United States
Environmental Protectio
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Environmental Monitoring for Public Ace
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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.
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EPA/625/R-02/018
September 2002
Delivering Timely
Water Quality Information
to Your Community
The Chesapeake Bay and
National Aquarium in Baltimore
EMPACT Projects
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
Cincinnati, OH 45268
Recycled/Recycla ble
Printed with vegetable-based ink on
paper that contains a minimum of
50% post-consumer fiber content
processed chlorine free.
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CONTRIBUTORS
Scott Minamyer of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Risk Management
Research Laboratory, managed the development of this Handbook with the support of Pacific
Environmental Services, Inc., an EPA contractor. Bruce Michael, Ned Burger, and Glenn Page also
provided valuable assistance for the development of the handbook.
Chesapeake Bay and Fort McHenry Team
Karen Klima, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW)
Joseph Macknis, EPA Chesapeake Bay Program
Bruce Michael, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR)
Drew Koslow, MD DNR
Chris Asdland, MD DNR
Glenn Page, Director of Conservation, National Aquarium in Baltimore (NAIB)
Walter Boynton, University of Maryland Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
Ned Burger, University of Maryland Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
Chris Trumbauer, MD DNR
John Ungarelli, MD DNR
Angie Lawrence, Chesapeake Bay Program Manager, NAIB
Dan O'Connell, MD DNR
MD DNR, Resource Assessment Service, Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment Division
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
University of Maryland Center of Environmental Services, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
(CBL)/Horn Point Laboratory (HPL)
Morgan State University
The Chesapeake Bay Program - Americas Premier Watershed Restoration Program
National Aquarium in Baltimore (NAIB)
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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 EMPACT Overview 1
1.2 Background 2
1.3 Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Project 4
2. HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK 9
3. WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING 11
3.1 Water Quality Monitoring: An Overview 11
3.2 Timely Water Quality Monitoring 13
3.3 Water Quality Field Sampling 36
4. MANAGING AND TRANSFERRING WATER QUALITY DATA 45
4.1 System Overview 45
4.2 Transferring and Managing Remote Water Quality Sampling Information 48
4.3 Transferring and Managing Field Water Quality Sampling Data (Nutrients) 54
5. DEVELOPING IMAGES TO PRESENT WATER QUALITY
MONITORING DATA 55
5.1 What is Data Visualization? 55
5.2 Various Data Visualization Software 56
5.3 Visualization Software Used on the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Project 59
5.4 Guidelines for Interpreting and Conveying the Significance of the Water Quality Data 61
6. COMMUNICATING WATER QUALITY INFORMATION 63
6.1 Developing an Outreach Plan for Timely Water Quality Reporting 63
6.2 Elements of the Chesapeake Bay Outreach Programs 70
6.3 Resources for Presenting Water Quality Information to the Public 71
6.4 Success Stories 76
6.5 Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers 77
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CONTENTS (continued)
7. RELATED PROJECTS 83
7.1 Technology Transfer Project 83
7.2 Wetlands Restoration at Fort McHenry 84
7.3 Data Integration Project 87
APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ACRONYM LIST A-l
IV
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 EMPACT Overview
This handbook offers step-by-step instructions about how to provide timely
water quality data to your community. It was developed by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Environmental Monitoring for
Public Access and Community Tracking (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 timely environmental
information to the public. EMPACT has worked with several of the largest
metropolitan areas and Native American Tribes in the country to help these
communities:
Collect, manage, and distribute timely 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 works closely with these federal
agencies to help achieve nationwide consistency in measuring environmental data,
managing the information, and delivering it to the public.
Environmental information projects were initiated in more than 86 of 156 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 communities
themselves. Local governments from any of the 156 EMPACT metropolitan areas and
Native American Tribes were eligible to apply for EPA-funded Metro Grants to
develop their own EMPACT projects. The 156 EMPACT metropolitan areas and
Native American Tribes are listed in the table at the end of this chapter.
One such Metro Grant recipient is the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Project. The project
provides the public with timely water quality monitoring data and impacts of water
quality management activities in the Baltimore - Washington Area. The EMPACT
project also supplements Maryland DNR efforts to characterize water quality
conditions in estuarine systems that have experienced or have the potential to
experience harmful algal blooms.
INTRODUCTION
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1.2 Background
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and one of the most
productive in the world. It is approximately 200 miles long and varies in width from
4 to 30 miles across. The Bay watershed drains 64,000 square miles of land in six states
- Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New York and
Washington D.C. The Bay area is home to approximately 16 million people and
supports nearly 2,700 different plant and animal species.
Scientific and estuarine research conducted on the Bay between 1976 and 1983
pinpointed four problems requiring immediate attention: nutrient enrichment,
sediment loading, dwindling underwater Bay grasses, and toxic pollution. These
findings led to the development of the Chesapeake Bay Program in 1983 and the
Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Program in 1984, which monitors the overall health of the
Bay through the collection of comprehensive data on physical, chemical and biological
characteristics throughout the year in the main-stem of the Bay and tributaries.
Information obtained through these programs is vital to evaluate the progress of
management actions aimed at restoring the Bay and its tributaries, to address emerging
issues such as Pfiesteria, and to provide guidance for future actions.
In 1997, toxic Pfiesteria pistidda (fee-STEER-ee-uh pis-kuh-SEED-uh) killed
thousands of fish in several of Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore tributaries to the
Chesapeake Bay, including the lower Pocomoke River in Maryland and Virginia, the
Chicamicomico River , and King's Creek in Maryland. Pfiesteria pisddda is a toxic
dinoflagellate that has been associated with fish lesions and fish kills in coastal waters
from Delaware to North Carolina. A natural part of the marine environment,
dinoflagellates are microscopic, free-swimming, single-celled organisms, usually
classified as a type of alga. The vast majority of dinoflagellates are not toxic. Although
many dinoflagellates are plant-like and obtain energy by photosynthesis, others,
including Pfiesteria, are more animal-like and acquire some or all of their energy by
eating other organisms.
[Source: http://www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/pfiesteria/fact.html#ll]
A statewide Pfiesteria, water, and habitat quality monitoring program was initiated by
the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) to measure key
components of the ecosystem, including pollutant inputs, water quality, habitat and
living resources. In conjunction with this program, the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT
Project was established to provide timely information regarding water quality
information and the relationship to possible toxic Pfiesteria pisddda outbreaks on the
Pocomoke River. This project was meant to supplement data collected as part of the
comprehensive Pfiesteria monitoring program that is integrated with water and living
resource quality assessments through the broader Chesapeake Bay Monitoring
Program. The EMPACT project enables people to learn more about Maryland's
waterways and keep up to date with water quality and Pfiesteria issues.
CHAPTER 1
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In 1998, the first year of EMPACT continuous monitoring, two stations were
established in the Pocomoke River to monitor various water quality parameters: one
at Cedar Hall Wharf and the other in Shelltown. In 1999, another surface meter (sonde)
was deployed on the Pocomoke at Rehobeth and a bottom meter was added at Cedar
Hall Wharf. Data from the bottom meter provides information about possible
differences between bottom and surface conditions.
For 2000, the project was expanded to provide a more bay-wide representation of water
and habitat quality and potential impacts to living resources. Two sondes were
depolyed in the Magothy River: one at Cattail Creek and one at Stonington. These
stations provide data from a waterway in a more urban setting. The Stonington site is
located adjacent to a large submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) bed. SAV provides
critical habitat for living resources and the restoration of SAV is critical to bay recovery.
Two additional monitors were placed in lower eastern shore tributaries: one in the
Chicamacomico River at Drawbridge and one in the Transquaking River at Decoursey
Bridge. These two waterways have repeatedly shown evidence of Pfiesteria. Through
a cooperative program with the National Aquarium in Baltimore (NAIB), data is also
being collected from a station established in 2001 in the Baltimore Harbor adjacent to
the Fort McHenry field station.
[Source: http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/empact/faq.html]
Initially, the monitoring stations were not equipped with telemetry to collect real-time
data; however in 2000, most of the stations were outfitted with this equipment so that
timely data could be collected. "Timely data" refers to data that is 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 parameters measured. Figure 1.1 shows the geographical location of the
monitoring stations.
In addition to supplementing the Pfiesteria program, this project provided a means to
gain a greater understanding of how tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay function. For
example, the relationship between storm events and fresh water flows to the Pocomoke
is poorly understood because of its altered watershed hydrology resulting from human
activities over the past several years. This is an important process to understand
because of the likely linkage between runoff, nutrient loading, and conditions that
influence Pfiesteria populations.
Other objectives of the EMPACT projectwere to measure and evaluate low dissolved
oxygen conditions that affect certain Maryland waterways during the summer months
and to evaluate SAV habitat conditions. Low oxygen conditions can stress fish and
other aquatic organisms, and can lead to fish kills under severe conditions. SAV is a
key living resource in Chesapeake Bay and provides valuable habitat for fish, crabs and
other species.
INTRODUCTION
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Figure 1.1 Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Monitoring Stations
2001
1.3 Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Project
Note: The National Aquarium in Baltimore (NAIB) project is discussed in
Chapter 7.
1.3.1 O
verview
The Chesapeake Bay EMPACT project was initiated in 1998 and ended in 2001.
During that time, the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT project maintained as many as eight
continuous water quality monitoring sites. Most sites were equipped with sampling and
telemetry equipment. Timely data was available from the Rehobeth and Cedar Hall
Wharf Stations on the Pocomoke River, the Stonington Station on the Magothy River,
the Drawbridge Station on the Chicamacomico River, the Decoursey Bridge Station on
the Transquaking River, and from the Fort McHenry Field Station in Patpsco River.
The data for the Shelltown site on the Pocomoke River and the Cattail site on the
Magothy was downloaded manually by MD DNR scientists. [Source: http://
mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/newmontech/contmon/index.cfm]
Note: Although the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Project has ended, MD DNR
continues to collect timely water quality data at many of the monitoring
sites listed above. In some cases, the equipment has been moved to other
sites to collect similar data.
4
CHAPTER
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The field monitors (or sondes) were located at a constant depth of one meter below the
surface of the water, with the exception of Cedar Hall Wharf on the Pocomoke, which
also has a surface and bottom meter. The sondes were programmed to record seven
environmental parameters: water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen saturation,
dissolved oxygen concentration, pH, turbidity, and fluorescence. Each parameter was
recorded every 15 minutes. Once a week (May through October), the monitors were
replaced with clean, recalibrated units. The data collected by the sondes were
downloaded and reviewed using the software, EcoWatchฎ for Windows, that was
provided with the sonde. Scientists reviewed the data to identify and delete obvious
erroneous data. After reviewing the data, the scientist sends the data to the Web site
manager where graphs are prepared for placement on the EMPACT Web site for the
public to view. The Web site manager also archives the data for long-term storage. A
telemetry system, which includes cellular phones located in the sampling stations,
transferred the near real-time monitoring results to the MD DNR and NAIB twice each
day. These data were processed and stored in a database within minutes so that Web
users could query and generate graphs of the data.
In addition to the data collected by the sondes, water samples were collected at each
location weekly for analysis in the laboratory. The analyses were used to calibrate the
sondes and to check the data for accuracy. Water samples were collected for nutrient
analysis, Chlorophyll A levels, and water column respiration rates.
1.3.2 Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Project Objectives
Overall project objectives included the following:
Record chemical and physical data that will provide an understanding of the
environmental factors that contribute to the occurrence of harmful algal blooms
and low dissolved oxygen occurrences in the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays.
Provide in-situ timely data to the Maryland DNR that supplements state efforts
for Pfiesteria surveillance monitoring and SAV restoration.
Utilize high-frequency timely data along with weekly measurements to
characterize physical conditions and time frames over which physical processes
occur. Identification of recurring events and their associated physical
conditions are used as a basis for the development of future monitoring
schemes to optimize recognition of any signals, impacts or events in the
tributaries.
Provide comprehensive assessments of technical environmental data in an easy
to understand format that will increase the public's understanding of factors
contributing to the frequency of toxic outbreaks of Pfiesteria and Pfiesteria-like
organisms, fish kills, low dissolved oxygen and the loss of SAV habitat.
INTRODUCTION
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1.3.3 EMPACT Project Team
The Chesapeake Bay Project team consisted of the following members and key
partners:
I. Key Personnel
Tony Allred, MD DNR - Data management oversite.
Bruce Michael, MD DNR - EMPACT project coordination and management.
Drew Koslow, Chris Aadland, Maryland DNR - Data management and analysis,
Web site design and maintenance.
Ned Burger, University of Maryland Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Chris
Trumbauer, MD DNR, and John Ungarelli, MD DNR - Responsibilities
included field work and in-house downloading and archiving raw data from
instruments following each weekly deployment, making and documenting any
data deletions or conversions, and transferring the corrected data to DNR.
Glenn Page, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Director of Conservation -
oversees all conservation efforts for NAIB.
Angie Lawrence, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Chesapeake Bay Program
Manager - responsible for all tidal wetland restoration efforts, manages
volunteers.
Dan O'Connell, Maryland DNR - database manager/programmer, maintains
the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Web site.
II. Key Partners
Maryland DNR, Resource Assessment Service, Tidewater Ecosystem
Assessment Division.
NAIB (National Aquarium in Baltimore).
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
University of Maryland Center of Environmental Services, Chesapeake
Biological Laboratory (CBL)/Horn Point Laboratory (HPL).
Morgan State University.
The Chesapeake Bay Program.
Other local partners.
CHAPTER
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1.3.4 Project Costs
The costs to conduct a water quality monitoring project similar to the Chesapeake Bay
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 monitoring stations that you want to deploy, whether
you want a telemetry system to receive timely data, the personnel needed to collect and
analyze the data, the number of samples to collect, and the amount of new equipment
which will need to be purchased.
Each year from 1998 through 2000, Maryland's DNR applied for and received
incremental EMPACT funding for their water quality monitoring program, totaling
$475K. In 1998, the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT project received f 100K to set up and
maintain continuous monitoring at two sites on the Pocomoke River. Foursondes (two
per monitoring site) were purchased for weekly collection of monitoring data. With an
EMPACT Grant of $125K in 1999, four more sondes were purchased and set up to
provide continuous monitoring at two additional sites on the Pocomoke. No telemetry
was installed during these two years. A grant of $250K in 2000 enabled the Chesapeake
Bay project to expand its continuous monitoring program Bay-wide. Two sites on the
Magothy River and one site each on the Transquaking and Chicamacomico Rivers were
set up, requiring the purchase and maintenance of eight additional sondes. With the
additional funds, the purchase and use of telemetry was also initiated.
Figure 1.2 provides an example of the expenditure breakdown for the major project
phases/tasks which occurred in 2000. In addition to EMPACT Grant funding,
Maryland DNR provided funding for nutrient analysis, and staff time for project
oversight, data management, data analysis and interpretation, and information
dissemination. The University of Maryland also provided staff time for project
oversight. [Source: EMPACT EPA Project Plan 2000, Revised January.]
One should keep in mind that significant initial capital costs may be incurred when
implementing such a monitoring effort. For example, if you need to purchase
equipment to measure parameters (i.e., sondes) or if you want to have access to timely
data which would require telemetry hardware and software, then you should account
for such expenditures. A monitoring station equipped with sondes and electronic
hardware for a telemetry system can cost $17,000 to $22,000, excluding the manpower
necessary for maintaining the equipment.
Added to this are annual costs for staff time necessary for sample collection and
maintaining the sondes, data management, data analysis, and Web page maintenance.
Utilizing a telemetry system also has additional costs such as cell phone charges.
INTRODUCTION
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Figure 1.2 Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Grant (FY2000)
Travel (non-EPA)
QA/QC
$6,000
$6,000-
Susteinability
$6.000
Olher Misc. Costs
$18.000
Project Planning
$7,000
Technological Transfer
$8,000
Communication/Outreach
$18,000
Monitoring
S115.000
r
Data Interpretation
S11.000
Information Delivery f \
Information Management
57,000
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 Chesapeake Bay Project. The handbook also provides technical information
communities need to develop and manage their own timely water monitoring, data visualization, and
information dissemination programs. ORD, workingwith the Chesapeake Bay 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.
Free copies of 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. A PDF version of the Handbook can be downloaded directly from the same
Web site. 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-NCEPQ
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.
8 CHAPTER
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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 timely water quality data to your community, using the
Chesapeake Bay Project in Maryland as a model. It contains detailed guidance on how
to:
Design, site,
operate, and
maintain a
system to
gather timely
water quality
data.
Design,
operate, and
maintain a
system to
retrieve,
manage, and
analyze your
timely water
quality data.
Use data
visualization
tools to
graphically
depict these
data.
Develop a plan
to communicate
the results of
your timely
water quality
monitoring
efforts to
residents in
your
community.
This Handbook also provides information on how to conduct a wetland restoration
effort in your community. Specifically:
Chapter 3 provides information about water quality monitoring - the first step
in the process of generating timely information about water quality and making
it available to residents in your area. The chapter begins with an overview of
water quality monitoring in estuarine systems and then focuses on the
monitoring components that are part of the Chesapeake Bay Project.
Chapter 4 provides step-by-step instructions on how to collect, transfer, and
manage timely water quality data. This chapter discusses time-series sampling
equipment calibration, transferring sampling data, managing sampling data, and
checking sampling data for quality. In addition, this chapter presents details on
water quality field sampling including details on sampling, water quality
parameter analyses, and data transfer and management.
Chapter 5 provides information about using data visualization tools to
graphically depict the timely 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
Chesapeake Bay team. You might want to use these software tools to help
analyze your data and in your efforts to provide timely water quality
information to your community.
