integration of nontidal data such as dissolved oxygen, water temperature, conductivity, and ph for determining baseline conditions. Those areas are the western counties of Maryland and the Eastern Shore. The CMC will target volunteer engagement and outreach in those areas. The CMC identified Blue Water Baltimore and the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance as candidates for Tier 3 status for tidal water quality monitoring (i.e., monitoring program integrity level that supports data uses associated with Clean Water Act water quality standards attainment assessments). Blue Water Baltimore and Nanticoke Watershed Alliance programs were audited in the fall of 2016 and are adapting their protocols in 2017 to the CBP Tier 3 field and laboratory guidance. Executive Summary Prioritization Report, Page 4

61 New York The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is interested in detecting changes in water quality over time, identifying threats to streams, and targeting restoration activities. Their Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators (WAVE) program keeps track of existing stream conditions. WAVE serves to provide critical information to the state that can red flag sites with potential water quality issues and deserve further investigation at the professional level. The CMC team is having ongoing conversations with NYSDEC and the Upper Susquehanna Coalition to identify how the CMC can support the great work of their WAVE program and increase participation. Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) identified a need for data in five select watersheds: Chiques Creek, Octoraro Creek, South Branch Conewago Creek, Fishing Creek, and Kishacoquillas Creek. These are heavy agricultural areas, and PADEP is interested in detecting changes in water quality as a result of implemented land-based best management practices (BMPs) or following planned BMP implementation. PADEP provides direct assistance to volunteers through the Consortium for Scientific Assistance to Watersheds (CSAW) program. The CMC will support the monitoring efforts of CSAW and offer technical support and training to programs located in the select watersheds. Virginia Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ) is interested in building partnerships and leveraging resources to fill data gaps. A need for more water quality information was identified in two broad areas of Virginia, the Piedmont region in central Virginia and the Chesapeake Bayside of the Virginia Eastern Shore. VADEQ is interested in basic water quality data such as dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and ph for determining baseline conditions. The CMC is researching potential partnerships with Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the Piedmont region, as several are already actively monitoring water quality. The Izaak Walton League s Virginia Save Our Streams program and Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay s RiverTrends program are based in Virginia and are strategically placed for building relationships with other organizations in the region. West Virginia The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) is interested in assessing water quality status and change in areas with current or future best management practice implementation plans. WVDEP is also interested in additional data to support baseline water quailty condition and habitat health assessments while also identifying areas of high nutrient and sediment loading. WVDEP identified a particular need for water quality data in a few select watersheds: Sleepy Creek and Warm Springs Run in Morgan County, West Virginia s tributaries to the Shenandoah River in Jefferson County, Cacapon River and its tributaries, the Lost River and North River in Hardy, Hampshire, and Morgan Counties, and Elks Run and Elk Branch in Jefferson County. The CMC plans to support the efforts of the WVDEP s West Virginia Save Our Executive Summary Prioritization Report, Page 5

62 Streams program, as well as to help integrate and support active monitoring groups such as the West Virginia Rivers Coalition and the Blue Ridge Watershed Coalition. The CMC also plans to support a Pipeline Monitoring Program in WV developed by a partnership between Trout Unlimited and the West Virginia Rivers Coalition. Extensive monitoring of the watershed The Chesapeake Monitoring Census was used to identify common objectives, basic information (Appendix 1), and potential synergies. The responses to the Census provided an overview of diverse monitoring entities in operation across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. With the preliminary assessment of what, where, and how monitoring activities are distributed, we have learned a lot about the types of opportunities for collaborations that might be pursued. For example, 22% of the respondents watershed-wide are monitoring with the intention of collecting baseline data and 27% are interested in monitoring water quality and habitat change in response to the progress of restoration activities. Executive Summary Prioritization Report, Page 6

63 Executive Summary Prioritization Report, Page 7

64 Figure 2. Preliminary results from the Chesapeake Monitoring Census show a snapshot of where active volunteer and nontraditional monitoring sites are located. It is important to remember that not all monitoring groups have GPS coordinates for their sites, and some groups have yet to contribute their site locations. Additionally, there are active and historical monitoring sites in Maryland from state-run volunteer monitoring programs not included in this figure due to their extensive spatial coverage of the state (Figure 6). CMC approach to integrating new partners The identified groups have diverse needs and incentives for participating in the CMC. Monitoring programs among citizen groups further vary in their investments for quality assurance and quality control of their data collections. The CMC is offering a suite of technical support and services to accommodate the range of needs of these volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups. The data collected from this project will be categorized into Tiers (Table 1). The CMC also created a rubric to evaluate the diverse monitoring practices of existing groups to help determine the appropriate Tier classification. Tier 3 data for example have data requirements which adhere to the Chesapeake Bay Program s monitoring requirements supporting sufficient integrity that is legally defensible with regulatory water quality standards attainment assessments. The CMC will provide technical support and assistance to help monitoring groups advance to the next Tier when viable. Chesapeake Environmental Communications is a contractor to the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay for the purpose of developing the Chesapeake Data Explorer, a database for the integration of all volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups water quality data in Chesapeake Bay Watershed states. Clear instructions for interacting with the database will be available online. The CMC will support many of the states priority objectives within the scope of the project; specifically the integration of water quality and nontidal benthic macroinvertebrate data into the Chesapeake Data Explorer. Executive Summary Prioritization Report, Page 8

65 The Prioritization Process The CMC has investigated the data gaps and needs of the CBP partnership by meeting with data users including federal and state agencies, watershed jurisdictions, and inter-state commissions (Appendix 3). Additionally, the CMC team has surveyed nontraditional data producers and has met with monitoring stakeholders to determine what is currently being monitored and what volunteers want to monitor in the watershed. This report summarizes the findings of these two investigations. In addition, the identified priority areas, any area with an identified need for more information that could conceivably be filled by volunteer or nontraditional data of known quality, are guiding the CMC s pathway forward to target integration of new monitoring data. This report outlines opportunities for collaboration in water quality monitoring available to the CBP partnership with new partners in the watershed. A CMC-organized workshop in October 2016 brought together data users and key players in the volunteer and nontraditional monitoring community to discuss data needs throughout the watershed. This workshop, known as the Prioritization Workshop, served as a key information gathering opportunity and was designed to meet the following objectives: Provide an overview of the CMC and the jurisdiction s role in making it a success; Discuss the jurisdiction s needs for more data, at a higher frequency, and how the Cooperative intends to help meet agencies goals for monitoring in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; and Collaborate with jurisdiction s and volunteer monitoring organizations to build a stronger, more robust water quality monitoring networks for the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Participants thought critically about where the CBP partners see opportunities for collaboration and areas where they would like to increase the frequency and availability of monitoring data. The outcomes from the Prioritization Workshop 1 are summarized in this report. 1 The overview and outcomes of the Prioritization Workshops are summarized and can be found at the following link: Workshop_v3.pdf The Prioritization Process Prioritization Report, Page 9

66 Identified Data Needs in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Overall opportunities for the integration of volunteer and nontraditional water quality monitoring data identified by key stakeholders are listed in Table 2. There are several identified data needs that are shared between jurisdictions. Table 2 identifies the data needs that each state/jurisdiction prioritized, which provides guidance for the CMC team for future outreach and engagement. Table 2. Priority objectives for volunteer and nontraditional data use identified by environmental agencies in the Chesapeake Bay watershed Monitoring Data Use/Need State/Jurisdiction Fill data gaps for Clean Water Act 305(b)/303(d) assessments DE, DC, MD, NY, VA Monitor restoration progress and conservation effectiveness or DE, DC, MD, NY, PA, WV conduct impact assessment (pre- and post-implementation) Stormwater MS4 monitoring PA Collect longitudinal data and monitor trends over time MD, NY Establish baseline water quality data (tidal) DE, DC, MD, VA Establish baseline water quality data (nontidal) DE, DC, MD, PA, VA Monitor the impacts of road salt (conductivity) MD Marcellus Shale natural gas and acid mine drainage mitigation MD, PA Determine if a TMDL is needed MD Higher frequency monitoring of impaired waters DC, NY, VA Promote stewardship and provide opportunities for community outreach and engagement DE, DC, MD, NY, PA, VA, WV Identify areas of high nutrient and sediment loading NY, WV Monitor areas undergoing change (i.e. development) DC, WV Climate change resiliency NY, PA, VA, WV Monitor the impacts of pipelines PA, VA, WV Monitor areas with high concentrations of agriculture PA Monitor presence of aquatic invasive species MD The CMC team met with data users in every watershed jurisdiction (DE, DC, MD, NY, PA, VA, and WV) to discuss the goals and objectives and possible synergies for consistent, regional monitoring coverage, spatially and temporally. The process began with identifying basic monitoring objectives in each state. This was followed by exploring the potential for using data that may be collected using differing monitoring protocols from those used by the state agency. Discussions acknowledged that volunteer and nontraditional data use can help reduce the uncertainty in state water quality standards assessments, and/or alert an agency to a harmful practice or nutrient loading hot spot that needs further investigation. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 10

67 Delaware The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance has a strong presence in Delaware and was one of the first volunteer monitoring groups to undergo the Tier 3 auditing process as a candidate for Tier 3 data classification. The CMC team met with the DNREC to identify how the CMC can provide support for the current operations and desired growth of the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance. Additionally, the group brainstormed some gap-filling solutions beyond the Nanticoke Watershed. The most immediate need of DNREC for the integration of volunteer and nontraditional data is data accessibility. To reiterate, the data needs identified by key stakeholders (Table 2) in Delaware are: Fill data gaps for Clean Water Act 305(b)/303(d) assessments Monitor restoration progress and conservation effectiveness or conduct impact assessment (pre- and post-implementation) Establish baseline water quality data (tidal) Establish baseline water quality data (nontidal) Promote stewardship and provide opportunities for community outreach and engagement Priority watersheds and data needs The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, with the aim to accumulate long-term, scientifically credible data and to monitor the health of the Nanticoke River and the Fishing Bay headwaters, collects tidal and nontidal water quality data. The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance has worked with a number of CBP partners who have provided a degree of rigor and accountability to the data, including the implementation of the Mid-Atlantic Tributary Assessment Coalition (MTAC) protocols. There is a need for additional tidal and nontidal monitoring data in the Pocomoke, Chester, and Choptank River watersheds (Figure 3). DNREC is interested in identifying volunteer or nontraditional monitoring groups that can contribute to the reduction of spatial and temporal data gaps for state assessments and reporting. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 11

68 Figure 3. Priority watersheds were identified by Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control for targeted CMC outreach and data integration. CMC Preliminary Plan of Action The CMC plans to support the needs of DNREC primarily through training and QA/QC protocol review. The CMC will also connect with monitoring groups already monitoring the Pocomoke, Chester, and Choptank Rivers, such as the Wicomico Environmental Trust, the Chester River Association, and Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy (in Maryland). These monitoring groups may not directly target DNREC s watersheds of interest; however, they either border or overlap as seen in Figure 4. Due to the cross-state nature of the CMC, DNREC would like the CMC team to identify watershed groups that could feasibly expand to monitor across state boundaries. There are no specific Delaware-focused volunteer monitoring groups at this time. However, Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 12

69 there are substantive Maryland-based monitoring programs that may be able to integrate efforts across state borders to gain Delaware coverage. Figure 4. Examples of volunteer monitoring groups that monitor tributaries in or bordering Delaware. The primary technical support the CMC plans to offer the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance is to review their current nontidal water quality monitoring program and identify the potential for classifying the data into a higher Tier. The CMC may provide financial support to update equipment, and/or provide training for the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance Coordinator on CMC nontidal water quality methods and associated QA/QC protocols. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 13

70 District of Columbia The District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) recently updated their water quality monitoring strategy. To reiterate, the data needs identified by key stakeholders (Table 2) in the District of Columbia are: Fill data gaps for Clean Water Act 305(b)/303(d) assessments Monitor restoration progress and conservation effectiveness or conduct impact assessment (pre- and post-implementation) Establish baseline water quality data (tidal) Establish baseline water quality data (nontidal) Higher frequency monitoring of impaired waters Promote stewardship and provide opportunities for community outreach and engagement Monitor areas undergoing change (i.e. development) Priority watersheds and data needs The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) identified five small watersheds (Figure 5) for the integration of volunteer and nontraditional water quality and aquatic living resource monitoring data into their water quality assessments: 1. Pope Branch 2. Nash Run 3. Hickey Run 4. Watts Branch 5. Ft. Dupont DOEE is interested in baseline data such as dissolved oxygen, water temperature, conductivity, ph, and benthic macroinvertebrates. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 14

71 Figure 5. DOEE identified five watersheds in the District of Columbia where DOEE is seeking more water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring data. The CMC will investigate volunteer and nontraditional monitoring occurring within those five watersheds. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 15

72 CMC Preliminary Plan of Action The CMC will investigate potential partnerships with the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, Potomac Riverkeepers Network, Rock Creek Conservancy, and the Audubon Naturalist Society. Collectively, these groups monitor in both tidal and nontidal waters, as well as collect chemical, biological, and aesthetic feature monitoring parameters. Working with DOEE, the CMC will identify volunteer and nontraditional monitoring sites within the small watersheds of interest with the hopes of integrating these sites into the next phase of the DOEE monitoring strategy. The CMC will also investigate reinvigorating monitoring efforts of the Anacostia Watershed Society and the Anacostia Riverkeeper. Maryland The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) operates two widespread biological monitoring programs (Figure 6). The Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) is managed and run by professional MDNR biologists. The Stream Waders benthic macroinvertebrate sample collection program, also managed by MDNR staff, serves as the volunteer "arm" of the MBSS, with volunteers conducting the field sampling and MDNR biologists conducting the sample analysis. Figure 6. The Maryland Biological Stream Survey was started by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in The MBSS was Maryland's first probability-based or random design stream sampling program to monitor stream conditions with known precision at various spatial Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 16

73 scales. In 2000, Stream Waders was established. These two programs are used as a costeffective way to characterize Maryland's 10,000+ miles of freshwater streams. Maryland state agencies and the CBP identified tidal and non-tidal areas of Maryland that had data gaps as well as areas that are current priorities for the state. To reiterate, the data needs identified by key stakeholders (Table 2) in Maryland are: Fill data gaps for Clean Water Act 305(b)/303(d) assessments Monitor restoration progress and conservation effectiveness or conduct impact assessment (pre- and post-implementation) Collect longitudinal data and monitor trends over time Establish baseline water quality data (tidal) Establish baseline water quality data (nontidal) Monitor the impacts of road salt (conductivity) Marcellus Shale natural gas and acid mine drainage mitigation Determine if a TMDL is needed Promote stewardship and provide opportunities for community outreach and engagement Monitor presence of aquatic invasive species Priority watersheds and data needs Data users in Maryland identified a need for data to fill spatial and temporal gaps in water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate assessments, assess baseline conditions, identify trends, assess project effectiveness, and help to redirect or target agency water quality monitoring programs. A high priority for Maryland data users is to collect more conductivity data throughout the state. Based on the results from the Chesapeake Monitoring Census, there are at least 24 volunteer or nontraditional monitoring groups in Maryland collecting conductivity data. As seen in Figure 7, there are volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups collecting conductivity data in over half of the counties in Maryland. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 17

74 Figure 7. As a priority for Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Department of the Environment, the CMC evaluated a sample of volunteers and nontraditional monitoring groups to get a spatial picture of where conductivity data are currently collected. Two broad areas of Maryland were highlighted for their data gaps in nontidal water quality information. Those areas are the western counties (Garrett, Allegheny, Washington, Frederick, and Carroll) and the Eastern Shore (Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne s, Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester Counties), illustrated in Figure 8. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 18

75 Figure 8. Priority counties were identified by Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Department of the Environment for targeted CMC outreach and data integration. In addition, CBP staff identified the Coastal Plain ecoregion as a priority area, which includes the entire Eastern Shore and the Western Shore Uplands and Lowlands of Maryland. Several tidal creeks on the Eastern Shore were also identified as priority areas, which are clearly defined in Figure 9. In the western counties, water quality data such as dissolved oxygen, water temperature, conductivity, and ph are needed to establish baseline conditions. Additionally, Marcellus Shale natural gas well impact monitoring and acid mine drainage mitigation monitoring of water quality were identified as needs in specific areas within the western counties. On the Eastern Shore, basic water quality data such as dissolved oxygen, water temperature, conductivity, and ph are needed to determine baseline conditions. The Coastal Plain ecoregion, which includes the entire Eastern Shore of Maryland, was identified as needing more data. Specific areas identified as priority areas in Maryland included Marshyhope Creek, the Little Choptank River, Harris Creek, the Pocomoke River, the creeks along the northern shore of the Potomac River, and the area around southern St. Mary s County. Additionally, the Coastal Plain, which includes many small tidal creeks, is another priority for additional data. There are gaps in information about these small tidal creeks because they are difficult to access by motorized boats used by agencies for monitoring. These small tidal creeks are in the tidal fresh and oligohaline areas of most tributaries in Maryland, and would benefit from additional environmental health information from on-the-ground volunteer monitors. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 19

76 Areas where more data would be helpful to better understand nutrient exporting from certain watersheds are shown in Figure 9. Parameters that Maryland Department of the Environment is interested in are dissolved oxygen, Biological Oxygen Demand, chlorophyll a, ph, Total Suspended Solids, turbidity, water temperature, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Figure 9. Tidal Creeks highlighted by Maryland Department of the Environment as specific watersheds of interest, seeking additional water quality data to better understand nutrient exporting. Priority areas for Maryland state agencies cover a variety of targeted monitoring goals. For example, monitoring water quality both before and after best management practice implementation in order to measure and evaluate the effect of management actions is a priority for several agencies. Maryland's Chesapeake & Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund leverages funds and resources to accelerate restoration of the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays. However, monitoring the effectiveness of those restoration projects is limited. There is a need for pre- and post-restoration monitoring at such sites. Other priority areas for Maryland state agencies are Maryland s 8-digit scale watersheds that are impaired for water temperature standards. These watersheds could be monitored by volunteer or nontraditional groups using Maryland Department of the Environment s (MDE) Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 20

