&EPA
United States Office of ERL-GB NO SR119
Environmental Protection Research and Development June 1992
Agency Washington DC 20460
NEAR COASTAL LOUISIANIAN PROVINCE
1992 SAMPLING
FIELD OPERATIONS MANUAL
::•;;;: SS&. «?«. 5s-:s:»
Environmental Monitoring
and Assessment Program
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600R92255
DRAFT 3/1 8/92
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
ESTUARIES - LOUISIANIAN PROVINCE:
1992 SAMPLING
FIELD OPERATIONS MANUAL
by
JOHN M. MACAULEY
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
ERL - GULF BREEZE
SABINE ISLAND
GULF BREEZE, FL. 32561
PROJECT OFFICER
KEVIN SUMMERS
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPEMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENAL PROTECTION AGENCY
GULF BREEZE, FL. 32561
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NOTICE
This document is a preliminary draft. It has not been fromally released by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and should not, at this stage, be construed to represent Agency
policy. It is being circulated for comments. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not
constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author wishes to acknowledge and thank Kevin Summers and Tom Heitmuller for their
guidance and review in the developement of this document.
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CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
Notice " i
Acknowledgements jj
Disclaimer jj|
List of Figures vi
List of Tables ' vi
1 - Introduction
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) 1-1
EMAP Near Coastal 1-2
Louisianian Province Monitoring 1-3
2 - Overview of Field Sampling Activities
Sampling Period 2-1
Classification Scheme 2-1
Sampling Design 2-1
Indicators of Ecosystem Condition 2-2
Site Reconnaissance 2-3
3 - Description of Reid Teams
Personnel 3-1
Station Assignments 3-3
Equipment 3-3
Chain-of-Command 3-8
4 - Safety
Training 4-1
Swimming Proficiency Requirement 4-1
Priorities 4-1
Accidents 4-1
Personnel Emergency Information 4-2
Operation of Equipment 4-2
Safety Equipment 4-2
Weather Conditions 4-3
Responsibility for Safety 4-3
Boat Itinerary 4"3
Handling of Hazardous Material 4-4
5 - Training
6 - Land-Based Facilities
Mobile Laboratories 6-1
Base Facilities 6-1
Reid Operations Center 6-1
Hi
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SECTIQN I
7 - Professionalism
General Contact With the Public 7-1
Operation of Motor Vehicles 7-1
Operation of Boats 7-2
Radio Operation 7-2
Waste Disposal 7-2
8 - Vehicle Operation
General Guidelines 8-1
Procedures Following an Accident 8-2
Trailering Guidelines 8-3
9 - Operation of Boats
Weather Conditions 9-1
Launching and Recovering Procedures 9-2
Gear Check-Out and Loading 9-4
Navigation System 9-4
General Policies Underway 9-4
Radio Operations 9-6
Cellular Phone Operation 9-6
Radar Operation 9-9
Winch Operation 9-9
Emergencies/Accidents 9-9
10 - Computer System
11 - Communications
Electronic Transfer of Data 11-1
Communications with the Reid Operations Center 11-1
Ship-to-Shore Communications 11-2
12 - Description of Sample Types and Sampling Activities
Base Sampling Sites 12-1
Supplemental Stations 12-1
13 - Sampling Activities and Instructions
Preparations for Sampling 13-1
Locating Stations 13-2
Order of Sampling Activities 13-2
Obtaining Water Column Profile 13-3
Deployment of Datasondes 13-4
Sediment Collection 13-6
Fish Trawls 13-11
14 - Packaging
Benthic Species Composition and Biomass Samples 14-1
Grain Size Samples 14-2
IV
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Sediment Chemistry Samples 14-4
Sediment Toxicity Samples 14-4
Fish Chemistry Samples 14-5
Fish Histopathology Samples 14-5
AVS Samples . " 14-6
Field Computer Diskettes 1 4-6
15 - Contingency Plans
Adverse Weather Conditions 15-1
Station Inaccessibility 15-1
Equipment Failure 15-2
1 6 - Maintenance
Boat Trailers . . 16-1
Boats 16-1
Engines ... 16-1
Electronics . . 16-1
Hydraulics . . 16-1
Rigging 16-2
Vehicles 16-2
GRiD Computers 16-2
Hydrolab Datasonde III 16-2
17 - Field Data Base Management
Sample Numbering Scheme 17-1
Bar Code Labels 17-2
Forms 17-2
Station Packages 17-2
Use of Diskettes 17-2
18 - Quality Assurance
19 - Lost Gear
Recovery of Datasonde 19-1
Recovery of Grab Sampler or Dredge 19-1
Recovery of a Hung Trawl 19-1
20 - Waste Disposal
Routine Garbage 20-1
Detergent Washes 20-1
Formalin and Dietrich's Fixative 20-1
Fish Waste 20-1
21 - Contact Personnel
22 - References
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Appendices
A. Equipment List and Daily Checklist
B. Hazardous Material Safety and Handling Information
C. Permit for Operation erf Marine Band Radio
D. Instructions for Fish Pathology Examination
E. Flow Charts
F. Operation of the Hydrolab Surveyor II
G. Operation of the Licor L11000 Light Meter
H. Operation of Hydrolab Datasonde III Datalogger
I. Data Sheets and Instructions
LIST OF FIGURES
NUMBER PAGE
3.1 Description of the manpower requirements for field operations . 3-2
3.2 Sampling region for Team 1 3-5
3.3 Sampling region for Team 2 3-6
3.4 Sampling region for Team 3 3-7
3.5 Demonstration Project management scheme 3-10
5.1 Training outline 5-2
9.1 Boat radio call signs and authorized frequencies 9-8
9.2 Hand Signals used during winch operations 9-10
13.2 Criteria for accepting a sediment grab sample 13-8
LIST OF TABLES
13.1 Amount of Winch Cable to use During Trawling
and Dredging Activities 13-14
13.2 Fish Target Species 13-16
13.3 Listing of Common Fish Species by Common Name 13-18
14.1 Sample Holding and Shipment Conditions 14-3
VI
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SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
This document is intended to serve as a field operations and guide for field personnel
involved in the Near Coastal (NC) component of the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Program (EMAP). This document describes all aspects of field operations and prescribed collection
methods for the LA-NC Monitoring Demonstration. DEVIATION FROM THESE METHODS BY THE
FIELD CREWS REQUIRES APPROVAL THROUGH THE PROJECT MANAGER (PM) OR FIELD
COORDINATOR (FC). If methods are revised, the FC will provide field personnel with updates of
pertinent sections.
1-1 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program
The Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) was designed to
periodically assess the ecological condition and status of the Nation's ecological resources. As a
regulatory agency, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged with the mission to
set environmental policy, obtain funds for research and development, and evaluate the efficacy of
environmental regulations in preserving the Nation's natural resources. EMAP provides a strategy to
identify and bound the extent, magnitude,,and location of environmental degradation and
improvement on a regional scale. When fully implemented, EMAP will answer the following
questions:
• What is the current status and extent of our ecological resources (e.g., estuaries,
lakes, streams, forests, grasslands, etc.)?
• What percentages of the various resources currently appear to be adversely
affected by pollutants and other man-induced environmental stresses?
• What resources are degrading, where, and at what rate?
• What are relative magnitudes of the most likely causes of adverse effects?
• Are adversely affected ecosystems improving as expected in response to control
and mitigation programs?
To answer the above questions, EMAP has three major objectives:
1. To estimate the current status, extent, changes, and trends in indicators of the
Nation's ecological resources on a regional basis;
2. To monitor indicators of pollutant exposure and habitat condition, and to seek
correlative relationships between human-induced stresses and ecological condition
that identify possible causes of adverse effects; and
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3. To provide periodic statistical summaries and interpretive reports on ecological
status and trends to the EPA Administrator and to the public.
EMAP is focusing on the Nation's major ecosystems including surface fresh waters,
rangelands and deserts, forests, wetlands (including salt marshes), agroecosystems, and near
coastal waters. All the above goals and questions are relevant to each ecosystem, including near
coastal waters.
1.2 EMAP Near Coastal
The Near Coastal component of EMAP (EMAP-NC) is a joint EPA/National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Program that is designed to eventually monitor the waters,
sediment, and biota from the head of tide to the Outer Continental Shelf. This program will
complement and may eventually merge with NOAA's existing Status and Trends Program for
Marine Environmental Quality to produce a single, cooperative, coastal and estuarine monitoring
program.
In addition to meeting the overall goals of EMAP, the Near Coastal component is addressing
specific environmental problems. The problems specifically applicable to hear coastal waters are:
low dissolved oxygen concentrations, eutrophication, chemical and biological contamination,
habitat modification, and cumulative impacts.
1.2.1 Low Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations
Well oxygenated water is critical to support a balanced aquatic community. Low dissolved
oxygen concentrations in water may reduce or eliminate biota (e.g., reduced species composition
and biomass) and allow for the enhanced existence of opportunistic species that may be
incompatible with ecosystem stability.
1.2.2 Eutrophication
The process of eutrophication, the over-enrichment of water bodies with nutrients and
minerals that results in an excess in primary production, can cause severe reductions in the overall
stability and productivity of that water body. Symptoms of stress associated with eutrophication
include (but are not limited to: widely fluctuating and often acutely toxic low dissolved oxygen
(DO) concentrations; reduced water clarity; presence of nuisance algal blooms; alterations in
benthic biomass, abundance and species composition; changes in shellfish growth or survival; and
reduced acreage of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV).
1.2.3 Contamination
The problem of unacceptable contamination is manifest in several ways, including buildup in
marine sediments, water, and biota resulting from contamination (residues) by anthropogenic
materials or by excessive naturally-occurring materials; pathogen contamination of sediments.
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water and biota (generally through human waste); and toxicity of water, sediment, and biota
caused by excessive amounts of either chemicals or pathogens. The overall effect is to render
marine resources unsuitable for human (or non-human) consumption.
1.2.4 Habitat Modification
Modification and general loss of specific habitats within the near coastal environment is a
critical problem. Specifically, habitats such as wetlands and SAV have been significantly reduced,
therefore depleting critical spawning and nursery areas for the production of living resources
deemed important to man, including fish and shellfish. These habitats also help improve water
clarity by reducing soil erosion and buffering coastlines from the direct effects of coastal storms.
1.2.5 Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative effects of the above stressors on the near coastal system are likely to elicit
responses that result in decreases in overall productivity, or losses in diversity and resilience. These
general effects may result in reductions in fish and shellfish recruitment, growth, and survival and
increases in pathology (fin rot, cancers, and other lesions).
1.3 Louisianian Province Monitoring
The Monitoring Demonstration conducted in the Summer of 1991 tested the indicators,
logistics design, and data network chosen for the Louisianian Province. Lessons learned during the
demonstration were incorporated into the design for the 1992 monitoring. Each year the methods
and procedures used in the monitoring will be re-evaluated and modified as necessary.
The purpose of this document is to describe, in detail, all aspects of propoded field
activities for the 1992 monitoring. This includes all sampling, data handling, and emergency
activities. This manual is carried on board each sampling vessels and mobile lab and should be
consulted by crew members if there are any questions regarding procedure.
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SECTION 2
OVERVIEW OF FIELD SAMPLING ACTIVITIES
2.1 Sampling Period
All sampling for the Monitoring Demonstration will occur during the period from July 8, 1992 to
August 31, 1992. During this period a total of 155 stations will be sampled.
2.2 Classification Schema
Louisianian Province estuarine waters were classified into three size categories: large estuaries,
large tidal rivers, and small estuarine systems (Summers et al. 1990). These three classes represent
estuarine systems with different behavior in relation to potential stressors. In addition, it makes sense
to monitor the status of estuaries of a particular size range in terms of potential management
consequences. The large size category was expected to be relatively small in number with adequate
samples expected to fall within several large estuarine system to permit rough status estimates of these
individual, large estuaries (e.g., Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound).
The size classification uses the following criteria:
Large Estuaries: Surface area > 250 km2 and aspect (length/average width) < 18; 28 systems.
Examples: Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound, Breton Sound.
Large Tidal Rivers: Surface area > 250 km2 and aspect > 18; 1 system. This class includes only the
Mississippi River.
Small Estuarine Systems: All remaining estuarine systems within the Louisianian Province with surface
areas > 1.0 mi2; 156 systems. Examples: Grand Bay, AL, Rio Grande, TX, Anclote Key, FL, and
Suwannee Sound, FL.
2.3 Sampling Design
The Near Coastal sampling design combines the strengths of systematic and random sampling
with our understanding of estuarine systems. It provides a design that allows unbiased estimates of the
status of the Nation's near coastal systems, the variability associated with that status, the spatial and
temporal components of that variability, and the temporal trends associated with changes in the status
of near coastal systems.
The objective of the sampling design is to provide a statistically defensible strategy to collect
information concerning the status of Near Coastal indicators and their variability. The design is
logistically reasonable and implementable yet remains flexible to alternative future uses.
In developing the sampling design, a list frame was used to represent the population of
estuaries in the United States. This list frame was partitioned to represent all estuarine systems within
the Louisianian Province with a surface area greater than 1.0 square mile. The Louisianian Province list
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frame was classified into three sampling sub-populations representing small estuaries and tidal rivers,
large tidal rivers, and large estuaries (Summers et al. 1990). The 1992 Near Coastal sampling design in
the Louisianian Province is based on an annual sampling index period for each of these near coastal
classes taken to:
• Test the reliability of the selected core indicators (and some research indicators) to
discriminate between sites that are clearly affected and those that appear unaffected.
• Generate descriptive statistics concerning :he indicator attributes and evaluate their
distributions.
2.4 Indicators of Ecosystem Condition
The primary goal of EMAP is to provide an assessment of overall ecosystem condition or status.
To accomplish this goal for the near coastal ecosystem, a number of 'indicators* of ecosystem
condition have been proposed. These indicators have been classified as core, developmental, or
research indicators.
Core indicators are those for which there presently exists sufficient data to define the sensitivity
and reliability of responses to stress with a high degree of confidence. The variability of core indicators
over the Index Period is expected to be small. Core indicators for the Louisianian Province Project are:
• benthic species composition and biomass,
• habitat indicators (salinity, temperature, pH, water depth), and
• sediment characteristics (grain size, organic carbon content, percent water.apparent
redox, potential discontinuity).
Developmental indicators are those indicators for which the sampling methods are not well
refined, only limited data are available on their reliability or sensitivity on a regional geographic scale, or
the variability of the indicators is known over the Index Period. One important goal is to provide the
information needed to assess the reliability, sensitivity, and variability of these indicators, and to
develop appropriate sampling methods. Developmental indicators are:
• sediment contaminant concentrations,
• sediment toxictty,
• dissolved oxygen concentration,
• contaminants in fish flesh,
• gross pathology of fish,
• aesthetic indicators (flotsam, jetsam, odor, water clarity), and acreage of submerged
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aquatic vegetation.
Research indicators have the potential to eventually become incorporated into the program as
core indicators after much additional investigation. Sampling methods may be only partially developed
and the reliability, sensitivity, and variability of these indicators is unknown at a regional scale. In some
cases research indicators will be tested at only a small number of stations for which the physical and
chemical conditions are known (Indicator Testing and Evaluation Stations • see Section 12). Research
indicators for the Louisianian Province Monitoring are:
• fish community composition.
• histopathology of fish populations,
• blood chemistry and bile contaminants of target finfish.
2.5 Site Reconnaissance
Prior to initiation of field activities, a thorough reconnaissance of the Louisianian Province will
be performed. This includes determining the locations of boat ramps, hotels, and dry ice suppliers;
visiting any stations that may fall in water too shallow for boats; and attempting to identify all potential
problems that the field crews may face during the 1992 sampling period. The results of the
reconnaissance can be found in the 1992 Field Reconnaissance Report for the Louisianian Province
1992 (Phifer et al. 1992).
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SECTION 3
DESCRIPTION OF FIELD TEAMS
3.1 Personnel
For the Monitoring Demonstration, three teams of field personnel are required to accomplish
all field activities. Each of these teams is comprised of two 5-person crews. Each crew is made
up of a Crew Chief, two boat crew members, and two shore crew members. One of the Crew
Chiefs also serves as the Team Leader, and is ultimately responsible for all equipment and activities
assigned to his/her team. This design is outlined in Figure 3.1.
Field personnel are either cooperators {University of Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research
Laboratories, and Texas A & M University) or contract workers (Technical Resources Incorporated).
The Texas A & M crew will sample both the Delta and West regions of the province, while a team
of U. Miss., GCRL, and TRI personnel will sample the East region.
The two crews comprising a team work alternate seven day schedules. Operating on a
longer schedule could result in fatigue and a subsequent reduction in data quality- A shorter
schedule results in more days in transit (crews being paid to travel between their base location and
the field) and is therefore more expensive. A seven day period was chosen as an efficient
compromise to include one off day for servicing equipment. In selected cases, approved by the
EPA project officer, this working period may be modified to address specific sampling problems.
Team Leaders are responsible for the overall operation of their teams. This includes
responsibility for personnel, equipment and supplies, and the progress made in sampling activities.
Team leaders also serve as the Crew Chief for their specific crew. Crew Chiefs are responsible for
direct supervision of their crews, sample tracking, quality assurance (QA), and communications
with the EMAP-NC Field Operations Center (including the transfer of electronic data - see Section
11). The crew chiefs are responsible for all decisions pertaining to field operations and safety.
During the transfer of crews, it is the responsibility of the Team Leader to assure that all
pertinent information be transferred from the crew leaving for home to the crew coming on duty.
This includes the stations sampled by the crew going off duty, any problems or suggestions, the
status of any samples in the mobile lab that may need to be shipped by the crew starting their
shift, a list of supplies that are running low, and any other information that might be needed or
helpful to the crew coming on duty.
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Louisianian
Province
Team 1
(East)
Crew 1A —
Crew IB —
Team 2
(Delta)
Crew 2A
Crew 2B
Team 3
(West)
Crew 3A
Crew 3B
TEAM LEADER
Boat Crew
Boat Crew
Shore Crew
Shore Crew
CREW CHIEF
Boat Crew
Boat Crew
Shore Crew
Shore Crew
TEAM LEADER
Boat Crew
Boat Crew
Shore Crew
Shore Crew
CREW CHIEF
Boat Crew
Boat Crew
Shore Crew
Shore Crew
TEAM LEADER
Boat Crew
Boat Crew
Shore Crew
Shore Crew
CREW CHIEF
Boat Crew
Boat Crew
Shore Crew
Shore Crew
Figure 3.1. Manpower distribution for the Louisianian Province
Monitoring Demonstration.
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3.2 Station Assignments
As stated above, three teams are needed to sample all stations during the Demonstration
Project. Team 1 (East) is responsible for all stations from Anclote Key, FL. west to the Bay St.
Louis, MS. Team 2 (Delta) has been assigned those stations west of Bay St. Louis, MS to
Barataria Bay, LA., including the Mississippi River and Lake Ponchartrain. The remaining stations
from Barataria Bay, LA to the Rio Grande, TX have been assigned to team 3 (West). Maps of these
regions are included as Rgures 3.2 to 3.4.
3.3 Equipment
Each team is provided with the equipment and supplies to perform all required sampling
activities. This includes a 25-foot boat with trailer, a four-wheel drive (4WD) pick-up truck
equipped to tow the boat, a mobile laboratory, a panel van for personnel transport, a field
computer, marine-band VHP radios, all navigational equipment, one Hydortab Surveyor II profiling
instrument, one benthic grab sampler, two trawl nets, 8 deployable DO monitoring instruments
(Hydrolab DataSonde 3 dataloggers) with acoustic locators, and all additional supplies necessary to
successfully complete sampling for all indicators and their subsequent shipment. A complete list of
equipment is provided in Appendix B.
Whereas the equipment required for obtaining samples is carried by each team at all times,
some supplies (e.g., sampling bottles, floppy disks, etc.) can be restocked from base facilities (EPA
lab, Gulf Breeze,FL; GCRL, Ocean Springs, MS; or GERG, College Station, TX) and brought to the
team by returning off-duty crews as required. Supplies can also be restocked on days when it is
convenient for the on-duty crew to stop at their base.
3.3.1 Boats
Each team is supplied with a 25-foot SeaArk work boat equipped with a 7.5 L gas engine
fitted with a Bravo II outdrive, an 'A* frame boom assembly and hydraulic winch. On-board
electronics consist of: a Loran C unit. 2 marine band VHF radios, cellular phone radar, a compass,
a depth finder, a tool kit and all required and suggested safety equipment. One completely
outfitted spar* boat wiU be stored at the Environmental Research Laboratory at Gulf Breeze,
FL.(ERUGB), and can be transported overnight to any team needing a replacement.
3.3.2 Boat Trailers
Each boat is transported on a heavy-duty, dual-axle trailer (each axle equipped with inertia!
brakes), and equipped with a winch, a spare tire, and spare rollers.
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3.3.3 Four-Wheel Drive (4WO) Pickup Trucks
A one-ton, 4WD, dual rear wheel pickup truck is used to tow the boat. Trucks are
equipped with a camper shell (to allow for stowage of field gear), and a heavy-duty towing
package. Four-wheel drive vehicles were chosen to assure that the boat can be pulled up steep,
wet, or poorly maintained, ramps.
3.3.4 Mobile Laboratory
Each team is equipped with a "mobile laboratory" equipped with a marine band VHF radio
(communication link with the boa", a cellular phone, a laptop computer, shelves ~nd a work
bench. This vehicte serves as a c . nmunicatior s center as well as a staging ar<- calibrating
instruments and processing and oackaging samples for shipment. Teams 2 & 3 use an
alternate mobile laboratory comprised of a tractor-trailer rig designed specifically as an off-site
mobile laboratory.
3.3.5 Panel Van
A panel van is provided for transporting crew members to and from the satellite laboratory
when they go off and on duty.
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Mississippi
••••
Louisiana
Georgia
. Eastern
N Region
~*^"- 4. - ~
Rgurt 3.2. Map of the Eastern Region, sampling area for Team 1.
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Figure 3.3. Map of the Delta Region, sampling area for Team 2.
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Taxas
Western — r*
flag/on/
Mexico
Figure 3.4. Map of the Western Region, sampling area for Team 3.
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3.3.6 Surveyor II
Each team is equipped with one Hydrolab, Surveyor II profiling unit. This unit is equipped
to measure temperature, salinity, depth, dissolved oxygen, and pH. Spare probes and a complete
spare unit are stored at ERL-GB. Kits for calibration and service of the units will be located on both
the sampling vessels and the mobile lab. Data from this unit are recorded on data sheets by the
boat crew and entered into the GRID computer by the shore crew.
3.3.7 Licor Irradiometer
Each team is supplied with a Licor LI-1000 quantum irradiometer. This instrument
measures photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) penetrating the water column. Data from this
unit are recorded manually on data sheets by the boat crew and entered into the GRiD computer by
the shore crew.
3.3.8 Deploy able Data Logger
Each team is supplied with 6-8 (depending on the number of daily sites for which the team
is responsible) Hydrolab DataSonde 3 deployable data loggers equipped to measure salinity,
temperature, DO, pH, and depth. These units are deployed for approximately 24 hrs at each of the
sampling sites. Each team is supplied with spare parts for these units. Upon recovery of the
DataSonde units data are uploaded directly to the GRiD computer by the shore crew.
3.3.9 Trawl Nets
Each team is provided with three 16 ft, high-rise trawl nets.
3.3.10 Grab Sampler
Each team is equipped with a stainless steel, Young grab sampler. This gear is self leveling
and has a hinged top to allow for the removal of surficial sediments from the sample.
3.3.11 Laptop Computers
Each team is supplied with a GRiD model 1530 laptop computer. These computers contain
an 80386 processor and are equipped with 2 MB RAM, a 40 MB hard drive, a 1.4 MB disk drive, a
rechargeable battery, an external power cable for running off of the truck's battery, three serial
ports, a gas-plasma screen, a 2400 baud internal modem, a bar code reader and a carrying case.
Each computer contains communications, data management and sample processing software. Two
backup computers are stored at ERL-GB.
3.4 Chain-of-Command
To avoid confusion and to establish a proper flow of instructions, it is important that a
proper chain-of-command be established. This order is outlined in Rgure 3.5 and below. The
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names and phone numbers of appropriate personnel are listed in Section 21.