Chapter 6 outlines the steps involved in developing an outreach plan to
communicate information about water quality in your community. It also
HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK
9
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provides information about the Chesapeake Bay Project's outreach efforts. The
chapter includes a list of resources to help you develop easily understandable
materials to communicate information about your timely water quality
monitoring program to a variety of audiences.
Chapter 7 discusses related projects that were conducted by the National
Aquarium in Baltimore. Such projects include a similar water quality
monitoring project at the Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore, MD;
wetlands restoration efforts at Fort McHenry; and the development of a GIS
product to provide online access to water quality information.
This handbook is designed for decision-makers considering whether to implement a
timely 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 scientists and technicians and provide
detailed "how to" information. Chapter 6 is designed for managers and communication
specialists. Chapter 7 is designed to inform individuals or groups about other projects
which resulted or benefitted from the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT project.
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 Chesapeake Bay team in developing and implementing its timely water quality
monitoring, data management, and outreach program.
10 CHAPTER 2
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3. WATER QUALITY
MONITORING/SAMPLING
This chapter provides information about water quality monitoring and sampling - the
first step in the process of generating timely 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 monitoring components that were part of the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT
Project. The chapter also provides instructions on how to install, operate, and maintain
continuous monitoring equipment. 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 design and implementation of a water quality monitoring project
whose goal is to provide timely water quality sample results to the public, you should
review Subsections 3.2.1 through 3.2.8. They provide an introduction to the specific
steps involved in developing and operating a water quality monitoring project and
information on where to find additional guidance. If you are responsible for the 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. Subsections 3.3.3 and 3.3.4 provide instructions on how to collect
and analyze water samples for various parameters.
3.1 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 meeting their
standards for designed uses, such as for swimming, fishing, or drinking. Water quality
monitoring can consist of the following types of measurements:
Chemical measurements of constituents such as nutrients, metals, and oils in
water.
Physical measurements of general conditions such as temperature, dissolved
oxygen, conductivity/salinity, current speed/direction, water level, water
clarity.
' 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 a variety of water quality monitoring projects, including:
At fixed locations on a continuous basis.
At selected locations on an as-needed basis or to answer specific questions.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING 11
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On a temporary or seasonal basis (such as during the summer at swimming
beaches).
On an emergency basis (such as after a spill).
Note: As you will read later, the majority of Chesapeake Bay's Water Quality
Monitoring Project was conducted on a seasonal basis from April/May
through October which corresponds to the times of highest biological
activity and it is representative of the SAV growing season in Maryland.
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 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 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 are being met.
Complying with local, state, and federal regulations.
Responding to emergencies such as spills or floods.
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. The EPA's Office of
Water has developed a Watershed Distance Learning Program called the "Watershed
Academy Web." This program, which offers a certificate upon completion, is a series
of self-paced training modules that covers topics such as watershed ecology,
management practices, analysis and planning. More information about the Watershed
Academy Web can be found on the Web at: http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/. The
EPA also has a Web site entitled "Surf Your Watershed" which can be used to locate.
12 CHAPTERS
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use, and share environmental information on watersheds. For more information about
the resources available on Surf Your Watershed, please see the following Web site:
http://www.epa.gov/surf3. The EPA also has a collection of watershed tools
available on the Web at http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/watershed/tools/. The
watershed tools deal with topics such as data collection, management and assessment,
outreach and education, and modeling.
In addition to the federal 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 State
of Maryland maintains a Web site (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/monitoring/)
that lists its monitoring strategy for the Chesapeake Bay. State and local organizations
in your community might maintain similar listings.
In some cases, special water quality monitoring methods, such as remote monitoring,
or special types of water quality data, such as timely data, are needed to meet a water
quality monitoring program's objectives. Timely 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.
3.2 Timely Water Quality Monitoring
The Chesapeake Bay Project monitored a range of water quality parameters including
chloropyhll A, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, salinity (conductivity), temperature, and
total suspended solids. This information was used to help the State of Maryland,
EMPACT project stakeholders and partners, as well as the public, better understand
the environmental conditions that can lead to harmful algal blooms, fish kills or the
emergence or decline of SAV.
The Chesapeake Bay Project monitored various water quality parameters at eight
locations along five rivers feeding into the Chesapeake Bay: Cedar Hall Wharf,
Shelltown, Rehobeth (located along the Pocomoke River); Fort McHenry (located
along the Baltimore Harbor in the Patapsco River); Cattail Creek and Stonington
(located along the Magothy River); Drawbridge (located along the Chicamacomico
River); and Decoursey Bridge (located along the Transquaking River). At these
locations, the team operated monitoring equipment which monitor water quality using
commercially available sondes. A sonde is a group of sensors which transmits timely
water quality data to a data acquisition/telemetry system mounted above the water
level. Provided below is a schematic showing the general equipment associated with
the monitoring station.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING 13
-------
Figure 3.1 Monitoring Station
Antennae
Solar Panel
Control Panel containing the
following: Batt&y, Modem,
i
CR1 OX Data Logger, _
Radio Transmitter, \v
Voice Synthesizer xs
Field Cable -
^^
^
PVCTube -*
Vftl CrtnHia .^
3
7
-
j
TT
^^^^
"^
^jf"
>7^ Rxed
,--'' Location
,"
,, --
^y"^
.x*^
x/v
Every 15 minutes, the water quality monitoring station unit equipped with a YSP 6600
multiprobe water quality sensor measured the following parameters:
Dissolved oxygen
DO% Saturation
Fluorescense/Chlorophyll A
pH
Specific conductance/Salinity
Turbidity
Water temperature
The remainder of this chapter provides guidelines for designing a water quality
monitoring project. It also provides information on the sample collection and analysis
procedures used for the field sampling effort.
14
CHAPTER 3
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3.2.1 Designing a Timely Water Quality Monitoring Project
The first step in developing a timely water quality monitoring project is to define your
objectives. Keep in mind that timely monitoring might not be the best method for your
organization or community. For example, you would not likely need timely 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
naturally occurring processes, system interactions, system ecology, and human impacts
on the system.
Since the Chesapeake Bay monitoring project involves estuarine ecology, the following
paragraphs provide some basic background information about this topic.
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 ecologically rich environment where estuaries, with large expanses of 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.
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 an essential habitat for a diverse range of species. These
wetlands are used as a nursery, nesting area, shelter or feeding area by shorebirds,
migratory waterfowl, fish, crabs, invertebrates, reptiles, and mammals. 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.
Effect of Nutrients on the Chesapeake Bay
Nutrients and organic matter enter the Bay from a variety of sources, including sewage
treatment plant effluents, stream inputs, local non-point drainage and direct rainfall on
bay waters. A portion of organic matter sinks to the bottom, decomposes and
contributes to the development of hypoxic (low oxygen) and anoxic (no oxygen)
conditions. Estuarine sediments have the ability to store nutrients that can later allow
a "flux" of nutrients from sediments to the water. These fluxes can fuel high rates of
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING 15
-------
phytoplankton growth and biomass accumulation. Once phytoplankton die, they fall
to the bottom where they are decomposed by bacteria. The process of decomposition
requires the use of oxygen (see Figure 3.2). Therefore, large amounts of organic matter
created by dead phytoplankton blooms can deplete oxygen in bottom sediments which
can lead to hypoxia or anoxia. Hypoxia and anoxia are common in eutrophic estuarine
systems and threaten our living resources, including SAV, shellfish, fish and other
fauna.
Figure 3.2. Components in the Chesapeake Bay That Produce and Consume
Oxygen
Respiration -
oxygen consumption
V
PhotosynthesE - oxygen production
Res prat ion - oxygen consumption
Res prat ion -
oxygen consumption
otosyntnesE - oxygen prod uct io
Respiration - oxvqen consumption
Q*:vgen consumption
[Source: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/monitoring/eco/affect.html].
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/find/Concise.asp?z=l&pg=2&ti=761570978#sl]
Most of the world's freshwater runoff eventually 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 sea water is about 35 ppt. Due
mostly to changes in the river flow, the three main estuarine zones - sea water, brackish,
16
CHAPTER 3
-------
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]
Note: The salinity in the Chesapeake Bay varies from fresh water levels in the
upper bay to 20-30 ppt in the low bay.
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 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.
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, such as Pfiesteria may
produce potent toxins that can cause
fish kills and human health problems.
Due to the significant health and
economic concerns surrounding the
outbreaks of toxic Pfiesteria that
Maryland experienced in 1997, a primary goal of the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT project
is to supplement Maryland's larger Pfiesteria monitoring efforts.
Pfiesteria
Pfiesteriapisddda is a toxic dinoflagellate that has been associated with fish lesions and
fish kills in coastal waters from Delaware to North Carolina. A natural part of the
marine environment, dinoflagellates are microscopic, free-swimming, single-celled
organisms, usually classified as a type of algae. The vast majority of dinoflagellates are
not toxic. Although many dinoflagellates are plant-like and obtain energy by
photosynthesis, others, including Pfiesteria, are more animal-like and acquire some or
all of their energy by eating other organisms.
How An Algal Bloom Can Occur
Ideal conditions for algal growth occurs when
you have a combination of algae, high levels of
nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus), and
water temperature and salinity levels conducive
to phytoplankton growth in the water body.
In such conditions, the algae consumes the
excess nutrient causing a decrease in
dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus in the water
body.
During the day, overall dissolved oxygen (DO)
increases as phytoplankton produces oxygen
as photosynthesis occurs.
At night, the DO levels decrease sharply as the
algae consumes oxygen.
As the amount of nutrients are depleted, the
algae population decreases sharply in what is
called a "crash."
As this crash occurs, the dead phytoplankton
sinks to the bottom of the water column where
they are consumed by decomposers.
Since decomposers require oxygen to break
down the algae, DO levels decrease.
Low oxygen levels can be detrimental to fish
health. If DO levels drop to below 3 mg/L, fish
kills will result!
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING
17
-------
Pfiesteria normally exists in non-toxic forms, but becomes toxic when it detects an
ephemeral substance that live fish excrete or secrete into the water. In its toxic form,
Pfiesteria secretes toxins into the water which make the fish lethargic. These toxins also
injure the fish skin causing bleeding sores and hemorrhaging. North Carolina State
University has conducted much research on Pfiesteria. For more information, refer to
http://www.pfiesteria.org/pfiesteria.
Designing the Chesapeake Bay Project
The Chesapeake Bay Project team's decision to collect timely water quality data was
made so that the data would serve as a communications link with the public, providing
frequent updates of "real-time" data and emphasizing that the state and EPA are
watching 24 hours a day specific areas which could experience harmful algal blooms
or other environmental problems. Citizens can access the frequently updated data on
the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Web site (http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/
newmontech/contmon/index.cfm) which depicts actual conditions being measured in
the Pocomoke, Chicamacomico, Transquaking, and Magothy Rivers as well as at Fort
McHenry in the Baltimore Harbor.
The project team decided to conduct timely monitoring of 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 timely 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.
3.2.2 Selecting Your Monitoring Duration and Frequency
The duration of your monitoring will depend on your project objectives. For example,
like the Chesapeake Bay project, if you want to measure the environmental conditions
that contribute to Pfiesteria outbreaks or other harmful algal blooms, you will want to
monitor when those conditions generally occur in your region.
The goal of the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT monitoring program is to have most of the
sites collecting data from April through October. These dates correspond to the SAV
growing season and are when Pfiesteria outbreaks are most likely to occur. However,
if your goal is to monitor the effects of freshwater river diversions on a coastal wetland,
you may want to monitor water quality year-round.
If you want to identify existing or emerging water quality problems such as algal
blooms, you could tailor your monitoring frequency to collect data often
enough to identify problems early in order 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
18 CHAPTERS
-------
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.
Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Season
Most of the stations collect data
from April through October
year-round and occasionally other
sites are maintained year-round
to test equipment
The Chesapeake Bay project team
programmed its monitoring station to
collect water quality data every 15
minutes. This monitoring frequency
provides timely environmental data to
The Fort McHenry station operates supplement Maryland's rapid response
and comprehensive water and habitat
quality assessments of Maryland
tributaries that have a potential risk for
harmful algal blooms. It also provides the
temporal resolution they need to see
naturally occurring cyclical changes in various parameters (e.g., Chlorophyll A
fluctuations occurring during the daytime and nighttime).
3.2.3 Selecting Water Quality Parameters for Monitoring
The monitoring parameters that you select depend on your project's objectives and the
technologies available to you. The Chesapeake Bay/NAIB project teams chose to
monitor the following water quality parameters every 15 minutes using the YSI 6600
probe:
Dissolved oxygen (mg/1)
DO % saturation (%)
Fluorescence (%)
pH
Salinity (ppt)
Turbidity (NTU)
Water temperature (degrees Celsius)
The importance of each parameter is discussed below.
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
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING 19
-------
from increased primary productivity of phytoplankton 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 levels below 5 mg/
L can stress organisms while sustained DO levels of less than 3 mg/L can result in fish
kills. [Source: http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/empact/Current_results_display.cfm.]
Sufficient evidence exists that DO < 2 mg/L is extremely stressful to most aquatic
organisms. 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. Low DO is usually observed from May through September in
Chesapeake Bay and is primarily driven by nutrient loading. [Source: http://
www.epa.gov/ged/gulf.htm]. Additional information about hypoxia can also be found
on the following USGS Web site: http://www.rcolka.cr.usgs.gov/midconherb/
hypoxia.html.
DO% Saturation. DO saturation percent shows the level of dissolved oxygen as a
percentage of the possible DO the water could contain. Generally, colder water can
hold more DO than warmer water. Supersaturation (over 100% DO saturation) can
occur when there is a large algal bloom. During the daylight, when the algae are
photosynthesizing, they can produce oxygen so rapidly that it is not able to escape into
the atmosphere, thus leading to short-term saturation levels of greater than 100%.
Fluorescence. Fluorescence is an indirect measure of the amount of Chlorophyll A
in the water column. Since the primary source of the photosynthetic pigment
Chlorophyll A is phytoplankton, we can use the fluorescence reading (percent full scale
or %FS) as an indicator of phytoplankton populations in the water column. [Source:
http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/empact/Current_results_display.cfm]
pH. pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration (or acidity) 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. If water becomes either too alkaline or acidic, it can become
inhospitable to many species of aquatic life. Lower pH values can also increase the
amount of dissolved metals in the water. High pH values can be an indication of an
algae bloom.
Salinity. Salinity (or electrical conductivity) is an estimator of the amount of total
dissolved salts or total dissolved ions in water. Many factors influence the electrical
conductivity/salinity of estuarine 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
20 CHAPTER 3
-------
affects the distribution and health of benthic animals, fish, and vegetation. Both
excessively high or low salinities can negatively impact the estuarine ecosystem.
Salinity levels are important to aquatic organisms, as some organisms are adapted to
live only in brackish or saltwater, while others require fresh water. If the salinity levels
get too high, the health of freshwater fish and grasses in the system can be affected.
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 sediment to phytoplankton. In combination with
the Chlorophyll A measurements, it can be determined if mineral matter or organics
dominate. Predominant organics 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 affects bottom dwelling organisms.
Measurements of turbidity and backscatter are interrelated in that water with high
turbidity measurements also yields high reflectance measurements. Simply put, the
more particles that are present in the water, the more light can be scattered back to the
sensor. Increased turbidity has 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
estuary bottom.
Fine particulate 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 the drinking
water supply.
Water Temperature. Water temperature is a product of warming from the sun and
air and is another variable affecting suitability of the waterway for aquatic organisms.
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
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING 21
-------
in nutrient rich environments promote algal growth and may lead to algal blooms. If
water temperatures are consistently higher or lower than average, organisms can be
stressed and may have to relocate to areas with a more suitable water temperature.
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.
3.2.4 Selecting Monitoring Equipment
The type of monitoring method selected depends on your data quality objectives and
the purpose of the monitoring. A group of sensors configured together to measure
specific physical properties are available as single instruments and are commonly
referred to as a sonde, which typically has a single recording unit or electronic
datalogger to record the output from the group of sensors. When you select your
monitoring equipment, you should carefully consider ease of use, equipment lifetime,
reliability, and maintenance requirements. You also might consider using equipment
that has been used successfully for similar types of projects.
Note: For descriptions of other EPA EMPACT projects see http://www.epa.gov/
ttbnrmrl/Ha ndbks.htm.
The Chesapeake Bay Project team selected the YSI 6600 sensor package to collect
timely water quality data. This capability provides opportunities for multi parameter
data collection and helped the project team to meet its objectives as described below:
Archive and display timely water and habitat quality parameters on the Internet
for presentation of the data to the general public.
Provide timely interpretation, as appropriate, relevant to water and habitat
quality monitoring data.
Provide timely environmental data to supplement Maryland's rapid response
and comprehensive water and habitat quality assessments of Maryland
tributaries that have a potential risk for harmful algal blooms.
Demonstrate the local government's response to emerging water and habitat
quality issues of concern to the public.
Even though the teams use YSI equipment, other manufactures provide similar or
alternative equipment. For example, Hydrolab (http://www.hydrolab.com) is another
multi-parameter sensor manufacturer. The Maryland DNR uses Hydrolab sensors for
some of its other monitoring projects. However, the Chesapeake Bay project team
chose the YSI sensor because of its patented Rapid Pulse Dissolved Oxygen Sensor,
which provides accurate results without the need for a mechanical stirrer.