77 protocol which would contribute greatly to understanding temperature trends and could potentially delist some of these watersheds. CMC Preliminary Plan of Action The CMC has contacted multiple tidal water quality monitoring groups to encourage their participation in the Cooperative. Blue Water Baltimore and the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance were identified as candidates for Tier 3 (for use in Clean Water Act water quality standards attainment assessments) data collection. These two groups were audited in the fall of 2016 to evaluate how their programs meet or need to be adapted in order to meet the Tier 3 assessment protocols for select water quality parameters (e.g., dissolved oxygen). See Appendix 2 for more information. Furthermore, the CMC partnered with the Maryland Water Monitoring Council (MWMC), MDE, and others to provide a Data to Decisions Workshop that targeted Maryland watershed organizations for better inclusion in Maryland state water quality assessments and reporting. These reports are traditionally funneled to the CBP partnership. The CMC has also participated in the MWMC annual meeting and will continue to participate in many networking events with the agency and volunteer monitoring communities in Maryland. Additionally, the CMC has connected several monitoring groups directly with Maryland state agencies based on identified priority areas such as the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance and MDE. The Chesapeake Monitoring Census identified volunteer and nontraditional groups collecting data of interest in the identified priority areas (Appendix 1). Several of these groups have also identified interest in using the new Chesapeake Data Explorer (i.e. the database being developed for the CMC) for storing and visualizing their data and adapting to the CMC standardized protocols and quality assurance project plans. The CMC will target outreach and training to the groups accordingly. In a later section, Table 4 lists the number of monitoring groups in Maryland who responded to the census, and are collecting priority biological, physiochemical, and visual monitoring parameters, providing some insight into the vast underutilized data available in the state. New York The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) developed a citizen-based program, the Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators (WAVE), in 2012 to collect benthic macroinvertebrate data to assess water quality of wadable streams. NYSDEC through the WAVE program offers training to volunteers for sample collection, and the WAVE coordinator identifies all the benthic macroinvertebrates to the family level. NYSDEC is interested in detecting change in water quality over time, identifying threats to streams, and targeting restoration activities. The WAVE program keeps track of existing stream conditions and flags sites for the NYSDEC that show potential water quality issues which may deserve further investigation at the professional level. WAVE data is also used for: State and Federal Reporting - No Known Impact sites are included in the NYS Waterbody Inventory and EPA's Clean Water Act Section 305(b) reporting. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 21

78 Monitoring Reports - WAVE data are included in the Trend Monitoring and basin reports. Rotating Integrated Basin Studies - WAVE data are considered when sites are selected for DEC's monitoring program. Non-point Source Discharges Issues - WAVE data provide basic background information on water quality conditions for NYSDEC staff working on non-point discharge sources. There are a number of monitoring stakeholders in the Upper Susquehanna including the New York Water Sentinels (organized by the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the Sierra Club), Trout Unlimited, and the Upper Susquehanna Coalition, which works with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts and watershed organizations on stream assessments and restoration projects. To reiterate, the data needs identified by key stakeholders (Table 2) in New York are: Fill data gaps for Clean Water Act 305(b)/303(d) assessments Monitor restoration progress and conservation effectiveness or conduct impact assessment (pre- and post-implementation) Collect longitudinal data and monitor trends over time Higher frequency monitoring of impaired waters Promote stewardship and provide opportunities for community outreach and engagement Identify areas of high nutrient and sediment loading Climate change resiliency CMC Preliminary Plan of Action The CMC team is having ongoing conversations with NYSDEC (including WAVE), the Upper Susquehanna Coalition (USC), and the Community Science Institute, a nonprofit state-certified water quality testing lab which partners with volunteers to monitor water quality in New York s Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions. NYSDEC would like to see additional participation in their WAVE program and USC would like to see additional community monitoring efforts in the upper Susquehanna River watershed. NYSDEC prepares a map each year of the monitored and unmonitored streams (Figure 10), which will serve as the starting point for outreach and engagement. A strong desired outcome from NYSDEC of the CMC is the expanded community engagement that volunteers monitoring their local waterways can provide. The CMC intends to support that objective in all outreach and engagement in New York. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 22

79 Figure 10. Depicted in this figure are the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation identified unassessed stream segments as of spring To provide some spatial context for the unassessed streams, smaller watershed (10-digit Hydrologic Unit Code, or HUC10 Watersheds) boundaries are labeled. Pennsylvania Pennsylvania has a rich history of watershed group engagement and volunteer monitoring. To help ensure that communities were conducting question-driven programs and matching the appropriate equipment with the intended data use, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) provided direct assistance through its Citizen Volunteer Monitoring Program (CVMP) established in 1996 and through the Consortium for Scientific Assistance to Watersheds (CSAW) established in In July 2009, due to budget constraints, PADEP eliminated its CVMP, which coordinated volunteer monitoring activities and data use at the agency. It continued to fund technical support to volunteer monitors by renewing grant funding for the CSAW at a reduced level. As a result, volunteer monitoring efforts dwindled. Today, PADEP would like to use volunteer monitoring data to screen streams for water quality issues to highlight in their integrated reports as well as assess potential progress from stream restoration projects, best management practices, and abandoned mine land remediation projects. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 23

80 PADEP recruits volunteers from across the state for bacteria monitoring for the purpose of Recreational Use assessments. Volunteers are trained by PADEP in adherence to sampling protocol and quality assurance plans. All fecal coliform laboratory analysis is completed by PADEP certified laboratories. The bacteria data collected by various citizen volunteer groups in 2014 and 2015 resulted in the assessment of approximately 250 stream miles for Recreational Use. In addition to CSAW, there are other organizations who work with volunteer monitors such as: Nature Abounds, Pennsylvania Senior Environment Corps, Trout Unlimited (with 53 chapters in the state), and Penn State Extension (recently developed a Master Watershed program). The CMC will help identify the quality and potential use of water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate data collected throughout the state of Pennsylvania. With input from data users, the CMC has identified the priority objectives where CMC can provide assistance. To reiterate, the data needs identified by key stakeholders (Table 2) in Pennsylvania are: Monitor restoration progress and conservation effectiveness or conduct impact assessment (pre- and post-implementation) Stormwater MS4 monitoring Establish baseline water quality data (nontidal) Marcellus Shale natural gas and acid mine drainage mitigation Promote stewardship and provide opportunities for community outreach and engagement Climate change resiliency Monitor the impacts of pipelines Monitor areas with high concentrations of agriculture Priority watersheds and data needs At the Prioritization Workshop, a number of watersheds were identified as high priority areas for more data collection. These watersheds include: 1. Chiques Creek 2. Octoraro Creek 3. South Branch Conewago Creek 4. Fishing Creek 5. Kishacoquillas Creek These watersheds are within the counties of Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Dauphin, Adams, Cumberland, Mifflin, and Columbia (Figure 11). They are mostly heavy agricultural areas; however, agencies do not have the resources to monitor with enough frequency to support effective water quality change detection from implementation of current BMPs or planned BMP implementation. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 24

81 Figure 11. Priority watersheds were identified by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission within eight counties with high levels of agricultural land use. Data users are also interested in monitoring coal mining legacy areas to determine the effectiveness of remediation actions on water quality. CMC Preliminary Plan of Action The CMC will review programs and offer technical support and training to water quality monitoring programs located in the target watersheds. Additionally, there is the potential for volunteers to collect and report aesthetic feature/visual integrity assessments of BMP maintenance. The CMC will explore recommending tools or providing support for this need. Virginia In 2002, the Virginia General Assembly codified a law that Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ) had to establish a citizen water quality monitoring program and provide technical assistance and grant funding to support citizen water quality monitoring groups. Currently, VADEQ has a Quality Assurance Coordinator to review submitted data and a Water Quality Data Liaison to support the integration of volunteer monitoring data, and also provides funding to groups which allows them to purchase more sensitive equipment and therefore provide more accurate data. The CMC team has learned a great deal from the successes with volunteer monitoring in Virginia, and seeks to provide ongoing support for VADEQ s continued efforts. To reiterate, the data needs identified by key stakeholders (Table 2) in Virginia are: Fill data gaps for Clean Water Act 305(b)/303(d) assessments Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 25

82 Establish baseline water quality data (tidal) Establish baseline water quality data (nontidal) Higher frequency monitoring of impaired waters Promote stewardship and provide opportunities for community outreach and engagement Climate change resiliency Monitor the impacts of pipelines Priority watersheds and data needs VADEQ is interested in connecting with more organizations that can help increase the amount of water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate data collected and fill some of the current data gaps. Two broad areas of Virginia were highlighted that have data gaps in water quality information, the Piedmont region in central Virginia and the Bay side of the Virginia Eastern Shore (Figure 12). In the Piedmont region, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), such as Monacan, Piedmont, Tri County/City, Henricopolis and Peter Francisco were identified as excellent potential partners for the VADEQ. In addition, the Tri-county/City SWCD has a volunteer monitoring program called the Fredericksburg Area Monitoring for the Environment (FAME), which includes a Bacteria monitoring QAPP with VADEQ. Also with a VADEQ approved volunteer water quality monitoring QAPP, is the Henricopolis SWCD program, called the Henrico Area Water Quality Samplers (HAWQS). These are examples of a partnership opportunity where the CMC can leverage already existing relationships. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 26

83 Figure 12. The Piedmont region in central Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay side of the Virginia Eastern Shore were identified as having significant water quality data gaps by Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Per their recommendation, the CMC is researching potential partnerships with Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the Piedmont region, as they are already actively monitoring water quality. In addition, CBP staff identified the Coastal Plain ecoregion as a priority area, which includes the area east and south of the Piedmont Plateau in Virginia. The unassessed creeks in VA were also identified as a priority, which are clearly defined in Figure 13. VADEQ is interested in basic water quality data (dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and ph) needed to determine baseline conditions specifically of second order streams and undermonitored impaired waters. These waters are represented as priority creeks in Virginia in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 13, a number of priority creeks in Virginia are currently being monitored by volunteers. In addition to the aforementioned priorities, VADEQ is open to any water quality data submitted by volunteers, such as benthic macroinvertebrates, fecal indicator bacteria, and others. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 27

84 Figure 13. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality provided the location of priority creeks in Virginia. The volunteer monitoring sites are a sample of where volunteer or nontraditional monitoring groups are actively monitoring in Virginia based on the response to the Chesapeake Monitoring Census. Engaging and partnering with SWCDs in Virginia may help address the spatial gap in the Piedmont region seen in this figure. VADEQ also identified the lower Rappahannock and York Rivers as priority areas for increased outreach and engagement for the CMC, and the need for increased reliability (data quality) in water temperature, dissolved oxygen, ph, and chlorophyll a (only in lakes/large rivers) data watershed-wide. CMC Preliminary Plan of Action The CMC connected with VADEQ to organize the Virginia Citizens for Water Quality summit that targeted Virginia watershed organizations for better inclusion in Virginia state water quality reporting. VADEQ identified interest in working with the Waterman s Museum, James River Watch, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Lynnhaven River NOW, Elizabeth River Project, Friends of the Appomattox (historical group with potential to reinvigorate), Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Master Naturalist Chapters, the Nansemond River Preservation Alliance, and Trout Unlimited. VADEQ also encouraged the CMC team to research potential partnerships with waste water treatment plants and universities that have certified laboratories with the potential to process volunteer collected water samples at a reasonable rate. Based on VADEQ s suggestions, the Alliance s RiverTrends program is currently working on building a relationship with the Waterman s Museum. The Izaak Walton League of America is currently working with the James River Watch to develop a benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring program. The CMC opened discussions with Trout Unlimited for expanding their pipeline monitoring program in Virginia to support the monitoring of local cold-water streams for impacts from shale gas and pipeline development, specifically using the CMC benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring protocols. Furthermore, the CMC has begun researching potential models for partnerships between volunteers and certified laboratories (i.e. The Community Science Institute in Albany, NY). West Virginia West Virginia Save Our Streams (WVSOS) provides the state with enhanced ability to monitor and protect surface waters through increased volunteer-collected water quality data. This program is run by WVDEP with the support of a WVDEP hired coordinator. WVSOS aims to collect information on watersheds where the state is unable to discern current impacts from nonpoint source pollution or to determine areas that may improve after installation of BMPs. The CMC team received input from West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), WVSOS, Trout Unlimited, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, and the Blue Ridge Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 28

85 Watershed Coalition, outside of the Prioritization Workshop. Additional spatial and temporal coverage needs were identified based on the objectives of the WVDEP that cannot be met with the existing state monitoring networks. To reiterate, the data needs identified by key stakeholders (Table 2) in West Virginia are: Monitor restoration progress and conservation effectiveness or conduct impact assessment (pre- and post-implementation) Promote stewardship and provide opportunities for community outreach and engagement Identify areas of high nutrient and sediment loading Monitor areas undergoing change (i.e. development) Climate change resiliency Monitor the impacts of pipelines Priority watersheds and data needs WVDEP identified five priority watersheds for volunteer and nontraditional data integration: Sleepy Creek and Warm Springs Run in Morgan County, West Virginia s tributaries to the Shenandoah River in Jefferson County, Cacapon River and its tributaries, the Lost River and North River in Hardy, Hampshire, and Morgan Counties, and Elks Run and Elk Branch in Jefferson County (Figure 14). Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 29

86 Figure 14. West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection identified watersheds for volunteer and nontraditional data integration within the four WV counties of Jefferson, Morgan, Hampshire, and Hardy. Trout Unlimited identified a need for more water and air temperature monitoring data to support the community s understanding of climate change impacts and trout habitat assessments, as well as more support for their (in cooperation with West Virginia Rivers Coalition) pipeline monitoring program. WVDEP acknowledged the need for technical support to integrate data from active volunteer monitoring groups into their networks. One example is the Blue Ridge Watershed Coalition. WVDEP is seeking support in evaluating their quality assurance procedures in comparison with current WVDEP guidelines. CMC Preliminary Plan of Action The CMC team plans to support the valuable work already underway such as the Potomac River headwaters initiative of the WVSOS, as well as to help integrate active groups such as the West Virginia Rivers Coalition and Blue Ridge Watershed Coalition. Additionally, the expansion of the Trout Unlimited and West Virginia Rivers Coalition pipeline monitoring program (including Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 30

87 water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring), by helping to establish reference sites and sites downstream, along the Potomac, from established pipelines, will be a focus of the CMC in West Virginia. Trout Unlimited and West Virginia Rivers Coalition surveyed West Virginia residents and identified volunteer monitoring interest areas. The CMC team can leverage that information to help support the expansion of active programs in West Virginia based on the objectives and interest of potential volunteers. Identified Data Needs Prioritization Report, Page 31

88 Extensive Monitoring of the Watershed The Chesapeake Monitoring Census was used to identify common goals and objectives of volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups. The responses to this Census provided an assessment of the potential for collaboration between the diverse monitoring entities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Census received 93 responses to the question why do you monitor? from April 1 November 23, The responses varied widely in specificity and content, but nine major goals emerged and responses were sorted into these categories. If responses listed several goals, they were broken into segments and sorted appropriately. If responses applied to two categories, they were listed within each appropriate category. The 93 responses from Census respondents were broken into 173 sub-responses, which were sorted into the nine goal categories. Goal categories ranged in popularity among respondents For example, 22% of the 93 respondents expressed a desire to establish baseline data, which was a commonly cited response with 20 mentions and a common objective of state agencies within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Each of the nine goals listed in Table 3 is accompanied by a list of relevant monitoring parameters and/or style of data collection that can be compared to volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups in Appendix 1. Table 3. Nine major goals identified by volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups: Percentage of respondents Major Goals Associated monitoring parameters who mentioned goal 1. Learn about the environment, educate and communicate environmental issues to community members 2. Monitor restoration progress and conservation effectiveness or conduct impact assessment 3. Address general concern for habitat and water quality 4. Establish baseline water quality data 5. Identify impaired waters to advocate for or assess Parameters that are easy to collect and data that are easy to interpret that give a picture of the environment s total health Nutrients and sediments, benthic macroinvertebrates, fish population/community Parameters that measure community biodiversity or habitat suitability of environment, such as benthic macroinvertebrates, water clarity, and SAV Water quality, nutrients, water clarity, chlorophyll a, dissolved oxygen Nutrients, ammonia, trash, sediment, bacteria, benthic macroinvertebrates 30% 27% 25% 22% 20% Extensive Monitoring of the Watershed Prioritization Report, Page 32

89 compliance and influence policy 6. Collect longitudinal data and monitor trends over time 7. Discover if public health and human recreation are safe (drinking, swimming, fishing) 8. Promote stewardship and provide opportunities for community outreach and engagement 9. Provide scientists and agencies with credible data for their work ph and nutrients 18% E. coli, bacteria, enterococcus, fish tissue toxicity, fish community Parameters that are easy to measure and interpret data, inexpensive to promote maximum involvement, such as macroinvertebrates and water clarity All parameters, but with higher quality assurance/quality control, more expensive sample processing and more frequent sampling 16% 16% 12% In order to identify the potential for collaboration beyond observable shared goals and objectives, Table 4 provides a preliminary assessment of the number of volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups measuring diverse parameters by jurisdiction. Each of these groups may be collecting data at anywhere between 1-1,000 locations within the jurisdiction. Table 4. Number of volunteer or nontraditional monitoring groups measuring biological, physiochemical, and visual assessment/aesthetic feature parameters by jurisdiction. Monitoring Parameter DC MD DE NY PA VA WV Biological Parameters Algae Bacteria Benthic macroinvertebrates Birds Fish Salamanders SAV Biological: Other Physiochemical Parameters % Saturation Alkalinity Ammonium Biological oxygen demand 4 2 Extensive Monitoring of the Watershed Prioritization Report, Page 33

90 Chlorophyll a Conductivity Dissolved oxygen Nitrates Nitrites Orthophosphate ph Salinity Stream flow Temperature Total dissolved solids Total nitrogen Total phosphorus Total suspended solids Turbidity Water clarity Physicochemical: Other Visual Assessment Parameters Direct measurements of stream bed and bank Trash Visual habitat assessment Visual observations of stream bed and bank Physical/visual: Other Extensive Monitoring of the Watershed Prioritization Report, Page 34

91 How the CMC Will Approach the Integration of Monitoring Partners CMC will engage with a variety of volunteer and nontraditional groups that are interested in monitoring surface water within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. These groups will fall into one of two categories, depending on the monitoring methods and Quality Assurance procedures they choose to follow: 1. New Monitoring Groups a group starting a new monitoring program that adopts the CMC Monitoring Program (i.e. non-tidal water quality, tidal water quality, and/or benthic macroinvertebrate quality assurance project plan(s) (QAPPs) and method(s)). All CMC Monitoring Programs follow an EPA-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan and Methods Manual to collect monitoring data. In addition, input from state agency staff was incorporated into the development of all monitoring methods and Quality Assurance procedures. 2. Existing Groups an existing group can either update their methods to adopt the standardized CMC monitoring program or use their existing methodology that does not follow the standardized CMC monitoring protocols and quality assurance procedures. Data collected through a method not approved in the CMC Standard Operating procedures will be flagged as provisional, until such a time that it is found to be equivalent to the accepted procedures and included in the Standard Operating Procedures or the group updates their methodology to an approved method. CMC will work with both new and existing CMC Groups, but in different capacities. New Monitoring Groups Groups looking to begin a water quality or benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring program will work with a CMC Partner to develop a study design that best meets the group s goals and answers their monitoring question(s), while fitting in with CMC goals. The customization will include selecting appropriate monitoring sites, parameters, and equipment, as described in the CMC Monitoring QAPPs. Following the study design process (Appendix 2), the CMC Partner will provide the following assistance: Water quality and/or benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring training workshops Monitoring equipment support maintenance, troubleshooting, loaned/reduced cost supplies Quality assurance and quality control support Data management Chesapeake Data Explorer Data interpretation and report card development CMC Approach to Integration Prioritization Report, Page 35

