Jnited States — - ^ Office of Research and Development
Environmental Protection Office of Environmental Information
Agency— — Washington, DC 20460 '^*
imely
Water Quality Inf
• —.
>mmunit
The Jefferson Pari
EPA/625/R-01/005
September 2001
http://www.epa,spv
Environmental Monitoring for Public Access
& Community Tracking
-------
Disclaimer
This document has been reviewed by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and approved
for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or
recommendation of their use.
-------
CONTRIBUTORS
Dr. Dan Petersen of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Risk Management Laboratory
served as principal author of this handbook, and managed its development with support of Pacific
Environmental Services, Inc., an EPA contractor. The authors of this handbook are grateful for the involvement
and contributions of individuals involved in this project. The following contributing authors provided valuable
assistance for the development of the handbook:
George Arcement, United States Geologic Survey District Office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Charles Demas, United States Geologic Survey District Office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Dr. Quay Dorche, Louisiana University Marine Observatory Consortium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Vickie Duffourc, Contractor for the Jefferson Parish Environmental and Development Control Depart-
ment
Paul Ensminger, United States Geologic Survey District Office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Mark Perlmutter, Vaisala Inc.
Jake Peters, United States Geologic Survey District Office in Atlanta, Georgia
Andrew Puffer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, Gulf of Mexico Program Office
Dr. Chris Swarzenski, United States Geologic Survey District Office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Dr. Eugene Turner, Louisiana State University Coastal Ecology Institute, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Dr. Nan Walker, LSU Coastal Studies Institute and Earth Scan Laboratory, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Marnie Winter, Director of the Jefferson Parish Environmental and Development Control
Department
-------
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 EMPACT Overview 2
1.3 Jefferson Parish EMP ACT Project 3
1.4 EMP ACT Metropolitan Areas 9
2. HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK 11
3. WATER QUALITY MONITORING 13
3.1 Time-Series Water Quality Sampling 15
3.2 Satellite/Remote Sensing Technology 37
3.3 Water Quality Field Sampling 39
4. COLLECTING, TRANSFERRING, AND MANAGING TIME-RELEVANT
WATER QUALITY DATA 43
4.1 System Overview 43
4.2 Time-Series Water Quality Sampling 45
4.3 Satellite/Remote Sensing Technology 56
4.4 Water Quality Field Sampling 63
5. PRESENTING WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA 69
5.1 What is Data Visualization? 69
5.2 Satellite Acquisition, Processing, and Visualization Software 71
6. COMMUNICATING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY INFORMATION 79
6.1 Developing an Outreach Plan for Time-Relevant Water Quality Reporting 79
6.2 Elements of the Jefferson Parish Project's Outreach Program 85
6.3 Resources for Presenting Water Quality Information to the Public 88
APPENDIX A A-l
Glossary of Terms & Acronym List
APPENDIX B B-l
List of Authorized SeaWiFS Ground Stations/Users
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APPENDIX C C-l
Jefferson Parish Brochure
APPENDIX D D-l
Example Data from USGS Hydrowatch
APPENDIX E E-l
Example Data from Earth Scan Laboratories (Satellite Data - Reflectance)
IV
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CONTRIBUTORS
Dr. Dan Petersen of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Risk Management Laboratory
served as principal author of this handbook, and managed its development with support of Pacific
Environmental Services, Inc., an EPA contractor. The authors of this handbook are grateful for the involvement
and contributions of individuals involved in this project. The following contributing authors provided valuable
assistance for the development of the handbook:
George Arcement, United States Geologic Survey District Office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Charles Demas, United States Geologic Survey District Office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Dr. Quay Dorche, Louisiana University Marine Observatory Consortium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Vickie Duffourc, Contractor for the Jefferson Parish Environmental and Development Control Depart-
ment
Paul Ensminger, United States Geologic Survey District Office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Mark Perlmutter, Vaisala Inc.
Jake Peters, United States Geologic Survey District Office in Atlanta, Georgia
Andrew Puffer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, Gulf of Mexico Program Office
Dr. Chris Swarzenski, United States Geologic Survey District Office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Dr. Eugene Turner, Louisiana State University Coastal Ecology Institute, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Dr. Nan Walker, LSU Coastal Studies Institute and Earth Scan Laboratory, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Marnie Winter, Director of the Jefferson Parish Environmental and Development Control
Department
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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 EMPACT Overview 2
1.3 Jefferson Parish EMP ACT Project 3
1.4 EMP ACT Metropolitan Areas 9
2. HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK 11
3. WATER QUALITY MONITORING 13
3.1 Time-Series Water Quality Sampling 15
3.2 Satellite/Remote Sensing Technology 37
3.3 Water Quality Field Sampling 39
4. COLLECTING, TRANSFERRING, AND MANAGING TIME-RELEVANT
WATER QUALITY DATA 43
4.1 System Overview 43
4.2 Time-Series Water Quality Sampling 45
4.3 Satellite/Remote Sensing Technology 56
4.4 Water Quality Field Sampling 63
5. PRESENTING WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA 69
5.1 What is Data Visualization? 69
5.2 Satellite Acquisition, Processing, and Visualization Software 71
6. COMMUNICATING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY INFORMATION 79
6.1 Developing an Outreach Plan for Time-Relevant Water Quality Reporting 79
6.2 Elements of the Jefferson Parish Project's Outreach Program 85
6.3 Resources for Presenting Water Quality Information to the Public 88
APPENDIX A A-l
Glossary of Terms & Acronym List
APPENDIX B B-l
List of Authorized SeaWiFS Ground Stations/Users
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APPENDIX C C-l
Jefferson Parish Brochure
APPENDIX D D-l
Example Data from USGS Hydrowatch
APPENDIX E E-l
Example Data from Earth Scan Laboratories (Satellite Data - Reflectance)
IV
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I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Wetland loss along the Louisiana coastal zone is one of the state's
most pressing environmental problems. Although numerous factors
have contributed to this loss, perhaps the leveeing of the Mississippi
River for flood control has had the most far-reaching impact. Construction of the
levy has blocked the river's historic spring overflows and thus impeded the rush of
marsh-supporting fresh water, nutrients, and sediment to the coastal zone. [Source:
http://www.mvn.usace.army. mil/pao/dpond/davispond.htm]
Coastal Louisiana is losing, on average, between 25 and 35 square miles of land
annually — that's more than one football field every 30 minutes. Louisiana has 40
percent of the Lower 48 states' coastal wetlands and 80 percent of the nation's total
wetland loss. These valuable wetlands are nursery grounds for fisheries, a buffer
that protects developed areas from storm surges, and a filtering system for
pollutants carried in urban runoff. [Source: Video News Release http://
gmpo.gov/pubinfo/empact. html]
One of the strategies for reversing this wetland loss in coastal Louisiana is to partially
restore some of the natural flow into the ecosystem. Diversion of freshwater and
sediments from the Mississippi River is expected to conserve and restore coastal
wetlands. One such project is the Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion Project. The
construction for this project began in January 1997. Freshwater diversions to the
Barataria Basin are scheduled for 2001. In order to establish a baseline prior to any
freshwater diversions, the EMPACT (Environmental Monitoring for Public
Access and Community Tracking) project team began monitoringthe water quality
in Lake Salvador and Lake Cataouche (both are downstream of the diversion) in
August 1999. After freshwater diversions occur, the water quality monitoring will
continue. Analyses of pre-and post diversion water quality data will be used to
determine the effects of river water diversion on the estuary.
The Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion into the Barataria Estuary will be the largest
freshwater diversion project built to date, capable of diverting up to 10,650 cubic
feet (approximately 80,000 gallons) per second of river water. The freshwater
diversion will imitate historic spring floods by providing a controlled flow of
freshwater and nutrients into the Barataria Bay estuary. It is expected that this
diversion will restore former ecological conditions by combating land loss,
enhancing vegetation and improving fish and wildlife habitat.
However, there are many concerns that the freshwater diversion will have a negative
impact on the estuary. Some citizens are concerned about the impact that nutrient
rich river water may have on water quality and growths (blooms) of phytoplankton.
Commercial fishermen are concerned that massive amounts of river water may
deteriorate the water quality in the lakes and bays where they make their living.
INTRODUCTION
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Communities south of the diversion site are concerned that water levels will increase
and cause flooding during high wind driven tides. Scientists debate the wisdom of
introducing more nutrients into an already eutrophic system. Also all stakeholders
are interested in the changes that will occur as salinity levels are altered in the upper
estuary.
Partners in the project hope that monitoring conducted through the EMPACT
project will provide valuable before and after data of the effects of diverting
freshwater from Mississippi river into coastal areas encroached by saltwater. These
data will assist scientists and coastal managers in making informed decisions on how
to best manage freshwater flow from the diversion to diminish the likelihood of
algal blooms, which can be toxic, can contaminate seafood, and can have human
health impacts.
1.2 EMPACT Overview
This handbook offers step-by-step instructions about how to provide time-
relevant water quality data to your community. It was developed by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) EMPACT program. The EMPACT
program was created by EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) to
introduce new technologies that make it possible to provide time-relevant
environmental information to the public. EMPACT is workingwith the 150 largest
metropolitan areas and Native American Tribes in the country to help communities
in these areas:
• Collect, manage, and distribute time-relevant environmental
information.
• Provide residents with easy-to-understand information they can use in
making informed, day-to-day decisions.
To make this and some other EMPACT projects more effective, partnerships with
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United
States Geological Survey (USGS) were developed. EPA will work closely with
these federal agencies to help achieve nationwide consistency in measuring
environmental data, managing the information, and delivering it to the public.
To date, environmental information projects have been initiated in 84 of the 150
EMPACT- designated metropolitan areas and Native American Tribes. These
projects cover a wide range of environmental issues, including water quality,
groundwater contamination, smog, ultraviolet radiation, and overall ecosystem
quality. Some of these projects were initiated directly by EPA.
Others were launched by EMPACT communities themselves. Local governments
from any of the 150 EMPACT metropolitan areas and Native American Tribes are
eligible to apply for EPA-funded Metro Grants to develop their own EMPACT
projects. The 150 EMPACT metropolitan areas and Native American Tribes are
listed in the table at the end of this chapter.
CHAPTER 1
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Communities selected for Metro Grant awards are responsible for building their
own time- relevant environmental monitoring and information delivery systems.
To find out how to apply for a Metro Grant, visit the EMPACT Web site at http:/
/www.epa.gov/empact/ apply.htm.
One such Metro Grant recipient is the Jefferson Parish - New Orleans Project. The
project provides the public with time-relevant water quality monitoring data and
impacts of water quality management activities (i.e., river water diversions) in the
New Orleans Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA).
1.3 Jefferson Parish EMPACT Project
1.3.1 Sampling Techniques
The Jefferson Parish - New Orleans Project Team utilizes time-series water
sampling data, remote sensing/satellite data, and water quality field sampling data
to monitor impacts of freshwater diversions, such as harmful algal blooms, in the
New Orleans SMSA. The resulting information is communicated to the
community during public meetings and events and by using Internet technology,
audiovisual tools, and print media.
The time-series water sampling data are collected by an automated system, in which
a sampling unit collects hourly data and then transmits the data via Geostationary
Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) to the USGS District Office every
four hours for storage, retrieval, and analysis. Near-real time stream flow data
available on the USGS's Louisiana District Home Page are PROVISIONAL data
that have not been reviewed or edited. Each station record is considered
PROVISIONAL until the data are reviewed, edited, and published. The data are
usually published within 6 months of the end of the year, which runs from October
through September. Coordinated water temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity,
salinity, water level, and fluorescence are taken to confirm remote sensing data. The
sampling unit is located in Lake Salvador, a key outfall area of the Davis Pond
Freshwater Diversion Project.
Satellite data collected by the NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer
(AVHRR) and the Orbview-2 SeaWiFS ocean color sensor are received and
processed at the Earth Scan Lab (ESL), Coastal Studies Institute at Louisiana
State University (LSU) using SeaSpace's Terascan™ system. This software package
receives the data from the satellites, performs calibration, geometric correction, and
more specialized processing for the determination of temperature, reflectance
(turbidity), and chlorophyll a concentrations. Field water samples, obtained close
in time to the satellite data, are used to "surface truth" the satellite measurements
for temperature, concentration of suspended solids and chlorophyll a. Ground
truthing is the process of comparing satellite data to actual field measurements.
INTRODUCTION
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Water quality field sampling is conducted weekly from eight stations in Lake
Salvador and Lake Cataouche (a smaller lake north of Lake Salvador) to ground-
truth remote sensing (satellite) data and validate time-series water sampling data.
The LSU-Coastal Ecology Institute (CEI) analyzes the samples for chlorophyll a,
nutrients, and suspended solids. The Louisiana University Marine Observatory
Consortium (LUMCON) provides data on phytoplankton speciation including
identification of harmful algal species. The field sampling data are interpreted and
made available via the Internet (http://its2.ocs.lsu.edu/guests/ceilc).
1.3.2 EMPACT Project Team
The Jefferson Parish Project team consists of the following members and key
partners:
• Drew Puffer of the Gulf of Mexico Program (GMP) is serving as
EPA project manager. His role is to provide technical support and
administrative advice, to coordinate communications with the EPA,
and to identify potential sources of funding to extend the life of the
project.
• Terry Hines-Smith, GMP's public affairs specialist, works with the
project partners and stakeholders to identify and maximize their
information and public outreach resources.
• Marnie Winter, Director of the Jefferson Parish Environmental and
Development Control Department, is the local project manager. Her
role is to administer grant funds and to coordinate with parish officials
to secure approval of contracts and other legal documents required for
the project. She also interacts directly with other partners on the
project team, serves as the point of contact for communications, and
acts as official parish spokesperson at media and other public outreach
events. She has secured additional support for the project through the
Jefferson Parish Government and was instrumental in leveraging
chlorophyll a and silicate monitoring from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USAGE).
• Ms. Winter is being assisted by Vickie Duffourc, an environmental
specialist for a consulting firm under standing contract with the parish.
Ms. Duffourc is responsible for coordinating the various aspects of the
project, including project communications, and works under the direct
supervision of Ms. Winter.
• The USGS collects water quality field samples and services the time-
series sampling unit. Jefferson Parish provides a trained environmental
technician and the parish's boat to assist the USGS with collecting
water samples and servicing the sampling unit. Dr. Chris Swarzenski
and the staff of the USGS District Office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana,
provide weekly maintenance and calibration of the data collection
CHAPTER 1
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station, QA/QC of near-real time data, technical services required to
received, transfer, and store the near-real time data set, and scientific
interpretation of data received. Jake Peters, at the USGS office in Atlanta,
also contributes through his association with the EPA Water Data and
Tools Projects. While many persons at the USGS Baton Rouge office
contribute to this project, Dr. Swarzenski is the lead investigator and
Paul Ensminger is the field service technician.
Dr. Nan Walker, LSU Coastal Studies Institute and Earth Scan
Laboratory, is responsible for acquiring, processing, and interpreting
satellite data collected by the NOAA and Orbview-2 satellites. These
data are used to assess the regional distribution of water temperature,
water quality and chlorophyll a content and changes over space and
time. She uses field measurements of suspended solids, suspended
sediments, chlorophyll a and temperature to investigate the relationships
between satellite and in-situ data for different regions in the study area.
Dr. Walker posts the satellite images and interpretive text on the Earth
Scan Laboratory LSU Web page, which is linked to the Jefferson Parish
EMPACT home page.
• Dr. Eugene Turner, LSU-CEI, is responsible for analysis of water
samples and providing the resulting data in tabular and graphic form.
LSU-CEI conducts chlorophyll a and nutrient analysis on water samples
taken weekly from the project area to ground-truth satellite images.
LSU-CEI scientists interpret the water quality data and post it to LSU
Web page, which will be linked to the Jefferson Parish EMPACT home
page.
• Dr. Quay Dortch, LUMCON, receives weekly water samples from the
project area and identifies harmful algal species contained in each
sample. She provides the resulting data in tabular and graphic form and
coordinates with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
regarding possible threats to human health.
As shown above, this project team consists of several distinguished coastal scientists.
The collected and analyzed data are being used to understand the physical and
biological conditions of water bodies that may be impacted by the Davis Pond river
diversion project in the future.
The project provides near-real time regional physical and biological measurements
from satellites and a monitoring station in Lake Salvador to the agencies and
organizations involved with public health, fisheries, and habitat related issues. This
information allows these entities to respond quickly to adverse environmental
conditions, make appropriate decisions to ensure economic and environmental
sustainability of the affected environment, and protect the health of commercial and
recreational users. During the first year, the chlorophyll ^measurements (from field
and satellite sensors) were not being reported in real time.
INTRODUCTION
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The addition of a pressure sensor to detect water level changes in near-real time
provides early warning of increased water levels and allows diversion managers to
make appropriate decisions to minimize the introduction of more water when
flooding is likely.
1.3.3 Project Costs
To keep costs low, Jefferson Parish used nearby existing sampling stations to collect
data, used Parish personnel for data collection (when possible), and developed
strategic partnerships with members of the project team. Figure 1.1 provides the
initial budget for the Jefferson Parish's monitoringproject [Source: Water Data and
Tools: Tracking Freshwater Diversions & Algal Bloom Impacting the New
Orleans Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans, LA].
The costs to conduct a water quality monitoring project similar to the Jefferson
Parish Project can vary significantly. Factors affecting the cost include, but are not
limited to, the size and location of your study area, the number and types of
parameters you want to measure, the number of personnel needed to collect and
analyze the data, the number of samples to collect, the amount of new equipment
which will need to be purchased, etc. For example, the Parish purchased only one
additional sampling station for their study because they were able to obtain data
from seven existing sampling stations located nearby. Monitoring costs for a
proposed project would be much higher if additional sampling stations are needed.
Figure 1.2 provides some typical costs for equipment and services you could expect
to incur when implementing a project similar to that of Jefferson Parish. Please note
that these costs can vary significantly for a project depending upon the number of
sampling stations required for the project and the types of services contracts that
you are able to negotiate.
CHAPTER 1
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Figure 1.1. Initial EMPACT Project Budget for Jefferson Parish
Wf.DOQ
I...IJCJ
*I;.LL>J
• Technology Transfer
n Other Mi seellaneous
• 0,-vCC
• nrorrnati on DeHvery
Q Monitoring
• Sustainabily
n Travel
• Data nterpratarjon
a Project Planning
• Inrormation
Figure 1.2. Typical Costs For Equipment and Services
$50,000
$25,000
$60,000
$60,000
n Puchase/Setup
Sampling
Station
• Maintain
Sampling
Station
nAnalyze Field
Samples
n Purchase
Services to
Analyze
Satellite Data
1.3.4 Jefferson Parish EMPACT Project Objectives
Overall project objectives include the following:
• To provide the public with information on the physical and biological
characteristics and components of Lake Salvador and adjacent regions
as close to real time as possible.
INTRODUCTION
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• To gather baseline data in the Davis Pond Diversion outfall area to
assist coastal scientists and managers in distinguishing the effects of
river water from other stressors.
• To use the field data collected to investigate the satellite-derived
parameters including water temperature, water reflectance
(suspended solids) and chlororphyll a .
' To provide reliable data on water quality and phytoplankton
blooms to the agencies and organizations involved with public
health, fisheries, and habitat related issues.
1.3.5 Technology Transfer Handbook
The Technology Transfer and Support Division of the EPA's ORD National Risk
Management Research Laboratory initiated development of this handbook to help
interested communities learn more about the Jefferson Parish Project. The
handbook also provides technical information communities need to develop
and manage their own time-relevant water monitoring, data visualization, and
information dissemination programs. ORD, working with the Jefferson Parish
Project team, produced this handbook to leverage EMPACT's investment in the
project and minimize the resources needed to implement similar projects in other
communities.
Both print and CD-ROM versions of the handbook are available for direct on-line
ordering from EPA's Office of Research and Development Technology Transfer
Web site at http://www.epa.gov/ttbnrmrl. You can also order a copy of the
handbook (print or CD-ROM version) by contacting ORD Publications by
telephone or mail at:
EPA ORD Publications
US EPA-NCEPI
P.O. Box 42419
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Phone: (800) 490-9198 or (513) 489-8190
Note!
Please make sure you include the title of the handbook and the EPA
document number in your request.
We hope you find the handbook worthwhile, informative, and easy to use. We
welcome your comments, and you can send them by e-mail from EMPACT's Web
site at http://www.epa.gov/empact/comment.htm.
