1! 5. Environmental Protection Agency
200 SW 35th Street
Con/allis. OR .97333
o
v/
Quality Assurance
Project Plan
Florida Wetlands Study
h5"-
June 1988
' i
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
200 S.W. 35TH STREET
CORVALLIS, OREGON 97333
DATE: May 12, 1989
SUBJECT: USE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN
FROM: Eric M. Preston, Wetlands Research Program
This Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) was prepared to
support a pilot study testing approaches to evaluate created and
restored wetlands. The procedures were the best approaches we
could recommend at the time, but were not evaluated in the field
before the QAPP was used. In fact, a major objective of the
pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of these procedures. As
we analyze the data from this study, we will be able to evaluate
the utility of the various aspects of this plan, refine
procedures, and, in some cases, discard them. Therefore, at this
point, the EPA makes no claims or endorsement of the use of
these procedures for evaluating wetlands.
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June 1988
QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN
FLORIDA WETLANDS STUDY
by
Arthur D. Sherman
Stephanie E. Gwin
Mary E. Kentula
Northrop Services Inc.
Corvallis, OR 97333
in association with
Dr. Mark Brown
Center for Wetlands
Phelps Laboratory
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611
Project Officer
Eric M. Preston
Wetlands Research Team
Environmental Research Laboratory - Corvallis
Corvallis, OR 97333
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY - CORVALLIS
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CORVALLIS, OR 973332
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Name:
Title:
Signature
Name:_
Title
Signature
Signature
Signature
QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN
FLORIDA WETLANDS STUDY
Document Control Number
Revision (0)
Eric M. Preston
Phone
6-*a) 7^7- £**-!
EPA Proiect Of
Mark Brown
Phone
nivarsity of Florida. Proiect Manaoer_
/ /
Date
Name:
Title
James McCartv
OA Officer
Phone
U.S Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
June 1988
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NOTICE
Mention of trade names or commercial products
does not constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use.
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Citation:
Sherman, A.D., S.E. Gwin, and M.E. Kentula, in conjunction with M.
Brown. 1988. Quality Assurance Project Plan: Florida
Wetlands Study. Internal Report, Environmental Research
Laboratory-Corvallis, Oregon. 97 pp. + Appendix.
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FLORIDA STUDY Section No. CONTENTS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES V
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION 1
PROJECT OVERVIEW 1
QA Project Plan vs Project Work Plan 1
QA Philosophy and Rationale 1
QA Decisions and Project Use 2
QA Methods 2
SECTION II
PROJECT DESCRIPTION 4
PRE-SITE PHASE 4
ON-SITE PHASE 4
POST-SITE PHASE 5
Project Products 5
SECTION III
ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES 8
OVERVIEW 8
EPA Management 8
EPA QA Auditor 8
Cooperator 8
PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS 9
SECTION IV
QA OBJECTIVES 12
QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTS OF QA 12
QA FOR SUPPORTING DATA 14
MEASURING PERFORMANCE 15
SECTION V
ROUTINE PROCEDURES USED TO MAINTAIN QA OBJECTIVES 16
QA SYSTEMS AUDIT 16
INTERNAL QA AUDIT 16
Periodic Check in the Field 16
Checks at Every Site 18
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Equipment checks— 18
Data Entry— 18
Checks after sampling a site 20
Checking for completeness— 20
Solving problems encountered— 20
SECTION VI
PROCEDURES 21
SITE SELECTION 21
Procedure 22
Selection of Created Wetlands— 22
Selection of Comparison sites— 24
TRANSECT ESTABLISHMENT 27
Transect Types 27
Vegetation Transects— 29
Basin Morphology Transects— 29
One Pass Sampling— 31
VEGETATION SAMPLING 34
Pre-Sampling Reconnaissance 34
The Pielou Technique 36
Cover Estimates 38
Collection and Identification 42
Plant Specimen Collection and Preservation .... 42
SOIL SAMPLING 44
Laboratory analysis of Soil Samples 47
WATER SAMPLING 48
Procedures 48
Sample Collection Using Pre-fixed Containers ... 50
Sample Handling 51
Laboratory Analysis of Water Samples 51
ELEVATION 53
General Information 53
Procedure for Determining Basin Morphology— 54
Determining Relative Elevations Along
Vegetation Transects— 55
Procedure for Determining Elevation if
Vegetation and Basin Morphology
Transects are Combined— 56
Procedure for Determining Elevations and
Surface Water Depth when Part of a Site
is Inundated— 57
SUPPORTING DATA 59
Sketch Maps 59
Mapping Procedures— 59
Photography 67
ii
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General Guidelines— 67
SECTION VII
SAMPLE HANDLING AND CUSTODY 71
SAMPLE HANDLING PROCEDURES 71
DATA HANDLING PROCEDURES 72
SECTION VIII
CALIBRATION PROCEDURES 74
TRANSIT 74
COMPASS 75
SECTION IX
INTERNAL QA CHECKS 76
FIELD WORK 76
Specific Procedures 77
Vegetation— 77
Elevation— 77
Soils— 78
Water Samples— 79
LAB PROCEDURES 80
ERL-C DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES 80
General Procedures 80
Specific Procedures 81
Vegetation— 81
Elevation— 84
Soil Data From Lab— 85
Water Data From Lab— . . = . , 86
SECTION X
DATA MANAGEMENT AND VALIDATION 88
SECTION XI
ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES 89
SECTION XII
PERFORMANCE AND SYSTEM AUDITS 90
111
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SECTION XIII
REPORTS TO MANAGEMENT
REPORTS TO THE EPA PROJECT OFFICER
REPORTS TO THE PROJECT MANAGER . .
LITERATURE CITED
GLOSSARY ....
INDEX
DATA FORMS
APPENDIX I
APPENDIX II
SITE SELECTION METHODOLOGY
APPENDIX III
QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN for
WETLAND SOIL ORGANIC CONTENT DETERMINATION
APPENDIX IV
ABC RESEARCH LAB'S QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES
Sections 10 & 11
91
91
91
92
93
96
SUPPLEMENT I
MAPPING PROTOCOL
ELEVATIONS
IV
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
Figure 9.
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16,
Project Phases. 6
Gantt Chart Of Major Activities. 7
Project Organization and Responsibilities. 11
Components of Quality Assurance. 13
Methods for Achieving Quality Assurance. 17
The Major Steps in Site Selection. 23
Steps in Transect Establishment. 28
Use of Flagging to Identify Transect. 30
Vegetation Sampling. 35
Placement of the 1-m2 Quadrat. 37
Placement of the 0.1-m2 quadrat. 40
Establishment of 5-m2 Quadrat for Woody
Vegetation. 41
Major Steps in Soil Sampling. 45
Major Steps in Water Sampling. 49
Example of a Finished Map. 66
Form I, General Site Information. 67
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SECTION I
INTRODUCTION
PROJECT OVERVIEW
This project will compare characteristics of naturally
occurring wetlands with wetlands created or restored as
mitigation required under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. It
will also evaluate the utility of the Wetland Characterization
Method developed by Corvallis Environmental Research Laboratory
(ERL-C). The study includes field work and the associated data
analysis. Data on vegetation, soils, and hydrology will be
collected at each site. The study sites will be photographed and
mapped, relative elevation measured, and general site
descriptions compiled.
Project results will be summarized for use by 404 personnel
in making decisions concerning the use of creation and
restoration as mitigation for proposed wetland destruction.
OA Project Plan vs Project Work Plan
This Quality Assurance (QA) Project Plan is designed for use
in conjunction with the Project Work Plan for CERL-C's Wetland
Characterization Method. They are parallel in format and content
and represent the most current version of ERL-C's Wetland
Characterization Method. The QA Project Plan contains specific
concepts and procedures to assure data are of known, high
quality. The Project Work Plan develops rationales for each
component of the study and contains additional detail and
background material.