1. The Crew Chief is directly responsible for all field activities conducted by his/her
crew.
2. ALL CHANGES IN THE SAMPLING PLAN THAT ARE OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION
OF THE CREW CHIEF ARE COMMUNICATED TO THE TEAM BY THE FIELD
ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR (FAC) OR THE PROVINCE MANAGER. (See Section 15
for a description of allowable changes.) The teams accept technical direction from
no other persons.
3. All technical matters, (i.e., equipment problems, questions regarding station
locations, sampling schedules, etc), should be addressed to the PC by the Crew
Chief AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
4. Non-technical personnel issues should be addressed to the personnel coordinator of
the appropriate cooperating institution.
5. If the FC cannot resolve the problem (e.g., determine how a station may be
relocated), he then takes the matter to the Project Manager, the Near Coastal
Technical Director, or other appropriate personnel.
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Director
Near Coaatal
John Paul
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Acting Technical Director
Estuartea
Richard Latlimr
J.
EMAP QA Officer
Near Coaatal
Ray Vatonta
Province Manager
Kevin Summer*
QA
Coordinator
TomHettmuUer
Contingency CommlttM
Fred Holland
Hold ActfrWe*
Tom HaMmuaof
Data Management
Support Croup
Man Adam*
Oparatare Canter
Suppart Staff
lay, 4m Patrick
Waal QiiM
Te
SAV
Team Leader
NOAA/FWS
FlaWCmw
Overnight
Analyaiaand
Grmnd Truthing
Figure 3.5 Demonstration Proje« Management Schema
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SECTION 4
SAFETY
Safety of the crews and equipment is of paramount importance throughout the Monitoring
Demonstration. Special care has been taken to design protocols and equipment that will permit
sampling while maintaining a high degree of safety.
4.1 Training
All field personnel are required to participate in an extensive training program (see Section 5).
An important component of this training is related to safety procedures and precautions. All field
personnel must demonstrate to the instructors that they are aware of all safety protocols and are
capable of operating all gear in a safe manner. Field personnel must also be able to demonstrate
techniques for basic first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and basic lifesaving (water rescue).
Basic marine fire fighting will be taught during the training program.
4.2 Swimming Profldencv Requirement
Since a large portion of each boat crew member's time is spent in a small boat, all field
personnel are required to demonstrate swimming proficiency. Although flotation gear is worn whenever
sampling gear is being operated, there is always the potential for someone to fall overboard without a
flotation vest.
4.3 Priorities
The safety of personnel is, at all times, the Crew Chief's number one priority. At no time
should the crew take unreasonable risks to obtain a sample.
The safety of the general public is included in this top priority. At no time should the crew
operate any vehicle or equipment in any way that might endanger the public. In addition, sampling
activities must cease immediately if the crew is in a position to render assistance in life or limb
threatening situations.
The second priority is the safety of major equipment. Loss of a boat, pickup truck, or sampling
gear could jeopardtee the program. Activities that represent an unreasonable risk to this equipment
must not be attempted. It is up to the discretion of the Crew Chief to determine what risks are
unreasonable and his/her responsibilty to report these decision to the FC.
4.4 Acddants
Exact procedures to follow in the event of an accident are described along with the operation of
the vehicles and boats (sections 8 and 9). As described in Section 4.3, the number one priority in the
event of an accident is to assure the safety and well-being of crew members and the general public.
This is followed by the safety of major pieces of equipment, the samples, and then minor, replaceable
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equipment.
4.5 Personnel Emergency Information
All field personnel are issued identification cards that carry their name and emergency
information. This information includes medical problems, allergies, and the names and phone numbers
of persons to be contacted in the event of an emergency. The EMAP telephone number is included on
this card.
In addition, emergency information for all crew members is stored in each field computer, and at
the Field Operations Center. Emergency information on the field computers can be accessed from the
main menu.
Each Crew Chief must be aware of any medical problems his/her crew members may have.
He/she must also be aware of any medication (including seasickness medication) taken by any crew
member, as this could impair the reactions of that person and could potentially affect their care in the
event of an accident or injury.
4.6 Operation of Equipment
All EMAP equipment must be operated in a safe manner. Safety procedures for each piece of
equipment are described in the sections describing the operation of that gear.
At no time should anyone operate heavy gear (such as the hydraulic winch or boat) while under
the influence of any prescription drugs that could impair reactions. Likewise, CONSUMPTION OF
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES DURING FIELD ACTIVITIES IS ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED.
A special note will be made here regarding operation of the boat's radar. Radar is used to assist
in navigation when visibility is reduced. It works by emitting microwaves which bounce off of dense
objects (buoys, boats etc.) and are than received by the radar receiver. Microwaves have been shown
to damage living tissue, with the retina of the eye being particularly sensitive to damage from
microwaves. Due to the location of the radar's antenna (which emits the microwaves), personnel
standing on the deck behind the cabin would be in the direct line of microwave emission. Therefore,
radar should be used only when the boat Is underway and the visibility is reduced. No one Is permitted
to stand on the rear deck whle radar Is in operation. •
4.7 Safety Equipment
Each boat is equipped with required and recommended safety equipment consisting of:
approiate personal flotation devices (PFDs), a Type IV life ring, fire extinguisher, flares, a portable
spotlight, a heavy-duty flashlight, and an extensive first aid kit. In addition, each boat is equipped with
a main and backup radio, cellular phone, and radar.
Each mobile lab is equipped with a fire extinguisher, heavy-duty flashlight, first aid kit, VHF
radio, and cellular phone.
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4.9 Weather Condition!
Since all sampling operations are conducted from small boats, weather conditions and sea state
are important safety considerations. In no case should sampling be attempted in large, open systems
when the Coast Guard has issued small craft warnings. Likewise, seas in excess of three feet may also
require a delay of field activities. The crews should monitor one of the marine-band weather channels
prior to departing from the dock each morning. It is the responsibility of the Crew Chief to assess
weather conditions and the locations of the stations to be sampled, and make a decision as to whether
or not sampling activities can be safely attempted.
Even if weather conditions are not severe enough to force the cancellation of sampling
activities, the Crew Chief may elect to return to shore if crew members become severely seasick and
are unable to function in a safe manner, or if the quality of data collection becomes questionable.
4.10 Responsibility for Safety
Although each crew member is responsible for his/her safety and for operating all gear in a safe
and responsible manner, it is the responsibility of the Crew Chief to assure the safety of his/her crew.
4.11 Boat Itinerary
Prior to departure the boat Crew Chief must provide the shore crew with an itinerary. This
includes the areas in which the boat will be operating and the time they expect to return to the dock.
Any changes in this schedule must be transmitted by radio to the lab. If the boat is overdue by more
than 30 minutes, the shore crew should attempt to contact the boat by radio. Attempts should
continue until the boat is contacted.
In special cases where the shore crew and the sampling crew are going to be in different
locations, the Crew Chief should contact the shore crew in addition to the FC by telephone when
activities have ceased for the day. The Crew Chief can discuss the itinerary for the following day and
arrange a rendevous with the shore crew.
If the crew has not returned within three hours of the expected arrival time, and no contact has
been made, the shore crew member should notify the Coast Guard by phone that a boat is overdue.
He/she should inform them of the area in which the boat was working, a description and name of the
boat, the number of people on board, and that the boat is a U.S. government craft on official business.
The Coast Guard should also be informed that the caller (the lab) will be monitoring Channel 16, and
can be contacted by a Coast Guard vessel on that channel. It is the responsibility of the Crew Chief to
inform the shore crew of any changes in the boat's itinerary.
If the boat crew has been unable to contact the shore crew and their estimated time of arrival
at the dock is greater than three hours past their original projection, the boat crew should notify the
Coast Guard, who, in turn, can pass this information to the shore crew when he/she attempts to notify
the Coast Guard of the overdue boat.
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4.12 Handling of Hazardous Materials
Some hazardous materials are carried on board each boat. In addition to gasoline, boats are
carrying small quantities of formalin, Dietrich's fixative (formalin, acetic acid, and alcohol), and acetone.
All of these compounds present some form of health hazard. In no case should containers be opened in
the cabin; use of any of these materials requires adequate ventilation. Gasoline and acetone are very
volatile, therefore, SMOKING ON BOARD THE BOATS IS ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED. Solvents should
always be stored on deck in the shade away from any equipment that could generate a spark.
Care should be taken when using any hazardous material. Protective gear (gloves, safety
glasses) must be worn when using these materials.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for the hazardous materials to be carried on board are
included in Appendix C. First aid information is listed on these sheets. The appropriate MSDS should
be read before handling any hazardous material.
Both the boats and the pickup trucks carry dry ice. Care must be exercised when handling dry
ice or samples frozen on dry ice. Under no circumstances should dry ice, or samples frozen on dry ice,
be handled without insulated gloves. Doing so could result in severe damage to the skin and tissue that
comes in contact with it.
In addition, as dry ice warms and sublimes it releases carbon dioxide. Although the danger of
suffocation is small, it still exists. Therefore, large quantities of dry ice should not be stored in the
mobile lab. Dry ice should only be stored outside, or in the back of the pickup truck. A greater danger
from suffocation exists during the process of loading or unloading samples from the dry ice chest. As a
result of sublimation, most of the oxygen in the chest is displaced by heavier carbon dioxide. Crew
members must avoid breathing in this gas.
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SECTION 5
TRAINING
Proper training of all laboratory and field personnel in their respective duties is an important
aspect of the program. Training activities can be segregated into formal (classroom and structured
demonstrations) and informal (field proficiency) units. All training falls under the general jurisdiction of
the Province Manager; specific training in select technical areas is delegated to those responsible for
indicators and/or specific activities.
Training is being conducted primarily by ERL/GB staff and personnel contracted to perform
specific training. They have wide-ranging experience in training scientific personnel in collection
techniques, small boat handling, etc.
Training for the Field Crews will be conducted in two segments for the 1992 sampling. There
is a 90% return of crew members from the Delta and West teams. Training for these crews will be
conducted at the Texas A&M University field station located on Galveston Bay from June 8-14 1992.
The training will consist of a review of last years methods that will be carried over, intensive training of
new sampling methods and equipment, and instruction on the new data and communications protocols.
There will be a field proficiency exercise conducted on the final two days of the training.
The East team has a 100% return of boat crew members, but will have a new lab/shore crew.
Training for the East team will be condicted at ERL-GB from June 22 -28 1992. Boat crew members
will review methods that will be carried over, learn any new methods, and become familiar with the
communications protocol. Shore crew members for the east may require extra time in order to be
completely trained on their duties. If this becomes necessary, the field proficiency evaluation will be
postponed until they are ready.
The informal or field proficiency training consists of demonstrating competence in all practical
aspects of field activities. AH. field crew members must be able to swim and will be required to
demonstrate that ability. By the end of the course a crew must show proficiency in towing and
launching the boat; using the navigation equipment; locating stations; entering and retrieving data from
the computer; using all sampling gear; first aid procedures; and general safety practices. A crew
member may be removed from the field team if sufficient proficiency is not demonstrated. In addition,
the shore crew members must demonstrate proficiency in the handling and shipment of samples, the
entry and transmrttal of data, and the coordination of activities for sampling days and lodging
arrangements.
1992 Training schedule on following pages.
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1992 EMAP Crew Training
Texas A&M
June 8-14
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6-8
0900
1200
1300
Dav 1 Monday
Introduction
Personnel responsibility
Professionalism
Team structure
Distribute Field Methods Manual
Review Protocols & Changes
Safety
7 day sampling period
communications
vehicle & boat operation
Lunch
Sampling Protocols & Quality Control
Dataonde III deployment
Hydrolab usage
Sediment collection
fish trawl
Data sheets
Navigation Equipment
6-9
0800
1200
1300
1700
Dav 2 Tuesday
(separate into lab/boat crews, separate into 4 boat crews)
Boat Crew
Crew 1 & 2 Boat reorientation and new sediment protocol
exercise.
Crew 3 & 4 Data packages, forms, barcode labels, and
instrument calibration.
Lunch
Crew 1 & 2 Data packages, forms, and barcode labels.
Crew 3 & 4 Boat reorientation and new sediment protocol
exercise.
Crew chief debriefing
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6-10
0800
1200
Dav 3 Wednesday
Boat Crew
Crew 1 & 2 DSIII-Surveyor III to Surveyor II comparison.
general review / question-answer session.
Crew 3 & 4 Full station sampling, pinger locator
exercise.
Lunch
1300
1700
Crew 1 & 2 Full station sampling, pinger locator
exercise.
Crew 3 & 4 DSIII-Surveyor III to Surveyor II comparison.
Crew chief debriefing
6-11
0800
1700
Dav 4 Thursday
Boat Crew
Crew 1 & 2 Field certification exercise. Deploy 2
datasondes, sample 2 stations.
Crew 3 & 4 Assist Lab crew
Crew chief debriefing
6-12
0800
1500
P«v 5 Friday
Boat Crew
Crew 3 & 4 Reid certification exercise. Deploy 2
datasondes, sample 2 stations. Return by
1500.
Crew 1 & 2 Assist lab crew.
Crew 1 & 2 Retrieve Datasondes
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Dav 6 Saturday
Boat Craw
6-13
0800 Crew 3 & 4 Retrieve Datasondes, sample second station if
necessary.
Crew 1 & 2
Dav 2 Tuesday
Lab Crew
6-9
0800 Introduction to data packages & barcode labels
Use of barcode scanners.
Shipping & Receiving.
0930 Data communications.
Distribute software manuals.
Introduce new software.
1200 Lunch
1300 Software practice.
Dav 3 Wednesday
Lab Craw
6-10
0800 Software review.
Data package practical, (enter & communicate data)
0930 Datasonde calibration, setup, and debriefing.
1200 Lunch
1300 Prepare for next days sampling.
Datasondes, data packages, sample containers
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Dav 4 Thursday
Lab Crew
6-11
0800 Prepare for next days sampling.
Datasondes, data packages, sample containers
Help orient boat crew to lab ops.
Dav 5 Friday
Lab Crew
6-12
0800 Debrief Datasondes
Enter Field data
Communicate data
Help orient boat crew to lab ops.
Dav 6 Saturday
Lab Crew
6-13
0800 Debrief Datasondes
Enter Field Data
ALL CREWS
6-13
1300 Certification Results
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SECTION 6
LAND-BASED FACILITIES
All Monitoring Demonstration sampling activities are conducted on the water from small boats.
It is necessary to have a network of land-based support facilities to assure efficient operation of the
sampling effort. This network consists of three tiers.
6.1 Mobile Laboratories
The lowest level in the network is the mobile laboratory. Each team is equipped with a towable
trailer to serve as this facility. The lab is used for storing supplies and equipment, and as a staging
area, communications center, and packaging and shipping center. Boat personnel must maintain
constant contact with the crew members manning the mobile lab.
6.2 Base Facilities
Base Facilities can also be categorized as resupply depots. All extra supplies, such as sample
bottles, are stored at these facilities for transport to the teams as needed. The EPA's Environmental
Research Laboratory in Gulf Breeze, FL (ERL-GB) and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean
Springs, MS serves as the Base for East Team. The Base for the Delta & West Teams is Texas A&M
University in College Station, TX. These sites also serve as a place for crew members to park their
personal vehicles, and therefore, as a rendezvous point for crews returning to duty.
6.3 Reid Operations Center
All field operations are coordinated from the Field Operations Center (FOC) located at ERL-GB.
The Data Base Management Team, data reciever, Field Coordinator, and Project Manager are all located
at this facility. ERL-GB also serves as the main base for storing back-up equipment such as boats,
trucks, Datasondes, etc. During non-sampling periods (October - June), all equipment is stored at ERL-
GB.
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SECTION 7
PROFESSIONALISM
During field operations, crews will be driving vehicles identified by their license plates as U.S.
government vehicles, and operating and towing boats clearly labeled 'United States Environmental
Protection Agency." This puts the field crews in the public eye, and makes it imperative that they act
professionally at all times.
7.1 General Contact with the Public
Field crews will wear their badges identifying them as EMAP field crews whenever dealing with
the public. Badges may be stored during all other field operations.
As representatives of the U.S. EPA, field crews should deal with the general public in a
courteous manner at alt times. Field personnel should take the time to answer questions regarding
EMAP, and provide a copy of the Information Pamphlet, pointing out the Toll-Free number they can call
for additional information.
The field crews must also remember that what they say about the program directly impacts
public perception of EMAP. It is the responsibility of the Crew Chiefs and Team Leaders to assure that
all contact with the general public results in a positive portrayal of the program.
It is especially important to take the time to properly describe the goals of the program to any
fisherman who expresses an interest. A fisherman's livelihood is totally dependent on his/her ability to
operate successfully in local waters. The sight of a U.S. government research vessel sampling in those
waters may instill a fear that the researchers will determine that the water is polluted, thereby closing
them to fishing. The result would be putting the fisherman out of business. Field crews are the 'front
line" in terms of correctly communicating the goals of EMAP. The manner in which the crews interact
with the fishermen is critical in allaying their fears and gaining their trust and assistance. Along the
same line, whenever fisherman's gear (e.g. crab pots) is caught in a trawl, every attempt should be
made to return it to the same area from which it was snagged.
When possible, the field crew should render assistance to other boaters in need of help. ALL
FIELD OPERATIONS MUST CEASE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE CREW IS IN A POSITION TO RENDER
ASSISTANCE IN UFE OR LIMB THREATENING EMERGENCIES. The crew should use their resources,
such as the portable telephone, to assist in any emergency, whether EMAP personnel are directly
involved or not.
7.2 Operation of Motor Vehicles
Any time a person is operating a U.S. government vehicle, he/she must realize that "the public
is watching them." Many people would not hesitate to complain to the Agency if they feel that a
government vehicle is being operated improperly. Therefore, all traffic laws, especially speed limits,
must be carefully observed. The driver must operate the vehicle in a responsible manner, acting
courteously to other drivers and pedestrians.
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7.3 Operation of Boats
As with motor vehicles, field crews must operate the EMAP boats in a professional manner at
all times. At no time should the boats be operated in a discourteous, reckless, or unsafe manner.
These are work boats; therefore, water skiing (between stations), fishing, or any other activity that
could be perceived by the general public as a "waste of their tax dollars* is prohibited.
7.4 Radio Operation
Radio operations are an important part of daily activities. Radio communications are frequently
monitored by the Coast Guard and the general public, therefore, it is imperative that proper procedures
be followed in a professional manner. Call signs and the name of the boat must always be used,
profanity is prohibited, and all communications must be restricted to the proper channels. Details on
the operation of radios are included in Section 9. The working channel assigned to EMAP by the FCC
(Channel 82A) is shared by other U.S. government operations, therefore all communications should be
as concise as possible and communications should be restricted to official business. It is the
responsibility of the Crew Chief to assure that proper procedures are followed.
7.5 Waste Disposal
Garbage generated by the field crews must be disposed of properly. At no time should anything
that did not come out of the trawl or dredge be thrown into the water. Boats and mobile labs are
equipped with garbage pails which is where all trash generated should be placed for proper disposal on
shore (in a public trash receptacle). At no time may trash be disposed of in private receptacles.
Following trawling operations, a potentially large quantity of dead fish or fish parts will need to
be disposed of. The contents of » trawl should be returned to the water, however, and the Crew Chief
should be considerate of other boaters and choose a location away from pleasure boats, public beaches,
or docks to perform this processing. Dead carcasses should be disposed of at sea in open areas.
Disposal on land should be avoided.
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SECTION 8
VEHICLE OPERATIONS
Because of the restrictions imposed by the Louisianian Province Monitoring Demonstration
sample scheme, crews must drive considerable distances over roads of varying quality. It is important
that all crew members be capable of operating all vehicles in a safe manner.
8.1 General Guidelines
There are a number of general "common sense" guidelines that field personnel should follow
regardless of which vehicle they are operating:
1. Observe all posted speed limits.
2. Reduce speed during rain or reduced visibility.
3. Never follow too closely, even if following another EMAP vehicle. The old rule of one
car length per 10 mph should be observed, and this should be doubled on slippery
pavement or when trailering the boat.
4. Avoid driving on or near the center yellow line. The width of the boat significantly
exceeds that of the towing vehicle, therefore, although the truck is on the right side of
the road, the trailer may be straddling the center line.
5. Be aware of road regulations. The mobile lab and boat trailer are not permitted on
Parkways and other roads on which commercial vehicles are excluded.
6. Be aware of the minimum overhead clearance for the vehicle being driven. When
towing the boat the clearance is 16 feet.
7. Always act courteously towards other drivers.
8. Never drive in a reckless manner.
9. NEVER DRIVE AFTER DRINKING ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
10. Never drive when overly tired. Following a long day on the water it is more appropriate
to stay in a motel and drive the following morning rather than that evening.
11. Never drive when on prescription drugs that might impair your reactions.
12. If an accident is observed, and you are in a position to render assistance (if it is
needed), do so. Make sure that your vehicle is out of the way and will not hamper
emergency vehicles or traffic flow around the scene. Use the portable telephone to call
for assistance. REMEMBER YOUR FIRST AID!!! UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS IN DANGER
OF CATCHING FIRE, AN INJURED OCCUPANT SHOULD NEVER BE MOVED FROM THE
VEHICLE UNLESS HE/SHE HAS BEEN PROPERLY ATTENDED TO BY QUALIFIED
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13.
MEDICAL PERSONNEL!!!! If you are qualified to treat a patient, and begin treatment,
you are OBLIGATED BY LAW to remain with that patient until he/she is turned over to
someone of equal or higher qualification.
Be careful where you park the vehicles. Try to avoid parking in high crime areas and
always make sure all valuable gear is stored in a secure area.
8.2 Procedures Following an Accident
If one of the EMAP vehicles is involved in an accident, the following procedures must be
followed:
1. All vehicles in the convoy should stop. Vehicles other than the one involved in the
accident should pull off to the side of the road.
2. A telephone should be located and used to call for assistance. Inform the emergency
operator of the following information:
a. the exact location of the accident;
b. the approximate severity of the accident (fender bender, rollover, etc.);
c. whether there are any obvious injuries (e.g., two serious injuries);
d. any other information needed.
3. The person making the call MUST stay on the line with the emergency operator until
the operator hangs up. THE FIELD PERSON SHOULD NEVER HANG UP THE PHONE
UNTIL THE EMERGENCY OPERATOR TELLS HIM/HER TO. The person making the call
should provide the operator with the telephone number (including access code) so the
operator can call back if necessary.
4. THE FIRST PRIORITY IS ALWAYS THE SAFETY OF THE FIELD CREW AND THE
GENERAL PUBLIC. Injuries must be attended to immediately.
5. REMEMBER YOUR FIRST AID!!! UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS IN DANGER OF CATCHING
FIRE, AN INJURED OCCUPANT SHOULD NEVER BE MOVED FROM THE VEHICLE
UNLESS HE/SHE HAS BEEN PROPERLY ATTENDED TO BY QUALIFIED MEDICAL
PERSONNEL!!!! If you are qualified to treat a patient, and begin treatment, you are
OBLIGATED BY LAW to remain with that patient until he/she is turned over to someone
of equal or higher qualification.
6. When the police arrive, complete an accident report, providing any documentation
required. Insurance information should be provided by the contract personnel
coordinator.
NOTE: Vehicles carrying U.S. government license plates (pickup truck and boat trailer) do not
carry vehicle registration. The police officer should be informed of this, and that the
vehicle is officially registered to:
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program
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Sabine Island
Gulf Breeze.FL 32561
1-18001-321-3968 or (904) 934-9200
7. Notify the Field Coordinator AS SOON AS POSSIBLE of any accidents. Depending on
the severity, operations may be postponed, or replacement equipment and/or personnel
sent to the team.
8.3 Trailering Guidelines
Although the boat itself is only 25-feet long, adding in the aft platform and the trailer tongue
brings the trailer package up to over 30 feet. Attached to the pickup truck, the entire package is over
55-feet long. Operators must keep this in mind, both when changing lanes on the highway and when
maneuvering around corners. The following guidelines should be noted:
1. Whenever changing lanes or turning corners, observe the side view mirrors to assure
that the back of the trailer has clearance.