8 CHAPTER 1
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1.4 EMPACT Metropolitan Areas
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Hartford CT Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Albuquerque, NM Hickory-Morganton-Lenoir, NC Reading, PA
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA Honolulu HI Reno, NV
Anchorage, AK Houston-Galveston-Brazona, TX Richmond-Petersburg, VA
Appelton-Oshkosh-Neeha, WI Huntmgton-Ahsland, WV-KY-OH Roanoke, VA
Atlanta, GA Huntsville, AL Rochester, NY
Augusta-Aiken, GA-SC Indianapolis, IN Rockford, IL
Austin-San Marcos, TX Jackson, MS Sacramento-Yolo, CA
Bakersfield, CA Jacksonville FL Saginaw-Bay City-Midland, MI
Baton Rouge, LA Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA St. Louis, MO-IL
Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Johnston PA Salinas, CA
Billings, MT Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, MI Salt Lake City-Ogden, UT
Biloxi-Gulfport-Pascagoula, MS Kansas City MO-KS San Antonio, TX
Bmghamton, NY Eileen-Temple, TX San Diego, CA
Birmingham, AL Knoxville, TN San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA
Boise City, ID Lafayette LA San Juan-Caguas-Arecibo, PR
Boston-Worcester-Lawrence-MA-NH-ME-CT Lafe-land-Winter Haven, FL San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso
Brownsville-Harlmgen-San Bemto, TX Lancaster PA Robles, CA
Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY Lansing- East Lansing, MI Santa Barbara-Santa Mana-Lompoc, CA
Burlington, VT ^ y s Ny_AZ Sarasota-Bradenton, FL
Canton-Mas sillon, OH Lexington KY Savannah, GA
Charleston-North Charleston, SC Lincoln NE Scranton-Wilkes Barre-Hazleton, PA
Charleston, WV Littfe Rock_North Lltde Rock> AR Seatde-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA
Charlotte-Gatsoma-Rock Hill, NC-SC LQS Angeles_Rlverslde-Orange County, CA Shreveport-Bossier City, LA
Chattanooga, TN-GA Louisville, KY-IN Sioux Falls, SD
Cheyenne, WY Lubbock ' TX South Bend, IN
Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI Macon, GA Spokane, WA
Cincinnati-Hamilton, OH-KY-IN Madison, WI Springfield, MA
Cleveland, Akron, OH McAllen-Edmburg-Mission, TX Springfield, MO
Colorado Springs, CO Melbourne-Titusville-Palm Bay, FL Stockton-Lodi, CA
Columbia, SC Memphis, TN-AR-MS Syracuse, NY
Columbus, GA-AL Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL Tallahassee, FL
Columbus, OH Milwaukee-Racine, WI Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Corpus, Christie, TX ~ ,• r o T-I i T\ ^M YWT T^l^rl^ OM
e ' ' Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI loledo, UH
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Mobile, AL Tucson, AZ
Davenport-Molme-Rock Island, IA-IL Modesto, CA Tulsa, OK Visalia-Tulare-Porterville, CA
Dayton-Springfield, OH , , AT T Ttira Rnmp NY
i f & ! Montgomery, AL unca-^ome, IN i
Daytona Beach, FL Nashville TN Washington-Baltimore, DC-MD-VA-WV
Denver-Boulder-Greeley CO T . XT . . ^^nT West Palm Bparh Bnra Ratnn FT
" New London-Norwich, CT-RI west i aim rjeacn-rjoca iwton, ri^
Des Moines, IA XT _ . T . Wirl-iii-a KS
New Orleans, LA Wichita, l^b
Detroit-Ann Arbor-Flint, MI ^T ^^IXTI XT T T Ti i VnrV PA
New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, IOLU, L r\
Duluth-Supenor, MN-WI NY-NJ-CT-PA Youngstown-Warren, OH
' Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, VA-NC
Erie, PA ^ , ^T
Ocala, FL
Eugene-Springfield, OR _ , , ,. .. . ^^^^,, , , ^- ^,T^
5 . L 5 ' Odessa-Midland, TXOklahoma City, OK
Evansville-Henderson, IN-KY ^ , , T_ T.
Omaha, NE-IA
Fargo-Moorhead, ND-MN . ,
5 ' Orlando, FL
Fayetteville, NC „ , „,
1 . . Pensacola, FL
Fayetteville-Springfield-Rogers, AR ^ . „ , . TT
' i Peona-Pekin, IL
Fort Collms-Loveland, CO ^, .. .... „„.. . . . . „. „ . ,TT
Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City, PA-NL
Fort Myers-Cape Coral, FL ^_ , ,_
1 L DE-MD
Fort Fierce-Port St. Lucie, FL „, . , , . _
Phoenix-Mesa, AZ
Fort Wayne, IN „. , , _ .
' ' Pittsburgh, PA
Fresno, CA ^ . . , ,„
Portland, ME
Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland, MI ^ . . ,, . _„ „„.
F . 6 . . Portland-Salem, OR-WA
Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point, NC . . ^11^- ™, • , T^T ^r,
6 ' Providence-Fall River-Warwick, RI-MA
Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson, SC ^ _ T „
LJ -u T u r v i HA Provo-Orem, UT
Harnsburg-Lebanon-Carlisle, PA
In addition, federally recognized Native American Tribes - regardless of location in the United States -
are eligible to apply.
INTRODUCTION 9
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2. HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK
This handbook provides you with step-by-step information on
how to develop a program to provide time-relevant water
quality data to your community, using the Jefferson Parish Project in the
New Orleans, Louisiana area as a model. It contains detailed guidance on how to:
Design, site,
operate, and
mairtaiti a sy
to gather time-
relevant water
quality data.
Design, operate, and
mairiain a system to
retrieve, manage,
id analyse your
tim e- rel evart w ater
quality data.
U se data
visualization tools
to graphically
depict these data.
Develop a pi an to
communicate the
results of your time-
relevant water
quality m oritoring
efforts to residents in
your community.
Chapter 3 provides information about water quality monitoring - the
first step in the process of generating time-relevant information about
water quality and making it available to residents in your area. The
chapter begins with an overview of water quality monitoring in
estuariane systems and then focuses on the three monitoring
components that are part of the Jefferson Parish Project: (1) collection
of time-series physical and biological measurements at a fixed location
in Lake Salvador; (2) satellite/remote sensing technology; and (3) water
quality field sampling. The chapter also provides instructions on how to
install, operate, and maintain the time-series sampling system, how to
obtain satellite data and use these data for water quality monitoring,
and how to set up the field sampling program.
Chapter 4 provides step-by-step instructions on how to collect,
transfer, and manage time-relevant water quality data. This chapter
discusses time-series sampling equipment calibration, transferring
sampling data to the base station, managing sampling data at the base
station, and checking sampling data for quality. This chapter also
provides detailed information on satellite data acquisition, processing,
interpretation, ground-truthing, and data transfer and management. In
addition, this chapter presents details on water quality field sampling
including details on sampling, water quality parameter analyses,
phytoplankton speciation, and data transfer and management.
Chapter 5 provides information about using data visualization tools to
graphically depict the time-relevant water quality data you have
gathered. The chapter begins with a brief overview of data
visualization. It then provides a more detailed introduction to selected
data visualization tools utilized by the Jefferson Parish team. You might
want to use these software tools to help analyze your data and in your
efforts to provide time-relevant water quality information to your
community.
HOWTO USE THIS HANDBOOK
11
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• Chapter 6 outlines the steps involved in developing an
outreach plan to communicate information about water
quality in your community. It also provides information
about the Jefferson Parish Project's outreach efforts. The
chapter includes a list of resources to help you develop easily
understandable materials to communicate information about
your time-relevant water quality monitoring program to a
variety of audiences.
This handbook is designed for decision-makers considering whether to implement
a time-relevant water quality monitoring program in their communities and for
technicians responsible for implementing these programs. Managers and decision-
makers likely will find the initial sections of Chapters 3,4, and 5 most helpful. The
latter sections of these chapters are targeted primarily at professionals and
technicians and provide detailed "how to" information. Chapter 6 is designed for
managers and communication specialists.
The handbook also refers you to supplementary sources of information, such as
Web sites and guidance documents, where you can find additional guidance with
a greater level of technical detail. The handbook also describes some of the lessons
learned by the Jefferson Parish team in developing and implementing its time-
relevant water quality monitoring, data management, and outreach program.
12 CHAPTER2
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3. WATER QUALITY MONITORING
T
his chapter provides information about water quality monitoring
the first step in the process of generating time-relevant information about
water quality and making it available to residents in your area.
The chapter begins with a broad overview of water quality monitoring and then
focuses on the three monitoring components that are part of the Jefferson Parish
Project: (1) time-series water quality sampling (Section 3.1); (2) satellite/remote
sensing technology (Section 3.2); and (3) water quality field sampling (Section 3.3).
The chapter also provides instructions on how to install, operate, and maintain the
sampling equipment, how to obtain satellite data and use these data for water quality
monitoring, and how to set up the field sampling program.
Readers primarily interested in an overview of water quality monitoring might want
to focus on information presented in this introductory section and the introductory
parts of Sections 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3. If you are responsible for the actual design and
implementation of a water quality samplingproject, you should review Subsections
3.1.1 through 3.1.8. They provide an introduction to the specific steps involved in
developing and operating a time-relevant water quality monitoring project and
information on where to find additional guidance. If you are responsible for the
designing and implementing a water quality monitoring program using satellite/
remote sensing technology, you should review Subsections 3.2.1 through 3.2.2.
They provide information on available satellite data and information on how to use
satellite data for water quality monitoring. If you are responsible for the actual
design and implementation of a water quality field sampling project, you should
review Subsections 3.3.1 through 3.3.2. They provide information on setting up
a field sampling program.
Water Quality Monitoring: An Overview
Water quality monitoring provides information about the condition of streams,
lakes, ponds, estuaries, and coastal waters. It can also tell us if these waters are safe
for swimming, fishing, or drinking. The Web site of the EPA Office of Water
(http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring) is a good source of background
information on water quality monitoring. (The information presented in the
following paragraphs, which is taken from the Lake Access - Minneapolis
EMPACT Manual - EPA/625/R-00/012, is summarized from the Web site listed
above.)
Water quality monitoring can consist of the following types of measurements:
• Chemical measurements of constituents such as dissolved oxygen,
nutrients, metals, and oils in water, sediment, or fish tissue.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING 13
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• Physical measurements of general conditions such as temperature,
conductivity/salinity, current speed/direction, water level, water clarity.
• Biological measurements of the abundance, variety, and growth rates of aquatic
plant and animal life in a water body or the ability of aquatic organisms to
survive in a water sample.
You can conduct several kinds of the following water quality monitoring projects:
• At fixed locations on a continuous basis
• At selected locations on an as-needed basis or to answer specific questions
• On a temporary or seasonal basis (such as during the summer at swimming
beaches)
• On an emergency basis (such as after a spill)
Many agencies and organizations conduct water quality monitoring, including state
pollution control agencies, Indian tribes, city and county environmental offices, the EPA
and other federal agencies, and private entities, such as universities, watershed
organizations, environmental groups, and industries. Volunteer monitors - private
citizens who voluntarily collect and analyze water quality samples, conduct visual
assessments of physical conditions, and measure the biological health of waters - also
provide increasingly important water quality information. The EPA provides specific
information about volunteer monitoring at http://www.epa.gov/owow/
monitoring/vol.html.
Water quality monitoring is conducted for many reasons, including:
• Characterizing waters and identifying trends or changes in water quality
over time.
• Identifying existing or emerging water quality problems.
• Gathering information for the design of pollution prevention or restoration
programs.
• Determining if the goals of specific programs (such as river diversions) are
being met.
• Complying with local, state, and Federal regulations.
• Responding to emergencies such as spills or floods.
14 CHAPTERS
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EPA helps administer grants for water quality monitoring projects and provides
technical guidance on how to monitor and report monitoring results. You can find
a number of EPA's water quality monitoring technical guidance documents on the
Web at: http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/techmon.html.
In addition to the EPA resources listed above, you can obtain information about
lake and reservoir water quality monitoring from the North American Lake
Management Society (NALMS). NALMS has published many technical
documents, including a guidance manual entitled Monitoring Lake and Reservoir
Restoration. For more information, visit the NALMS Web site at http://
www.nalms.org. State and local agencies also publish and recommend documents
to help organizations and communities conduct and understand water quality
monitoring. For example, the Gulf of Mexico Program maintains a Web site
(http://www.gmpo.gov/mmrc/mmrc.html) that lists resources for water quality
monitoring and management. State and local organizations in your community
might maintain similar listings. The Louisiana State University's Coastal Studies
Institute Web site also maintains a list of links for water quality information and
resources at http://www.csi.lsu.edu/.
In some cases, special water quality monitoring methods, such as remote
monitoring, or special types of water quality data, such as time-relevant data, are
needed to meet a water quality monitoring program's objectives. ^Time-relevant
environmental data are collected and communicated to the public in a time frame
that is useful to their day-to-day decision-making about their health and the
environment, and relevant to the temporal variability of the parameter measured.
Monitoring is called remote when the operator can collect and analyze data from a
site other than the monitoring location itself.
3.1 Time-Series Water Quality Sampling
The Jefferson Parish Project provides much needed baseline data on nutrient and
chlorophyll levels in the upper Barataria basin. Evaluation of historical data sets
indicate a lack of comprehensive water quality data especially in relation to
chlorophyll data. It also provides the only data from the Davis Pond Freshwater
Diversion outfall that is near-real time and easily assessable to the public via the
world wide Web. Diversions, and the possibility of diversion-related algal blooms,
are a major concern to communities in the New Orleans area, as is the growing dead
zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Using time-relevant monitoring of lake water quality
for the early detection of an algal bloom is a useful tool in providing timely
environmental information to natural resource and human health protection
agencies in Louisiana.
The Jefferson Parish Project team conducts time-relevant monitoring at one
location in Lake Salvador. At this location, the project team operates a sampling
platform, which performs time-series water quality monitoring using commercially
available monitoring sensors. The sensors transmit time-relevant water quality data
to a data acquisition system contained on the platform.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING 15
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Using wireless communication, the sampling system can both receive
programming and transmit data to a land-base station.
The time-series sampling system is installed on an existing oil pumping platform.
The data collection platform contains batteries; solar panels; telemetry equipment;
a data acquisition system (Handar 555A); and a sensor package. The specially
designed field computer provides a suite of water quality parameters from the
water below the platform. The sensor package, produced by Yellow Springs
Instruments6 (YSI6), has multisensor probes that can be customized to meet
virtually any sensor needs. The sensor package, connected to the data acquisition
system, collects data from 4 feet below the water surface at preprogrammed times.
Each hour, the time-series sampling system unit equipped with a multiprobe water
quality sensor manufactured by YSIe collects water quality data. The system
measures the following parameters:
Water level
Precipitation
Air temperature
Water temperature
Wind speed/direction
Specific conductance/Salinity
pH
Dissolved oxygen
Backscattter/Turbidity
Chlorophyll
[ a
The Jefferson Parish Project team uses a land-base station to communicate with the
sampling station via satellite interface. Time-relevant data are remotely
downloaded from the station daily. Figure 3.1 illustrates some of the basic sampling
station components and shows how the sampling system communicates with the
land-base station.
The remainder of this chapter highlights the Jefferson Parish Project. The following
subsection provides some background information on river diversion impacts and
estuarine ecology and it introduces some important concepts relevant to the study
of these topics.
3.1.1 Designing a Time-Relevant Water Quality
Monitoring Project
The first step in developing a water quality monitoring project is to define
your objectives. Keep in mind that time-relevant monitoring might not be
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Figure 3.1 Diagram of Basic Sampling Station Components
Time-Series Sampling Station
Satellite Interface
Base Station
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Programming
Data Downloading
Database Management
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the best method for your organization or community. For example, you would
not likely need time-relevant monitoring capability to conduct monthly monitoring
to comply with a state or federal regulation.
In order to clearly define the objectives of your particular water quality monitoring
project, you need to understand the system you are planning to monitor. This
means that you need to collect background information about the aquatic system,
such as natural occurringprocesses, system interactions, system ecology, and human
impacts on the system.
Since this particular monitoring project involves estuarine ecology and possible
impacts of freshwater diversion into estuaries, the following text boxes provides
some basic background information about these topics.
Estuarine Ecology
Estuaries are bodies of water that are balanced by freshwater and sediment influx
from rivers and the tidal actions of the oceans, thus providing transition zones
between the freshwater of a river and the saline environment of the sea. The result
of this interaction is an environment where estuaries, along with their adjacent
marshes and seagrasses, provide a highly productive ecosystem, that supports
wildlife and fisheries and contributes substantially to the economy of coastal areas.
As spawning, nursery, and feeding grounds, estuaries are invaluable to fish and
shellfish. Estuarine-dependent species constitute more than 95 percent of the
WATER QUALITY MONITORING
17
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commercial fishery harvests from the Gulf of Mexico, and many important
recreational fishery species depend on estuaries during some part of their life cycle.
Estuaries are diverse and productive ecosystems that provide a variety of valuable
resources, including fish and shellfish, recreation, transportation, and petroleum and
minerals.
Estuaries and wetland environments are intertwined. Coastal emergent wetlands
border estuaries and the coast and include tidal saltwater and freshwater marshes.
Coastal wetlands serve as essential habitat for a diverse range of species. These
wetlands are used by shorebirds, migratory waterfowl, fish, invertebrates, reptiles,
and mammals. Migrating waterfowl and migratory birds utilize these coastal
habitats. Mudflats, salt marshes, mangrove swamps, and barrier island habitats also
provide year-round nesting and feeding grounds for abundant populations of gulls,
terns, and other shorebirds. Estuaries, marshes and associated watersheds provide
habitat for many threatened and endangered species. Estuaries and wetlands
support complex food webs that provide an abundant food source for juvenile
and adult fishes (see Figure 3.2 below). In addition to providing habitat, wetlands
also improve water quality by filtering pollutants and sediment and offer a buffer
zone to protect upland areas from flooding and erosion.
Figure 3.2. Conceptual diagram of the food web in estuarine ecosystems
[Source: http://www.epa.gov/ged/gulf.htm].
Secondary
consumers
plants
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18
CHAPTERS
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There are usually three overlapping zones in an estuary: an open connection with
the sea where marine water dominates, a middle area where salt water and fresh
water mix, and a tidal river zone where fresh water dominates. Tidal forces cause
the estuarine characteristics to vary. Also variation in the seasonal discharge of rivers
causes the limits of the zones to shift, thus increasing the overall ecological
complexity of the estuaries. [Source: http://encarta.msn.com/fmd/
Concise.asp?z=l&pg=2&ti=761570978#sl]
Most of the world's freshwater runoff encounters the oceans in estuaries. Tides or
winds help mix the lighter, less dense fresh water from the rivers with the salt water
from the ocean to form brackish water. The salinity of brackish water is typically
2 to 10 parts per thousand (ppt), while the salinity of salt water is about35ppt. Due
mostly to changes in the river flow, the three main estuarine zones - saltwater,
brackish, and freshwater - can shift seasonally and vary significantly from one area
to another. [Source: http://encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?z=l&pg=2&ti=
761570978#sl]
The chemical components of fresh (or river) water can vary greatly and produce
significant differences in estuarine nutrient cycles. Typically, the most important
compounds for estuarine life that are supplied by river water are nitrogen,
phosphorus, silicon, and iron. Seawater, which has fairly uniform chemical
components, provides sulfate and bicarbonate. With adequate nutrients and light
conditions, estuaries enable the production of phytoplankton which provides the
basis for some of the most productive habitats on earth. [Source: http://
encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?z=l&pg=2&ti =761570978#sl]
River Diversion Impacts
Leveeing of the rivers for flood control has impacted the estuarine ecology by
blocking the rivers' historic spring overflows and thus impeding the rush of marsh-
supporting fresh water, nutrients, and sediment to the coastal zone. This resulted
in wetland loss along coastal zones and causes pressing environmental problems.
Diversion of freshwater and sediments from rivers is expected to conserve and
restore coastal wetlands, but citizens are concerned about the impact that nutrient
rich river water may have on water quality and growths (blooms) of phytoplankton.
The freshwater diversions imitate historic spring floods by providing a controlled
flow of freshwater and nutrients into estuaries. It is expected that this diversion will
restore former ecological conditions by combating land loss, enhancing vegetation
and improving fish and wildlife habitat.
However, there are concerns that the freshwater diversion may have a negative
impact on estuaries. Commercial fishermen are concerned that massive amounts
of river water may deteriorate the water quality in the lakes and bays where they
make their living. Communities downstream of diversion sites are concerned that
water levels will increase and cause flooding during high wind driven tides.
Scientists debate the wisdom of introducing more nutrients into already eutrophic
WATER QUALITY MONITORING 19
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systems. Stakeholders are also interested in the changes that will occur as salinity
levels are altered in the upper estuaries.
Diverting too much nutrients into estuaries, leads to excessive algae growth and
eventually oxygen depletion. In many cases, fish kills are evidence of oxygen
depleted water in the estuary. Sewage and other organic wastes that are discharged
into rivers and estuaries can overload estuaries with nutrients. These conditions can
contribute to the loss of animal and plant life, the decrease of a buffer zone from
storm surges, salt water intrusion, and ultimately the decline of the estuary and loss
of wetland. [Source: http://encarta.msn.com/fmd/Concise.asp?z=l&pg
=2&ti=761570978#sl]
River water diversions from previously leveed rivers into estuaries have shown
three potential impacts: (1) they may increase the water level in the estuary; (2) they
may increase nutrient and sediment input into the estuary; and (3) they may decrease
the salinity in the estuary. Figure 3.3 shows the possible beneficial and negative
impacts of river water diversions.
Designing the Jefferson Parish Project
The Jefferson Parish Project team's decision to collect time-relevant water quality
data was in response to the public's repeated request for publicly available real time
water quality data. Wetland loss and decline of the estuarine ecosystem raised an
interest to learn more about impacts of river water diversions from previously
leveed rivers into estuaries. The project team determined that pre-and post
diversion water quality data have to be collected in order to make assessments of
river water diversion impacts.
The project team decided to conduct time-relevant monitoring of lake water quality
to be able to detect algal blooms early and to provide timely environmental
information to natural resource and human health protection agencies. Having
time-relevant data allows entities to respond quickly to adverse environmental
conditions, make appropriate decisions to ensure economic and environmental
sustainability of the affected environment, and protect the health of commercial and
recreational users.