Due to the annotated nature of the QA Project Plan, it
should be used as a general guide to procedures, both in the
field and during training. The Project Work Plan is the source
of comprehensive discussions of the procedures.
OA Philosophy and Rationale
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged with
the responsibility of providing environmental data for use as a
basis for policy and policy enforcement decisions. The Agency
requires that data quality must be both known and defensible.
Therefore, the primary purpose of this QA document is to
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prescribe procedures to ensure that data are complete, of known
quality, and appropriate for the intended application.
OA Decisions and Project Use
This is a pilot project and, as such, the specific utility
of the data and some QA measurement criteria will not be
established until after the project is completed. Ultimately,
the results of this project will be used to finalize a standard
Wetlands Characterization Method with QA criteria and procedures.
OA Methods
Multiple QA methods are used to ensure that QA objectives
are maintained throughout this project. It is important,
however, that all participants approach tasks with a commitment
to quality, professional work.
Training by personnel familiar with the Wetland
Characterization Method provides the cornerstone to QA. It
consists of oral presentations, study of project documentation,
and practice doing the field work. However, it is recognized
that learning is an ongoing process and field team members are
encouraged to seek clarification if questions arise at any time
during the duration of the project.
Standardized procedures are designed to produce data that
meet QA criteria. Because one goal of this project is to fine-
tune the Characterization Method, participants are asked to
assess procedures and documentation and to make suggestions for
increasing their utility. A formal report to this effect is
required as part of the project.
Field data forms are designed to prompt field personnel to
follow standard procedures. Summary forms assist personnel to
ascertain that tasks have been completed, and that data forms and
samples are correct and complete.
Internal and system audits are incorporated to provide
checks on data validity and ensure that procedures are being
carried out as intended. During the first week of field work, an
EPA QA auditor will monitor activities and recommend corrections,
if required. A QA report will be submitted based on the findings
during this visit. Throughout the field, lab, and analysis
portions of the project, a series of internal QA checks are used
to locate potential problems in project implementation. Checks
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are designed to allow rapid feedback so any required procedural
corrections can be made.
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SECTION II
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project is divided into three phases: pre-site, on-site,
and post-site. A brief description of the associated activities
follows (Figure 1). It is important to note that some activities
occur concurrently throughout the project (Figure 2).
PRE-SITE PHASE
Selection of wetlands to be characterized is the first
activity. Property owners are contacted and permission to enter
the site is acquired. Site packets are then prepared to aid the
field crew in locating each site.
Just before the field work begins, staff from ERL-C's
Wetlands Research Team train personnel in field procedures.
Staff members assist in organizing required supplies and
equipment, then monitor the initial field work.
Botanists, with input from ERL-C staff, determine the value
of "k" to be used with the Pielou Technique.
ON-SITE PHASE
The field crew consists of seven persons divided into three
teams. The three teams are (1) the Botanists (Bl & B2), (2) the
Recorders (Rl & R2), and (3) the Surveyors (SI & S2 & S3). Each
team performs and is trained in specific field procedures. The
most experienced botanist is designated Team Leader.
After the field team locates the site, a reconnaissance is
performed and transects are established. The Botanists and
Recorders collect vegetation data. The Surveyors create the map,
gather the elevation, substrate and hydrology data, and collect
soil and water samples. In Florida, where it is of utmost
importance to keep trampling to a minimum, the Surveyors shall
determine elevations, gather substrate and hydrology data, and
collect soil samples concurrently as they travel along the
transects. Samples and data are collected and stored following
project procedures. Before leaving the site all data forms are
checked for completeness and clarity and the site is cleaned up.
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POST-SITE PHASE
After the field work is completed, the Botanists validate
the identification of the plant voucher specimens and the
Surveyors compile the final maps and site descriptions. The
Recorders organize the data forms, verify their completeness, and
incorporate them into the site packets. Exposed film is
processed and the slides labeled. The Team Leader and the
Project Manager prepare final reports and submit them to ERL-C.
In some cases, where a local laboratory is selected to
perform analysis on soil and water samples, the lab must provide
a QA Plan which meets EPA requirements and pass a Systems Audit
by EPA QA staff. The field team delivers samples to the lab and
the results of the analysis are sent directly to ERL-C for
evaluation and entry into the relevant database.
The data from the field crew and the lab are validated and
analyzed by the Wetland Research Team at ERL-C, which will
produce the final reports.
Project Products
This research project is part of a larger research effort to
evaluate the use of wetland creation and restoration as
mitigation for wetland loss permitted under Section 404. Results
from this study will be presented in a Project Report and will be
related to similar projects in different parts of the country.
Ultimately, the reports and the final version of the ERL-C
Wetlands Characterization Method will be incorporated into a
Mitigation Handbook.
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PROJECT PHASES
1
t
PRE-SITE
o Site Selection
o Notification of
Landowners
o Training
o Sampling
Schedule
o Site Packet
Preperation
o Collection of
Supplies &
Equipment
ON-SITE
o Site location
o Transect
establishment
o Sample collection
o Data collection
o Sample and
specimen storage
o Data Sheet Checks
o Site Clean Up
POST-SITE
o Copy date forms
o Send copies
to CERL
o Prepare report
for CERL
o Validate
Vegetation
Specimens
o Compile Final
Maps
o Organize &
Label Photos
Figure 1.
Project Phases.
into phases.
Major activities grouped
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ACTIVITY < PROJECT DURATION >
START FINISH_
Site selection < >
Training < >
Field work < >
QA System Audit <—>
QA Int. Audits < >
Data to ERL-C < >
Clarification < >
of data
Final data <—>....
at ERL-C
Lab analysis < >
Lab data at ERL-C <->....
Data entry < >. .
Data analysis <->
Field Report < >
Figure 2.
Gantt Chart Of Major Activities. The
relationship between the major activities and
phases in a relative time frame.
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SECTION III
ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
OVERVIEW
This is a cooperative research project between the US EPA
and the Center for Wetlands at the University of Florida,
Gainesville, the cooperating organization. Responsibility for
project execution is divided between both entities (Figure 3).
F.PA Management
ERL-C is responsible for major project funding and general
oversight. The Project Officer, Eric M. Preston, and his staff,
are responsible for ensuring the Cooperative Agreement is
comprehensive and unambiguous. His staff will provide procedural
guidance through documentation (Project Work Plan, QA Project
Plan) and training, and will provide advice, as needed,
throughout the project.
In addition, the Project Officer is responsible for assuring
compliance with terms of the agreement and for initiating
corrective actions if required.
EPA OA Auditor
The EPA QA Auditor is responsible for inspection of field
activities and laboratory procedures for adherence to specified
QA procedures and criteria. The Auditor will present findings in
a report to the Project Officer who will oversee procedural
corrections if required.
Cooperator
The cooperating organization has responsibility for the
project at four levels.
1. The cooperating organization has ultimate
responsibility for the project.
2. The Project Manager (Principle Investigator) has
primary responsibility for managing and executing the
project.
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3. The Team Leader makes onsite technical decisions and
manages the field team.
4. The field team members carry out the field procedures
in a professional manner and seek answers to any
questions arising during field work.
PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
Project personnel must meet minimum education and experience
qualifications to perform the required tasks and make sound
decisions. The major positions and their requirements are:
1. Project Manager (Principle Investigator): This
individual is responsible for project success. Thorough
knowledge of the specific wetlands under study is
required. Proven expertise in the design, execution and
management of major research projects is necessary.
2. Field Team Leader: This person is responsible for
managing the team in the field and for making onsite
decisions regarding the execution of procedures. The
Team Leader is responsible for maintaining a detailed
project notebook. In addition, this person is one of
the Botanists. Thorough knowledge of wetland flora and
ecology is required. Advanced training in plant
taxonomy is required and experience in identification
of wetland plants or grasses is desired. In addition,
the Team Leader needs good leadership skills to
maintain a productive and cooperative team.
3. Botanists (Bl & B2): These team members should be
botanists or plant ecologists with demonstrated ability
to identify common wetland taxa to species.