22 CHAPTER 3
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Description of a Typical Monitoring Station
The typical monitoring site utilized for the Chesapeake Bay project consists of two
types of equipment: monitoring equipment and telemetry equipment. The monitoring
equipment consists of a sensor package and a field cable. The telemetry equipment,
which is necessary for providing near real-time data to an end user, consists of a
datalogger, a battery, a solar panel, modem, and voice synthesizer. The telemetry
equipment is discussed in Chapter 4. Information about the monitoring equipment
utilized by the Chesapeake Bay team was obtained from the Yellow Springs
Instruments, Inc. (YSI) Web site (http://www.ysi.com) and is discussed below.
Sensor Package. The Chesapeake Bay team selected the YSI 6600 sensor package
which has a multi-sensor probe, called a sonde, to measure the various water quality
parameters. A picture of the YSI 6600 sensor package is shown in Figure 3.3.
The 6600 sonde is YSI's premier unit and can be deployed to measure water quality in
fresh, sea, or polluted water at depths up to 200 meters. It is 3.5" in diameter, 20.4"
long, and weighs approximately 6 pounds. It has an internal power supply consisting
of 8 C-size alkaline batteries. The battery life is approximately 75 days assuming that
you buy quality batteries and sample at 15-minute intervals at 25ฐC. A fully loaded YSI
6600 sonde can measure 11 different parameters and calculate up to 7 additional
parameters. The YSI 6600 has 384 kilobytes of logging memory and can store up to
150,000 readings.
Figure 3.3 YSI 6600 Multi-probe sensor
^^^M
The YSI sondes are
warranted for two years; all
cables are warranted for one
year; and dissolved oxygen,
temperature/conductivity,
pH, turbidity, and
Chlorophyll A probes are
warranted for one year.
Also when selecting your
equipment, you will want to
ensure that it meets generally
accepted accuracy and
sensitivity requirements.
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 3.1 shows the YSI sensor calibration requirements and how it compares
to the USGS sensor calibration/accuracy requirements.
[Photo Courtesy of YSI]
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING
23
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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. For more information on the YSI 6600's performance specifications, see
http://www.ysi.com.
Initially, the Chesapeake Bay team deployed YSI 6920 sondes. The 6920 sonde lacked
the capability to measure both turbidity and fluorescence simultaneously because it
had only one optical port. As a result, the team could only monitor turbidity. The YSI
6600 is equipped with two optical ports, so when it became available, the team replaced
its 6920 sondes with the 6600 so they could also monitor Chlorophyll A which required
the additional optical port.
Field Cable. The field cable is a communication link between the YSI 6600 and
either a computer or data collection device. The field cable attaches directly to a
connector built into the sonde. The other end of the field cable is a military-style 8 pin
connector (MS-8). The MS-8 connector plugs directly into YSI 610-D or 610DM
display/loggers. Using a YSI 6095B MS-8 to DB-9 adapter, the sonde can be
connected directly to a computer for setup, calibration, and uploading files.
PVC Tube. Although not part of the standard YSI-issued sonde equipment, the
Chesapeake Bay Team mounts the YSI sonde inside a specially prepared PVC tube.
The tube adds further protection for the sonde against the local wildlife, debris, and
human tampering. When deploying the sonde inside a PVC tube, the tube should be
painted with an anti-fouling coating to prevent algae and barnacles from attaching to
the pipe and fouling the DO and fluorescence sensors.
Care should be taken when choosing an antifouling coating, because some will not
work in certain conditions. Because Chesapeake Bay's sondes are located in tidal
waters, they use an ablative antifouling paint which will remain active as the sonde is
continuously re-exposed to water due to tidal forces. If you want to monitor water
quality in a fresh water lake where the salinity levels are lower and there are no tidal
influences, you should choose a different type of antifouling paint. Antifouling paints
can be purchased from boat and marine suppliers.
Other Peripheral Equipment and Software. For the initial setup of the sonde,
you will also need a computer with a communications port (DB-9). YSI recommends
that the initial setup procedure take place in a laboratory environment rather than in
the field. YSI provides a copy of its EcoWatchฎ for Windows (EcoWatchฎ) which
is necessary for programming the sonde. The software is a Windows 3.1 program that
works well with Windows 95, 98 and Windows NT. EcoWatchฎ must be used with an
IBM-compatible PC equipped with at least a 386 processor and a 3.5" floppy disk drive.
EcoWatchฎ is discussed further in Chapter 4.
24 CHAPTER 3
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Table 3.1 Performance Specifications for the YSI 6600.
,/c. n , Recommended
n Yol rertormance ,,c^c n r
Parameter c .,. ,. UbUb rertormance
opecitication r .r. . ฑ
opecitication
Dissolved Oxygen
% Dissolved Oxygen
Saturation
Fluorescence/
Chlorophyll A
PH
Cond uctivity/Sa linity
Turbidity
Water Temperature
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
Ra nge
Resolution
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
Ra nge
Resolution
Accuracy
Ra nge
Resolution
Accuracy
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
0 to 50 mg/l
0.01 mg/l
0 to 20 mg/l: ฑ2% of reading
or 0.2mg/l, whichever is
greater;
20 to 50 mg/l:ฑ6% of reading
0 to 500%
0.1%
0 to 200%: ฑ 2% of reading
or 2% air saturation, whichever
is g reater;
200 to 500%: ฑ6% of reading
0 to 1 00% FS
0.1% FS
0 to 14 units
0.01 unit
ฑ0.2 unit
0 to 70 ppt
0.01 ppt
ฑ 1 % of reading or
0.1 ppt, whichever is greater
0 to 1000 NTU
0.1 NTU
ฑ5% of reading or 2 NTU,
whichever is greater
-5 to 45 ฐC
0.01 ฐC
ฑ0.15 ฐC
ฑ0.3 mg/l
Not Addressed
Not Addressed
ฑ0.2 pH units
ฑ3%
ฑ5%
ฑ0.2 ฐC
* See http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/wri/wri004252/#pdf, Table 9.
3.2.5 Siting Monitors
The water quality monitoring location(s) that you select depends on your project's
objectives. When you select your monitoring location(s), you should carefully consider
the following factors:
Will the data collected at this ocation(s) fulfill your project's objectives? For
example, if you would like a means for early detection of harmful algal blooms,
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING
25
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26
you need to make sure that you are monitoring parameters that will indicate
such.
Is your community supportive of equipment installation for 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 boating,
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 access to the monitoring location(s) adequate?
Siting the Chesapeake Bay Locations
You should attempt to place the sonde in an inconspicuous location in a remote area.
Human tampering is a risk associated with unattended stations. The Chesapeake Bay
team had two options when deciding how to prevent human tampering. One option
was to make the station as visible as possible (e.g., place signs stating that monitoring
is being conducted, who to report incidents of vandalism to, and visibly securing the
sonde). The other option was to hide the station as much as possible. The Chesapeake
Bay team chose to hide their monitors or put them in areas where known individuals
could easily check the station. To date, the team has not had any problems with human
tampering.
The Chesapeake Bay team decided to locate the monitoring system at eight locations
(see Table 3.2). Locations were selected because of past fish kills or fish health
problems attributable to low DO, or they were adjacent to SAV beds.
Baltimore Harbor - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is working
with the NAIB and Morgan State University to operate a continuous monitoring station
in Baltimore Harbor. This station yields water quality and habitat information from a
very urban setting adjacent to the Fort McHenry wetland restoration site. The sonde
is located inside a PVC pipe attached to a corrugated bulkhead adjacent to the Ft.
McHenry wetland restoration site (see Chapter 7).
Pocomoke River - Cedar Hall Wharf - In 1998, the YSI 6600 monitor was
anchored to a dock at the Beverly Farm in Cedar Hall Wharf. One surface meter
was used at this location. The shallow water location of this meter contrasts with
the mid-channel meter placement at Shelltown. The location of this site is such
that water quality is still somewhat affected by bay conditions, but not as strongly
CHAPTER 3
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as the Shelltown site. Due to the upstream, near-shore placement, water conditions
are generally smoother at this site as well.
Table 3.2 Location and Placement of the Chesapeake Bay Monitoring
Stations.
Baltimore Harbor-
Fort McHenry Field Station
Pocomoke-Cedar Hall Wharf
Pocomoke-Shelltown
Pocomoke-Rehobeth
Magothy-Cattail Creek
Magothy-Stonington
Chicamacomico- Drawbridge
Transquaking-Decoursey
Bridge
Near Shore
Near Shore
Center Channel
Near Shore
Near Shore
At the End of a Long
Pier
Center Channel
(narrow channel area)
Center Channel
One monitor suspended 1 meter
below surface
One monitor suspended 1 meter
below surface;
Second monitor anchored 1 meter
above river bed
Suspended 1 meter below surface
Suspended 1 meter below surface
Suspended 1 meter below surface
Suspended 1 meter below surface
Suspended 1 meter below surface
Suspended 1 meter below surface
Pocomoke-Shelltown - The original location (1998) of the Shelltown station was
in the Pocomoke River on a dock near Shelltown. In 1999, the station was moved to
a piling driven into the sediment slightly downstream at Williams Point (near the
Pocomoke Sound). Williams Point is one of the Pocomoke River sites of the 1997
Pfiesteria outbreaks resulting in fish kill estimated at 10,000 to 15,000 fish. This station
is more affected by bay conditions than further upstream conditions. Due to its
proximity to the bay, salinity levels at this station are generally higher than at other
stations.
Pocomoke-Rehobeth -The site was installed in 1999. The YSI 6600 monitor is
anchored to a piling near a retaining wall at Rehobeth. This area is close to shore and
somewhat protected from wave action and high rates of water flow. Being the furthest
away from the bay, this site is the least affected by bay water quality fluctuations. Due
to its distance from the Bay, this site experiences lower salinity levels than the other
continuous monitoring sites.
Magothy-Stonington - This site was installed in 2000. The YSI 6600 monitor is
anchored at the end of a long pier located in a residential area. The pier is maintained
by a home owners association so MD DNRhad to obtain permission to place the station
there.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING
27
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Magothy-Cattail - This site was installed in 2000. The YSI 6600 monitor is
anchored on the side of a residential pier. MD DNR obtained permission from the
home owner to place the station at this site. This station is located in an inlet area where
the water does not circulate well and typically shows very low DO levels. A non-toxic
Pfiesteria piscicida outbreak was confirmed in 1999 near this site. Once the EMPACT
project ended, this monitor was moved to the Whitehurst location on the Magothy
River.
Chicamacomico-Drawbridge - This site was installed in 2000. The YSI 6600
monitor is located on the side of a small fishing pier. The location is fairly remote but
there is a small boat manufacturing company located next to the pier. In 1997, a portion
of the Chicamacomico River near Drawbridge Road in Dorchester County was closed
after a significant number of menhaden were found in distress and dying with Pfiesteria-
like lesions. Results of water samples from the Chicamacomico indicated the presence
of toxic levels of Pftesteria j
Trcmsquaking-Decoursey Bridge - The YSI 6600 monitor is anchored on the side
of a small bridge in a remote area. To prevent tampering, the team made an effort to
position the station so that it could not easily be seen from the road or bridge. This
station was located near the site of a non-toxic Pftesteria outbreak in 1999. Once the
EMPACT project ended, this monitorwas moved to the Severn river to collect similar
data.
3.2.6 Installing the Monitoring System
This section discusses some of the basic preparation and installation procedures for the
monitoring system. Detailed step-by-step installation procedures for the monitoring
equipment are available from the YSI's Environmental Monitoring Systems
Operations Manual for 6-Series sondes. The user's manual for the YSI 6-Series sondes
can be downloaded from the Yellow Springs Instruments, Inc. Web site at http://
www.ysi.com. If you purchase a YSI sonde, you will receive a manual.
Unpack and Inspect the Monitoring Equipment
The first step to installing the monitoring system is to unpack and inspect the
equipment. As soon as you receive the equipment, you should do the following:
Remove the equipment from the shipping boxes or containers.
Using the enclosed packing slip, perform an inventory of all items. If you are
missing any items, contact the manufacturer immediately.
Conduct a thorough visual inspection of all items. If you observe any damage,
contact the manufacturer and the carrier.
28 CHAPTER 3
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Prepare the Sonde for Use
The second step to installing the monitoring system is to prepare the sonde for
calibration and operation. You should perform the following basic procedures:
Install the DO membrane on the DO probe.
Install the other probes (e.g., turbidity, conductivity, temperature, pH etc.).
Provide power for the sonde (e.g., install batteries or external power supply).
Connect the field cable to the sonde.
Install Software
The third step to installing the monitoring system is to install the necessary computer
software. As stated earlier, YSI recommends that the software be installed on a
computer in a laboratory setting for the initial setup of the sondes.
Two different types of computer software can be used with YSI's environmental
monitoring systems. EcoWatchฎ for Windows1 or PC6000, which is a DOS-based
software. The Chesapeake Bay team uses EcoWatchฎ for Windows1.
To get started with EcoWatchฎ for Windows1, perform the following steps:
Install EcoWatchฎ for Windows1 on your computer. Place Disk 1 of
EcoWatchฎ in your 3.5" drive, select "Run" and type "a:\setup.exe" at the
prompt. Click on "OK" and the display will indicate that EcoWatchฎ is being
installed. Follow the instructions on the screen after the installation is
complete.
Connect your field cable (and sonde) to a communication port on the computer
where EcoWatchฎ is installed.
Click on the EcoWatchฎ icon on your computer to begin running the software.
Select the Sonde icon on the Ecowatch tool bar and then select the proper
communication port to which your sonde is connected (e.g., 1 or 2).
Ensure that the baud rate is 9600 on the Conini menu.
Specify a parallel port to select a printer.
Select Sonde from the EcoWatchฎ menu to communicate between your
computer and the sonde. Once the proper communication port is selected, a
window showing a # sign will appear. Type "menu" after the # sign and press
Enter to get the Sonde Main Menu. From the Sonde Main Menu, you can
set up the date and time, choose communication baud rates, select page
lengths, identify your instruments (sondes), enable the sondes' sensors, and
develop a report to show the parameters you want to see when you collect your
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING 29
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data. For detailed instructions on these procedures refer to the YSI
Environmental Monitoring Systems Operations Manual for 6-Series sondes.
You may encounter some problems with the communication between the sonde and
the computer. Possible causes and recommended actions to correct the problem are
provided in the Table 3.3.
Table 3.3 Troubleshooting Communication Problems Between the Sonde and
Computer.
Possible Cause
Sonde has no power
Recommended Actions
Check the batteries or the power source
Field Cable connection is loose
Check both ends of the field cable
Damaged Connectors
Check the pins at both ends; they should
be straight, dry and clean
Com port not selected
Change to other port or try another
computer or display/logger
Calibrate the Probes on the Sonde
The next step to installing the monitoring system is to calibrate and check the sonde
according to the manufacturer's instructions. Various reagents and calibration
standard solutions are required to calibrate the various probes. YSI makes a calibration
cup for their sondes which serves as a chamber for all calibrations and minimizes the
amount of reagents required to calibrate the sonde. You may use laboratory glassware
instead to perform the calibrations; however, you should take special precautions to
avoid damaging the probes.
Program the Sonde for Monitoring
After the sensors have been enabled and calibrated and a report is developed to display
your monitoring results, you are ready to program the sonde foryour unique monitoring
conditions. Selecting 1-Run from the main menu will allow you to set up your
parameters for your study. You have two monitoring options: "discrete sample" and
"unattended sample." The monitoring frequency for discrete sampling is likely to be
for only seconds in order to obtain short term or "snapshot" results as you move from
site to site during the day. The monitoring frequency for unattended sampling is usually
longer (e.g., minutes) because the sonde will be deployed for days or weeks at a time.
This is where you specify your sampling interval (e.g., seconds or minutes), the
sampling start date, the sampling start time, the duration for sampling, and which
parameters to log.
30
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Once you program your monitoring parameters, the internal software of the sonde will
automatically calculate the expected battery life and the amount of time to fill the
internal memory of the sonde. You can use this information to determine if your
monitoring program should be adjusted or if you need new batteries, etc.
Once you finish programming the sonde you can begin collecting monitoring data. The
data collected by the sonde is saved in a .dat file in the sonde's memory (386 kilobytes
max.).
Note: The Chesapeake Bay project programs their sondes for unattended
sampling.
3.2.7 Using EcoWatchฎ to Capture, Upload and Analyze
Data
This section discusses the basic steps for using EcoWatchฎ to capture, upload, and
analyze data collected by the sonde. The procedures listed below were summarized
from the YSI's Environmental Monitoring Systems Operations Manual for 6-Series
sondes. You will need to refer to this manual for detailed step-by-step operation
guidance.
Capturing Data
EcoWatchฎ can be used to capture real-time data to your computer's hard drive or
to a disk. To use this function, you will need to do the following:
Connect the sonde's field cable to your computer's communications port.
Run the EcoWatchฎ software.
Click on the Sonde icon and choose the correct communications port.
From the sonde's Main menu, press 1-Run and then 1-Discrete Sample.
Verify that the sample interval is set to the correct value.
Open the Real-Time menu, click on New and select the directory where you
want the data transferred. Name the file giving it the extension .RT.
Click OK and wait for data transfer to begin. EcoWatchฎ will automatically
save the data as a .DAT file in your designated directory.
When finished, open the Real-Time menu, choose Close, and click on OK.
Uploading Data
EcoWatchฎ can also be used to retrieve data already stored in the sonde's memory (i.e.,
sondes which have been running unattended). To use this function, you will need to
perform the following procedures:
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING 31
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Connect the sonde's field cable to your computer's communications port.
Run the EcoWatchฎ software.
Click on the Sonde icon and choose the correct communications port.
Enter the File menu, and select 1-Directory to view the files currently stored
in the sonde's memory.
Select 2-Upload to upload the data to your computer.