3.1.2 Selecting Your Sampling Frequency
The sampling frequency you select for your time-relevant water quality monitoring
project depends on your project's objectives. For example:
• If you want to identify existing or emerging water quality problems
such as algal blooms, you could tailor your monitoring frequency to
20 CHAPTERS
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Figure 3.3. Possible Beneficial and Negative Impacts of River Water Diversion
Rivet Watts
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WATER QUALITY MONITORING
21
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collect data often enough to determine problems early to take measures to
alleviate the problem and warn the public.
• If you want to study seasonal water quality problems, you may want to
increase your monitoring frequency during seasons when water quality
problems are more predominant (i.e., low dissolved oxygen levels and
associated fish kills during summer months).
It is appropriate to experiment with different monitoring frequencies to optimize
your ability to fulfill your project's objectives.
Jefferson Parish Project Monitoring Frequency
The Jefferson Parish Project team programed its time-series sampling system to
collect water quality samples every hour. This monitoring frequency allows the
team members to see short-term changes in water quality and allows them to detect
problems early to respond quickly to adverse environmental conditions, make
appropriate decisions to ensure economic and environmental sustainability of the
affected environment, and protect the health of commercial and recreational users.
The data from the monitoring station in Lake Salvador are used to assess average
conditions and variations from these average conditions. Ancillary measurement,
including but not limited to river discharge/stage, are obtained to aid in the
determination of the cause of the variability revealed by the time-series data.
Previous studies in shallow estuarine systems of coastal Louisiana have shown that
the physical and ecological variability is closely related to changes in wind speed/
direction and river discharge.
3.1.3 Selecting Water Quality Parameters for Monitoring
The time-relevant monitoring parameters that you select depend on your project's
objectives and the time-relevant technologies available to you. The Jefferson Parish
project team chose to monitor the following eleven water quality parameters on a
time-relevant basis to fulfill the project's objectives: water level, precipitation, air
temperature, water temperature, wind speed/direction, specific conductance/
salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, reflectance/turbidity, and chlorophyll a.
The Jefferson Parish Project team uses time-relevant measurements of the above
listed parameters as indicators for the health of the ecosystem (early detection of
algal blooms, seagrass die-offs, and fish kills) and to monitor impacts of freshwater
diversions.
Harmful Algal Blooms
Microscopic, single-celled plants (phytoplankton) serve as the primary producers
of energy at the base of the estuarine food web. Some species of phytoplankton
grow very fast, or "bloom," and accumulate into dense, visible patches
22 CHAPTERS
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near the surface of the water. Although the causes of algal blooms are not entirely
known, scientists suspect that blooms occur as a result of a combination of high
temperatures, a lack of wind, and, frequently, nutrient enrichment. Some algal
blooms are called brown tides, and, while not harmful to humans, they cause serious
ecosystem impacts due to decreases in light penetration and dissolved oxygen.
Brown tides can cause seagrass die-offs and fish kills. Some algae produce potent
neurotoxins that can be transferred through the food web, where they cause
damage, even death, to organisms from zooplankton to humans.
The most well-known harmful algal bloom (HAB) events in the Gulf of Mexico
involve blooms of Gymnodinium breve (also known as red tides). This organism
discolors the water red (although other less harmful algae can also discolor the
water red) and has been implicated in fish kills and the deaths of manatee and other
marine mammals. G. breve produces brevetoxins that cause Neurotoxic Shellfish
Poisoning (NSP). NSP induces gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms in
humans that, although debilitating, are not fatal. In addition, toxic aerosols are
formed by wave action and can produce asthma-like symptoms in humans. This
often leads to beach closures [Source: http://www.epa.gov/ged/gulf.htm].
Jefferson Parish Time-Relevant Water Quality Monitoring Parameters
Water Level. The water level is monitored to ensure that freshwater diversions
do not create or add to any local flooding problems. Early warning of an increased
water level allows diversion managers to make appropriate decisions to minimize
the introduction of more water when flooding is likely.
Precipitation. Precipitation is monitored because it affects the water level in the
estuary. Increased water level may lead to flooding, which adversely impacts coastal
communities. Both, the lack or excess, of precipitation can adversely affect
vegetation and animal life and stress the ecosystem. In addition, precipitation
increases urban runoff, which increases nutrient loads, decreases salinity, and
influences dissolved oxygen levels in the estuary.
Air Temperature. Air temperature affects the water temperature and thus air
temperature monitoring can be used to predict water temperature trends. Air
temperature has a direct effect on biological activity and the growth of terrestrial
organisms and vegetation. Extremely high or low air temperatures for extended
periods of time can adversely affect vegetation and animal life and stress the
ecosystem.
Water Temperature. Water temperature affects metabolic rates and thus has a
direct effect on biological activity and the growth of aquatic animal life and aquatic
vegetation. Generally, high temperatures (up to a certain limit) increase biological
activity and growth, while low temperatures decrease biological activity and
growth. For example, high temperatures in nutrient rich environments promote
WATER QUALITY MONITORING 23
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algal growth and may lead to algal blooms. Temperature also affects biological
activity by influencing lake water chemistry, such as the oxygen content of the water.
Warm water contains less dissolved oxygen than cold water. Low dissolved
oxygen levels in the water might not be sufficient to support some types of aquatic
life.
Wind speed/direction. Wind speed/direction is important for water mixing.
High wind speeds promote mixing of water layers, whereas low wind speeds
promote stratification of the water layers. Mixing of bottom and surface water
creates relatively uniform temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and reflectance/
turbidity profiles. Algal blooms are less likely to occur at high wind speeds because
higher turbidity in the surface water layer reduces light penetration and aquatic plant
growth. In addition, wind speed and direction influence salinity and water levels
through wind-driven tides. For example, a strong southerly wind can increase the
water level in the project area by as much as 12 inches. Salinity levels in the project
area also increase during periods with strong southernly wind.
Specific Conductance/Salinity or electrical conductivity. Electrical
conductivity/salinity is an estimator of the amount of total dissolved salts or total
dissolved ions in water. Many factors influence the electrical conductivity/salinity
of lake water, including the watershed's geology, the watershed's size, wastewater
from point sources, runoff from nonpoint sources, atmospheric inputs,
evaporation rates, precipitation, fresh water diversion from rivers, tidal surges, and
some types of bacterial metabolism. Electrical conductivity/salinity is also a
function of temperature; therefore, time-series data are standardized to 25°C. High
amounts of precipitation and fresh water diversion from rivers decreases electrical
conductivity/salinity, while tidal surges increase electrical conductivity/salinity in the
estuary. Estuaries are characterized by gradients in salinity from near fresh water
at the mouths of the tributaries to near marine at the mouth of the estuary. Estuaries
in the Gulf of Mexico are predominantly polyhaline (salinity more than 18 ppt)
during the summer months. Electrical conductivity/salinity affects the distribution
and health of benthic animals, fish, and vegetation. Both, excessively high or low
salinities, can negatively impact the estuarine ecosystem.
pH. pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in the water. A pH of 7
is considered neutral. Values lower than 7 are considered acidic and higher than 7
are basic. Many important chemical and biological reactions are strongly affected
by pH. In turn, chemical reactions and biological processes (e.g., photosynthesis
and respiration) can affect pH. Lower pH values can increase the amount of
dissolved metals in the water, increasing the toxicity of these metals. [Source: Lake
Access - Minneapolis BMP ACT Manual - EPA/625/R-00/012]
24 CHAPTERS
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Dissolved Oxygen. Dissolved oxygen (DO) is an indicator of the
habitability of estuarine waters for marine life and it is routinely measured
by monitoring programs interested in characterizing the eutrophic state of
estuaries. DO is recognized as an indicator of the extent of eutrophication because
wide fluctuations in DO often result from increased primary productivity and may
reflect prior nutrient loading. DO concentrations may also vary because of natural
processes, such as stratification, depth, wind-induced mixing, and tidal fluxes. DO
is necessary for respiration in most aquatic animals but different biota have different
requirements for adequate DO. Hypoxia (condition where DO is less than 2 mg/
L) increases stress from other factors (e.g., contaminants) on marine organisms,
whereas anoxic conditions (DO < 0.1 mg/L) produce toxic hydrogen sulfide
which can be lethal to marine biota. Many states require DO concentrations of 4-
5 mg/L for estuaries to meet their designated use criteria. Sufficient evidence exists
that DO < 2 mg/L is extremely stressful to most aquatic organisms. Low DO is
usually observed from June through October and is primarily driven by
stratification of the water column [Source: http://www.epa.gov/ged/gulf.htm].
Additional information about hypoxia can also be found on the following USGS
Web site: http://wwwrcolka.cr.usgs.gov/midconherb/hypoxia.html.
Turbidity. Turbidity (or backscatter) describes the clarity of the water. Turbidity
is a measurement of the amounts of total suspended solids in the water. The
particles that make up the turbidity can range from mineral matter to organics. In
combination with the chlorophyll measurements, it can be determined if mineral
matter or organics dominate. Predominant orgaincs can be an indication of an algal
bloom, which could mean that algae below the zone of light penetration are
decaying and consuming oxygen, which in turn, can result in hypoxia that effects
bottom dwelling organisms. Measurements of turbidity and backscatter are
interrelated in that water with high turbidity measurements also yields high
reflectance measurements. This is the case because the more particles are present,
the more light can be scattered back to the sensor. Increased turbidity
measurements might have several adverse effects on water quality, including the
following:
• Turbidity reduces light penetration, which deceases the growth of
aquatic plants and organisms. The reduced plant growth reduces
photosynthesis, which results in decreased daytime releases of oxygen in
the water.
• Suspended particles eventually settle to the bottom, suffocating eggs
and/or newly hatched larva, and occupy potential areas of habitat for
aquatic organisms.
• Turbidity can also negatively impact fish populations by reducing the
ability of predators to locate prey - shifting fish populations to species
that feed at the lake or ocean bottom.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING 25
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• Fine participate material can affect aquatic organisms by clogging or
damaging their sensitive gill structures, decreasing their resistance to
disease, preventing proper egg and larval development, and
potentially interfering with particle feeding activities.
• Increased inputs of organic particles deplete oxygen as the organic particles
decompose.
• Increased turbidity raises the cost of treating surface water for thedrinking
water supply.
Chlorophyll a. Nutrient loading is just one indicator of the potential that an estuary
has to become eutrophic. Chlorophyll a can be an indicator of the first level
response to nutrient enrichment. Measurements of chlorophyll a (via fluorescence)
in the water column represent the standing stock or biomass of phytoplankton.
Blooms of phytoplankton often indicate that an estuary is undergoing
eutrophication. In some estuaries, there is a good correlation between nitrogen
loadings from various sources and concentrations of chlorophyll a. In other
estuaries, however, the relationship does not hold and it is possible, in fact, for an
estuary to receive heavy loads of nitrogen and yet not exhibit increases in
phytoplankton biomass. Other factors such as light limitation, depth of the mixing
zone, flushing rates, and contaminants may affect the growth of phytoplankton.
3.1.4 Selecting Monitoring Equipment
The time-relevant water quality monitoring equipment that you select depend on
your project's objectives. When you select your monitoring equipment, you should
carefully consider ease of use, equipment lifetime, reliability, and maintenance
requirements. You also might consider to use equipment that has been used
successfully for similar types of projects.
Jefferson Parish Equipment Components
The sampling system consists of a platform; data acquisition system (computer
system); a battery; a solar panel; telemetry equipment; and a sensor package. The
computer system allows for remote programming, data acquisition, and data
retrieval. Information about the equipment components listed below was obtained
from User's Manuals available from the Handar (now Vaisala Inc.) Web site at
http://www.vaisala.com and from the Yellow Springs Instruments, Inc. (YSI)
Web site at http://www.ysi.com. Even though the Jefferson Parish project team
uses Handar and YSI instrumentation, other manufactures provide similar
equipment. For example, satellite transmitters are also produced by Sutron (http:/
/www.sutron.com) and sensor equipment is also supplied by Hydrolab (http://
www.hydrolab.com).
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Platform. The platform, which provides the structure for the sampling system, is
an existing oil pumping platform in Lake Salvador. A picture of the platform with
the sampling system is shown in Figure 3.4. For safety reasons, the platform is
equipped with a light that is connected to a
battery, which gets charged by a solar panel. The floor of the platform has metal
grating to which the equipment on the platform is secured. The grating also allows
the Jefferson Parish team members to walk on the platform and access the
equipment.
Data Acquisition System (DAS). The Handar Model 555A is a programable
DAS that controls the sensors, data storage, telemetry, and data transmission. The
555 software governs all aspects of the DAS operation, which includes reading the
sensors, analyzing and processing the data, storage and telemetry. The user creates
its own unique program using an MS-DOS compatible computer by selecting
commands and sensor parameters from pull down menus. The program is then
stored in the nonvolatile memory of the DAS. The unit contains a data acquisition
board, serial bus, and power supply enclosed in a corrosion-resistant fiberglass resin
case. The Handar 555 unit enables the user to:
• Collect, process, and store data at user-specified intervals.
• Transmit data to the land-base station via wireless communication.
• Program the unit from the land-base station.
• Operate the unit in the field with a portable computer.
Figure 3.4. Picture of the sampling system platform taken during the January 9, 2001 site visit.
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The structure on the left of picture is the light (A) below which you see the solar panel
(B) and the box containing the battery (C). The structure to the right of the light
is the fiberglass case (D) containing the DAS, the satellite radio transmitter, and the
battery. The solar panel for the sampling system (E) is to the left of the DAS case.
Above the DAS case is the rain gauge (F)
and the satellite transmission antenna (G). The wind speed/direction sensor, which
is usually mounted above the DAS case, is not shown in the picture because it was
damaged prior to the site visit and was in the process of being replaced. The right
of the pictures shows pipes and structures (H) of the oil platform, which are not
part of the sampling system.
Battery and Solar Panel. The Handar 555A DAS model has an internal lead-acid
gel cell battery. This battery is sealed and rechargeable with a solar panel assembly.
A variety of solar panels may be used for recharging the battery as long as the
charging current is regulated not to exceed 0.3 A. Higher charging currents can
damage the battery and even cause a hydrogen gas explosion.
Telemetry Equipment. The Handar Serial Bus allows the data acquisition board
to communicate with the communications devices and the Programming Set. A
variety of communications options are available for telemetry, including
communication via telephone systems, radio, or satellite.
The Jefferson Parish project team uses a satellite radio transmitter for
communications via GOES. The GOES are satellites operated by the National
Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS) of NOAA. The
GOES Satellite Radio Module consists of a 10-watt transmitter that can be set to
any of the allowable 199 domestic GOES and 33 international channels assigned
by NESDIS. The normal configuration of GOES consists of the GOES East
satellite stationed 21,700 miles above the equator at 75 degrees west longitude and
the GOES West satellite is at 135 degrees west longitude.
Data are transmitted by the data acquisition system on an assigned ultra high
frequency (UHF)-band frequency in the direction of the GOES. The GOES
repeats the message in the S-band, which is received at the NESDIS ground station
at Wallops Island, Virginia. The data are then re-broadcast to the DOMSAT
satellite, which is a low orbiting communications satellite, and then retrieved on an
eight-foot dish at the USGS office in Baton Rouge.
Sensor Package. The sensor package, YSI 6600, has multisensor probes to
measure the various water quality parameters. A picture of the sensor package and
probes is shown in Figure 3.5 below. The YSI 6600 is controlled by the Handar
555 unit. The sensors collect water quality and water level data beneath the platform.
A special cable transmits power and protocols from the Handar 555 unit to the
sensors and transmits data from the sensors to the Handar 555 unit.
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Jefferson Parish Equipment Selection
When selecting the water quality sampling equipment, the Jefferson Parish project
team worked with their local USGS office in Baton Rouge to find out which
equipment they use. The USGS district office in Baton Rouge
Figure 3.5. Picture of the YSI 6600 sensor package with multisensor probes taken during the
January 9, 2001 site visit.
already maintains and services a number of water quality sampling stations in
that area and has extensive experience with the monitoring equipment used.
Since the Jefferson Parish team contracted USGS to operate and maintain their
time-series sampling unit, they wanted to use the same equipment the Baton
Rouge USGS office is using for their other projects to facilitate the process and
reduce costs. Since other USGS offices may be using different water quality
monitoring equipment than the Baton Rouge office, you should contact your
local USGS office and find out which equipment they use, if you are contracting
USGS to operate and maintain your time-series sampling unit. The Jefferson
Parish Project team selected the Handar 555A DAS with the YSI 6600 sensor
package to collect time-relevant water quality data. This capability has
provided the Jefferson Parish Project team with new opportunities for data
collection and analysis and helps the project team to meet its objectives as
described below:
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• Multiple water quality parameters can be collected simultaneously.
• On demand water quality sampling can be conducted during significant
environmental events or when humans are physically unable to test on-site.
• Multiple data points may be collected and received daily making water
quality testing a more efficient and economical process.
• The frequent collection of water quality data enables personnel to
provide timely environmental information to the community and natural
resources and human health protection agencies.
The Jefferson Parish Project team also selected the time-series monitoring
equipment for its ease of use, warranty and Customer Service, reliability, low
maintenance requirements, and successful use for similar types of projects.
Ease of Use. Using the time-series monitoring equipment allows the project team
to collect near-real time data without having to travel out into the field to view,
upload, and process the data. This eliminates the need for frequent trips to a
monitoring site and lets the project team respond to events as they occur.
Equipment Warranty and Customer Service. The Handar 555 DAS with its
YSI 6600 multi-parameter monitoring systems is designed for long-term in situ
monitoring.
The YSI sondes are warranted for two years; all cables are warranted for one year;
and depth, dissolved oxygen, temperature/conductivity, pH, chloride, turbidity,
and chlorophyll probes are warranted for one year. Handar warrants its data
acquisition systems for five years and its telemetry systems for one year. Both YSI
and Handar have customer service agreements providing repair services for their
equipment.
Reliability. The Handar 555 DAS with its YSI 6600 multi-parameter monitoring
systems is designed to work reliably even in extreme weather conditions.
Low Maintenance Requirements. The time-series sampling system has
relatively low maintenance requirements. The YSI probes need some regular
maintenance, such as periodic cleaning, membrane changes of the dissolved oxygen
probe, and replacement of desiccant for the water level sensor. In addition, weekly
calibration of the dissolved oxygen sensor is required. Users also need to check the
batteries and the charging system of the DAS on a regular basis.
Successful Use in Similar Projects. The Jefferson Parish Project team also
selected the time-series sampling system because of its proven track record. Other
water quality monitoring projects (e.g., the Louisiana Lake Pontchartrain project
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and other local monitoring sites maintained by the USGS) use time-series sampling
systems successfully for similar types of projects.
3.1.5 Siting Monitors
The time-relevant water quality monitoring location(s) that you select depend on
your project's objectives. When you select your monitoringlocation(s), you should
carefully consider the following factors:
• Will the data collected at this location (s) fulfill your project's
objectives? For example, if you would like to study the impacts
of freshwater diversions on water quality in estuaries, you need
to make sure that the monitor to collect pre- and post-diversion
data is located in a representative area downstream from the
diversion structure.
• Is your community supportive of equipment installation for time-
series monitoring in the location(s) you selected?
• Does the monitoring equipment at the selected location(s) present a
danger to your community? For example, is the location (s) in an area
with heavy boat, swimming, or personal water craft traffic?
• Is your monitoring equipment safe at the selected location(s)? For
example, is the equipment protected from vandalism, tampering, or
weather related damage?
• Are there any local, state, or federal regulations that you need to
consider in siting the monitor(s)?
• Is the access to the monitor location(s) adequate?
Siting the Jefferson Parish Monitoring Location
The Jefferson Parish Project team decided to locate the time-relevant monitoring
system on an existing structure, an old oil pumping platform, located in Lake
Salvador, a key outfall area of the Davis Pond Diversion. Key project members
determined that this site met project locality needs during field reconnaissance.
3.1.6 Installing the Time-Series Sampling System
This section discusses some of the basic installation procedures for the sampling
system. The detailed installation procedures for the time-series sampling equipment
are available from the user's manuals of the individual pieces of equipment. The
user's manual for the YSI 6600 sensor package can be downloaded from the
Yellow Springs Instruments, Inc. Web site at http://www.ysi.com. The user's
manual for the data acquisition system is can be ordered from the Handar (now
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Vaisala Inc.) Web site at http://www.vaisala.com. You will need to consult these
manuals for detailed step-by-step installation guidance.
Unpacking and Inspecting the Equipment
The first step to install the time-series sampling system is to unpack and inspect the
equipment. As soon as you receive the equipment, you should follow the following
steps:
1. Remove the packing material surrounding the equipment.
2. Using the enclosed packing slip, perform an inventory of all items. If you
are missing any items, contact the manufacturer immediately.
3. Conduct a thorough visual inspection of all items. If you observe any
damage, contact the manufacturer and the carrier.
Preparing and Assembling the Equipment
The second step to install the time-series sampling system is to conduct a series of
preparation and assembly activities on land and at the sampling location. Complete
the following list of preparation and assembly activities:
Installation and preparation on land:
• Calibrate your water quality monitoring sensor according to
manufacturer's instructions.
• Install the sampling system base software program on your land-base
station computer.
• Ensure your battery to supply power to the sampling system is charged.
Installation at the site:
• Secure Handar unit on the sampling platform.
• Assemble sensor package.
• Install telemetry antennas and correctly point directional antennas.
• Run cables along platform structure and tie cables to the structure with
tie-wraps.
• Connect cables (At the lower end of a cable, allow the cable to form a
loop with the low point well below the connector on the Handar unit
panel. This lets the moisture running down the cable drip to the ground
at the low point and keeps it from running into the connectors).
• Assemble the electrical system.
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• Connect the Handar unit to the electrical system.