4. Recorders (Rl & R2): These team members provide
support for the other two teams. Attention to detail,
willingness to follow strict procedures, and industry
are required. Recorders should be self-motivated and
willing to "pitch-in" where needed. Skills identical
to those of the Botanists and Surveyors are desirable.
5. Surveyors (SI, S2 & S3): Skills in elementary
surveying and mapping techniques are needed in this
team. At least one team member with basic training in
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soil science is desirable. Familiarity with basic
operation of a 35mm camera and attention to detail are
also important.
10
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ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
EPA
- i
Provide funding
& project support
T
PROJECT OFFICER
Project overslte,
monitors adherence
to Coop Agreement
ERU-C OA AUDITOR
Conduct OA Audits
& reports
T T
PROGRAM STAFF
Provides training end
documentation. Final
data analysis
LEGEND
COOPERATING
ORGANIZATION
Provide facilities
& menace funas
PROJECT MANAGER
Research management,
agreement fullfillment,
& reporting
AT
T T
TEAM LEADER
Team management, sample
custody, onsite
technical decisions
tl
T T
FIELD CREW
Complete field procedures
& complete data oheetc
Figure 3.
Project Organization and Responsibilities.
Relationship between the EPA and the
cooperating organization illustrating the
flow of information and delegation of
responsibilities.
11
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SECTION IV
QA OBJECTIVES
QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTS OF QA
QA has five basic components (Figure 4). Each addresses a
different aspect of data quality. This section defines these
components, details how they are monitored, and establishes
acceptable limits (criteria) for this study.
1. Precision is a measure of mutual agreement among individual
measurements of the same variable, usually under prescribed
similar conditions. In this project, data precision is
checked through the use of field and lab replicate samples,
standard procedures, and process repetition by separate
individuals.
2. Accuracy is the degree to which a measurement reflects the
true or accepted reference value of the measured parameter.
It is a measure of the bias in a system. Accuracy depends
on the technique used to measure a parameter and the care
with which it is executed. In this project accuracy is
maintained through the use of tested standard procedures,
training, and QA audits. Laboratory analysis is monitored
for accuracy through the use of standards.
3. Completeness is a measure of the amount of valid data
actually obtained compared to the amount that was expected
to be obtained under correct normal conditions. Ideally,
100% of the data for each site should be collected. It may
not always be possible to collect 100% of the information
due to time constraints, adverse field conditions, or sample
loss or contamination. Data and samples can be lost for
many reasons. Two major sources of loss are:
A. Incomplete data or sample collection. This can be due
to unusual field conditions, e.g., too hard a substrate
to dig deep soil pits, accidentally missing a sampling
location, or entering data unintelligibly.
Methodically following procedures will help avoid
missing sampling locations (See Section VI). If
adverse field conditions affect the number of samples
taken, the advisability of using incomplete information
will be decided case by case, with input from the
project statistician.
12
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QA BUILDING BLOCKS
ACCURACY
PRECISION
COMPLETENESS
REPRESENTIVENESS
COMPARABILITY
Figure 4. Components of Quality Assurance.
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B. Lost or damaged data forms or samples. Improper
handling of data forms or samples can result in lost
information. This can be avoided by following
procedures for sample custody and handling (See Section
VI) and making backup copies of field data sheets at
the earliest opportunity.
For the purposes of this study, meaningful results can still
be obtained if at least 80% of the data and samples for a
given site are collected. When incomplete data collection
or sample acquisition occurs, the circumstances should be
described in detail in the notes on the site to provide a
warning prior to data analysis.
4. Representativeness expresses the degree to which data
accurately and precisely represent a characteristic of the
parameter measured. Representativeness is exceptionally
important to two procedures in this project—site selection
and transect establishment. If the sites and transects are
selected properly, data and samples should represent typical
conditions of the population being sampled.
5. Comparability expresses the confidence with which one data
set can be compared to another. Variability in data due to
collection by different investigators should be minimized.
If there is large variability due to the various
investigators, conclusions based on their data comparisons
are dubious because they may reflect investigator
differences rather than site differences. In this project,
standardized procedures, training, and internal QA audits
are used to both minimize variability and determine the
level of comparability achieved.
QA FOR SUPPORTING DATA
Site descriptions and mapping provide supporting data for
quantitative procedures. Although no specific numerical QA
objectives are established for these activities, high levels of
comparability and accuracy are expected and supported though the
use of standard operating procedures and training.
14
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MEASURING PERFORMANCE
Achievement of established QA criteria will be checked
periodically throughout the project. Specific methods for
checking performance are presented in Section IX.
15
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SECTION V.
ROUTINE PROCEDURES USED TO MAINTAIN QA OBJECTIVES
Training, use of standard procedures, and system and
internal audits are the primary methods used to achieve the QA
objectives established for this study (Figure 5). Training was
performed by ERL-C staff prior to the final preparation of this
document. Standard procedures are presented in subsequent
sections of this volume. Audits are described below.
QA SYSTEMS AUDIT
During the first week of the field work a Systems Audit will
be performed. The audit evaluates the performance of field
personnel. In addition, it assesses the appropriateness of
equipment and procedures. The auditing team consists of one
member of the ERL-C Wetlands Research Team and an EPA Quality
Assurance Auditor. The auditors will provide suggestions for
correcting problems as they are observed. Ultimately, a written
report will evaluate team performance and suggest corrective
actions.
INTERNAL QA AUDIT
Internal QA audits are used throughout data collection and
processing. Audit activities also are incorporated into the
field, lab, and data analysis phases. Audit frequency and timing
is dependent on the number of wetlands to be sampled and the
length of the study.
Periodic Check in the Field
Data collection activities are audited periodically during
the field season. Duplicate sampling and data collection by
alternate team members, container blanks, and field blanks are
employed in the audit. The duplicate samples, standards, and
blanks are handled and identified in the same manner as regular
samples to avoid possible bias during laboratory analysis.
Duplicate data and sample analyses are evaluated by ERL-C to
determine if QA performance criteria are being met. Below are
brief descriptions of major audit procedures.
The following procedures provide a measure of the
comparability of data collected by different individuals.
16
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METHODS FOR ACHEIVING QA
STANDARD
PROCEDURES
INTERNAL
AUDITS
Figure 5. Methods for Achieving Quality Assurance.
17
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Steps three and four are used to assess the precision of the
laboratory analysis.
1. Botanists collect duplicate data at a minimum of four
vegetation plots. Each botanist samples two plots
previously sampled by all other botanists on the team. Both
Pielou and cover estimates are performed.
2. Surveyors switch responsibilities, move and re-level the
transit, and repeat elevation sightings at ten sampling
plots.
3. Duplicate soil samples are collected (See Internal Audits,
Section IX).
4. Duplicate water samples are collected at one sampling
location, e.g., at either the inlet or outlet at a site. In
addition, "field" blanks of double distilled water and
"container" blanks are delivered to the lab with the water
samples.
Checks at Every Site
Equipment checks—
To obtain accurate field data, equipment must be in good
working order and accurately calibrated. Before performing a
procedure, all equipment should routinely be examined and the
appropriate calibration tests conducted. Equipment should be
cleaned and properly stored following each use in the field.
Checks and calibration procedures are presented in the Standard
Procedures and Calibration sections.
Data Entry—
Poor data entry is a source of bad or lost data.
Inadvertent use of bad data in analysis leads to inaccurate
results and the reporting of misinformation. Lost data due to
data recorded incorrectly or unintelligibly reduces the value of
the study and wastes the time of the team members who gathered
the information.
Three major sources of errors have been identified,
misplaced entries, unintelligible entries, and incorrect entries.
Procedures to minimize such errors are presented below.
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Entering data on data forms; Effort has been made to make
the data forms easy to follow. However a few additional
precautions will help avoid bad data due to misplaced entries.
1. Take time to ensure the data is being recorded in the
correct row and column. When recording numerical data
on a matrix form it is easy to lose one's place.