2. Each day, and each time the trailer is disconnected and then reconnected to the truck, a
check of the trailer lighting system must be performed. This includes checking
taillights, directional signals, and brake lights. Each time the crew departs for a new
location, the security of the hitch must be checked. This involves checking the hitch
locking mechanism, the padlock, safety chains, boat tie down, and that all gear in the
boat (especially the mast and boom assembly) is properly secured. Appropriate
checklists are included in Appendix 8.
3. Observe posted speed limits at all times.
4. Remember that the trailer is wider than the truck. Make sure there is sufficient lateral
clearance in parking lots.
5. Note the required overhead clearance for the boat (16 feet - posted in the truck over the
driver's sun visor). Care must be exercised when driving down back roads with
overhanging trees.
6. Whenever the trailer is being backed, one crew member must act as a spotter to direct
the driver. The spotter must be positioned to see the back of the trailer and must be
visible to the driver.
7. When backing up the trailer, remember that it turns in the OPPOSITE direction from the
truck. A simple rule for backing up is to turn the steering wheel in the direction
opposite to the direction you wish the trailer to go.
8. To assure proper functioning of the trailer, it should be washed down with fresh water
as frequently as possible. This could be done at a self-service car wash, AS LONG AS
THE OVERHEAD CLEARANCE IS SUFFICIENT TO ACCOMMODATE THE BOAT.
Maintenance, as described in Section 16, must also be followed.
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SECTION 9
OPERATION OF BOATS
9.1 Weather Conditions
Local weather conditions will be a factor influencing whether or not to sample on a given day,
at a particular site. If a small craft warning has been issued by the Coast Guard, sampling may be
cancelled until the warning has been lifted. However, there are some stations located in sheltered areas
which may be sampled during high wind conditions. If conditions are deemed unsuitable by the Crew
Chief, sampling will be postponed until conditions improve. Tha primary concern at all times is the
safety of the crew and equipment. In the event that distant sites within a sampling region are
inaccessible due to local weather conditions, a more sheltered site (scheduled for sampling during the
following 1 -3 days) may be chosen for sampling providing the safety of the crew and equipment is
assured, and the site is within the scheduled sampling region. The following information is provided as
a general guideline for determining the safety of sampling on a given day.
Before launching:
1. Obtain the latest weather forecast from local and NOAA Weather broadcasts (see below
for more information regarding NOAA broadcasts).
2. Note any warning signals at local Coast Guard stations.
3. Remain on shore unless the boat can be safely navigated under the expected weather
conditions.
4. If conditions are acceptable for safe boat operation, leave instructions with the mobile
unit on shore to contact the boat with the marine radio in the event of an oncoming
storm.
5. Prior to departure from the dock, notify the Field Coordinator (FC) of any changes in
sampling schedule.
While underway:
1. Keep an eye out for changing conditions. These would include: darkness, fog,
threatening clouds (thunderstorm or squall), steady increases in wind velocity or wave
height, or sudden changes in wind direction.
2. Continue to monitor NOAA weather broadcasts.
3. If caught in a thunderstorm, retreat to cabin, avoid touching ungrounded metal objects
or more than one grounded object at the same time, and be sure all crew members have
personal flotation devices securely fastened.
4. If severe weather is approaching, discontinue sampling and head for port. If there is
time to safely reach the launch site, do so, otherwise proceed to the nearest safe
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harbor.
5. Notify the Field Coordinator of any changes to the sampling schedule.
NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts continuously on VHF-FM stations. Forecasts are normally
updated every three to six hours. During situations when weather conditions are changing rapidly,
forecasts are updated more frequently. Broadcasts include the weather patterns for the region, marine
forecasts and warnings for coastal waters, special bulletins in the event of severe weather, and reports
on tidal conditions.
9.2 Launching and Recovering Procedures
All crew members must be familiar with launching and recovering the boat. It is important to
follow a set routine to avoid lost sampling time which may result from injuries or damaged equipment.
The following procedures outline the basic steps for launching and recovering the boat. Checklists are
included in Appendix B.
Launching:
1. Check the boat ramp to be sure there are no obstacles, such as other boaters, people,
or debris.
2. Check all drainage plugs and tighten as necessary.
3. Raise the outdrive if it is not already in the full-tilt position.
4. Remove the tie-down strap.
5. Disconnect the trailer lights to minimize the chance of an electrical short in case
saltwater leaks into one of the lights, or in case there is a cut in a wire.
6. Engage 4WO.
7. Locate the end of the ramp to avoid backing the trailer over the edge.
8. One crew member must act as a spotter for the driver. Slowly back down the ramp
until the boat can safely be launched. He/she must be in a position to watch the back
of the trailer, and must be visible to the driver.
9. Remove the safety chain connecting the boat to the trailer.
10. Have two crew members hold the bow and stern lines to guide the boat when it is
lowered into the water.
11. Carefully lower the boat into the water by slowly releasing the winch brake. The
weight of the boat should be enough to slide the boat into the water.
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12. Secure the boat to the dock in a place which will not interfere with other boat traffic.
13. Park the vehicle with the trailer in an appropriate parking space.
14. Check the gas level in the boat.
Recovering:
1. Secure the boat to the dock and unload unsecured or sensitive equipment.
2. If there are any overhead obstacles (e.g., low power lines), lower the trawling assembly
prior to recovering the boat. Make sure there is adequate overhead clearance between
the ramp and the "de-rigging" area.
3. Engage 4WD low range on the truck.
4. Locate the end of the ramp to avoid backing the trailer over the edge. When clear, back
the trailer down the ramp making sure that the skids are 3/4 covered with water.
5. Have one or two crew members guide the boat with bow and stern lines.
6. Have a crew member drive the boat into position at the rear of the trailer. The driver
should keep the boat in gear at low speed, acceleration should only be used to push the
boat all the way to the 'barge' stops. Onca the boat has hit the stops the winch cable
should be attached and the cable 'snugged up".
7. Once the boat is in position on the trailer, secure it with the safety chain.
8. Drive slowly up the ramp to remove boat and trailer from the water.
9. Use the winch to snug the boat into final position for trailering.
10. Lower and secure the boom assembly and antennae if this procedure has not yet been
dona.
11. Secure the tie-down strap.
12. Reconnect and check the trailer lighting system.
13. Check the trailer safety and brake chains.
14. Inspect the boat. Stow all loose gear. Be sure the mast assembly is securely lashed to
the boat and that all antennae are either tied down or locked in the lowered position.
Make sure all electronics are secured.
15. Engage the outdrive safety latch and lower the unit until they are resting on the latch
and not on the power trim cylinder.
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16. Store any remaining gear in the vehicles.
17. Disengage 4WD. First shift out of 4WD then disengage the front hubs.
18. The boat should now be ready for transport to the next site.
19. Check oil and gas levels to plan for the next fuel stop. (When possible, defer filling the
tank until near the next site to avoid trailering a full tank of gas.)
9.3 Gear Check-Out and Loading
Since much of the sampling gear is loaded onto and removed from the boat on a daily basis, it
is important to maintain a careful record of available gear. When loading the boat, carefully follow the
gear checklist (Appendix B) to avoid leaving essential items behind. Once the necessary gear has been
assembled, inspect for damage and replace as needed. When loading the boat, securely lash heavy and
bulky gear (e.g., benthic grab, trawl net) in a manner which minimizes obstruction on the deck. Fragile
and valuable equipment (e.g., Hydrolab DataSonde 3 dataloggers) should be securely lashed or stowed
to prevent damage enroute to the sampling stations. All other gear should be loaded and stowed where
appropriate.
While sampling and loading or unloading equipment, make note of any supplies which need to
be replenished or damaged gear which needs to be replaced. Contact the Field Operations Center when
supplies are needed and make arrangements to pick them up or have them delivered.
9.4 Navigation System
The Loran-C uses shore-based radio transmitters (referred to as Master and Slave stations)
combined with shipboard receivers to track low frequency signals. The Loran displays the time
difference (TD) between the Master and Slave stations, allowing several lines of position to be plotted.
Using navigational charts and the TDs obtained on the shipboard receiver, the boat's position can be
determined from where these TD lines intersect.
9.5 General Poidai Underway
All personnel should be aware of general boating and navigational rules. Some of the more
important rules are:
1. Anchored vehicles have the right of way over moving vessels.
2. Sailboats have the right of way over power boats (except when under power).
3. If overtaking another boat, it is your responsibility to remain out of their way.
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4. When approaching another boat head-on, reduce speed and stay to the right and pass
port to port, unless you are far enough apart to safely pass starboard to starboard.
5. When crossing paths, the boat to the right has the right of way.
6. Tugboats and barges underway are not very manueverable. They require a large
amount of space and time to perform any action. This should be taken into
consideration whenever a barge is encountered.
The following is a simplified list of vessels which have the right of way over vessels listed
below it.
1. Overtaken vessel.
2. Vessel not under command.
3. Vessel restricted by its ability to maneuver.
4. Vessel constrained by draft.
5. Fishing vessel (fishing or trawling, not trolling).
6. Sailboat.
7. Powerboat.
Required Personnel
At least the crew chief two crew and members must be on board the vessel at all times. The
only exception is for moving the boat short distances, PROVIDING NO SAMPLING ACTIVITIES ARE TO
BE PERFORMED.
Speed Regulations
Always travel at a safe speed. EMAP boats are capable of high speed, therefore, safe operation
must be exercised. This speed should depend on a number of conditions, including weather conditions,
visibility, and amount of boat traffic. Reduce speed when passing marinas, anchored boats, and
swimming areas. Observe reduced speed and no wake signs.
Anchoring
Avoid anchoring th« boat in a busy, narrow channel or anywhere it could obstruct normal boat
traffic. Don't block launching ramp areas. Also, look for signs denoting an underwater cables and
other obstructions. Do not anchor in the vicinity of such obstacles.
Additional information on navigational skills and boat operation can be found in a number of
references, including:
1. Nynex Boater's Directory, 1990, Volumes 1 -4, Published by Nynex Information
Resources, (provides only general information)
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2. Boating Skills and Seamanship, 1988. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S.A.
9.6 Radio Operations
The operation of marine radios is governed by regulations of the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC). There are specific procedures for placing calls to other vessels, and for answering
calls to your vessel. Monitor Channel 16 when the marine radio is on. All calls originate on Channel
16; however, only emergency transmissions are permitted on that channel. To call another ship or the
mobile lab, follow these procedures:
1. Switch the radio to channel 16. Listen to make sure you are not interrupting another
conversation, then transmit:
NAME OF BOAT YOU ARE CALLING
THIS IS NAME AND CALL SIGN OF YOUR BOAT
OVER
If you get no response, repeat two or three times.
2. When the boat you are calling responds, state:
SWITCHING TO 82A (working channel)
3. Switch to channel 82A and listen to make sure you are not interrupting another
conversation.
4. Conduct routine conversation, trying to limit it to three minutes or less. At the end of
your conversation state:
NAME AND CALL SIGN OF YOUR BOAT OUT
5. Switch back to channel 16.
A request for a radio check should be initiated on Channel 16 and then switched to Channel
82A if additional conversation is desired. Routine radio checks made by the boat should be to the
mobile lab. The Coast Guard should never be contacted for a routine radio check.
As U.S. government vessels, all EMAP boats are subject to regulations that differ from those
specified for recreational and commercial boaters. A permit to operate the boat radios has been
obtained and must be carried on board at all times. A copy of this permit is included in Appendix D.
OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR DISTRESS CALLS
There are three spoken radio emergency signals:
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1. Distress signal: MAYDAY. Mayday is used to indicate that a mobile station is
threatened by GRAVE and IMMINENT danger and requests immediate assistance.
2. Urgency signal: PAN PAN (correct pronunciation is PAHN-PAHN). Used when the safety
of the vessel or person is in jeopardy, such as "man overboard.*
3. Safety Signal: SECURITY. Security is used for messages concerning the safety of
navigation or giving important meteorological warnings.
If you hear any of these messages while monitoring Ch 16, listen, don't transmit, and be
prepared to help if you can.
To issue a distress call, use Ch 16:
1. Say MAYDAY (3 times).
2. This is the R/V (3 Times).
3. Give VHP call numbers (1 time).
4. Give location (Latitude-Longitude, LORAN, bearings off marker, etc.).
5. Briefly describe nature of distress (i.e., what is wrong, and what kind of help is needed.
6. Describe your boat - length, type, hull color.
7. Keep repeating until someone acknowledges your call.
REMEMBER: ONLY ISSUE A DISTRESS CALL IN A GRAVE EMERGENCY)
9.7 Cellular Phone Operation
Each boat and mobile laboratory is equipped with a cellular telephone. This phone is to be used
for emergency communications, communicating with the field operations center, or between boats and
mobile labs. Under no circumstances will personal calls be made on the cellular phones. Crew Chiefs
will be responsible for making sure that the phones are turned on daily so that communications can be
possible. There are few areas in the sampling regions that do not have service, these will be the only
times that the FOC should not be able to contact a field team.
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CALL SIGNS
R/V Osprey
R/V Wahoo
R/V Nautilus
R/V Manatee
MOBILE LABS
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
BOAT RADIO FREQUENCY ASSIGNMENTS
WRH 4387
WRW 8803
WRM 8373
WRG 3330
KB 2053
Figure 9.1. Listing of radio call signs.
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9.8 Radar Operation
Each boat is equipped with a radar unit to aid in navigation under reduced visibility. Radar
consists of a display unit (mounted in the cabin) and a Radome antenna (mounted on the cabin
roof). When operating, the antenna emits microwaves in a 360° sweep. These microwaves
bounce off of dense objects, are then received by the antenna, and transmitted to the display unit.
Consult the owner's manual for proper operation of this unit.
Microwaves of sufficient energy have been shown to damage the retina of the eye.
Although the energy of the microwaves emitted by the radar units used by EMAP is low (a "safe"
distance from the unit is two feet for extended periods of time), the radar unit should not be
operated while personnel are standing on the rear deck.
9.9 Winch Operation
Each boat is equipped with a hydraulic winch and capstan which is run by a pump driven by
the inboard engine. Although the winch is simple to use, the operator must be aware of the power
generated by the hydraulics and the dangers involved in the operation of the gear. The operator of
the winch must be aware of all activities being conducted on-board the deck when the winch is
being used. Figure 9.2 illustrates the hand signals used during winch operation. All personnel on
the deck must be careful to stay out of the bite of the cable, and personnel must be careful to not
accidentally engage one of the winch control levers.
9.10 Emergencies/Accidents
Emergencies or accidents may occur in the course of sampling which may or may not
involve EMAP boats or personnel. In the case where non-EMAP personnel are in an emergency
situation, EMAP crews'are required to render assistance if there is danger of loss of life or limb of
those involved. In such an instance, crews should take the appropriate action (e.g., administer first
aid and/or CPR, tow the boat to safety, radio for help) necessary to protect those involved. Under
circumstances where there is no immediate danger of loss of life or limb (e.g., boaters with
mechanical problems) EMAP crews should inform the Coast Guard or a local towing service of the
problem and give the location and a description of the disabled vessel. If the disabled vessel is
near a marina and if it will not result in a major loss of sampling time, in the interest of public
relations, crews should render assistance.
If EMAP personnel are in an emergency/accident situation, take appropriate action to reduce
the immediate danger to those involved. In the case of a physical problems (e.g., man overboard,
hypothermia, seasickness, sunburn, heatstroke, fish bites or stings, etc.) take the appropriate
lifesaving, first aid, or CPR measures and call for help if necessary. In an accident situation where
there is no immediate danger of loss of life or limb, notify the FC and the mobile unit of the
problem and take measures necessary to rectify the situation (e.g., call for help, head for port). If
an emergency or accident is serious enough to return to port, notify the mobile unit on shore and
arrange to have an ambulance or other necessary emergency equipment in port upon arrival.
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Hand
2*
a ot
Ml 01
Of M
ertw
Figure 9.2. Hand signals used during winch operation.
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SECTION 10
COMPUTER SYSTEM
Each team will be supplied with a GRiD model 1530 portable computer. It will be located in the
mobile laboratory for use by the shore crew. This computer will be used for entry of all field data
sheets, sample shipping information, and downloading and calibration of DataSonde Ill's. A laser
barcode reader will be interfaced with the PC for scanned entry of sample label information.
Communication of all of this information to the Field Operations Center at ERL-GB will be handled by
the EMAP/NC-LP Data Entry Program.
The EMAP/NC-LP Data Entry Program will be entirely menu-driven. Preformed data entry
screens will be chosen from the main menu. These data screens will be similar to the data sheets used
in the field. Menu selections will be available for data forms, communications, debriefing and
calibrating DataSondes, and program setup. Data entry screens will have error checking on many of the
entry fields.
The laser barcode reader will be interfaced to the PC via the external keyboard port. The reader
will speed up the entry of station identification and sample information by scanning barcode information
directly from the data form into the computer. Laboratories receiving the shipped samples will scan in
the barcodes of the samples received and communicate a daily receiving report back to the FOC.
All data collected from the previous days sampling activities will be entered into the EMAP/NC-
LP Data Entry Program. This information, along with shipping reports and daily logs will be
communicated to the FOC-GB every twenty four hours during the sampling period. This will facilitate
the processing and reporting of the data in a timely manner. Shipping information along with the
receiving information from the analytical labs will allow FOC personnel to keep track of the large
number of samples being collected.
10.1 EMAP/LOUISIANIAN PROVINCE DATA ENTRY PROGRAM
The Data Entry Program is a 'pop up menu" driven program to perform all data entry and other
computer related functions while in the field. When the GRiD computers are turned on the system will
boot to a menu shell which will have two active selections; EMAP/NC-LP Data Entry Program and DOS.
The DOS function will allow execution of DOS commands except FORMAT, this must be performed
with the EMAP/NC-LP DEP- Upon entering the EMAP/NC-LP DEP you will be prompted by a menu
offering five commands; Form Data, Communicate, DataSonde, Program Defaults, and Exit. An
explanation of each command will be located at the bottom of the screen.
Once the 'Form Data' command has been selected, the barcode may be scanned and the form's
electronic counterpart will be brought up on the screen. If the barcode is damaged or unavailable, the
station code can be typed directly from the keyboard. A search mode providing a list of forms will also
be available. The required form may then be highlighted and selected. All data entry, shipping, QA,
and calibration forms will be available through this command. Retrieval of forms for updates or
corrections may also be performed through the search mode.
Selecting the 'Communicate' command will prompt the user to physically set up the computer
for data communications. Once properly established, the communications software will begin to
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establish communications with the FOC and then transmit all newly entered data forms. Once data
transmittal is completed, any E-mail, bulletin board entries, updated form definition files, and/or updated
program files will automatically be downloaded.
The 'DataSonde' command will bring up another menu from which you may select commands
to debrief a DataSonde III or calibrate a DataSonde III.
The 'Program Defaults' will allow you to format a diskette, specify screen colors, determine
communications settings, run self-diagnostics, and perform other utility functions.
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SECTION 11
COMMUNICATIONS
EMAP is a complex effort involving activities in field and laboratory sites separated by hundreds
of miles. Good communication is critical to the efficiency, and possibly the ultimate success, of the
Project. Several communication networks have been incorporated into the program. These include
electronic transfer of data, communication between the boat and mobile lab, and communication
between the field crews and the Field Operations Center.
11.1 Electronic Transfer of Data
Data collected in the field must be transferred to the Field Operations Center on a daily basis.
This electronic data consists of any data and information entered into the computer, including data
collected from DO monitoring instruments, sample numbers, daily logs, sample shipments, etc.
Communication 1s directly linked between the GRiD computer and the ERL-GB Data Receiver via
a toll free line.
Data Line: 1-800-321-3972
Communications are established using the GRID'S internal modem and the systems' communications
package. Once a link has been established, transfer is automatic. If data or notes are flagged by the
field crew, the FC, MD Project Manager, and the Data Base Manager are notified automatically by the
The printout generated daily by the receiver computer.
Any information that the Field Operations Center wishes to transfer to the crews is
automatically downloaded to their GRiD during this session.
In most situations the communicatons line from a standard telephone may be plugged directly
into the modem jack of the GRiD. There may be instances where the telephones are hardwired to the
line. If this occurs the data should not be transmitted until a location with the appropriate connectors is
located. If data cannot be communicated on schedule the FOC must be notified about the delay.
11.2 Communteattont with the Rekl Operations Center
In addition to electronic communications, verbal communications between the field crews and
the Field Operations Center should be conducted on a daily basis. The EMAP Field Operations Center
has been assigned a Toil-Free "800" phone number to further simplify communications. That number
is:
Field Operations Center: 1-800-321-3968
Any problems in the field should be relayed immediately to the FC by the crew member
manning the mobile laboratory. On weekends, or in the evening, the FC and DP Project Manager are
available by pager. Phone calls to the "800" number will be automatically forwarded to an
answering/paging service. With the exception of problems, communications with the Field Operations
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Center should generally be conducted during normal working hours.
Information required by the Field Operations Center is the stations sampled on the previous day,
the stations being sampled on that day, and the stations the crew expects to sample on the following
day. Also required is any shipping information from that, or the previous, day, including sample type,
where shipped, and both the shipment ID number and the Federal Express tracking number.
As phone calls placed through Marine Operators are very expensive, teams should avoid using
the Marine Operator.
Use of the portable cellular telephones is restricted to official and emergency calls. Since there
is a charge for incoming as well as outgoing calls, spouses and/or friends are not to call on the portable
phone except in the event of an emergency. Portable phones can be used to report any emergency,
whether it involves the crew directly or not.
11.3 Shio-to-Shore Communications
Both the boats and mobile laboratories are equipped with marine-band VHF radios. Any
problems or changes in itinerary should be communicated between the boat and mobile lab using
Channel 82A. As this frequency is shared by other U.S. government operations, transmissions should
be kept to a minimum. This radio is also used to communicate with other boat traffic and port
operations as required. The mobile lab radio should be used only to communicate with the boat, or, in
an emergency, the marine operator. FCC REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE MOBILE LAB FROM
TRANSMITTING ON ANY MARINE FREQUENCY WHILE THE LAB IS IN MOTION.
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SECTION 12
DESCRIPTION OF STATION TYPES AND SAMPLING ACTIVITIES
Several different types of stations will be sampled during the Monitoring Demonstration. The
locations of all stations for 1991 sampling are provided in Appendix A. A summary of the activities to
be performed at each station type can be found in Table 12.1.
12.1 Base Sampling Sites (BSS)
Base Sampling Sites (BSS) are randomly chosen sites that will be used to characterize the
environmental quality of the Province. The Base Sampling Sites were selected by three methods: (1)
overlaying a grid on the entire Louisianian Province and selecting the grid points intersecting with large
estuaries, (2) developing a linearized grid transect for the Mississippi River corresponding to 10
equidistant segments and randomly selecting a sampling point within each segment and, (3)
systematically selecting 25% of the available small estuarine systems from the list frame and randomly
locating a sampling site in each selected estuarine system. There may be replicate BSS within a
system.
12.2 Supplemental Station*
Supplemental stations represent an enhancement of the grid described for base station
sampling. Supplemental stations located within the Mobile Bay system are at a density of
approximately four times that of other large estuarine systems being sampled. The information
gathered will be used to determine the spatial sampling scale necessary to adequately represent the
ecological condition in large estuarine systems in the Louisianian Province. Activities are the same as at
Base Sampling Sites.
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SECTION 13
SAMPLING ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES
All field sampling activities are conducted during the July-September Index Period. Stations are
sampled for dissolved oxygen (DO); photosynthetically active radiation (PAR); benthic species
composition and biomass; sediment chemical contamination and toxicity; fish community composition,
gross external pathology and chemical contamination; abundance of bivalves; blood chemistry in finfish;
and bile contaminant concentrations in finfish. As described in Section 12, not all analyses are
performed at all stations.
13.1 Preparations for Sampling
The Shore Crew is responsible for preparing some of the sample containers, data sheets, and
calibrating the Datasondes for the next day's sampling activities. Prepared containers, data sheets, and
calibrated datasondes will be provided to the Boat Crew the morning of the sampling day.
13.1.1 Sample Labelling
Sample containers that can logically be prelabelled will be prepared prior to the day's sampling
activities; this includes containers for sediment toxicity, sediment profiles, benthic characterization,
sediment chemistry, fish chemistry, and bivalve archive. Containers for additional benthic
charaterization samples as well as individual fish for pathology will have to be labelled on board the
boat. Extra labels will be provided for these samples.