92 CMC Partners will mentor new monitoring groups to ensure they implement a CMC Monitoring Program successfully. Existing Monitoring Groups When the CMC engages with a group that has an existing monitoring program in place, a CMC Partner will evaluate the program (methods, Quality Assurance procedures, and equipment) and identify changes that need to be made to align their program with the CMC Monitoring Program. Input from state agency staff and the CBP was incorporated into the development of CMC evaluation tools. If the group makes the changes necessary to follow the CMC Monitoring Program, they will become a CMC Group. If they choose to continue their program without incorporating the suggested changes, they will become a CMC Group, but any data collected using a non-cmc approved method will be labeled provisional. Groups following the CMC monitoring program will have access to the support offered to new monitoring groups; Groups not following the CMC monitoring program will have access to support using the Chesapeake Data Explorer. CMC technical support and services are dependent on the types of services requested and geographical location (Figure 15). CMC Approach to Integration Prioritization Report, Page 36

93 Figure 15. Organizational chart for data quality assurance and technical support services for CMC partners and interested parties. Volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups will engage with the CMC through the application for assistance that will be available online (chesapeakemonitoringcoop.org) and submitted to the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay will connect the monitoring group with the appropriate CMC lead based on the above organizational chart. If a group is monitoring: water quality parameters in DC, DE, MD, VA, and/or WV, the CMC lead and point of contact is the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (ACB), monitoring benthic macroinvertebrates in DC, DE, MD, VA, and/or WV, the CMC lead and point of contact is the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA), and monitoring water quality and/or benthic macroinvertebrates in NY and/or PA, the CMC lead and point of contact is the Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM). For Tier 3 tidal verification auditing and data interpretation workshops the point of contact is the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES), Integration and Application Network. ACB oversees all aspects of the project and is the main point of contact for all CMC project leads, the CMC Approach to Integration Prioritization Report, Page 37

94 CBP partnership, and Chesapeake Environmental Communications (CEC) the developer of the Chesapeake Data Explorer. Tier designation The data collected from this project will be categorized into Tiers to help account for the variability of methods, quality assurance procedures, and equipment used to collect stream data. Classifying each data point will help data users understand how the data were collected. The CMC developed a Tiered Framework (Table 1) which lists potential ways the data collected by volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups can be used by the CBP partnership. Tier 3 data have data requirements which adhere to the Chesapeake Bay Program s monitoring requirements for trends and assessments (Table 5). Table 5. Required Methods and QA Protocols for CMC Groups by Tier Tiers Tier 1 & 2 Tier 3 Monitoring Methods and QA Procedures for CMC Groups CMC developed QAPPs and methods manuals for tidal water quality monitoring, nontidal water quality monitoring, and/or benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring in nontidal streams Chesapeake Bay Program s tidal water quality field and laboratory procedures The CMC also created a rubric to help determine the appropriate Tier classification for Tier 1 and Tier 2 data. There are diverse monitoring practices used throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. As a result, the rubric is a data classification tool to help CMC review the monitoring techniques, quality assurance measures, and metadata of the volunteer and nontraditional data that will be integrated in the Chesapeake Data Explorer. Thus the rubric focuses on Tier 1 and Tier 2 data. The rubric, and corresponding tools such as checklists, will help to inform conversations that CMC will have with potential data contributors about data requirements. Finally, the rubric will facilitate a process that CMC will use to ensure that there is enough information corresponding with CMC datasets for users of the Chesapeake Data Explorer to make informed choices. The rubric serves two needs: Determine if the data collected are suitable to be included in the Chesapeake Data (minimum requirements) Classify the data into Tiers (specific requirements) CMC Approach to Integration Prioritization Report, Page 38

95 A CMC Partner will use the rubric to determine the Tier for data collected in their region for both CMC and Conditional-CMC Groups. For more information about the resources and technical support the CMC is offering to data contributors, see Appendix 2. CMC Approach to Integration Prioritization Report, Page 39

96 Prioritizing the Cooperative in States Actions Resources permitting, the CMC will support as many of the aforementioned priority objectives outlined by data users. The following recommendations reflect ideas discussed regarding how CBP partners and key stakeholders of the CMC can support the success of this project. Further exploration into Virginia s codified law on volunteer monitoring Prior to 2003, VADEQ had limited opportunities to use submitted volunteer and nontraditional data. This led to frustration by all parties due to seeing valuable data being underutilized. VADEQ was able to increase the standards for volunteer monitors in Virginia when the Virginia General Assembly approved the following law: :11. In 2007, Part B of the law was added, which stimulated the development of a tracking tool to determine the specific geographic contributions volunteers provide to the agency. The CMC and key stakeholders are interested in exploring lessons learned from VADEQ s success with a codified law :11 A. The Department of Environmental Quality shall establish a citizen water quality monitoring program to provide technical assistance and may provide grants to support citizen water quality monitoring groups if (i) the monitoring is done pursuant to a memorandum of agreement with the Department, (ii) the project or activity is consistent with the Department of Environmental Quality s water quality monitoring program, (iii) the monitoring is conducted in a manner consistent with the Virginia Citizens Monitoring Methods Manual, and (iv) the location of the water quality monitoring activity is part of the water quality control plan required under :5. The results of such citizen monitoring shall not be used as evidence in any enforcement action. B. It shall be the goal of the Department to encourage citizen water quality monitoring so that 3,000 stream miles are monitored by volunteer citizens by Adopt nontraditional data integration into regional monitoring strategies State and regional government agencies who develop monitoring strategies should consider adopting a section on volunteer and nontraditional data integration, if applicable. This section could define a system for evaluation and permitted use of solicited volunteer and nontraditional data. The CMC has developed a suggested Tiered framework for data use and a data quality rubric for evaluation; however, the CMC team suggests that each jurisdiction modify and adopt a system based on their specific data needs. Additionally, the CMC team recommends a transparent system. Identify the point of contact The CMC team encourages each data user of the Chesapeake Data Explorer to identify a point of contact for the CMC team for ongoing conversations about metadata needs and potential for new partnerships. Prioritizing the Cooperative in States Actions Prioritization Report, Page 40

97 Share our success stories As the Chesapeake monitoring community, we need to identify success stories to share to bring more awareness to the great work of volunteers in our region and the benefits of collaboration between volunteer and nontraditional groups and government agencies. These success stories can be shared through a variety of outreach mechanisms such as the CMC quarterly e- newsletter, social media, and those used by CBP partnership communications team using a host of approachable multimedia applications. Prioritizing the Cooperative in States Actions Prioritization Report, Page 41

98 Conclusion The CBP partnership leads and directs Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration and protection, and there is an abundance of underutilized volunteer and nontraditional water quality data collected throughout the watershed available to aid in better understanding of Bay watershed health. However, the existing framework for integrating citizen science data into the CBP to help inform policy management decisions was previously limited. Therefore, the CMC developed a framework to categorize volunteer and nontraditional data into three tiers to identify the variability of methods, quality assurance procedures that help define program integrity, and equipment used to collect water quality monitoring data. The CMC recommends potential ways the water quality data collected by volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups can be used by the CBP partner jurisdictions based on the tier classification, generated by input from the diverse partners of the CBP. Investigating the priorities of the Chesapeake Bay watershed jurisdictions as summarized in this report provides basis and direction for the CMC s outreach and engagement. Moving forward, the water quality data that will be available to Chesapeake Bay watershed data users will undoubtedly lead to additional capabilities in assessment and management. This timely initiative has the potential to further enhance watershed implementation plans/objectives outlined in the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Conclusion Prioritization Report, Page 42

99 Glossary Acid mine drainage the result of water flowing over or through rocks containing sulfurbearing minerals. The resulting chemical reaction is highly acidic waters. Typically occurs in connection with mining activity Alkalinity the ability of water to absorb acid (buffer capacity), the higher the ph (7-14 on the ph scale) the more alkaline the water is. Ammonium a form of nitrogen which aquatic plants and algae can absorb for growth Baseline initial collection of data that serves as a basis for comparisons of future data Benthic Macroinvertebrate organisms that live underwater in streams and rivers that do not have a backbone and can be seen by the naked eye. The diversity of organisms found are indicators of stream/river health. Best Management Practice (BMP) practice(s) that have been determined to be an effective and practical means of preventing or reducing pollution Biological Oxygen Demand the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms during oxidation of organic matter such as the decomposition of plant matter. Chlorophyll a the predominant green pigment found in microscopic algae in fresh and saltwater ecosystems, and used as a measure of microalgae abundance. Coastal Plain the level land downstream of the Piedmont and fall line, where soils are generally finer and fertile and rivers are influenced by the tide. Conductivity ability of water to conduct an electrical current due to the presence of charged particles, Dissolved Oxygen the amount of oxygen gas that is present in the water. Impaired waters waterways that do not meet water quality standards set by jurisdictions and/or the Clean Water Act. Marcellus Shale sedimentary rock formation thousands of feet below the surface stretching from upstate New York through Pennsylvania to West Virginia and parts of Ohio containing natural gas. Nitrate a form (ion) of nitrogen used by plants and animals Nitrite a form (ion) of nitrogen used by plants and animals Nitrogen an essential nutrient for all life, can be a limiting factor Non-point source sources of pollution that come from many diffused sources and cannot be traced to a single source. For example: runoff from lawns, farmland or streets. Nontraditional monitoring for the sake of this project, nontraditional monitoring refers to efforts by monitoring groups who do not traditionally submit their data to the Chesapeake Bay Program. Nutrient any substance that provides for essential growth and life Orthophosphate a form of phosphorous that can be absorbed by living organisms, used to provide an estimation of the amount of phosphorus available for plant growth. Glossary Prioritization Report, Page 43

100 ph a measure of how acidic or basic water is. The ph scale ranges from 0-14, with 7 being neutral. ph less than 7 indicates acidity, and a ph greater than 7 indicates a base. Phosphorus an essential nutrient for all growth and reproduction. Phycoerythrin photosynthetic pigment found in certain algaes Piedmont uplands or hill country located above the fall line. Rivers and streams in the Piedmont region are not influenced by the tide. Priority area any area with an identified need for more information that could conceivably be filled by volunteer or nontraditional data of known quality. QAPP Quality Assurance Project Plan documentation that provides the framework and procedures used to meet quality assurance standards Salinity a measure of the salt content of water, the weight of salt per volume of water measured in parts per thousand (ppt) Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) technical term for underwater bay grasses. SAV help improve water quality and provide important food and habitat for fish, shellfish, invertebrates, and waterfowl. Shale gas natural gas that either resides or has been extracted from a shale formation such as the Marcellus Shale Spatial relating to space or geographic spread of sampling Stormwater MS4 Stormwater Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permitting Study Design The process of making choices and decisions about your monitoring program, such as: What are your primary watershed concerns? What parameters and/or methods are appropriate to answer your monitoring question? Where to monitor? Temporal relating to time or frequency of sampling Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) the total maximum amount of pollutant allowed in a water body in order to meet water quality standards Total suspended solids (TSS) solids within a water column that can be trapped by filtration Turbidity a measure of the clarity of a water body; the cloudiness of the water Glossary Prioritization Report, Page 44

101 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps Appendix 1: Catalogue of Volunteer Monitoring Groups who Participated in the Chesapeake Monitoring Census This includes the basic information for groups who participated in the Census. There are still more groups throughout the Watershed that need focused attention. Table A-1. Catalogue of Volunteer and Nontraditional monitoring groups Name of Organization Physicochemical parameters A - 1 Biological Parameters Stat e County/City/Township/ Ecoregion Potomac Riverkeeper Metals Algae DC Potomac River Network Rock Creek Conservancy None Benthic DC Rock Creek Watershed macroinvertebrate s Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum DO, Nitrates, Nitrites, ph, TP, Cond, Turb Benthic macroinvertebrate s DC Anacostia Watershed Anne Arundel Community College Anne Arundel Community College Environmental Center Audubon Naturalist Society Back Creek Conservancy Baltimore County Dept of Environmental Protection & Sustainability Bird River Restoration Campaign DO, Temp, ph, TSS, Cond, Salinity DO, Temp, ph, TN, TP, TSS, Cond, Water Clarity, Salinity, Chla Temp, ph DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, TSS, BOD, Cond, Turb, Water Clarity, Salinity DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, TN, Ortho-P, TP, TSS, BOD, Cond, Salinity Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria MD Dividing Creek, Anne Arundel County Bacteria MD Spa Creek on the Severn Mill River and Dividing Creek on the Magothy River Benthic macroinvertebrate s Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria, Fish, Algae, SAV, Birds, Turtles, Rays, Snakes Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria, Fish, SAV, Salamanders MD and DC MD MD Montgomery County, MD, and Washington, DC Back Creek, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County Baltimore County Bacteria MD Bird River, Windlass Run, Honeygo Run, Whitemarsh Run, Gunpowder River

102 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps Blue Water Baltimore Calvert County CAT-N Cecil Senior Environment Corps Chesapeake Bay Foundation DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Nitrates, Nitrites, TN, TP, Cond, Turb, Water Clarity, Salinity, Chla, Phycoerythrin DO, Temp, ph, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, Ortho-P, TDS, TSS, Cond, Water Clarity, Salinity, Chla DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Alkalinity, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, TN, Ortho-P, TP, TDS, TSS, Cond, Turb, Water Clarity, Salinity, Chla, CDOM, Oil, Optical Brighteners DO, Temp, ph, Alkalinity, Nitrates, Ortho-P, Cond, SO4 DO, Temp, ph, Nitrates, Ortho-P, Water Clarity, Salinity, Cond Bacteria MD Jones Falls and Gwynns Falls, Patapsco River Algae MD Streams and creeks in Calvert County Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria, Fish, SAV, Birds Benthic macroinvertebrate s MD MD Severn River and South River Tidal and Watershed Cecil County Fish MD Chesapeake Bay in and around Tangier Sound and near Bishop's Head (Accomack Co., VA, Somerset/Dorchester Cos., MD), Anacostia River (Washington DC), Potomac River (Washington DC), Susquehanna River (Cecil Co., MD, Lancaster Co., PA), Patapsco River/Baltimore Inner Harbor, Creeks and A - 2

103 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps streams in Southern PA (Mountain Creek, Hammer Creek, Swatara Creek, Long Pine Run), James River (Charles City, VA), Lynnhaven River/Chesapeake Bay (Virginia Beach) Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (MD Dept of Natural Resources) City of Baltimore Fox Haven Organic Farm & Learning Center Friends of the Bohemia Gunpowder Riverkeeper DO, Temp, ph, Nitrates, TN, Ortho-P, TP, TSS, Cond, Turb, Salinity, Chla DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Alkalinity, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, TN, Ortho-P, TP, TDS, TSS, Cond, Turb, Water Clarity, Chla Water Clarity DO, Temp, ph, TN, TP, Cond, Turb, Water Clarity, Salinity, Chla, (For Tidal, different for Nontidal) DO, Temp, ph, TSS, Cond, Turb, Water Clarity, Salinity Fish, Algae, SAV, Birds MD Bush River (Harford County), Patuxent River (Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties) Little Monie Creek (Somerset County) Bacteria, Algae MD City of Baltimore Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Algae Benthic macroinvertebrate s, SAV Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria, Fish, Algae MD MD MD Lewis Creek and Catoctin Creek (Frederick County, MD) Bohemia River Watershed Carroll, Baltimore and Harford Counties A - 3

104 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps Hood College Center for Coastal & Watershed Studies Howard County Conservancy Howard County Watershed Steward Academy IWLA-WAC Koolhof Earth/Restore Rock Creek Little Falls Watershed Alliance Living Classrooms Foundation Magothy River Association Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Stream Waders and MBSS) DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Ammonium, Nitrates, TN, Ortho-P, TP, TSS, Cond, Water Clarity, Chla, Phycocyanin Fluorescence, occasional algal toxins DO, Temp, ph, Nitrates, Cond DO, Temp, ph, Alkalinity, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, TP, Turb, Water Clarity DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, BOD, Cond, Water Clarity, Salinity Temp, ph DO, Temp, ph, Nitrites, TP, Turb, Salinity DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Cond, Water Clarity, Salinity ph, Alkalinity, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, TN, Ortho-P, TP, TDS, Cond, Turb, Acid Neutralizing Capacity Bacteria, Algae MD Frederick, Montgomery, and Howard Counties Benthic macroinvertebrate s Benthic macroinvertebrate s Fish, Algae, SAV, Salamanders, Birds MD MD MD Howard County, Lower Patapsco River, Middle Patuxent River, and Little Patuxent River Little Patuxent, Middle Patuxent, and Patapsco (Howard County) Monocacy River at Michael's Mill by Buckeystown Bacteria MD Rock Creek on the tidal Patapsco River in Pasadena Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Fish MD Little Falls Branch in Montgomery County Fish MD Patapsco River Watershed in Baltimore City Bacteria, SAV, Oysters Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Fish, Salamanders, and other organisms, Exotic plants MD MD Magothy River and tributaries State of Maryland A - 4

105 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps Maryland Department of the Environment Mattawoman Watershed Society Midshore River Conservancy Nanticoke Watershed Alliance (CreekWatchers) National Aquarium Octoraro Watershed Association Osborn Cove Phillips Wharf Environmental Center Sassafras River Association Savage River Watershed Association DO, Temp, ph, Ammonium, TN, TP, Cond, Turb, Water Clarity, Salinity, Chla DO, Temp, Cond, Salinity DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Water Clarity, Salinity DO, Temp, % Sat, TN, TP, Water Clarity, Salinity, Chla DO, Temp, TN, TP, BOD, Cond, Turb, Water Clarity, Salinity, Chla Temp, Nitrates, Cond, Water Clarity DO, Temp, ph, Water Clarity, Salinity DO, Temp, ph, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites DO, Temp, ph, TN, TP, Cond, Turb, Salinity, Chla Temp, TDS, Cond, Turb, Water Clarity Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria, Fish, Algae Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Fish eggs and larvae MD MD State of Maryland Mattawoman Creek, Charles and Prince George's Counties Bacteria MD Wye River, Queen Anne's County Bacteria, will be starting MusselWatchers program in DE in 2016, separate from CreekWatchers MD and DE Nanticoke River in MD and DE (Sussex, Dorchester, and Wicomico Counties) Bacteria MD Patapsco River Benthic macroinvertebrate s Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Fish, Algae MD MD MD Octoraro Mainstem in PA and in Cecil County MD St. Leonard Creek and Osborn Cove on the Patuxent River (Calvert County) Talbot County Algae, SAV MD Sassafras River and tributaries Benthic macroinvertebrate s MD Savage River and tributaries A - 5