2. Verify which plot is being sampled each time a move is
made. Check with a teammate.
3. If data must be entered in a non-standard location on
the form, document what you did and why it was done.
On the form write the information nearby or write a
number, circle it, then, at the bottom of the page or
in the margin, repeat the circled number, write the
correct data, and initial the entry.
4. Some forms are similar in appearance so make sure that
the correct one is being used.
5. Never enter data from more than one transect on the
same data form.
Avoiding unintelligible entries—
1. Use a black pen. Never use pencil. Black pen
makes better copies.
2. Write carefully and don't rush.
3. Use a clipboard and an additional clip to hold the
paper down if windy.
4. Use the following rules for writing numbers:
-Leave the tops of 4's open.
-Close the tops of all 9's.
-Cross all 7's.
-Slash all O's.
-Make certain one can distinguish between
5's, 8's and 2's.
5. After entering a data set, stop and examine the
data sheets for legibility and completeness.
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Avoiding incorrect entries— In many cases throughout this
project, one person calls out data and another records it (the
Recorders). Before writing data down, Recorders should repeat
names to verify accuracy. Ask a Botanist to verify the spelling
of plant names. Watch for numerical transpositions.
Correcting errors in entries— Never erase. Draw a line
through mistakes, write the correct information neatly nearby and
initial the entry. If there isn't enough room to write the
correct information, write a number and circle it, then, at the
bottom of the page or in the margin, repeat the circled number,
write the correct data, and initial the entry.
Checks after sampling a site
Checking for completeness—
After sampling is complete, but before leaving the site, the
Team Leader should carefully examine all data forms and samples.
The Master Checklist should be completed at this time, e.g., each
data form should be checked off as it is verified for
completeness and legibility. In particular, check that headings
are complete, e.g., that site name, date, team member's initials,
QA status, and any other information is filled in. Examine data
entries for readability.
Solving problems encountered—
If data is missing or illegible, the Team Leader should
attempt to rectify the problem before leaving the site. If the
problem cannot be corrected, the Team Leader should fully
document the situation on the appropriate data form(s). If the
problem involves a significant quantity of data, the Principal
Investigator should be contacted to determine what corrective
action should be taken.
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Section No. VI
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Page
SECTION VI.
PROCEDURES
This section documents the procedures for each of the main
project activities. For each activity, a brief description is
given followed by a materials and supplies list. Finally, the
detailed procedure is presented.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES LIST
* Clipboards (1 per crew member) * Waterproof Pens
* Large rubber bands to go * Permanent Markers
around clip boards. * Cups
* Form Folders or File Folders * Cooler for food
* Data Forms * Water Jug - for drinking
* First Aid Kit including * Paper Towels
Bee/Insect bite and sting * Soap
medication. * Water Jug - for washing
* Heavy String or Twine * Baskets to contain
* Large plastic bags equipment & supplies.
SITE SELECTION
This research project involves sampling naturally-occurring,
comparison wetlands and created or restored wetlands. Axiomatic
to the CERL Wetland Characterization Method is the use of
wetlands which are "representative" of the area of interest. To
accomplish this, sites are randomly selected from the local
population of wetlands of the size and type under consideration.
US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) National Wetland Inventory
(NWI) maps (or comparable maps or photos) are used to identify
the parent population of "comparison" wetlands. Section 404
permit records are used to identify the parent population of
created or restored wetlands.
Important site selection QA objectives are
representativeness and comparability. A high level of
representativeness assures that the sites selected are typical
of wetlands of that type and size in the study area. High
comparability ensures that a similar set of wetland sites would
be selected for study regardless of the individual performing the
selection procedure. To maintain comparability between projects,
the FWS wetland classification system (Cowardin, et al. 1979) is
21
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Section No. VI
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i°t
used. The Project Work Plan contains additional details on the
site selection procedure.
Procedure
This section describes the main components of the site
selection procedure (Figure 6). Variations in the procedure may
be required depending on the amount of information available or
if alternate sources are used in identifying the parent
populations. Departures from these procedures have been approved
by the EPA Project Officer and are found in Appendix II.
After all the sites have been selected, each is assigned a
unique, three digit "Site Code" number. Number the comparison
sites consecutively, starting at 100. Number the created and
restored sites consecutively, starting at 500.
The size and type of wetlands studied depends on the types
of wetlands being created or restored in the study area. After
the size and type are chosen, site selection proceeds as follows:
Selection of Created Wetlands —
1. List all created or restored wetlands in the 404 permit
record of the correct size and type in the area to be
studied.
2. Number sites sequentially.
3. Use a random number table or a random number generator
to select the order in which sites will be considered
for sampling. Select at least 50% more sites than you
plan to sample (if they are available) so alternatives
are available if access is denied or other problems
develop.
4. Field check each site in the order selected to ensure
that it exists. If the site is on private land, try to
obtain permission to see the site before entering the
property.
5. Photograph any potential sites and any landmarks to
help field crews locate sites for sampling.
6. Obtain permission to enter and sample the sites which
are suitable.
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FLORIDA STUDY
Section No. VI
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Paqe_3 of •V'?
SITE SELECTION
SELECT
WETLAND TYPE
SELECT
CREATED
WETLANDS
SITE
RECONNA1SANCE
SELECT
COMPARISON
WETLANDS
SITE
RECONNAISANCE
FINAL
SELECTION
FINAL
SELECTION
Figure 6.
The Major Steps in Site Selection.
23
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Section No. VI
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Page
7. Prepare a list of sites to be sampled, i.e., those
suitable, where access is possible, taken in order from
the list generated in Step #3 above.
8. Prepare site packets for the field crew. Each packet
should contain the following:
A. A road map marked with site location.
B. Photograph(s) of site.
C. Name, address and phone number of property owner.
D. Special instructions, e.g., close the gate, call
before sampling, best way to drive there, etc.
Selection of Comparison sites—
1. Outline sampling area on NWI maps or equivalent. (See
Project Work Plan for a complete discussion on
determining the area to be sampled.)
2. Place a grid with a cell size of approximately 260 ha
over the area on the map.
3. Number the cells sequentially, starting at the
northwest corner of the area. Include all cells which
overlay some part of the study area.
4. Have a second person verify that all cells containing
some area of interest are numbered.
5. Using the random number table or random number
generator, select cells one at a time.
6. After selecting a cell, locate each wetland in the cell
which is the correct size and type and which is at
least partly within the cell. Use area templates to
determine wetland size and NWI map codes to determine
type. Number the wetlands in each cell that meet the
size and type criteria with the next consecutive number
from the last cell. Each wetland should have a unique
number.
7. Record the total number of "numbered" wetlands in each
cell.
8. Continue selecting cells and counting the wetlands as
above.
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Section No. VI
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9. Following the procedure in Step #6 above, have a second
person independently count the number of wetlands of
the size and type of interest in every fifth cell, and
measure the size of those that are considered. The
number of wetlands obtained should be the same and the
size estimate should be within ten percent (10%) of
each other. If these criteria are not met, the
recorders should practice until the required accuracy
is achieved, or the reason for the difference
identified and any corrections required made.
10. After the data from each group of five cells is
recorded, calculate the mean number of wetlands per
cell.
11. Continue recording the data from groups of five cells
until the mean number of wetlands per cell doesn't
change by more than 0.1 wetlands for two consecutive
calculations. The wetlands which are counted in this
process constitute the sampling population for final
site selection.
12. Use a random number table or a random number generator
to select the order in which sites will be considered
for sampling. Select at least 50% more sites than you
plan to sample (if they are available) so alternatives
are available if access is denied or other problems
develop.
13. Field check each site in the order selected to ensure
that it exists. If the site is on private land, try to
obtain permission to see the site before entering the
property.
14. Photograph any potential sites and any landmarks to
help field crews locate sites for sampling.
15. Obtain permission to enter and sample the sites which
are suitable.