• Connect the sensor package (Connect sensor cables to sensor and data
acquisition system).
• Position and connect the solar panel.
• Connect power supply.
• Perform electrical testing to ensure proper operation.
• Initialize data acquisition system.
• Load data acquisition software.
• Test the sensors.
• Set the clock.
• Set start time and interval
3.1.7 Operating the Time-Series Sampling System
This section discusses the basic steps for operating the time-series sampling system.
The procedures were summarized from the user's manual for the data acquisition
system, which can be ordered from the Handar (now Vaisala Inc.) Web site at http: /
/www.vaisala.com. You will need to refer to this manual, for detailed step-by-step
operation guidance.
Viewing and Retrieving Data
In order to examine and collect data from the DAS while it is running in the field,
connect your programming set to the DAS and use the RETRIEVE DATA
command of the ONLINE menu. If you just want to look at the most recent data
in memory to see how things are currently going, proceed as follows:
(1) Select RETRIEVE DATA command.
(2) Select ALL DATA STORES.
(3) To view the most recent items, select DISPLAY.
(4) Select either ALL data, LAST MEASUREMENTS, or
INCLUSIVE PERIOD, depending on which data you
would like to view.
(5) Press ENTER for the data to appear on the screen.
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Printing Data
If you have a printer connected to your programming set, and you want to
have a printed version of the screen display, follow the steps below:
(1) Select RETRIEVE DATA command.
(2) Select ALL DATA STORES.
(3) To print the most recent items, select PRINTER.
(4) Select either ALL data, LAST MEASUREMENTS, or
INCLUSIVE PERIOD, depending on which data you would
like to print.
(5) Press ENTER for the data to print.
Saving Data Files
The procedure for transferring data from the DAS memory to a file on the hard
disk or floppy disk in your programming set is nearly the same as for viewing and
retrieving data. If you want to save data files, proceed as follows:
(1) Select RETRIEVE DATA command.
(2) Select ALL DATA STORES.
(3) To save the data, select DISK.
(4) Choose either TEXT or BINARY format
(5) Specify a file name and a path using standard DOS
notation to store the data.
Inspecting and Changing Parameters
Parameters are numbers or characters that you provide to control program
operation. They include such items as measurement times and intervals to control
process schedules, sensor calibration information, and current values and offsets.
Initial values of all these items are required during programming, but you can change
some of them after loading the program into the data acquisition system.
Parameters that you can inspect and change in the data acquisition system are called
field accessible. To change field accessible parameters, proceed as follows:
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(1) Select ALTER PARAMETERS in the ONLINE menu.
(2) The screen displays a list of the names of all the field accessible
parameters together with their current values. Move the highlight to
one you want to change and select it by pressing ENTER
(3) If you see the message EDITING ACCESS DENIED, you cannot
change the parameter in the present mode of the DAS. Just above
this message, there will be a label, for example ALTERABLE IN STOP
MODE ONLY, that explains the restrictions on the parameter. If the
number is displayed, you can change it.
(4) After making your changes, press ENTER and you will see the list of
parameters again with the new value for the one you changed. The
change will affect all sensors and processes that use that parameter.
3.1.8 Maintaining the Time-Series Sampling System
The scheduled maintenance activities for your time-series sampling system will likely
involve cleaning and calibration of your water quality monitoring sensors and
replacement of desiccant for the water level sensor. Maintenance frequency is
generally governed by the fouling rate of the sensors, and this rate varies by sensor
type, hydrologic environment, and season. The performance of temperature and
specific conductance sensors tends to be less affected by fouling, whereas the
dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity sensors are more prone to fouling. The use
of wiper or shutter mechanisms on modern turbidity instruments has decreased the
fouling problem significantly. For stations with critical data quality objectives,
service intervals may be weekly or more often. Monitoring sites with nutrient-
enriched waters and moderate to high temperatures may require service intervals
as frequently as every third day. In cases of severe environmental fouling, the use
of an observer for servicing the water quality monitor should be considered. In
addition to fouling problems, physical disruptions (such as recording equipment
malfunction, sedimentation, electrical disruption, debris, or vandalism) also may
require additional site visits. The service needs of water quality monitoring stations
equipped with telemetry can be recognized quickly, and the use of satellite telemetry
to verify proper equipment operation is recommended. The USGS Web site
(http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/wri/wri004252/#pdf) is a good source for
background information on operation and maintenance of near-real time water
quality monitoring systems. (The information in this Section is summarized from
the USGS document titled "Guidelines and Standard Procedures for Continuous
Water-Quality Monitors: Site Selection, Field Operation, Calibration, Record
Computation, and Reporting". This document is available from the USGS Web
site listed above.)
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Jefferson Parish Project Maintenance Activities
Jefferson Parish team services the time-series sampling system at least once per
week to conduct routine maintenance activities. In case of physical disruptions
(such as recording equipment malfunction, sedimentation, electrical disruption,
debris, or vandalism), the Jefferson Parish team conducts additional site visits. Since
the Jefferson Parish system is equipped with satellite telemetry, proper equipment
operation can be verified at all times allowing quick identification of any service
needs of the water quality monitoring station. The following general maintenance
functions are conducted on the Jefferson Parish system:
• Daily review of the sensor function by checking the transmitted data
• Weekly inspection of the site for signs of physical disruption
• Weekly inspection of the sensors for fouling, corrosion, or damage
• Weekly change of desiccant used on the "dry" atmospheric side of the
differential transducer used for water level measurements
• Check if desiccant for the water level sensor is active (active desiccant is
colored blue whereas inactive desiccant is colored pink) and replace it as
needed
• Battery/power check
• Routine sensor cleaning and servicing
• Calibration
The Jefferson Parish project team cleans, calibrates, and inspects the monitoring
equipment according to detailed instructions provided by the equipment
manufactures. The sensors are cleaned carefully and thoroughly to remove algae
and any other organisms that foul the sensors. The pH, turbidity, and conductivity
sensors are calibrated against known standard solutions. The temperature sensor
is generally not calibrated, but the team makes comparisons of the temperature
readings by using USGS District-certified thermometers or thermistors. Although
field calibration is possible, rough water in Lake Salvador and temperature changes
in the field can complicate calibration efforts. Thus, calibration of the dissolved
oxygen sensor is conducted in the controlled environment of the USGS laboratory
to facilitate the process. The team has two dissolved oxygen sensors, which are
being switched between field use and lab calibration on a weekly basis.
The detailed maintenance requirements and procedures for the sampling
equipment are available from the user's manuals of the individual pieces of
equipment. The user's manual for the YSI 6600 sensor package can be
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downloaded from the Yellow Springs Instruments, Inc. Web site at http://
www.ysi.com. The user's manual for the data acquisition system is can be ordered
from the Handar (now Vaisala Inc.) Web site at http://www.vaisala.com.
Figure. 3.6. Picture of the antenna at the LSU Costal Studies Institute taken during the January 9,2001 site visit.
3.2 Satellite/Remote Sensing Technology
3.2.1 Available Satellite Data
Satellite image data can be used to provide regional maps of the surface or near-
surface distribution of physical and biological components/characteristics of water
bodies. Data from the NOAA Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES)
can be received directly via antenna, such as is done at the Earth Scan Laboratory,
Coastal Studies Institute at LSU. A picture of the antenna used at the LSU Coastal
Studies Institute is shown in Figure 3.6 above. The data can be viewed and analyzed
close to realtime. The Orbview-2 SeaWiFS (Sea-viewing Wide Field of View
Sensor) has a 2-week embargo on research use. A list of SeaWiFS ground stations
is provided in Appendix B. The NOAA satellites are equipped with an Advanced
Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). Orbview-2 carries the SeaWiFS
ocean color sensor.
Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer - a broad-band, four or five
channel scanner, sensing the visible, near-infrared, and thermal infrared
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portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Important functions of the AVHRR
include:
• Deriving Sea Surface Temperatures
• Deriving the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index
• Deriving atmospheric aerosols over the oceans
• Monitoring volcanic eruptions and supporting an operational NOAA
warning of volcanic ash in the atmosphere during eruption events
• Other applications requiring high temporal resolution of daily coverage,
with moderate spectral and spatial resolution, operational stereoscopic
coverage, and calibrated thermal sensors.
[Source: http: //www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/globsys /avhrr3.shtml]
There are four types of AVHRR data:
• High Resolution Picture Transmission (HRPT)
• Global Area Coverage (GAG)
• Local Area Coverage (LAC)
• Automatic Picture Transmission (APT)
HRPT Data are full resolution (1-km) real time data received directly by ground
stations. GAG data are sampled onboard to represent a 4.4-km pixel, stored and
played back to a NOAA ground stations in Virginia, Alaska, and Lanion, France.
LAC data are 1-km recorded onboard and played back to the NOAA ground
stations. APT is an analog derivative of HRPT data transmitted at a lower resolution
and high power for low-cost very high frequency (VHP) ground stations. For the
Jefferson Parish EMPACT document, LSU receives HRPT data. [Source: http:/
/www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/globsys/avhrr3.shtml]
Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor - a sensor that provides quantitative
data on global bio-optical properties to the Earth science community. Subtle
changes in ocean color signify various types and quantities of marine phytoplankton
(microscopic marine plants), the knowledge of which has both scientific and
practical applications.
The concentration of microscopic marine plants (or phytoplankton) can be derived
from satellite observation and quantification of ocean color. This is due to the fact
that the color in most of the world's oceans in the visible light region (wavelengths
of 400-700 nm) varies with the concentration of chlorophyll and other plant
pigments present in the water, i.e., the more phytoplankton present, the greater the
concentration of plant pigments and the greener the water.
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Since an orbiting sensor can view every square kilometer of cloud-free
ocean every 48 hours, satellite-acquired ocean color data constitute a valuable tool
for determining the abundance of ocean biota on a global scale. [Source: http://
seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEAWIFS/BACK GROUND/
SEAWIFS_BACKGROUND.html]. The SeaWiFS data have an embargo period
of at least 14 days and therefore are not available in real time on the Web site [Source:
EMPACT 1st Year Report, November 2000, Walker, et al].
The SeaWiFS Project operates a research data system, which gathers, processes,
archives, and distributes data received from an ocean color sensor. The data can
also be obtained as a "data buy" from a private contractor, Orbital Sciences
Corporation (OSC). OSC operates the SeaStar satellite which carries the SeaWiFS
sensor. [Source: http://seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEAWIFS/BACKGROUND/
SEAWIFS_970_BROCHURE.html]
3.2.2 Use of Satellite Data - Jefferson Parish Project
The LSU Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) manages the Earth Scan Laboratory (ESL)
(http://www.esl.lsu.edu). The ESL is an earth station telemetry site for the capture
of NOAA AVHRR, Orbview-2 SeaWiFS and GOES-8 digital satellite image data.
The mission of the ESL is to support research, education, and public service/
emergency response with near-real time or archived remotely sensed satellite and
aircraft data. ESL's mission also includes processing, analysis, interpretation, and
dissemination of the remotely sensed data. These satellite data are a valuable asset
for environmental management and decision making that involves environmental
conditions, such as:
• Monitoring conditions of coastal and estuarine waters, their surface
temperature, turbidity (reflectance) levels, and coastal inundation for
fisheries management
• Detecting river flooding in local detail for state disaster-related decision
makers.
[Source: http://antares.esl.lsu.edu/htmls/intro.html]
The Jefferson Parish project uses satellite data to monitor regional changes in
temperature, reflectance (suspended solids) and chlorophyll a in Louisiana lakes,
bays, and the coastal ocean adjacent to the Davis Pond diversion project.
3.3 Water Quality Field Sampling
The USGS District Office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, takes weekly and special
event field samples to "surface truth" the remote sensing data and to validate the
time-series water quality sampling data. "Surface truthing" satellite data involves
WATER QUALITY MONITORING 39
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measuring reflectance and relating the digital measurements of turbidity and
fluorescence to suspended solids and chlorophyll a measurements taken from field
samples.
3.3.1 Water Quality Field Sampling and Analysis Team
The USGS District Office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, collects water quality field
samples. Jefferson Parish provides a trained environmental technician and the
parish's boat to assist the USGS with water sample collection.
LSU-CEI is responsible for analysis of water samples and providing the resulting
data in tabular and graphic form. The LSU-CEI lab analyzes the field samples for
chlorophyll a, nutrients, suspended solids, salinity, and pH and provides graphical
summaries of each parameter within one week of laboratory analysis. The
chlorophyll a and nutrient analyses on water samples are used to surface-truth
satellite images. LSU-CEI scientists interpret the water quality and remotely sensed
data and post it to a Web site. LSU-CEI provides quarterly reports of all data (with
allowances for a one month delay in processing and Quality Assurance and Quality
Control) to the project manager at Jefferson Parish. Graphical summaries of each
parameter are updated within one week of laboratory analysis, but are subject to
subsequent QA/QC procedures. Monthly graphics of key parameters are sent to
the EMPACT manager for Jefferson Parish. A tabular summary of samples
received, status and completion are maintained as part of a routine chain-of-
custody procedure. Data are also presented on an LSU Web page, which will be
linked to the Jefferson Parish EMPACT home page.
LUMCO identifies harmful algal species contained in each sample, provides the
resulting data in tabular and graphic form, and coordinates with the Louisiana
Department of Health and hospitals regarding possible threats to human health.
3.3.2 Sampling Locations and Frequency
Water samples for lab analysis are taken weekly from seven stations in Lake
Salvador and Lake Cataouche. (Cataouche is a smaller lake to the north of Salvador.
Both lie in the direct flow path of the Davis Pond Diversion.) Collection stations
were chosen by Dr. Chris Swarzenski, a scientist with the USGS who has been
doing marsh grass research in the area for the past 15 years, to compliment and
augment monthly monitoring in the area by others (USAGE, Louisiana
Department of Natural Resources, United States Park Service, and Turner). The
coordinates and a map depicting the location of collection sites is shown in
Figure 3.7.
Additionally, samples are taken from the upper Barataria Basin to the Gulf of
Mexico during two separate collection dates during the summer months when
conditions are most conducive to phytoplankton growth. The relation between
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surface characteristics from the field samples and satellite data are described in more
detail in Section 4.
Figure 3.7. Map and Coordinates (tat/long or UTM) of Water Quality Field Sampling Locations
LCI (294423, 901254) Southwesterly of platform
LC2 (294549, 901325) West of platform
LC3 (294748, 901405) Northeasterly of No. 2
LC4 (295001, 901426) Northeasterly of No. 3
LC5 (294943, 901207) Easterly of No. 4
LC 6 (294901, 901011) Southeasterly of No. 5 (in channel on east side of Couba Island)
LC 7 (294738, 901043) Northeasterly of platform
LC 8 (294608, 901116) Platform
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4. COLLECTING, TRANSfERRING, AND
MANAGING TIME-RELEVANT WATER
QUALITY DATA
In order to effectively assess water quality and the impacts of water
quality management activities, such as river diversions into estuaries, it is
necessary to monitor water quality over time (i.e., monitor pre- and post-
diversion water quality). The water quality monitoring should take into account
water quality parameters important to the local community. Conducting a
comprehensive manual sampling program that covers different times of the day,
as well as different seasons and seasonal events, presents distinct challenges. As a
result, many water quality monitoring programs, such as the Jefferson Parish
Project, rely on automated systems, in which water sampling units collect data at
programmed intervals and then transmit the data to a land-based station for
storage, retrieval, and analysis. In addition, the Jefferson Parish project relies on
remote sensing data to monitor water parameters. However, limited field
sampling still has to be conducted to "surface truth" the satellite data.
Using the Jefferson Parish Project as a model, this chapter provides you and
your community with "how-to" instructions on how to operate and
maintain such data collection systems. If you are responsible for or interested
in implementing time-series water sampling, you should carefully read the
technical information presented in Section 4.2, which discusses setting up
and using a sampling station for data collection and transfer, and managing
the data at the base station. If you are interested in using remote sensing
technology to monitor water quality parameters, you should read the
information presented in the Section 4.3. This section provides detailed
information on satellite data acquisition, processing, interpretation,
ground-truthing, and data transfer and management. Details on water quality
field sampling are discussed in Section 4.4, which provides details on sampling,
water quality parameter analyses phytoplankton speciation, and data transfer and
management. Readers interested in an overview of the system should focus
primarily on the introductory information in Section 4.1 below.
4.1 System Overview
The water quality monitoring program for the Jefferson Parish Project uses
three types of data: (1) time-series water sampling data; (2) satellite data; and
(3) water quality field sampling data. The data are collected and analyzed by
four separate entities. Time-series water sampling data and satellite data can
be accessed through links from the Jefferson Parish Web site at http://
www. jeffparish.net/pages/index.cfm?DocID = 1228.
COLLECTING, TRANSFERRING, AND 43
MANAGING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA
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Figure 4.1 System Overview
Time S eries
S ampling Unit
in Lake
Salvador
GOES
-Transmit Data
- Schedule profiles
for data collection
-Transfer data
NOAAand
Oibvuew-2
Satellites
-SeaSpace Terascan™
image reception .and
processitig
NOAAard
Oiiview-2
Satellites
Data provided
inLSUCEI
Be ports
&LSU Web page
- Model data
- Analyze data
-Display data
-Phyto plankton
speciation
44
CHAPTER 4
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The field sampling data are available via the Internet at http://its2.ocs.lsu.edu/
guests/ceilc/. A schematic of the main components of the data collection,
transfer, and management system for the Jefferson Parish project is presented
in the figure on the following page.
The time-series water sampling data are collected by an automated system, in
which a sampling unit collects hourly data and then transmits the data via
GOES to the USGS District Office every four hours for storage, retrieval,
and analysis. The sampling unit is located in Lake Salvador, a key outfall area
of the Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion Project.
Satellite data collected by NOAA satellites are received and processed using
SeaSpace Terascan™ system which operates at the Earth Scan Laboratory,
Coastal Studies Institute at LSU. This software package performs calibration,
geometric correction, and more specialized processing for the determination
of temperature, reflectance (turbidity), and chlorophyll a concentrations. Water
sampling results are used to "surface truth" satellite reflectance measurements
and to relate the digital measurements of turbidity and fluorescence to
suspended solids and chlorophyll a.
Water quality field sampling is conducted weekly from seven stations in Lake
Salvador and Lake Cataouche (a smaller lake north of Lake Salvador) to
ground-truth remote sensing data and validate time-series water sampling data.
The LSU-CEI analyzes the samples for chlorophyll a, nutrients, and suspended
solids. The LUMCON provides data on phytoplankton speciation including
identification of harmful algal species. The field sampling data are
interpreted and made available via the Internet.
4.2 Time-Series Water Quality Sampling
A data collection, transfer, and management system can benefit your
community in two ways: It enables you to automate the collection of water
quality samples, and it enables you to control the resulting data flexibly and
easily. By using the system's software, you can program your time-series water
sampling unit to collect water quality data at specified intervals. Then you
can call the sampling unit as needed for data transmission or program your
system to call for transmissions of data at specified times. Once the data
arrive, the information can be formatted and stored or otherwise prepared for
export to another database, or it can be analyzed using geographical
information system or data visualization software.
The sampling station unit is installed on a platform in the water and
programmed to collect water quality data at specified intervals. The sampling
unit has a multiprobe water quality sensor manufactured by YSI.
This YSI Model 6600 data collection station is equipped with two optical
ports for temperature and conductivity measurements plus a pressure and
COLLECTING, TRANSFERRING, AND 45
MANAGING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA
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turbidity probe and dissolved oxygen and pH sensors. The data collected
by the sampling station unit is transmitted via GOES to the USGS District
Office at set time intervals and displayed on the USGS Internet home page.
The data is archived as part of the USGS national hydrologic information
system and resides in INGRES, a software developed by the USGS. Data
security is managed by established USGS procedures.
The land-based station at the USGS District Office is basically a computer
equipped with two main parts: (1) the base system software used to create
profile schedules of sampling parameters and to communicate with the
sampling station unit to transmit schedules and receive sampling data and
(2) the database management system used to format, quality check, and
store collected data.
The sampling station unit and the base station computer are equipped with
communications hardware featuring a satellite radio transmitter. This
equipment allows the sampling station unit and computer to "talk" to each
other over long distances. Because of this communication ability, the
sampling station unit becomes part of a remote data acquisition system
controlled from the land-base station. At the base station, an operator runs the
sampling station-base software to connect to the sampling station unit for data
collection and transfer.
The system's flexibility enables you to establish sampling and data transfer
protocols based on your specific monitoring needs. For example, you might
program your sampling station unit to sample every hour, 7 days a week, to
monitor general trends. You might also want to conduct sampling specific
to certain events, such as conditions conducive to algal blooms, during which
you might monitor water quality on a 30-minute basis.
The system can collect and store data for future use, or it can retrieve and
transmit collected data in near-real time. Each sampling station unit stores
collected data in its on-board computer, making the data available for
download on demand by the base station. The unit can also serve as a
temporary archive by retaining a copy of all transmitted data files. Once the unit
runs out of space, it will overwrite data as necessary, beginning with the oldest
data.
The remainder of this section provides information on how the data
collected by the sampling system are transferred to the base station, how
the data are managed, and which troubleshooting and data quality
assurance steps are taken. These steps are illustrated using the Jefferson Parish
project as an example.
How often should data be collected?
The Jefferson Parish time-series sampling station collects samples on an
hourly basis and transmits the data via GOES to the USGS District Office
46 CHAPTER 4
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every four hours. The data is then displayed on the USGS Internet home
page.