Select 1-Proceed and choose a file transfer protocol (PC6000 is recommended
because it is faster). A status box will appear on the screen indicating the status
of the file transfer.
Select 4-View File to see the data in any file currently stored in the sonde's
memory.
If you want to permanently delete the data from the sonde's memory select 6-
Delete.
Analyzing Data
Once you have uploaded the sonde's data to your computer, you can use EcoWatchฎ
to view, plot, manipulate and report the data. For example, when you select File and
Open to open a data file, you can see a one-page plot showing line graphs of all the data
logged on your sonde. Based on your selection, you can view as many (or as few) graphs
as you prefer. You can also set time limits to view data within a specified time frame
(e.g., a day as opposed to a week). Viewing data using EcoWatchฎ is useful because
you can see daily variations in parameters such as temperature and dissolved oxygen.
You may see obvious erroneous data such as flat-line data where the sonde was out of
the water just prior to deployment. While in the graph mode, you can put your cursor
on the graph and hold down the right mouse button causing a vertical dotted line to
appear. The instantaneous value will appear where the vertical line crosses the graph.
You can move the mouse to scan the graph and read the corresponding instantaneous
values. EcoWatchฎ allows you to view data in a tabular mode as well. The software
also has a Statistics function which will calculate minimum, maximum, mean, and
standard deviation information for each activated parameter.
Saving, Importing, Exporting, and Printing Data
EcoWatchฎ has various options under its File menu to save, import, export, and print
data. You can modify and save or rename a file. Once saved, you can export a file in
a Comma & '' Delimited format (.CSV) or print it to a compatible printer. EcoWatchฎ
has a Help function which will explain these features.
32 CHAPTER 3
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3.2.8 Maintaining the Monitoring System
The scheduled maintenance activities for your monitoring 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.
Chesapeake Bay Project Maintenance Activities
Because of the potential fouling of the dissolved oxygen sensor, the Chesapeake Bay
team decided that all stations should be maintained weekly May through October.
Personnel from the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL) maintained the three
stations located on the Pocomoke River once each week. MD DNR personnel
maintained the four stations located on the Magothy, Chicamacomico, and
Transquaking Rivers each week, and similarly the Baltimore Aquarium personnel
maintained the station located at Fort McHenry once each week. In the event of
physical disruptions (such as recording equipment malfunction, sedimentation,
electrical disruption, debris, or vandalism), the Chesapeake Bay/NAIB teams would
conduct additional site visits. Also during weekly visits (May through October), the
teams collect water samples to be analyzed later for nutrient analysis (see Section 3.3).
Although some of the stations are not close to each other, the teams can typically
service up to four monitoring stations in a single day.
Each team had two YSI 6600 sondes for each monitoring station. During the weekly
field visit, the team removed the deployed sonde from the station and replaced it with
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING 33
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a freshly calibrated sonde. Both the field monitor being retrieved and the replacement
field monitor were recording simultaneous data for beginning and endpoint
comparison. Prior to deploying the fresh sonde, the team used a long brush to scrub
the inside of the PVC tube where the sonde is placed. The team was careful to switch
the sondes prior to a monitoring event that occurs in 15 minute intervals to avoid
interruptions in the data collection.
The sondes were retrieved from each monitoring station and wrapped in wet towels
to keep the DO membrane in a 100% saturated-air environment. The sondes
continued to log data while out of the water so they could achieve equilibrium for the
post calibration test. The sondes were taken back to the laboratory where they
continued to log data overnight in order to equilibrate. Usually the next day, the team
performed post calibration tests for each of the sensors to determine if they operated
correctly while in the field. The pH, turbidity, conductivity and Chlorophyll A sensors
were calibrated against known standard solutions. The calibration of the dissolved
oxygen sensor was conducted in the controlled environment of the team's laboratory.
Calibration of the temperature sensor was not required.
In addition to the post calibration test, the team used EcoWatchฎ to upload and visually
inspect the data collected by the sonde (see Chapter 4 for further discussions). The
team checked the sonde's batteries and inspected and cleaned the various sensors
according to the manufacturer's instructions. The sensors were carefully cleaned to
remove algae and any other organisms that could foul the sensors. The team typically
spent one half to a full day calibrating, inspecting, and cleaning the sonde's sensors.
The detailed maintenance requirements and procedures for the monitoring 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.
34 CHAPTER 3
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Table 3.4 Common Troubleshooting Issues and Actions
Symptoms
Dissolved
Oxygen reading
unstable or
inaccurate
Possible Cause
Probe not properly calibrated
Action
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 too 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
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H
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 1 00, recondition probe. Follow
DO cleaning procedure.
Replace electrolyte and membrane
Replace probe
Return sonde for:
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
alibration solutions
Internal failure
Return sonde for service
Level Sensor
unstable or
inaccurate
Desiccant is spent
Replace desiccant
Level
" hole is obstructed
Follow level sensor cleaning procedure
Level sensor has been damaged
Return sonde for:
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 full
Installed probe
has no reading
Sensor has been disabled
Enable sensor
Water in probe connector
Dry connector; reinstall probe
Probe has been damaged
Replace probe
Report output improperly set
Set up report output
Internal failure
Return sonde for:
Temperature
unstable or
inaccurate
Water in connector
Dry connector; reinstall probe
Probe has been damaged
Replace probe
Turbidity probe
unstable or
inaccurate.
Error messages
appear during
calibration
Probe requires cleaning
Follow probe cleaning procedure
Probe requires calibration
Follow calibration procedure
Probe has been damaged
Replace probe
Water in probe connector
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
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING
35
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36
3.3 Water Quality Field Sampling
3.3.1 Purpose of Field Sampling
The team also collected water samples during their weekly visits. The samples were
collected to analyze for chemical properties that cannot be measured by the automated
field monitors, to calibrate the field monitors, and to verify the accuracy of transmitted
and downloaded data.
3.3.2 Parameters Measured from Field Samples
The following parameters were measured from the samples collected during weekly
maintenance visit:
Chlorophyll A
Nutrients
Particulate carbon
Particulate nitrogen
Dissolved organic carbon
Dissolved organic nitrogen
Dissolved organic phosphorus
Dissolved inorganic phosphorus
Particulate phosphorus
Nitrate-Nitrite
Nitrite
Ammonium
Total suspended solids
The importance of each of these parameters is discussed below.
Chlorophyll A
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.
CHAPTER 3
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Nutrients
Particulate Carbon and Dissolved Organic Carbon. Organic matter plays
a major role in aquatic systems. It affects biogeochemical processes, nutrient recycling,
biological availability, chemical transport and interactions. It also has direct
implications in the planning of wastewater treatment and drinking water treatment.
Organic matter is typically measured as total organic carbon (TOG) and dissolved
organic carbon (DOC), which are essential components of the carbon cycle. [Source:
BASIN Water Quality Terminology, http://bcn.boulder.co.us/basin/natural/
wqterms.html]
Particulate Nitrogen, Dissolved Organic Nitrogen, Nitrate-Nitrite,
Nitrite, and Ammonia. Nitrogen is required by all organisms for the basic
processes of life to make proteins, to grow, and to reproduce. Nitrogen is very common
and found in many forms in the environment. Inorganic forms include nitrate (NO3)
and nitrite (NO^. Organic nitrogen is found in the cells of all living things and is a
component of proteins, peptides, and amino acids. Excessive concentrations of
nitrate, nitrite, or ammonia can be harmful to humans and wildlife. Nitrate, nitrite, and
ammonia enter waterways from lawn fertilizer run-off, leaking septic tanks, animal
wastes, industrial waste waters, sanitary landfills and discharges from car exhausts.
[Source: BASIN Water Quality Terms, http://bcn.boulder.co.us/basin/natural/
wqterms.html]
Particulate Phosphorus, Dissolved Organic Phosphorus, Dissolved
Inorganic Phosphorus. Phosphorus is a nutrient required by all organisms for the
basic processes of life. Phosphorus is a natural element found in rocks, soils, and
organic material. Its concentration in clean water is generally very low; however,
phosphorus is used extensively in fertilizer and other chemicals, so it can be found in
higher concentrations in areas of human activity. Phosphorus is generally found as
phosphate (PO4~3). High levels of phosphate, along with nitrate, can overstimulate the
growth of aquatic plants and algae, resulting in high dissolved oxygen consumption,
causing death of fish and other organisms. The primary sources of phosphates in
surface water are detergents, fertilizers, and natural mineral deposits. [Source: BASIN
Water Quality Terms, http://bcn.boulder.co.us/basin/natural/wqterms.html]
Total Suspended Solids (TSS). TSS refers to matter (e.g., silt, decaying plant and
animal matter, industrial wastes, and sewage) suspended in water, and is related to both
specific conductance and turbidity. High levels of TSS in water can have detrimental
effects because it reduces sunlight passing through the water, which reduces the rate
of photosynthesis, which lowers the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. [Source:
BASIN General Information on Solids, http://bcn.boulder.co.us/basin/data/
FECAL/mfo/TSS.html]
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING 37
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3.3.3 Sample Collection Procedures
The team used an Alpha water bottle to collect the field samples. To collect the
sample, the 2 liter Alpha bottle is opened and horizontally-mounted on a line. The
Alpha bottle is lowered into the water and positioned at probe depth (i.e., 1 meter
below the surface). Once in position, a small stainless steel weight (called a messenger)
which is attached to the line), is released and slides down the line to the Alpha bottle.
The impact of the messenger causes the Alpha bottle to close thereby collecting a
raw water sample. The Alpha bottle is removed from the water. The results from
the analysis of the water sample are related to readings from the field monitor that
correspond to both the beginning and end-point readings for respective data records.
Note: An additional Hydrolab sonde and data display are also taken to the
field to obtain instantaneous temperature, salinity, and DO readings.
Raw sample water is drawn immediately from the Alpha bottle to a 500-ml Nalgene
bottle for further processing (see Figure 3.4). A standard thermometer is placed in the
Nalgene bottle to equilibrate while additional raw sample water is drawn from the
Alpha bottle for Winkler dissolved oxygen determinations. From the Alpha
bottle, one clear glass 300-ml BOD bottle is filled and preserved immediately.
Figure 3.4 Water Sampling Alpha Bottle
Note: For more information on the use and costs of Alpha bottles and other
peripheral equipment see http://www.wildco.com/liquid.html.
Next, raw water in the 500 ml Nalgene bottle is shaken gently. Using a vacuum pump,
flask and filter apparatus, a measured quantity is filtered through a pre-combusted filter
38
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pad (Whatman 25 mm diameter 0.7 jam particle retention) for participate carbon and
particulate nitrogen analysis (1 pad for each). Pads are folded and placed in aluminum
foil pouches on ice.
Figure 3.5 GF/F Filter Being Placed in a Foil Pouch
The filter apparatus is then exchanged to accommodate larger filter pads. Raw water
in the 500 ml Nalgene bottle is shaken gently, a measured quantity is filtered through
a 47 mm filter pad for Chlorophyll A analyses and the pad is folded and placed in an
aluminum foil pouch on ice.
At this point, the resulting filtrate is decanted and a portion used to rinse respective
containers for the following samples. A measured quantity of filtrate is retained in a
capped test tube for dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus analyses. Three auto-
analyzer (AA) vials are filled for nitrite-nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium analyses. A
capped Teflonฎ tube is filled for dissolved organic carbon analysis.
The remaining raw water in the 500-ml Nalgene bottle is shaken and a measured
quantity is filtered through a pre-weighed filter pad (Whatman 47 mm diameter GF/
F filter pad) for particulate phosphorus and total suspended sediment analysis (1 pad
for each). Pads are rinsed twice with deionized water, folded and placed in aluminum
foil pouches on ice (see Figure 3.5).
Remaining water in the Alpha bottle is shaken and a portion is used to fill a 500-ml
Nalgene bottle for phytoplankton species composition analysis. The sample is
preserved using 5 ml Lugol's solution (a strong iodine solution).
All on-site sample processing is completed within 30 to 45 minutes of water collection.
The three aluminum pouches, three AA vials, one Teflonฎ tube and one test tube from
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING
39
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each site remain on ice during the transport back to the laboratory, where they are
frozen until later laboratory analysis. The samples processed by the MD DNR and
Baltimore personnel are sent by courier to the CBL for analysis.
3.3.4 Sample Analysis Procedures
When CBL receives the processed samples, they perform a variety of analyses. Winkler
titration procedures are performed and water samples for nutrient and Chlorophyll A
determination are processed and sent out for laboratory analysis. Beginning and end-
point Winkler dissolved oxygen determinations are completed and used for calibration
of instrument measurements. Since laboratory analyses results of Chlorophyll A and
turbidity measurements require a longer time for completion, calibration of those
parameters is completed at a later time. All time-series data are edited to reflect any
calibration corrections or deletions as needed and documented.
Standard oceanographic and estuarine methods of chemical analysis are used for all
determinations of dissolved and particulate materials. The water quality techniques
used by CBL to conduct the water quality analyses are described below. Further
discussion on these techniques are discussed in the Nutrient Analytical Services
Laboratory's Standard Operating Procedures found at http://www.cbl.cees.edu/
nasl/documents/SOP.pdf.
Determination of ammonia is by the Berthelot Reaction in which a blue-colored
compound similar to indophenol forms when a solution of ammonium salt is added to
sodium phenoxide, followed by the addition of sodium hypochlorite. The addition of
potassium sodium tartrate and sodium citrate solution prevents precipitation of
hydroxides of calcium and magnesium. This is an automated colorimetric technique.
The reaction forms a blue color measured at 630 nm using the Technicon TrAAcs-800
Nutrient Analyzer. [Methodology: Technicon Industrial Method No. 804-86T.
August 1986. Technicon Industrial Systems. Tarrytown, New York, 10591]
Nitrate reacts under acidic conditions with sulfanilamide to form a diazo compound
that couples with N-1-naphthylethylenediamine dihydrochloride to form a reddish-
purple azo dye measured at 520 nm using the Technicon TrAAcs-800 Nutrient
Analyzer. [Methodology: Technicon Industrial Method No. 818-87T. February 1987.
Technicon Industrial Systems. Tarrytown, New York, 10591]
For Nitrite + Nitrate measurement, filtered samples are passed through a granulated
copper-cadmium column to reduce nitrate to nitrite. The nitrite (originally present plus
reduced nitrate) then is determined by diazotizingwith sulfanilamide and coupling with
N-1-naphthylethylenediamine dihydrochloride to form a colored azo dye that is
measured at 550 nm using a Technicon AutoAnalyzer II. Nitrate concentration is
obtained by subtracting the corresponding nitrite value from the nitrite + nitrate
concentration. [Technicon Industrial Method No. 158-71 W/A j- Tentative. 1977.
40 CHAPTER 3
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Technicon Industrial Systems. Tarrytown, New York, 10591 and USEPA. 1979.
Method No. 353.2 in Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes. United
States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Report No. EPA-600/4-79-020, March 1979.]
Methods for measuring dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus are
described below. All procedures require the addition of potassium persulfate to a
sample, which when under heat and pressure, breaks down the organic constituents to
inorganic forms. Inorganic fractions then are subtracted from the total dissolved
sample to yield the dissolved organic concentration. See Figures 3.6, 3.7 and 3.8.
Figure 3.6 General Laboratory Procedures for Nutrient Analyses.
ป Ammonia, Phosphate, Nitrite, and Nitrate are filtered on 07 urn GF/F
(4 ml, laboted AAI1 cups. 3 replicates}
Tola) Dissolved Hilrofซn, Total Dmolvtd Phosphorous - filtered on 0.7 um CF.'F
(10 mV late led test tubes)
ซ DOC - filtered 0,7 um GF/F (20 ml. tabtled trst tutป3)
Total Suspended Solids - 0 7 urn QfiF fiber f>s>a (Labeled 2 replicates)
* Partieutate carbon and particulpte nitrogen - 0,7 um GF/F filter pad (2 rephoB-tes}
# Partteulate Phosphorus - 0.7 um GF/F filter pad (labeted, 2 replicates)
Samples
brought to
Isband counted.
Date 3rW
ซts srซ diซcki4 for eornpl*tent3s.
Clifcirophyll a
Total Di-iiiftlvsd Nitrogen
Total Dissolved Phosphwus
Nitrite, Nitrate
Ammonii , Phosphate
Porttcufate CsriMjn,
Particuiat* Nitrojari
PsrtieulaJa Phosptwrus
Tola! Suspandttd Solids
Data input to lotus, fa-mi
The method for determining Total Dissolved Nitrogen and Phosphorus is a persulfate
oxidation technique for nitrogen and phosphorus where, under alkaline conditions,
nitrate is the sole nitrogen product and phosphate is the sole phosphorus product.
Ammonium molybdate and antimony potassium tartrate react in an acid medium with
dilute solutions of phosphorus to form an antimony-phospho-molybdate complex
which is reduced to an intensely blue-colored complex by ascorbic acid. Color is
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING
41
-------
proportional to phosphorus concentration. Digested samples are passed through a
granulated copper-cadmium column to reduce nitrate to nitrite. The nitrite then is
determined by diazotizing with sulfanilamide and coupling with N-l-
naphthylethylenediamine dihydrochloride to form a colored azo dye. Color is
proportional to nitrogen concentration. Color is measured by a Techni-con
AutoAnalyzer II. [D'Elia, C.F., P.A. Steudler and N. Corwm. 1977. Determination of
Total Nitrogen in Aqueous Samples using Persulfate Digestion. Limnol. Oceanogr.
22:760-764. and Valderrama, J.C. 1981. The Simultaneous Analysis of Total Nitrogen
and Total Phosphorus in Natural Waters. Mar. Chem. 10:109-122]
Figure 3.7 General Laboratory Procedures for Nitrogen Analyses.