All sample containers will be labelled with the barcode identification unique to the station that is
to be sampled. A second barcode label will be used to identify the type of sample and replicates if
necessary. These labels will be affixed to the outside of the container in the case of a glass or plastic.
Fish for chemical analysis, and bivalves for archiving, will be placed into a ziplock bag into which the
station and sample labels are stuck bade to back and placed inside the bag. This is necessary as the
label stock will not adhere to the plastic bags under freezing temperatures. Fish collected for pathology
will have a wire tag placed through the gills and out the mouth to which the label is attached. The
station identification is unique for each station and the sample type identification is unique for each
activity. The combination of station identification and the sample type, in conjunction with replicate
number, make the sample identification unique. All information contained in the barcode label will also
be printed in text on the label. There will also be places on the data sheet to place a duplicate label of
each station and sample.
A more generic label will be used to facilitate labelling pathology and reference fish. A roll of
labels numbered sequentially 'Pathology Fish 0001 - 1500* will be divided between the 3 teams.
These will be duplicate labels printed side by side. As a pathology fish is collected the fish is tagged
and labelled with one of the labels. The second label is affixed to the data sheet in a section next to
the collection information associated with the individual fish. The fish is now uniquely labelled and can
be tracked in the data management system. Reference fish will be treated in a similar manner.
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13.1.2 Data Sheets
Data sheets for all of the activities to be performed will be provided in a package to the crew
chief. These sheets will have a unique bar code for the station to be sampled. The data package will
also include the navigational information necessay to locate the station to be sampled, the type of
station it is, and instructions for any additional samples that will be taken.
13.1.3 Datasonde
The Datasondes should be serviced, calibrated, and set up (see Appendix I) for the next
deployment. Included in this process is the debriefing and downloading of the data from the previous
days activities.
13.2 Locating Stations
Each boat is equipped with a Raytheon Loran C navigator. The locations of the stations to be
sampled will be provided in the form of Latitude and Longitude. Stations will also be marked on all
appropriate charts and provided to the crew chiefs during training. Navigational charts will be used to
guide the crew through the navigational channels and hazards en route to the sample station. The
Loran C will be used for open water navigation and to precisely locate stations in smaller bodies of
water.
Since the Loran C is the primary navigational instrument for locating the sample stations, the
success of the day's sampling depends upon the availability of an operational instrument. Each team
will have a backup loran with additional backup lorans located at ERL-GB and can be shipped overnight
or driven to the team in the field in the event of a failure. If for some reason the slave transmitters are
inoperable, the instrument will not function. This can be diagnosed through the internal diagnostics
available in the instrument. In either case, sampling will have to be postponed until an operational
navigational system can be achieved.
13.3 Order of SamoBno Actrvftiat
After the station is located, the boat is anchored and sampling begins. Listed below is the order
of sampling activities at a station where all types of samples are collected. The activities performed at
most stations will be a subset of these. See Table 12.1 for a listing of the types of activities performed
at each station type. Following this listing are sections describing the individual activities in more
detail. Flow charts outlining these methods and the order of sampling activities at each station type
can be found in Appendix F.
1. Record the station coordinates, time, date, and conditions at station on the data sheet
provided.
2. Perform water column profile with Surveyor and Light meter and record on data sheet.
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3. If bottom DO is greater than 1.0 ppm, deploy Datasonde mooring system, if less than
1.0 ppm, no Datasonde will be deployed.
4. Perform Datasonde QA check (Appendix I) against Surveyor in a bucket of seawater
aboard the boat and deploy the Datasonde.
5. Take approximately eight sediment grabs using the Young grab sampler. Grabs will be
taken while the boat swings on its anchor line. If the area is becalmed, then 5 meter of
anchor line will be let out after every other grab. Three grabs are used for benthic
evaluations. These grabs are cored for sediment characterization and the remainder of
each grab is sieved and the organisms preserved in formalin for laboratory analysis.
The top two centimeters of the remaining grabs are composited, homogenized, and split
for chemical and lexicological analyses.
6. Perform one 10 minute fish trawl noting the latitude and longitude at the beginning and
end of trawl, the boat speed, and duration of trawl. Identify and count all fish collected
and measure up to 30 fish of each target species; observe all individuals of the
designated target species for evidence of pathology and preserve diseased fish. At
each station, preserve both diseased and up to 25 healthy fish of each species collected
to serve as reference material. Freeze [on dry ice] up to five fish from each target
species for chemical analyses. At each Indicator Testing and Evaluation site samples of
fish blood and bile will be taken for each target species collected.
7. Proceed to the next sample station and repeat or return to shore and transfer the
samples to the shore crew.
8. The same sample station will be revisited after 24 hrs for retreival of the Datasonde unit
and deployment system.
13.4 Obtaining Water Column Profile
The first sampling activity performed at each station is to obtain a vertical profile of the water
column using the Hydrolab Surveyor II to measure salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen
concentration, pH, and bottom depth. A water column profile of PAR (a measurement of the intensity
of light in the range of wavelengths used by algae in photosynthesis) will also be taken using a Licor Ll-
1000 radiometer.
The Hydrolab Surveyor II unit is a self-contained array of instruments capable of measuring ail
the parameters mentioned above. The unit consists of a sonde that can be lowered through the water
column by a cable which is attached to a digital display. The entire array runs off of an external battery
pack attached to the digital display. Measurements will be taken and recorded at the surface (depth =
0.1m) and at 1.0 m increments through 10.0 m of depth and at 5.0 m increments for depths > 10.0
m. In addition, a bottom measurement (approx. 0.2 m from bottom) will be recorded. Light
measurements will be using a submersible light sensor lowered through the water column via a cable
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attached to a display unit/datalogger. Underwater readings will be recorded simultaneously with
ambient light measured from a sensor (deck cell) located on the boat and cabled to the same display
unit. Measurements will be recorded for the same depth profile as the water quality measurements.
Specific instructions on the operation of the two instruments are included as Appendix G.
Each day, prior to sampling activities, a quality control (QC) check will be performed on the
Surveyor II. This is performed at the dock, in a protected area, or on station depending on weather
conditions and where it is most convenient for the crew. If the instrument fails the QC check it must
be recalibrated. These procedures are in Appendix G.
The light meter and sensors cannot be calibrated in the field. They are calibrated and certified
by the factory for service up to 2 years. If an instrument becomes suspect, notify the FOC and a
replacement instrument will be shipped to the field. The suspect instrument should be returned to the
FOC for diagnosis and repair, if necessary.
13.5 Deployment of Datasondes
Hydrolab Datasonde III dataloggers will be deployed at each station sampled for a period of
approximately 12 hrs. These instruments will be used to measure and record the temperature, salinity,
DO, and pH at the station. During the period of deployment the Datasonde will record the suite of
measurements every 15 minutes.
A Datasonde III possesses a 35K memory which is capable of storing these parameters for up
to 30 days at the 15 minute interval. This instrument is setup and debriefed by the GRID computers.
See appendix I for detailed instructions on the operation of these instruments.
13.5.1 Deployment Criteria
In certain cases, deployment of the DataSonde III will not be performed. Upon examination of
the Surveyor II data (described in Section 13.4): if the DO of the bottom water is _<.1.0 mg/L, no
DataSonde III will be deployed at that station. Under anoxic conditions, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is
produced. High levels of H,S rapidly (within minutes) can lead to sulfide poisoning of the DO probe.
Once a probe is poisoned, subsequent data recorded by that probe is unreliable, and the probe is
permanently damaged.
13.5.2 Quality Control Check
Immediately prior to each deployment, a QC check is performed on each Datasonde unit. The
DSIII unit is attached to Surveyor III display and placed into a 5 gallon bucket of seawater along with
the Surveyor II; the units are allowed to equilibrate for several minutes until the outputs are relatively
stable. At that time, the parameters from each instrument are recorded on the data sheet along with
the time. The Surveyor II is used as the standard, if the DSIII is out of calibration it is to be
recalibrated, if it will not recalibrate the backup DSIII is QC'd and used. Following the QC
measurements the DSIII is ready for deployment.
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13.5.3 Deployment
The mooring system used for Datasonde deployment, consists of a 50 Ib concrete anchor,
stainless steel cable and an 18* diameter buoy, is deployed over the stern of the boat keeping the buoy
attached to the boom. The readied DSIII is fitted with the probe protector and is inserted into the
protective PVC cage and bolted into place. A 0.2 m length of line is attached to the bottom of the cage
and to a 5 Ib weight. The top of the cage is fitted with a float large enough to support the weight of
the assembly. The entire cage assembly is then fitted to the mooring cable with shackles so that it can
travel down to the bottom guided by the cable. Prior to release, the cage assembly is fitted with a
retrieval line which is attached from the cage to the mooring buoy. The mooring system is then
released into the water and the DSIII lowered down the cable and the deployment time recorded. This
system is designed to suspend the DSIII 0.2 m off of the bottom in a manner which it can be retrieved
independently of the mooring system and so that it remains at 0.2 m off bottom during all tidal stages.
13.5.4 Retrieval
Upon returning to the station to retrieve the Datasonde, the boat is anchored so that the bouy
lays along side or astern. Use a boat hook to grab the buoy and then attach it to the boom line for
retrieval. The boat hook is then used to grab the DSIII retrieval line and bring the assembly to the
surface. The cage assembly is removed from the cable, the DSIII is removed from the cage and fitted
with the protective cup. The mooring system retrieved and the DSIII is stowed for the return trip to the
mobile lab.
13.5.5 Servicing Units
Following retrieval of a DataSonde unit, it is transported to the mobile laboratory where all data
are downloaded to the computer and the Datasonde is scrubbed with detergent to remove fouling
organisms. All probes are examined for damage and fouling, and damaged probes replaced as
necessary. It is especially important to examine the conductivity probe. Fouling of the orifices can
easily go unnoticed.
If, at any point, the record shows the DO dropped to 0 mg/L, to proble may be considered to be
unreliable. Even if the QC checks demonstrate that the probe is still functioning properly, make a note
in the instrument log and carefully monitor the performance of the probe in following deployments. If,
after servicing the probe fails to meet calibration standards, the probe must be replaced as per
instructions in Appendix I.
13.5.6 Safety Considerations
No special safety precautions are warranted for this instrument. The only danger to the user is
from the operation of the winch. However, care should be taken not to damage the instrument.
13.5.7 Quality Assurance
As the DataSonde is a delicate electronic instrument, certain precautions are necessary to
assure proper operation. All instructions should be followed closely. QC calibration checks must be
performed each time a unit is deployed or retrieved.
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The internal AA batteries should be replaced if the voltage falls low enough to indicate that only
40% of the battery life remains. DO membranes should be replaced when the unit does not readily
calibrate to instrument specifications. All remaining servicable probes should be replaced or have
appropriate solutions replaced if they can no longer be calibrated into the expected window.
13.8 Sediment Collections
Sediments are collected for a variety of analyses. Three sediment grabs are collected for
benthic species composition, abundance, and biomass. Approximately five additional sediment grabs
are collected for chemical analysis and for use in acute toxicity tests (actual number needed may vary
based on the required volume). After coring for sediment characterization the first sample taken will be
sieved for analysis of benthic species composition. The following samples will be cored for AVS
determination and used for collection of sediment for chemistry and toxicity until the first benthic
sample has been processed. Then the next sample taken, after coring for sediment characterization,
will be processed as the second benthic species composition sample. This cycle will be continued until
enough surficial sediment (4.0 U is collected for chemistry and toxicity and 3 samples for benthic
species composition have been processed.
A 1125 mj, stainless steel, Young Grab sampler is used to collect sediments for benthic
analyses. The sampler is constructed entirely of stainless steel and is appropriate for collecting
sediment samples for both biological and chemical analyses. The top of the sampler is hinged to allow
for the removal of the top layer of sediment for chemical and toxicity analyses. This gear is relatively
easy to operate and requires little specialized training.
Listed below is the protocol for obtaining sediment samples.
1. Using the washdown pump, thoroughly rinse the inside of the grab sampler with
seawater from the station being sampled.
2. Attach the sampler to the end of the retrieval line with a shackle and tighten the pin.
An auxiliary link is also installed to provide added assurance against loss of the
equipment.
3. Attach one set of weights to the sampler. These can be removed, or additional weights
added depending on the sediment type. The grab is then cocked.
4. Lower the grab sampler through the water column such that travel through the last 5
meters is no faster than 1 m/sec. This is done by controlling the deployment of line as
the sampler sinks. This minimizes the effects of bow wave disturbance to surficial
sediments.
5. Log the grab on the data sheet.
6. Retrieve the sampler and lower it into its cradle on-board. Open the hinged top and
determine whether the sample is successful or not. A successful grab is one having
relatively level, intact sediment over the entire area of the grab and a sediment depth at
the center of at least 5 centimeters (see Figure 13.2). Grabs containing no sediments,
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partially filled grabs, or grabs with shelly substrates or grossly slumped surfaces are
unacceptable. Grabs completely filled to the top, where the sediment is blown out the
hinged top, are also unacceptable. It may take several attempts using different
amounts of weight to obtain the first acceptable sample. The more weight added, the
deeper the bite of the grab. In very soft muds, pads may be needed to prevent the
sampler from sinking in the mud. If pads are used, the rate of descent near the bottom
should be slowed even further to reduce the bow wave.
7. Enter notes on the condition of the sample as necessary. Notes should include the
presence of large objects, organisms, etc.
8. Process the grab sample for either benthic community analysis or chemistry/toxicity
testing as described below.
9. Repeat steps 4-8 until all samples are collected. To minimize the chance of sampling
the exact same location twice, after three grabs are taken (whether successful or not),
move the boat 5 meters downstream by letting out the appropriate length of anchor
line.
13.8.1 Field Processing of Samples for Benthic Community Assessment
Grab samples to be used in the assessment of macrobenthic communities are processed in the
following manner:
1. Locate the wide mouth Nalgene bottles which have been prelabelled Benthic Grab #1.
Replicate bottles f1. #2. #3 should have been prepared. Additional replicate labels and
bottles should be available on the boat.
2. Measure the depth of the sediment at the middle of the sampler. The depth should be
_>.5 cm. Record descriptive information about the grab, such as the presence or
absence of a surface floe, color and smell of surface sediments, and visible fauna on
the data sheet for this sample.
3. Insert » small (2.5 cm diameter, 15 cm long), clear plastic coring device into a random
location within the sampler and extract a core sample. Measure the depth to the black
layer of sediment within the core and record on the data sheet. Extrude the sediment
from the core tube into a 125 ml Nalgene bottle which has been prelabelled with the
appropriate bar code label. Repeat the procedure taking the sample from the other side
of the sampler. Store the sample on ice (NOT dry ice) for later analysis of grain size.
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# MINIMUM
PCNCTfUTON AfQUlMMCNT MffT
«ocx
CMJQMT INJttVS)
WltHMJITUk
Figure 13.2. Quality assurance criteria for obtaining grab samples. Only those samples meeting QA
criteria are retained. Those not meeting these criteria are discarded.
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4. Process the remainder of the grab for benthic community analyses. Dump the
sediments into a 500 fjm mesh sieve in a basin. Place the sieve into a table (sieve box)
containing water from the sampling station. Agitate the tray in the sieve box thus
washing away sediments and leaving organisms, detritus, sand particles, and pebbles
larger than 500 fjm. This method minimizes mechanical damage to fauna that is
common when forceful jets of water are used to break up sediments. A gentle flow of
water over the sample is acceptable.
5. Gently rinse the contents of the tray to one edge and, using a funnel, rinse the contents
into the prelabelled, plastic wide-mouth, bottle. If the quantity of sample exceeds the
capacity of the container, place the remainder of the sample in a second container
labelled, replicate #2. Note on the data sheet that the sample consists of more than
one container. The replicate bottles may be taped together.
6. Carefully inspect the sieve to ensure that all organisms are removed using forceps (if
necessary) to transfer fauna from the sieve to the bottle containing the proper sample
number.
7. Ten percent buffered formalin containing Rose Bengal stain is used to fix and preserve
samples. Enough formalin solution should be added so that it makes up at least 5% of
the final volume. Bottles should be near full to help prevent agitation of fixed
organisms and also the possibility of stranding organisms on the sides of the bottle.
8. Prior to sieving the next sample, use copious amounts of forceful water and a stiff
brush to clean the sieve, thereby minimizing cross-contamination of samples.
13.8.2 Field Processing of Sediments for Chemistry and Toxicity Testing
In addition to the three grabs collected for benthic community analysis, approximately five to
eight grabs are collected for chemical analyses and toxicity testing. The top two cm of these grabs is
cored for AVS, then removed, composited, homogenized, and split for chemistry (300 ml) and toxicity
testing (3.5 L). These samples are processed as follows:
1. As each grab is retrieved, carefully examine it to determine acceptability as described
above in Section 13.8, Step 6. Record notes on the appearance of acceptable samples,
and carefully remove and discard large, non-living surface items such as rocks or pieces
of wood.
2. Stainless steel utensils are used to remove sediments from grab samples for these
analyses. All utensils must be rinsed with ambient seawater before use. Rinsing should
be performed over the side of the boat using the raw water wash down hose.
3. Insert a small (2.5 cm diameter, 15 cm long), clear plastic coring device into a random
location within the sampler and extract a 15 cc core sample. Extrude the sediment
from the core tube into a 60 ml Nalgena bottle which has been prelabeiled with the
appropriate AVS bar code label. Repeat this procedure for each grab taken for toxicity
until the container is full with no headsoace. Store the sample on ice (NOT dry icelfor
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AVS analysis. Remove the top two cm of sediment using a Stainless Steel utensil.
Care should be taken to keep a minimum distance from the edge of the sample to
reduce the possibility of contamination from the sampler. Place the sediment removed
in a stainless pan and place the pan in a cooler on ice (NOT dry ice). The sample must
be stored at 4°C, NOT FROZEN.
4. Repeat this procedure for all five grabs, compositing the AVS sediment in the same
container and the remaining sediment in the same pan until at least 4,300 cc of
sediment has been collected.
5. Homogenize the sediment by stirring with a stainless steel spatula for 10 minutes.
6. Using the stainless spatula, carefully place 300 cc of sediment in a prelabelled 500 ml
glass bottle for chemical analysis. CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO ASSURE THAT THE
INSIDE OF THE BOTTLE, BOTTLE CAP, AND THE SAMPLE ARE NOT CONTAMINATED.
To reduce the possibility of breakage, the sample should be stored at 4°C, NOT
FROZEN.
7. Record the sample number and any additional information on the data sheet.
8. At approximately 10 percent of the stations, three additional 200 cc sediment samples
are also collected; (1) sample as a duplicate of the original sample, and (2) samples to
be sent to a referee laboratory. These samples are collected from the same composite
as per the directions in Step 6. The FC will notify the crew at which stations this
sample needs to be collected.
9. Place approximately 50 cc of sediment in a prelabelled 60 ml bottle for sediment grain
size analysis. Store this sample on ice (NOT dry ice).
10. Using the stainless steel spatula, remove 3,500 cc of sediment and place it in a
prelabelled, four liter, Nalgene container for toxicrty testing, and place the sample on ice
(NOT dry ice). The sample must be stored at 4°C, NOT FROZEN.
13.8.3 Safety Considerations
All sediment grab samplers are dangerous pieces of equipment. Once the device is cocked, it
could accidentally trip at any time. The operators must be careful not to place hands or fingers in a
position where they could be damaged (or amputated) in the event that the device trips prematurely.
The sampler is a heavy piece of equipment (especially when full). The operators must take care
when deploying or retrieving this gear under adverse weather conditions. A grab sampler swinging
wildly at the end of a boom can be very dangerous.
13.8.4 Quality Assurance
There are a number of steps that can be taken to ensure the integrity of the samples collected.
1. The interior surfaces of the grab sampler, including the underside of the hinged top,
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must be rinsed with water prior to use to assure that no sediment remains from the
previous station.
2. Prior to use, all supplies which are to come into contact with samples must also be
properly cleaned.
3. ASSURE THAT THE PROPER BAR CODE LABELS ARE AFFIXED TO ALL SAMPLES.
4. Care should be taken to assure that the sediment saved for chemical and toxicological
analyses is collected only from the top two cm of the grab.
5. Care must be taken to assure that the chemistry sample does not become
contaminated. This requires great care in extracting the sample, homogenizing it, and
placing it in the proper container. If it is raining when the sample is collected, all
activities should be conducted under a tarp to prevent contamination of the sample by
rain water.
13.8.5 Contingency Plans
It is recognized that at certain stations, the sediment type will prevent the collection of
sediment samples. If a single 'acceptable* grab sample cannot be obtained after five attempts, or if
_>.70 percent of the attempts are unsuccessful, then additional attempts are abandoned and no
sediment samples collected. AJI other samples should be collected. This must be noted in the log and
the FC notified as soon as possible.
13.9 Rsh Trawls
After all required sediments are collected, two trawls are made to collect fish for species
composition and relative abundance, tissue chemistry, and for pathological examination.
A fish trawl is a funnel-shaped net that filters fish from the near bottom waters. Fish are
herded by ground wire and doors into the mouth of the funnel where they are captured. The basic
components of a trawl net are described briefly below.
The doors of the net provide spreading power to the net. Water pressure against the doors
force them to spread the wings of the trawl. The wings are the beginning of the webbing and form the
mouth of the funnel on two sides of the net. The wings are bordered on top and bottom by a headrope
and a footrope, respectively. For a single warp rig, each end of the headrope. or top line, is attached
directly to the upper ring on the back of the doors. Each end of the footrope, or bottom line, is
attached to the bottom ring of the doors. For strength and weight, a sweep is attached to the footrope.
At the bosom, or apex of the curve of the mouth, the wings attach to the body of the net. The top
portion of the body has an overhanging panel, or square, which prevents fish from escaping over the
top panel of the trawl. Continuing back toward the terminus of the net are the first and second bellies
which are normally symmetrical top and bottom. The bellies contribute most of the body of the net,
and therefore make up most of the taper. Attached to the second belly is an extension panel that
serves to guide the catch into the cod-end or bag. The cod-end is the rear portion of the trawl net
which serves as a collecting bag for all that is captured by the trawl.
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Fish are collected using a high rise sampling trawl with a 16-ft footrope with a chain sweep.
Tow duration is 10 minutes with a towing speed of 2-3 knots against the prevailing current. Speed
over the bottom should be 1-3 knot. Fish are sorted and enumerated, examined for evidence of gross
pathological conditions, and selected specimens retained and properly processed for tissue chemical
analysis. Subsampling of fish is conducted as necessary. The outline below describes the specific
protocol to be followed during trawling operations. The procedures include: net deployment, vessel
operation while under tow, net retrieval, and sample processing.
13.9.1 Trawl Preparation
1. Inspect the trawl net for holes, including cod-end liners, and mend/replace as necessary
prior to departure from the dock. Inspect all hardware for wear and replace as needed.
All connections should be made securely and tightened with a wrench. Do NOT rely on
hand tightening shackles, bolts, or other fasteners.
2. Lead the winch lines from the dual drum through the two outside blocks on the mast
assembly and through the outside blocks at the end of the boom.
3. Attach each line to one of the doors of the net with a shackle, making sure that the
port drum line is atached to the port door and the starboard line to the starboard door.
All connections should be tightened with a wrench.
4. Arrange the net on the deck with the cod-end aft and the head rope on top. Close the
terminus of the cod-end by using the lazy line. This line should pass through the rings
at the back of the cod end and around the net just in front of these rings. Coil the float
line from the cod-end to the float, and position it on the net for easy access.
5. Attach the legs of the net to the trawl doors. The top leg of the net is the extension of
the headrope and must be secured to the top aft ring of the door. The bottom leg is the
extension of the sweep and must be secured to the bottom aft ring of the door.
Shackles should be used for all connections.
13.9.2 Net Deployment
1. After all preparation steps have been completed, the Crew Chief should determine the
direction of current flow and survey the probable trawl track for potential hazards, such
as other vessels, deployed commercial fishing gear (nets, pots, etc.), shallow water, or
unsuitable substrate. In addition, depth, weather, and sea conditions should also be
evaluated prior to each trawl. The decision as to whether or not to collect a sample is
the responsibility of the Crew Chief.