4.2.1 Data Collection Equipment Calibration
USGS members of the Jefferson Parish team perform routine, weekly
maintenance and calibration of the sensors with independent equipment. This
independent equipment is tested to ensure accuracy and reliability of the field
instrumentation. The USGS district office ensures that adequate testing is
carried out and the documented results fully characterize the performance
and capabilities of the instruments. The USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation
Facility (HIF) conducts testing, evaluation, and documentation of instrument
performance. USGS districts purchase instruments through HIF when
possible. HIF can also perform independent testing for the district offices.
The USGS Web site (http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/wri/wri004252/#pdf) is a good
source for background information on calibration and data QA/QC of
"real-time" water quality monitoring systems. Table 4.1 shows some USGS
sensor calibration requirements. USGS recommends that equipment
adjustments be made until the equipment meets their recommended
calibration criteria. Otherwise, equipment that cannot meet the calibration
criteria! should be replaced. The information in this Section is summarized
from the USGS document titled "Guidelines and Standard Procedures for
Continuous Water-Quality Monitors: Site Selection, Field Operation,
Calibration, Record Computation, and Reporting" available from the USGS
Web site listed above. The USGS guidelines referred to in this document have
evolved based on decades of experience with water-quality monitoring.
4.2.2 Transferring Your Collected Data to the Base
Station
As a first step, you will need to determine what kind of data communication
or telemetry equipment to install on your sampling station unit. Telemetry
equipment enables data to be transferred from a sampling station to a
receiving station (i.e., the base station). You can choose between a number of
telemetry equipment options including cellular telephone modem, a 900 MHz
transceiver, and a satellite radio transmitter.
Jefferson Parish Telemetry Equipment
The USGS, a key partner in the Jefferson Parish EMPACT project, uses
automated earth-satellite telemetry for the transmission of data via satellite
from the time-series sampling system located in lake Salvador. The data are
being collected on an hourly basis and transmitted via GOES. Every four
hours a data set that consist of eight hours of monitoring data are being
transmitted (one redundant data set from the past four hours and one current
four hour data set).
COLLECTING, TRANSFERRING, AND 47
MANAGING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA
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Table 4.1. Sensor Calibration and Accuracy Requirements
Sensor
Temperature
USGS-Recomme nde d
Calibration Accuracy
+/-0.2°C
Calibration
Annual 5-point calibration over temperature
range of 0-40°C. Three or more 2-point
calibration checks per year for thermistors over
the maximum and minimum expected
temperature range.
Calibration is conducted weekly at 0.0 mg/L
and 1 00% dissolved oxygen saturation.
Dissolved Oxygen
+/- 0.3 mg/L
Specific Conductance
The greater of +/- 5
uS/cm or
+/- 3 % of the measured
value
Standards bracketing the expected full range
are used to calibrate the specific meter to the
appropriate units for particular field conditions.
The specific conductance standards are
available from the USGS Ocala Quality Water
Service Unit (QWSU).
x 0.2 pH units
Two standard buffers bracketing the expected
range of values are used to calibrate the PH
electrode, and a third is used to check for
linearity. The pH-7 buffer is used to establish
the null point, and the pH-4 or pH-1 0 buffer is
used to establish the slope of the calibration
line at the temperature of the solution. The
temperatures of the buffers should be as close
as possible to the samples being measured.
Standard buffers are available from QWSU.
Turbidity
The greater of +/- 5
NTU or
+/- 5 % of the measured
value
Conduct 3 point calibration at values of 0, 1 0,
and 1 00 NTU using standards based on either
Formazin or approved primary standards, such
as styrene divinylbenzene polymer standards.
The access to GOES to transmit information is limited to specified
users such as governmental agencies like USGS or the Corps of
Engineers. Thus, if you want to use satellite telemetry to transmit
your data from the sampling system to the base station, you may
want to enter into a cooperative agreement with an organization such
as USGS.
The GOES are operated by the NESDIS of NOAA. The GOES
Satellite Radio Module consists of a 10-watt transmitter that can be
set to any of the allowable 199 domestic GOES and 33 international
channels assigned by NESDIS. The normal configuration of GOES
consists of the GOES East The normal configuration of GOES
consists of the GOES East satellite stationed 21,700 miles above
the equator at 75 degrees west longitude and the GOES West
satellite is at 135 degrees west longitude.
48
CHAPTER 4
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Data are transmitted by the data acquisition system on an assigned
UHF-band frequency in the direction of the GOES. The GOES repeats the
message in the S-band, which is received at the NESDIS ground station at
Wallops Island, Virginia. The data are then re-broadcast to the DOMSAT
satellite, which is a low orbiting communications satellite, and then retrieved
on an eight-foot dish at the USGS office in Baton Rouge. A schematic of the
data transfer process is shown in Figure 4.2.
4.2.3 Managing Data at the Base Station
This section provides you with background information on managing data at
the base station. It discusses the basic data management steps conducted at
the base station including processing, QA/QC, distribution, and storage.
The base station software used by USGS is called ILEX, which is a
specialized software that was developed specifically for USGS by an outside
contractor. The Local Readout Ground Station (LRGS) at the USGS district
office in Baton Rouge receives data from all USGS data collection sites. By
entering specific site codes, data from specific USGS monitoring sites can be
filtered out and kept for processing.
The data received by the LRGS are processed, checked to assure they do not
fall outside the range of set thresholds, and distributed. The data are stored/
archived as part of the USGS national hydrologic information system and
resides in INGRES, a software developed by USGS. Data security is
managed by established USGS procedures. USGS is currently coordinating
with the EPA to make the archived data available in STORET, a software
used by the EPA. The data are displayed near-real time on the USGS
Hydrowatch Web site, from where they can be accessed by anyone who has
access to the Internet including Federal, State, and local agencies, academia,
industry, the public, policy-makers, and managers. Figure 4.3 shows the data
transfer to the base station and the basic data management steps taken at the
base station.
Data-Processing Procedures
To ensure time-relevant access to the data and to avoid data management
problems, the water quality monitoring data should be processed soon after
data collection and retrieval. When processing the data, no corrections should
be made unless they can be validated or explained with information or
observations in the field notes or by comparison to information from other
data sources. The USGS data processing procedures consist of six major
steps: (1) initial data evaluation, (2) application of corrections and shifts, (3)
application and evaluation of cross-section corrections, (4) final data
evaluation, (5) record checking, and (6) record review. These processing
procedures, which are described in detail in the sections below, are
summarized from the USGS document titled "Guidelines and
COLLECTING, TRANSFERRING, AND 49
MANAGING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA
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en
o
Remote Data. LciUjectum bites
Ronot* Dili CoILection Sit*s
D QMS AT User
Reception Stes
AFOS Circuits
G-TS Circuis
DCS Automatic
System
Wallops Station
Gatswsy
DCS Systems
Management
Camp Spring;, MD
O
I
>
Tl
H
m
Figure 4.2 Schematic of the GOES DATA Collection System (DCS) and Data Transfer Process
Source: http://www.osd.noaa.gov/sats/dcs/dcs-figure.htm
-------
Figure 4.3. Data Transfer and Management Diagram
Time- Series
Sampling System
Colfect data it
Specific
TlIIES
V
Stoie Datafot
DoTsniload
EndUsei
^f
Se ±id C ollec tion P iohle
Base Station Initiated
Transfer. Data
Base Station Initiated
Base Statioi
w
Set Data C dlectitMi
and Ti ansfei:
So liedule
Incoming Data
DataC
QA
1
aiveision
/QC
Database
(ai chree d)
y
ng Data
Standard Procedures for Continuous Water-Quality Monitors: Site Selection,
Field Operation, Calibration, Record Computation, and Reporting"
available from the USGS Web site at http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/wri/wri004252/
#pdf.
Initial Data Evaluation
In the initial data evaluation step, USGS checks the success of the raw field
data transfer to the office database. This provides an opportunity for initial
checks to evaluate and correct erroneous data. The raw field data may be
stored in a variety of formats, depending on the recording equipment and the
means of downloading data from the recording equipment. The conversion
of raw data from the sampling system into a standard entry format to the
USGS district database, or Automated Data-Processing System (ADAPS), is
accomplished by using an on-line computer program, or Device Conversion
and Delivery System (DECODES). After entry into ADAPS, primary data
tables and plots can be produced for review.
Application of Corrections and Shifts
The application of corrections and shifts allows USGS to adjust data to
compensate for errors that occurred during the service interval as a result
of environmental or instrumental effects. There are three types of
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51
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measurement-error corrections: (1) fouling, (2) drift, and (3) cross-section
correction. USGS only make corrections to measurements when the type and
degree of correction is known. If the deviation between the actual value and
sensor reading exceed the criterion for water quality data shifts, as shown in
Table 4.2, a correction is required. The correction is a linear interpolation over
time between sensor inspections.
Table 4.2. Criteria for Water-Quality Data Shifts
USGS-Recomm ended Shift Criteria
Measured Physical Property (Apply Shift when Deviation Exceeds
this Value)
Temperature
Dissolved Oxygen
Specific Conductance
PH
Turbidity
+ /- 0.2°C
+ /- 0.3 mg/L
The greater of +/- 5 uS/cm or +/- 3
of the measured value
%
x 0.2 pH units
The greater of +/- 5 NTU or +/- 5 %
of the measured value
Evaluation and Application of Cross-Section Corrections
Cross-section corrections allow USGS to adjust measurements of the
monitoring equipment to reflect conditions more accurately in the entire
cross section of the monitoring area (e.g., from bank to bank of the water
body that you are monitoring). The application of cross-section corrections
is intended to improve the accuracy and representativeness of monitoring
measurements. However, USGS only makes cross section corrections, if the
variability in the cross section exceeds the shift criteria. Corrections to the
cross section are based on field measurements taken both horizontally and
vertically in the water body cross section.
Final Data Evaluation
Final data evaluations consist of reviewing the data record, checking shifts,
and making any needed final corrections. When completed, USGS verifies
the data for publication and rates the data for quality. The data that USGS
cannot verify or that are rated as unacceptable are retained for
record-checking and review purposes but are not published in ADAPS.
However, USGS archives unacceptable or unverified data following
established USGS district policies.
Many USGS district offices have established quality-control limits for
shifting data, which are commonly referred to as "maximum allowable
limits." This means that data are not published, if the recorded values differ
from the field-measured values by more than the maximum allowable limits.
For the purpose of consistency within the USGS the limits are established
52
CHAPTER 4
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at 10 times the calibration criteria for all standard continuous-monitoring
data-gathering activities, except for more stringent requirements for DO and
turbidity. Table 4.3 below shows the maximum allowable limits for
continuous water quality monitoring sensors.
Table 4.3. USGS Recommended Maximum Allowable Limits for
Continuous Water-Quality Monitoring Sensors
. Maximum Allowable Limits for Water
Measured Physical Property
Quality sensor Values
Temperature
Dissolved Oxygen
Specific Conductance
pH
Turbidity
+/-2.0°C
The greater of +/- 2.0 mg/L or 20 %
+/-30%
D2.0 pH units
+/-30%
After evaluating each record for maximum allowable limits, USGS applies
one of four accuracy classifications to each measured physical property on a
scale ranging from poor to excellent. The accuracy ratings are based on data
values recorded before any shifts or corrections are made and depend on how
much the recorded values differ from the field-measured values. For more
details on the USGS data publication criteria guidelines refer to the USGS
document titled "Guidelines and Standard Procedures for Continuous
Water-Quality Monitors: Site Selection, Field Operation, Calibration, Record
Computation, and Reporting" available from the USGS Web site at http://
water.usgs.gov/pubs/wri/wri004252/#pdf.
Record Checking and Record Review
In the record checking process, USGS thoroughly checks all data used in
producing the final water quality record for completeness and accuracy before
final review and publication. The hydrographer who is responsible for
computing the water quality record first reviews the record, followed by a
second check for completeness and accuracy by an experienced
hydrographer. Finally, the USGS district water quality specialist or
district-designated reviewer inspects the water quality record. In addition, all
field data are verified for accuracy and transcription from field sheets, all
shifts are checked to assure that the correct values are used for a shift, and all
dates and numbers in the station manuscript are checked for accuracy.
Near-Real Time Data QA/QC versus Non-Real Time Data QA/QC
Depending on the type of data (near-real time versus non-real time data) you
are providing to the public, you can spend different amounts of time and
effort on quality control checks. If your goal is to provide near-real time data,
there is no time for extensive manual QA/QC checks. On the
COLLECTING, TRANSFERRING, AND
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53
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other hand, if you are providing non-real time data, you have time to
perform extensive quality checks, as described in the sections above.
Performing quality checks on Jefferson Parish non-real time data can take
from a few days to weeks or months, depending on the amount of data
streaming into the project's base station.
When you are providing near-real time data, such as the data found on
the USGS Hydrowatch Web site, time for QA/QC checks is limited.
The checks that can be conducted must either be automated or can only
focus on obvious data problems, if they are done manually. The near-real
time data undergo two very basic QA/QC steps during the data
management process.
The first QA/QC step is done while the data are processed by the
DECODES software program at the USGS base station. USGS can enter
set thresholds in the DECODES software for each water quality
parameter. If the value for any given parameter falls outside the
acceptable range entered for that parameter, the data point will be
removed. For example, if a pH reading exceeding a pH of 10 is recorded,
the data point will be removed because it falls in an unacceptable range for
that particular parameter.
The second QA/QC step is taken at the base station when the data are
imported into Microsoft Access. At this point, the data undergo a brief
manual QA/QC step, at which outliers or obvious erroneous data points
are deleted manually from the database.
Storing and Archiving the Data
It is recommended that you store and archive all sample records, raw
data, quality control data, and results. A variety of media are available for
archiving data (e. g, CD- ROMs, Zip disks, floppy diskettes, and hard copy).
The server storing the data should also be backed up daily to prevent data
loss.
4.2.4 Troubleshooting
This section contains information about common troubleshooting issues.
Table 4.4 below can be used to identify the causes of some common
difficulties that may occur while operating the YSI 6600 sensor package.
The "symptom" column describes the type of difficulty that you might
experience, the "possible cause" column describes the condition that might
cause the stated symptom, and the "action" column provides simple steps
that can be followed to correct the problem. [Source: The user's manual
for the YSI 6600 sensor package, which can be downloaded from the
Yellow Springs Instruments, Inc. Web site at http://www.ysi.com
54 CHAPTER 4
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Table 4.4. Common Troubleshooting Issues and Actions
Symptoms
Dissolved
Oxygen
reading
unstable or
inaccurate
Possible Cause
Probe not properly calibrated
Membrane not properly installed or
punctured
DO probe electrodes require cleaning
Water in probe connector
Algae or other contaminant clinging to
probe
Barometric pressure is incorrect
Calibrated at extreme temperature
DO charge to high (>100):
(1) Anode polarized (tarnished)
(2) Probe left on continuously
DO charge too low (<25); insufficient
electrolyte.
DO probe has been damaged
Internal failure
Action
Follow DO calibration procedures
Follow setup procedure
Follow DO cleaning procedure
Dry connector; reinstall probe
Rinse DO probe with clean water
Repeat DO calibration procedure
Recalibrate at/near sample temperature
Enable DO charge parameter in sonde
report menu. Run sonde, if charge is over
100, recondition probe. Follow DO
cleaning procedure.
Replace electrolyte and membrane
Replace probe
Return sonde for service
pH, chloride,
ammonium,
or nitrate
readings are
unstable or
inaccurate.
Error
messages
appear
during
calibration.
Probe requires cleaning
Follow probe cleaning procedure
Probe requires calibration
Follow calibration procedures
pH probe reference junction has dried out
from improper storage
Soak probe in tap water or buffer until
readings become stable
Water in probe connector
Dry connector; reinstall probe
Probe has been damaged
Replace probe
Calibration solutions out of spec or
contaminated
Use new calibration solutions
Internal failure
Return sonde for service
Level Sensor
unstable or
inaccurate
De sic cant is spent
Replac e de s ic cant
Level sensor hole is obstructed
Follow level sensor cleaning procedure
Level sensor has been damaged
Return sonde for service
Internal failure
Return sonde for service
Conductivity
unstable or
inaccurate.
Error
messages
appear
during
calibration
Conductivity improperly calibrated
Follow recalibration procedure
Conductivity probe requires cleaning
Follow cleaning procedure
Conductivity probe damaged
Replace probe
Calibration solution out of spec or
contaminated
Use new calibration solution
Internal failure
Return sonde for service
Calibration solution or sample does not
cover entire sensor
Immerse sensor fully
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Table 4.4. Concluded - Common Troubleshooting Issues and Actions
Symptoms
Installed
probe has no
reading
Possible Cause
Sensor has been disabled
Water in probe connector
Probe has been damaged
Report output improperly set
Internal failure
Action
Enable sensor
Dry connector; reinstall probe
Replace probe
Set up report output
Return sonde for service
Temperature
unstable or
inaccurate
Water in connector
Probe has been damaged
Dry connector; reinstall probe
Replace probe
Turbidity
probe
unstable or
inaccurate.
Error
messages
appear
during
calibration
Probe requires cleaning
Probe requires calibration
Probe has been damaged
Water in probe connector
Follow probe cleaning procedure
Follow calibration procedure
Replace probe
Dry connector; reinstall probe
Calibration solutions out of spec
Use new calibration solutions
Wiper is not turning or is not
synchronized
Activate wiper. Assure rotation. Make
sure set screw is tight.
Wiper is fouled or damaged
Clean or replace wiper
Internal failure
Return probe for service
4.3 Satellite/Remote Sensing Technology
4.3.1 Data Acquisition
As mentioned earlier, LSU receives two different satellite data streams; NOAA
AVHRR and Orbview-2 SeaWiFS. AVHRR satellite data are available to
anyone who has the capability to receive it. NOAA does not charge any fee
for an entity to establish and operate a station to receive AVHRR data nor
does NOAA require station operators to make themselves known to NOAA.
However, NOAA recommends that operators subscribe to NOAA's mail outs
and make use of its on-line bulletin board. NOAA maintains an office to
support potential operators of HRPT at the following address:
Coordinator, Direct Readout Services
NOAA/NESDIS
Washington, DC 20233
HRPT ground stations can be constructed using commercial equipment for
under $100,000. However, some radio amateurs have constructed systems for
$100s using personal computers, surplus antennas, and circuit boards.
[Source: http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/globsys/avhrr3 .shtml]
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If your project is not considered "research," the SeaWiFS data can be
purchased from Orbimage, since they own the commercial rights to
SeaWiFS. Note that Orbimage refers to SeaWiFS data as OrbView-2. If your
project is considered research, you may apply to become a
NASA-Authorized SeaWiFS user. To become an Authorized SeaWiFS data
user, you must read the SeaWiFS Dear Colleague 'Letter and Appendices to gain
an understanding of the terms of the user agreement. The applicant must
then submit a short proposal, which includes the title of the project, a
scientific rationale for the request, the processing level of the data required,
and plans for the publication/dissemination of the results or data access. The
applicant must print, sign, and complete a hard copy of the Research Data Use
Therms and Conditions Agreement. The applicant must mail the proposal and
original hard copy of the form to:
Dr. Charles R. McClain
SeaWiFS Project
NASA/GSFC Code 970.2
Building 28, Room W108
Greenbelt, MD 20771
Additional procedures for requesting data should be followed if the applicant
desires to become an authorized SeaWiFS Direct Readout Ground Station or
an authorized SeaWiFS Temporary Real-Time User or Station. There are
not any specific deadlines for receipt of proposals to obtain SeaWiFS data.
[Source: http://seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEAWIFS/LICENSE/checklist.html]
Once approved as an authorized user, you can receive data for free from the
Goddard Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) after the data is at least
two weeks old. If your project is considered research and your organization
wants to receive HRPT SeaWiFS data, you can apply to become an
authorized SeaWiFS Ground Station. Current SeaWiFS users who want to
get data in real-time from an existing SeaWiFS Ground Station, can apply to
become an authorized SeaWiFS Temporary Real-Time User. [Source: http://
seawifs .gsfc .nasa.gov./SEAWIFS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/getting_data.html]
LSU is an authorized SeaWiFS Direct Readout Ground Station and has
applied for and received authorization to become a Temporary Real-Time
User Station. However, since the data must be held for two weeks prior to
publication, the SeaWiFS data are not placed on the LSU Web site.
If a new user wants a turnkey operation to obtain SeaWiFS data, SeaSpace
TeraScan SeaWiFS systems can be purchased. [Note that you must still obtain
a decryption device and decryption key from NASA to read the data.]