Total Nitrogen
Pour sample water
through a 0.7 urn GF/F filter
Particulate Nitrogen
(Elemental Analysis retained
on Filter)
Total Dissolved Nitrogen
(Alkaline Persulfate N[filtratc])
Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN)
(NO,- + NOj- + NQ.4+)
Dissolved Organic Nitrogen
(Alkaline Persulfate Nplfrate] - DIN)
{All measured by standard automated ColDrimetnc Pracedu'e*}
Total Phosphorus is determined using an automated colorimetric analysis. Ammonium
molybdate and antimony potassium tartrate react in an acid medium with dilute
solutions of phosphorus to form an antimony-phospho-molybdate complex which is
reduced to an intensely blue-colored complex by ascorbic acid. Color is measure at 880
nm using a Technicon Auto-Analyzer II. The color is proportional to phosphorus
concentration. [Menzel, D.W. and N. Corwin, 1965. The Measurement of Total
Phosphorus in Seawater Based on the Liberation of Organically Bound Fractions by
Persulfate Oxidation. Limno. Oceanogr. 10:280-282 and USEPA. 1979. Method No.
365.3 in Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes. United States
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development. Cincinnati,
Ohio. Report No. EPA-600/4-79-020. March 1979.]
42
CHAPTER 3
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Total Inorganic Carbon (TIC) is determined by the measurement of carbon dioxide
released by acidification of a sample. As pH decreases, carbonate and bicarbonate ions
are converted to dissolved CO2. The CO2 is purged from solution, concentrated by
trapping on a molecular sieve column, then desorbed and carried into a non-dispersive
infrared analyzer (IR). The IR (OI Corp. Model 700 TOC Analyzer) is calibrated to
display the mass of TIC in the sample divided by the sample volume. [Menzel, D.W.
and R.F. Vaccaro. 1964. The Measurement of Dissolved Organic and Particulate
Carbon in Seawater. Limnol. Oceanogr. 9:138-142]
Figure 3.8 General Laboratory Procedures for Phosphorus Analysis.
Total Phiophorus
Pour sample water
through a 0.7 urn GF/F filter
Particulate Phosphorus
(Extraction Filter)
Total Dissolved Phosphorus
(Alkaline Persulfate [filtrate])
Dissolved Inorganic Phosphorus (DIP)
IPO/3)
Dissolved Organic Phosphorus
(Alkaline Persulfate [filtrate] - DIP)
(All measured byss-ndarc automated
Co cr metric -v
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is determined by the measurement of CO2 released by
chemical oxidation of organic carbon in a sample. The sample is acidified and purged
of TIC and sodium persulfate, a strong oxidizer, is added. The oxidant quickly reacts
with organic carbon in the sample at 1 00ฐC to form CO2. When the oxidation reaction
is complete, CO2 is purged from solution, concentrated by trapping on a molecular
sieve column and detected as described for TIC. [Methodology: Menzel and Vaccaro,
1964.]
Direct measurement of particulate carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus is the preferred
method used by the Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory (NASL). It is believed
that a greater volume filtered onto the pad yields a more representative sample. Direct
measurement is also rapid, sensitive and more precise.
For ^articulate Carbon and Nitrogen, samples are combusted in pure oxygen under static
conditions. Products of combustion are passed over suitable reagents in the
combustion tube where complete oxidation occurs. In the reduction tube, oxides of
nitrogen are converted to molecular nitrogen. The carbon dioxide, water vapor and
WATER QUALITY MONITORING/SAMPLING
43
-------
nitrogen are mixed and released into the thermal conductivity detector where the
concentrations of the sample gases are measured. Instrumentation: CE-440 Elemental
Analyzer.
^articulate Phosphorus is determined using a high temperature/HCl extraction technique
where organic phosphorus is broken down to the inorganic form at 550ฐC, extracted in
IN HC1 for 24 hours and analyzed for phosphate using a Technicon AutoAnalyzer II.
This is a total analysis where both inorganic and organic components are included. It
has been determined that for Chesapeake Bay waters there is a varied and sometimes
substantial inorganic particulate phosphorus component both temporally and spatially.
[Aspila, I., H. Agemian and A.S.Y. Chau. 1976. A Semi-Automated Method for the
Determination of Inorganic, Organic and Total Phosphate in Sediments. Analyst
101:187-197]
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) is the retained material on a standard glass filter pad after
filtration of a well-mixed sample of water. The filtrate is measured and the filter is
weighed. Results are expressed in mg/1. [APHA. 1975. Method 208D. Total
Nonfilterable Residue Dried at 103-105 C (Total Suspended Matter) in Standard
Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 14th Edition. American Public
Health Association. Washington, D.C. 1193pp. and USEPA. 1979. Method No.
160.2 (with slight modification) in Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and
Wastes. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and
Development. Cincinnati, Ohio. Report No. EPA-600/4-79-020, March 1979.
460pp.]
Chlorophyll A is measured using a fluorometric method where a filter pad containing
particulate material is extracted in 90% acetone in the cold and dark for 12 hours prior
to analysis. Fluorescence of the extract is measured before and after acidification using
a Turner Fluorometer Model 112. Fluorescence is proportional to Chlorophyll A
concentration. [Strickland, J.D.H. and T.R. Parsons. 1972. A Practical Handbook of
Seawater Analysis. Bulletin 167 (2nd Ed.). Fisheries Research Board of Canada,
Ottawa, Canada, and Parsons, T.R., Y. Maita and C.M. Lalli. 1984. Determination of
Chloropyhlls and Total Carotenoids: Spectrophotometric method, pp. 101-112 in
Parsons, T.R., Y. Maita and C.M. Lalli. A Manual of Chemical and Biological Methods
for Seawater Analysis. Pergamon Press, Oxford.]
44 CHAPTER 3
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4. MANAGING AND TRANSFERRING
WATER QUALITY DATA
In the previous chapter, we discussed how to collect water quality data using
automated monitors (or sondes) and by manual sampling. Using either method,
you can accumulate vast amounts of data for your project. This Chapter discusses
how to manage and transfer the water quality data once it is either collected and stored
in the sonde's memory or manually collected in the field.
A data collection, transfer, and management system has potential benefits for your
community. The system may allow you to automate the collection of water samples
and control the resulting data flexibly and easily. By using the system's software (e.g.,
EcoWatchฎ), you can program your water quality monitors to collect data at specified
intervals. Then you can call the monitoring station as needed for data transmission, or
program your system to call for transmissions of data at specified times. Once the data
arrives, the information can be formatted and stored or otherwise prepared for export
to another database, or it can be analyzed using geographical information system (GIS)
or data visualization software and placed on a Web site.
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
monitoring station unit to monitor every hour, 7 days a week, in order to characterize
general conditions. 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 15-minute basis. Sampling on this scale helps analysts learn more
about smaller scale conditions that may only last for a few hours or days. This
information would be lost if samp ling was only conducted on a weekly or monthly basis.
Readers interested in an overview of the management and transfer equipment and
procedures utilized by the Chesapeake Bay project should focus primarily on the
introductory information in Section 4.1 below. If you are responsible for or interested
in managing and transferring remotely collected water quality data, you should carefully
read the technical information presented in Section 4.2. Details on managing and
transferring water quality data collected manually are discussed in Section 4.3.
4.1 System Overview
Each sonde used in the Chesapeake Bay project records 96 readings for seven
parameters every 24 hours, 4,704 data points per week are generated at each site. If
you are only interested in obtaining and analyzing the data, you can periodically visit
your monitoring station (e.g., once per week), retrieve the sonde, download the data,
and run your analysis as described in Section 3.2.7. One limitation with this approach
is that you would not have access to timely data. If you downloaded data from the
MANAGING AND TRANSFERRING WATER QUALITY DATA 45
-------
sonde only once per week, chances are that any notable events would have already
transpired. Another downside is that you would not be aware of a sonde malfunction
until your next visit and could miss several days of monitoring.
When the Chesapeake Bay project first started, the team did not utilize a telemetry
system and simply visited the monitoring station each week to upload the data as
described in Section 3.2.7. As funds became available in 2000, the team decided to
equip most of its monitoring stations with a telemetry system so they could receive
timely data. This new telemetry equipment enabled users to view important water
quality data the day it was collected. Table 4.1 identifies the monitoring stations
equipped with telemetry. The telemetry system automatically sends a 12-hour block
of data (i.e., physical parameters discussed in Section 3.2.3) directly to MD DNR twice
each day (at 7:30 A.M. and 7:30 P.M). The frequency of data access can be determined
by the project needs and objectives. Once received at MD DNR, this data is
automatically processed, graphed and placed on the EMPACT Web site. Utilizing the
telemetry system allowed the team to deposit raw data automatically on the EMPACT
Web site for the public to view. Receiving timely data also allows the team to evaluate
the performance of the sonde or specific sensors and to determine if more frequent
maintenance or service is required for the sonde.
Table 4.1 EMPACT Monitoring Stations Equipped With Telemetry.
. c, ,. -T- | . Physica Data Chemica Data
Location-Motion lelemetry _ , _ , _
Iranster rreq uency Iranster rrequency
Baltimore Harbor- Fort
Me Henry
Pocomoke-
Cedar Hall Wharf
Pocomo ke- She II town
Pocomoke-Rehobeth
Magothy-Cattai Creek
Magothy-Stonington
Chicamacom ica-
Drawbridge
Tra nsquaking-
Decoursey Bridge
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Two transfers per day
Two transfers per day
Downloaded from sonde
once each week '
Two transfers per day
Downloaded from sonde
once each week
Two transfers per day
Two transfers per day
Two transfers per day
Manually collected each
week
Manually collected each
wee k
Manually collected each
week
Manually collected each
wee k
Manually collected each
week
Manually collected each
wee k
Manually collected each
week
Manually collected each
wee k
1 TheShelltown site will be equipped with telemetry soon.
The water samples collected manually each week for nutrient analysis are sent to CBL
for analysis. Figure 4.1 shows the overall management and transfer of the data collected
by the Chesapeake Bay team.
46
CHAPTER 4
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Figure 4.1 Data Flow for the Physical and Chemical Measurements
Raw physical data
collected by YSI6603
Sonde every 15 minutes
DNR receives two
raw data
transmissions each
day via the
Telemetry System
is switched
weekly and taken to
laboratory where raw
data is downloaded
Scientists review
and QA raw data
Scientists send
Qa'ed dala to DNR
DNR publishes
provisional
real-time data to the
EMPACT website
(data turnaround is 12 hours)
DNR archives and
publishes Qa'ed data
to the EMPACT website*
(data turnaround is 2 weeks)
Chemical data
{water samples)
collected once
each week
CBL uses
spreadsheets to
Q A data from
laboratory analysis
CBL sends data
to DNR for
furtherQAand
data archiving
DNR publishes
chemical data to the
EMPACT website
(data turnaround is 1 year)
Final QA/QC at end of monitoring season.
Dita archived in Access Database,
yearly date presented on EMPACT website
* Wher the weekly OA'ed data is punished to tie EWPAC7
website it overwrites the corresponding provisional data
MANAGING AND TRANSFERRING WATER QUALITY DATA
47
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4.2 Transferring and Managing Remote Water
Quality Sampling Information
4.2.1 Designing a Data Transfer System
As a first step in designing a data transfer system, you will need to determine what data
communication (or telemetry) equipment to install at your sampling site. In general,
the type of equipment you choose, especially the telemetry equipment, will depend on
where your monitoring stations will be located and the communication options
available to you. For example, if the station is not located near your computer network
lines then your local or wide area network is probably not a viable communication
option. Telemetry equipment enables data collected at a sampling station to be
transferred to a receiving station located elsewhere. A complete telemetry system
includes equipment components for data storage, retrieval/transfer, and archiving.
Each of these components are discussed below.
Data Storage Equipment. Although a sonde may have internal memory for storing
data, if telemetry is utilized the sonde's data must be scanned, interpreted (e.g.,
converted to other units), and stored in a datalogger. The information stored in the
datalogger can be transferred to various storage media, such as a computer hard drive
or diskette. The data can then be retrieved from the computer or diskette and analyzed
or manipulated using a spreadsheet or data analysis package. There are various
manufacturers of dataloggers. Such manufacturers include Campbell Scientific, Inc.
(CSI) (http://www.campbellsci.com), Sutron Corporation (http://www.sutron.com),
Yellow Springs Instruments, Inc (YSI) (www.ysi.com), and Geo Scientific Ltd.
(www.geoscientific.com).
Data Retrieval/Transfer Equipment. Once the data is stored in a datalogger, it must
be transferred from the datalogger to a computer for analysis or manipulation. This
transfer process can be done using telecommunication equipment, a portable
;omputer, or a storage module.
c
Telecommunication Equipment. Using telecommunication equipment, a
computer can call the datalogger (or vice-versa) to transfer the data.
Telecommunication options include cellular telephone (analog or digital), a computer
equipped with a modem, two-way radio, direct connect (e.g., local or wide area
networks), or satellites. Manufacturers of such equipment include CSI (http://
www.campbellsci.com), Sutron Corporation (http://www.sutron.com), and YSI
(www.ysi.com).
Portable Computers. A portable computer can be carried to the site and used to
download data from the datalogger. The computer would need to be equipped with a
software which can communicate with the datalogger. For example, the software
EcoWatchฎ for Windows can be used to download data from YSI sondes.
48 CHAPTER 4
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Storage Module. A portable hand held storage medium can be carried to the site.
Such hand held units are typically more rugged and compact than portable computers
and more convenient to use in adverse conditions. Manufacturers of such equipment
include CSI (http://www.campbellsci.com), YSI (www.ysi.com), and Hydrolab
Corporation (www.hydrolab.com).
Data Archiving. You should develop a database to store the data that you collect. You
may want to consider having different databases for raw unreviewed data and reviewed
data. For the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT project, the data collected by the sampling
monitor is transmitted via cell phone at set time intervals and stored on MD DNR's
computer network in an MS Access database.
Other. In addition to hardware, such as dataloggers and communication equipment,
you will also need software to program the datalogger and telemetry equipment. Such
software can create a datalogger program, send the program to the datalogger, monitor
and collect data from the datalogger, and analyze the collected data. The Chesapeake
Bay team uses EcoWatchฎ for Windows to program how often the datalogger queries
its sonde and which parameters to query and store. The team also uses the software
PC208 to program the telemetry equipment. The PC208 software enables MD DNR
to program when each monitoring station is contacted to retrieve data from the
datalogger.
4.2.2 Selecting Your Transfer Frequency
How frequently you transfer data from your monitoring station to a receiving station
will depend on your goals and objectives. For example, if your intent is to provide
timely data to the public, then you must decide how timely (e.g., hourly or daily) is
appropriate. If you use cellular telephone telemetry, you will have to balance factors
such as providing timely data and costs because the more frequently you transfer data,
the higher your monthly telephone bill.
Due to the cost of using cellular telephone telemetry, the MD DNR and NAIB decided
to transfer data twice each day so that the data published on the Web site collected at
the monitoring stations on the Pocomoke, Magothy, Chicamacomica, and
Transquaking Rivers and NAIB is no more than 12 hours old. Each data transfer takes
approximately 2 to 4 minutes. MD DNR and Baltimore plan to switch to digital
telemetry in order to reduce costs while providing unlimited access data.
4.2.3 Selecting Data Storage/Telemetry Equipment
Ned Burger of the CBL was responsible for procuring and installing the data storage and
telemetry equipment for the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT project. Due to the
complexities and the numbers of various technical solutions for installing telemetry at
the various monitoring sites, Mr. Burger decided to hire a contractor to recommend and
MANAGING AND TRANSFERRING WATER QUALITY DATA 49
-------
implement the best alternative for the Chesapeake Bay sites. He requested quotes from
five vendors and selected one. Mr. Burger provided the contractor with details about
the Stonington site so they could recommend a telemetry solution. Once a solution was
developed, the contractor procured and installed the following equipment at the
Stonington site in September 2000:
CR10X Datalogger
Modem
Battery and Solar Panel
Voice Synthesizer (optional)
Figure 4.2 shows the telemetry equipment at the Stonington site. In Figure 4.2, the
battery is the large black object located in the bottom of the control panel. The CR10X
datalogger is located just above the battery. The voice synthesizer is located above the
CR10X datalogger. The modem is located just to the left of the datalogger. Each of
these pieces of equipment are discussed below.
Note: The white pouches contain desiccant which absorbs moisture that may
condense inside the control panel.
Figure 4.2 Telemetry Equipment at the Stonington Site (excluding the solar
panel).
50
CHAPTER 4
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CR10X Datalogger. The project utilizes the Campbell Scientific, Inc. (CSI)
CR10X datalogger for data storage (http://www.campbellsci.com). It is a
programmable datalogger/controller that scans the sonde's sensors, measures and
interprets the signals sent by the sensor, and saves the result in its memory (128 K Static
Random Access Memory).
Telemetry Equipment (e.g., modem). The monitoring station and the MD
DNR-based computer are equipped with communications hardware featuring a
cellular transmitter. This equipment allows the monitoring station and computer at
MD DNR to "talk" to each other over long distances. At the MD DNR, the software
automatically contacts the monitoring station for data collection and transfer. The
project team uses analog cellular phone telemetry. However, they plan to switch to a
digital phone telemetry in the near future to reduce the costs of phone charges.
Figure 4.3 Solar Panel (Stonington Site).
Battery and Solar Panel. Each
monitoring station is equipped with a
large sealed rechargeable battery and
solar power assembly. Typically, the
monitoring station can run on battery
power for about three days. However,
due to the monitoring frequency and
the number of parameters being
monitored, solar panels are necessary
to charge the battery. To determine
your power needs see http://
www.campbellsci.com/power.html.
