{"id":1516,"date":"2011-12-27T16:37:47","date_gmt":"2011-12-27T21:37:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/epcamr.org\/home\/?page_id=1516"},"modified":"2021-01-18T18:38:38","modified_gmt":"2021-01-18T23:38:38","slug":"water-quality-monitoring","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/epcamr.org\/home\/current-initiatives\/technical-assistance\/water-quality-monitoring\/","title":{"rendered":"Water Quality Monitoring"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stream Assessments<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are 4 separate but equally important categories to Stream Assessments on AMD Impacted Streams. EPCAMR Staff are available to teach volunteer members of watershed organizations and school groups that are a part of a water quality monitoring program in their watershed on how to perform these tests. Alternate methods will be mentioned and recommended based on the individual situation.<\/p>\n

1. Water Quality<\/span> Monitoring:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Training consists of water quality testing utilizing YSI Pro Plus Probe, YSI Photometer, HANNA Conductivity\/pH meters, HACH Field Test Kits, and\/or LaMotte Field Test Kits. Every watershed group, at a minimum, should be testing for pH, Acidity, Alkalinity, and Iron. Other parameters may be suggested on a case by case basis.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Water Quantity<\/span> Monitoring:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Training consists of water quantity monitoring is taught using a Swoffer flow meter, velocity meter, and\/or VHR (Velocity Head Rod) measurements multiplied by the stream cross-section to determine the flow. Without flow, you cannot determine loading, which is important for determining the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) of pollution a stream can assimilate.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Biological Assessment:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Training consists of macroinvertebrate sampling methods utilizing in-stream Kick Net sampling and use of Stroud Water Institute Leaf Pack Kits to aid in identification. Stream Bioassessment will be performed to determine Taxa Richness, <\/span>MHI (Modified Hilsenhoff Index)<\/span>, % EPT (Mayflies – E, Stoneflies – P, Caddisflies – T), % Tolerance Index, % Dominance Index and an overall comparative Stream Index based on West Virginia Save our Streams Level 2 Program Guidelines. “Bugs” are excellent indicators of stream health.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Visual Habitat Assessments:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Training consists of an In-Stream Habitat Evaluation based on the USDA Stream Visual Assessment Protocol.\u00a0<\/span>Additionally, stream crossings will be assessed using the NAACC <\/span>Aquatic\u00a0<\/span>Passability Assessments in Non-tidal Streams and Rivers.\u00a0 <\/span>Students rate the characteristics of a stream reach and tally the individual results to show a comparative total score of Poor, Fair, Good, or Excellent.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Related Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n