2. The boom should be positioned out over the stern with enough incline for the doors to
clear the platform. Raise the doors with the winch, flake the net into the water from
the cod-end to the wings. Check to make sure that the legs of the net are not twisted
before continuing deployment. Pay out line until the doors are well behind the boat.
Check the markers on the winch line to assure a "square* set. Head slowly into the
current (e.g., 1 knot) and continue to pay out line until appropriate warp length is
obtained (consult Table 13.1 for the proper amount of line to be released based on
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water depth). Great care should be taken to prevent fouling of the propeller with the
net. Care should also be taken to maintain tension on the tow warp to avoid fouling
the net on bottom.
13.9.3 Trawling
1. As soon as the required warp length is reached, the winch operator should inform the
Crew Chief that the net is ready for towing. The Crew Chief then visually resurveys the
trawl track, records the time, coordinates, depth, and other pertinent information, and
begins the tow. An attempt should be made to trawl along a uniform depth contour.
Time and coordinates must be entered on data sheets.
2. Boat speed should be 2-3 knots. Speed over bottom, as measured by Loran position,
should be between 1 and 3 knots. If it becomes apparent that these conditions will not
be met, the net should be retrieved and a different trawl direction tried.
3. During the trawl tow, the Crew Chief should monitor the depthfinder for potential
obstructions or sudden changes in depth. If a hazard is identified or a hang up occurs,
the net should be retrieved and another tow attempted approximately 100 m from the
initial trawl track. If three unsuccessful attempts are made, or 1.5 hours effort is
expended, trawling operations should be discontinued. If a successful 10 minute trawl
cannot be accomplished, process fish collected from a shorter trawl and note the
duration on the data sheet. Although the species composition data may not be used,
chemistry and pathology data would still be valid.
4. The duration of all trawls should be 10 minutes from the time the pay-out of warp is
completed until the time net retrieval begins.
13.9.4 Net Retrieval
1. Record the time and coordinates at the end of the tow.
2. Take in line until the doors near the block. Remove the lary line attached to the port
door, and run the line through a second block on the boom and through the capstan
head. Switch the hydraulic power to the capstan, and retrieve the cod-end of the net,
being careful to not foul the prop. With the cod-end on deck, drag the remainder of the
net over the gunnels from the extension to the wings. When the entire net is on deck,
lower the doors to the deck and secure them. If the net is nearly empty, both the doors
and the net can be hauled in by hand. If the net is full and cannot be split and brought
in, retrieve the cod-end float and pull the line in with the capstan until the cod-end can
be tripped and dumped.
3. Coil the cod-end float line and tie the coil. Disconnect the doors from the net and the
bridle and stow them. Flake-fold the net with the wings on the bottom and the cod-end
on top, and tie the entire package (including the float) with the splitting strap.
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Table 13.1. Amount of Winch Line to be Used for Trawling and Dredging
FISH TRAWL
Water depth (ft) Ratio of line to water depth
(including the 125' bridle)
_<.50 7:1 (minimum of entire bridle' out)
50-75 5:1
> 75 3:1
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13.9.4 Criteria for Voiding Tows
A sample will be considered void if one or more of the following conditions occur:
1. A tow cannot be completed because of hangdown, boat malfunction, vessel traffic, or
major disruption of gear. However, a tow will be considered acceptable if the net must
be retrieved after at least 8 minutes due to impending hazards, as long as the net is
retrieved in the standard manner.
2. The cod-end is not tied shut.
3. If the tow continues for more than two minutes beyond the ten-minute tow duration, or
is discontinued less than eight minutes following the start.
4. The net is filled with mud or debris.
5. A portion of the catch is lost prior to processing.
6. The tow line, headrope, footrope, or up and down lines parted.
7. The net is torn (>30 bars in the tapered portion, >20 bars in the extension or cod end,
or multiple tears that, in the opinion of the Crew Chief, may have significantly altered
the efficiency of the net).
13.9.5 Sample Processing - Rsh Species Composition and Abundance
1. When the net and doors are on the deck, remove all fish from the net and sort into
buckets by species. Care should be taken to ensure that all fish and debris are removed
from the net, including the wings, mouth of the net and the upper portion of the cod-
end liner. A taxonomic key carried on board is recommended to assist field personnel in
the proper identification of species.
2. All species considered to be rare, threatened, or endangered should be processed
immediately and released alive. At the discretion of the Crew Chief, photographs may
be taken to document the catch.
3. After all fish have been sorted, process target species of fish (Table 13.2) for tissue
chemistry and pathological examination as described in sections 13.9.6 and 13.9.7.
Sampling for chemistry and pathology are performed concurrently with the collection of
composition and abundance data.
4. Measure the Fork Length of fish with a measuring board, to the nearest millimeter.
Measure shrimp from the tip of the rostrum to the telson, crabs across the carapace
form the extreme spines, and oysters are measured from the umbo to the farthest distal
edge, all to the nearest millimeter. If there are fewer than 30 individuals of a species,
all individuals should be measured. As fish are measured, they are examined for
evidence of gross pathology (Section 13.9.7) and processed for chemistry (Section
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13.9.6). If more than 30 individuals of a species were caught, a subsampling
procedure should be used to measure 30 individuals. Subsampling will be accomplished
by randomly selecting fish from the buckets. All data are entered onto data sheets.
5. Enter data on the fish data sheets. The species code (Table 13.3) for each species is
used to identify the fish captured. The specied code consists of the first 4 letters of
the genus and the first 4 letters of the species (Genu soec).
6. All fish not measured for length (i.e. those subsampled) are counted.
7. After all processing has been completed, the Crew Chief should review the trawl data
sheet for discrepancies and inaccuracies. When any questions have been resolved, the
Crew Chief signs the data sheets as being reviewed and the remaining portion of the
catch can be returned to the water. When significant mortality occurs and the trawl
site is in a highly visible area, the Crew Chief may elect to retain the catch until more
discrete disposal can be accomplished. Under no circumstances should the crew give
fish away to the general public.
Table 13.2 List of target species for the Louisianian Province Monitoring Demonstration 1991.
Common Name Species
Atlantic Croaker Micropogonias undulatus
Brown Shrimp Penaeus aztecus
Gafftopsail Catfish Bagre marinus
Hardhead Catfish Arius felis
Pinfish Lagodon rhomboides
Sand Seatrout Cynoscion arenarius
Spot Leiostomus xanthurus
White Shrimp Penaeus setiferus
Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus
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8. On the following day, the shore crew enters all data into the computer and assures that
the data are properly associated with the correct station (see Data Management,
Section 17). The shore crew is also responsible for verifying the sample numbers of
fish saved for chemistry and pathology.
13.9.6 Processing of Fish for Chemical Analysis of Muscle
1. For taxa designated as target species (Table 13.2), measure and retain five individuals
within the desired size range of 20 - 40 cm for future chemical analysis. The first five
individuals of the appropriate size may be the first five measured and used for chemical
analysis. If no individuals in the primary size range were collected, individuals from the
closest to the primary size range should be selected. As chemistry takes priority over
saving fish for histopathology, any of the first five fish from each target species (in the
appropriate size range) showing evidence of pathology are processed for chemistry, not
histopathology.
NOTE: Even if a tow is voided for species composition and abundance, collected fish
can still be processed for chemistry.
NOTE: When two tows are performed at a station, the TOTAL number of each target
species saved from both tows is still five. Therefore, if five are saved from the first
tow, none should be saved from the second tow.
2. Record on the data sheet the size, species, composited sample number (see Step 4),
processing technique (see steps 5 and 6), and any other appropriate notes.
3. The five individuals selected for chemical analysis will be composited into a bag and the
bag assigned the sample number. The sample number is a unique combination of the
station 10 and sample type.
4. The treatment of fish saved for chemical analysis is dependent on the size of the fish.
For fish smaller than 40 cm place the fish in a zip-lock bag, and place the bag inside an
envelope with has the appropriate bar code label on it and place it in a cooler on ICE.
5. For fish larger than 40 cm, gut the fish; cut off the head and tail leaving a section no
longer than 40 cm, and treat as described above. This is necessary because of limited
storage space on board the boat.
6. All samples must be placed immediately on DRY ICE for freezing upon return to the
mobile lab. Upon the addition of new samples to the cooler containing the dry ice,
samples should be rearranged to assure that these samples are in contact with the dry
ice so they will freeze rapidly. One option would be to use one cooler for freezing fish,
and a second for storing them. This is dependent on the equipment carried on the boat,
and therefore, the amount of space available.
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Table 13.3 Taxon code and common name of target species and species most likely to be collected
during the 1991 Monitoring Demonstration.
Common Name
Atlantic Croaker
Blue Crab
Brown Shrimp
Gafftopsail Catfish
Hardhead Catfish
Pinfish
Sand Seatrout
Southern Flounder
Spot
White Shrimp
Atlantic Bumper
Atlantic spadefish
Atlantic Stingray
Atlantic Threadfin
Banded Drum
Bay Anchovy
Bay Whiff
Bighead Searobin
Blackcheek tonguefish
Blackfin Searobin
Broad Flounder
Chain Pipefish
Crevalle Jack
Darter Goby
Dwarf Sand perch
Fringed Flounder
Green Goby
Gulf Butterfish
Gulf Flounder
Gulf Menhaden
Harvestfish
Hogchoker
Inshore Lizardfish
Ladyfish
Lane Snapper
Least Puffer
Leopard Searobin
Longnose Anchovy
Lookdown
Mexican Flounder
Species
Micropogonias undulatus
Calinectes sapidus
Penaeus aztecus
Bagre marinus
Arius felis
Lagodon rhomboides
Cynoscion arenarius
Paralichthys lethostigma
Leiostomus xanthurus
Penaeus setiferus
Chloroscombrus chrysurus
Chaetodipterus faber
Dasyatis sabina
Polydactylus octonemus
Larimus fasciatus
Anchoa mitchilli
Citharichthys spilopterus
Prionotus tribulus
Symphurus plagiusa
Prionotus rubio
Paralichthys squamilentus
Syngnathus louisianae
Caranx hippos
Gobionellus boleosoma
Diplectrum bivittatum
Etropis crossotus
Microgobius thalassinus
Peprilus burti
Paralichthys albigutta
Brevoortia patronus
Peprilus alepidotus
Trinectes maculatus
Synodus foetens
Elops saurus
Lujtanus synagris
Sphoeroides parvus
Prionotus scitulus
Anchoa nasuta
Selene vomer
Cyclopsetta chittendeni
Taxon coda
Micr undu
Cali sapi
Pena azte
Bagr mari
Ariu feli
Lago rhom
Cyno aren
Para leth
Leio xant
Pena seti
Chlo chry
Chae fabe
Dasy sabi
Poly octo
Lari fasc
Anch mite
Cith spil
Prio trib
Symp plag
Prio rubi
Para squa
Syng loui
Cara hipp
Gobi bole
Dipt bivi
Etro cros
Micr thai
Pepr burt
Para albi
Brev patr
Poro tria
Trin macu
Syno foet
Elop saur
Lujt syna
Spho parv
Prio scit
Anch nasu
Sele vome
Cycl chit
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Table 13.3 continued
Northern Sennet
Ocellated Flounder
Pigfish
Pink Shrimp
Planehead Filefish
Red Drum
Rock Seabass
Round Scad
Sharptail Goby
Sheepshead
Silver Jenny
Silver Perch
Silver Seatrout
Smallmouth Flounder
Southern Hake
Soutern Kingfish
Spanish Mackerel
Spotfin Mojarra
Spotted Seatrout
Striped Anchovy
Threadfin Shad
Sphyraena borealis
Ancylopsetta quadrocellata
Orthopristis chrysoptera
Penaeus duorarum
Monacanthus hispidus
Sciaenops ocellatus
Centropristis philadelphica
Oecapterus punctatus
Gobionellus hastatus
Archosargus probatocephalus
Eucmostomus gula
Bairdiella chrysoura
Cynoscion nothus
Etropus microstomus
Urophycis floridana
Menticirrhus americanus
Scomberomorus maculatus
Eucinostomus argenteus
Cynoscion nebulosus
Anchoa hepsetus
Oorosoma petenense
Sphy bore
Ancy quad
Orth chry
Pena duor
Mona hisp
Scia ocel
Cent phil
Oeca punc
Gobi hast
Arch prob
Euci gula
Bair chry
Cyno noth
Etro micr
Urop flor
Ment amer
Scorn macu
Euci arge
Cyno nebu
Anch heps
Doro pete
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7. Dispose of the remainder of the carcass overboard as described in Section 20.5.
13.9.7 Processing of Fish for Gross External Pathological Analyses
Examine all target species for evidence of disease. Diseased individuals are saved for laboratory
examination, as are 0-25 reference fish from each species collected. Complete instructions for
processing fish for pathological examination are given in Appendix E and in abbreviated form below.
1. While fish are still alive or fresh dead, inspect the skin, fins, eyes and branchial
chambers for evidence of disease. Note abnormalities on the data sheet along with
species name and fork length.
2. Those fish with abnormalities are saved and preserved for histopathological analysis.
Either the entire fish (if the fork length is <_ 15 cml, or the head, visceral cavity, and
organs (if the fork length is > 15 cm) is tagged with a wire tag that has the unique bar
code labels on it. The duplicated bar code label identifying the individual is placed on
the data sheet next to the species and length information. The species code is written
with pencil on the blank side of the label. The individual is then placed into either a 4
liter container or a 2.5 gallon bucket containing Dietrich's fixative.
13.9.8 Safety Considerations
Operation of the trawl can be a dangerous operation. In addition to the dangers of using the
winch and capstan, improper towing procedures can capsize or damage the boat. The net should
always be towed off the stern, with the winch cable passing through the towing bracket.
When deploying the net, the crew must be careful not to entangle themselves or other gear in
the net or winch line. This could result in serious injury or damage to equipment.
All trawling operations must be conducted in a manner consistent with maintaining crew safety.
The Crew Chief will determine when weather or sea conditions are unsafe for trawling.
In the event of net hang-ups on bottom obstructions, the Crew Chief must consider the safety
of the crew before attempting to free the gear. A means to sever the tow line should be immediately
available to the crew during all trawl operations. SEVERING THE LINE SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED
AS A LAST RESORT AND WHEN THE LINE IS SLACKIII SEVERING IT WHILE UNDER TENSION COULD
RESULT IN WHIPLASH OF THE LINE AND SEVERE INJURY.
Before deploying the trawl, the Crew Chief should ensure that other vessels do not present a
safety hazard during the tow. Whenever possible, the Crew Chief shall contact nearby vessels by
marine radio to make them aware of the trawling operation. In addition, the marine radio should be
monitored by the crew prior to and during trawl operations.
13.9.9 Quality Assurance
In order for the net to "fish" properly, the proper amount of winch cable must be let out.
Consult Table 13.1 for the proper scope. Care must also be taken to assure that fish are not lost from
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the net during retrieval.
In an attempt to determine the "true" percentage error associated with species identification
and the determination of pathological conditions, one reference specimen of each species per each
Team will be collected, preserved in Dietrich's fixative and returned to GB-ERL for verification of
identification.
When processing fish for chemical analysis, it is important to assure that the filet knife does not
penetrate the portion of the fish to be analyzed, i.e., the muscle contained in the mid-portion of the fish.
If this should accidentally happen, the fish should be discarded and another processed.
13.9.10 Contingency Plans
Considering the wide variety of environments to be sampled by EMAP during the MD, it is likely
that towing a net will be impossible at many stations. If, due to repeated snags, a successful trawl
cannot be performed within 1V4 hours of starting, no further attempts should be made. This is noted on
the data sheet and the FC notified as soon as possible.
13.9.11 Collection Permits
Many states require scientific collection permits for the collection of fish using trawls. Permits
issued for EMAP activities are carried on each boat. A permit must be presented to any appropriate
state official who requests to see it.
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SECTION 14
PACKAGING AND SHIPPING SAMPLES
After samples are collected, proper packaging and shipping procedures are critical steps in
assuring the integrity of the samples. Failure to follow these procedures could result in the loss of
valuable data. Each type of sample requires different handling as described below. Packaging and
shipping are performed the day after samples are collected by the shore crew in the mobile laboratory.
They are responsible for assuring that the samples are delivered to Federal Express. No samples should
be shipped so that they will arrive on a weekend. If a sample shipment must arrive on a weekend, the
FC and the receiving lab should be notified prior to shipment so that special arrangements can be made
to receive the sample.
As samples are packaged for final shipment, the sample number of each sample is recorded in
the computer. Upon completion of packaging, a sample chain of custody form is filled out for each box
of samples. This form contains an inventory of the contents and their condition, shipper information,
and the name of the individual who packed the box. The form should be signed and copies removed for
the shipper and FC. Remaining copies are enclosed with the shipment. The receiving lab will
acknowledge receipt of the sample and send another copy to the FC. In addition to the paper trail the
bar code of each sample will be scanned into a shipping / receiving program on the GRiD's. The
laboratories receiving the samples will also be provided with a bar code scanner and scan the samples
received into the same program and transmit this data daily via the toll free communications line to the
FOC.
When the package is picked up by, or delivered to the carrier, the time, date, airbill *, and
carrier must be entered into the computer and associated with the LP-MD tracking number. All this
information is uploaded to ERL-GB along with the daily data transmission. This allows the FC to track
shipments and assure that samples shipped are received within the proper time frame.
Each team carries coolers with dry ice and blue ice to keep samples frozen or cool prior to
shipment. Blue ice blocks are frozen by placing them in a freezer or on the dry ice.
Proper storage and shipment conditions are summarized in Table 14.1. Note that even
shipments "hand carried* to the receiving lab (as will be done by the West and Delta teams for
sediment contaminant) require the completion of the appropriate shipment data sheet.
14.1 Benthlc Soades Composition and Blomass Samples
Field samples for benthic community analysis are preserved in buffered formalin containing Rose
Bengal. These samples are in plastic Nalgene containers with tight fitting lids. As these samples are
preserved, there is no need to keep them cool. These samples need not be shipped daily; they can be
accumulated in the mobile laboratory until enough are collected to fill a box (probably every 2 to 3
days). These boxes should not weigh more than 50 pounds.
When enough samples have been accumulated, each container lid should be checked to assure
that it is tight. The bar code label of each container is then read, and containers are placed individually
in zip-lock bags (in case of leakage). They are then placed individually into compartments in a 'six
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pack" styrofoam insert in a cardboard liner. The insulation of the box is for protection rather than
thermal regulation. As described above, a chain of custody form is included in this shipment enclosed
in the box. To assure blind processing of the samples, no additional information is provided to the
analytical laboratory.
The box is then sealed and an appropriate shipping label affixed. Benthic biology samples
should be shipped: Federal Express Standard Second Day Service. Overnight delivery is not required.
Samples should be shipped to:
EMAP Sample Processing
J. L. Scott Mar. Ed. Center
115 Beach Blvd.
Biloxi, MS 39533
ATT: Dr. Richard Heard
(601) 374-5550
As this shipment contains formalin, Federal Express requires that the appropriate boxes
indicating dangerous goods be checked on the airbill. In addition, a Dangerous Goods Airbill and
Shipper Certification form must be completed. This is available from the Agent picking up the
shipment.
14.2 Grain Size Sample*
Samples for grain size analysis are collected along with each sample collected for benthic
biology and sediment chemistry/toxicity analyses. Samples for grain size analysis should be kept cool
(4°C), but not frozen. They should therefore be stored in the mobile lab on ice or blue ice. These
samples are contained in 60 ml Nalgene bottles.
Grain size samples should be shipped on the day following their collection. Containers should
be placed into a large plastic bag and then into an insulated box with a block of frozen blue ice to keep
the samples cool. The blue ice should be wrapped in a single layer of newspaper to prevent the
samples from freezing.
Samples should be shipped Federal Express, Next Day Service. Samples collected on weekends
can be shipped on the following Monday as long as they are properly stored in the mobile lab over the
weekend. Samples should be shipped to:
EMAP Sample Processing
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
703 East Beach Dr.
Ocean Springs. MS 39564
ATTN: Dr. Bill Walker/ Mr. David Barnes
(601)875-2244
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Table 14.1. Sample holding and shipping conditions
SAMPLE TYPE
HOLDING CONDITIONS
SHIPPING CONDITIONS
DESTINATION
BENTHOS
SEDIMENT GRAIN SIZE
SEDIMENT CHEMISTRY
SEDIMENT TOXICITY
PRESERVED IN FORMALIN
REFRIGERATED
REFRIGERATED
REFRIGERATED
SHIP WHENEVER THERE ARE ENOUGH
SAMPLES TO FILL A BOX
SHIP DAILY
SHIP DAILY
SHIP DAILY
GCRL'
GCRL1
GERG2
ERL-GB3
FISH CHEMISTRY
FISH PATHOLOGY
AVS
FROZEN
PRESERVED IN DIETRICHS
REFRIGERATED
SHIP WHENEVER THERE ARE ENOUGH UMISS4
SAMPLES TO FILL A BOX
SHIP WHENEVER THERE ARE ENOUGH ERL-GB3
SAMPLES TO FILL A BOX
SHIP WHENEVER THERE ARE ENOUGH UMISS4
SAMPLES TO FILL A BOX
1 GCRL = GULF COAST RESEARCH LABORATORY
2 GERG = GEOCHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH GROUP
3 ERL-GB - ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY - GULF BREEZE
4 UMISS = UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI
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14.3 Sediment Chemistry Samples
Following collection, sediment samples for chemical characterization can be either
refrigerated or frozen. Refrigeration (at 4°C) is recommended because freezing greatly increases
the likelihood of breakage of the glass container. It is also recommended that samples be shipped
cool, but not frozen, for the same reason.
Sediment chemistry samples should be shipped on the day following collection. Weekend
samples can be stored until the following Monday, providing they are properly stored. The lids of
sample bottles should be tightened as necessary/ then bottles wrapped in bubble wrap to protect
them from breakage and placed in individual zip-lock bags (in case of leakage or breakage). They
should then be placed in an insulated box with a block of blue ice. Chemistry
"blanks"."duplicates", and "spikes" should be treated in the same manner.
Sediment chemistry samples, duplicates and blanks must be shipped Federal Express Next
Day Service. Samples should be shipped to:
EMAP Sample Processing
Texas A & M University
Geochemical and Environmental Research Group
833 Graham Road
College Station, TX 77845
ATT: Or. James Brooks
(409) 690-0995
Teams 2 & 3 (Delta and West) will be based at College Station TX. These teams will be
traveling with a mobile refrigeration unit that will be used to store their samples before being
delivered to the analytical group. The duration of storage will be approximately 10 days and the
samples will be delivered during the crew change.
14.4 Sediment Toxicrtv Samples
Sediment samples collected for sediment toxicity testing must be kept refrigerated (4°C),
NOT FROZEN. These samples are contained in plastic jars, so breakage is not a concern.
Sediment toxicity samples should be shipped on the day following collection. Samples
collected on weekends can be shipped on the following Monday, providing they are properly stored
in the mobile lab. To prepare the samples for shipment, the lids are tightened and taped.
Containers are then individually placed in a large bag inside an insulated box.
Sediment toxicity samples are shipped Federal Express Next Day Service to:
EMAP Sample Processing
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Research Laboratory
Sabine Island
Gulf Breeze, FL 32561
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(904) 934-9200
ATTN: Barbara Albrecht
Since Team 1 members are based at ERL-GB, some sediment toxicity samples can be
delivered in person by crew members going off-duty.
14.5 Fish Chemistry Samples
Upon collection, fish chemistry samples are immediately frozen on dry ice. These samples
should be shipped on the day following collection. Samples collected on weekends can be shipped
on the following Monday, providing adequate storage space is available in the truck.
Fish samples are placed, frozen, in an insulated box containing one or two 12- pound blocks
of dry ice (depending on the number of samples and the size of the box).
Samples must be shipped Federal Express Next Day Service. Since dry ice is being shipped,
Federal Express requires that the appropriate boxes indicating dangerous goods be checked on the
airbill. In addition, a Dangerous Goods Airbill and Shipper Certification form must be completed.
This is available from the Agent picking up the shipment. Samples are shipped to:
EMAP Sample Processing
University of Mississippi/RIPS - Environ. Tox.
Room 121, Medicinary Plant Garden Bldg.