Voice Synthesizer (optional).
The voicesynthesizer is a device that
allows the team to call the monitoring
station to obtain a verbal readout (via
a computer-generated voice) of the last
set of data that was logged by the
datalogger. For example, MD DNR can call the station and find out the last pH and
DO measurements at the site. This optional piece of equipment can be used as a
diagnostic tool to troubleshoot potential problems with the data collection or telemetry
equipment. By utilizing the voice synthesizer, the team can use any wireless phone to
call the monitoring station from any location and obtain the most recent readings.
4.2.4 Siting the Equipment
The telemetry equipment should be co-located with the sampling equipment since it
will be attached to the monitoring equipment via a field cable (see Figure 3.1). As
MANAGING AND TRANSFERRING WATER QUALITY DATA
51
-------
with the monitoring equipment, you will want the telemetry equipment to be incon-
spicuous to decrease the chance of vandalism. If your system requires a solar panel,
you will want to ensure that your panel is situated to receive as much direct sunlight
as possible.
One important consideration is that the telemetry equipment must be above water
(see Figure 3.1). You will need to account for rises in water level due to tidal vari-
ances, wave action, and storm surges. For example, if your monitoring station and
telemetry equipment is located on a coastline, you will want to ensure that your te-
lemetry equipment is mounted far enough above sea level to be clear of wave action
and storm surges due to hurricanes.
The Chesapeake Bay team placed their telemetry equipment near their monitoring
stations. The telemetry equipment is mounted inside a weather resistant control box
several feet above the monitoring station.
4.2.5 Installing the Transfer/Telemetry Equipment
The Chesapeake Bay team hired a contractor to select and install the telemetry
equipment at the Stonington site. They performed the following:.
Installed telemetry antennas and correctly pointed directional antennas.
Assembled the electrical system.
Connected the sensor package (sonde) to the telemetry equipment sensor.
Positioned and connected the solar panel.
Connected the power supply (battery).
Performed testing to ensure proper operation.
Tested the sensors.
After the telemetry equipment was installed at the Stonington monitoring site, the
contractor installed the PC208 software on a computer at the CBL. The contractor
programmed the PC208 software to communicate and obtain results from the
Stonington monitoring site twice each day.
After the telemetry equipment was installed at the Stonington site, Mr. Burger
evaluated its operation over the winter. In the following spring, he directed the
contractor to assemble similar equipment for the other sites. The contractor assembled
and shipped the equipment to Mr. Burger which he installed at the other sites listed in
Table 4.1.
52 CHAPTER 4
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4.2.6 Programming the Transfer/Telemetry Equipment
The Chesapeake Bay team uses a software called PC208 to program the telemetry
equipment to automatically contact each monitoring station every 12 hours. The
software resides at the MD DNR and CBL. The program calls the datalogger and
instructs it to transmit all raw data that was recorded during the previous 12 hours. The
data transfer takes about 2-4 minutes. Once transmitted, the raw data is stored in a
dedicated data folder on the MD DNR server. Once the folder receives the data, the
data is then automatically processed through various program modules (developed in
Visual Basic) which converts the data to the appropriate format. For example, one of
the modules converts the date tags from Julian to Gregorian format.
4.2.7 Maintaining the Transfer/Telemetry Equipment
Since the system is equipped with cellular telemetry, proper equipment operation can
be verified at all times allowing quick identification of any service needs of the water
quality monitoring station.
4.2.8 Data Storage
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.
4.2.9 Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)
Depending on the type of data (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 real-time data, there is no time for extensive manual
QA/QC checks. For real-time data, you may choose not to QA/QC the data and
simply place it on your Web site noting that it is provisional data which has not been
reviewed for accuracy. You may choose to program your system to perform QA/QC
checks to identify obvious erroneous data (e.g., a pH of 12 in a stream). On the other
hand, if you are providing non-real-time data, you have time to perform extensive
manual QA/QC reviews.
To ensure timely access to the data and to avoid data management problems, the water
quality monitoring data should be processed soon after data collection and retrieval.
The Chesapeake Bay team uses macros in the Access database to discard any data that
is considered an outlier. Once received the data is stored, processed, graphed, and
placed on the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Web site. A statement that the data is
provisional is also placed on the Web site. In the future, the team plans to program some
automatic QA/QC checks to remove obvious data errors from the timely data prior to
placing it on their Web site.
MANAGING AND TRANSFERRING WATER QUALITY DATA 53
-------
The QA/QC of the timely data occurs after the weekly visit to the monitoring site when
the sonde is replaced. The sonde removed from the field is taken back to the lab where
the data is downloaded to a computer using EcoWatchฎ. Scientists use features in
EcoWatchฎ to graph the data. The graphs are visually inspected to identify obvious
erroneous data (e.g., extremely high values) or data that was collected prior to the sonde
being placed in the water.
After the data is quality assured using Access, it is imported back into EcoWatchฎ and
graphed again for a final visual QA/QC. This data is exported from EcoWatchฎ into
a .CSV file and placed in a designated directory on the MD DNR network. When the
data is placed in the designated directory, it is automatically processed, graphed and
sent to the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Web site. This data, which is approximately 2
weeks old, replaces provisional timely data already displayed on the Web site.
4.3 Transferring and Managing Field Water
Quality Sampling Data (Nutrients)
4.3.1 Data Transfer
After the nutrient water samples are collected, processed, and transported to CBL as
described in Section 3.3.3, they are analyzed as described in Section 3.3.4. Analytical
results are then entered into a spreadsheet and exported to .CSV files. These files are
e-mailed to MD DNR for storage, processing, and posting on the Chesapeake Bay
EMPACT Web site.
4.3.2 Data Management
Because analysis time varies for each nutrient parameter, the analytical data is stored
in a spreadsheet (Quattro Pro) as it is received. Mr. Ned Burger of the CBL is
responsible for assembling and organizing the raw nutrient analytical data. Once
assembled and reviewed (see Section 4.3.3), he sends the data to the Maryland DNR.
Data delivery to Maryland DNR is approximately six weeks for the nutrient samples
analyzed by CBL. Mr. Drew Koslow and Chris Aadland are responsible for
maintenance, organization, and management of the data received at MD DNR. The
nutrient data for the entire monitoring year is placed on the MD DNR Web site a few
months after the end of the monitoring season.
4.3.3 Quality Control
The analysis of the water samples collected each week are keyed into QuattroPro.
Print-outs of the data are manually checked for errors by laboratory personnel. As
necessary, the data files are reviewed and a second printout is re-verified by a different
staff member, then the data is transferred (via e-mail) to MD DNR. Final QA/QC
checks occur at the end of the monitoring season when the data are stored in an Access
database.
54 CHAPTER 4
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5. DEVELOPING IMAGES TO
PRESENT WATER QUALITY
MONITORING DATA
Once your water quality monitoring network is in place and you have collected
and received the resulting data, you can provide your community with water
quality information using data visualization tools to depict such information
in graphical form. Using 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.
Section 5.1 provides a basic introduction and overview to data visualization and is
useful if you are interested in gaining a general understanding about data visualization.
Section 5.2 discusses the various types of data visualization software. You should
consult Section 5.2 if you are responsible for choosing and using data visualization
software to model and analyze your data. Section 5.3 discusses the charting software,
CFXGraphics Server, which was used by the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT project to
produce graphs of their water quality data which are placed on the project Continuous
Monitoring Web site. Section 5.4 discusses guidelines for interpreting and conveying
the significance of water quality 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. Graphs and charts, such as those found on the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT
Web site, are another example of data visualization.
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 spreadsheets and statistical software
to more advanced analytical tools such as:
Web-based application servers
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Satellite imaging software products
DEVELOPING IMAGES TO PRESENT WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA 55
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By applying the appropriate visualization tools to water quality data, you can help
residents in your community gain a better understanding of factors affecting the water
quality in area rivers or nearby estuaries (e.g., chlorophyll A or turbidity). You can use
the visualized data for a variety of purposes such as:
Characterizing water quality conditions.
Exploring trends in pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, salinity, specific
conductance, turbidity, and water temperature.
Making resource management decisions.
Supporting public outreach and education programs (e.g., providing graphs on a
public Web site or in brochures).
5.2 Various Data Visualization Software
There are a number of commercially available computer software programs that allow
you to graphically represent water quality data. Examples of these software tools are
listed in Table 5.1 below.
Table 5.1. Various Software Tools to Visualize Water Quality Data
Tool Group
Spreadsheet Software
Tools
Microsoft Excel,
Corel Quattro Pro, and
Lotus 123
Prima ry Uses
Displays raw data
Creates graphs of individual
pa rameters
Allows for the investigation
of correlations or trends in
water quality variables
Geographic Information
Systems (CIS)
Exa m pies include
Arclnfo, ArcView,
GeoMedia, and
Maplnfo Professional
Integrate and model spatial
data (e.g., water quality and
land use)
Develop Internet mapping
applications
Web-based application
servers/graphics engines
CFXGraphics Server/
Cold Fusion,
PopChart,
ChartWorks, and
KavaChart
Develops and sends user-
defined graphs of real-time
data to the user's Web
browser.
5.2.1 Spreadsheet Programs
Spreadsheet programs such as Micros oft Excel, Quattro Pro, and Lotus 123 can be used
to develop images of water quality data. These programs are handy for organizing large
amounts of data and can be used to create various types of graphs and tabular
56
CHAPTER 5
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summaries of water quality parameters plotted over time. These software can be
purchased at most stores which sell computer equipment and software. They are easy
to install and run on a variety of operating systems (e.g., Windows 95/98/NT).
Graphs or charts developed using spreadsheets can be placed on a Web site or pasted
into a brochure, report, or presentation. If your goal is to produce a static graph or chart
of non-real time water quality data and place it on a Web site, then spreadsheet software
would accomplish your goal. However, if you want the users to define their own
parameters to graph real-time data, then you will need to use more sophisticated
software such as Web-based applications (see Section 5.2.3)
5.2.2 GIS
GIS is a software and hardware system that helps scientist and other technicians
capture, store, model, display, and analyze spatial or geographic information. This
technology offers powerful tools for analyzing and visualizing spatial trends in
environmental data. The USGS Web site contains a user-friendly introduction to GIS
at http://info.er.usgs.gov/research/gis/titie.html.
GIS includes a varied range of technologies. Using GIS technology allows you to
produce a wide range of graphical outputs, including maps, drawings, animations, etc.
To choose, obtain, and use them, you will need to understand the various technologies
available which might be appropriate for your needs and situation. For more
information on specific GIS software packages, you can consult manufacturer's Web
sites including:
ESRI (http://www.esri.com), whose suite of tools includes Arclnfo, Arc View,
and ArcIMS internet mapping software.
Intergraph (http://www.intergraph.com/gis/), whose software includes
GeoMedia and GeoMedia Web Map.
Maplnfo (http://www.map.info.com/), whose products include Maplnfo and
Maplnfo Xtreme (an Internet mapping software).
Although the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT team did not utilize GIS for its project, the
NAIB has an EMPACT project that uses the GIS application ArcIMS to link data from
various GIS/information servers, including the Maryland's DNR EMPACT project,
as well as information from EPA's Watershed Information Network and the
Chesapeake Bay Program. This application will eventually be available on the NAIB
Web site, www.aqua.org. The user will be able to access information about land use/
land cover, percent impervious, projected growth centers, and watershed association
headquarter and meeting locations for five major tributaries feeding into the
Chesapeake Bay. ArcIMS, produced by ESRI, is a product designed to display
DEVELOPING IMAGES TO PRESENT WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA 57
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geographic information from multiple GIS data sources through the internet (see
Chapter 7).
You can read about how GIS was used in another EMPACT project in the handbook
entitled Delivering Timely Water Quality Information to Your Community: The Lake success -
Minneapolis 'Project (EPA/625/R-00/013). You can request a copy of this Handbook
by writing or calling EPA ORD Publications (see Section 1.3.5 of this handbook).
5.2.3 Web-based Application Servers and Graphics Engines.
Web-based application servers and graphics engines can be programmed to take user-
defined queries from Web browsers, submit them to a database, format the query (e.g.,
make a graph of the queried data), and send the information back to the user's Web
browser. There are various charting software packages that allow you to graph data for
display on a Web browser. Such charting software packages include, but are not limited
to, CFXGraphicsServer, (http://www.cfxgraphicsserver.com), PopChart (http://
www.corda.com), ChartWorks (http://www.corda.com), and KavaChart (http://
www.ve.com). The capability (as well as the price) of these and other similar software
varies significantly so before purchasing any software you should consult a Web
developer to discuss your graphing needs.
Depending on the charting software package, some feature Java servlets or applets.
Java servlets are said to be "server-side" meaning they run or process on the server. Java
applets are "client-side" meaning they download and run on the user's computer. This
distinction is important because server-side charting software can usually generate the
graph in file formats (e.g., jpg or gif) that are browser-friendly, can be downloaded and
saved on a computer, and are easier to print. Applets do not generate the graphs in a
separate file but embeds them in an HTML page so that graphics may not print as shown
on the computer screen. Also the charting software listed does not run alone. Instead
they must be run with Web-based application servers such as Cold Fusion, Apache,
BEA Web Logic, or IBM WebSphere. Such Web-based servers supply the interface
between the user and the charting software.
Before attempting to use such software you should have some experience in Web
development and database management. Web development experience is important
in order to develop user-friendly query forms that allow users to easily specify the data
they want to see. Database management experience is important because charts will
be generated from data in either yours or someone else's database. Also, depending on
the Web-based product you select, you may also need programming experience with at
least one scripting language such as JavaScript, VBScript, PERL, or Dynamic HTML.
58 CHAPTER 5
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5.3 Visualization Software Used on the
Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Project
Once the timely data arrives at MD DNR, it is processed with various Visual Basic
modules to convert the data appropriately and store it in a database. Maryland's DNR
decided to allow the public to specify their own data parameters when viewing the
current (e.g., real-time) or archived data. As a result, MD DNR needed an application
that could develop user-defined graphs quickly. They used a Web application
development tool developed by Macromedia (http://www.allaire.com) called Cold
Fusion and an add-on graphics server engine called CFXGraphicsServerwhich is owned
by TeraTech, Inc. (http://www/teratech.com). CFXGraphicsS erver is a high-
performance graphing and charting engine that is compatible only with Cold Fusion.
As shown in Figure 5.1, the user, via their Web browser, can select one of the eight
monitoring stations from which to view data. In this case the Shelltown station on the
Pokomoke River has been selected. Once a station has been selected, the user clicks
on the Get Date Range button and is sent to another form which allows them to select
a date or date range, and either physical or chemical parameters (see Figure 5.2). After
the user makes their selection, the data is returned to the user in graphical form. An
example of this is shown in Figure 5.3.
Figure 5.1 MD DNR's First Web-Based Interactive Form.
Baltimore Harbor/
Patapsco River:
Shelltuiun: May 16 - October 3
Rehobeth: May 16 - October 4
fvbgothy River
Cattail Creek: tttey 1 - October 31
frattail r.rc't-'n mill h- up anrl running hy n,.r ,=Tr,| ,.-.(-
and mill be up all winter}
Stonington: January 1 - December 31
twill be up all winter )
Drawbridge: May 2 - October 31
Decoursey: May 2 - October 31
Patapsco River
Baltimore Hafbor: January 1 - December 31
The Chesapeake Bay Bij!P_ftCT project currently
the Hocomoke Kiver. one in the Uhicamacomico
rvbgothy River. Through a cooperative program with
the National Aquarium in Baltimore, we will also have
the data from their station in Baltimore Harbor at the
Ft. McHenry wetlands when the station becomes
operational later this summer. These meters measun
physical parameters of water quality every fifteen
minutes. Choose the options below to view the most
recent data. Notes: Monrtoring en the Chieamacomic
anH f.iti;-.-.; I-,-,.. Riirpre l-,r-.;-|:--rri in early July Pocnmralfe
chemical results will not be immediately available.
Cftoose a location:
Pocomoke - Shelltown
jjgFjfnQJSH^^
Pocomoke - Cedar Hall Wharf
Pocomoke - Rehobeth
Magothy- Cattail Creek
Magothy- Stonington
Chiuarrmuurnico - Drawbridge
Tran s q u aki n g - Decoursey Bridge
Baltimore Harbor
graph.
t Results | A-chived Results | Pfiesteria | Chesapeake Bay |
DEVELOPING IMAGES TO PRESENT WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA
59
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CFXGmphicsS erver has a "Point & Click" drill-down capability to graphically present
complex data at various levels of detail. CFXGraphicsServer allows your Web developer
to generate over 30 graph types and styles with over 100 various graph attributes. It
also includes a full VTML "Visual Interface" that requires virtually no coding to
generate the graphs. The graphics engine server generates the graphic images in jpg or
gif formats.
Figure 5.2 MD DNR's Second Web-Based Interactive Form.
I Pop-up windows: EMPACT Map Contacts / Credits \
Pocomoke:
Current Results
The Chesapeake Bay BV1PACT project currently
maintains seven continuous monitoring sites: three in
River, one in the Transquaking River, and two in the
Magothy River. Through a cooperative program wrth
the National Aquarium in Baltimore, we will also have
the data -from their station in Baltimore Harbor at the
Ft. Me Henry wetlands when the station becomes
operational later this summer. These meters measure
physical parameters of water quality every fifteen
minutes. Choose the options below to view the most
recent data. Holes: Monitoring on the Chicamacomico
and Magothy Rivers began in early July. Pocomoke
River monitoring was initiated in early June for 2000.