The TeraScan SeaWiFS system can be configured to support
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land-based, shipboard, or portable applications and is comprised of the
following components:
• Polar Orbiting Tracking Antenna (1.2 m and 1.5 m)
• Global Positioning System (GPS) Antenna/Receiver
• Telemetry Receiver
• SGP Interface Unit (SGPI)
• Workstation
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
• TeraScan Software
The specifications for the TeraScan SeaWiFS system are described below
Antenna
Specifications
Reflector Diameter
Input Frequency
Acquisition Elevation
Input Bandwidth
Down converter Gain
Azimuth Range
Elevation/Azimuth Trackint
Temperature Rs
Maximum Wind For
Radome Dimension
Antenna/Radome Weight
Antenna Shipping Weight
1 .2 m Antenna
1 .2 m (4 ft)
1691 - 1714 MHz
8 degrees
30 dB minimum LNA Gain
<0.8 dB
15 MHz
22 dB minimum
0 to 90 degrees
±265 degrees
6 degrees per second
0.5 degrees
-30CC (-22CF) - without heater
to 70CC(158IF)
0 to 1 00%
161 km/hr (100 mph)
1 .55 m (61 ") diameter by 1.67
m (65.90") high
95kg (2101bs)
227 kg (5 00 Ibs)
1 .5 m Antenna
1 .5 m (5 ft)
1691 - 1714 MHz
5 degrees
30 dB minimum LNA Gain
<0.8 dB
15MHz
22 dB minimum
0 to 1 80 degrees
± 265 degrees
6 degrees per second
0.5 degrees
-30CC (-22CF) - without heater to 60CC
(140CF)
0 to 100%
161 km/hr (100 mph)
1.88 m (73. 88") diameter by 1.82m
(71. 94") high
131 kg (290 Ibs)
273 kg (600 Ibs)
GPS
Satellites tracked: 8
Satellites used in a solution: 4
Positional Accuracy: ±100 m (330 ft)
System Time Accuracy: + 0.1 second
Receiver
Model:
IF input frequency range:
Demodulator Type:
HR-250
128 - 145 MHz
PSK-PLL
58
CHAPTER 4
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• IF input frequency range: 128 - 145 MHz
• Demodulator Type: PSK-PLL
• Bit rate: 665.4 Kbps
• Bit error rate: Within 1 db of theoretical
• Programmable IF input frequency selection
Workstation
• Type: Sun ULTRA-10
• Processor: 440 MHz
• Memory: 128 MB RAM
• Internal Hard Drive Capacity: 18 GB
• Internal CD-ROM Capacity: 644 MB
• Monitor Size: 21"
• Display Resolution: 1280 x 1024 x 24 bit
• LAN Types: 10/100 BaseT
• External DAT 4 mm Tape Storage: 24 GB compressed
• Modem: 56 Kbps
• Operating System: Solaris 7
• Keyboard and mouse
• PCI Frame Synchronizer
• PCI SCSI Controller
• PCI Serial Multiplexer
UPS
• Output Power Capacity 1400 VA
• Dimensions: 0.18 m (7") W x 0.23 m (9") H x 0.42 m (18") D
Options
• Antenna Pedestal
• Antenna Heater
• Color Printer
• 100 m (330 ft) Antenna Control and Signal Cable
For more information about the TeraScan SeaWiFS system refer to their Web
site, the source of this information, at http://www.seaspace.com/ main
product_line/seawifs/seawifs.html.
4.3.2 Data Processing
Acquisition and processing of the satellite data are performed using the
SeaSpace TeraScan™ image reception and processing system operated at the
LSU Earth Scan Laboratory (http://www.esl.lsu.edu). This software
performs calibration, geometric correction, and additional specialized
processing for the determination of temperature, reflectance (turbidity), and
chlorophyll a.
COLLECTING, TRANSFERRING, AND 59
MANAGING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA
-------
AVHRR - Dr. Nan Walker and Adele Hammack (LSU-CSI) view satellite imag-
ery from the NOAA satellites daily (at least 8 times per day) and processes
these images with specialized software to produce color-enhanced imagery of
water temperature and turbidity (reflectance). At the end of each month, Dr.
Walker provides a written description of the more interesting images taken dur-
ing the month to assist the public in interpreting the turbidity and temperature
changes that are visible in the satellite images.
For the EMPACT project, sea surface temperatures (SST) are computed, in
either Celsius or Fahrenheit, with NOAA AVHRR satellite data using a
modification of the MCSST technique described by McClain et al (1985).
Surface reflectance is computed in percent albedo with NOAA AVHRR sat-
ellite data using a modification (Walker and Hammack, 2000) of the Stumpf
atmospheric correction technique (1992). The technique corrects for incom-
ing solar irradiance, aerosols, sunlight and Rayleigh scattering.
Dr. Walker uses a commercial software package suite called TeraScan™, which
is produced by SeaSpace. You can find SeaSpace's Web site at http://
www.seaspace.com. The TeraScan™ software suite includes software for data
acquisition and scheduling called TeraCapCon and TeraTrack. TeraMaster &
TeraPGS are used for product generation. TeraVision is used for developing
images to visualize satellite data. TeraPGS is used to distribute data images
according to user specifications. The image processing of temperature and
reflectance is a multi-step process and is outlined below.
• Calibrate visible and thermal infrared data from count values to science
units.
• Screen the data for image quality.
• Calculate temperatures and reflectances.
• Navigation/registration images to project on a rectangular map.
• Scale temperatures and reflectances.
• Produce GIF images of temperatures and reflectances.
• Post images on LSU Web site (http://www.esl.lsu.edu/research/
empact.html).
[Source: EMPACT 1st Year Report, Satellite Remote Sensing of Surface Wa-
ter Temperature, Surface Reflectance, and Chlorophyll a Concentrations:
Southeastern Louisiana, Nan D. Walker, Adele Hammack, and Soe Myint,
November 2000.]
60 CHAPTER 4
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SeaWiFS - The Orbview-2 satellite broadcasts SeaWiFS data in real time to the
GSFC HRPT Station as well as other stations. LSU receives the SeaWiFS data in
real-time via their satellite. LSU uses the SeaSpace TeraScan™ software suite
to process (calibrate and atmospherically correct) and visualize the SeaWiFS data.
The software is based upon the SeaDAS software used by NASA. The NASA
OC2 algorithm is used to estimate chlorophyll a concentrations with the 490
and 555 nm bands (O'Reilly et al., 1998).
[Source: EMPACT 1st Year Report, Satellite Remote Sensing of Surface Water
Temperature, Surface Reflectance, and Chlorophyll a Concentrations:
Southeastern Louisiana, Nan D. Walker, Adele Hammack, and Soe Myint,
November 2000.]
4.3.3 Data Interpretation
Wind measurements from monitoring stations are used to interpret the image
patterns and to write the monthly text that is provided on the LSU Web site.
The hourly time-series measurements at the Lake Salvador monitoring
station are obtained from the USGS and used to interpret the satellite data.
[Source: EMPACT 1st Year Report, Satellite Remote Sensing of Surface Water
Temperature, Surface Reflectance, and Chlorophyll a Concentrations:
Southeastern Louisiana, Nan D. Walker, Adele Hammack, and Soe Myint,
November 2000.]
4.3.4 Ground Truthing
Ground truthing is a process of comparing and correlating satellite data to
actual field measurements. Ground truthing of sea temperatures in the
Jefferson Parish project showed very similar results when comparing satellite
and field measurements of surface sea temperatures taken at the eight
sampling points shown in Figure 3.7. The linear regression of the
temperature data-sets using 173 data points show a strong statistical linear
correlation with an R2 of 0.951. However, the satellite reflectance values, when
compared to YSI turbidity field measurements, were not very similar (R2 =
0.43). The differences are thought to result from several factors. For
example, the satellite reflectance measurements were made at 580-680 nm and
are related to light reflected from near the water surface by suspended material
in the water column. The YSI probe measures backscatter from particles
suspended in the water column (4 feet below the surface) in the 830-890 nm
region. Other factors, which affect the satellite reflectances and YSI backscatter
results, include the concentration of inorganic and organic material, type of
inorganic sediment (clay, silt, and sand), and additional pigments (e.g., from other
chlorophyll and colored dissolved organic matter).
COLLECTING, TRANSFERRING, AND 61
MANAGING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA
-------
[Source: EMPACT 1st Year Report, Satellite Remote Sensing of Surface Water
Temperature, Surface Reflectance, and Chlorophyll a Concentrations:
Southeastern Louisiana, Nan D. Walker, Adele Hammack, and Soe Myint,
November 2000.]
The mapping of chlorophyll a with SeaWiFS in coastal regions requires
extensive collection of water samples to validate the technique and develop
regional algorithms if necessary. The SeaWiFS radiance data is collected in 6
visible channels which can be used to map suspended solids, suspended
sediments and chlorophyll a. On April 26, 2000, a SeaWiFS ground truth
experiment was conducted in Barataria Bay and the coastal ocean, seaward of
the bay. The satellite-derived chlorophyll a estimates using SeaWiFS were
very similar to the chlorophyll a concentrations of the field samples.
A cubic regression model yielded the best relationships between field and
satellite data, with a an R2 of 0.92. However, the correlation was not as strong
for chlorophyll values measured in Lakes Cataouche and Salvador, probably
due to higher concentration of colored dissolved organic matter.
Turbidity was estimated from two SeaWiFS channels (555 nm and 670 nm).
Regression analysis revealed that the 670 nm channel yielded the highest
statistical relationship between the satellite and field measurements. (R2 of
0.84 - nonlinear power relationship).
[Source: EMPACT 1st Year Report, Satellite Remote Sensing of Surface Water
Temperature, Surface Reflectance, and Chlorophyll a Concentrations:
Southeastern Louisiana, Nan D. Walker, Adele Hammack, and Soe Myint,
November 2000.]
4.3.5 Data Transfer
As discussed earlier, the LSU ESL receives the NOAA AVHRR and SeaWiFS
satellite data. Through a sequence of processing steps computations are made of
surface temperature, surface reflecance and chlorphyll a. GIF images are posted
on the LSU Web site in quasi real-time.
The GSFC EOS DAAC is responsible for the distribution of SeaWiFS data
to all approved SeaWiFS data users.
4.3.6 Data Management
The NOAA AVHRR temperature and reflective imagery is provided on the
LSU Web site usually the same day the data are received (i.e., almost
real-time). Dr. Walker provides interpretive text with the imagery to assist
the public in understanding the image pattern.
The GSFC EOS DAAC is responsible for permanently archiving and
distributing the SeaWiFS data. LSU processes the SeaWiFS data as they are
62 CHAPTER 4
-------
received; however because the data have a 14 day embargo period, they are
not available in real-time nor are they posted on the LSU Web site.
4.4 Water Quality Field Sampling
Water samples for lab analysis are taken weekly from eight stations in Lake
Salvador and Lake Cataouche. (Cataouche is a smaller lake to the north of
Salvador (Figure 3.7). Both lie in the direct flow path of the Davis Pond
Diversion.). Collection stations were chosen by Dr. Chris Swarzenski, a scientist
with USGS, who has been doing marsh grass research in the area for the past 15
years to compliment and augment monthly monitoring in the area by others
(USAGE, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, United States Park
Service, and Turner).
Additionally samples are taken from the upper Barataria Basin to the Gulf of
Mexico during two separate collection dates during the summer months when
conditions are most conducive to phytoplankton growth. These weekly and
special event samples are to "surface truth" the satellite reflectance
measurements and to relate the digital measurements of turbidity and
fluorescence to suspended solids and chlorophyll a. These water samples
provide baseline information on variations in water quality in the study region
before the opening of the Davis Pond Diversion.
4.4.1 Water Quality Analyses
The LSU-CEI laboratory analyzes the field water samples for the following
parameters: (1) water salinity; (2) pigments (chlorophyll a and phaeophytin
a); (3) suspended load (sediment and organic); (4) carbon (total, inorganic,
and total organic carbon); and (5) nutrients (Ammonium, Nitrate, Nitrite,
Phosphate, and Silicate). The analytical techniques used to conduct the water
quality analyses are described below.
Salinity/Conductivity
Salinity or conductivity of each sample is measured upon return to the
laboratory using a Haake-Buchler Digital Chloridimeter® [http://
www.analyticon.com/manurefy.html]. This device measures the amount of
chloride in the sample by titrating it with silver. Salinity measurements are
necessary to interpret the circulation and bulk impacts of the freshwater
diversion.
pH
A Corning Model pH-30 waterproof pH meter is used to measure pH of the
samples upon return to the laboratory [http://www.scienceproducts.corning.com].
The pH measurements are necessary to convert the total carbon dioxide
measurements to alkalinity.
COLLECTING, TRANSFERRING, AND 63
MANAGING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA
-------
Chlorophyl a and Pheo-Pignients
Chlorophyll a containing plankton are concentrated from a volume of water
by filtering at a low vacuum through a glass fiber filter (GFF). The pigments
are extracted from the phytoplankton using a solution of 60% Acetone and
40% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The samples are allowed to steep for 2 to
24 hours (maximum) to extract the chlorophyll a. The samples are then
centrifuged to clarify the solution. The fluorescence is then measured before
and after acidification with 0.1 N HC1. The fluorescence readings are then
used to calculate the concentration (in ug/1) of chlorophyll a and pheophytin a in
the sample extract. This procedure is a modification of EPA method 445.0 (Arar
and Collins 1992) in which DMSO is used in lieu of grinding for extraction of the
pigments.
Suspended Load
The suspended load is determined by filtering a known volume of water
through a combusted (550 C) and pre-weighed glass fiber filter (Whatman
Type GF/F or equivalent). The filters are dried (at 60 C) then re-weighed to
determine total suspended load in mg/1. The filters are then combusted at
550 C, cooled, then re-weighed to determine organic suspended load (APHA,
1992). The sediment or non-organic suspended load is determined by
subtracting the organic suspended load from the total suspended load.
Carbon
Total carbon (TC) is measured by employing High Temperature Catalytic
Oxidation (HTCO) using a Shimadzu® TOC-5000A analyzer [http://
www.ssi.shimadzu.com]. The machine operates by combusting the water sample
(at 680 centigrade) in a combustion tube filled with a platinum-alumina
catalyst. The carbon in the sample is combusted to CO2, which is detected by a
non-dispersive infrared gas analyzer (NDIR) that measures the total amount of
carbon in the sample. Inorganic carbon (1C) is analyzed by first treating the
sample with phosphoric acid (to remove organic carbon) and then performing
the above analysis to obtain the total amount if inorganic carbon in the sample.
Total organic carbon (TOG) is obtained by subtracting the 1C value from the TC
value.
Nutrients
The water samples are analyzed for nutrients with a Technicon
Auto-Analyzer II [http://www.labequip.com] using the methods listed in Table
4.5 for each nutrient:
64 CHAPTER 4
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Table 4.5. Methods and Detection Limits for Nutrient Analyses
Nutrient Limit Method Detection
Nitrate-Nitrite
Nitrite
Ammonia
Silicate
Phosphorus
EPA Method 353.2
EPA Method 353.2
EPA Method 350.1
Technicon Method 1 86-72W/B
EPA Method 365.2
0.05 mg/l
0.05 mg/l
0.01 mg/l
0.03 mg/l
0.01 mg/l
4.4.2 Phytoplankton Identification
Water samples are also sent to Louisiana University Marine Observatory
Consortium (LUMCON) where the harmful algal species present in the sample
are identified by Dr. Quay Dortch. The Gulf of Mexico Program is currently
providing funds to support this research.
Prior experience in counting phytoplankton in Louisiana coastal waters shows
that the phytoplankton range in size from 1 ^ to greater than 100 p, with the
tiny phytoplankton often dominating the biomass. Traditional methods of
counting phytoplankton have missed or underestimated these small
phytoplankton, whereas the more recently developed epifluroescence
methods can be used to count both small and large phytoplankton. Table 4.6
shows common phytoplankton groups counted in each size fraction.
Methods other than the epifluroescence method, such as differential
interference contrast (DIG) or scanning electron microscope (SEM), can also
be used for identification when necessary.
The method for preserving and counting phytoplankton is adapted from
Murphy and Haugen (1985), Shapiro and Haugen (1988), and Shapiro et al.
(1989). In this method, one hundred milliliters of seawater are preserved with
50% glutaraldehyde to a final concentration of 0.5% (by volume) and
refrigerated until samples are processed. One aliquot of sample is filtered
through a 3 jam polycarbonate filter and onto a 0.2 jam polycarbonate filter
without prior staining. The 3 jam filter is discarded and the 0.2 jam filter
retained (0.2 to 3 jam size fraction). Another aliquot of sample is filtered through
an 8 jam polycarbonate filter and then a 3 jam filter; both filters are retained
(3 to 8 and >8 jam size fractions). Before filtration this aliquot is made up to 25
ml with filtered water of approximately the same salinity and stained with 0.05 ml
proflavine monohydrochloride (Sigma P-4646, 1.5 g/liter in distilled,
deionized water). If possible, all samples are filtered without vacuum, but
if necessary, <100 mm vacuum is applied. All filters are transferred
to slides and mounted with low fluorescence, low RFA
COLLECTING, TRANSFERRING, AND
MANAGING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA
65
-------
Table 4.6. Common Phytoplankton Groups Counted in each Size Fraction
0.2-3 um
Phytoplankton Groups
Coccoid cycmobacteria -- mostly Synechococcus
Autotrophic eukaryotes
Heterotrophic eukaryotes
3-8 um
Photosynthetic flagellates and non-flagellates
Heterotrophic flagellates and non-flagellates
Cryptomonads
Athecate dinoflagellates
Diatoms
Coccoid cyanobacteria
> 8 um
Diatoms
Dinoflagellates
Ciliates
Cryptomonads
Colonial cyanobacteria
Colonial, freshwater chlorophytes
Coccoid cyanobacteria 1
Many coccoid cyanobacteria occur in aggregates, especially when suspended
particulate matter concentrations are high, which do not break up during size
fractionation.
epi-fluorescence microscope [http://www.olympus.co.jp] with blue and green
excitation (excitation filters BP-490 and BP-545, barrier filters O-515 and
O-590, and dichromatic mirrors DM500 and DM580, respectively). The 0.2
and 3 um pore size filters are counted immediately at lOOOx. The 8 um pore
size filters are stored frozen and counted as soon as possible. Three different
counts are made on the 8 um filters, using different magnification and counting
different areas of the filter, in order to adequately count small, abundant
organisms, as well as large, rarer organisms. To avoid counting an organism more
than once they are separated according to length. Phytoplankton is identified to
the nearest possible taxon and the previous table describes the types of organisms
usually observed in each size fraction. It is possible for some groupings of taxa
and even individual species, to be present in more than one size fraction, if the size
of colonies or individuals varies considerably or if they occurred both singly
and in aggregates of sediment, organic matter and cells. The 0.2 and 3 um filters
are discarded after counting, because they quickly become uncountable; 8 um
filters are archived frozen at Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium.
4.4.3 Data Transfer and Management
The personnel collecting the water samples complete a field documentation
form, of which one copy is kept on file by Jefferson Parish and one copy
66
CHAPTER 4
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accompanies the samples to the lab. These water samples are delivered to the
LSU-CEI laboratory within 6 hours of collection and are stored on ice or in
a refrigerator until analyzed for corruptible analytes. The LSU-CEI
laboratory has existing QA/QC plan approved under EPA project
X-9996097-01. The processing for Chlorophyll a begins within 12 hours of
sample delivery, and usually within 1 hour. The dissolved nutrient samples
are stored frozen until analysis, usually within 2-4 weeks (sample analysis is
more economical if done in batches of >50 samples).
Sub-samples of the water samples are sent to LUMCON immediately after
sample collection for identification of harmful algal species. The Gulf of
Mexico Program is currently providing funds to support this research. Project
funds are used to interpret this data set and make it available to the public via
the Internet; interpretive text is written or reviewed by Dr. Dortch.
LSU-CEI provides quarterly reports of all data (with allowances for a one
month delay in processing and QA and QC) to the project manager at Jefferson
Parish. Graphical summaries of each parameter, averaged for each lake, are
updated within one week of laboratory analysis, but are subject to
subsequent QA/QC procedures. Monthly graphics of key parameters are sent
to the EMPACT manager for Jefferson Parish. A tabular summary of
samples received, status and completion are maintained as part of a routine
chain-of-custody procedure. Data are also presented on an LSU Web page linked
to the Jefferson Parish EMPACT home page.
Jefferson Parish disseminates the monthly graphics of key parameters to the
Jefferson Parish Marine Fisheries Advisory Board, the Davis Pond
Freshwater Diversion Advisory Committee, Louisiana Department of Health
and Hospitals and other stakeholders as requested, for their review and
feedback.
Plots of the weekly field water sampling data from August 19, 1999 through
August 17, 2000 are available on the LSU-CEI Web site at http://its.ocs.lsu.edu/
guests/ceilc/.
The EPA is in the planning stages to make such data available through their
EMPACT website [http://www.epa.gov/empact]. Currently, the EMPACT
website has a link to the Jefferson Parish website.
COLLECTING, TRANSFERRING, AND 67
MANAGING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA
-------
5. PRESENTING WATER QUALITY
MONITORING DATA
Once your water quality monitoring network is in place and
you have collected or received the resulting data, you
can provide your community with time-relevant water quality
information using data visualization tools to graphically depict this
information. Using data visualization tools, you can create graphical
representations of water quality data that can be downloaded on Web sites
and/or included in reports and educational/outreach materials for the
community. The types of data visualization software used by the Jefferson
Parish EMPACT team are Microsoft Excel and SeaSpace's TeraScan™
satellite imagery software.
Section 5.1 provides a basic introduction and overview to data visualization
and is useful if you are interested in gaining a general understanding of data
visualization. Section 5.2 contains an introduction to the software data
visualization tools used on the Jefferson Parish EMPACT project. You
should consult Section 5.2 if you are responsible for choosing and using data
visualization software to model and analyze your data.
5.1 What is Data Visualization?
Data visualization is the process of converting raw data to images or graphs
so that the data are easier to comprehend and understand. A common
example of data visualization can be seen when you watch the weather report
on television. The electronic pictures of cloud cover over an area or the
location and path of an impending hurricane are examples of satellite data
that have been visualized with computer software. Displaying data visually
enables you to communicate results to a broader audience, such as residents
in your community. A variety of software tools can be used to convert data
to images. Such tools range from standard spreadsheet and statistical software
to more advanced analytical tools such as:
• Satellite imaging software products
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Computer Models
• Statistical techniques
By applying such tools to water quality data, you can help residents in your
community gain a better understanding of factors affecting the water quality
in area lakes or nearby estuaries (e.g., chlorophyll a or turbidity). Once you
begin using satellite data visualization tools, you will be impressed with their
ability to model and analyze your data. You can then use the visualized data
for a variety of purposes such as:
PRESENTING WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA 69
-------
• Exploring trends in lake elevation, chlorophyll concentration,
pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, salinity, specific
conductance, turbidity, and water temperature.