University/ MS 38677
ATT: James M. O'Neal or Or. Bill Benson
(601) 232-7077
14.6 Fish Histooatholoqv Samples
Fish samples retained for histopathological examination are kept preserved in Dietrich's
fixative. It is not necessary to ship fish samples daily, depending on the available space in the
mobile laboratory and the number of fish retained. In general, preserved fish will be shipped on the
last day of the crews rotation.
Fish for histopathological examination are immersed in Dietrich's fixative, a tag containing
the sample number and identification information is attached to the individual. Details can be
found in Appendix E. Fish containers are placed in a large plastic bag in an insulated box (the
insulation is for protection, not thermal regulation).
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Samples should be shipped Federal Express, Standard Second Day Service to:
EMAP Sample Processing
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Research Laboratory
Sabine Island
Gulf Breeze, FL 32561
ATT: Dr. Jack Fournie
(904) 934-9200
As this shipment contains formalin. Federal Express requires that the appropriate boxes
indicating dangerous goods be checked on the airbill. In addition, a Dangerous Goods Airbill and
Shipper Certification form must be completed. This is available from the Agent picking up the
shipment.
14.7 AVS Samples
Acid Volatile Sulfide samples analysis should be cooled on ice until shipped. Bivalves
should be shipped on the day following collection; however, samples collected on weekends can be
shipped on the following Monday, as long as proper storage conditions are maintained and space is
available.
Containers of samples are placed in a plastic bag and into an insulated box along with blue
ice. The weight of the box should not exceed 50 pounds.
EMAP Sample Processing
University of Mississippi
Department of Biology
Shoemaker Hall
University, MS 38677
ATTN: Dr. Gary Gaston
(601)232-7162
14.10 Field Computer Diskettes and Data Sheets
All data and field notes are entered into the field computer daily. This information is
electronically transferred daily to the ERL-GB VAX, and stored both on the computer's hard drive
and on a diskette. These diskettes serve as a back-up of the data set and must be shipped to the
EMAP Field Operations Center regularly.
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Diskettes should be shipped at the end of each crew rotation. All diskettes are placed in
diskette mailers, the mailers placed in a Federal Express letter carrier separated from the data
sheets, and then shipped Federal Express Standard Second Day Service. The outside of the
envelope should be clearly marked COMPUTER DISKETTES - DO NOT BEND, X-RAY, OR EXPOSE
TO MAGNETIC FIELDS.
Diskettes and data sheets are shipped to:
EMAP Reid Operations Center
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Research Laboratory
Sabine Island
Gulf Breeze, FL 32561
(904) 934-9200
ATTN: Man Adams
Since some Team 1 members are based at ERL-GB, their diskettes can be delivered in
person by crew members going off-duty.
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SECTION 15
CONTINGENCY PLANS
It is recognized that any field program will be affected by factors beyond the control of the
sampling crews. Weather, equipment failure, errors in designating station locations, accidents. Coast
Guard regulations, etc. can all prevent the field crews from obtaining samples at one or more stations.
It is therefore necessary that a set of contingency plans be in place prior to the start of field operations.
These options are described below. It is the responsibility of the Crew Chief to determine if a station
can, indeed, not be sampled, and determine the proper action as described in the protocol herein. If
there is any question as to the protocol to follow, the PC should be contacted immediately.
15.1 Adverse Weather Conditions
It is the responsibility of the Crew Chief to determine if weather conditions are bad enough to
prevent sampling. The Crew Chief should evaluate all alternatives, such as changing the sampling plan
in order to sample more protected areas and return to the prescribed schedule when the weather
improves. Every attempt should be made to not waste an entire day; however, THE SAFETY OF THE
CREW IS THE CREW CHIEF'S NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. Any deviation from the prescribed sampling
plan should be reported to the FC BEFORE THE BOAT LEAVES THE DOCK. Several states require that
the appropriate state permitting agency be notified when the field crew will be sampling at specific
stations. Changes must be reported to them by the FC prior to the crew sampling that site.
Following the end of adverse weather that prevents the crew from sampling any stations, the
crew should attempt to "catch up" by sampling an extra station each day, if possible. If this is not
possible, the crew will abandon those stations and continue along the prescribed schedule. In this
case, one or more OataSonde units may remain deployed for longer than 24 hrs. This must be noted in
the field log, both at the time the stations were scheduled to be sampled and at the time the
DataSondes are actually retrieved.
15.2 Station Inaccessibility
Stations can be inaccessible for a number of reasons. One is that they were incorrectly
positioned on land or in water too shallow for the boat. Such conditions will be determined, to the
extent possibla, during site reconnaissance and corrections made. Stations may be made inaccessible
during sampling due to unforeseen circumstances such as a Coast Guard perimeter around an accident
or oil spill. In any of these cases, the following rules should be followed:
1. Any inaccessible station located in a 'Large Estuary", designated by the symbols "LR*
in the staion 10, (see Appendix A) cannot be relocated by the field crew. If the site is
deemed unsamplable during reconnaissance it will be eliminated and the FC should be
contacted as soon as possible.
2. Any inaccessible "Tidal River" base station designated by the symbol "RR" in the
station ID, (see Appendix A) can be relocated. The crew will relocate the station up to
a maximum of 50 meters from the original site. The new coordinates must be recorded
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and the FC notified as soon as possible. If the station cannot be relocated within 50 m,
the FC should be notified and will advise the crew as to what to do. Tidal River index
sites CRT) should always be located in depositional environments within the river. If
one is incorrectly located (site is not located near the channel), the Crew Chief should
contact the FC as soon as possible.
Inaccessible base stations located in 'Small Estuaries", designated by the symbol "SR"
in the station ID, (see Appendix A) can be relocated by the Crew Chief. Attempts
should be made to relocate the station 25 meters east, then west, north, and south. If
still inaccessible, repeat at 50 meters. If an accessible location is still not found, the
Crew Chief should notify the FC as soon as possible. If the station is successfully
relocated, the new coordinates should be recorded, a note made in the computer log,
and the FC notified. Small estuary index sites ("SI") should always be located in
depositional environments generally either at the "mouth" of the estuary or a central
location in the estuary. Errors in location should be communicated to the FC as soon as
possible.
15.3 Equipment Failure
Contingency plans for failure of individual pieces of sampling gear are discussed in the sections
describing the operation of the particular gear.
In the event that the boat engines fails while the crew is on the water, an attempt should be
made to repair the engine. If repair is impossible, the FC must be notified IMMEDIATELY.
Arrangements will be made to transport the spare boat to the crew before sampling begins on the
following day.
If another critical piece of equipment (hydraulic winch, trailer, pickup truck) fails, the crew
should attempt to repair it. If this is not possible, the FC should be notified IMMEDIATELY so
arrangements can be made to deliver the back-up equipment.
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SECTION 16
MAINTENANCE
The importance of proper maintenance of all gear cannot be over stated. Failure of any piece of
major equipment could result in a significant loss of data. Maintenance of equipment should be
performed as described below. It will be the responsibility of the Team Leader to maintain a record of
equipment usage, and assure that proper maintenance is performed at the prescribed time intervals.
16.1 Boat Trailers
Lubricate coupling mechanism, clean light connectors and contacts, oil winch, and grease wheel
bearings at least weekly; flush brake mechanisms with fresh water frequently; and repack wheel
bearings at major overhauls. The surge brake actuator and E-Z roller assembly both have grease
fittings. These should also be greased weekly.
16.2 Boats
Wash with fresh water after each use whenever possible, and check the integrity of lights,
electrical connections, and hoses.
16.3 Engines
Engines should be flushed as frequently as possible with fresh water using the washout
attachment. Oil and hydraulic fluid levels should be checked daily. Belt wear should be checked and
recorded in the maintenance log. Required oil changes and service will be scheduled by the FOC. Team
Leaders are required to keep records on the hours in service of the engines and be flagged when
required service is needed.
16.4 Electronics
No regular maintenance is required; remove at night and store, and check connectors each time
the units are replaced.
16.5 Hydraulics
Hydraulic oil should be changed at major service intervals. No maintenance on winch or
capstan beyond fresh water wash is required. Inspect winch line for wear or damage, and replace as
necessary.
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16.6 Ridding
Fresh water wash whenever possible. Keeping all standing rigging taut, lubricate pivot points
and sheaves with spray lube, and check fittings daily. Replace worn control lines and topping lift as
necessary. All shackles will be fixed with seizing wire.
16.7 Vehicles
Maintain proper fluid levels, and change oil and filter at 5000 mile intervals. No major service
intervals beyond the break-in period are expected during the field exercise.
16.8 GRID Computers
The GRID computers are designed to be rugged; however, they should be treated as gently as
possible. No maintenance is required other than properly charging the Ni-Cd batteries.
16.10 Hvdrolab DataSonda 3 Data Logger
Maintenance of the DataSondes consists of the servicing performed at time of debriefing and
calibration. Probes are checked and cleaned with a brush and detergent, the DO membrane and the
batteries replaced (as needed), and the unit calibrated. QC checks are also performed prior to
deployment. All information regarding maintenance is recorded in the equipment log.
-------
Section 1 7
Revision 3
Date: 3/18/92
DRAFT
Page 1 of 2
SECTION 17
FIELD DATA BASE MANAGEMENT
Management of data in the field is of paramount importance. Without proper management,
the quality of the generated data is questionable. Field data management for the MD consists of
two categories: data sheets and electronic data.
All data (with the exception of electronic data from the CTD and DataSonde units) are
recorded both on data sheets and in the field computer. The ability to use the computer system in
the field is being tested during the Monitoring Demonstration. If successful, this will provide a
rapid mechanism for sending data from the field to the laboratory via electronic transfer.
Since the computer system is still experimental, traditional data sheets are used for all data
with the exception of electronic data (i.e., Datasonde III data). The data sheets used in the
monitoring activities and instructions for completing them are in Appendix J. Data sheets are
provided in packages for each of the stations that will be sampled. A package contains all the data
sheets, diskettes, and bar code labels required for a particular station.
17.1 Sample Numbering Scheme
The sample numbering scheme for EMAP Near Coastal Louisianian Province consists of a
twelve character station ID for each station to be sampled and a sample ID. which is unique when
combined with the station ID. An example of a station ID is:
LA91-LR001
LA = Louisianian Province
91 - Year
LR = station type ("Large Estuary")
001 = station number
Individual samples will be labelled separately with a generic sample ID.
Example:
BGOOO-00
BG - sample type ("Benthic Grab")
000 = sample replicate
00 = container replicate
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Section 17
Revision 3
Date: 3/18/92
DRAFT
Page 2 of 2
Additional characters identifying target species code will be included in labelling fish
chemistry tissue. Fish collected for pathology samples and reference pathology will be labelled
with a more generic code than the other samples.
Example:
Pathology Fish 0000
When these individual labels are combined on the sample container or fish the "sample ID"
becomes unique.
17.2 Barcode Labels
All station and sample identification will be printed on bar code labels for scanning into the
computers. This is done to help decrease sample processing time and to reduce transcription
errors. The information coded in the label will also be printed in text on the label in the event of
scanner failure.
17.3 Forms
Individual forms for the types of samples to be taken at each station, as well as the station
information, will be printed. The station ID will be printed in the upper left corner of the data sheet
with its bar code information decal placed in the upper right. The electronic counterpart to the
paper form can be brought up on the computer by scanning the barcode. Individual forms for
updating or processing may also be brought manually through keystroke. There will also be forms
available for shipping reports and instrument calibration.
17.4 Station Packages
A package containing all forms required at each station along with the station information
will be assembled by the Shore Crew on the day prior to sampling or FOC prior to the initiation of
monitoring and issued to the Crew Chief on the day of sampling. Also included in this package will
be any special handling instructions or additional samples to be taken and additional bar code labels
in the event the quantity of prelabelled containers is insufficient. The shore crew has previously
opened the package in order to prelabel some of the sample containers.
17.5 Use of Diskettes
Diskettes will be provided for recording a backup copy of the electronic information. This
diskette will be used for the duration of a crew rotation. Once the crews have rotated the diskette
will be shipped (separate from the data forms) to the FOC. Additional diskettes will be provided in
the event that the original diskette fills up or fails. The recording of information to this diskette will
be required and automatic.
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Section 18
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DRAFT
Page 1 of 1
SECTION 18
QUALITY ASSURANCE
One of the goals of EMAP is to detect changes (trends) in ecological resources and the physical
condition of the Nation's near coastal environment. This requires that all data collected be as accurate
as possible and that the uncertainty associated with the data be quantified. To accomplish this, EMAP
has instituted an extensive quality assurance (QA) program. Careful attention must be paid by the field
crews to following all QA protocols. QA audits should be expected by the field crews and laboratory
processing personnel at least 2-3 times during the 1992 Louisianian Province Monitoring. Protocols for
individual analyses are discussed in the sections describing the collection of those data/samples.
The automation of certain phases of data collection (see Section 17) is in direct response to QA
concerns, as is the sample tracking system described in Section 14.
QA steps performed on field activities are:
1. All crew members must demonstrate proficiency in the operation of all gear during
training. This includes all aspects of data collection.
2. During field operations, all gear must be operated according to protocol. No "short
cuts" may be taken. This includes conducting all required QC checks as described in
Section 13.
3. At selected stations, duplicate sediment chemistry samples are collected for analysis, as
well as analysis by a referee laboratory. Blanks are also shipped from certain stations.
4. Guidelines for packaging and shipping must be followed.
5. Single representatives of all fish and bivalves collected during the Monitoring
Demonstration by each team will be saved and shipped to ERLGB for verification.
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Section 1 9
Revision 3
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DRAFT
Page 1 of 1
SECTION 19
LOST GEAR
Lost gear can potentially have a significant effect on the sampling program. Crews should take
every precaution against the loss of gear by properly tightening shackles and other connectors, but
accidents are likely to happen.
If a piece of equipment is lost, attempts to recover it as described below should be followed. If
the gear cannot be retrieved immediately, and a spare unit is carried by the team (even if it is on shore),
the spare should be used to complete sampling activities. If a spare is not immediately available,
sampling for all other indicators should continue, and a note made in the log that the samples that were
to be collected by the lost gear were not collected.
Upon the loss of any gear, the PC should be notified immediately. Where appropriate,
replacement equipment will be sent to the team. All attempts to recover the lost gear should be made,
but the effort should not extend past several hours. Attempts to recover gear are as follows.
19.1 Recovery of a DataSonde
If the surface buoy is missing, carefully (using the loran and a small marker buoy) mark the
estimated location of the anchor weight. Then, using the acoustic locator system, determine whether
the datasonde is still in the area by its attached pinger. If a signal is present, drag a grappling hook
around the area of strongest signal to attempt to "snag" the assembly. If unsuccessful, record the
position of the signal and notify FOC, a dive team may be sent to recover the unit. If the unit cannot be
located the Field Coordinator should be notified as soon as possible.
19.2 Recovery of a Grab Sampler or Dredge
If either the grab sampler or dredge is lost, attempt to recover by grappling in the area where
the sampler was dropped. The location of the dredge might be difficult to determine, depending on the
stage of operations in which it was lost. If the gear is successfully recovered, continue with sampling.
If it cannot be recovered, continue sampling for all other indicators. Since trawling is still performed,
the possibility exists that the grab could be caught in the net. No attempts to recover a dredge using a
trawl net should be made. This could result in substantial damage to the net. If the gear cannot be
recovered, notify the FC immediately. He will arrange for shipment of spare equipment.
19.3 Recovery of a Hung Trawl
All attempts should be made to free a trawl from a snag with minimal damage to the trawl. In
the event that this appears to be futile, excessive power should be used to free the net. The backup
trawl should then be used to complete the sampling, avoiding the known obstacle. If damage to the
net is simple, the crew should attempt the necessary repairs, if extensive, return the net to the FOC to
be repaired.
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Section 20
Revision 3
Date: 3/18/92
DRAFT
Page 1 of 1
SECTION 20
WASTE DISPOSAL
Proper disposal of all wastes is an important component of Monitoring Demonstration field
activities. It is the responsibility of the Crew Chief to assure that all garbage is disposed of correctly.
Proper methods for the disposal of wastes generated during field activities are as follows.
20.1 Routine Garbage
Regular garbage (paper towels, plastic, discarded labels, etc.) is to be placed in the trash cans
in the boats or mobile lab. This garbage is then disposed of on land by placing it in PUBLIC trash
receptacles. In no case should trash be disposed of in PRIVATE receptacles without permission of the
owner.
GARBAGE SHOULD NEVER BE THROWN OVERBOARD. This includes even small items such as
the disposable strips from the whirl packs.
20.2 Detergent Washes
Detergent is used in the mobile lab to wash off retrieved DataSonde units. Only biodegradable
detergents are to be used; therefore, the wash water can be disposed of on the ground. Be sure not to
dump it on a lawn.
20.3 Formalin or Dietrich's Rxatlve
Great care should be exercised when working with these fixatives, as they are suspected
carcinogens. Formalin and Dietrich's (which contains formalin, alcohol, and acetic acid) should never be
disposed of in the field. There should be no reason to generate waste. Any fixative that is poured into
a container and then not used should be saved and used in the next sample.
In the event that waste is generated, it must be placed in an appropriate container and shipped
(or driven) to ERL-GB for proper disposal.
20.4 Fish Waste
Fish processed following a trawl should be dumped overboard. Large quantities of fish should
never be disposed of on land. Discretion should be used in the disposal of fish at sea. Large quantities
should not be disposed of in enclosed areas, or when other boaters are close by. Fish should only be
disposed of in open areas where disposal will not adversely affect either the ecology or aesthetics of an
area. Under no circumstances should fish be given to the public.
-------
Section 21
Revision 3
Date: 3/18/92
DRAFT
Page 1 of 1
SECTION 21
CONTACT PERSONNEL
The primary contact for all field-related activities is the Field Coordinator. Any technical
questions, reports of accidents, injuries, equipment breakdown, etc. should be addressed to him.
In the event that the Field Coordinator is not available, the Province Manager must be notified.
The Province Manager is also the appropriate person to contact regarding general Monitoring matters,
affecting operations other than just field operations.
Strictly non-technical personnel matters can, at the discretion of the Team Leader or Crew
Chief, be addressed to the appropriate contractor personnel coordinator. The FC must be notified of
personnel problems or changes immediately, either by the Crew Chief or the personnel coordinator.
This structure is graphically depicted in Figure 3.5, and the proper chain-of- command discussed
in Section 3.3. The names and phone numbers of contact personnel are listed below.
FIELD COORDINATOR
MR. JOHN MACAULEY
1-(8001-321-3968 (FIELD OPERATIONS CENTER)
(904) 934-9353
PROVINCE MANAGER
DR. KEVIN SUMMERS
1-(8001-321-3968 (FIELD OPERATIONS CENTER)
(904) 934-9244
QA OFFICER
MR. TOM HEITMULLER
1-(8001-321-3968 (FIELD OPERATIONS CENTER)
(904) 934-93739
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Section 22
Revision 3
Date: 3/18/92
DRAFT
Page 1 of 1
SECTION 22
REFERENCES
Beaulieu, J., 1990. Users guide for the EMAP Near Coastal Field Data Acquisition System. Computer
Sciences Corp., Narragansett, Rl.
Macauley, J.M., and J.K. Summers. 1991. Field Logistics plan for the Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment Program Near Coastal Monitoring Demonstration Louisiaman Province: EPA/600/X-
91/XXX.
Summers, J.K. , J.M. Macauley, and P.T. Heitmuller. 1990. Implementation plan for the Environmental
Monitoring and Assessment Program Near Coastal Demonstration Project Louisianian province.
EPA/600/X-90/288.
U.S. EPA, 1990. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program - Near CoastalProgram Plan for
1990. EPA-600/6-90/XXX DRAFT.
-------
Appendix A Revisions 3/18/92
APPENDIX A
EQUIPMENT LIST AND CHECK LISTS
Appendix A - 1
-------
Appendix A Revisions 3/18/92
Equipment List
Each team is provided with the following equipment and supplies. This list can serve as a daily
checklist to assure the crew is properly equipped.
Four wheel drive pickup truck (1)
camper shell (1)
dry ice box (1)
flashlight (1)
Mobile laboratory (1)
work bench (1)
shelves for storing supplies
marine band VHF radio (1)
GRiD computer with printer, power cables, and phone cord
bar code reader (1)
first aid kit (1)
jumper cables (1)
tool box (1)
flashlight (1)
10 pound fire extinguisher (1)
Hydrolab calibration and repair kits (1) for DSIII (1) for Surveyor II
5 gallon buckets (5)
26 foot SeaArk aluminum work boat
454 engine
trailer with manual winch, spare tire and spare rollers (1)
"A" frame and boom assembly (1)
hydraulic winch & capstan (1)
windshield wipers
marine band VHF radios (2)
Loran navigation instrument (1)
compass (1)
hand-held compass (1)
Radar unit (1)
depth finder (1)
spare propellers (1)
anchor with chain and line (2)
first aid kit (1)
fire extinguisher (1)
oar(1)
personal flotation devices (1 per person)
ring buoy (1)
boat hook (1)
tool box (1)
garbage pail (1)
jumper cables (1)
Appendix A - 2
-------
Appendix A Revision 3 3/18/92
binoculars (1)
spotlight (1)
flashlight (1)
flares (Ikit)
nautical charts
spare shackles
fenders
mooring lines
spare line
Sampling gear
trawl net with doors (2)
Young Grab sampler (2)
grab stand (1)
Hydrolab OataSonde III units (6)
Hydrolab Surveyor III display unit (1)
Hydrolab Surveyor II
Licor L11000 irradiometer
moorings for the OataSondes (6)
0.5 mm stainless steel sieve (2)
sieve box (2)
Stainless mixing beaker for sediments (3)
Stainless spoon for sediments (3)
fish cutting and measuring board (2)
refractometers (2)
field thermometers (4)
filet knive
coolers
fish keys
Supplies
sediment chemistry sampling bottles
sediment toxicity sampling bottles
bottles for benthic species composition and biomass
zip lock bags - multiple sizes
cores for grain size samples (60 ml syringes)
spare parts for Surveyor and DataSonde
spare DataSonde 3 low flow membranes
aluminum foil
Dietrich's fixative
formalin
long forceps for fish preserved in Dietrich's
wide mouth funnels (3)
centimeter ruler (3)
Alconox detergent
gloves
paper towels
Kimwipes*
alkaline batteries - AA and C
Appendix A - 3
-------
Appendix A Revisions 3/18/92
pH 7 and 10 buffers
Federal Express shipping labels
3.5" high density "diskettes with mailers
data sheets (packs including bar code labels)
field notebooks (log)
clipboards (2)
number 2 pencils
pens and waterproof markers
waterproof tags for fish
shipping boxes - multiple sizes
strapping tape
"blue ice bottles"
dry ice
insulated gloves
buckets for fish preserved in Dietrichs (2)
buckets for sorting fish (10)
tap water
Deionized water
squirt bottles
brushes for cleaning gear
scissors
dessicant packages for OataSonde 3
protective glasses
grease gun
60 ml syringes for sediment cores
this manual (2)
Appendix A - 4
-------
Appendix A Revision 3 3/18/92
LAUNCHING CHECKLIST
1. Remove trailer tie-down strap.
2. Install bilge plugs
3. Make sure the keys are in the ignition.
4. Raise all antennas.
5. Make sure hydraulic hoses are not pinched.
6. Install all electronics.
7. Load all gear and supplies.
8. Disconnect trailer wiring.
9. Check the ramp for obstacles.
10. Have wheel chocks and winch handle available.
11. Attach bowline.
12. Check oil and gasoline levels.
13. Switch battery on.
14. Launch boat.
Appendix A - 5
-------
Appendix A Revision 3 3/18/92
RETRIEVAL CHECKLIST
1. Place the truck in 4WD LOW, back down the ramp, and chock the wheels.
2. Drive boat on trailer as far as possible.
3. Raise outdrive and haul boat onto trailer.
5. Attach safety chain.
6. Drive up the ramp, removing wheel chocks.
7. Remove the bilge plugs.
8. Check gas level. Fill before next launching.
9. Lower and secure antennas.
10. Turn off batteries.
11. Install trailering strap.
12. Remove gear and electronics as appropriate. (Electronics are ALWAYS removed at night).
13. Secure all gear not removed.
14. Check lock on the trailer tongue.
15. Reconnect trailer lighting and check lights.
16. Check all safety chains.
17. Take out of 4WO and disengage wheel hubs.
Appendix A - 6
-------
Appendix A Revisions 3/18/92
TRAILERING CHECKLIST
1. Check and lock trailer coupling.
2. Make sure lights are connected and operational.
3. Check coupling ball nut and tighten.
4. Check lug nuts for tightness.
5. Make sure buddy bearings are full of grease.
6. Check tire inflation, including the spare.
7. Check axle and spring bolts for wear, corrosion, or loose nuts.
8. Rinse brakes with fresh water after every exposure to salt water.
9. Check winch cable for wear and tightness of fasteners.
Appendix A - 7
-------
Appendix B Revision 3 3/18/92
APPENDIX B
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY
AND
HANDLING INFORMATION
Appendix B • 1
-------
Appendix B Revision 3 3/18/92
This appendix consists of Materials Safety Data Sheets for all hazardous materials carried by the lab
or boat crews.