106 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps Spa Creek Conservancy USGS-Patuxent Wildlife Restoration Center Watershed Protection and Restoration Program - Anne Arundel County Public Works Wicomico Creekwatchers The Community Science Institute, Inc. Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators (WAVE) Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) Bradford County Monitors Clearfield Creek Watershed Association Conococheague Watershed Alliance Dauphin County Conservation District DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Alkalinity, Nitrates, TN, TDS, TSS, Water Clarity Bacteria MD Spa Creek None Birds MD Chesapeake Bay and many tributaries Water quality MD Anne Arundel County monitoring for regulatory compliance Temp, TN, TP, Algae MD Wicomico River system Water Clarity, Chla DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Alkalinity, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, TN, Ortho-P, TP, TDS, TSS, Cond, Turb, Water Clarity, Chla DO, ph, Nitrates, TP, Cond TDS, Cond, Ba and Sr (via a certified lab) Temp, ph, Alkalinity, Nitrates, TDS, TSS, Cond, Fe, Mn, Al, SO4, and others DO, Temp, ph, Nitrates, Ortho-P, Turb Baseline water chemistry parameters, Turb Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria NY Upstate NY, near Albany (more info on their database: database.communityscie nce.org) Benthic macroinvertebrate s NY State of New York Algae, SAV PA LeTort Spring Run, Carlisle, Cumberland County None PA Bradford County Special studies PA Cambria and Clearfield County, in Clearfield Creek Watershed Benthic macroinvertebrate s Benthic macroinvertebrate s PA PA Mainstem Conococheague River in Chambersburg Dauphin County A - 6

107 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps Evergreen Conservancy Temp, Cond, Water level A - 7 Benthic macroinvertebrate s Friends of Tom's Creek Water Clarity Benthic macroinvertebrate s God's Country Water Dogs (Potter County PA) Lake Carey Welfare Association Lower Penns Creek Watershed Association Luzerne Conservation District Middle Spring Watershed Association Mifflin County Conservation District Nature Abounds (Senior Environment Corps Program) TDS, Cond, Ba and Sr (via a certified lab) DO, Temp, ph, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites. TN, Ortho-P, TP, TDS, TSS, BOD, Turb, Water Clarity, Chla Temp, ph, Nitrates, Ortho-P, Cond, Turb water quality monitoring for acid deposition impacts and mitigation measures on naturally reproducing brook trout DO, Temp, ph, Nitrates, Ortho-P, Cond, Water Clarity DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Alkalinity, Nitrates, Nitrites, TN, TP, TDS, TSS, Cond, Turb DO, Temp, ph, Alkalinity, Nitrates, Ortho-P, TP, Cond, SO4, Fe, Mn PA PA Susquehanna and Allegheny River watersheds in Indiana County Tom's Creek (Adams County) None PA Potter County Benthic Macroinvertebrate s, Algae, SAV Benthic macroinvertebrate s Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Fish Benthic macroinvertebrate s PA PA PA PA PA PA Lake Carey and Flow Pond (Wyoming County) Synder and Union Counties Bowmans Creek headwaters Mainstem Middle Spring Stream Kishacoquillas Creek and Hungry Run Mostly throughout the state of Pennsylvania but also in Maryland

108 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps Renfrew Institute for Cultural & Environmental Studies Shermans Creek Conservation Association Susquehanna River Basin Commission Trout Unlimited Warwick Township Water Resource Monitoring Project Watershed Alliance of Adams County Watershed Alliance of York Western Pennsylvania Conservancy WQVC : Lancaster County Conservancy and Lancaster County Conservation District DO, Temp, ph, Alkalinity, Nitrates, Ortho-P, Turb DO, Temp, ph, Alkalinity, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, TN, Ortho-P, TP, TDS, TSS, BOD, Cond, Turb, Chla Temp, ph, Cond, Turb DO, Temp, Nitrates, TP, Turb DO, Temp, ph, Ammonium, Nitrates, Ortho-P, TDS, Cond, Turb DO, Temp, ph, Alkalinity, Nitrates, Ortho-P, Cond, Water Clarity DO, Temp, ph, TN, Ortho-P DO, Temp, ph, Nitrates, Ortho-P, TDS, Cond, Turb DO, Temp, ph, Alkalinity, Ammonium, Nitrates, Ortho-P, TDS, Cond, Salinity Benthic macroinvertebrate s Benthic macroinvertebrate s Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Fish, Algae Benthic macroinvertebrate s Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria, Fish, Birds PA PA PA PA VA and WV PA Various streams throughout the state of Pennsylvania Shermans Creek Susquehanna River Watershed various streams in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Lancaster County None PA Spring Creek Watershed, Centre County None PA Rock Creek, Marsh Creek, Little Marsh Creek, and Alloway Creek (Adams County) Benthic macroinvertebrate s Benthic macroinvertebrate s Benthic macroinvertebrate s PA PA PA Codorus Creek and Muddy Creek Lancaster County A - 8

109 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps York County Conservation District Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Chesterfield WaterTrends Cowpasture River Preservation Association DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Alkalinity, TN, Ortho-P DO, Temp, ph, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, TN, Ortho-P, TP, TDS, TSS, Turb, Water Clarity, Salinity DO, Temp, ph, Turb, Water Clarity, Salinity DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Nitrates, Ortho-P, TP, Cond, Water Clarity, Salinity, Chloride Benthic macroinvertebrate s PA Codorus and Muddy Creeks None VA Chesapeake Bay watershed of VA Bacteria VA Chesterfield County Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria Culpeper SWCD Temp Benthic macroinvertebrate s Fairfax County Stormwater Planning Division Friends of Accotink Creek Friends of Goochland Parks Friends of Shenandoah Friends of the Middle River Water quality monitoring for regulatory compliance None Benthic macroinvertebrate s VA VA VA VA Bullpasture River (Highland County) and Cowpasture River (Highland, Bath, Alleghany, and Botetourt Counties) Various streams in Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Fairfax County Fairfax County Temp, Turb Bacteria VA James River (Goochland County) Temp, Nitrate, VA Augusta, VA Ortho-P, Ammonia, DO, ph, Turb None Benthic VA Middle River watershed macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria A - 9

110 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps Friends of the Rappahannock, Tri- County Soil & Water District G2 Associates GMU's Potomac Environmental Research & Education Center Henricopolis Soil & Water Conservation District Temp, ph, Ammonium, Nitrates, Ortho-P, Salinity, Chla basic water chemistry parameters for middle school education Temp, Nitrites, TP, Turb Bacteria VA Fredericksburg area with Fredericksburg Area Monitors for the Environment (FAME) volunteers, and Claiborne Run, located in Stafford County Algae VA Antipoison Creek (Lancaster County) and Potomac River in Great Falls Benthic VA macroinvertebrate s Bacteria VA Middle James River watershed James River Association Temp, Cond, Turb Bacteria VA James River and tributaries John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District DO, Temp, ph, Nitrates, Ortho-P Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria VA Fauquier County Longwood University Water Quality Monitoring Program Lord Fairfax Soil & Water Conservation District Loudoun Watershed Watch Master Naturalist McClure River Restoration Project DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, TN, Cond, Salinity, Chla, DOC Bacteria VA Unknown Unknown VA Frederick, Clarke, Warren, and Shenandoah Counties, and the City of Winchester Temp, Turb Benthic VA Loudoun County macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria DO, Temp, ph, TN, TP, Turb, Water Clarity, Salinity Bacteria, Algae, SAV, Birds VA Tributaries to the James River, cities of Poquoson and Hampton DO, Temp, ph Bacteria VA Dickenson and Wise County A - 10

111 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps New River Conservancy Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District ODU OEAS Page County Monitors Peninsula Master Naturalist Peter Francisco SWCD Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District Temp, Water Clarity, Water Depth, DO, ph None DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, Ortho-P, Cond, Turb, Salinity, Chla DO, Temp, ph, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, Ortho-P, Turb DO, Temp, ph, Turb, Salinity DO, Temp, ph, Alkalinity, Nitrates, Ortho-P, Cond, Turb DO, Temp, ph, Nitrates, Nitrites, Turb VA New River Watershed Benthic macroinvertebrate s VA Fairfax County Algae VA Lafayette River None VA Page County Bacteria, Fish, Algae, SAV, Birds Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria Benthic macroinvertebrate s Reston Association None Benthic macroinvertebrate s Rivanna Conservation Alliance Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District Temp, Turb DO, Temp, ph, TDS, TSS, Cond, Turb, Water Clarity Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria VA VA VA VA VA VA James River, Warwick River, Hampton Roads, Back River in the cities/counties of Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, and York. Expanding to Gloucester. Horsepen Creek in the city of Buckingham Potomac River Watershed (Prince William County) City of Reston Rivanna River Watershed Linville Creek Watershed A - 11

112 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps Shenandoah Watershed Study-Virginia Trout Stream Sensitivity Study Temp, ph, Alkalinity, Ammonium, Nitrates, Cond, Acid Neutralizing Capacity, Ca, Chloride, Mg, K, Silica, Na, SO4, Total Monomeric Al VA Save Our Streams Turb, ph Benthic macroinvertebrate s Virginia DEQ Virginia Master Naturalist - Historic Southside Chapter Blue Ridge Watershed Coalition Sleepy Creek Watershed Association The Mountain Institute Warm Springs Watershed Association DO, ph, Temp, Cond, TN, TP, Turb, Chla, and other nutrients at certain sites None DO, Temp, ph, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, Ortho-P, TP, TDS, Cond, Turb DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Alkalinity, Ammonium, Nitrates, Nitrites, TN, TDS, TSS, Cond, Turb, Water Clarity, Salinity DO, Temp, % Sat, ph, Alkalinity, Nitrates, Nitrites, A - 12 None VA Shenandoah River Watershed Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Bacteria, Fish, Algae, SAV VA VA Mostly in the state of Virginia but some in Maryland State of Virginia Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Salamanders VA Vernal pools Bacteria WV Shenandoah River Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Algae Benthic Macroinvertebrate s (Partnership with WV Save Our Streams) Benthic macroinvertebrate s, Algae, Salamanders WV WV WV Sleepy Creek (Morgan County) School groups awarded mini-grants for various stream monitoring projects Morgan County

113 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps Turb, Water Clarity West Virginia Rivers Coalition (Trout Unlimited) WVDEP Nonpoint Source Program Temp, ph, Cond, Turb Water quality monitoring for regulatory compliance Benthic macroinvertebrate s Benthic macroinvertebrate s (Oversees the WV Save Our Streams Program) WV WV State of West Virginia State of West Virginia Glossary of Abbreviations: Abbreviation Parameter % Sat Percent Saturation Al Aluminum Ba Barium BOD Biological oxygen demand Ca Calcium DO Dissolved oxygen DOC Dissolved organic carbon Fe Iron K Potassium Mg Magnesium Mn Manganese Na Sodium Ortho-P Orthophosphate ph Potential of hydrogen SO4 Sulfate Sr Strontium TDS Total dissolved solids Temp Water temperature TN Total nitrogen Total Monomeric Al Total monomeric aluminum TP Total phosphorus TSS Total suspended solids Turb Turbidity A - 13

114 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps Appendix 2: Resources and Technical Support Offered by the CMC Tier 3 Data Audit Tier 3 groups are those that are following the CBP Monitoring and Field Procedures, have an audit of their program completed by CBP's Data Integrity Workgroup, and have made recommended changes to their program based on the audit. Based on monitoring groups field methods, the CMC team identifies candidates for Tier 3 status. Candidates are referred to the Data Integrity Workgroup for an audit. The Data Integrity Workgroup created an auditing checklist that is used to thoroughly question and examine potential candidates' field and lab practices and methods. This checklist includes review of the monitoring group's Quality Assurance Project Plan, field equipment list, and lab equipment list (if applicable) before the audit. The auditors will prepare a report following the audit with recommendations for the monitoring group. Once the group shows that they ve incorporated the auditors recommendations, their data will be classified as Tier 3 in the Chesapeake Data Explorer. Provide Quality Assurance Project Plan for groups to use Volunteer monitoring groups who are using a monitoring procedure that fit the Tier 1 or Tier 2 criteria, but do not have the technical documentation, will be incorporated into the CMC Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) developed for benthic macroinvertebrate, non-tidal, and tidal monitoring. When a group decides to adopt a CMC QAPP, they will need to participate in training by one of the CMC partners, and become certified under the QAPP. CMC participants who fall under the QAPPs will receive training to incorporate quality control measures into their monitoring approaches. If a participant is unable to meet the quality control requirements their data will be classified as a lower Tier. Host trainings If a volunteer or nontraditional monitoring group wants to join the CMC and follow the methods and QA/QC protocols they will be invited to a training workshop. If there are individuals interested in participating in volunteer monitoring, the CMC will help connect them with a local group and encourage them to participate in a CMC training workshop. There are several types of trainings that the CMC is offering, including: Supporting development of study designs Teaching monitoring methods Facilitating database use, and Conducting data interpretation workshops Support development of study designs The first step for an organization or individual interested in starting a monitoring group is to develop a study design, which is a ten-step process that outlines the key steps in developing a monitoring program. Study designs (originally developed by River Network) are standard monitoring tools for service providers to use with communities interested in monitoring. By developing a study design, CMC will be able to insure that data of known value are collected by B - 1

115 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps partners and that community goals are in line with the spirit of the project. Questions answered in the study design include: Step 1: What are your organizations major objectives? Step 2: Why are you monitoring? Step 3: How will you use the data that you collect? Step 4: What will you monitor? Step 5: How will you monitor? Step 6: Where will you monitor? Step 7: When will you monitor? Step 8: What are your Quality Assurance/ Quality Control Step 9: How will you manage and present the data? Step 10: What are the tasks and who will do them? Expertise within the CMC partnership will support the development of study designs that support the objectives of the volunteer and design a plan for monitoring, data management, and assessment. Teach monitoring methods The CMC prepared standardized methods for the most popular water quality and biological monitoring parameters monitored by volunteer groups in the Chesapeake Bay watershed in accordance with the QAPPs. ALLARM and the League will be offering training sessions for benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring and identification to order level. The Alliance and ALLARM will offer training sessions on collecting water quality parameters. Facilitate database use Chesapeake Environmental Communications is developing the Chesapeake Data Explorer, a database for all volunteer and nontraditional monitoring groups in Chesapeake Bay Watershed states. Monitoring groups that have connected with the CMC, and are ready to submit data, will have the option of taking a workshop on how to use the Chesapeake Data Explorer. Clear instructions for interacting with the Chesapeake Data Explorer will also be available. Conduct data interpretation workshops The data interpretation workshops will focus on communicating a monitoring group's data to a wide variety of audiences through print and digital products and includes both principles and practical application of science communication, data visualization, and synthesis. Groups that have Tier 2 data can generate geographically specific ecosystem assessments (e.g., a report card) for their data. Report card generation includes a specific set of analyses that will be determined by each group. The training will help each group determine the framework for their analyses. Groups that have Tier 1 data can use that data to produce education materials for their constituents and to tell stories using the data they collect. Synthesizing data is important for key messaging and outreach. B - 2

116 Prioritization Report: How volunteer and nontraditional monitoring can help fill data gaps Help acquire equipment If a volunteer group is close to meeting the criteria for Tier 1 or Tier 2 monitoring and is within a priority area, but needs upgraded equipment, the CMC team will evaluate the availability of resources to see if an equipment upgrade is possible to integrate the new volunteer or nontraditional monitoring group. Survey monitoring groups Based on the identified needs of the CBP partnership, if there is a volunteer or nontraditional group monitoring in a priority region, the CMC team will identify the group s needs and potential for collaboration with the CMC, and encourage that group to fill out the Chesapeake Monitoring Census (i.e. survey) to share key information about their program for evaluation. B - 3

117 Appendix 3: Contributors Below is a list of the many contributors to this research through participation in workshops, meetings, or participation in the Chesapeake Monitoring Census. Name Affiliation State Cathy Wiss Audubon Naturalist Society DC and MD Lucretia Brown District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment DC Jeff Kelble Potomac Riverkeeper Network DC Tony Thomas Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum DC Ben Pressley Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental DE Control Chris Remaine Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental DE Control Ellen Dickey Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental DE Control Hassan Mirsajadi Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental DE Control Kathy Knowls Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental DE Control Robyn Tyler Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental DE Control Greg Barranco U.S. EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office Federal Rich Batiuk U.S. EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office Federal Tammy Zimmerman U.S. Geological Survey Federal Peter Tango U.S. Geological Survey at the Chesapeake Bay Program Office Federal Tammy Domanski AACC Environmental Center MD Al Todd Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay MD Lou Etigen Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay MD Susan Lamont Anne Arundel Community College MD Gregg Trilling Audubon Naturalist Society MD David Read Barker Back Creek Conservancy MD Kevin Brittingham Baltimore County Dept. of Environmental Protection & MD Sustainability Peter Terry Bird River Restoration Campaign MD Alice Volpitta Blue Water Baltimore MD David Brownlee Calvert County MD Kevin Haigis Capital SUP/Spa Creek Conservancy MD Diana Muller CAT-N MD Kordell Wilen Cecil Senior Environment Corps MD Sam Woolford Chesapeake Bay Foundation MD

118 Amanda Garzio- Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve MD Hadzick (Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources) Clark Howells City of Baltimore MD Maddie Price Fox Haven Organic Farm & Learning Center MD Rebecca Wright Friends of the Bohemia MD Theaux Le Gardeur Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER MD Drew Ferrier Hood College Center for Coastal & Watershed Studies MD Alan Pflugrad Howard County Watershed Steward Academy MD Claire Buchanan Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin at the MD Chesapeake Bay Program Mike Mallonee Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin at the MD Chesapeake Bay Program Rodger Moran Izaak Walton League of America Wildlife Achievement MD Chapter Danielle Donkersloot* Izaak Walton League of America MD Lea Rubin* Izaak Walton League of America MD Allan Straughan Koolhof Earth/Restore Rock Creek MD Sara Robinson Little Falls Watershed Alliance MD Sarah Morse Little Falls Watershed Alliance MD Lisa Jones Living Classrooms Foundation MD Sally Hornor Magothy River Association MD Amanda Sullivan Maryland Department of Natural Resources MD Becky Lang Maryland Department of the Environment MD Matt Stover Maryland Department of the Environment MD Tim Fox Maryland Department of the Environment MD Brian Smith Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources MD Dan Boward Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources MD Kristen Hyer Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources MD Mark Trice Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources MD Scott Stranco Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources MD Sherm Garrison Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources MD Tom Parham Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources MD Matthew Tomitz Maryland Environmental Service MD Jim Long Mattawoman Watershed Society MD Joseph Jelich Midshore River Conservancy MD Beth Wasden Nanticoke Watershed Alliance MD Charmaine National Aquarium MD Dahlenburg Rupert Rossetti Octoraro Watershed Association MD Kent Mountford, PhD Osborn Cove MD Kayla Fairfield Phillips Wharf Environmental Center MD