16. Prepare a list of sites to be sampled, i.e. , those
suitable, where access is possible, taken in order from
the list generated in Step *3 above.
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17. Prepare site packets for the field crew. Each packet
should contain the following:
A. A road map marked with site location.
B. Photograph(s) of site.
C. Name, address and phone number of property owner.
D. Special instructions, e.g., close the gate, call
before sampling, best way to drive there, etc.
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TRANSECT ESTABLISHMENT
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY LIST
At least four 100-m all
weather measuring tapes
(Ben Meadows #122608
or equivalent)
Red, Yellow and Blue
flagging
Several 24" Wooden Stakes
Two 5-lb. Hammers
Nylon Straps to bind
wooden stakes for carrying
At least four 1.5-in lengths
of Rebar (1/2 to 5/8 inch in
diameter)
At least four 3-m lengths of
PVC pipe (1/2 inch in
diameter)
Transect establishment is one of the first procedures
performed at each site. Although specific procedures are
provided for establishing transect locations, the process
requires a good deal of professional judgement. Care must be
taken when establishing transects because their location
determines the representativeness of the sample.
To ensure high levels of comparability among personnel,
emphasis is placed on good documentation and field training.
Transect Types
Two types of transects are used at each site, vegetation and
basin morphology. However, once their respective locations have
been chosen, the process for laying out and marking both types is
essentially the same (Figure 7). Whenever possible, vegetation
transects should be located so that basin morphology can also be
determined. This eliminates the need to place additional
transects for determining basin morphology.
The following apply to all transects:
-The Team Leader is responsible for determining transect
locations.
-Personnel should always walk on the left side (the side on
the left when walking away from the starting point) of
27
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TRANSECT ESTABLISHMENT
INSPECT
SITE
DETERMINE TYPE. NUMBER. & LOCATION
DETERMINE
& FL^Q ENDPOINTS^-'
CALCULATE PLOT SPACING
DOCUMENT RATIONALE
Figure 7.
Steps in Transect Establishment.
28
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vegetation transects to avoid trampling vegetation in
sampling plots.
-The number of transects used and their lengths may vary
from site to site depending on the wetland's size, shape, or
the distribution of the vegetation. The Team Leader should
clearly document what was done in each case. Care should
also be taken to ensure that the Recorders understand what
is to be done before they establish the transect end points.
-Number the transects #1, #2, #3, etc., starting with the
vegetation transects and then the morphology transects, so
each has a unique number.
-Mark transects with stakes or rebar and PVC pipes, and
flags. Use the following system to avoid lost or bad data
due to mis identification of transect and plot numbers
(Figure 8).
1. Indicate the beginning of each transect with
yellow flagging attached to the stake or PVC pipe.
2. Indicate the end of each transect with blue
flagging attached to the stake or PVC pipe.
3. Use multiple bands of flagging to indicate the
transect number, e.g., transect one has one band,
transect two has two bands, etc.
Vegetation Transects—
Vegetation transects determine the location of sampling
plots for vegetation, soils, and hydrology data collection.
Transects are placed to best characterize the wetland and
represent the major vegetation community types. If possible,
they should also be parallel to any gradient that seems to be
influencing the distribution of the vegetation. Transects should
collectively total no more than 200 m in length and contain a
total of 40 sampling plots. The number and lengths of individual
transects may vary depending on site conditions.
Basin Morphology Transects—
Basin morphology transects are established across the
wetland basin from one upland edge to the other. Relative
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STAKE CODING
TWO BANDS DENOTE
TRANSECT #2..
BLUE FLAGGING
WOULD INDICATE THAT
THIS WAS THE END.
Figure 8.
Use of Flagging to Identify Transect. The
number of bands of flagging on a stake
denotes the transect number. The color of
the flagging indicates the beginning and end
of the transect. Yellow indicates the
beginning; blue, the end.
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elevations along the transect(s) are measured to provide
information about the wetland basin's shape.
The steps in establishing basin morphology transects are:
1. The Team Leader, with input from the Surveyor(s),
determines where transects should be placed to
represent the shape of the wetland's basin
(provide a cross section). Complex basin shapes
may require more than one transect to adequately
represent the site conditions.
2. Under the direction of the Team Leader, the
Recorders place stakes at transect endpoints and
mark them with flagging (Figure 8).
3. If stakes marking transect endpoints are hidden by
high vegetation, use rebar covered with white PVC
pipes to mark the transect ends.
One Pass Sampling—
In wetlands that are sensitive to trampling, it may be
advisable to use a sampling method that requires as few trips as
possible along each transect. If this is preferred, the
recorders extend the meter tape as the botanists sample each plot
on Vegetation Transects. Stakes will not be used to mark the
plots. Instead, plot spacing will be calculated and the marks on
the meter tape used to determine placement of the sampling
frames.
If separate Basin Morphology Transects are needed, the
surveyors will extend the meter tape as they conduct the
elevation determinations and progress up these transects.
The steps in establishing "one pass" transects are:
1. Team Leader inspects the site and determines
transect locations.
2. Team Leader determines the number of transects to
be established and the direction of each, and if
separate Basin Morphology Transects are required.
NOTE: If the Vegetation and Basin Morphology
sampling is to occur along the same transects, the
transects must start in the upland. The location
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of the first vegetation plot will be located at
the first plot along the transect which occurs in
the wetland. This plot must be marked with a
stake.
3. Under the direction of the Team Leader, the
Recorders determine the length of each transect
with a range-finder or transit and mark the
beginning and end for each. Vegetation transects
must be long enough collectively to allow for a
total of 40 sampling plots no less than 1.5 m
apart. Document reasons for any variation from
this number of plots.
4. The Recorders place stakes at the beginning of
each transect and attach flagging. (Figure 8.)
Attach the meter tapes to these stakes with
flagging.
5. The Recorders firmly plant the rebar into the
ground at the end of each transect. Attach
flagging to the PVC pipe and slide it over the
rebar to mark the end of the transect. This
provides an easily viewed point for the Botanists
and Recorders to aim towards as they progress
along the transect.
6. The Recorders calculate the number of plots per
transect and the spacing between plots by dividing
the total length of transect, i.e., the lengths of
all the transects added together, by 40.
7. The Botanists will extend the tapes as they
progress up the transects.
8. The meter tapes will be left in place after the
vegetation sampling to allow sampling of
elevation, surface water, and substrate sampling
by the Surveyors.
9. After all sampling has been completed, the meter
tapes are removed by reeling them in from the end
of each transect. The stakes, PVC pipes, rebar
and flagging are then removed.
Vegetation sampling will be done by the Botanists as they
progress up each transect. Following the vegetation sampling,
32
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the surveyors will advance up the transect and gather elevation
data, surface water data, substrate data and soil samples
concurrently. Using this method will keep trampling of the
vegetation to a minimum by requiring that each person make only
one pass up each transect.
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VEGETATION SAMPLING
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY LIST
* 0.1-m2 Rectangular Quadrat * Vegetation Forms
(dimensions: 0.5mX0.2m) * Regional Flora
* 1-m2 Rectangular Quadrat * Pens
(1.5 to 2 m on the long side) * 6-centimeter ruler
* Plant Presses with blotters * Trowel
and ventilators * Hand Lenses
* Newspapers for plant pressing * "Lunch sack" size brown
* Heavy Twine paper bags.
Three separate, but related, vegetation sampling activities
are performed at each site (Figure 9). Two (Pielou and Cover
Estimates) involve observing and recording vegetation
characteristics in sampling plots located along the vegetation
transects. To avoid unnecessary trampling of the site, both
procedures are done during a single visit to the plot. When
recording vegetation data, the Botanist calls out the species
name to the Recorder. The Recorder confirms the name by
repeating it back to the Botanist, then writes it on the data
sheet.
The third vegetation sampling activity involves collecting
and identifying species observed at the site.