Appendix B - 2
-------
Material Safety Data Sheet
from Gemum s Reference Collection
Ccnmm Pub I lifting Corporation
IU5 Ciulyn Sam
Schtmcudy. NY 1:303-1336 USA
P
Issued: September 1983
November 1983
SECTION I. MATERIAL 1DEMIFICATIQN
Dticnpiion , Ort»i* (.«»,: (.'Ted u j Solv«oi for fan. oils. *u«j. rtiiu. rubber. plaauca, v«uhM
.eseea. J.M .s« s .-« =«aufie:urt of 3«flyl uebmyi utaet. amiryt owdt tctue «i4 4i4e«o«« iiconot
.nororora. .Mo::r=. rrasofona. «*pio»i»€». riyoa. pnoiofnpnic filai, iad uapnot. Used to tun actevtcac
' ^e :-e-ueii ;rocest aaiaiy (CPI).
Otdtr 0«mnaiioQi: 31-;•..-<...'crsudfhyiH. DunettiviJceul: Oiotttyt Kctooc;
STEL 1000 pp& :*00 04/01'
ACGIH TLV*.
TI.V.TWA: 7JO ppo. in
TVV..3TIL 1000 ppo.
Toiklty 0»u«
•S«« NIOSH. OTECS (AU150000X for tddiuooai data ««d) rtf
rtproducu««. ouuftaie. aatf vmuav«
crtouaio
^
Maa loluiauoc To" 10 oay «' ^' Hni
SECTION 3. PHYSICAL DATA
feillM PotBt:
M«(lt^rot«
v«por (tarty (Air
Wd|ftc 51 Goat/Mote
% V
-------
Material Safety Data Sheet
from Gemum s Reference Collecuon
Gemum Publishing Corporation
IUJ Caui*n Sovtt
i::03-1336 CSA
'?IS> }".*85S
C(MN«
com.
iad •* *ir?roofia| fiancj; mo uud IA ruoo«r IMS ippUciuoai tad ia eseuaiaf flutdi.
0(a«r Otiiiuttooa: Farmii. Forsuldchyd* Soluuoe: MoreieuU
Ntaaufacmrtr: Caauci your supputr or dufftbuur. Coaiult tA«
3*-«'t Ctudi iCtmun ref. T)1 for i Uit of iuppun.
| SECTION 2. INGREDIENTS AND HAZARDS
Forauidcftyd*.* HCHO, CxS No. 0050-00-0
SECTION t. MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION
Mattnat >im«: FCSMAL.N
Oticripcloa lOrigia I *v: L <«u u i i;jia.'ecaat; u * jtrmietd* tad fva|«id« forplanu icd
:i!J. a ieswy ;'.-s i:i :i.-tr :s?rj; u eanuhcturt pncaoUc rt»mj (fotnarty viMd 10
uaa sui siasea j . >i^.. u--'.c;ii uilu. ceUulou eiun. 4y«. orfaue cRcaicots. |iiu aann.
No. 360
FORMALIN
dUvtsioa 8) • -
Issued: March 1981
Revised: November 1983
M«UuooL CA5 No. 0067-56.1
•S« Commnu ia MEMO ).
••Mcttiyi aicaiwl auy ta
xBo
Commmfc SM NIO3H. OTSCS OPI9UOOO). for totKitr diu
fornaldcftydc in ud forautdaiiyM-»««ttr Mtvao* tfomala);
iPCUOOQOO) (or toiucuy diu (or UM awtuaoi suotbvr coapooi
rormalia.
dju o« tatft ftw
i)rrics
of
.JT1L;
OSHAftLi(SUa«)
1-Hr TWA: 990 ML ZM o
13-M« JTIL UO pp« } 10
ACCW TLV« iSU««).
TLV.TWA; MO W» i
TLV-JTIL. UOpa, 310
SECTIOtH 3. PHYSICAL DATA
20ST (WQ
PoUC <32T(0'O
(H,O • Ui 1.0 « 1.1J
f! A
•fV
to**: u I
Ml «••. CowiBt yo« wvf Ur
for M «•
SECTION 4. FIRE AND CCFLOSIOM DATA
M»TH
UIL
-------
Appendix C Revision 3 3/18/92
APPENDIX C
PERMIT FOR OPERATING MARINE-BAND
VHP RADIO
Appendix C - 1
-------
Appendix C Revision 3 3/18/92
CALL SIGNS
R/V OSPREY
R/V WAHOO
R/V NAUTILUS
R/V MANATEE
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
BOAT RADIO FREQUENCY ASSIGNMENTS
WRH 4387
WRW 8803
WRM 8373
WRG 3330
MOBILE LABS KB 2053
FREQUENCY ASSIGNMENTS
CHANNEL TRANSMIT FREQ.
(MHz)
TYPE OF OPERATION
6
12
13
14
16
20
22A
67
82A
1 56.300 Inte
156.600 Pon
156.650 Brid
1 56.700 Port
156.800 Call
1 57.000 Porl
157.100 Con
1 56.375 Brid
157.125 Working ch
Interchip safety
Port operations
Bridge to bridge communications
Port operations
Calling, safety and DISTRESS
Port operations
Communications with Coast Guard
Bridge to bridge - Louisiana
In addition, all public correspondence channels (marine operator) can be used: 24, 25, 26, 27
85, 86, and 87
".3, 84,
Appendix C - 2
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Appendix D Revisions 3/18/92
APPENDIX D
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FISH PATHOLOGY EXAMINATION
Appendix D - 1
-------
Appendix D Revision 3 3/18/92
FIELD EXAMINATION OF FISH
I. Gross examination of fishes:
At each station, all fish taken in each trawl are examined to assess gross pathological
problems. While each fish is still alive or fresh dead, a thorough external inspection of the
body surfaces, fins, eyes, branchial chamber, and buccal cavity is performed. Record all
observations and measurements on the data sheet, and transcribe into the computer on the
following day.
A. Body surfaces and fins: Note any discolorations of body surfaces (i.e., darkening,
hemorrhaging, cloudiness), raised scales, white spots, or parasites visible to the naked
eye. Also look for any lumps, bumps, or other growths, ulcerations, fin erosion,
deformities of the vertebral column and/or mandibles, swelling of the anus, or any
other abnormal conditions.
B. Eyes: Check the eyes for cloudiness, hemorrhage, exopthalmia (i.e., pop eye), and/or
depression into the orbits. Note any of these abnormalities.
C. Branchial chamber: Examine opercula for any perforations or deformities. Lift opercula
and examine gills. Note color, look for erosion of gills, clubbing or other deformities,
and parasitic infestations. Examine internal surfaces of the chamber for lumps, bumps
or other growths, ulcerations, or any other abnormal conditions. Note any of these
abnormalities.
D. Buccal cavity: Open mouth and examine for any deformities, ulcerations, lumps,
bumps, papillomas and/or growths. Note any of these abnormalities. (This
examination should be performed on all larger fish other than flatfishes.)
II. Selection, killing and fixation for transfer:
Proper fixation of specimens is critical to the ultimate quality of the data obtained. Fish should
be examined and fixed while still alive or shortly after death. Specimens should not be frozen
or kept on ice at any time.
A. All specimens with gross lesions or other suspect conditions, as identified in section
I above, are processed and coded individually. All these fish will be transferred as
indicated below (Section III) to the Gulf Breeze ERL for subsequent examination.
1. Carefully cut the entire length of the abdominal cavity open using scissors or
a sharp knife. Gently insert the scissors into the abdomen near the anus and
make an incision to the operculum. Cut with a lifting motion so that the
incision is made from the inside outward, taking care not to injure the visceral
organs. Make one or two cuts through the livers of fishes larger than 15 cm
and remove opercula prior to immersion in fixative.
2. If the total length of the fish exceeds 15 cm, only a portion of the fish will be
saved for laboratory analysis. Carefully cut through the entire thickness of the
Appendix D - 2
-------
Appendix D Revisions 3/18/92
fish, from the top of the operculum back along the spine and down to the anus.
The head and visceral cavity are then saved. Any abnormalities found on the
remaining portion of the fish (which is to be discarded) are excised along with
the surrounding tissue, and saved with the head and visceral cavity.
3. For fishes smaller than 1 5 cm, the entire fish is saved.
4. If an external growth is present, measure it and slice through the lesion with
one clean cut using a sharp razor blade. Note texture and color of masses and
lesions (both external and internal).
5. Place the tissue sample (visceral cavity and abnormalities excised) in a
perforated zip-lock bag. The perforations must be large enough to permit a
flow of fixative through the bag. Assign an appropriate sample number to each
fish. Record this number in the notebook, along with all other pertinent
information on that fish, and include a numbered tag in the bag with the
sample. Place the bag in a tight sealing plastic container with sufficient
fixative to completely cover the specimen. Whole fish and heads will be
tagged with all pertenent information and placed directly into the fixative.
Specimens should be fixed in Dietrich's fixative.
6. Carefully record pertinent information relating to each individual sample on the
data sheet.
B. In addition to those specimens collected with visual abnormalities, a random,
representative subset of specimens is collected from those fish that do not have visual
abnormalities. All specimens of target fish species (Table 13.4) that "pass" the gross
pathological inspection, up to a maximum of 20 individual fish, are forwarded to GB-
ERL as described in Section VI. Up to twenty (20) specimens of each non-target
species that 'pass* visual inspection are selected randomly from the trawls conducted
at each field stations. Process and code as sample sets from each collection site. Each
boat will carry one 6-gallon pail and two 1 -gallon jars of fixative.
1. Open visceral cavity as described above (section II, A, 1).
2. Fix specimens in Dietrich's fixative as described above (section II, A, 3).
3. Carefully code samples and/or sample subsets with pertinent information,
providing labels on and in containers.
VI. Shipping of formalin-fixed specimens:
Specimens making up a single sample (i.e., random "reference" fish") should then be tagged
as a group. Clearly label individual specimens (i.e., pathology fish) and grouped samples (i.e.,
reference fish) with code tags. The tags should be the same ones that were assigned in the
field. Place tissue sample in zip-lock plastic bags and assure that they are completely saturated
with fixative. Pack individual and bagged specimen in coolers or other suitable containers and
ship via appropriate carrier.
Appendix D - 3
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Appendix E Revision 3 3/18/92
APPENDIX E
FLOW CHARTS DESCRIBING THE ACTIVITIES
PERFORMED AT EACH STATION TYPE
AND THE PROCEDURES FOR
COLLECTING SAMPLES
Appendix E - 1
-------
Appendix E Revision 3 3/18/92
FIELD SAMPLING ACTIVITIES
SAMPLING SITES
ARRIVE ON STATION
AND ANCHOR
RECORD STATION NUMBER
COORDINATES & INFO
PERFORM WATER
COLUMN PROFILE
LIGHT
PROFILE
QA « DEPLOY
DATASONDE
ADJUST ANCHOR
OBTAIN BENTHIC
GRABS
I
GRAIN SIZE
PERFORM (1-2)
FISH TRAWLS
I
AVS
SIEVE FOR
BIOLOGY
3 GRABS
COMPOSITE FOR
CHEM / TOX
4 LITERS
TISSUE
CHEMISTRY
1
GROSS
PATHOLOGY
SPECIES COMP.
i ABUNDANCE
Appendix E - 2
-------
Appendix E Revision 3 3/18/92
SEDIMENT COLLECTIONS
OBTAIN > 8 SEDIMENT
GRAB SAMPLES
EVALUATE EACH FOR
ACCEPTABILITY
LOG NOTES ON APPEARANCE OF GRAB
(3 GRABS)
(5-6 GRABS)
REMOVE 15CC
AVS PLUG
MEASURE DEPTH AT
CENTER OF GRAB
REMOVE TOP
2 CM
REMOVE CORE FROM
CENTER OF GRAB
PLACE IN
SS PAN
MEASURE RPD
IN CORE
BETWEEN GRABS,
KEEP ON ICE
EXTRUDE SEDIMENT FROM
CORE & SAVE FOR GRAIN
SIZE ANALYSIS
STORE
ON
ICE
I
CONTINUE UNTIL
4,000 CC OF SEDIMENT
HAS BEEN COLLECTED
DUMP REMAINING
SEDIMENT INTO BUCKET
STIR SEDIMENT FOR 10 MIN
TO HOMOGENIZE
I
SIEVE THROUGH
0.5 mm SIEVE
RINSE ORGANISMS INTO
SAMPLE CONTAINER
J
PRESERVE WITH BUFFERED
FORMALIN-ROSE/BENGAL
CLEAN SIEVE
1
PLACE 3,500 cc IN NALGENE
FOR TOZICITY TESTING
PLACE 300 cc IN GLASS
JAR FOR CHEMISTRY
PLACE 60 CC IN NALGENE BOT.
FOR GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS
PLACE ON ICE
DO NOT FREEZE
Appendix E - 3
-------
Appendix
FISH COLLECTIONS
Revision 3 3/18/92
DEPLOY
MET
FAY OUT PROPER AMOUNT OF LIME
1
SET APPROPRIATE COURSE
RECORD START TIME AMD COORDINATES
I
TRAWL FOR 10 MINUTES
RETRIEVE NET & DUMP CONTENTS ON DECK
SORT FISH INTO BUCKETS BY SPECIES
COUNT AND MEASURE FISH
i RECORD DATA
AND
EXAMINE ALL FISH OVER
75 mm FORK LENGTH FOR
GROSS EXTERNAL PATHOLOGY
first
second
SAVE 5 FISH FROM EACH
TARGET SPECIES FOR CHEMISTRY
(including diseased fish
if no other available)
SAVE ALL REMAINING DISEASED
FISH FOR HISTOPATHOLOGY
Save 20 non-deseased
Reference fish
GUT FISH
OPEN GUT CAVITY
SAVE ENTIRE FISH OR
30 cm MID-SECTION
IF >15 CM PL, SAVE ONLY HEAD,
GUT CAVITY, AND DISEASED PORTIONS
IF <15 CB PL, SAVE ENTIRE FISH
i PLACE ON DRY ICE
— TAG
PRESERVE IN DIETRICHS
Appendix E - 4
-------
Appendix E Revision 3 3/18/92
PERFORMING A WATER COLUMN PROFILE
SURVEYOR II LIGHT METER
INITIALIZE UNIT
ALLOW UNIT TO
EQUILIBRATE FOR
1 MIN. AT SURFACE 0.1M
MEASURE DO, pH, TEMP/
AND SALINITY AT
*1.0 M INCREMENTS
TO THE BOTTOM
RECORD DATA
ON DATA SHEETS
REPEAT PROCEDURE
AT 1.0 M INCREMENTS
BOTTOM TO SURFACE
INITIALIZE UNIT
RECORD SURFACE
AMBIENT & UW
READINGS
MEASURE SURFACE
AND UW LIGHT ENERGY
SIMULTANEOUSLY
AT *1.0 M INCREMENTS
SURFACE TO BOTTOM
RECORD DATA
ON DATA SHEETS
REPEAT PROCEDURE
AT 1.0 M INCREMENTS
BOTTOM TO SURFACE
* Measurements performed in the Mississippi River vill be at
1.0 m increments down to 10.0 m; after 10.0 m, measurements
vill be performed at 5.0 m increments.
Appendix E - 5
-------
Appendix F Revision3 3/18/92
APPENDIX F
OPERATION OF THE HYDROLAB
SURVEYOR II
Appendix F - 1
-------
Appendix F Revision 3 3/18/92
Setup, Deployment, Calibration, and care of the Surveyor II.
1.0 INITIAL SETUP
1. To assemble the system to perform a water column profile, first attach the four pin connector on
the sensor cable to the sonde unit and the other end of the cable to the display unit socket labeled
"DATA CABLE". The cable is then fastened to the sonde unit lifting ring with the locking pin assembly.
A water circulator assembly is threaded on to the bottom of the sonde unit (in place of the protective
cup) and mated to the data cable via the two pin connection. Finally, the battery cable is attached to
the display unit socket labeled "12 Volts DC" and the unit is ready to be powered up. Note: When
connecting to the boats 12V system the engine must be off.
2. The display unit is operated by selecting the desired parameter on the control dial. Output of that
parameter is then displayed on the LCD.
3. All soft cable connections are made by lining up the raised dot on the female end with the large pin
on the male end. The two cables are pressed together and a pop should be heard if the connection
is done properly.
4. The unit should not be operated if the battery voltage falls below 11 volts.
2.0 CALIBRATION
The unit is assembled (as described above) except that the circulator assembly is not attached.
In its place a calibration cup is screwed on to the sonde unit. The sonde unit is then clamped upside
down (probes up) in a ring stand so that calibration solutions may be added and removed.
2.0.1 Equipment and Supplies
- Calibration Cup and Soft Cover
- Deionized water
- Certified pH buffers 7.0 & 10.0
- Calibrated Refractometer
- Seawater solution
- DO membranes and solution
- Oxygen saturation table
- Scissors
- Tissue wipes
- Calibration sheet
At no time during the calibration procedure turn the instrument off or all new calibrations will
be lost. Calibrations must be saved before switching the unit off.
2.0.2 Dissolved Oxygen
1. Fill calibration cup with deionized water, covering DO membrane, and seal with the soft cover.
Turn the selector to display temperature.
Appendix F - 2
-------
Appendix F Revision 3 3/18/92
2. Gently shake the assembly, observing the temperature, until the temperature no longer fluctuates.
Remove the soft cover and take out enough water so that the level is approximately 1/2 cm below the
membrane. Blot off water droplets on the membrane with the corner of a tissue wipe. Place the soft
cover upside down over the calibration cup and allow the unit to equilibrate for 5 minutes.
3. After 5 minutes note the temperature and change the selector to display DO. Look up the oxygen
saturation for that temperature at sealevel (760 mm Hg) in Table 1. This is the standard value for the
output, note this on the calibration sheet. If the displayed value is different from the standard note
this value on the data sheet and adjust it to the correct value with the slope switch located below the
display. Discard the deionized water in the calibration cup.
2.0.3 pH
1. Rinse probes with deionized water and then fill the calibration cup with pH 7.0 buffer to the level
of the DO membrane.
2. Turn the selector to display pH and allow the reading to stabilize (1 min.). Enter the value displayed
on the calibration sheet. If the displayed value is different from the standard, adjust the output to the
correct value using the zero switch located below the display.
3. Dump the pH 7.0 buffer out of the calibration cup and rinse the probes with Dl water. Refill the
cup with pH 10.0 buffer and allow the output to stabilize. Enter the displayed value on the calibration
sheet. If the displayed value is different from the standard adjust the output to the correct value using
the slope switch located below the display.
4. Dump the solution and rinse the probes with Dl water.
2.0.4 Salinity
Salinity cannot be directly calibrated on this unit. The salinity output is a function of the
conductivity. In this method the salinity of the solution is checked with a certified refractometer and
the conductivity adjusted until the correct salinity is displayed.
1. Fill the calibraton cup with enough saline water to cover the conductivity block. Turn the selector
to display salinity and enter this value on the calibration sheet. Check the salinity of the solution with
the refractometer and enter this value on the calibration sheet as the standard value. If the output
value is different from the standard turn the selector to conductivity and adjust the value up or down
accordingly using the slope switch. Turn the selector back to salinity and check the output. Continue
this until the correct salinity is displayed.
2.0.5 Depth
1. Empty the calibration cup of all solutions.
2. Turn the selector to display depth.
3. If the output is not "0" adjust it to display the correct value using the zero switch below the
display.
Appendix P - 3
-------
Appendix F Revision 3 3/18/92
2.0.6 Saving Calibrations
1. Turn the selector to display" battery voltage.
2. Push both switches, zero & slope, simultaneously away from the display / towards you until the
word "SAVE" appears in the display.
3. The unit can now be safely turned off.
4. Display units and sondes are calibrated as a system and must remain together until they are
recalibrated with another or the same units.
3.0 OPERATION
1. The Hydrolab Surveyor II should be calibrated every morning prior to field operations. A post
sampling calibration check should be performed every afternoon.
2. Assemble the unit to perform a profile. Turn the display unit on and check the battery voltage and
verify that the circulator is functioning.
3. Lower the unit to the water surface making sure the probes are immersed. Allow the unit to
stabilize for a few minutes and then record the surface readings for temperature, pH, DO, and salinity
on the data sheet.
4. Lower the unit to the bottom stopping at 1.0-meter increments (according to the depth display) and
record the output values.
5. Once the unit has found the bottom, raise it to the surface at 1.0 meter increments, once again
record the values.
6. Perform a side-by-side QC check of the Datasonde using the Surveyor II in a bucket of water on
the boat.
7. After completing the profile and QC, disassemble the system and secure it for transport to the next
station.
4.0 SERVICING (Quick Cleanup)
1. To clean the probes of silt, oil, and other soluble compounds fill the storage cup 112 with a warm
detergent solution and gently shake. Use a cotton swab to dislodge any stuborn material and rinse the
cup and probes thoroughly with Dl water.
2. Check the DO membrane for wrinkles or bubbles underneath. If these are present change the
membrane.
3. Check the conductivity block for obstructions. It may be removed for cleaning by removing the two
screws and gently taking the block loose being careful! of the "0" rings on the electrodes. Check the
"0" rings for wear, replace if needed.
Appendix F - 4
-------
Appendix F Revision 3 3/18/92
4. Check all probes for corrosion or the presence of precipitates.
5. If further service is required see the appropriate sections of the units operating manual. This
manual should be located in a ring binder in the mobile lab.
Appendix F - 5
-------
Appendix G Revision 3 3/18/92
APPENDIX G
OPERATION OF LICOR L11000
LIGHT METER
Appendix G - 1
-------
Appendix G Revision 3 3/18/92
1.0 Instrument Setup
Attach the deck cell (190sb) to the Channel 1 BNC connector on the L11000 digital
datalogger. The underwater sensor (192sb) should be mounted on the lowering frame and cabled
to the channel 2 BNC connector on the L11000.
2.0 Instrument Operation
Turn the instrument on using the FCT/ON key. The current software version will be
identified and the instrument will enter the display mode. To change the channel that is being
displayed you press the CHAN key.
3.0 Field Operation
1. Assemble the instrument as described in 1.0 above.
2. Turn the instrument on and display the output for channel 1.
3. Lower the underwater sensor to just below the surface of the water and record the
output for channel 1 on the data sheet. Immediately change the display to channel
2 and record the output. Both the ambient and underwater measurements should
be made simultaneously.
4. The underwater sensor is then lowered to the bottom with ambient and UW
measurements recorded at 1.0 meter increments. Increments will be determined by
1.0m marks on the lowering cable.
5. The measurement process is repeated at 1.0 m increments as the sensor is raised
from the bottom.
4.0 Instrument Service
The datalogger should be protected from direct contact with seawater. It should be wiped
with a damp towel and dried after each days use. All sensors should be rinsed with fresh water
daily. Avoid wetting the BNC connections on both the instrument and sensor cable.
Battery Replacement
The instrument is powered by 6 "D" alkaline bateries. They are replaced by removing the 4
screws from the back of the instrument and removing the cover. Disconnecting the battery pack
connector from the circuit board by pulling it straight up. Remove the 4 screws holding the battery
cover plate and replace the batteries maintaining the polarity. The instrument is then reassembled
by reversing the process.