• Studying spatial patterns of sea-surface temperature.
• Studying spatial patterns of near-surface reflectance.
• Making resource management decisions.
• Supporting public outreach and education programs.
There are a number of commercially available data visualization tools that
allow you to graphically represent real-time satellite data. Section 5.2 focuses
on the software tools which were used to visualize the satellite data in the
Jefferson Parish EMPACT project. These software tools are listed in Table
5.1 below.
Table 5.1. Software Tools to Visualize Satellite Data
Tool Group
SeaSpace's TeraScan™
Software Suite
http://www.seaspace.com
TeraCapCon
TeraTrack
TeraMaster
TeraScan™ Product
Generation System
(TeraPGS)
TeraVision
Primary Uses
Enables the user to program the system for
automatic capture, archiving, and processing
of the satellite data.
Reports the information related to a satellite
pass capture; reports information that can be
used for diagnosing reception problems;
insures quality control performance.
Views, creates, or modifies a data set that
defines an area of the earth's surface in terms
of map projection (shape), extends, and pixel
resolution.
Automatically generates and distributes
products according to user specifications.
Displays and manipulates data images and
overlays.
Database and Spreadsheet
Software
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Excel
Displays raw data (parameters) from Lake
Salvador in tables.
Creates 1 - to 7-day summary hydrographs of
various Lake Salvador data.
Al lows to Investigate correlations or trends in
water quality variables.
70
Many computer users are familiar with Microsoft Access (a database software) and
Excel (a spreadsheet software). For this reason, the remainder of this chapter will
only focus on the satellite imagery software. r^uiADTCD c
UHAr I tr\ o
-------
5.2 Satellite Acquisition, Processing, and
Visualization Software
There are various vendors which offer satellite data visualization software. The
USGS also posts visualized satellite data on their Web site. This section
discusses only the satellite data acquisition, processing, and visualization
software used for the Jefferson Parish EMPACT project.
As mentioned earlier, the Jefferson Parish Project utilized the SeaSpace's
TeraScan™ software suite. This software can be used to acquire, process,
visualize and disseminate the AVHRR and SeaWiFS satellite data. Provided
below is a description of the TeraScan™ software suite. More information
about this software can be found on SeaSpace's Web site (http://
www.seaspace.com).
TeraCapCon
TeraCapCon is the graphical user interface (GUI) that provides automatic,
"hands-off' scheduling and archiving of satellite data. With TeraCapCon, the
user can define the autoscheduling parameters that govern the daily acquisition
(or capture) of the satellite data. Such parameters include the following:
• Which satellites to select for data collection,
• The minimum satellite elevation at the satellite's highest point
relative to the receiver,
• The minimum sun elevation,
• The time of day when the data are to be collected,
• The number of days of passes to be obtained,
• Whether or not the data should be archived on tape,
• Specify which processing script to run on the data.
These autoscheduling parameters can be easily edited. In addition, the user can
view the upcoming swath of the pass from a polar orbiting satellite. Figure 5.1
is a screen shot from the TeraCapCon software.
PRESENTING WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA 71
-------
Figure 5.1. TeraCapCon Screen Shot
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TeraTrack
TeraTrack is the GUI that reports information used for diagnosing reception
problems and insuring quality control performance. Such information related to
the satellite pass capture includes signal strength, lag time between the actual pointing
direction of the antenna and the commanded pointed direction. The software
also displays the functionality of the receiver, synchronizer, and frame
synchronizer. Figure 5.2 is a screen shot from the TeraTrack software, which
provides satellite pass information, antenna information, and receiver
information.
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Figure 5.2. TeraTrack Screen Shot
Tracteye i^nsesini Cgntr-3
Fte Help
Sat Tune
Dunton
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[Image Courtesy of SeaSpace Corporation].
TeraMaster
TeraMaster is a GUI for viewing, creating, or modifying a data set that defines
an area of the earth's surface in terms of map projection (shape), extents, and
resolution. This data set is referred to as a master. The user can specify a
master area anywhere in the world by using the computer mouse or entering
latitudes and longitudes into the data fields. Figure 5.3 is a screen shot of the
TeraMaster software.
PRESENTING WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA
73
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Figure 5.3. TeraMaster Screen Shot
CenterLan '97 36.47 W
[Image Courtesy of SeaSpace Corporation]
TeraScan™ Product Generation System (TeraPGS)
TeraPGS automatically generates and distributes products (TeraScan™ data sets
and picture products) according to the specifications provided by the user. The
picture products can be produced in any of the following formats:
• JPEG
• TIFF
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• MARTA-PCX
• GIF
• PNG
PostScript
TeraPGS has three primary components: (1) the GUI, (2) the product generation
(processing) scripts, and (3) the distributor.
TeraPGS - GUI: The GUI allows the user to create, edit and store product
definitions. These product definitions can dictate which TeraScan™ data set to
use and the type of picture representations to be generated from the data. The
software has a "dry run" feature, which allows the user to test product definitions
by generating and displaying the product locally prior to being sent to a delivery
destination (e.g., Web site, database, or archive). The types of definition
parameters include the following:
• Data selection by telemetry and variable, by time window, by geographic
coverage, and by minimum sun elevation.
• Options for picture products.
• Data unit, palette, and enhancement selection.
• Delivery destinations and times.
• Notification of delivery success and/or failure.
Figure 5.4 is a screen shot of the TeraPGA - GUI.
TeraPGS - Product Generation (Processing) Scripts: The processing
script generates either data sets or picture products according to the product
definitions prescribed via the GUI. The software automatically logs the
processing progress and notifies the user (via e-mail) in the event of a failure.
PRESENTING WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA 75
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Figure 5.4. TeraPGS - GUI Screen Shot
Unto
Map Qatar
Enhancement
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Data Ovc'lsy
Advanced
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[Image Courtesy of SeaSpace Corporation]
TeraPGS - Distributor: The distributor is a server that manages the delivery
of the products (e.g., data sets or pictures). The distributor's features include:
• Delivery of up to 50 products simultaneously to multiple users.
• Delivery of both data sets and picture products via FTP, copy, or remote
copy.
• Data delivery retry options.
Figure 5.5 is a screen shot from the TeraPGS' Distributor software.
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Figure 5.5. TeraPGS - Distributor Screen Shot
Description j FTP ip Web
Machine InforTratnn
User Ma me:
Delivery Formal: Default
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+ FTP
Machine Name: ! webserver
FTP Password:
Sand Options
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-------
equalization and printed to any color or black-and-white PostScript Level 2
printer. Figure 5.6 is a screen shot of the TeraVision software.
Figure 5.6. TeraVision Screen Shot
[Image Courtesy of SeaSpace Corporation]
Training
SeaSpace offers basic hands-on, instructor-led training courses for its TeraScan™
software. Such courses include a 4-day Scientific Training Program, a 3-day
Operational/Forecasting Training Program, and an Operational program
consisting of 2 half day sections. SeaSpace also offers customized training upon
request. For more information about TeraScan™ training see the following Web
site: http://www.seaspace.com/service/support/training.shtml.
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6. COMMUNICATING TIME-RELEVANT
WATER QUALITY INFORMATION
In addition to designing and implementing a time-relevant water quality
monitoring system, you will also want to consider how and what types of data
to communicate to the community. This chapter is designed to help you
develop an approach for communicating pertinent water quality information to
people in your community, or more specifically, your target audience. This chapter
provides the following:
• The steps involved in developing an outreach plan.
• Guidelines for effectively communicating information.
• Resources to assist in promoting community awareness.
• The outreach initiatives implemented by the Jefferson Parish Team.
6.1 Developing an Outreach Plan for Time-
Relevant Water Quality Reporting
Your outreach program will be most effective if you ask yourself the following
questions:
• Who do you want to reach? (i.e., Who is your target audience?)
• What information do you want to distribute or communicate?
• What are the most effective mechanisms to reach my target
audience?
Developing an outreach plan ensures that you have considered all important
elements of an outreach project before you begin. The plan itself provides a
blueprint for action. An outreach plan does not have to be lengthy or complicated.
You can develop a plan simply by documenting your answers to each of the
questions discussed below. This will provide you with a solid foundation for
launching an outreach effort.
Your outreach plan will be most effective if you involve a variety of people in its
development. Where possible, consider involving:
• A communications specialist or someone who has experience
developing and implementing an outreach plan.
• Technical experts in the subject matter (both scientific and policy).
• Someone who represents the target audience (i.e., the people
or groups you want to reach).
COMMUNICATING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA 79
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• Key individuals who will be involved in implementing the
outreach plan.
As you develop your outreach plan, consider whether you would like to invite any
organizations to partner with you in planning or implementing the outreach effort.
Potential partners might include shoreline and lakeshore property owner
associations, local businesses, environmental organizations, schools, boating
associations, local health departments, local planning and zoning authorities, and
other local or state agencies. Partners can participate in planning, product
development and review, and distribution. Partnerships can be valuable
mechanisms for leveraging resources while enhancing the quality, credibility, and
success of outreach efforts. Developing an outreach plan is a creative and
iterative process involving anumber of interrelated steps, as described below. As
you move through each of these steps, you might want to revisit and refine the
decisions you made in earlier steps until you have an integrated, comprehensive,
and achievable plan.
What Are Your Outreach Goals?
Defining your outreach goals is the initial step in developing an outreach
plan. Outreach goals should be clear, simple, action-oriented statements about
what you hope to accomplish through outreach. Once you have established your
goals, every other element of the plan should relate to those goals. Here were some
project goals for the Jefferson Parish EMPACT project:
• To provide the public with a weekly, or more frequent "weather
report" on freshwater diversions and their impact on water
quality and algal blooms in area water bodies.
• To gather baseline data in the Davis Pond Diversion outfall area
to assist coastal scientist and managers in distinguishing the effects
of river water from other ecosystem stressors.
• To use the data collected to confirm remote sensing data and
calibrate the predictive ability of remote sensing data.
• To provide ground-truthed remotely sensed data on water
quality and phytoplankton blooms to the agencies and
organizations involved with public health, fisheries, and habitat
related issues.
Whom Are You Trying To Reach?
Identifying Your Audience(s)
The next step in developing an outreach plan is to clearly identify the target
audience or audiences for your outreach effort. As illustrated in the Jefferson
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Parish project goals above, outreach goals often define their target audiences (e.g.,
the public, coastal scientists, fisheries, etc.). You might want to refine and add to
your goals after you have defined your target audience (s).
Target audiences for a water quality outreach program might include, for example,
the general public, local decision makers and land management agencies, educators
and students (high school and college), special interest groups (e. g., homeowner
associations, fishing and boating organizations, gardening clubs, and lawn
maintenance/landscape professionals). Some audiences, such as educators and
special interest groups, might serve as conduits to help disseminate information to
other audiences you have identified, such as the general public.
Consider whether you should divide the public into two or more audience
categories. For example: Will you be providing different information to
certain groups, such as citizens and businesses? Does a significant portion of
the public you are trying to reach have a different cultural or linguistic
background from other members? If so, it likely will be most effective to
consider these groups as separate audience categories.
Profiling Your Audience (s)
Once you have identified your audiences, the next step is to develop a profile
of their situations, interests, and concerns. Outreach will be most effective if
the type, content, and distribution of outreach products are specifically
tailored to the characteristics of your target audiences. Developing a profile
will help you identify the most effective ways of reaching the audience. For
each target audience, consider:
• What is their current level of knowledge about water quality?
• What do you want them to know about water quality? What
actions would you like them to take regarding water quality?
• What information is likely to be of greatest interest to the
audience? What information will they likely want to know once
they develop some awareness of water quality issues?
• How much time are they likely to give to receiving and
assimilating the information?
• How does this group generally receive information?
• What professional, recreational, and domestic activities does this group
typically engage in that might provide avenues for distributing outreach
products? Are there any organizations or centers that represent or serve
the audience and might be avenues for disseminating your outreach
products?
COMMUNICATING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA 81
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Profiling an audience essentially involves putting yourself "in your audience's
shoes." Ways to do this include consulting with individuals or organizations who
represent or are members of the audience, consulting with colleagues who have
successfully developed other outreach products for the audience, and using your
imagination.
What Do You Want To Communicate?
The next step in planning an outreach program is to think about what you
want to communicate. In particular at this stage, think about the key points,
or "messages," you want to communicate. Messages are the "bottom line"
information you want your audience to walk away with, even if they forget
the details.
A message is usually phrased as a brief (often one-sentence) statement. For
example:
• The freshwater diversion this week had a effect on Lake
Salvador.
• Salinity levels at the sampling station in Lake Salvador are
dropped below ppt.
• The Hydrowatch site allows you to track daily changes on Lake
Salvador.
Outreach products will often have multiple related messages. Consider what
messages you want to send to each target audience group. You may have
different messages for different audiences.
What Outreach Products Will You Develop?
The next step in developing an outreach plan is to consider what types of
outreach products will be most effective for reaching each target audience.
There are many different types of outreach: print, audiovisual, electronic,
events, and novelty items. The table below provides some examples of each
type of outreach product.
The audience profile information you assembled earlier will be helpful in
selecting appropriate products. A communications professional can provide
valuable guidance in choosing the most appropriate products to meet your
goals within your resource and time constraints. Questions to consider when
selecting products include:
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• How much information does your audience really need? How much does
your audience need to know now? The simplest, most effective, most
straightforward product generally is most effective.
• Is the product likely to appeal to the target audience? How much time
will it take to interact with the product? Is the audience likely to make
that time?
Print Audiovisual Electronic Events Novelty Items
• Bro chure s
• Educational
curricula
•Newsletters
•Posters
• Question- and-
answer sheets
•Editorials
•Fact sheets
•Newspaper and
magazine articles
•Press releases
•Utility bill inserts
or stuflers
• Cable television
programs
•Exhibits
•Kiosks
•Public service
announcements
(radio)
•Videos
•E-mail messages
•Web pages
•Subscriber list
servers
•Briefings
•Fairs and festivals
•One-on-one
meetings
•Public meetings
•Community days
•Media interviews
•Press conferences
•Speeches
•Banners
•Buttons
•Floating key
chains for boaters
• Magnets
•Bumper stickers
•Coloring books
•Frisbee discs
•Mouse pads
•Golf tees
• How easy and cost-effective will the product be to distribute or, in
the case of an event, organize?
• How many people is this product likely to reach? For an event,
how many people are likely to attend?
• What time frame is needed to develop and distribute the product?
• How much will it cost to develop the product? Do you have
access to the talent and resources needed for development?
• What other related products are already available? Can you build
on existing products?
• When will the material be out of date? (You probably will want to
spend fewer resources on products with shorter lifetimes.)
• Would it be effective to have distinct phases of products over
time? For example, an initial phase of products designed to raise
awareness/ollowed by later phases of products to increase
understanding.
COMMUNICATING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA
83
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• How newsworthy is the information? Information with inherent
news value is more likely to be rapidly and widely disseminated by
the media.
How Will Your Products Reach Your Audience?
Effective distribution is essential to the success of an outreach strategy.
There are many avenues for distribution. The table below lists some
examples.
EXAMPLES OF DISTRIBUTION AVENUES
•"Your mailing list
•Partners' mailing list
•Phone/Fax
•E-mail
•Internet
•TV
•Radio
•Print media
•Hotline that distributes products upon request
•Journals or newsletters of partner organizations
•Meetings, events, or locations (e.g., libraries,
schools, marinas, public beaches, tackle shops,
and sailing clubs) where products are made
available
You need to consider how each product will be distributed and determine who
will be responsible for distribution. For some products, your organization might
manage distribution. For others, you might rely on intermediaries (such as the
media or educators) or organizational partners who are willing to participate in the
outreach effort. Consult with an experienced communications professional to
obtain information about the resources and time required for the various
distribution options. Some points to consider in selecting distribution channels
include:
• How does the audience typically receive information?
• What distribution mechanisms has your organization used in the past for
this audience? Were these mechanisms effective?
• Can you identify any partner organizations that might be willing to
assist in the distribution?
• Can the media play a role in distribution?
• Will the mechanism you are considering really reach the
intended audience? For example, the Internet can be an effective
distribution mechanism, but certain groups might have limited
access to it.
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• How many people is the product likely to reach through the
distribution mechanism you are considering?
• Are sufficient resources available to fund and implement
distribution via the mechanisms of interest?
What Follow-up Mechanisms Will You Establish?
Successful outreach may cause people to contact you with requests for more
information or expressing concern about issues you have addressed.
Consider whether and how you will handle this interest. The following
questions can help you develop this part of your strategy:
• What types of reactions or concerns are audience members likely to
have in response to the outreach information?
• Who will handle requests for additional information?
• Do you want to indicate on the outreach product where people can go
for further information (e. g., provide a contact name, number, or
address, or establish a hotline)?
What Is the Schedule for Implementation?
Once you have decided on your goals, audiences, messages, products, and
distribution channels, you will need to develop an implementation schedule.
For each product, consider how much time will be needed for development
and distribution. Be sure to factor in sufficient time for product review.
Wherever possible, build in time for testing and evaluation by members or
representatives of the target audience in focus groups or individual sessions so
that you can get feedback on whether you have effectively targeted your
material for your audience. Section 6.3 contains suggestions for presenting technical
information to the public. It also provides information about online resources that
can provide easy to understand background information that you can use in
developing your own outreach projects.
6.2 Elements of the Jefferson Parish Project's
Outreach Program
The Jefferson Parish team uses a variety of mechanisms to communicate
time-relevant water quality information - as well as information about the
project itself - to the affected commercial and recreational users of Lake
Salvador and other nearby water bodies. The team uses the Parish Web site
as the primary vehicle for communicating time-relevant information to the
public. Their outreach strategy includes a variety of mechanisms
(e.g.,Internet, brochures, presentations at events, and television) to provide
COMMUNICATING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA 85
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the public with information about the Jefferson Parish project. Each element of
the project's communication program are discussed below.
Bringing together experts. The EMPACT project stakeholders are made up of
a variety of organizations that provide input on the information generated from
the project and how it is communicated. These stakeholders are identified below.
• Jefferson Parish Marine Fisheries Advisory Board
• Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion Advisory Committee
• Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP)
• Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
• SMSA Parishes
• Nearby State Agencies
• Local academic community
Brochure. The Jefferson Parish Environmental & Development Control
Department published a brochure highlighting current projects overseen by
the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program. The EMPACT project was
announced in the brochure. The team distributed the CZM brochures
through local libraries and during community events. Appendix C contains
a reproduction of the brochure.
Newspaper. Shortly after the time-series sampling system became
operational, two newspaper articles were run announcing the monitoring
effort. The articles described the types of data to be collected, how the data
were relevant to the community, how the data would be used, and where the
public could access the data.
Survey. To determine specific issues of concern in the surrounding
communities, the Jefferson Parish team used information already collected
by BTNEP, one of the team members. To increase public awareness for the
estuary's importance and problems, and to encourage residents, users, and
decision makers to become more involved in the promotion and protection
of the estuary, BTNEP held a series of eight public workshops in 1998. These
workshops provided citizens with information about the program and
allowed them to address any specific issues of concern. The Jefferson Parish
team used this information to find out what was important to the
communities regarding their wetlands. Also the team was able to determine
their target audience:
• Commercial and recreational users of Lake Salvador.
• Residents of communities that could be impacted by diversion related to
flooding.
• Louisiana citizens concerned about coastal erosion, hypoxia in the Gulf,
eutrophication, and algal blooms.
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Web site. The Jefferson Parish Web site can be accessed at http://
www.jeffparish.net. The EMPACT project is discussed at http://
www.jeffparish.net/pages/index.cfm?DOCID= 1228. The Web site is the main
avenue used by the team for disseminating the water quality information. The site
has a static page which describes the Jefferson Parish EMPACT project. On the
left side of the site, there are links to the USGS Hydrowatch site, which displays
near-real time data from the time-series sampling system at Lake Salvador. An
example of the results measured by the time-series sampling system is provided in
Appendix D. The Web site also has a link to the Earth Scan Laboratory's Web site.
An example of the reflectance results taken from satellite data is provided in
Appendix E. The site also has links to learn more about the Davis Pond Diversion
Project and the EPA's EMPACT program.
Piggybacking on existing events. The Jefferson Parish team has found some
opportunities to promote the EMPACT project at other events. For
example, BTNEP hosted a one-day Forum to discuss their Estuary Program.
The team had the opportunity to give a power point presentation concerning
the EMPACT project. The team also provided a poster presentation and
handed out an information sheet about the project.
Developing the Lake Access Web Site
Experience Gained and Lessons Learned
The Jefferson Parish team uses a private contractor to manage their
EMPACT Web site (http://www.jeffparish.net/pages/index.cfm?
DOCID=1228). The team is considering ways to make the Web site more
effective. Currently the site has only information about the EMPACT
project and links to the data via Earth Scan and Hydrowatch. Because the
information on the Jefferson Parish Web site is not routinely revised or
changed, the team is concerned that individuals interested in the near-real
time water quality data are going directly to the Earth Scan and/or
Hydrowatch Web sites. As a result, the team does not know how many
people are accessing data generated by the Jefferson Parish EMPACT project.
The team is considering revising the Jefferson Parish site to store "live" data
to attract users back to the Web site.