Comparability, accuracy, and completeness are the major
areas of concern for QA in vegetation sampling. High levels of
comparability ensure similar results from different field workers
and is provided by selecting qualified field personnel, providing
adequate procedural documentation and training, and conducting
periodic internal audits (See Section IX) if the site is sampled
on a QA day. Accurate vegetation identification is ensured by
post field work specimen validation. Completeness is enhanced
through training and the use of standard procedures.
Pre-Sampling Reconnaissance
Upon arrival at the site, the Botanists conduct a
reconnaissance to determine the general nature of the vegetation
and to identify the best locations for transects.
1. During this reconnaissance, samples of plants are collected
and photographs are taken (See "Supporting Data" section).
Plants species previously collected at other wetlands don't
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VEGETATION SAMPLING
ESTABLISH
TRANSECT
LOCATIONS
ORGANIZE
EQUIPMENT
PIELOU
SAMPLING
SPECIMEN
COLLECTION
COVER
ESTIMATES
VEGETATION
PHHOTOGRAPHY
PRESS
SPECIMENS
CHECK
FORMS
Figure 9.
Vegetation Sampling. Overview of the steps
in vegetation sampling. The major data
collection activities, Pielou Sampling, Cover
Estimates and Specimen Collection, are
highlighted.
35
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Section No. VI
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need to be collected again. Place specimens in brown paper
bags to reduce breakdown and decay prior to pressing.
2. Botanists should jointly agree on pseudonyms for plants they
can't identify in the field. Use a name like "unknown herb
fl" or "unknown seedling tl".
3. Specimen collection continues throughout the site visit as
new species are found.
4. Rare plants should not be collected. They should be
carefully photographed and recorded in the Team Leader's
notebook.
5. Photographs of vegetation patterns, unusual plants, and the
general vegetative composition should be taken using
standard photographic procedures (See "Supporting Data"
procedure section).
The Pierlou Technique
The Pielou Technique uses the most commonly occurring
species (both woody and herbaceous) at sites to statistically
determine the probability that the plant communities at two sites
are the same, or if one is a subset of the other. The method
involves very little disturbance of the vegetation, so it is
performed before the cover estimates. Use Form Dl when recording
Pielou data.
General Procedure
1. Complete the heading on each data form. Take the time to do
this before starting to record data. Be sure to record the
meter tape readings where each plot is read. Don't record
data from more than one transect on a data form. If more
than one form is required to complete a transect, repeat the
species names in the same order on each form.
2. Starting with plot 1, on the transect being sampled, the
Botanist places the 1-m2 quadrat so that its near right-hand
corner is adjacent to the appropriate distance on the meter
tape and the long side parallels the transect (Figure 10).
3. Starting at the center of the plot and moving in expanding
circles, identify up to k number of common species. Enter
the species names on the data form, numbering them
consecutively from one to k as they are identified in each
36
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Square —Meter Quedret
Stake
I
7
D
Stake #O
/
D
Transect Line
Increasing Plot Numbers
Figure 10.
Placement of the 1-m2 Quadrat
37
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Page /? of ^
plot. K is established by the Project Manager prior to
beginning the field work and is a constant throughout the
study. It is determined by pre-sampling wetlands similar to
those to be sampled to determine the maximum number of
common taxa found in a 1-m2 sampling plot. In studies
involving wetland types with high vegetation diversity, k
will have a large value, while studies involving wetlands
with a more monotypic plant community will use a smaller
value for k.
Time limits will be used in an effort to standardize the
procedure and eliminate researcher's tendency to zealously
search for k number of species, which defeats the purpose of
Pielou, i.e., that of identifying commonly occurring
species. The botanist will identify up to k commonly
occurring species within the first 30 seconds. If k species
are not identified, this is noted on the data sheet by
drawing a triangle around the number of the last species
recorded. The botanist then uses another 30 seconds to
attempt to find k species. If k species are not identified
within this extended time, this is noted on the data sheet
by drawing a circle around the number of the last species
recorded. The botanist continues to identify commonly
occurring species up to k if they are found in the quadrat.
NOTE: The key word in this procedure is "common". Only the
common species should be recorded. If there are fewer
than k species in the plot that can be found easily,
record only the number found. (Don't "scrounge" for
more!) Hunting for seedlings so that k species are
listed in every plot defeats the purpose of the
technique and distorts the analysis.
4. Leave the quadrat in place for use in making the cover
estimates.
Cover Estimates
Vegetation cover estimates involve recording the percentage
of each sampling plot covered by each species' undisturbed
canopy. The measurements are general and no effort should be
made to adjust for discontinuities in the canopy of species with
open habits. For example, Botanists should not account for small
openings in the canopy in a patch of vegetation when estimating
cover. Because species can overlap each other, the sum of cover
percentages will often exceed 100%. Record data on Forms Dl &
D2.
38
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General procedure:
1. The headings on each form should have been completed earlier
(during Pielou). Ensure that this was done before starting
to record data. Don't record data from more than one
transect on one data form. If more than one form is
required to complete a transect because the transect
contains more than 20 plots, repeat the species names in the
same order on each form.
2. If vegetation at the plot is predominantly herbaceous plants
>30 cm in height, use the 1-m2 quadrat. The quadrat should
be in place from doing Pielou, as illustrated in Figure 10.
OR
If vegetation at the plot is predominately graminoids or
small herbaceous plants <30 cm in height, and the vegetation
composition, distribution, and density appear homogeneous
within the 1.0-m2 quadrat, use the 0.1-m2 quadrat. Place
the 0.1-m2 quadrat in the right near corner of the l-m2
quadrat for odd-numbered plots and in the right far corner
of the l-m2 quadrat for even-numbered plots (Figure 11).
AND
If vegetation at the plot includes woody species (trees and
shrubs), create a sampling quadrat of 5-m2. Use the length
of the l-m2 quadrat placed on the meter tape as the width of
the 5-m2 quadrat. Form the long side of the 5-m2 quadrat by
extending a pole or a length of twine betweenC2.5 and 3.3
meters perpendicular to the transect and parallel to the
right hand edge of the l-m2 quadrat. (Figure 12).
Cover estimates will be made within both the l-m2 sampling
quadrat and the 5-m2 sampling quadrat when woody vegetation
is present. Make cover estimates for all herbaceous species
within the l-m2 sampling quadrat. Then make cover estimates
for woody species within the 5-m2 quadrat.
3. Record the name or the appropriate pseudonym for all species
found within the quadrat and estimate percent cover using
the following guidelines for precision:
39
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Section No. VI
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Page 30- of
(A)
— Meter Quadrat
\
Plot #2.
D
O.I Souare-Mater Ouecret
Increeslno Plot Numbers
Trensecl Une
Plot
(B)
Soue re — Meter OueOret
Plot **3
\
D
\
O.T SQuare — Meter Ouaor
,/
Plot
-------
FLORIDA STUDY
Section No. VI
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PageJ?/ of y?
Lv
i. I
1.O Square-Meter^
Quadrat
6m
I
.V.?-
5.O Square —Meter
Quadrat
3m
Increasing Plot Numbers
Transect Line
Figure 12.
Establishment of 5-m2 Quadrat for Woody
Vegetation, within the quadrat with standing
water, both with or without emergent
vegetation.
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For Cover Of: Use Increments of:
1 to 5% One Percent
>5% to 30% Five Percent
>30% Ten Percent
Use Form Dl for herbaceous species and D2 for woody species.
NOTE: Include canopy of all vegetation that falls within
the quadrat even if the plant originates outside
of the quadrat.
4. If standing water is present within the sampling frame,
estimate its extent as a percentage of the quadrat. The
value recorded should reflect the total amount of the area
within the quadrat with standing water, both with or without
emergent vegetation.
5. Estimate the percentage of the plot without vegetative cover
or standing water and record as bare ground.
Collection and Identification
This procedure involves collecting all plant taxa observed
during the project both in and out of the sampling plots. Plants
are labeled, pressed, and used for species validation (See
Section IX). In addition to validating species identification,
the procedure provides a plant list for the local wetlands of the
type and size under study.