119 Erica Carlsson Rock Creek Conservancy MD Emmett Duke Sassafras River Association MD Ann Bristow Savage River Watershed Association MD Donna Jefferson Spa Creek Conservancy MD Alexandra Fries* University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science MD Caroline Donovan* University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science MD Barnett Rattner USGS-Patuxent Wildl Res Ctr MD Peter Bozick Wicomico Creekwatchers MD Daniel Dickerson East Carolina University NC Steve Penningroth Community Science Institute, Inc. NY Sara Latessa New York Department of Environmental Conservation NY Alene Onion New York Department of Environmental Conservation/ WAVE NY Maribeth Rubenstein The Community Science Institute, Inc. NY Mike Lovegreen Upper Susquehanna Coalition NY Wendy Walsh Upper Susquehanna Coalition NY Candie Wilderman Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring PA Holden Sparacino Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring PA Jinnie Monismith* Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring PA Julie Vastine* Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring PA Arthur Rose Clearfield Creek Watershed Association PA Chris Mayer Conococheague Watershed Alliance PA Cindy Rogers Evergreen Conservancy PA Ed Hetzel Lake Carey Welfare Association PA Blyden Potts Middle Spring Watershed Association PA Justin Kozak Mifflin County Conservation District PA Melinda Hughes Nature Abounds PA Josh Lockenbill Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection PA Melodie Anderson- Renfrew Institute for Cultural & Environmental Studies PA Smith Ellyn Campbell Susquehanna River Basin Commission PA Jamie Shallenberger Susquehanna River Basin Commission PA Jake Lemon Trout Unlimited PA Dan Zimmerman Warwick Township PA Adrienne Gemberling Water Resource Monitoring Project PA Adam McClain Watershed Alliance of Adams County PA Jim Gockowski Watershed Alliance of Adams County PA Jennifer Farabasugh Western Pennsylvania Conservancy PA Gary Peacock York County Conservation District PA Anne Dunckel* Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay VA Nissa Dean* Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay VA Jim McCord Chesterfield Water Trends VA

120 Lorne Field Chesterfield WaterTrends VA Mike Hayslett Cowpasture River Preservation Association VA Roger Baroody Cowpasture River Preservation Association VA Stephanie DeNicola Culpeper SWCD VA Philip Latasa Friends of Accotink Creek VA Mark Williams Friends of Goochland Parks VA Ginny Hoffman Friends of Shenandoah VA Joe McCue Friends of the Middle River VA Kathleen Daley G2 Associates VA Stacey Heflin Henricopolis Soil & Water Conservation District VA Pat Calvert James River Association VA Michael Trop John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District VA Dina Leech, PhD Longwood University Water Quality Monitoring Program VA David Singletary Master Naturalist VA Noreen Fleming McClure River Restoration Project VA Dan Schwartz Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District VA Katherine Filippino ODU OEAS VA Charles Newton Page County Monitors VA Daina Henry Peninsula Master Naturalist VA Elise Corbin Peter Francisco SWCD VA Veronica Tangiri Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District VA William Peterson Reston Association VA Kevin Geiger Rivanna Conservation Alliance VA Megen Dalton Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District VA Ami Riscassi Shenandoah Watershed Study-Virginia Trout Stream VA Sensitivity Study James Beckley Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality VA Geoffrey Payne Virginia Master Naturalist - Historic Southside Chapter VA Natalie Smirnoff Virginia Save Our Streams VA John Maxey Blue Ridge Watershed Coalition WV Norman Dean Sleepy Creek Watershed WV Robert Meadows sleepy creek watershed association WV Kate Lehman Warm Springs Watershed Association WV Alana Hartman West Virginia Dept. of Environmental Protection WV John Wirts West Virginia Dept. of Environmental Protection WV Teresa Koon West Virginia Dept. of Environmental Protection WV Tim Craddock West Virginia Dept. of Environmental Protection WV Kathleen Tyner West Virginia Rivers Coalition WV Angie Rosser West Virginia Rivers Coalition WV * Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative Development Team Member

121 Appendix C: Property Owner Permission and Liability Release Agreement

122 PROPERTY OWNER PERMISSION AND LIABILITY RELEASE AGREEMENT (organization/volunteer name) is participating in a program to collect baseline data to monitor the condition of local streams and ensure that water quality and stream habitat are properly maintained. As part of the program, trained local volunteers collect macroinvertebrate samples 1 4 times per year at specific sites. Volunteers will be at the site for approximately 30 minutes, collecting and processing the sample. This agreement is intended to grant permission to volunteers to access private property for data collection, as well as to release and hold harmless the property owner from liability arising from that access. I,, hereby grant permission to, (property owner name) (organization/volunteer name) its volunteers, and necessary program partners, to enter my property located at, beginning until, for the sole purpose of (start date) (end date or program completion) site-access and sample collection that takes place on or near my property to gather baseline data on the adjacent stream. I agree that my permission is granted on a voluntary basis and I have neither received or expect to receive any form of compensation in exchange for my permission. I agree to hold the organization listed above, its volunteers, and necessary project partners, harmless from and forever discharge them from any and all liability for damages, injury, or loss which may be sustained as a result of their entry into the private property described in this agreement. In addition, the organization listed above holds harmless and forever discharges me, the property owner, from any and all liability for any damage, injury, or loss which may be sustained as a result of their entry into the private property described in this agreement. Property Owner Date: Organization Date:

123 Appendix D: Parameters and Equipment Water Quality Parameters

124 Table ID # Matrix Parameter Analytical Method Approved Procedure Equipment In Situ or Lab Analysis Holding Time NT-A-1 Water Alkalinity Kit using titration EPA-NERL: NT-A-2 Water Alkalinity Digital checker (colorimetric method) LaMotte 4491-DR-01, LaMotte , LaMotte 4533-DR-01 Field or Home 24 hours See Appendix A Hanna HI 775 Field or Home 24 hours NT-AT-1 Air Air temperature Armored thermometer USEPA Method LaMotte 1066 Field N/A NT-AT-2 Air Air temperature Digital thermometer USEPA Method Ex. Hanna Field N/A NT-AT-3 Air Air temperature Thermometer and/or thermistor as part of multiparameter probe USEPA Method 170.1; As described in probe manual Ex. LaMotte 1761 Field N/A NT-B-1 Water Bacteria (E. Coli) E. coli See Appendix A Coliscan Easy Gel Home 24 hours NT-C-1 Water Conductivity Electronic probe USEPA Method LaMotte 1749, Extech Field or Home 28 days NT-DO-1 Water Dissolved oxygen Kit using Winkler titration USEPA Method LaMotte 5860 Field acidificationfixing, titration in field or home 8 hours after acidiciation NT-DO-2 Water Dissolved oxygen Electronic probe USEPA Method 360.1; As described in probe manual Multiprobe sonde Field N/A NT-N-1 Water Nitrate-nitrogen NT-N-2 Water Nitrate-nitrogen Colorimetric kit using cadmium reduction method Colorimetric kit using cadmium reduction method See Appendix A Hach NI Field or Home 48 hours See Appendix A LaMotte 3110 Field or Home 48 hours NT-N-3 Water Nitrate-nitrogen Colorimetric kit using zinc reduction method See Appendix A LaMotte 3354 Field or Home 48 hours NT-N-4 Water Nitrite-Nitrate Lab Analysis USEPA Method Specific to individual lab Lab NT-N-5 Water Nitrate - Nitrogen Lab Analysis USEPA Method Specific to individual lab Lab NT-N-6 Water Ammonia-nitrogen Lab Analysis USEPA Method Specific to individual lab Lab Dependendent on preservation method - 28 days maximum Dependendent on preservation method - 28 days maximum Dependendent on preservation method - 28 days maximum NT-N-7 Water Total Nitrogen Lab Analysis NT-P-1 Water Orthophosphate NT-P-2 Water Orthophosphate Colorimetric kit using ascorbic acid method Digital checker using ascorbic acid method SM 4500-N C-2011 or 4500-P J-2011 See Appendix A Specific to individual lab Lab 28 days Hach PO , Hanna HI Field or Home 48 hours See Appendix A Hanna HI 713 Field or Home 48 hours

125 NT-P-3 Water Orthophosphate Lab Analysis USEPA Method or Specific to individual lab Lab Dependendent on preservation method - 28 days maximum

126 Table ID # Matrix Parameter Analytical Method Approved Procedure Equipment In Situ or Lab Analysis Holding Time NT-P-4 Water Total Phosphorus Lab Analysis SM 4500-N C-2011 or 4500-P J-2011 Specific to individual lab Lab Dependendent on preservation method - 28 days maximum NT-PH-1 Water ph ph probe USEPA Method 150.1; As described in probe manual Hanna, LaMotte, Oakton, Extech Field or Home NT-PH-2 Water ph Colorimetric kit See Appendix A LaMotte, Hach Field or Home 24 hours NT-PH-3 Water ph Strips ColorpHast ph Strips (2-9) Field or Home 24 hours NT-TDS-1 Water Total dissolved solids Electronic probe See Appendix A LaMotte 1749, Extech Field or Home 28 days* NT-TURB-1 Water Turbidity Turbidity kit See Appendix A LaMotte 7519 Field or Home 24 hours NT-WC-1 Water Water clarity Secchi Disk See Appendix A Ben Meadows Field N/A NT-WC-2 Water Water clarity Transparency tube See Appendix A Forestry Suppliers 77107, Ben Meadows Field N/A NT-WT-1 Water Water temperature Armored thermometer USEPA Method LaMotte 1066 Field N/A NT-WT-2 Water Water temperature Digital thermometer USEPA Method Ex. Hanna Field N/A 24 hours NT-WT-3 Water Water temperature Thermistor as part of multiparameter probe USEPA Method 170.1; As described in probe manual Ex. LaMotte 1761 Field N/A

127 Table ID # Precision Accuracy Range Tier Designation Tier II Additional Requirements Sample Preservation Data Entry QC Criteria NT-A-1 4 mg/l Unknown - testing needed mg/l Tier II All samples in replicate Cool, 6 C < 0 mg/l; > 400 mg/l NT-A-2 1 mg/l ± 5%, 5 mg/l mg/l Tier II Standardization Cool, 6 C < 0 mg/l; > 400 mg/l NT-AT C 1 C C Tier II Verified N/A <-20 C; >40 C NT-AT C ± 0.2 C C Tier II Verified N/A <-20 C; >40 C NT-AT C ± 1.0 C 0 50 C Tier II Verified N/A <-20 C; >40 C NT-B-1 20 CFU/100mL log(0.6) <20 CFU/100mL to Tier I All samples in replicate Cool to < 10 C NA NT-C µs/cm ( µs/cm); 1.0 µs/cm ( µs/cm); 0.01 ms/cm ( ms/cm) ± 2% FS ms Tier II Calibration Cool, 6 C <0 ms; >20mS NT-DO mg/l 0.6 mg/l mg/l Tier II Standardization Immediate acidification <0 mg/l; >20 mg/l NT-DO mg/l ± 2% FS 0 20 mg/l Tier II Calibration N/A <0 mg/l; >20 mg/l NT-N-1 NT-N mg/l (0 1 mg/l); 0.1 mg/l (1 10 mg/l) 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 mg/l Unknown - testing needed 0 1 mg/l; 1 10 mg/l Tier I N/A Cool, 6 C <0 mg/l; >10 mg/l Unknown - testing needed 0 10 mg/l Tier I N/A Cool, 6 C <0 mg/l; >10 mg/l NT-N-3 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15 mg/l Unknown - testing needed 0 15 mg/l Tier I N/A Cool, 6 C <0 mg/l; > 15 mg/l NT-N-4 NT-N-5 NT-N-6 15% RPD 15% RPD 20% RPD Varies depending on lab equipment Varies depending on lab equipment Varies depending on lab equipment Varies depending on lab equipment Varies depending on lab equipment Varies depending on lab equipment Tier II Tier II Tier II Lab Analysis Lab Analysis Lab Analysis Cool, 6 C (48 hours); Add H2SO4 to ph < 2 and freeze to -20 C (28 days) Cool, 6 C (48 hours); Add H2SO4 to ph < 2 and freeze to -20 C (28 days) Cool, 6 C (48 hours); Add H2SO4 to ph < 2 and Cool, 6 C (7 days); Add H2SO4 to ph < 2 and freeze to -20 C (28 days) >TN >TN >TN NT-N-7 15% RPD Varies depending on lab equipment Varies depending on lab equipment Tier II Lab Analysis Freeze to -20 C <NO23+NH4 NT-P mg/l (0 1 mg/l) Unknown - testing needed 0 1 mg/l; 0 5 mg/l Tier I N/A Cool, 6 C <0 mg/l; > 5 mg/l NT-P mg/l ± 4%, 0.04 mg/l mg/l Tier II Standardization, Acidwashed glassware Cool, 6 C <0 mg/l; > 2.5 mg/l

128 Table ID # Precision Accuracy Range Tier Designation Tier II Additional Requirements Sample Preservation QC Criteria NT-P-3 NT-P-4 20% RPD 15% RPD Varies depending on lab equipment Varies depending on lab equipment Varies depending on lab equipment Varies depending on lab equipment Tier II Tier II Lab Analysis Lab Analysis Cool, 6 C (48 hours); Add H2SO4 to ph < 2 and freeze to -20 C (28 days) Cool, 6 C (48 hours); Add H2SO4 to ph < 2 and freeze to -20 C (28 days) NT-PH ph ±.01 ph ph Tier II Calibration Cool, 6 C <4.0 ph; >9.5 ph NT-PH SU; 0.5 SU ± 0.4, + 1 SU SU; 4 to 10 SU Tier II All samples in replicate Cool, 6 C <4.0 SU; >9.5 SU NT-PH ph units Unknown - testing needed 2-9 ph units Tier I N/A Cool, 6 C >TDP <PO4 < 4.0 ph units; > 9.5 ph units NT-TDS-1 10 mg/l ± 2% FS g/l Tier I N/A Cool, 6 C <0 g/l; >10 g/l NT-TURB-1 5 JTU; 10 JTU ± 5 JTU JTU; JTU Tier I N/A Cool, 6 C; store in dark < 0 JTU; > 300 JTU NT-WC-1 10 cm 20 cm cm Tier I N/A N/A <0 cm; >300 cm NT-WC-2 2 cm Unknown - testing needed 0 60 cm; cm Tier I N/A N/A <0 cm; >300 cm NT-WT C 1 C C Tier II Verified N/A <-1 C; >35 C NT-WT C ± 0.5 C C Tier II Verified N/A <-1 C; >35 C NT-WT C ± 0.5 C 0 50 C Tier II Verified N/A <-1 C; >35 C

129 Table ID # Inspection Frequency Type of Inspection Calibration Frequency Standard or Calibration Instrument Used NT-A-1 Before each use Glassware is clean and intact, reagents have not expired N/A N/A NT-A-2 Before each use Glassware is clean and intact, reagents have not expired, checker functions properly, no sign of low battery Before each use HI Alkalinity Checker HC Calibration Check Set NT-AT-1 Before each use Thermometer reads approximate air temperature, armored case is intact, no gaps in liquid column Annual verification Verified against NIST verified thermometer NT-AT-2 Before each use Thermometer functions properly and reads approximate air temperature. Metal stem is undamaged. Annually if needed NIST Verified thermometer NT-AT-3 NT-B-1 Before each use Before each use Thermometer functions properly and reads approximate air temperature Collection bottles and plates remain sterile, media and plates have not expired Annually if needed N/A NIST Verified thermometer N/A NT-C-1 Before each use Meter functions properly, no sign of low battery, reading stabilizes, calibration solution has not expired Before each use 84, 1,413, 12,880 µs/cm NT-DO-1 Before each use Glassware is clean and intact, reagents have not expired Standardize sodium thiosulfate solution before each sample run (EPA compliance) Iodide-Iodate standard N (equivalent to 10 mg/l as DO NT-DO-2 Before each use Meter functions properly, no sign of low battery, reading stabilizes, DO membrane clean and intact Before each sample run 100% air saturated water or water saturated air. NT-N-1 Before each use Glassware is clean and intact, reagents have not expired N/A N/A NT-N-2 Before each use Glassware is clean and intact, reagents have not expired N/A N/A NT-N-3 Before each use Glassware is clean and intact, reagents have not expired N/A N/A NT-N-4 Before each use All equipment is intact and operational Daily or more frequently NT-N-5 Before each use All equipment is intact and operational Daily or more frequently NT-N-6 Before each use All equipment is intact and operational Daily or more frequently NT-N-7 Before each use All equipment is intact and operational Daily or more frequently Calibrate using known standards covering entire range of expected values Calibrate using known standards covering entire range of expected values Calibrate using known standards covering entire range of expected values Calibrate using known standards covering entire range of expected values

130 Table ID # Inspection Frequency Type of Inspection Calibration Frequency Standard or Calibration Instrument Used NT-P-1 Before each use Glassware is clean and intact, reagents have not expired N/A N/A NT-P-2 Before each use Glassware is clean and intact, reagents have not expired, checker functions properly, no sign of low battery Before each use sealed vials of 0 & 1 mg/l standards NT-P-3 Before each use All equipment is intact and operational Daily or more frequently NT-P-4 Before each use All equipment is intact and operational Daily or more frequently NT-PH-1 Before each use Meter functions properly, no sign of low battery, reading stabilizes, calibration solution has not expired Before each use Calibrate using known standards covering entire range of expected values Calibrate using known standards covering entire range of expected values ph 4.00, 7.00, buffer. NT-PH-2 Before each use Glassware is clean and intact, reagents have not expired N/A N/A NT-PH-3 Before each use Strips are not discolored or wet N/A N/A NT-TDS-1 Before each use Meter functions properly, no sign of low battery, reading stabilizes, calibration solution has not expired Before each use 84, 1,413, 12,880 µs/cm NT-TURB-1 Before each use Turbidity columns are clean, reagents have not expired N/A N/A Marks are still attched/visible and rope is not knotted / Check NT-WC-1 Before each use / Annual Annually Tape measurer against tape measure for stretch NT-WC-2 Before each use Transparency tube is clean N/A N/A Thermometer reads approximate air temperature, armored NT-WT-1 Before each use Annual verification Verified against NIST verified case is intact, no gaps in liquid column thermometer NT-WT-2 Before each use Thermometer functions properly and reads approximate air temperature. Metal stem is undamaged. Annual verification NIST Verified thermometer NT-WT-3 Before each use Thermometer functions properly and reads approximate air temperature Annual verification NIST Verified thermometer