Chemical / Nutrient data is not measured real-time.
and requires laboratory analysis. Because of this.
Station Selected is:
IShelltown H
Start Date: No. Days:
JT3
Select
-------
CFXGraphicsServer-Enterprise is the most expensive version and can produce graphs for
an unlimited number of IP addresses that are hosted on any one server. [Source: http:/
/www.cfxgraphicsserver.com]
Figure 5.3 Ouput Results
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Concentration
Dissolved Oxygen (DQ)% Saturation
972-
date
date
The graphs above show the concentration and saturation of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the
water. Since most aquatic organisms such as shellfish and other living resources require
oxygen to survive, this is a very important measure of water quality. DO levels below 5 mg/l
can stress organisms. Sustained DO levels of less than 3 mg/l can result in fish kills. DO
saturation percent shows the level of dissolved oxygen as a percentage of the possible DO the
water could contain. Generally, colder water can hold more DO than warmer water. Super-
saturation (over 1 00% DO saturation) can occur when there is a large algal bloom. During
the daylight, when the algae are photosynthesizing, they can produce oxygen so rapidly that it
is not able to escape into the atmosphere, thus leading to short-term saturation levels of
greater than 1 00%. The cycles evident in these data, however, appear to be driven primarily
by tidal influences.
5.4 Guidelines for Interpreting and Conveying
the Significance of the Water Quality Data
Data visualization also includes providing supporting interpretative text to make the
data meaningful to the general population. Displaying data visually enables you to
communicate results to a broader audience, such as residents in your community, while
providing data interpretation can help the community to understand how it impacts the
health of the surrounding environment.
Visual representation of the data is extremely useful to a knowledgeable professional
and helpful to the general public but must be supported by additional explanatory
material. For instance, a line graph of DO is only slightly more meaningful to the
general public than a table of DO values; a crucial element is to supplement the line
graphs with interpretive text by a qualified analyst. Consequently, the Chesapeake Bay
project provides the public with line graphs accompanied by interpretive text
explaining the overall importance of the parameters. An example of this are line graphs
of DO and DO% Saturation as well as interpretive text for the Pocomoke-Shelltown
station on September 5, 2001 shown in Figure 5.3.
DEVELOPING IMAGES TO PRESENT WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA
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62 CHAPTER 5
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6. COMMUNICATING WATER
QUALITY INFORMATION
In addition to designing and implementing a timely 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 Chesapeake Bay teams.
6.1 Developing an Outreach Plan for Timely
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 your 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).
Key individuals who will be involved in implementing the outreach plan.
COMMUNICATING WATER QUALITY INFORMATION 63
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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 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 a number 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.
6.1.1 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 Chesapeake Bay EMPACT project:
To display and archive timely water and habitat parameters on the Internet for
presentation and interpretation of the data to the general public.
To provide timely interpretation, as appropriate, relevant to water and habitat
quality monitoring data.
To demonstrate government response to emerging water and habitat quality
issues of concern to the public.
To supplement Maryland DNR efforts to characterize water quality conditions
in estuarine systems that have experienced or have the potential to experience
harmful algal blooms, loss of submerged aquatic vegetation or experienced low
dissolved oxygen events.
To provide timely environmental data to supplement Maryland's rapid response
and comprehensive water and habitat quality assessments of Maryland
tributaries that have a potential risk for harmful algal blooms.
6.1.2 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 Chesapeake Bay project
goals above, outreach goals often define their target audiences (e.g., the public, coastal
64 CHAPTER 6
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scientists, and fisheries). 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 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.
Defining Your Audience(s)
Once you have identified your audiences, the next step is to determine 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. Understanding the makeup of your audience will help you identify
the most effective ways of reaching them. 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?
Ways to identify your audience and their needs 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.
COMMUNICATING WATER QUALITY INFORMATION 65
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Chesapeake Bay's Target Audience
Chesapeake Bay's target audience consisted of the following:
General Public. The general public, including students, can monitor the conditions
in the various rivers and learn about the link between physical conditions, nutrient
concentrations, Pfiesteria outbreaks, and water quality problems.
Tributary Strategy Teams. In 1995, ten Tributary Teams were initiated in
Maryland. The Governor appointed 350 members to the Tributary Teams. The
Tributary Strategy Teams are one of the State's maj or programs to reduce nutrient input
into the Chesapeake Bay. The purpose and mission of the Tributary Teams are to:
support and promote actions and policies to ensure healthy watersheds with
abundant and diverse living resources;
through education, heighten awareness of each individual's impact on water
quality;
promote implementation of projects to restore and protect living resources and
water quality; and
facilitate communication and coordination among governments, landowners,
businesses, and all other citizens toward this common goal.
[Source: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/tribstrat/index.html]
The Tributary Teams will use the data collected by the EMPACT program to evaluate
water quality conditions, monitor nutrient levels and gauge the effectiveness of their
nutrient reduction strategies.
Researchers and Scientists. Researchers and scientists can use the EMPACT
data to better understand the linkages between water quality and toxic Pfiesteria
outbreaks, low DO occurrences, and SAV habitat restoration.
Environmental Managers. Environmental managers use the EMPACT data to
make decisions on how to manage the Bay's watersheds to help prevent future Pfiesteria
outbreaks. [Source: Time-Relevant Data Collection of Physical, Chemical and
Biological Parameters to Monitor and Characterize a Tributary Targeted for Maryland's
Pfiesteria Monitoring Program in Chesapeake Bay, January 2000]
6.1.3 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
66 CHAPTER 6
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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:
National Aquarium in Baltimore joins Chesapeake Bay EMPACT.
EMPACT expands!
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.
6.1.4 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.
Table 6.1 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:
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?
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.)
COMMUNICATING WATER QUALITY INFORMATION 67
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Table 6.1 Various Distribution and Outreach Products to Communicate Data
Distribution Avenues
Mailing lists
Outreach Products
$ Brochures
$ Newsletters
$ Fact sheets
$ Utility bill inserts or stuffers
Phone/fax
$ Promotional hotline
E-mail/Internet
$ Newsletters
$ E-mail messages
$ Web pages
$ Subscriber list servers
Radio/TV
$ Cable TV programs
$ Public service announcements
$ Videos
$ Media interviews
$ Press conferences/releases
Journals or newsletters
$ Newsletters
$ Editorials
$ Newspaper and magazine articles
Meetings, community events, or
locations (e.g., libraries, schools,
marinas, public beaches, tackle
shops) where products are made
available
$ Exhibits
$ Kiosks
$ Posters
$ Question-and-answer sheets
$ Novelty items (e.g., mouse pads,
golf tees, buttons, key chains,
magnets, bumper stickers, coloring
books, frisbees)
$ Banners
$ Briefings
$ Fairs and festivals
$ Meetings (one-on-one and public)
$ Community days
$ Speeches
$ Educational curricula
Would it be effective to have distinct phases of products over time? For
example, an initial phase of products designed to raise awareness, followed by
later phases of products to increase understanding.
How newsworthy is the information? Information with inherent news value is
more likely to be rapidly and widely disseminated by the media.
You also need to consider how each product will be distributed and determine who will
be responsible for distribution. For some products, your organization might manage
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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.
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?
6.1.5 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, phone number, address,
email address/Web site, or establish a hotline)?
6.1.6 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
COMMUNICATING WATER QUALITY INFORMATION 69
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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 Chesapeake Bay Outreach
Programs
The Chesapeake Bay team use a variety of mechanisms to communicate timely water
quality information - as well as information about the project itself - to the general
public. The team developed a Web site (part of the MD DNR Web site) as the primary
vehicle for communicating timely information to the public. They also give
presentations at conferences or Tributary Team meetings to inform the public about
the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT program. These elements of the project's
communication program are discussed below.
Note: NAIB is developing a variety of outreach tools (e.g., a restoration
development manual, CD-ROM's, and an interactive Web site. See
Chapter 7 for more information .
6.2.1 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.
EPA Office of Water's Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds (OWOW)
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR)
University of Maryland
Maryland's Tributary Strategy Teams (comprised of farmers, watermen, industry
representatives, interested citizens, local and state government officials)
National Aquarium in Baltimore
6.2.2 Web Site.
The Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Web site is part of the Maryland DNR Web site and
can be accessed at http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/newmontech/contmon/
index.cfm. The Web site is the main avenue used by the team for disseminating the
water quality information. The site has links that provide current and archived
monitoring results. The site also has links that provide information about Chesapeake
Bay, algal bloom, Pfiesteria, and the effects of hurricanes on the water quality.
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MD DNR is continuously modifying the Web site so that it is more user friendly. In
the near future, the Web site will be modified so that users can access the data more
easily.
Note: NAIB's Web site is http://www.aqua.org.
Experience Gained and Lessons Learned
The Chesapeake Bay Team has learned that it is best to keep the Web site simple. For
example, keep the Web page lengths to a minimum so that users will not have to scroll
through pages and pages of data.
Also when developing a Web site, design the site so it can be easily changed or modified.
Some off-the-shelf Web development packages allow you to quickly design a site, but
may not let you make changes easily without redesigning large portions of the Web site.
The team also learned that it takes a significant amount of time to maintain a site that
provides timely data. As a result, they recommend that anyone interested in developing
a Web site to provide data to the public be prepared to commit the resources of a Web
programmer to maintain the site.
6.2.3 Piggybacking on Existing Events.
The Chesapeake Bay team found opportunities to promote the EMPACT project at
other events. In August, 2001 MD DNR manned a booth at the Maryland State Fair
where they displayed posters and answered questions about the EMPACT monitoring
project. Representatives from the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Team also periodically
present papers about the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT project at Tributary Team
meetings.
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.
6.3.1 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
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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 labs (http://www.abanet.org/lpm/bparticlel 1463_front. shtml). The
Web site discusses topics such as handouts and grammar.
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 interesting to the target audience. For
example, the fishermen in the Chesapeake Bay are concerned about Pfiesteria
outbreaks, so it would be of interest to them to convey information about Pfiesteria and
related conditions. 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.
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6.3.2 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.
EPA's NonPoint Source Pointers (Fact sheets)
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/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
cover 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 GreatLake. 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.
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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
6.3.3 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 Schools 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.
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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.
6.3.4 Other Organizations
The Chesapeake Bay Program - America's Premier Watershed Restoration
Program
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/
This Web site provides information about the current condition of the Chesapeake Bay.
It also provides information about the habitats, animals, plants, Bay stressors, water
quality monitoring, and Bay restoration efforts. The site also provides information
about how to get involved in restoration efforts for the Bay.
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
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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.
6.4 Success Stones
In the summer of 1998, there was a massive fish kill of approximately 500,000
menhaden in the Bullbegger Creek, a tributary of the Pocomoke River. This kill
occurred approximately one year after the toxic Pfiesteria outbreaks in the Pocomoke.
The severity of the fish kill received a lot of publicity and the public was extremely
concerned that the kill was caused by a reoccurrence of toxic Pfiesteria.
MD DNR believed that the fish kill was caused by low DO levels and not Pfiesteria;
however, due to the remote location of the Pocomoke, scientist could not take water
samples until after the kill occurred. Analysis of the discrete samples taken after the
kill showed DO readings of 4.0 mg/1 and higher which did not confirm low DO as the
cause of the kill.
Fortunately, MD DNR had deployed the YSI sonde at Shelltown which is directly
across from Bullbegger Creek. MD DNR reviewed the data logged by the sonde and
discovered that the morning of the kill, at around 5:00 am, the sonde recorded DO
values of less than 1.0 mg/1 with consistent readings during the morning hours at levels
lethal to fish.
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This evidence was sufficient for MD DNR to document that low DO levels, not toxic
Pfiesteria, was the probable cause of the fish kill. The fishermen and citizens in the area
were relieved to learn that they were not experiencing another toxic outbreak of
Pfiesteria.
6.5 Most Frequently Asked Questions and
Answers
This section contains questions frequently asked about the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT
project as well as about the Bay in general.
Q: What are the goals of the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Project?
A: The primary objective of the Chesapeake Bay EMPACT Project originally was to
provide time-relevant information regarding Pfiesteriapisddda and water quality on
the Pocomoke River, a tributary of Chesapeake Bay. The Pocomoke was the
location of toxic Pfiesteria outbreaks in 1997. This project is meant to supplement
data collected as part of the larger statewide Pfiesteria, water, and habitat quality
monitoring program coordinated by the Maryland Department of Natural
Resources. Due to human health concerns, possible living resource impacts,
business concerns for the local seafood industry, and extensive media coverage,
many people throughout the state have a renewed interest in water and habitat
quality. This EMPACT project will allow people to learn more about Maryland's
waterways and keep up to date with water quality and Pfiesteria issues.
For 2000, the EMPACT project was expanded to provide a more bay-wide
representation of water and habitat quality. Four new stations were initiated by
MD DNR in the summer of 2000. Two monitors were placed in the Magothy River.
Not only will this provide data from a waterway in a more urban setting, but this
river also provides critical SAV habitat and has experienced fish kills in previous
years. Two more continuous monitors were also placed in lower eastern shore
tributaries. Stations on the Chicamacomico and Transquaking Rivers will provide
data from two more systems that have repeatedly shown evidence of Pfiesteria.
Additionally, this project will enable us to gain a greater understanding of how
tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay function. For example, the relationship between
storm events and freshwater flows to the Pocomoke is poorly understood because
of its altered watershed hydrology. This is an important process to understand
because of the likely linkage between runoff, nutrient loading, and conditions that
influence Pfiesteria populations.
A secondary objective of this project is to measure and evaluate low dissolved
oxygen conditions (hypoxia and anoxia) that affect certain Maryland waterways
during the summer months. These low oxygen conditions put stress on fish and
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other aquatic organisms; if the conditions are severe enough or persist long enough,
they can force fish out of an area or even lead to fish kills. Several fish kills believed
to have been caused by low dissolved oxygen have occurred in various tributaries
the past several years. EMPACT monitoring may provide further insight into these
events.
Q: What types of meters are used?
A: The sondes (or meters) used for the EMPACT project are all manufactured by
Yellow Springs Instruments (YSI). YSI 6600 sondes are being used at all the
monitoring sites. With the exception of the bottom meter at Cedar Hall Wharf on
the Pocomoke, meters are located at a constant depth of one meter below the
surface of the water. This is achieved by mounting them inside PVC pipes to
prevent drifting, and attaching them to structures to maintain a constant depth. In
1998, the first year of EMPACT program monitoring, two stations were used: one
at the Beverly Farm in Cedar Hall Wharf, the other near Williams Point in
Shelltown. For 1999, two more locations were added: one surface meter further
upstream near Rehobeth and a bottom meter at the Cedar Hall Wharf location. The
addition of the bottom meter provides us with information to determine possible
differences between surface and bottom conditions. For 2000, four more meters
were added to three different waterways, giving MD DNR a more bay-wide
continuous monitoring presence. In 2001, a monitoring station was established
near Fort McHenry in the Baltimore Harbor as part of NAIB's Technology Transfer
Project.
Q: How is the monitoring done?
A: Each sonde originally was programmed to record four environmental parameters:
water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO) saturation, and DO
concentration. For 2000, all sondes were upgraded to record three additional
parameters: pH, turbidity, and fluorescence (a measure of Chlorophyll A present
in the water column). Each parameter is recorded every 15 minutes. Once every
week, each station is accessed by field staff. The sondes are retrieved, and the
stored data is transferred electronically into a computer spreadsheet. To prevent
biofouling during warm months, the sondes are replaced weekly with clean,
recalibrated units. The deployed sondes are brought back to the lab for cleaning
and maintenance. Additionally, May through October water samples are taken at
each location weekly, brought back to the lab, and analyzed with established
methods. These results are used to calibrate the sondes and to check the data for
accuracy. The samples are also tested for chemical parameters that cannot be
measured by the sondes, such as dissolved inorganic nutrients, Chlorophyll A
levels, and water column respiration rates. These three tests help provide an
understanding of environmental factors that contribute to the occurrence of
harmful algal blooms and low oxygen conditions. The field monitors are active
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from April through late October, except for Fort McHenry and Stonington which
are active year-round.
Q: What is biofouling?
A: Biofouling occurs when aquatic organisms such as algae begin to grow on the
sondes. If buildup gets too thick, the sondes will not be able to obtain accurate
results. This is especially a problem with the dissolved oxygen sensors on the
sondes, as they contain soft membranes that are ideal for algal growth. If the sondes
stay out in the field for longer than one week during the summer months, the risk
of losing data due to biofouling increases greatly. For this reason, the sondes are
rotated weekly with clean, calibrated sondes. The deployed sondes are brought
back to the lab for cleaning and maintenance. In addition to biofouling, errors can
also be caused by crabs poking holes in the soft DO sensor membrane. Once that
membrane has been penetrated, DO measurements are no longer viable. The
addition of a screen around the sensors has prevented most crabs from getting to
the membrane. [Source: http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/empact/faq.html]
Q: How big is the Bay?
A: The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. It is about 200 miles
long. At the Bay Bridge near Annapolis, it is only 4 miles across, but it is 30 miles
across at the widest point near the mouth of the Potomac River. The Bay watershed
drains 64,000 square miles of land in six states - Maryland, Virginia, Delaware,
Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New York and Washington, D.C. To give some
idea of the size, the Bay watershed is about 5 times bigger than the state of Maryland
and 30 times larger than Delaware, yet it is only one-fourth the size of Texas!
Q: How many kinds (species) of plants and animals live in the Bay?
A: About 2,700 different plants and animals live in the Bay.
Q: How many people live in the Bay watershed?
A: In 1960 there were 11 million people. Currently, approximately 16 million people
live in the watershed.