After all vegetation sampling is completed, specimen plants
are carefully labeled and pressed.
Plant Specimen Collection and Preservation
Standard procedures for plant collection and preservation
are used. The process is briefly outlined below. For a more
complete discussion see a commonly used plant taxonomy text.
Collection:
1. Plants should be collected in flower or fruit, if possible.
2. If the specimen is small, collect the entire plant,
including roots.
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3. If the specimen is large, collect some of the root, part of
the stem with leaves, and part of the inflorescence.
4. If the plant is woody, collect twigs with leaves and fruit.
5. Collect enough plant material to ensure adequate foliage for
identification.
6. Store specimens in brown paper bags labelled with the
species name.
Pressing
1. Use standard (12 X 18 inch) plant pressing frames.
2. Clean the dirt off the plants before pressing.
3. Remove dead leaves and other unwanted parts.
4. Lay the plants flat and avoid overlapping.
5. Bend long plants sharply so they fit within the frame.
Don't curve or twist the stems.
6. Pad areas around thick stems so no air pockets remain.
7. Attach an identifying tag to the stem of each plant and
write the site number on the margin of the newspaper.
8. Insert plants between folded layers of newspaper. Sandwich
the newsprint between layers of blotter material and
separate with corrugated cardboard. The corrugations should
be parallel to the shorter dimension (12 in.) for better air
circulation. Place the stack of plants, blotters and
cardboard in the press. Use two adjustable straps to hold
the pressed plants firmly.
Plant specimens that are collected and pressed must be stored for
a minimum of 5 years by the Principle Investigator, ERL-C, or in
a herbarium.
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SOIL SAMPLING
EQUIPMENT ANT) SUPPLY LIST
* 2 Bucket Augers * Ice Chests with ice
* Trowels * Two 30-cm Rulers
* 8-oz Ziplock Bags * Spray Bottle with water
(extra for QA days) * Water for hand washing
* Munsell Color Charts * Paper Towels
(Ben Meadows #221900 & 221934) * Carpenter's Aprons
* Permanent Marking Pen
Soil samples are collected from soil pits dug along the
vegetation transects to determine the organic content of the
soil. In addition, soil odor, Munsell soil color, and hydrologic
information is recorded at each soil sampling point (Figure 13).
The major QA consideration for soil sampling is
completeness. Labeling errors and sample "breakdown" due to
improper storage are common problems. Methodically following the
sampling procedures and use of proper sample handling techniques
(See Section VII) will reduce these problems.
Soil sampling is performed only after the vegetation
sampling for a plot has been completed. Soil cores are extracted
at every fourth sampling plot along each transect for a total of
ten cores per site. Document any variation from this procedure.
Include what was done and why.
The procedure below will be used in Florida:
1. Use a bucket auger to extract a soil core approximately 30
cm long by inserting the auger to the top of the "bucket".
2. Check to see if the soil smell like "rotten eggs". This
sulfur odor can indicate the presence of hydric soils.
Record on Form M.
3. If there is standing water on the plot or if the soil pit
fills immediately with water, record "Depth to Water" as
"surface" on Form M.
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WATER SAMPLE COLLECTION
ORGANIZE SUPPLIES
Between 9 £f llom
See Scfetv Procedures
COLLECT SAMPLES
I
T
CODES AND
DATA SHEETS
FIX SAMPLES
Cool oncJ Dork
TEMPORARY
STORAGE
SHIP TO LAB
Figure 13. Major Steps in Soil Sampling.
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4. If the pit contains water but is not completely filled to
ground level, measure the distance from ground level to the
water surface (in centimeters) and record on Form M.
5. Examine the soil core for mottles. Mottles generally occur
as splotches of red, blue, or lighter colored soil in the
brown or grey soil matrix. Record the shallowest depth at
which the mottles occur.
6. Remove the top and bottom 5-cm sections of the core. Take
enough soil to fill at least one-quarter of the sample bag.
After the sample has been collected, remove large sticks,
roots, and stones. Place the sample in a clean sample bag.
Firmly close the bag. Record the sample code number on both
Form M and the sample bag, as described below, before
collecting the next sample. It is important to adhere to
this procedure to avoid mislabeling samples.
Soil samples are assigned unique code numbers which indicate
sample type, QA status, and where collected. The first
three digits designate the Site Code, the fourth digit
designates the Transect number, the fifth and sixth digits
designate the Plot number, the seventh and eighth digits
designate the greatest depth from which that sample was
taken, and the ninth digit designates QA (1) or Non-QA (2).,
Soil Sample Code format:
(Site Code) (Transect) (Plot (Depth) (QA=1,
Number) Non-QA=2)
7. Remove a small amount of soil from the bottom 5 cm of the
soil core to determine it's color by comparison with the
Munsell Color Chips. See the Munsell Color Book for
instructions. If the sample is dry, spray it with water
before determining color.
8. Replace the remaining soil in the pit and tamp down. Try to
return the site to its original condition.
9. Store the samples in an ice-packed cooler within one hour of
collection. Samples must be kept cool to avoid organic
material breakdown prior to laboratory analysis.
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Refer to Section IX of this document for QA procedures to be
followed at QA Sites.
r.ahoratorv analysis of Soil Samples
See Appendix III, Quality Assurance Project Plan for Wetland
Soil Organic Content Determination for information on laboratory
analysis of soil samples.
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WATER SAMPLE COLLECTION
Between 9 {£ 11om
See Sefety Procedure;
Cool onfl Dork
ORGANIZE SUPPLIES
COLLECT SAMPLES
CODES AND
DATA SHEETS
FIX SAMPLES
TEMPORARY
STORAGE
*• SHIP TO LAB
Figure 14.
Major Steps in Water Sampling.
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ten minutes of each other. In addition, general water conditions
such as color, flow, odor, and evidence of disturbance are
recorded on Form Jl.
See Section IX, Internal QA Checks, if QA samples are to be
taken at the site.
Sample Collection Using Pre-fixed Containers
Sample containers which have been pre-fixed at the lab are
labeled with the type of fixative used. Additional laboratory
numbers or codes may also be marked on the containers, but are
not used to identify water samples. Keep the containers upright
and lids firmly closed until the water samples are taken.
1. Collect water samples from areas which are as free of
surface debris as possible. Use care not to disturb
bottom sediments, which can contaminate the sample.
2. If each sample container is filled separately at a
given sampling point the samples may not be identical
in chemical content. To avoid this, a single, large
sample is taken, mixed well, then decanted into the
separate sample containers.
The large container must be large enough to fill all
the sample containers required at that sampling point
(a large plastic pitcher works well). For example, if
the laboratory needs three 1000 ml water samples from
each sampling point, the mixing container should hold
at least 3000 ml. If the water is deep enough, dip the
large container carefully into the water and remove the
sample. Fill the container slowly to avoid trapping
floating debris. Fill each sample container to within
2 cm of the top. Overfilling will result in dilution
of the chemical fixative.
If the water is too shallow to dip the large container,
use a small ladle to get the sample. Ladle water into
the large container until it contains enough to fill
all the sample containers. Mix well before filling the
sample containers.
Never put your hands in the water or touch the
inside of the containers or ladles. Water which
has contacted your skin may be contaminated by
substances on your skin and cannot be used as
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samples. Use clipping and mixing containers with
handles large enough so your hands don't get wet.
3. As soon as a sample is collected, close the lid firmly,
wipe the container dry, and mark the sample number on
the container with indelible ink. Follow the labeling
procedure described below. Also, record pertinent
sample information on Form J2.
The water samples are labeled with unique code numbers
which indicate sample type, QA status, and where
collected. The procedure is as follows: the first
three digits designate Site Code; the fourth digit
designates the fixative used (Nitric Acid (N) , Sulfuric
Acid (S) or Chilled (O); the fifth digit designates
the location of the water sample within the site (Pond
(P) , Inlet (I), or Outlet (0)); and the sixth digit
designates Sample Type (QA = 1, Non-QA = 2, Container
blank = 3, Field blank = 4, or EPA Standard =5).