131 Appendix E: ACB Specific Requirements Non-Tidal Standard Operating Procedures under the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay

132 Standard Operating Procedures for Non-tidal Monitoring (Tier I and Tier II) Integration of Citizen-based and Nontraditional Monitoring into the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership Prepared by: Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay In cooperation with Dickinson College s Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring, Maryland Department of Environmental Science, and the Izaak Walton League of America May 2017

133 This document was created for the Integration of Citizen-based and Nontraditional monitoring into the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership through a cooperative agreement with EPA. (CB ) Acknowledged Works Much of the information in this manual has been adapted from the following methods manuals: Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Citizen Monitoring Program Manual EcoCheck. (2013). Sampling and data analysis protocols for Mid-Atlantic non-tidal stream indicators. Wicks EC, Fries AS, Kelsey RH, (eds). IAN Press, Cambridge, Maryland, USA. Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring Antietam Watershed Association Water Quality Monitoring Manual Virginia Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program Virginia Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program Methods Manual Center for Marine Conservation & U. S. EPA. Volunteer Estuary Monitoring: A Methods Manual, Second Edition. U.S. EPA Volunteer Stream Monitoring: A Methods Manual. EPA 841-B U.S. EPA Recommended Guidelines for Sampling and Analyses in the Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Program. EPA 903-R ii

134 Table of Contents Acknowledged Works... ii 1 Before You Begin Safety, Equipment List, and Volunteer Responsibilities Monitor Responsibilities QA/QC Procedures Certification and Re-certification Pre-monitoring checks Field QC Field Monitoring Procedures Field Sampling Procedures Air Temperature Measurement Recording General Observations Water Clarity & Turbidity Measurement Water Temperature Measurement Water Depth Measurement Dissolved Oxygen ph Salinity, Conductivity, and Total Dissolved Solids Nitrate Nitrogen and Orthophosphate Kits Alkalinity Phosphate Bacteria Lab sample collection preparation and handling Nutrient and Grab Samples Chemical preservatives and reagents Sample container handling and preservation Sample Bottle Identification Transport of Samples Lab Procedures Cleanup and Storage of Water Monitoring Equipment Maintenance for ph meter iii

135 1 Before You Begin 1.1 Safety, Equipment List, and Volunteer Responsibilities Safety General Precautions a) Always perform water-monitoring activities under the guidance of an adult. b) Read all instructions to familiarize yourself with the test procedure before you begin. Note any precautions in the instructions. c) Keep all equipment and chemicals out of the reach of young children and pets. d) Avoid contact between chemicals and skin, eyes, nose and mouth. e) Read the label on each reagent container prior to use. Some containers include precautionary notices or antidote information on the back of the container. f) In the event of an accident or suspected poisoning, immediately call the Poison Control Center phone number in the front of your local telephone directory or call your physician. Be prepared to give the name of the reagent in question and its code number. Most kit reagents are registered with POISINDEX, a computerized poison control information system available to all local poison control centers Protect Yourself & Your Equipment: Use Proper Technique a) Wear safety goggles or glasses when handling reagent chemicals. b) Use the test tube caps or stoppers, not your fingers, to cover test tubes during shaking or mixing. c) When dispensing a reagent from a plastic squeeze bottle, hold the bottle vertically upsidedown (not at an angle) and gently squeeze it (if a gentle squeeze does not suffice, the dispensing cap or plug may be clogged). d) Wipe up any reagent spills, liquid or powder, as soon as they occur. Rinse area with a wet sponge, and then dry. e) Thoroughly rinse test tubes before and after each test. Dry your hands and the outside of the tubes. f) Tightly close all reagent containers immediately after use. Do not interchange caps from different containers. g) Avoid prolonged exposure of equipment and reagents to direct sunlight. Protect them from extremely high temperatures. Protect them from freezing. 1

136 1.2 Monitor Responsibilities Choose a regular sampling day: Choose a convenient day of the week for sampling. Samples should be taken at regular weekly or monthly intervals. If it is not possible to sample on the same day each week, try to sample within 2 days (either side) of your regular day spacing the sampling dates, 5 to 9 days apart. Sample at the same time of day each week; if you are sampling multiple locations, be sure to always sample your sites in the same order each monitoring run to achieve similar sample timing. Record your test results: Record data on a data collection form provided. Always record the test results as you go along. Keep a copy of the data collected for your records and to provide a backup copy should the original be lost. Provide comments as necessary: The "Comments" section can be used to record general observations about the site especially changes due to erosion, recent notable weather, and any problems you had with the sampling procedures. Submit data to database: If you have access to the internet, submit your data to the project s online database. Send datasheets once every three months. Mail the data sheets to the Alliance or your Watershed Coordinator every three months so that we can maintain a current database. Stay certified: Attend a recertification session every other year to maintain your skills and learn new information and techniques. You can also attend any training session to refresh yourself of the concepts and procedures between re-certifications. 2

137 2 QA/QC Procedures 2.1 Certification and Re-certification Certification All monitors that wish to submit Tier II data must gain monitor certification. Monitors can become certified at their initial training session by demonstrating a mastery of the sampling procedures and complete understanding of the quality assurance protocols used during data collection to be assessed by a Project Team member or Certified Trainer. Monitors must also pass a test that assesses the monitor s understanding of QA/QC procedures outlined in this SOP and the project QAPP with a 90% score. Monitors that attend an initial training and are unable to pass the requirements to become certified at the end of the training will be encouraged to continue practicing their monitoring procedures. Un-certified monitors are encouraged assist a certified monitors in the field until they have become comfortable with the procedures and QA/QC protocols. Un-certified monitors are allowed to retake the certification test, and demonstrate proper sampling and analysis technique up to three times in order to become a certified monitor. When a monitor achieves certification, they may be assigned a site and begin to collect Tier II data and submit it to the project database Re-certification The Project Team and Certified Monitors will host recertification sessions biennially for monitors that have passed the initial training and wish to maintain their certification. Recertification sessions are conducted in a fashion that is similar to a lab practical. Monitors are checked to assure that: they remain proficient in methodology and understanding of basic water quality parameters; their equipment is operational and properly calibrated / verified; and they have an adequate supply of viable chemicals, procedures, equipment verification/check, and updated information about monitoring. The recertification session is set up with a station for each water quality parameter. Monitors perform the test and compare their results to a known or controlled result. Project staff observe the monitors methods and ensure that monitors correctly perform the tests and accurately record the data. After completing and passing one parameter, the monitor moves through each of the other stations while completing a datasheet that serves as documentation of recertification. Replacement equipment, datasheets, information, and chemicals are given if needed. Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay retains documentation of recertification sessions Field Audits Project Team members, the QC manager, or Certified Trainers may accompany monitors in the field and observe field collection procedures as part of the recertification process for monitors. Monitors will demonstrate proper sample collection, analysis, labelling, and preservation in accordance with this SOP. 3

138 2.2 Pre-monitoring checks Equipment Check Prior to going out into the field, monitors should check their equipment for cleanliness, breakage, probe function and battery life, and chemical expiration dates. If a monitor finds that their equipment is damaged and will affect the quality of the data they collect they will not collect data that day and mark the reason on their data sheet. The monitor should contact their Project Team member to get the equipment repaired or replaced prior to the next scheduled sample. Monitors measuring dissolved oxygen using the Winkler titration will check the viability of their sodium thiosulfate solution prior to each monitoring event and record the results on their field datasheet. Sodium thiosulfate is used for monitoring dissolved oxygen. By using a standard solution of iodate-iodide, with 10 mg/l dissolved oxygen value, the monitor must record a value of mg/l with their sodium thiosulfate measurement. If results of the first check are above or below these intended values, a second check is performed. If the second check yields unacceptable values or if the two checks are greater than 0.4 mg/l apart from each other, the monitor is instructed to abandon the dissolved oxygen test because the sodium thiosulfate is no longer viable. The monitor must replace all expired chemicals prior to sampling again Calibration Monitors will calibrate any equipment that requires calibration prior to being used (within 24 hours of use), using standard solutions and following the manufacturer s instructions. Monitors will note on their data sheet that they calibrated their equipment. After sampling, it is recommended that monitors check their probes against the standard solutions used for calibration to identify instrument drift. If ph is outside of +/ units, DO is +/- 0.3 mg/l, or specific conductance is +/- 5% of verification standards, the data must be flagged and the probe must be assessed and fixed or replaced if needed. Monitors record these calibration and verification values on their datasheet and values are entered into the online database. Thermometers that are verified should be re-verified every year. Thermometers must be verified against the Alliance master precision thermometer that is annually verified against an NISTtraceable thermometer to 0.2 C. 4

139 2.3 Field QC Duplicates If monitors are using the Winkler titration method for measuring DO they will perform the dissolved oxygen test on the actual water sample in duplicate. Monitors are instructed to do a third titration if their two initial titrations differ by more than 0.6mg/L. The two closest values are recorded on the datasheet. Monitors collecting samples for Tier II laboratory analysis will perform duplicate samples at least 10% of the time. Duplicates consist of either collecting a larger sample for mixing and splitting it between two containers or immersing sample containers side by side in the water at the same time Replicates Monitors will perform replicate samples of all other parameters (DO using Winkler titration method must be done in duplicate each sample) 10% of the time. The quality control samples are prepared and analyzed for all parameters of interest. The field replicate data are used to determine the overall precision of the field and laboratory procedures Field Blanks Monitors will perform blank samples 10% of the time for samples to be sent to a lab for analysis. Monitors will perform all field procedures including preserving the samples as required and taking to the lab for analysis using deionized water provided by the laboratory. Results from field blanks will be recorded and appropriately marked during database entry. 5

140 3 Field Monitoring Procedures 3.1 Field Sampling Procedures Best Practices a) Use of protective gloves. Gloves serve a dual purpose: 1) protecting the sample collector from potential exposure to sample constituents and 2) minimizing accidental contamination of samples by the collector. Wearing protective gloves at all times while sampling is recommended. Latex or nitrile gloves may be used for common sampling conditions. b) Safety always comes first. All sampling should be conducted with the proper equipment and least amount of danger to field personnel. c) Permission must be obtained from landowners before entering private property. d) Care should be taken not to disturb the bottom when sampling. When entering a stream, always walk in an upstream direction. e) Surface water should always be collected facing upstream and in the center of main area of flow. Therefore, unless safety is an issue, samples should be obtained from a bridge or instream. f) Samples should be collected in the main flow representative of the stream you are monitoring (for small streams, this is usually mid-channel) just below the water surface, about 0.3 meters (1 foot) deep. g) Whenever possible, collect field measurements directly from the sample site, not from bucket. If the field parameters need to be measured in the bucket, collect water quality samples (nutrients, etc.) first before placing the multi probe instrument in the bucket. h) When there are obvious standing pools of water during low or no flow conditions, do not collect samples or field measurements. Make a note of this on the data sheet. i) When collecting bacterial samples: i. DO NOT rinse the bacteria sample bottle before collecting the sample. ii. If sample bottles contain a dechlorinating tablet (usually small white tablet) and you are collecting an unchlorinated sample, dump out the tablet before collecting the sample. iii. Be careful not to insert fingers into the mouth of the container or on the interior of the cap. 6

141 3.1.2 Streambank and Instream Sampling If possible, wade into the stream to collect the sample. If wading to the sample site, always proceed upstream to allow the flow of the water to push any disturbed sediment downstream of where you will be collecting the sample. When sampling from the streambank, care should be taken to sample from an area that will most closely represent the entire stream. Typically, this will be the area of the greatest flow in the stream and away from stagnant pools or eddies. Step Bacteria Samples Nutrient and Chlorophyll Samples 1. Walk upstream to the sample location. Be sure any sediment or debris disturbed from your movement in the streambed is not present where you will collect the sample. Walk upstream to the sample location. Be sure any sediment or debris disturbed from your movement in the streambed is not present where you will collect the sample. 2. Submerge the container; neck first into the water. The mouth of the bottle should be completely below the water surface approximately 3-6 inches. 3. Invert the bottle so the neck is upright and pointing into the water flow. 4. Move the bottle forward away from the body for at least six inches. 5. Return the filled container quickly to the surface. Pour any excess water and cap. Lower the sample bottle so that one edge of the opening is just below the water. Allow the bottle to fill to the neck of the bottle. Lift the filled container. Do not pour out any excess water Dock or Bridge Sampling 1. Sample in the center of main flow from or as close as you can get on the dock or bridge. If sampling from a bridge sample from the safest side of the bridge and where contamination is least likely to occur. Typically, sampling on the upstream side of the bridge or dock is less likely to be contaminated. 2. During rainy periods, avoid sampling where storm water runoff from the bridge can affect sample. 3. Obtain field parameters (DO, ph, temperature) first before lowering a sample bucket. 4. When lowering the sample bucket, allow it to fill ¼ the way full and retrieve. Swirl the contents and dump the rinse away from the sample location to avoid kicking up sediment. 5. Repeat step 4 two more times and on the final time fill ½ to ¾ the way full. 6. Retrieve the bucket and collect the samples in the following order. 7

142 1. Bacteria Open the bottle without touching the inner wall of the bottle or lid. Invert the bottle by holding to the main body of the bottle and lower into the bucket 3-6 inches. Fill the bottle in a U from the side of the bucket closest to you to the opposite end. At the end, bottle opening should be facing up and remove from the bucket. Pour off any excess water and cap with the lid. 2. Nutrients Open the bottle and tilt so that one side of the bottle will be below the waterline of the bucket. Allow the bottle to fill to the neck of the bottle. Remove the bottle and cap. Do not pour off any excess sample. 7. In situations where field parameters must be obtained from the bucket, all water samples must be collected prior to inserting the probe in the bucket. 8

143 3.2 Air Temperature Measurement Equipment: armored, digital thermistor, or probe Temperature is reported in degrees Celsius (ºC). Always measure air temperature before water temperature. Method: 1. Locate a place near your site and hang the thermometer out of the direct sun. 2. Wait 3-5 minutes to allow the thermometer to equilibrate. 3. Record air temperature to the nearest 0.5 ºC for the armored thermometer or to the nearest tenth of a degree for the digital thermistor or probe on Page 2 of the datasheet. 3.3 Recording General Observations Record weather and general observations on the datasheet. 9

144 3.4 Water Clarity & Turbidity Measurement Secchi Disk Equipment: 8" Secchi disk with attached line Method: 1. Remove sunglasses if you are wearing them and stand with the sun to your back. Try to lower the disk into a shaded area. 2. Lower the disk into the water until the disk barely disappears from sight. Note the depth reading, in meters, based on the length of line submerged. Each mark is one-tenth (or 0.1) meter. 3. Slowly raise the disk and record the depth at which it reappears (i.e. is barely perceptible). 4. Average the two depth readings obtained above. The average of the two readings is considered to be the limit of visibility, or index of transparency. Record this average to the nearest tenth of a meter on your data form Transparency Tube Transparency tubes are a type of equipment used for measuring transparency of water in streams and rivers. They are helpful for measuring transparency in situations where the stream is too shallow for the Secchi disk to be practical and for running waters where flow is too fast that the Secchi disk cannot remain vertical. Sample water collected either directly from the stream or from the sampling bucket is analyzed. Equipment: Transparency tube Method: 1. Close the drain tube by squeezing the crimp. 2. Fill the transparency tube with your sample water. Water may be collected directly from the stream in the vicinity of the sampling location if the stream is too small to fill the bucket, or sample water collected in the sampling bucket may be used (See 5.4, Collecting the Water Sample ). To collect water directly from the stream, point the top of the tube in the upstream direction and collect surface water, being careful not to disturb the stream bed. To analyze water collected in the bucket, pour sample water from the bucket water directly into the transparency tube. 3. While looking down through the opening of the tube, partially open drain crimp, slowly draw off sample (Control flow by squeezing the crimp). 10

145 4. When the black and white pattern begins to appear, immediately tighten the crimp. 5. Record the level of water remaining via the centimeter ruler on the side of tube Turbidity Kit This test is performed by comparing the turbidity of a measured amount of the sample with an identical amount of turbidity-free water containing a measured amount of standardized turbidity reagent. The readings are made by looking down through the column of liquid at a black dot. If turbidity is present, it will interfere with the passage of light through the column of liquid. Small amounts of turbidity will cause a blurring of the black dot in the bottom of the tube. Large amounts of turbidity may provide sufficient cloudiness so that it is not possible to see the black dot when looking down through the column. Any color that may be present in the sample should be disregarded. This determination is concerned only with the haziness or cloudy nature of the sample. Equipment: Turbidity kit LaMotte Method: 1. Fill one Turbidity Column to the 50 ml line with the sample water. If the black dot on the bottom of the tube is not visible when looking down through the column of liquid, pour out a sufficient amount of the test sample so that the tube is filled to the 25 ml line. 2. Fill the second Turbidity Column with an amount of turbidity-free water that is equal to the amount of sample being measured. Distilled water is preferred; however, clear tap water may be used. This is the clear water tube. 3. Place the two tubes side by side and note the difference in clarity. If the black dot is equally clear in both tubes, the turbidity is zero. If the black dot in the sample tube is less clear, proceed to Step Shake the Standard Turbidity Reagent vigorously. Add 0.5 ml to the clear water tube. Use the stirring rod to stir contents of both tubes to equally distribute turbid particles. Check for amount of turbidity by looking down through the solution at the black dot. If the turbidity of the sample water is greater than that of the clear water, continue to add Standard Turbidity Reagent in 0.5 ml increments to the clear water tube, mixing after each addition until the turbidity equals that of the sample. Record total amount of Standard Turbidity Reagent added. 5. Each 0.5 ml addition to the 50 ml size sample is equal to 5 Jackson Turbidity Units (JTUs). If a 25 ml sample size is used, each 0.5 ml addition of the Standard Turbidity Reagent is equal to 10 Jackson Turbidity Units (JTUs). See Table below. Rinse both tubes carefully after each determination. 11

146 Table Turbidity Test Results from LaMotte instructions 12

147 3.5 Water Temperature Measurement Equipment: armored, digital thermistor, or probe Method: Surface Sampling: 1. Place your probe or thermometer 0.3 m beneath the surface of the water 2. Wait for the probe or thermometer to stabilize 3. Record your reading Sample with bucket: 1. Hang thermometer in the bucket 2. Wait for the probe or thermometer to stabilize 3. Record your reading 13