Q: Won't all those people living in the watershed have a large impact on the
Bay?
A: Yes, they certainly will. The biggest problem is the change in land use. All of those
people (that's you and me by the way) have to live somewhere. We go to work, to
school, to church, to shopping malls, and to the grocery store. And we want to have
fun! We cut down trees, pave roads and parking lots and build houses, malls,
schools, etc. By changing the landscape we change the way the natural system
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works. Consequently, there is more soil erosion, more polluted run-off from paved
surfaces, higher volumes of water rushing through streams during storms, and our
natural systems have less capability of buffering these impacts - not to mention all
of the water we use and the wastewater we produce.
Q: Isn't trash the largest pollution problem in the Bay today?
A: No, trash is not the biggest problem although it really is ugly. Trash is one form of
pollution that we can control by putting litter where it belongs. The biggest threat
to the Bay is excess amounts of nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus.
These nutrients come primarily from animal waste (including human waste), from
fertilizers on crops and on lawns, and from the air.
Q: Don't aquatic plants need nutrients to grow?
A: Yes, they do. The problem occurs when there are too many nutrients. This causes
microscopic plants called algae to reproduce rapidly. These algae "blooms" form
large mats which block sunlight from reaching the submerged aquatic vegetation
(SAV), or grasses growing on the Bay's bottom. SAV is an ideal habitat for small
fish and crabs. Without sunlight, the SAV dies robbing the fish and crabs of food
and shelter.
Q: Do the algae blooms cause other problems?
A: Yes. When the algae begin to die, most sink to the bottom of the Bay, where the
process of decomposition takes oxygen from the water. All animals need oxygen
to live, so when oxygen levels get low, fish swim away if they can. Aquatic animals
that cannot move such as oysters may die if oxygen levels get too low. In fact,
during the summer, most of the water deeper than 30 feet has no oxygen and cannot
support any aquatic life.
Q: Why are aquatic plants so important to the health of the Bay?
A: There are many reasons submerged aquatic vegetation, often called SAV, are vital.
SAV is a producer in the Bay's food web. This means SAV uses the sun's light to
make food through a process called photosynthesis. SAV also produce oxygen as
a by-product of photosynthesis. Waterfowl eat the seeds and roots of SAV while
microscopic animals called zooplankton live on decaying SAV.
SAV also filter and trap sediment which could make the water cloudy. SAV beds
slow down the motion of waves which helps to protect the shoreline. Finally, these
grass beds are hiding places for small fish trying to escape larger predators and for
soft crabs waiting for their shells to harden.
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Q: Why did the Governor pledge to plant trees on 600 miles of streams in
Maryland by the year 2010. What is that all about?
A: Scientists have known for years that trees play a vital role in our natural systems.
Recent evidence indicates that trees are extremely important in maintaining
healthy streams and a healthy Chesapeake Bay. Trees planted on streambanks, so
called forest buffers, perform many functions. Forest buffers capture rainfall and
regulate streamflow, even out temperature changes in the water and the air,
stabilize streambanks, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife - all of which are
beneficial to Maryland's streams, creeks and rivers. They also improve water
quality downstream in the Bay by filtering nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus
and by removing sediments. So, the more trees we plant along the banks of our
streams and rivers, the cleaner and healthier our environment and the Bay will be.
[Source: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/education/faq/bayfacts.html]
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7. RELATED PROJECTS
Maryland's DNR has been able to pass along their knowledge and experience
so that the National Aquarium in Baltimore (NAIB), through a technology
transfer project, could implement a similar water quality monitoring project
near the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore. In
addition to the water quality monitoring project near Fort McHenry, the NAIB is also
conducting a wetland restoration effort at Fort McHenry. Finally, through a data
integration project, NAIB is developing a GIS application to integrate various data
sources to provide even more information to the communities in and around the
Chesapeake Bay. Section 7.1 discusses the NAIB's Technology Transfer Project.
Section 7.2 discusses the NAIB's wetland restoration effort at Fort McHenry. Section
7.3 discusses the NAIB's data integration project.
7.1 Technology Transfer Project
Through a technology transfer project, Maryland's DNR assisted the NAIB in
installing a similar water quality monitoring station at the Fort McHenry National
Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, MD. The NAIB is a non-profit institution
dedicated to promoting good stewardship of aquatic environments through exhibits,
education, and ecological restoration programs.
The water quality monitoring station is equipped with the same basic hardware (i.e.,
YSI sonde, datalogger, and telemetry equipment) as the stations maintained by the
Maryland DNR for their EMPACT water quality monitoring program. The Fort
McHenry station collects the same water quality parameters (i.e., temperature, specific
conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, Chlorophyll A, and turbidity) every 15
minutes. The data collected by the Aquarium is used to help further an understanding
of the causes and effects of human activity on a watershed, interpret watershed health,
and promote watershed stewardship.
Similar to MD DNR's project, the Aquarium queries the monitoring station twice each
day and stores the near real-time data on their server and a Web site being designed to
display the data at a 6th grade reading level. The data is also displayed on the MD DNR
Web site.
Note: The Aquarium Web site (http://www.aqua.org) allows users to retrieve
data directly from the Aquarium Web site.
The Aquarium also installed a weather monitoring station near the Fort McHenry
wetland. The weather station monitors total rainfall, photosynthetically active
radiation, wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, relative humidity, and
barometric pressure. The data, which is collected and stored as 15 minute averages,
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is downloaded twice a day from the weather station. The weather is also available on
the Aquarium Web site.
Through a similar technology transfer effort, the NAIB transferred the experience they
gained with the water quality monitoring equipment to students at Morgan State
University (MSU). Through a job training program, NAIB has worked with eight MSU
students teaching them how to service and maintain the water quality monitoring and
telemetry equipment.
7.2 Wetlands Restoration at Fort McHenry
The Fort McHenry wetland is not a natural wetland, but was constructed in 1982 to
mitigate the impact stemming from the construction of the Fort McHenry tunnel. The
10-acre wetland site, adjacent to the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic
Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland, was chosen as a field station by NAIB because of its
location at the head of a tidal tributary and its significance as a cultural landmark. The
constructed wetland served as a refuge for many species of wildlife, including sea
ducks, heron, muskrats, and red-winged blackbirds. However, after the wetland was
established, there was no plan to maintain it. Over time the wetland degraded due to
the growth of non-native grasses and accumulation of trash and debris. In 1997, the
National Parks Service, in partnership with the NAIB's Conservation Department,
began efforts to restore and maintain the wetland.
To restore the Fort McHenry Wetland, the Aquarium partnered with various agencies
and groups including, but not limited to:
National Park Service
Maryland DNR
US Department of Commerce (NOAA)
US EPA
Chesapeake Bay Program
Morgan State University
Baltimore Bird Club
Boy Scouts of America
The components of the Fort McHenry restoration project includes the following:
Site activities (e.g., clean-up and planting of beneficial marsh grasses)
An avian monitoring program
Development of a manual for community involvement in tidal marsh restoration
that can be used in other areas of the country.
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Each of these components are discussed below.
7.2.1 Site Clean-up Activities
During the last few years, the NAIB's Aquarium Conservation Team (ACT), has led
13 public field days at the site. The field days allows participants to learn how to restore
tidal wetlands. More than 1,100 volunteers have logged a total of 8,500 hours in tidal
marsh restoration activities. Such activities include planting beneficial vegetation and
catalogging and removing more than 155,000 pieces of debris, most which were plastic
or foamed plastic items.
7.2.2 Avian Monitoring
NAIB and the Baltimore Bird Club formed a partnership to implement an Avian
Monitoring Program at Fort McHenry. The program began on August 17,1999. In the
program's first year of monitoring, Baltimore Bird Club members spent 114 hours
counting and observing over 6,180 birds, representing 120 species in and around the
wetland. It is interesting to note that the number of bird species observed at the 10-
acre site represents approximately 30% of all the birds recorded in the state of
Maryland. Members also installed a variety of nesting boxes and platforms in and
around the wetland which have been inhabited by tree swallows, purple martins, wrens,
and a pair of osprey.
7.2.3 Restoration Development Manual
The tidal wetlands at Fort McHenry National Monument provides a model for
community-based involvement in restoration activities. The NAIB is developing a
manual for community involvement in tidal marsh restoration that can be used in other
areas of the country. The manual is designed for use by volunteer programs and covers
such topics as restoration, maintenance, and monitoring for restored or created tidal
wetlands. Specifically, the manual will enable volunteers to determine the following
parameters for a tidal marsh:
Initial logistics and basic site information, including site history and geography
Hydrology and topography
Sediment trapping capabilities
Sediment properties (organic carbon and grain size)
Groundwater level, salinity, and redox potential
Vegetation community structure
Faunal utilization
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By applying the methodologies outlined in the manual, volunteers can generate
detailed tidal wetland structural information which will be disseminated to evaluate the
capacity of the wetland to perform various functions and collect all necessary field data
within a maximum labor effort of 100 hours per site per year.
7.2.4 Principles of Wetland Restoration
The EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds (OWOW) has assembled a list
of wetland restoration principles that are critical to the success of any restoration
project. These principles focus on scientific and technical issues, but as in all
environmental management activities, the importance of community perspectives and
values should not be overlooked. The restoration principles are as follows:
Preserve and Protect Aquatic Resources
Restore Ecological Integrity
Restore Natural Structure
Restore Natural Function
Work Within the Watershed and Broader Landscape Context
Understand the Natural Potential of the Watershed
Address Ongoing Causes of Degradation
Develop Clear, Achievable, and Measurable Goals
Focus on Feasibility
Use Reference Sites
Anticipate Future Changes
Involve a Multi-disciplinary Team
Design for Self-sustainability
Use Passive Restoration when Appropriate
Restore Native Species, Avoid Non-native Species
Use Natural Fixes and Bioengineering Techniques
Monitor and Adapt Where Changes are Necessary
For a detailed explanation of these restoration principles, see http://www.epa.gov/
owow/wetlands/restore/principles.html.
86 CHAPTER 7
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7.3 Data Integration Project
Currently, the Aquarium is leading a project with the Maryland DNR, the Chesapeake
Bay Program, EPA Region III, and several other regional partners to integrate and
interpret real-time water quality information as well as other data sources to raise
public awareness and stimulate action. The Aquarium, with the help of its partners,
is developing an interactive GIS product accessible through the Internet which will
provide a comprehensive and clear view of Chesapeake Bay's real-time water quality
results to the general public. Such products will include GIS-based maps for five major
sub-watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay. These maps which will present concrete and
germane information for the non-technical user. For example, for each of the sub-
watersheds, GIS-based maps will be developed to include population, percent
developed/protected land, land use, and public involvement opportunities. Also a GIS
application could be developed to allow the user to input their address, locate their
watershed, and follow the path of water from their home, through the network of storm
drains, to the Bay.
To facilitate broader use of the information, the Aquarium will develop and distribute
20,000 copies of a CD-ROM product for its stakeholders. The CD-ROM will serve as
a communication/outreach tool which will allow users without access to the Internet
(e.g., schools) to have access to water quality and other relevant environmental
information for areas of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information on this project,
contact Glenn Page (gpage@aqua.org) at the NAIB at (410) 576-3808.
[Source: Improving Public Access to Water Quality and Watershed Information in the
Chesapeake Bay, Quality Assurance Project Plan, National Aquarium in Baltimore,
May 18, 2001.]
RELATED PROJECTS 87
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APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ACRONYM LIST
AA: Auto-analyzer
Algae: Simple single-celled, colonial, or multi-celled aquatic plants. Aquatic algae
are (mostly) microscopic plants that contain chlorophyll and grow by photosynthesis.
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 bloom: Referring to excessive growths of algae caused by excessive
nutrient loading.
Anoxia: Absence of oxygen in water.
B
CBL: Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
Chlorophyll: Green pigment in plants that transforms light energy into chemical
energy by photosynthesis.
Chlorophyll A: A type of chlorophyll found in plants and algae which makes
photosynthesis possible.
CO2: Carbon dioxide
CSI: Campbell Scientific, Inc.
CWSRF: Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Dissolved oxygen (DO): The concentration of oxygen (O^ dissolved in water,
usually expressed in milligrams per liter, parts per million, or percent of saturation (at
the field temperature). Adequate concentrations of dissolved oxygen are necessary
GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ACRONYM LIST A-l
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to sustain the life of fish and other aquatic organisms 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 support 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/L, conditions
are considered to be anoxic.
DNR: Department of Natural Resources
DO: Dissolved oxygen
DOC: Dissolved organic carbon
DVT(s): Data visualization tools
Ecosystem: The interacting plants, animals, and physical components (sunlight,
soil, air, water) of an area.
EDF: Environmental Defense Fund
EM PACT: Environmental Monitoring for Public Access and Community Tracking
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
Estuary: Body of water that provides a transition zone between the freshwater of
a river and the saline environment of the sea.
Eutrophicdtion: The process by which surface water is enriched by nutrients
(usually phosphorus and nitrogen) which leads to excessive plant growth.
% full scale: Unit of measurement for fluorescence
ft: feet
FTP: File transfer protocol
A-2 APPENDIX A
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Geographic Information System (GIS): A computer software and hard
ware system that helps scientists and other technicians capture, store, model, display,
and analyze spatial or geographic information.
GREEN: Global Rivers Environmental Education Network
fig/I: micrograms (10~6 grams)/liter
flS/cm: micro siemens per centimeter
H
HCI: Hydrochloric acid
HNO,: Nitric acid
o
H2SO4: Sulfuric acid
HPL: Horn Point Laboratory
Hypoxid: Physical condition caused by low amounts of dissolved oxygen in water
(i.e., less than 2 mg/L).
I
1C: Inorganic carbon
IMS: Information Management System
K
L: liter
LdMP: Lakewide Management Plans
GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ACRONYM LIST A-3
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M
m: meters
mg: milligrams
mg/L: milligrams /liter
Monitor: To track a characteristic, such as dissolved oxygen, nitrate level, or fish
population, over a period of time using uniform methods to evaluate change.
MS: Military style
N
NAIB: National Aquarium in Baltimore
NALMS: North American Lake Management Society
NdOH: Sodium hydroxide
Near-real-time: Refers to data current enough to be used in day-to-day deci-
sion-making. These data are collected and distributed as close to real time as pos-
sible. 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 continuously),
and (3) the time it takes for automated and preliminary manual QA/QC.
NH,: Ammonia
o
NH4: Ammonium ion
NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
nm: Nanometer, 10~9 meter
Non-point Source: Diffuse, overland runoff containing pollutants. Includes
runoff collected in storm drains.
NRCS: Natural Resources Conservation Service
NTU: Nephelometric turbidity unit
A-4 APPENDIX A
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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.
OWOW: Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
pH scale: A scale used to determine the alkaline or acidic nature of a substance.
The scale ranges from 0 to 14 with 0 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 physical, chemical, or
biological property that is being measured.
Pfiesteria Piscicida: A toxic dinoflagellate that has been associated with fish
lesions and fish kills in coastal waters from Delaware to North Carolina.
Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants convert carbon dioxide to
sugars and oxygen using sunlight for energy.
ppt: parts per thousand
Point Source: A pipe that discharges effluent into a stream or other body of
water.
Primary Productivity: The productivity of the photosynthesizers at the base of
the food chain in ecosystems. (Adapted from the USGS Water Science Glossary at
http://wwwga.usgs.gov/edu/dictionary.html.)
PVC: Polyvmyl chloride
GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ACRONYM LIST A-5
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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 that samples are repre-
sentative of the water you are monitoring, free from contamination, and analyzed
following standard procedures.
Remote Monitoring: Monitoring is called remotewhen the operator can collect
and analyze data from a site other than the monitoring location itself.
Runoff: Precipitation, snow melt, or irrigation water that appears in uncontrolled
surface streams, rivers, drains or sewers. Runoff may be classified according to speed
of appearance after rainfall or melting snow as direct runoff or base runoff, and
according to source as surface runoff, storm interflow, or ground-water runoff.
(Adapted from the USGS Water Science Glossary at http://wwwga.usgs.gov/edu/
dictionary.html.)
Salinity: Measurement of the mass of dissolved salts in water. Salinity is usually
expressed in ppt.
SAV: Submerged aquatic vegetation
SC: Specific conductance
Sediment: Fine soil or mineral particles
SMSA: Standard metropolitan statistical area
Sonde: A group of sensors configured together to measure specific physical
properties of water. A sonde may be attached to a single recording unit or electronic
data logger to record the output from the group of sensors.
Specific Conductance (SC): The measure of how well water can conduct an
electrical current. Specific conductance indirectly measures the presence of com-
pounds 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 ปS/cm.
A-6 APPENDIX A
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Stratification: An effect where a substance or material is broken into distinct
horizontal layers due to different characteristics such as density or temperature.
(Adapted from Water on the Web at http://wow.nrri.umn.edu/wow.)
STP: Sewage treatment plant
Suspended solids (SS or Total SS [TSS]): Very small particles that remain
distributed throughout the water column due to turbulent mixing exceeding gravita-
tional sinking.
TDS: Total dissolved solids
Timely 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.
TOC: Total organic carbon
TSS: Total suspended solids
Turbidity: The degree to which light is scattered in water because of suspended
organic and inorganic particles. Turbidity is commonly measured in NTU's.
USGS: United States Geological Survey
w
Watershed: The entire drainage area or basin feeding a stream or river. Includes
surface water, groundwater, vegetation, and human structures.
WET: Water Education for Teachers
WMC: Watershed Management Council
GLOSSARY OF TERMS & ACRONYM LIST A-7
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YSI: Yellow Springs Instruments, Inc.
A-8 APPENDIX A
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