5.0 Quality Control
All sensor calibration and instrument service is performed at the factory. Each sensor has a
certificate of calibration which must be maintained with the sensor.
Appendix G - 2
-------
Appendix H Revision 3 3/18/92
APPENDIX H
OPERATION OF THE HYDROLAB
DATASONDE 3 DATA LOGGER
Appendix H - 1
-------
Appendix H Revision 3 3/18/92
1.0 INITIAL SETUP AND COMPUTER INSTRUCTIONS
1. Attach the 6-pin .female end of the data cable to the DataSonde unit. Match the raised
bump on the connector to the fat pin on the unit.
2. Plug the 9 pin female connector on the Y-cable into the 9 pin male port at the back of the
GRiD computer (this is identified as port "3", RS232 Serial, on the GRiD case).
3. Plug the external power cable (the round four pin metal connector) into corresponding plug
on the Y-cable.
4. Connect the external power cable to an available 12V power source, either a battery or the
van's 12V power.
5. From the menu on the screen select the 'Datasonde* option. This will prompt the user to
make sure the instrument is properly connected for communications and establish
communications with the Oatasone software.
6. If the instrument had been previously setup it will enter the data display mode and the
current values will scroll across the screen. Press the space bar and the first level
Datasonde menu will appear (also see 9. below).
(P)arameters
(C)alibrate
(V)ariables
(Dogging
(H)eader
(M)easure
Pressing the first letter of the option makes the selection.
7. Pressing "Ctrl X" at any time cancels the option and returns the screen to the data display
mode.
8. Once you have completed the procedure or procedures that were selected you may exit the
Datasonde software and return to the main menu by pressing "ESC".
9. If when you press the space bar and the abbreviated Datasonde menu appears "PCVLHM"
press V, then X, then "Disable" and when the space bar is pressed again the full menu
should appear.
2.0 (P)aramelara
The Parameters selection allows you to choose the parameters that you which to monitor.
This is done by Enabling and Disabling the probes.
1 • Parameter selection menu:
(p)h
Specific (C)onductance
Appendix H - 2
-------
Appendix H Revisions 3/18/92
(S)alinity/TDS
(%)Saturation
Dissolved (Olxvgen
(R)edox
(D)epth
(B)atterv
Pressing the letter in parenthesis makes the selection.
2. After a parameter is selected the choice of (E)nable or (D)isable is given. Enable activates
the requested probe, disable deactivates it.
3.0 (Calibrate
Calibrate is used to calibrate the parameters which you have selected to be monitored.
1. Calibrate menu
(P)H
Specific (Conductance
(S)alinity/TDS
(% (Saturation
Dissolved (Oxygen
(R)edox
(D)epth
(L)abel
(Dime
(l)nterval
(M)essage
2. Each appropriated selection leads you through the calibration procedure for each of the
probes selected.
3. The parameters that will be calibrated for EMAP monitoring will be: pH, Salinity, %
Saturation, Depth, Time, and Interval.
%
3.1 pH CALIBRATION
1. Rinse the probes thoroughly with deionized water and then with the pH 7.0 buffer
solution. This is done by filling the calibration cup with a small amount of solution,
then covering with the black rubber cap and shaking vigorously. Discard the water
and pH rinses when finished.
2. Invert the DataSonde and clamp it to the ringstand (probes will now be pointed
upwards). Rll the calibration cup with pH 7.0 solution until the pH reference probe
is completely covered. Note that pH 7.0 should always be the first buffer
calibrated.
Appendix H - 3
-------
Appendix H Revision 3 3/18/92
3. Let the readings stabilize for 1-2 minutes.
4. Return to-the Hydrolab main menu (hit space bar) and type alibrate.
5. Type H and enter the pH of the buffer solution (7.00). Hit and
the pH will be calibrated. At this point the computer will default to the real-time
mode, and the pH readings should be stable at 7.0. If the readings are not stable,
you may need to repeat steps 4-5. If the Hydrolab does not accept your calibration
value, several things could be wrong:
A. You may have used the incorrect pH solution. Be sure you have entered the
correct value for the solution in the calibration cup.
B. The reference electrode may need to be refilled or replaced. Refer to the
Hydrolab manual, section 3-5, the first three paragraphs.
C. The batteries for the DO probe may need to be replaced. These batteries
also power the pH circuits so that no warm-up is required.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 with the pH 10.0 solution. Rinse the calibration cup and probes
with deionized water between each pH solution.
3.2 SALINITY CALIBRATION
1. Rinse the calibration cup with deionized water, then with two rinses of the standard
seawater. Rll the cup with seawater standard, to just below the level of the
oxygen membrane. Allow the probe 1 -2 minutes to stabilize, and make sure there
are no air bubbles in the conductivity block. Measure the salinity of the seawater
with the calibrated refractometer.
2.
Return to the main menu (hit space bar), type alibrate, then type alinity.
3. Enter the correct salinity value. Hit < RETURN > to calibrate salinity. The correct
salinity should not appear in the display.
3.3 DISSOLVED OXYGEN
1. Rinse the calibration cup and probes with deionized water.
2. Clamp the unit (in an inverted position) and fill the calibration cup with water until
the level is just below the oxygen membrane. Wipe away any droplets on the
membrane with the corner of a tissue.
3. Lay the calibration cup cover upside down (concave upward) on calibration cup and
let the apparatus equilibrate for 2-5 minutes. Equilibration may take some time;
either a pH or salinity standard may be used to double up the calibration process.
4. Once the readings stabilize, return to the menu (press the space bar) and type
Appendix H - 4
-------
Appendix H Revision 3 3/1 8/92
alibrate. Select <%> to calibrate oxygen percent saturation. Enter the
correct barometric pressure (760 mmHg for sea level). Hit and DO will
be calibrated. The Percent Saturation value should read 102.5% (The values for the
low-flow membrane are artificially increased 2.5% to compensate for the thickness
of the membrane). If the Hydrolab does not accept the calibration, check the
following:
A. Whether the DO probe has had sufficient time to stabilize.
B. The Lo-flow membrane (not the standard membrane) is installed, and that it
has had at least 12 hours to 'relax'.
C. The batteries for polarizing the DO probe are installed.
3.4 DEPTH
1. Empty the calibration cup of all solutions.
2. Press the spacebar and select alibrate, then epth form the menus.
3. Enter "0" for the depth and press to calibrate.
3.5 TIME
The Time selection prompts you to enter the correct 'date" and "time" to set the internal
clock which is used for logging. This parameter should be checked each time a calibration is
performed.
3.6 INTERVAL
This selection chooses the time interval at which the selected parameters will be
DISPLAYED to the screen. This does not select the logging interval.
4.0 (Variables
1. Variables selection is used to set up the units for each of the parameters selected, the
types of compensations used for several of the parameters, and the type of Dissolved
Oxygen membrane used. The software leads the user through all of the selections.
EMAP Units
Temperature: Centegrade
Specific Conductance: Conductance-mS/cm-Sart-Auto-Salinity-
Temperature compensated.
%Saturation: 760 mmHg
Dissolved Oxygen: LoRow-Salinity compensated
Appendix H - 5
-------
Appendix H Revision 3 3/18/92
Depth: meters-depth
Autolog: disable
Buzzer: enable
Stirrer: disable
2. Also included under the Variables selection is the Enabling and Disabling of several features
which may be used in the EMAP monitoring.
Autolog: is a feature which will record measurements for all parameters every
hour independent of your logging setup.
Buzzer: operates an internal beeper in the Datasonde which is used to indicate that
the instrument is taking a reading.
Stirrer: operates the optional stirrer which may be attached to the instrument.
Report: displays a summary of the units and compensations selected for each of the
parameters. Useful! for verifying the instruments' setup.
5.0 (Dogging SET-UP AND DEPLOYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
1. Hook up the DataSonde to the computer (see Section 1.0 INITIAL SETUP AND COMPUTER
INSTRUCTIONS, above). From the menu select (Dogging then (S)et up.
2. Enter the file name of the logging file you are setting up. The correct name is LTDO.PRN.
This should also be the default file name.
3. Enter the start date (MMDDYY), start time (HHMMSS), finish date (MMDDYY), and finish
time (HHMMSS) for the logging file. The finish date should be set for 2 days ahead, and the
finish time can be set to match the start time. These parameters should also be recorded
on the Hydrolab deployment data sheet.
4. Set the time interval between readings (this should be 15 minutes, written as 001500, and
should be the default value).
5. Type o to disable warmup. This is not neccessary since the DO probe batteries will
always keep the oxygen and pH sensors 'warm'.
6. Hit the to go back to the Hydrolab menu. Disconnect the external power
supply at this time.
7. Confirm your setup by typing ogging and (for status). There should be only 2
log files: the AUTOLOG and LTDO.PRN. If there are any others, they should be erased.
Also note the amount of battery life remaining for the AA cells (this will only be correct if
the external power was disconnected before asking for Status).
8. Disconnect the cable, and re-attach the dummy plug. Note: Once the unit has been
programmed it will 'sleep* after the data cable is disconnected until the programmed start
Appendix H - 6
-------
Appendix H Revisions 3/18/92
time.
5.1 DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
1. Hook up the DataSonde to the computer (see Section 1.0 INITIAL SETUP AND COMPUTER
INSTRUCTIONS, above). From the menu select (Dogging then (D)ump.
2. You will then be prompted to select which file you wish to Dump. In each case it will be
the file that you setup for the station. The only time you should need to dump the Autolog
file is when the file setup for the station failed and no data were recorded.
3. The data will be dumped in the "printer ready" or capture mode. The user will be prompted
to setup the diskette for recording and the file name to be used.
4. When prompted, you wish to dump the data using the Follow variables and calibration. The
data will not be adjusted according to any new calibration values.
5. The data should be Dumped using No Statistics. Intervals for calculation of statistics will
be chosen after the data resides in the program database.
6. The computer will now perform the tranfer of the data. All data contained in the file will be
captured and written to both a floppy and the hard disk. The hard disk will act as a
backup.
7. To view the file you just downloaded, exit the Datasonde software back to the system
menu. Enter the DOS environment and type the command "Type A:filename". The data
transferred should be scrolled across the screen.
8. Once it has been verified that the data have been successfully captured the Autolog file
may be Erased. The remaining data file may also be Erased, but only after it has been
totally verified that 2 copies of the data file exist for the record.
6.0 HYDROLAB QC CHECKS
QC (Quality Control) checks need to be done on both the retrieval and deployment of the units.
A QC check will be simultaneous readings taken with a Surveyor II whose calibration has been
certified. The OS III readings will be displayed using a Surveyor III display unit cabled to the DSII
sonde. The SVIII is operated in a manner similar to a computer terminal. Space Bar brings up the
menu, the arrows move the selection, and enter makes the selection. Screen selects the values to
be displayed since all parameters monitored cannot be displayed on the same screen.
Simultaneous readings are entered on the Datasonde Reid Sheet which will be entered into the
database with the other field data.
7.0 HYDROLAB'S LoRow DO MEMBRANE
The LoFlow DO membrane must be replaced whenever DO cannot be calibrated or the old
Appendix H - 7
-------
Appendix H Revision 3 3/18/92
membrane is damaged. Calibration of the probe must not be performed for at least 12 hours after
replacement of the membrane. During long-term storage of a Hydrolab, the oxygen electrolyte
should be removed and a dry membrane put over the oxygen sensor.
1. Remove the white DO sensor guard and the 0-ring securing the clear Teflon membrane.
2. Remove the old membrane and gently shake out the old electrolyte fluid. Rinse sensor with
deionized water then with fresh electrolyte. Shake out the old electrolyte and clamp the
unit in the inverted position for easier handling. Refill the probe with fresh electrolyte (fill
sensor until there is a perceptible meniscus of electrolyte rising above the entire electrode
surface of the sensor). Rap the sonde housing firmly with a hard object (like a screw-driver
handle) to release any bubbles trapped on the inner wall of the oxygen probe.
3. Cut a square piece of LoFlow membrane about 1.5" x 1.5" (big enough to cover the probe
end and leave extra membrane). Place the membrane on top of the electrolyte meniscus,
being careful not to trap any bubbles underneath.
4. Set the 0-ring on the membrane above the probe, and using your thumb and index finger,
roll the 0-ring down over the probe until it is seated. Try not to touch the membrane
surface while doing this. Gently tug at the exposed corners to remove any wrinkles, then
trim away any excess membrane below the 0-ring and replace the white DO sensor guard.
Inspect the membrane to make sure there are no bubbles, wrinkles, or cuts.
5. Put the safety cup back on with fresh tap water, and allow the membrane at least 12 hours
before calibration.
6. The time and date of membrane change should be noted in the calibration log sheet.
8.0 BATTERY PACK INSTALLATION AND REPLACEMENT
1. Clean the entire transmitter with soapy water and a soft brush.
2. Once cleaned and properly dried, remove the two hex head Allen screws that hold the
battery pack on to the transmitter housing located at the top (6 prong end) of the unit.
3. Grasp the battery pack and, with a slight back-and-forth twisting motion, pull it from the
transmitter tube.
4. Once the battery pack is free of the housing, gently pull the wiring loose from the
connector inside the housing.
5. Turn over the battery pack and remove the two large hex head Allen screws that hold the
battery pack together. Remove and properly discard the spent batteries.
6. Install 10 new AA alkaline batteries, paying close attention to the polarity of the batteries
and the battery pack.
Appendix H - 8
-------
Appendix H Revisions 3/18/92
7. Reassemble the battery pack.
8. Carefully examine the O-rings sealing the top of the DataSonde. Replace these if any nicks
or deterioration are noted. Make sure that the surfaces of the battery pack and the inside
of the DataSonde walls are clean and free of debris.
9. LIGHTLY coat the O-rings with silicone grease, reconnect the wiring (being careful to note
the orientation of the prongs) and re-install the battery pack.
10. Connect the DataSonde to the computer. Momentarily disconnect it from external power to
make sure that the internal batteries are operating properly. Observe the battery voltage
and note it on the Hydrolab calibration data sheet.
9.0 REPLACEMENT OF PROBES / P.O. BATTERIES
If the temperature, pH, DO, or conductivity probes become obviously damaged or fail completely, it
will be neccessary to replace the entire probe unit. Replacing the probes is a last resort, to be done
only after all other attempts to fix the problem have been tried. If the DO probe fails to calibrate,
or exhibits large changes in apparent oxygen concentration just after the DataSonde is turned on, it
may be neccessary to replace the polarizing batteries. The general instructions for replacing the
DataSonde probes and/or DO batteries are as follows:
1. Remove the two hex head screws at the bottom (probe end) of the unit, and gently pull the
probe end from the housing with a back-and-forth twisting motion.
2. Disconnect the rectangular battery/data connector from one of the interior boards. This is
the connector with the multicolored wires running all the way to the top of the housing.
Release the two black latches over the connector by swinging them down, then pull the
connector away from the board. You can now set the housing aside. [At this point if you
are just replacing the DO batteries, remove the old batteries and install the new ones. Be
careful to observe the correct polarity, and use only mercury 2.7 volt batteries.
Reassemble the DataSonde using proper precautions with the O-rings.I
3. Remove the 6 phillips head screws holding the two boards together, then gently pull the
boards apart (they are joined at the top by pins) and away from their supporting frame.
One board will now be completely free, and can be set aside along with the dessicant
packets found between the boards.
4. The second board will still be attached by wiring at the bottom, but it can be gently moved
out of th« way to access the probe connections on the inside of the end cap.
A. CONDUCTIVIITY / DO PROBE (C/DO)
1. To remove the C/DO probe, first pull out the white paper-like connection
strip where it slides into the small rectangular blue jumper between the
mercury batteries. NOTE that the strip has a half-twist in it; this is the
correct orientation for re-attaching the strip when you are putting the unit
together again.
Appendix H - 9
-------
Appendix H Revision 3 3/18/92
2. Next, remove the C/DO probe cable from the board in the same manner that
you released the Data/Battery cable (release the black latches and pull the
connector out).
3. Release the retaining ring over the end of the C/DO. Use a pair of needle-
nose pliers to pop this ring off.
4. Grasp the C/DO probe and pull it firmly down and out from the end cap.
The data cable and connector will slide through the hole.
5. Reverse this procedure to replace the probe unit, first making sure that the
0-rings on the new probe are lightly greased and free of dirt or cuts.
6. Reassemble the DataSonde with the new C/DO probe by reversing steps A-
D.
B. pH PROBE
1. Remove the Phillips head retaining screw and washer on the inside of the
endcap, just offset from the bottom of the pH probe.
2. Firmly pull the pH probe up into the housing.
3. With a small slotted screwdriver, release the two wires attaching the pH
probe to the green screw-down strip on the board (the black cable attaches
to the 'pH' connection, and the thin black-and-white cable goes into the
'shld' connection).
4. Reassemble the DataSonde with a new pH probe by reversing steps A-C.
Make sure the three small 0-rings are on the pH probe, and that they are
lightly greased with silicone grease.
5. Before completely reassembling the DataSonde, reattach the data/battery
cable, and make certain that you can establish communications with the
computer. If you cannot, double check all your connections and battery
voltages.
Appendix H - 10
-------
Appendix I Revision 3 3/18/92
APPENDIX I
FIELD DATA SHEETS
Appendix I - 1
-------
STATION INFORMATION
STAGING AREA:
STATION DEPTH (ft.):
PLACE STATION ID
LABEL HERE
DAY 1
LORAN
CREW
WEATHER
DATE:(MM/DD/YY)
TIME ZONE: E or C (CIRCLE)
LAT:(00°oo.oo')
LON: 100° oo.oo1)
CAPTAIN:
CREW 1:
CREW 2:
ARRIVAL TIME:
-------
DataSonde - LAB SHEET
50NDE #:
PLACE STATION ID
LABEL HERE
CALIBRATION CHECK
DATE: (MM/DD/YY)
PARAMETER
STANDARD:
MEASURED:
CALIBRATE:
TEMP (°C)
TIME: (HH:MM)
SAL (o/oo)
FIELD ENTRY BY:
pH 7
pH 10
DO (%)
DEPTH
COMPUTER ENTRY BY:
SET - UP
DATE: (MM/DD/YY)
TIME: (HH:MM)
START
STOP
INTERVAL: (HH:MM>
SET-UP FILENAME:
MEMBRANE CHG: (Y or N)
BATTERY CHG: (Y or N)
% LIFE:
FIELD ENTRY BY:
COMPUTER ENTRY BY:
DEBRIEFING
REMEMBER! DEBRIEF USING 'FOLLOW VARIABLES'
DATE: (MM/DD/YY)
SUCCESSFUL LOG: (Y or
N)
TIME: (HH:MM)
SUCCESSFUL TRANSFER: (Y or N)
COMPUTER FILENAME:
ERASED?: (Y or N)
COMMENTS:
FIELD ENTRY BY:
COMPUTER ENTRY BY:
IF NECESSARY, USE BACK OF FORM FOR ADDITIONAL COMMENTS.
|8SONCAL.DB;5)
FORM ID
DSL92A
-------
DataSonde - FIELD SHEET
SONDE #:
PLACE STATION ID
LABEL HERE
DEPLOYMENT
DATE: (MM/DD/YY)
TIME: (HH:MM)
PARAMETER
DataSonde:
Surveyor 11
TEMP (°C)
SAL (o/oo)
PH
DO (ppm)
DEPTH
CALIBRATION REQUIRED: (Y or N)
FIELD ENTRY BY:
COMPUTER ENTRY BY:
CALIBRATION
DATE: (MM/DD/YY)
TIME: (HH:MM)
PARAMETER
STANDARD:
MEASURED:
CALIBRATE:
TEMP (°C)
^-^5^T- - ," ^Mi"
SAL (o/oo)
PH
DO (%)
DEPTH
FIELD ENTRY BY:
COMPUTER ENTRY BY:
RETRIEVAL
DATE: (MM/DD/YY)
[TIME: (HH:MM)
PARAMETER
DataSonde:
Surveyor II
TEMP (°C)
SAL (o/oo)
PH
L_ DO (ppm)
DEPTH
FIELD ENTRY BY:
COMPUTER ENTRY BY:
IF NECESSARY, USE BACK OF FORM FOR ADDITIONAL COMMENTS.
(DSONUSE.DB.-4)
FORM ID
DSF92A
-------
IYDROGRAPHIC PROFILE
PLACE STATION ID
LABEL HERE
QC CHECK
TIME: (HH:MM)
QC'd BY:
'ARAMETER TEMP (°C)
STANDARD:
MEASURED:
;ALIBRATE:
SAL (o/oo) pH 7 pH 10 DO (%) DEPTH
)ATE: (MM/DD/YY) TIME:
-------
SEDIMENT GRAB DATA
PLACE STATION ID
LABEL HERE
SAMPLE
NO. 1
TIME:
DESCRIPTION:
SEDIMENT PROFILE TAKEN: (Y or N)
RPD DEPTH: (mmi
NO. OF JARS USED:
SAV
PRESENT
Y or N
SAMPLE
NO. 2
TIME:
DESCRIPTION:
SEDIMENT PROFILE TAKEN: (Y or N)
RPD DEPTH: (mm)
NO. OF JARS USED:
SAV
PRESENT
Y or N
SAMPLE
NO. 3
TIME:
DESCRIPTION:
SEDIMENT PROFILE TAKEN: (Y or N)
RPD DEPTH: (mm)
NO. OF JARS USED:
SAV
PRESENT
Y or N
IF NECESSARY, USE BACK OF FORM FOR ADDITIONAL COMMENTS.
FIELD
ENTRY
BY:
COMPUTER
ENTRY
BY:
(SEDIMNT.DB;5)
FORM ID
SGD92A
-------
COMPOSITE SEDIMENT DATA
PLACE STATION ID
LABEL HERE
COMPOSITE CONTAMINANTS
METALS
ORGANICS
TOXICITY SAMPLE
TOXICITY
COMPOSITE SEDIMENT PROFILE
SEDIMENT
AVS SAMPLE
AVS
IF
FIELD
NECESSARY, USE BACK OF PAGE FOR ADDITIONAL COMMENTS.
ENTRY
BY:
COMPUTER
ENTRY
BY:
(SEDCOMP.DB.-1!
FORM ID
SGC92A
-------
FISH TRAWL #1
PLACE STATION ID
LABEL HERE
TRAWL
INFO
DATE: (MM/DO/YY)
HELMSMAN:
LINE OUT: (m»
TRAWL
START
LAT: (00° oo.oo)
LON:
TRAWL
DETAIL
TRAWL TAKEN: (Y or N)
IF NO, EXPLAIN:
TRAWL SUCCESSFUL: (Y or N)
IF NO, EXPLAIN:
ANYTHING CAUGHT: (Y or N)
TRASH
TRASH PRESENT: (Y or N)
GLASS
PLASTIC
WOOD
CANS
OTHER:
IF NECESSARY, USE BACK OF FORM FOR FURTHER
FIELD
ENTRY
BY:
COMPUTER
ENTRY
COMMENTS.
BY:
(TRAWLDB.-4)
FORM ID
FT192A
-------
FISH TRAWL #2
PLACE STATION ID
LABEL HERE
TRAWL
INFO
DATE: (MM/DD/YY)
HELMSMAN:
LINE OUT: (mi
TRAWL
START
LAT: (00° oo.oo)
LON:
TRAWL
DETAIL
TRAWL TAKEN: (Y or N)
IF NO, EXPLAIN:
TRAWL SUCCESSFUL: (Y or N)
IF NO, EXPLAIN:
ANYTHING CAUGHT: (Y or N)
TRASH
TRASH PRESENTLY or N)
GLASS
PLASTIC
WOOD
CANS
OTHER:
r IF NECESSARY, USE BACK OF FORM FOR FURTHER
FIELD
ENTRY
BY:
COMPUTER
ENTRY
COMMENTS.
BY:
RAWLDB;4)
FORM ID
FT292A
-------
FISH TRAWL #3
PLACE STATION ID
LABEL HERE
TRAWL
INFO
DATE: (MM/DD/YY)
HELMSMAN:
.INE OUT: (m)
TRAWL
START
LAT: (oo° oo.oo)
LON: (00° oo.oo)
HEADING IN DEGREES
MAGNETIC:
START TIME: (HH:MM>
TRAWL
END
LAT: (00 oo.oo)
LON: 100° oo.oo)
END TIME:
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