148 3.6 Water Depth Measurement Equipment: Secchi disk (for <3 m deep), or measuring tape with weighted end Method: 1. At your sampling site, lower the measuring device into the water until it is resting on the bottom and the line is slack. 2. Record the depth reading, to the nearest tenth, based on the length of line submerged. 14

149 3.7 Dissolved Oxygen Winkler Titration Method Equipment: LaMotte Dissolved Oxygen Test Kit Sodium Thiosulfate Check: Prior to each sampling event (either the night before or the day of), you must run a test to make sure your Sodium Thiosulfate is still fresh and functional. Sodium Thiosulfate is fairly unstable and can degrade very suddenly, making it necessary to check it before each DO sampling. Perform this check at home before you go out. Here is how you do the check 1. Rinse the titrating tube (small glass vial with plastic lid with hole in it) with a small amount of Iodate-Iodide Standard Solution (in large amber bottle). 2. Pour into waste container. 3. Repeat step 1 and 2 two more times 4. Pour 20 ml of the Iodate-Iodide Standard Solution into the rinsed titrating tube. 5. Add 8 drops of Sulfuric Acid (hold the bottle vertical to ensure equal drop size) to the 20 ml of solution and mix by swirling. Then place plastic cap (with hole in it) onto titrating tube. 6. Fill titrating syringe to the 0 mark with Sodium Thiosulfate. 7. Titrate using the Sodium Thiosulfate. 8. When solution turns a pale yellow color, but not clear: a) Remove cap, leaving syringe in cap. b) Add 8 drops Starch Solution (white bottle). Swirl titration sample gently to mix to a uniform blue color. Recap glass tube and continue titration process. 9. Continue adding Sodium Thiosulfate until solution turns from blue to clear. 10. Read results on syringe - Record your results under the Dissolved Oxygen portion on your field datasheet. 11. If results are less than 9.4 mg/l or greater than 10.0 mg/l, perform a 2nd test and record in the space on datasheet marked 2nd check. 12. Dispose of solution in titrating tube and syringe by pouring down sink and flushing with additional tap water. 13. Keep the amber bottle solution at home- you don t need to take into the field. 15

150 DO Sampling Method: NOTE: Duplicate tests are run simultaneously on each sample to guard against error. If the amount of DO in the second test is more than 0.6 ppm different than the first test, you should do a third test. Record the average of the two closest results. Since you will be doing two tests at the same time, thoroughly rinse both water sampling bottles with the sample water, filling and dumping the waste water downstream three times before collecting your sample. 1. Using the first sample bottle, submerge about 1/2 of the bottle opening allowing the water to gently flow into the bottle. Try to fill the bottle without causing a lot of bubbles. Submerge the filled bottle. 2. Turn the submerged bottle upright and tap the sides of the bottle to dislodge any air bubbles clinging to the inside of the bottle. Cap the bottle while it is still submerged. 3. Retrieve the bottle and turn it upside down to make sure that no air bubbles are trapped inside. If any air bubbles are present, empty the sample bottle downstream and refill. Fill the second sample bottle. Once two satisfactory samples have been collected, proceed immediately with Steps 4 & Place both sample bottles on a flat surface and uncap. While holding the bottle vertical, add 8 drops of Manganese Sulfate Solution followed by 8 drops of Alkaline Potassium Iodide Solution to each sample bottle. Always add the Manganese Sulfate first. Cap each sample bottle and mix by inverting gently several times. A precipitate will form. Allow the precipitate to settle to the shoulder of the bottle. Mix both bottles again and allow the precipitate to settle to the shoulder again. 5. Add 8 drops of the Sulfuric Acid both sample bottles. Cap the bottles and gently shake to mix, until both the reagent and the precipitate have dissolved. A clear-yellow to brown-orange color will develop. If brown flecks are present, keep mixing the samples until the flecks will not dissolve any further. NOTE: Following the completion of Step 5, the samples have been "fixed, which means that dissolved oxygen cannot be added to the sample bottles. The titration procedure described in Steps 6-13 may be performed at a later time (but must be performed within 8 hours of sample collection). This means that several samples can be collected and "fixed" in the field and then carried back to a testing station for the remaining steps. 6. Pour 20 ml of the solution from one of the sample bottles into one of the glass tubes with a hole in its cap. Fill to white line so that the bottom of the meniscus (the curved surface of the liquid in the tube) rests on the top of the white line. The amount is critical so be sure to use the glass dropper to add or remove the sample solution from the tube. Place 16

151 cap on the tube. 7. Fill syringe (titrator) to the 0 mark with Sodium Thiosulfate solution. Be sure that there are no air bubbles in the syringe. Refer to kit manual for instructions on how to properly fill syringe. 8. To titrate the solution in the tube, insert the syringe into the cap of tube. Add 1 drop of Sodium Thiosulfate to test tube and gently swirl the glass tube to mix. Add another drop of the Sodium Thiosulfate and swirl the tube. Continue this process one drop at a time until the yellow-brown solution in the glass tube turns a pale yellow (lighter than the original yellow-brown solution but not clear). Once you reach this point, take the cap off while leaving the syringe in the cap. 9. Add 8 drops of Starch Solution to the glass tube. Swirl the tube gently to mix. The solution should turn from light yellow to dark blue. 10. Recap the glass tube and continue the titration process with the Sodium Thiosulfate remaining in the syringe (adding one drop at a time and swirling as described in Step 9), until the test tube solution turns from blue to clear. This is the endpoint. If the solution turns blue again, ignore it. Do not add any more Sodium Thiosulfate than is necessary to produce this first color change. Be sure to gently swirl the test tube after each drop. NOTE: When the dissolved oxygen level is above 10 ppm, the solution in the tube will still be blue when the plunger tip of the titrator reaches 10 units. If it reaches this 10 unit line, do not go beyond that line. Usually, this will only happen when the water temperature is cold. In this case, refill the syringe to the 0 line from the Sodium Thiosulfate bottle and continue adding a drop at a time and swirling until reaching the endpoint. 11. Using the scale on the side of the syringe, read the total number of units of Sodium Thiosulfate used. Each line is 0.2 units. This number equals the number of parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/l) of dissolved oxygen in the water sample. 12. Carry out Steps 7-12 on second sample bottle and second glass tube. 13. Record the results of the two tests on the data sheet. If the difference between Test 1 and Test 2 is more than 0.6 ppm, you should do a third test and record the two results which are within 0.6 ppm. NOTE: If using transparency tube to measure turbidity, perform this measurement now Electronic Probe Method Equipment: Various models of dissolved oxygen probes and meters Calibrating Dissolved Oxygen Probes and Meters 17

152 With practice and proper care for the DO probe, users can complete the entire DO probe calibration process within 5-10 minutes. NOTE: Some probes may differ in displaying values. For DO probes, parts per million (ppm), and milligrams per liter (mg/l) are the same value. In addition, barometric pressure may be displayed in millibars (mbar) or in millimeters of mercury (mmhg). Method: 1. Record the date of calibration. Calibration must be done each day you collect DO samples 2. Record the temperature of the probe just before you calibrate the probe 3. Set the barometric pressure (BP) mmhg or mbar- Most probes allow the user to adjust the barometric pressure readout of the probe for calibrating DO. The standard unit for barometric pressure is millimeters of mercury (mmhg) or millibars (mbar). You can get local barometric pressure readings from or If using weather station data, it is important to adjust the reading by the altitude of the weather station. Appendix II explains how to calculate the correct reading. 4. Calculate the Theoretical DO Value mg/l- Prior to calibrating your probe, you should determine the theoretical DO value to confirm your probes readout. To determine the theoretical value, please follow the instructions found in Appendix II. 5. Record the mg/l reading of the calibrated DO level. If everything is working properly, the probe should display the correct DO level based on the altitude and temperature that you are calibrating at. The theoretical DO value and the probes calibrated readout should be within 0.2 mg/l. If not, try to recalibrate the probe or perform maintenance on the probe based on manufacturer instructions. 6. Turn off the probe if the manufacturer says so. If not, keep the probe on at all times while you are taking it out to the field and performing your field samples. Measure DO 1. Place your probe 0.3 m beneath the surface of the water 2. Wait for the probe to stabilize, and then record your reading Post Sampling Calibration Check After the sample run is complete, return the probe to the calibration station to perform a quick post check. The post check consists of placing the probe in the DO calibration chamber and letting it equalize. This may take between 2 to 10 minutes depending on the condition of the probe. 18

153 1. Measure and record the temperature. If you did the morning calibration indoors, the probe temperature should be roughly close to the same as the morning calibration. If you are calibrating the probe outside, the temperature may be different from the earlier reading. This should not affect the post check. 2. Record the barometric pressure reading of the probe. This may have changed from the morning reading due to weather changes. You can get current local barometric pressure readings from the Internet. Remember to adjust any weather station data based on the instructions found in Appendix II. 3. As in the morning calibration, use Appendix II to determine your theoretical DO level. 4. Record the DO reading of the probe (ppm or mg/l). DO NOT recalibrate the probe. The purpose of this check is to see if the probe has drifted out of acceptable limits during the day. 5. Calculate the difference between the probe reported value and the theoretical DO value. If the probe is functioning properly there should be a difference of less than 0.50 mg/l from the afternoon theoretical DO level and the probe readout. If the calibration difference is greater than 0.50 mg/l the probe needs service and you must flag the data because the probe did not hold onto the calibration. If the calibration difference is 0.16 to 0.50 mg/l. The calibration of the probe is approaching the limits of accuracy and preventative maintenance may be required. It may be wise to clean the probe or replace the probe membrane when this occurs. 19

154 3.8 ph Electronic probe method Equipment: Various models of ph probes and meters Calibration The ph probe calibration procedure a similar protocol used in calibrating the DO probe. Most meters allow calibrating the ph probe using two different buffers. In most cases the use the 7.00 and 4.00 ph buffer solutions is suitable. If you are experiencing ph values above 7.00, calibrate using 7.00 and buffer. Use fresh buffer solution when you calibrate the probe and check the readings at the end of the day. If the probe is capable in doing so, please record the probe readings to the nearest hundredth unit place (Ex. 7.01) when performing the calibration. 1. Record the date of calibration. Calibration must be done each day you perform samples. 2. Record the temperature of the probe during calibration. 3. Record the probe reading as you place the probe in the 7.00 buffer solution. Gently swirl the buffer or the probe to obtain an accurate reading. 4. Calibrate the probe, the probe should now read a value close to 7.00 ph units. Most manufacturers of buffers provide a table showing the ph result that probes should display based on temperature. Check against this value displayed on the probe is close to this value. 5. Clean the probe with distilled or deionized water and blot dry 6. Immerse the probe in the 4.00 (or 10.00) buffer solution, record the stabilized value. 7. Calibrate the probe and it should now read a value close to 4 (or 10) ph units. Again, consult the buffer solution table to ensure accuracy. After calibration, you may turn off the probe if the manufacturer says so. If not, the probe should be kept on at all times while going out into the field and prior to the post check. Follow manufacturer instructions regarding transporting of the probe into the field to prevent damage and drying out of the ph probe. Field Sampling *IMPORTANT NOTE*- When traveling to a sample station, keep the probe tip stored in the protective cap. This will keep the glass sensor hydrated. 20

155 1. Turn the probe on. 2. Dip the electrode about 2 to 3 cm either directly into the water or in your sampling bucket. Let the reading stabilize. This may take about 2 to 3 minutes. 3. Once the reading has stabilized record the reading on your datasheet. 4. Turn off the probe and replace the protective cap. End of Day Calibration Check To ensure the probe has maintained proper calibration, it is important to verify no significant probe drift has occurred. The procedures listed below will verify the probe did not drift outside QA/QC specifications. DO NOT CALIBRATE the probe during this check. Doing so will invalidate the data collected during the sample run. 1. Rinse off the probe and probe tip with distilled water and wipe dry using a soft cloth. Washing the probe will remove any material that may reduce probe life. 2. Place the probe into a container of ph 7.00 buffer. You may use the same buffer used during the morning calibration as long as the buffer was covered and appears clean. 3. Allow the probe to stabilize and record the temperature and ph reading in the End of Day Temp C and the End of Day ph 7 Check columns on the ph Probe Calibration Form. 4. Rinse the probe and repeat the end of day check process using the 4.00 or buffer. If both buffer checks are within 0.20 units from the calibration values, the probe is within specifications. If the readings are greater than 0.20 units, flag all ph data collected during the sample run by typing ph probe flag in the Additional comments section when entering data into the online database. Also note ph probe flag at the top of the hard copy datasheet. This is because sometime during the sample run, the probe exceeded QA/QC specifications Colorimetric Kit Equipment: LaMotte or Hach ph kits Method: Look on the front of black box to determine whether you have a wide range ph kit or a narrow range ph kit (i.e. cresol red, phenol red, bromthymol blue, thymol blue). 1. Rinse one sample test tube and cap twice with water from the stream or bucket 2. Fill the sample test tube to the black line with water from the stream or bucket. The bottom of the meniscus should be even with the line. Use plastic dropper to add or 21

156 remove water from test tube. 3. For wide range ph kit, add ten drops of the wide range indicator while holding the reagent bottle completely upside down. For narrow range kits, add 8 drops of the indicator while holding the reagent bottle completely upside down. 4. Cap the test tube and mix the sample thoroughly. 5. Slide the tube in the comparator slot, hold it up to the sunlight, and record the ph value from the color in the comparator that most closely matches the sample tube color. When the color observed is between 2 colors on the comparator, the value is reported to the nearest 0.5 unit (for wide range kit) or 0.1 unit for other ph kits. 22

157 3.9 Salinity, Conductivity, and Total Dissolved Solids Equipment: Various models of conductivity probes and meters Calibration Most probes that test for conductivity and TDS use a pre-made calibration solution with a specific conductivity value. The probe is immersed in the solution and calibrated to the value of the solution. It is good to use a calibration solution concentration similar to what you may find in the field to ensure accuracy. 1. Record the date of calibration. Calibration must be done each day you perform samples. 2. Record the temperature of the probe while you are calibrating the probe. 3. Write down the conductivity listed on the probe when you immerse the probe into the conductivity solution and record the value prior to calibration. 4. Record the conductivity solution that you will use to calibrate the probe. The standard unit for these solutions is in microsiemens per centimeter (ms/cm) but probes may use different units. 5. Write down the conductivity reading after you have calibrated the probe in the solution. The probe should be very close to the calibrated buffer solution but may be off by a couple of units. Measure salinity, conductivity & TDS 1. Prior to sampling, rinse the probe with deionized or distilled water. 2. Select the appropriate mode and range on the meter, beginning with the highest range and working down. Some probes will auto select the correct range. 3. Place the probe into the sample water, and read the salinity, conductivity or TDS of the water sample on the meter s scale. NOTE: If your probe does not automatically select the appropriate measurement range, and the reading is in the lower 10 percent of the range that you selected, switch to the next lower range. If the reading is above 10 percent on the scale, then record this number on your data sheet. 4. Rinse the probe with distilled or deionized water between each sample and before post sampling calibration check. Replace the cap for storage and transport. Post sampling calibration check 23

158 1. Record the temperature of the probe at the end of the day when you are performing the calibration check. 2. Record the temperature of the probe at the end of the day when you are performing the calibration check. 3. Write down the conductivity listed on the probe when you immerse the probe into the conductivity solution and record the value. 4. Calculate the difference between the pre and post sampling calibration values. 5. Standard rule of thumb is if the probe difference is less than 10.00%, you should be confident of the probe values. To calculate the relative percent difference use the formula: 6. Initial the person calibrating and using the probe for your records. This is good to know in case something happens to the probe that you may not be aware of due to someone else is using it. 24

159 3.10 Nitrate Nitrogen and Orthophosphate Kits Equipment: - Nitrate Nitrogen kit w/ all chemicals and clean glassware (Hach NI , LaMotte, 3110, LaMotte 3354) - Orthophosphate kit w/ all chemicals and clean glassware (Hach PO , Hanna HI 38061, Hanna HI 713) - Clean polypropylene sample bottle or scintillation vial (60 ml) Method: 1. Rinse the sample bottle with sample water and dispose of downstream 2. Repeat step 1 three times. 3. Fill the bottle with sample water and cap. Process the sample as soon as possible. 4. Make sure the sample is well mixed prior to analysis by shaking the sample bottle. 5. Follow the protocol for each nutrient type as outlined in the instructions accompanying the kit. Reagents should be maintained at about 20 C to yield best results. 6. Record your results on the data sheet. 25

160 3.11 Alkalinity Equipment: LaMotte 4491-DR-01, LaMotte , or LaMotte 4533-DR-01 Method: 1. Rinse the sample bottle with sample water and dispose of downstream 2. Repeat step 1 three times. 3. Fill the bottle with sample water to the 5mL line. 4. Add an indicator tablet. 5. Cap and swirl the vial to mix until the tablet dissolves. 6. Fill the titration syringe with the titration reagent. 7. Insert the titrator syringe into the center hole of the test tube cap. 8. While gently swirling the tube, slowly press the plunger to titrate until the solution color changes from blue-green to purple. Consult the alkalinity endpoint color chart. 9. Read the test result directly from the scale where the large ring on the titrator meets the titrator barrel. Record as ppm on your data sheet. 10. Make sure the sample is well mixed prior to analysis by shaking the sample bottle. 11. Follow the protocol for each nutrient type as outlined in the instructions accompanying the kit. Reagents should be maintained at about 20 C to yield best results. 12. Record your results on the data sheet. Equipment: Hanna HI 775 Digital Checker Pre Sample Check: 1. Turn the meter on by pressing the button, all segments will be displayed. When the display shows Add, C.1 with Press blinking, the meter is ready. 2. Fill the cuvette to the 10 ml line on the cuvette with unreacted sample and replace the cap. Place the cuvette into the meter and close the meter s cap. 3. Press the button. When the display shows Add, C.2 with Press blinking the meter is zeroed. 26

161 4. Wipe the standardized cuvette clean with a Kimwipe. 5. Place the standardized cuvette into the meter and close the meter s cap. 6. Press and hold the button until the timer is displayed on the LCD (the display will show the countdown prior to the measurement) or, alternatively, wait for 3 minutes and press the button. 7. Record your standard reading on your data sheet. Method: 1. Turn the meter on by pressing the button, all segments will be displayed. When the display shows Add, C.1 with Press blinking, the meter is ready. 2. Fill the cuvette to the 10 ml line on the cuvette with unreacted sample and replace the cap. Place the cuvette into the meter and close the meter s cap. 3. Press the button. When the display shows Add, C.2 with Press blinking the meter is zeroed. Note: Any chlorine present in the sample will interfere with the reading. To remove the chlorine interference add one drop of HI Chlorine Remover to the unreacted sample. 4. Remove the cuvette, open it and using a 1 ml syringe carefully add exactly 1.00 ml of Alkalinity Reagent to the sample. Replace the cap and gently invert 5 times. Place the cuvette back into the meter. Note: Pay attention not to spill reagent otherwise full color development may be inhibited. 5. Press the button. The instrument directly displays the concentration of alkalinity in ppm of CaCO3. Alkalinity conversion: 1 ppm CaCO3 = 0.02 meq/l = dkh The meter automatically turns off after 10 minutes. 27