The Jefferson Parish Project team recommends that you design your Web site
to include live changing data (e.g., daily) so that users will always find
something new and different when they visit your site. The team also
recommends that you set up procedures for notifying the project team when
changes are made to your site. Such procedures could include providing your
Web Master with a list of individuals (and their e-mail addresses) to contact
when the site is modified (e.g., site has moved to a new address or new features
are available).
COMMUNICATING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA 87
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Some of the local entities interested in the Lake Salvador data do not have Internet
connectivity. As a result they do not have access to any of the near-real time data.
At present, the team encourages them to visit their local library so they can access
the Web site. The team is considering other avenues to relay the information to
interested parties who do not have Internet access.
6.3 Resources for Presenting Water Quality Information
to the Public
As you develop your various forms of communication materials and begin to
implement your outreach plan, you will want to make sure that these
materials present your information as clearly and accurately as possible.
There are resources on the Internet to help you develop your outreach
materials. Some of these are discussed below.
How Do You Present Technical Information to the
Public?
Environmental topics are often technical in nature and full of jargon, and
water quality information is no exception. Nonetheless, technical
information can be conveyed in simple, clear terms to those in the general
public not familiar with water quality. The following principles should be
used when conveying technical information to the public:
• Avoid using jargon,
• Translate technical terms (e.g., reflectance) into everyday language the
public can easily understand,
• Use active voice,
• Write short sentences,
• Use headings and other formatting techniques to provide a clear and
organized structure.
The following Web sites provide guidance regarding how to write clearly and
effectively for a general audience:
• The National Partnership for Reinventing Government has a guidance
document, Writing User-friendly Documents, that can be found on the
Web at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
• The American Bar Association has a Web site that provides links to on-
line writing Iabs(http://www.abanet.org/lpm/bparticlell463_front.
shtml). The Web site discusses topics such as handouts and grammar.
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As you develop communication materials for your audience, remember to tailor
your information to consider what they are already likely to know, what you want
them to know, and what they are likely to understand. The most effective approach
is to provide information that is valuable and interestingto the target audience. For
example, the local fishers in the Lake Salvador area are concerned about some of
the potential effects (e.g., changes in salinity and algae blooms) of the Davis Pond
freshwater diversion. Also when developing outreach products, be sure to consider
special needs of the target audience. For example, ask yourself if your target
audience has a large number of people who speak little or no English. If so, you
should prepare communication materials in their native language.
The rest of this section contains information about resources available on the
Internet that can assist you as you develop your own outreach projects. Some
of the Web sites discussed below contain products, such as downloadable
documents or fact sheets, which you can use to develop and tailor your
education and outreach efforts.
Federal Resources
EPA's Surf Your Watershed
http://www.epa.gov/surf3
This Web site can be used to locate, use, and share environmental information on
watersheds. One section of this site, "Locate Your Watershed," allows the user to
enter the names of rivers, schools, or zip codes to learn more about watersheds in
their local area or in other parts of the country. The EPA's Index of Watershed
Indicators (IWI) can also be accessed from this site. The IWI is a numerical grade
(1 to 6), which is compiled and calculated based on a variety of indicators that point
to whether rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands, and coastal areas are "well" or "ailing."
EPA's Office of Water Volunteer Lake Monitoring: A Methods Manual
http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer/lake
EPA developed this manual to present specific information on volunteer lake
water quality monitoring methods. It is intended both for the organizers of
the volunteer lake monitoring program and for the volunteer(s) who will
actually be sampling lake conditions. Its emphasis is on identifying
appropriate parameters to monitor and listing specific steps for each selected
monitoring method. The manual also includes quality assurance/quality
control procedures to ensure that the data collected by volunteers are useful
to States and other agencies.
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EPA's Non Point Source Pointers (Fact sheets)
http: / / www.epa.go v/owow/np s /facts
This Web site features a series of fact sheets (referred to as "pointers) on nonpoint
source pollution (e.g., pollution occurring from storm water runoff). The pointers
covers topics including: programs and opportunities for public involvement in
nonpoint source control, managing wetlands to control nonpoint source pollution,
and managing urban runoff.
EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office
http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/about.html
EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office Web site includes information
about topics such as human health, visualizing the lakes, monitoring, and
pollution prevention. One section of this site (http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/
gl2000/lamps/index.html) has links to Lakewide Management Plans (LaMP)
documents for each of the Great Lakes. A LaMP is a plan of action developed
by the United States and Canada to assess, restore, protect and monitor the
ecosystem health of a Great Lake. The LaMP has a section dedicated to public
involvement or outreach and education. The program utilizes a public
review process to ensure that the LaMP is addressing their concerns. You
could use the LaMP as a model in developing similar plans for your water
monitoring program.
U. S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service
http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/water/quality/frame/wqam
Under "Guidance Documents," there are several documents pertaining to
water quality that can be downloaded or ordered. These documents are listed
below.
• A Procedure to Estimate the Response of Aquatic Systems to Changes in
Phosphorus and Nitrogen Inputs
• Stream Visual Assessment Protocol
• National Handbook of Water Quality Monitoring
• Water Quality Indicators Guide
• Water Quality Field Guide
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Education Resources
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers)
http: / /www.montana.edu/wwwwet
One goal of Project WET is to promote awareness, appreciation, knowledge,
and good stewardship of water resources by developing and making available
classroom-ready teaching aids. Another goal of WET is to establish state- and
internationally-sponsored Project WET programs. The WET site has a list of
all the State Project WET Program Coordinators.
Water Science for Schools
http://wwwga.usgs.gov/edu/index.html
The USGS's Water Science for School Web site offers information on many
aspects of water and water quality. The Web site has pictures, data, maps, and
an interactive forum where you can provide opinions and test your water
knowledge. Water quality is discussed under "Special Topics."
Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN)
http://www.earthforce.org/green
The GREEN provides opportunities for middle and high school-aged youth
to understand, improve and sustain watersheds in their community. This site (http:/
/www.igc.apc.org/green/resources.html) also includes a list of water quality
projects being conducted across the country and around the world.
Adopt- A-Watershed
http://www.adopt-a-watershed.org/about.htm
Adopt- A- Watershed is a school-community learning experience for students
from kindergarten through high school. Their goal is to make science
applicable and relevant to the students. Adopt-A-Watershed has many
products and services available to teachers wishing to start an Adopt-A-
Watershed project. Although not active in every state, the Web site has a list
of contacts in 25 States if you are interested in beginning a project in your
area.
National Institutes for Water Resources
http://wrri.nmsu.edu/niwr/niwr.html
The National Institutes for Water Resources (NIWR) is a network of 54
research institutes throughout each of the 50 States, District of Columbia, the
Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam/Federated States of Micronesia. Each
institute conducts research to solve water problems unique to their area and
establish cooperative programs with local governments, state agencies, and
industry.
COMMUNICATING TIME-RELEVANT WATER QUALITY DATA 91
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Other Organizations
North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) Guide to Local
Resources
http://www.nalms.org/
This Web site provides resources for those dealing with local lake-related
issues. NALMS's mission is to forge partnerships among citizens, scientists,
and professionals to promote the management and protection of lakes and
reservoirs. NALMS's Guide to Local Resources (http://www.nalms.org/
resource/lnkagenc/links.htm) contains various links to regulatory agencies,
extension programs, research centers, NALMS chapters, regional directors,
and a membership directory.
The Watershed Management Council
http://watershed.org/wmc/aboutwmc.html
The Watershed Management Council (WMC) is a nonprofit organization
whose members represent a variety of watershed management interests and
disciplines. WMC membership includes professionals, students, teachers,
and individuals whose interest is in promoting proper watershed
management.
Gulf of Mexico Program
http://gmpo.gov
The EPA established the Gulf of Mexico Program (GMP). Their mission is
to provide information and resources to facilitate the protection and
restoration of the coastal marine waters of the Gulf of Mexico and its coastal
natural habitats. The GMP's Web site has links to existing coastal projects,
has links to educator and student resources, and provides near-real time
oceanic data.
The Barataria - Terrobonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP)
http://www.btnep.org
BTNEP is the result of a cooperative agreement between the EPA and the
State of Louisiana under the National Estuary Program. The program's
charter was to develop a coalition of government, private, and commercial
interests to identify problems, assess trends, design pollution control,
develop resource management strategies, recommend corrective actions, and
seek implementation commitments for the preservation of Louisiana's
Barataria and Terrebonne basins.
92 CHAPTER 6
-------
APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ACRONYM LIST
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONMYM LIST A-1
-------
ADAPS: Automated Data - Processing System.
Algae: Simple single-celled, colonial, or multi-celled aquatic plants. Aquatic algae
are (mostly) microscopic plants that contain chlorophyll and grow by photosyn-
thesis. They absorb nutrients from the water or sediments, add oxygen to the water,
and are usually the major source of organic matter at the base of the food web.
Algal blooms: Referring to excessive growths of algae caused by excessive nutrient
loading.
Anoxia: Absence of oxygen in water.
APT: Automatic picture transmission.
AVHRR: Advanced very high resolution radiometer.
BTNEP: Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program.
CEI: Coastal Ecology Institute.
Chlorophyll: Green pigment in plants that transforms light energy into chemical
energy by photosynthesis.
CO2: carbon dioxide.
CSI: Coastal Studies Institute.
CZM: Coastal Zone Management.
DAAC: Distributed Active Archive Center.
A-2 APPENDIX A
-------
DAS: Data acquisition system.
dB: decibel
DECODES: Device Conversion and Delivery System
DIG: Differential interference contrast.
Dissolved oxygen (DO): The concentration of oxygen
dissolved in water, usually expressed in milligrams per liter,
parts per million, or percent of saturation (at the field tem-
perature). Adequate concentrations of dissolved oxygen are
necessary to sustain the life of fish and other aquatic organ-
isms and prevent offensive odors. DO levels are considered a
very important and commonly employed measurement of
water quality and indicator of a water body's ability to sup-
port desirable aquatic life. Levels above 5 milligrams per liter
(mg O2/L) are considered optimal and fish cannot survive for
prolonged periods at levels below 3 mg O2/L. Levels below 2
mg O2/L are often referred to as hypoxic and when O2 is less
than 0.1 mg/, conditions are considered to be anoxic.
DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide.
DO: Dissolved oxygen.
DOMSAT: Domestic satellite. A DOMSAT system utilizes
a geosynchronous satellite to re-broadcast satellite data received
at a central reception and preprocessing center.
DVT(s): Data visualization tools.
EMPACT: Environmental Monitoring for Public Access and
Community Tracking.
EPA: U.S Environmental Protection Agency.
ESL: Earth Scan Laboratory
Estuary: A semi-enclosed coastal area, where seawater mixes
with fresh water from rivers.
Eutrophication: The process by which surface water is en-
riched by nutrients (usually phosphorus and nitrogen) which
leads to excessive plant growth.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONMYM LIST A-3
-------
ft: feet.
FTP: File transfer protocol.
GAG: Global area coverage.
GFF: Glass fiber filter.
GIS: Geographic information systems.
GMP: Gulf of Mexico Program.
GOES: Geostationary operational environmental satellites.
GPS: Global positioning system.
GREEN: Global Rivers Environmental Education Network
GUI: Graphical user interface.
ug/1: micrograms (10~6 grams)/liter.
uS/cm: microsiemens per centimeter.
HAB: Harmful algal bloom.
HC1: hydrochloric acid.
HRPT: High resolution picture transmission.
HTCO: High temperature catalytic oxidation.
Hypoxia: Physical condition caused by low amounts of dissolved oxygen in water
(i.e., less than 2 mg/1.)
1C: Inorganic carbon.
IWI: Index of Watershed Indicators
APPENDIX A
-------
J
K
Kbps: kilobytes per second.
kg: kilogram.
km: kilometer.
km/hr: kilometers per hour.
Ibs: pounds.
L: liter
LAC: Local area coverage.
LaMP: Lakewide Management Plans
LNA: Low noise amplifier.
LRGS: Local readout ground station
LSU: Louisiana State University
LSU-CEI: Louisiana State University Coastal Ecology Institute.
LUMCON: Louisiana University Marine Observatory Consortium.
M
m: meters.
mg: milligrams
mg/L: milligrams/liter
mph: miles per hour.
MHz: Megahertz.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONMYM LIST A-5
-------
NALMS: North American Lake Management Society.
NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
NDIR: Non-dispersive infrared gas analyzer.
Near-real time: Refers to data current enough to be used in day-to-day decision-
making These data are collected and distributed as close to real time as possible.
Reasons for some small time delays in distributing the collected data include the
following: (1) the time it takes to physically transmit and process the data, (2)
delays due to the data transmission schedule (i.e., some collected data are only
transmitted in set time intervals as opposed to transmitting the data continu-
ously), and (3) the time it takes for automated and preliminary manual QA/QC.
NESDIS: National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service.
NIWR: National Institute for Water Resources.
NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
nrn: Nanometer, 10~9 meter.
NSP: Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.
NTU: Nephelometric turbidity unit.
Nutrient loading: The discharge of nutrients from the watershed into a receiv-
ing water body (e.g., wetland). Expressed usually as mass per unit area per unit
time (kg/ hectare/ yr or Ibs/acre/year).
ORD: Office of Research and Development.
Organic: Refers to substances that contain carbon atoms and carbon-carbon
bonds.
OSC: Orbital Sciences Corporation.
PC: Personal computer.
PCI: Peripheral component interconnect.
A-6 APPENDIX A
-------
pH scale: A scale used to determine the alkaline or acidic
nature of a substance. The scale ranges from 1 to 14 with 1
being the most acidic and 14 the most basic. Pure water is
neutral with a ph of 7.
Parameter: Whatever it is you measure - a particular physi-
cal, chemical, or biological property that is being measured.
Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants convert
carbon dioxide to sugars and oxygen using sunlight for en-
ergy.
POES: Polar orbiting environmental satellites.
ppt: parts per thousand.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): QA/QC
procedures are used to ensure that data are accurate, precise,
and consistent. QA/QC involves established rules in the field
and in the laboratory to ensure thatsamples are representa-
tive of the water you are monitoring, free from contamina-
tion, and analyzed following standard procedures.
QWSU: Quality Water Service Unit.
Remote Monitoring: Monitoring is called remote when the
operator can collect and analyze data from a site other than
the monitoring location itself.
Salinity: Measurement of the mass of dissolved salts in wa-
ter. Salinity is usually expressed in ppt.
SeaWiFS: Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor. The
SeaWiFS is an Earth-orbiting ocean color sensor flown on
the Orbview-2 satellite that provides quantitative data on glo-
bal ocean bio-opticals properties to the science community.
[Source: http://seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEAWIFS/BACK-
GROUND/ SEAWIFS_BACKGROUND.html]
SCSI: Small Computer System Interface (pronounced
"scuzzy")
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONMYM LIST A-7
-------
SEM: Scanning electron microscope.
SMSA: Standard metropolitan statistical area.
Specific Conductance: The measure of how well water can conduct an electrical
current. Specific conductance indirectly measures the presence of compounds
such as sulfates, nitrates, and phosphates. As a result, specific conductance can be
used as an indicator of water pollution. Specific conductivity is usually expressed
in »S/cm.
SST: Sea surface temperatures.
Surface Truthing: Relating the digital measurements of a parameter (e.g., turbid-
ity and fluorescence) to field sample measurements for the same or a similar pa-
rameter.
Suspended solids: (SS or Total SS [TSS]). Organic and inorganic particles in
suspension in a water mass.
TC: Total carbon.
Time-relevant environmental data: Data that are collected and communicated
to the public in a time frame that is useful to their day-to-day decision-making
about their health and the environment, and relevant to the temporal variability
of the parameter measured.
TOG: Total organic carbon.
Turbidity: The degree to which light is scattered in water because of suspended
organic and inorganic particles. Turbidity is commonly measured in NTU's.
UHF: Ultra high frequency, 300 to 3000 megahertz.
UPS: Uninterruptible power supply.
USGS: United States Geologic Survey.
USAGE: United States Army Corps of Engineers.
VHP: Very high frequency, 88 to 216 megahertz.
A-8 APPENDIX A
-------
w
WET: Water Education for Teachers.
WMC: Watershed Management Council.
YSI®: Yellow Springs Instruments*
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONMYM LIST A-9
-------
APPENDIX B
LIST OF AUTHORIZED SEAWIFS GROUND
STATIONS/USERS
LIST OF AUTHORIZED SEAWIFS GROUND STATIONS/USERS B-1
-------
Name/Telephone No. Affiliation Address
Andrew B. Archer
303. 790. 8606, ext. 3136
Dr. Robert Arnone
601.688.5268
Mr. B. Edward Arthur Jr.
228.688.5265
Dr. Max P. Bleiweiss
505.678.3504
Robert A. Kamphaus
757.441.6206
Dr. Francisco Chavez
831.775.1709
Prof. Duane E. Waliser
631.632.8647
Dr. Kevin Engle
907.474.5569
Rafael Fernandez-Sein
787. 834. 7620, ext. 2263
Dr. Pierre Flament
808.956.6663
Mr. Scott M. Glenn
908. 932. 6555, ext. 544
Dr. Frank E. Hoge
757.824.1567
Antarctic Support Association
Naval Research Lab/Stennis
Space Center
Naval Research Lab/Stennis
Space Center
US Army Research Laboratory
NOAA Ship Ron Brown
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Research Institute
Institute for Terrestrial And
Planetary Atmosphere
Institute of Marine Science
University of Puerto Rico
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Institute of Marine and Coastal
Sciences
NASA/GSFC Wallops Flight
Facility
61 Inverness Dr. East, Suite 300
Englewood, CO 801 12
Code 7243
Building 1 105
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529
Code 7340
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-
5004
AMSRL-IS-EW
White Sands Missile Range, NM
88002-5501
NOAA Ship Ron Brown
Atlantic Marine Center
43 9 W. York Street
Norfolk, VA 235 10-1 1 14
P.O. Box 628
7700Sandholdt Rd.
Moss Landing, CA 95039-0628
MSRC/Endeavor Hall #205
State University of New York
Stony Brook, NY 1 1 794-5000
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK 99775-7220
NASA-URC Tropical Center for Earth
and Space Studies
University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Road 108, Km 1.0 Miradero
PO Box 9001
Mayaguez, PR 00680-9001
1 000 Pope Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Marine Science Building
Rutgers, The State University
71 Dudley Road
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8521
Code 972
Building N-159
Wallops Island, VA 23337
B-2
APPENDIX B
-------
Name/Telephone No. Affiliation Address
Dr. Michael Laurs
808.942.1279
Mr. Ronald J. Lynn
619.546.7084
John M. Morrison
919.515.7449
Thomas L. Mote
701.777.3164
Dr. Frank E Muller-Karger
813.553.3335
Dr. Norman B. Nelson
805.893.5303
Dr. Torben N. Nielsen
808.956.5896
Albert J. Peters
402.472.4893
Dr. John N. Porter
808.956.6483
Mr. Raymond C. Smith
Greg Stossmeister
303.497.8692
Dr. Byron D. Tapley
Dr. Andrew Thomas
207.581.4335
Nan D. Walker
225-388-2395
Dr. Kirk Waters
843.740.1227
Hawaii Regional Coastwatch
Node
NOAA/La Jolla
Department of Marine Earth
and Atmospheric Science
Department of Space Studies
Department of Marine Science
University of California, Santa
Barbara
University of Hawaii/HIGP
University of Nebraska
University of Hawaii
University of California, Santa
Barbara
University Corporation for
Atmospheric Research
UT Center for Space Research
University of Maine
Louisiana State University
NOAA Coastal Service Center
National Marine Fisheries Service
Honolulu Laboratory
2570 Dole Street
Honolulu, HI 96882
National Marine Fisheries Service
PO Box271
La Jolla, CA 92007
North Carolina State University
1 125 Jordan Hall
Box 8208
Raleigh, NC 27695-8208
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9008
University of South Florida
140 7th Avenue S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
ICESS, Ellison Hall
Santa Barbara, CA 931 06
1 680 East-West Road
Post619E
Honolulu, HI 96816
1 13 Nebraska Hall
Lincoln, NE 68588-051 7
Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and
Planetology
2525 Correa Rd.
Honolulu, HI 96822
University of California Santa Barbara
Ellison Hall, 6th Floor
Santa Barbara, CA 931 06
PO Box 3000, UCAR
Boulder, CO 80307-3000
3925 West Broker Lane
Suite 200
Austin, TX 78759-5321
School of Marine Sciences
University of Maine
5741 Libby Hall, Room 218
Orono, ME 04469-5741
Coastal Studies Institute
Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
2234 South Hobson Ave.
Charleston, SC 29405-231 4
LIST OF AUTHORIZED SEAWIFS GROUND STATIONS/USERS
B-3
-------
APPENDIX C
JEFFERSON PARISH BROCHURE
JEFFERSON PARISH BROCHURE C-1
-------
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-------
APPENDIX D
EXAMPLE DATA FROM USGS HYDROWATCH
EXAMPLE DATA FROM USGS HYDROWATCH D-1
-------
Elevation
1/11/01 1/12/01 1/13/01 1/14/01 1/15/01 1/16/01 1/17/01 1/18/01 1/19/Q1
00 — ___™ ,„— — —j 4.00
00:00 00:00 00:00 00:00 00:00 00:00 00:00
PROVISIONAL DATA - SUBJECT TO CHANGE UPON FINAL REVIEW
D-2
APPENDIX D
-------
APPENDIX E
EXAMPLE DATA FROM EARTH SCAN LABORATORY
(Satellite Data - Reflettante)
EXAMPLE DATA FROM EARTH SCAN LABORATORY E-1
-------
E-2
APPENDIX E
-------
------- |