162 3.12 Phosphate Equipment: - Hanna HI 713 Phosphate Low Range Checker - Clean polypropylene sample bottle or scintillation vial (60 ml) Pre Sample Check: 1. Turn the meter on by pressing the button, all segments will be displayed. When the display shows Add, C.1 with Press blinking, the meter is ready. 2. Fill the cuvette to the 10 ml line on the cuvette with unreacted sample and replace the cap. Place the cuvette into the meter and close the meter s cap. 3. Press the button. When the display shows Add, C.2 with Press blinking the meter is zeroed. 4. Wipe the standardized cuvette clean with a Kimwipe. 5. Place the standardized cuvette into the meter and close the meter s cap. 6. Press and hold the button until the timer is displayed on the LCD (the display will show the countdown prior to the measurement) or, alternatively, wait for 3 minutes and press the button. 7. Record your standard reading on your data sheet. NOTE: If your standard value is outside ±5 mg/l of the expected value, acquire a second standard to check the Digital Checker again. If the second standard is outside ±5 mg/l of the expected value, replace the Digital Checker immediately and do not use for sample analysis. Method: 1. Rinse the sample bottle with sample water and dispose of downstream three times. 2. Fill the bottle with sample water and cap. Process the sample as soon as possible. 3. Make sure the sample is well mixed prior to analysis by shaking the sample bottle. 4. Turn the meter on by pressing the button. All segments will be displayed. When the display shows Add, C.1 with Press blinking, the meter is ready. 5. Fill the cuvette with 10 ml of unreacted sample and replace the cap. Place the cuvette into the meter and close the meter s cap. 6. Press the button. When the display shows Add, C.2 with Press blinking the meter 28

163 is zeroed. 7. Remove the cuvette from the meter and unscrew the cap. Add the content of one packet of HI reagent. Replace the cap and shake gently for 2 minutes until the powder is completely dissolved. Place the cuvette back into the meter. 8. Press and hold the button until the timer is displayed on the LCD (the display will show the countdown prior to the measurement) or, alternatively, wait for 3 minutes and press the button. 9. The instrument directly displays the concentration of phosphate in ppm. The meter automatically turns off after 2 minutes. 10. Record your results on your datasheet. 29

164 3.13 Bacteria Equipment: Coliscan Easygel Kit Sample collection: Note the amount of rainfall within 48 hours prior to sampling and record in the bacteria section of the datasheet. Collecting by wading: 4. Wade into the main flow of the stream 5. Take a few steps upstream with minimal disturbance; 6. Un-cap the sterile and pre-labeled bottle without touching the inside of the lid 7. Using a U motion dip the bottle into the water down and away from yourself allowing the bottle to fill ¾ full. 8. Cap the bottle and place sample on ice in cooler immediately (cooler temperature should be 1 C to 4 C. NOTE: Do not freeze your sample. Collecting using a bucket: 1. Make sure not to touch inside of bucket with your hands. 2. If sampling from a dock or pier, go as far as possible to the end of the pier to collect your sample. 3. Throw the bucket out as far as possible in the main channel, and try not to disturb the bottom. 4. Rinse the bucket three times with stream water collected downstream of your sampling location. 5. Fill the bucket with the sample water to 1/3 full. 6. Un-cap the sterile and pre-labeled bottle without touching the inside of the lid 7. Using a U motion dip the bottle into the water down and away from yourself allowing the bottle to fill ¾ full. 8. Cap the bottle and place sample on ice in cooler immediately (cooler temperature should be 1 C to 4 C. NOTE: Do not freeze your sample. 30

165 Collecting using a sampling pole (from bridge or dock): If sampling from a boat make sure that the boat motor has not stirred up the water. If the water is shallow, sampling should be done through wading. 1. Un-cap your sterile and pre-labeled bottle and secure it to the end of the pole. 2. Extend the pole outward and dip at approximately 0.3 m below the surface. 3. Cap the bottle and place sample on ice in cooler immediately (cooler temperature should be 1 C to 4 C. NOTE: Do not freeze your sample. After sampling bacteria wash your skin that came in contact with the water with disinfectant or soap to reduce your chances of becoming sick. Bacteria Sample Plating Write the site designation, sample #, date, and time on the bottom of the Petri dish lid with a permanent marker. It is best to use small lettering on the outer rim of the dish. 1. Use proper technique to keep pipette sterile: open pipette packet bulb-side first so that you do not contaminate the tip. 2. Gently mix the water sample in the bottle. Pipette the desired volume ( milliliters) of sample water directly into Coliscan media bottle. It is best to dispense 2-ml in two separate allotments for a total of 4 ml while using a 3 ml disposable pipette. Be careful not to let the bottle lid touch anything to prevent sample contamination. 3. Record the expiration date of the media bottle on your datasheet. 4. Gently mix (do not shake) bottle of Coliscan media containing the sample water, and then pour the entire contents into a Petri dish. Only open the Petri dish long enough to pour in the sample. 5. Gently swirl Petri dish so the Coliscan media covers the entire bottom. For safety purposes, tape the Petri dish shut at this point. 6. Allow the media to solidify for approximately 60 minutes prior to incubation. (Amount of time will vary based on room temperature.) 7. Put plates in incubator and try to maintain at 37 o C (= 98.6 o F) for 24 hours. If no incubator is available, place the dish in a safe warm place out of direct sunlight, such as on top of a fridge or a water heater. Depending on temperature, the plates may need to be incubated for 31

166 48 to 72 hours. 8. Record the average incubator temperature on the datasheet as well as the # of hours that the plates were in the incubator. NOTE: As soon as plates are removed from incubator, they must be scored. Bacteria Scoring 1. Place the Petri dishes on a white background or in natural sunlight. Count the number of dark blue (NOT TEAL) to purple (NOT PINK) colored colonies larger than pinprick size on each plate. Do not pay attention to halos around the dots, but only the center color. 2. Record this number in the column labeled Total # of purple or dark blue colonies on plate on the data form. Repeat for replicate #2. 3. Calculate the number of E. coli per 100 milliliters of water by following the instructions on the datasheet and record. 4. Calculate the average number of E. coli per plate and record on the datasheet. This is the value you will report in the online database. Bacteria Monitoring Cleanup and Disposal 1. Throw used pipettes in the trash. 2. Rinse empty Coliscan bottles 2-3 times with tap water and dispose of in the trash can. (If media bottles are not rinsed, pathogens could grow in the remaining media.) 32

167 3. Add bleach or rubbing alcohol to each Petri dish to completely cover the solid media. Allow dishes to stand for at least 10 minutes to ensure all bacteria have been killed. 4. Place the plates in a zip-lock bag and dispose of in the trash. 33

168 4 Lab sample collection preparation and handling 4.1 Nutrient and Grab Samples Collecting from a boat: 1. Water samples should be taken one meter from the surface and one meter from the bottom of the water column at sites with depths greater than four meters. Because it is below the layer of mixing caused by wind, boating, and other activities, sampling one meter below the surface gives a better representation of the surface water column. 2. At sites with depths less than four meters, water samples should be taken one meter from the surface. 3. Facing upstream, extend the pole and bottle, rinse the bottle out three times, and take the sample the fourth time. 4. After samples are taken, immediately place the sample on ice up to the shoulders of the bottle. The lid should not be immersed under the ice, in case ice water leaks into the sample bottle, diluting the concentration of the sample. 5. On the field data sheet, record the time, date, and any other information about the water sampling event. Collecting by wading: 1. Wade into the main flow of the stream 2. Take a few steps upstream with care not to disturb the sediment; 3. Un-cap the pre-labeled bottle 4. Using a U motion dip the bottle into the water down and away from yourself allowing the bottle to fill to the shoulder 5. After samples are taken, immediately place the sample on ice up to the shoulders of the bottle. The lid should not be immersed under the ice, in case ice water leaks into the sample bottle, diluting the concentration of the sample. Collecting with a sampling pole: 1. Attach the sample bottle to the sampling pole, making sure that the clamp is tight. 2. The sampling point in the stream or river should have a low to medium flow and not be in eddies or stagnant water. 34

169 3. Facing upstream, extend the pole and bottle, rinse the bottle out three times, and take the sample the fourth time. 4. Fill the bottle up to the shoulders and immediately cap and place on ice. The lid should not be immersed under the ice, in case ice water leaks into the sample bottle, diluting the concentration of the sample. 35

170 4.2 Chemical preservatives and reagents The nutrient sample bottles contain a small amount of sulfuric acid as a preservative. When sampling it is important to fill the bottle to the needed level and not pour out the preservative or excess sample from the bottle. The bacteria sample bottle contains a dechlorinating tablet. When collecting non-chlorinated water, discard the tablet. Samplers should discard the tablet just prior to collecting a bacteria sample at the site. Discard the tablet by dumping out of the bottle without touching the lip or inner wall of the sample bottle. The tablets are harmless to the environment and may be left at the site. 36

171 4.3 Sample container handling and preservation Proper sample containers and sample preservation are essential to sample integrity. Samples not preserved properly may be rejected by the laboratory. a) Sample containers should be inspected and any torn, punctured or cracked sample containers discarded. b) After collecting the sample, make sure the lids are secured tightly to prevent contamination from water seepage in or out of the container. c) Sample containers and coolers should be stored with the tops securely fastened. Containers with loose fasteners should be replaced or taped to prevent loss of sample containers during transport. d) In the field, unless specified otherwise, all samples should be placed in an ice filled cooler immediately after collection. To ensure samples do not exceed the 4 C holding temperature, sample containers shall be placed upright and if possible, covered with ice in such a manner that the container openings are above the level of ice. Bacteria sample bottles should be stored in bags, placed in coolers and surrounded with wet ice. e) Glass sample containers should be packed in bubble wrap or other waterproof protective materials to minimize accidental breakage. f) The laboratory will provide temperature bottles that they use to determine sample temperature upon arrival at the lab. Make sure that every cooler used to ship samples to the lab contains one of these bottles. 37

172 4.4 Sample Bottle Identification Each sample container must include a label with the following information. a) Station ID or description b) Date and time of sample collection c) Collector s initials d) Sample depth in meters (surface samples are reported as 0.3) e) Parameter name and/or group code, f) Container number g) Preservative used and volume filtered, if applicable. Samples will not be analyzed if this information is missing. If more than one container is needed for a parameter (such as a duplicate sample), each container collected for that parameter must have a label with identical information in addition to an indication of 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3, etc., as required. Split samples should be designated as S1 and S2. Please remember to fill out the labels on the bottle with a waterproof pen before taking the samples. It is essential that the actual sampling site match the labeling information. Always check the labeling information against the actual site. Samples not labeled properly may be rejected by the laboratory. 38

173 4.5 Transport of Samples After collecting the samples at the site: 1. Place the bottles in the cooler filled with ice. Coolers should have enough ice to come up to the necks of the sample bottles. 2. Place any chain of custody forms in the Ziploc bag taped to the inner lid of the cooler. 3. Transport the cooler with samples to the designated drop off point or laboratory by the specified time. 39

174 5 Lab Procedures Lab work will be performed by a NELAP, federal, or state approved lab. The following are the approved methods and their corresponding SOPs for reference for laboratories. It is expected that laboratories will be in compliance with these methods and will already be in possession of the procedural documentation for these methods. Parameter Method Appendix Silicate US EPA method Appendix III Nitrate - Nitrogen USEPA Method Appendix IV Nitrite - Nitrate USEPA Method Appendix V Ammonia - Nitrogen USEPA Method Appendix VI Total Nitrogen USEPA Method Appendix VII Total Phosphorus USEPA Method Appendix VIII Laboratories will perform QA/QC measures including: method blanks, matrix spikes, replicates, check standard. 40

175 6 Cleanup and Storage of Water Monitoring Equipment a) Rinse the thermometer in tap water and store upright. b) Pour contents of DO sampling bottles and chemical kits into the sink. Rinse all the bottles and containers thoroughly with tap water. Put all equipment away until next sampling time. c) Store all chemical reagents in a dark, cool place and out of the reach of children and pets! d) Save expired chemicals and give them to your monitoring coordinator or trainer at the next recertification event for proper disposal. NOTE: If you conduct the sampling procedures away from home or on a boat, you need a special container for safe disposal of the test samples. A plastic milk jug or jar works well and is easy to obtain. Fill this container about ½ to ¾ full with kitty litter to absorb the moisture. When the litter is saturated, place the closed jar in double plastic garbage bags and dispose of in the trash. 6.1 Maintenance for ph meter Follow maintenance and care guidelines as specified by the manufacturer manual. Below are some general day to day care tips. 1. Ensure the probe is cleaned and well maintained. After each sample run, rinse off the probe with distilled water. Use a soft cloth and gently dry the probe and glass sensor. 2. Store the probe tip in the cap provided by the manufacturer. Inside this cap, place a small cotton ball or piece of paper towel soaked with ph 4.00 buffer (or probe storage solution). This will keep the probe in working condition until the next field sampling event. 3. If you see any biological growth (mold, algae, etc.), use mild soap or warm (~30o C) ph 4.00 buffer to clean. Rinse with distilled water and dry. 4. If the calibration or end of day check indicates there is a problem with the probe, and standard cleaning does not produce acceptable results, replacement of the sensor cap may be necessary. Contact a Project Team Member to get a replacement sensor cap. 41

176 Appendix I Field Data Sheet 42

177 Appendix II Theoretical DO Calculation 43

178 How to Calculate Theoretical Dissolved Oxygen Values From: Virginia Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program Methods Manual - October 2007 Proper calibration of Dissolved Oxygen (DO) probes is important to collect accurate data. An easy way to see if a probe is calibrated correctly is to compare the probe s results against a theoretical DO value. This value is what the DO level should be based on temperature and barometric pressure. DO Level based on temperature The top table on the attached chart allows users to find the DO level based on temperature. The top and side axis of the table corresponds to the temperature that the probe is reporting. The intersection of the two axes displays the DO reading. Write this number down to start calculating the theoretical DO level. Correction factor for barometric pressure Barometric pressure is a way to tell how much atmosphere is pressing down on a surface. Weather systems and elevation above (or below) sea level can change this value. The bottom table of the attached chart will help compensate for these changes in pressure. Dissolved oxygen probes normally show pressure in millimeters of mercury (mmhg) or millibars (mbar). Having a barometer on hand is a good way to get pressure data. A weather station can also provide pressure data. Websites such as are useful to find local weather stations. Please note that most barometers and weather stations report pressure in inches of mercury (inhg). Note about using weather station pressure readings Weather stations compensate pressure readings to make it appear as if the station is at sea level. To account for this, subtract the barometric pressure by 1.01 inhg per 1,000 feet in elevation of the weather station. This final value is known as absolute barometric pressure. Example: Find the absolute barometric pressure of a station located 222 feet above sea level that reported inhg inhg 1.01 inhg == inhg absolute barometric pressure 1000/ 222 feet 4.50 Once finding the absolute pressure, use the bottom table found on the attached chart to find the proper correction factor to use. The formulas at the bottom of the chart will help in converting inhg barometric pressure readings into millibars (mbar) or millimeters of mercury (mmhg) that are commonly used to calibrate a dissolved oxygen probe. Use this value to find the correction factor to use in the final calculation. Example: A barometric pressure of 970 millibars you would use a correction factor of 0.96 (second column, bottom row). Theoretical DO Calculation To find the theoretical DO value, use the following formula. Theoretical DO = (DO level based on temperature) x (barometric pressure correction factor) Example: If a probe had a temperature of 18.4 C and the barometric pressure was 970 mbar, the theoretical DO value would be 9.00 mg/l (9.37mg/L x 0.96 correction factor). 44

179 Dissolved Oxygen Saturation Directions- To determine theoretical DO saturation, multiply the O2 concentration value (found in the top chart) by the barometric pressure correction factor (bottom chart). Example: Find the DO saturation for at a temperature of 18.4 C at 730 mmhg pressure: 9.37 x 0.96= 9.00 mg/l Temp in O C O2 concentrations in mg/l Barometric Pressure Correction factor: mmhg (mbar) Corr. Factor mmhg (mbar) Corr. Factor mmhg (mbar) Corr. Factor mmhg (mbar) Corr. Factor ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

180 ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

181 Appendix III Laboratory Method Silicate US EPA

182 Appendix IV Laboratory Method Nitrate Nitrogen US EPA

183 Appendix V Laboratory Method Nitrite - Nitrate US EPA

184 Appendix VI Laboratory Method Ammonia - Nitrogen US EPA

185 Appendix VII Laboratory Method Total Nitrogen US EPA

186 Appendix VIII Laboratory Method Total Phosphorus US EPA

187 Appendix F: ALLARM Specific Program Requirements Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring Dickinson College Page 1

188 ALLARM Specific Program Requirements A8.3 Certified Monitors ALLARM monitors will be required to go through a recertification process once a year. The recertification process will include one of two options: 1. Certification Workshop: ALLARM will hold a Certification Workshop to recertify monitors. At the workshop, monitors will test known samples or external field duplicates will be tested by monitors and an ALLARM staff member. 2. Lab Analysis of Duplicate Samples: Monitors will send a duplicate sample to the ALLARM Community Aquatic Research Laboratory for comparison of results between the monitor and the ALLARM lab for each applicable parameter (alkalinity, conductivity, nitrate-nitrogen, orthophosphate, ph, total dissolved solids, and turbidity). Each monitor will maintain their certification after completing and passing the recertification process above successfully. Passing criteria are met if the relative percent difference (RPD) between the results obtained by the monitor and the ALLARM staff/lab is 20%, or if the results fall within the accuracy range of the equipment. A9.3 Other Documentation and Records Monitors who send duplicate samples to the ALLARM Community Aquatic Research Laboratory for quality control/recertification will fill out an ALLARM Quality Control Form (Figure A9-1) and send it along with their water sample(s). Before a sample is analyzed in the lab, the monitor and sample information will be entered into the laboratory Quality Control binder (the monitor s results are not entered so there is no bias when recording the lab results). The same information, as well as the monitor s results will also be entered into a QC Excel spreadsheet that is maintained by ALLARM. The original Quality Control Forms will then be filed in the ALLARM office. Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring Dickinson College Page 2

189 Figure A9-1. Example of a Quality Control Form used by monitors when submitting a duplicate water sample to the ALLARM Laboratory for analysis. Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring Dickinson College Page 3