(Site Code) (N/S/C) (P/I/0) (1,2,3,4,5)
4. After collecting all samples, rinse the ladle and large
container in distilled water and store them in a clean,
sealed plastic bag.
Sample Hark
Place water samples in an ice-filled cooler immediately
after collection and fixing. Keep them out of direct sunlight at
all times.
Complete Form J2, Water Sample Information. Make two
photocopies of ONLY the bottom half of form J2 to accompany the
samples to the lab. An authorized lab representative signs and
returns one copy, acknowledging receipt of the samples, and keeps
the other for the lab's records. The bottom half of Form J2
provides a sample record but keeps the lab "blind" to sample
origin and type. Transfer samples to refrigerated storage at the
lab as soon as possible.
ABC Research Laboratory of Gainesville, Florida will analyze
water samples collected during the Florida Wetland Study. The
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laboratory's QA policies and procedures have been reviewed by an
EPA Quality Assurance Auditor from ERL-C, and the laboratory's
Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) is on file with ERL-C QA
staff.
Each water sample will be analyzed for the following
parameters: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Total Organic Carbon
(TOO, Total Phosphorus (TP) , Total Suspended Solids (TSS) , and
concentrations of Lead (Pb) , Cadmium (Cd) , and Aluminum (Al).
To prevent inaccurate data due to sample breakdown, all
sample analyses must occur within the holding times listed below:
Parameter Holding Time
Metals 6 months
TKN 28 days
TOC 28 days
TP 28 days
TSS 7 days
Detection limits for each parameter analyzed are as follows:
Parameter Detection Limit
Lead 0.01 ppm
Cadmium 0.003 ppm
Aluminum 0.5 ppm
TKN 0.05 ppm (ammonia method)
0.5 ppm (straight TKN method)
TOC 1.0 ppm
TP 0.05 ppm
TSS 1.0 ppm
The laboratory will provide the Principle Investigator with
the results of all sample analyses using their standard form.
Data results will be reported in milligrams per liter (mg/1) or
parts per million (ppm) . Code numbers assigned to the water
samples by field team members will be used by the lab to identify
samples on the form.
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ELEVATION
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY LIST
* Transit or Builder's Level * Metric Ruler
& Tripod * Pens
* Stadia Rod * Florescent Flagging
Tape
Relative elevation along each vegetation transect is
recorded at each sampling plot. This information allows the
relationship between vegetation, soils, hydrology, and relative
elevation to be analyzed. In addition, information on the
wetland's morphology is collected by measuring the relative
elevation of points along one or more cross-sections of the site
(basin morphology). Whenever possible, transects shall be placed
so that both cross-section and vegetation information can be
collected from the same transects. If this is possible, it
eliminates the need for additional transects to determine basin
morphology. These procedures employ a transit or builder's level
(see Section VIII for calibration procedures).
Several QA considerations are involved in the collection of
elevation data. Accuracy, precision, and representativeness are
the major concerns. Standardized procedures, field training, and
internal audits are used to ensure a high level of data quality.
General Information
1. If possible, set up the transit or builder's level in a
location which will allow all vegetation transects to
be surveyed from one location. If the transit needs to
be moved during surveying (this is called a "turn"),
carefully follow and complete the instructions at the
bottom of Form R (see Appendix I). See Supplement I
for detailed instructions on making a turn.
2. Set up the tripod and mount the transit, checking to
see that it is tightly attached. Make certain that the
tripod legs are well embedded into the ground (push
them in with your foot).
3. Check transit calibration (see Section VIII), then
carefully level it. The level's bubble should always
be centered. Check to see that the transit is level at
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least every fourth reading. If the transit is no
longer level, retake all readings back to the last time
the transit was level, i.e., the last time it was
checked.
NOTE: Take care not to stand near the tripod legs
because the spongy nature of wetland soils can
cause the transit to lose its level.
4. Establish a "bench mark" to use periodically as a
reference elevation. A solidly anchored natural
feature, such as a stump, can be used, or one can
create a reference point by driving a stake firmly into
the ground. The bench mark should be visible from all
transit locations. Keep this in mind if turns are
required. Take readings on the bench mark at the
beginning and end of each transect, and before and
after each turn. If the difference in bench readings
at the beginning and end of a transect is greater than
five-hundredths (0.05) of a meter, re-shoot the
elevations for that transect.
5. When taking readings, it is important that the
Surveyor's assistant holds the stadia rod vertically.
If the rod is 'extended', the assistant should make
sure that the extension set screw is tight and that the
extension is seated properly against the stop.
Procedure for Determining Basin Morphology—
1. The Team Leader, with input from the Surveyors,
establishes the transect location(s) and directs the
marking of the beginning and end points with flagged
stakes. (See "Transect Establishment" earlier in this
Section.)
2. Attach a meter tape to the beginning stake and walk it
to the end stake. The elevation measurements will be
taken as the meter tape is "walked out". Keep the tape
in a straight line and taut.
3. Starting at "0" on the measuring tape, record
elevations at intervals determined by the botanists for
the vegetation sampling. Both the Surveyor and the
person holding the stadia rod record the distance
between readings, under the correct "sample point
number" on the appropriate form. (The surveyor at the
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transit uses Form R, and the person carrying the stadia
rod uses Form S. ) In addition, the Surveyor at the
transit records transit readings on Form R.
3. If sharp discontinuities in topography exist which
would not be reflected by the intervals discussed
above, the interval between sightings is reduced to 1
meter. This change is recorded by both members of the
Survey team on the appropriate form (Forms R or S).
4. The team member holding the stadia rod records
important visible features on Form S as they occur
along the transect. Such features would include wet
areas, banks, and obvious changes in vegetation or soil
composition.
5. If a turn is made, the Surveyor should check the
transit level and record the bench mark elevation
before and after the transit is moved and again before
the first sightings are taken. (See Supplement I for
detailed instructions on making turns.) Turning points
are used to carry the line of level forward (Kissam,
1966). The bottom of Form R should be completed.
6. After completing all measurements, the two Survey team
members compare their data forms to ensure agreement
between distance and reading numbers.
Determining Relative Elevations Along Vegetation Transects—
1. Start at plot #1. the second stake from the beginning
of the transect, or the point on the meter tape
predetermined by the botanists. The Surveyor records
the elevation measurement on Form R, while the
assistant performs tasks #2 and t3.
2. Place the stadia rod on an area with typical elevation
for that sample plot. Avoid placing the stadia rod on
hummocks or in depressions.
3. If standing water is present at the base of the stadia
rod, measure its depth in centimeters and record it on
Form S.
4. Repeat the above procedure at each sampling plot on the
transect.
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5. If a turn is made, the Surveyor should check the
transit level and record the bench mark elevation
before and after the transit is moved and again before
the first sightings are taken (See Supplement I). The
bottom of Form R should be completed.
Procedure for Determining Elevation if Vegetation and Basin
Morphology Transects are Combined—
The transect will be laid out by the recorders and botanists
as they sample the vegetation. However, the transect will begin
at the upland edge of the wetland and extend across the wetland
to the other upland edge. The surveyors must take elevation
readings that incorporate both the basin morphology of the site
and the vegetation sampling intervals.
1. Start at the stake or PVC pipe marking the beginning of
the transect at the wetland/upland edge.
2. Take elevation readings at the intervals being used in
the vegetation sampling, or if sharp topographic
discontinuities such as a steep bank occur, at 1 meter
intervals until the first vegetation plot is reached.
This plot should be marked with a stake. The person at
the transit records the elevations and meter tape
markings on Form R. The person carrying the stadia rod
records descriptions of the microtopography along the
transect and the meter tape markings on Form S.
3. Continue taking elevation readings at the vegetation
plots along the transect except where the topography is
discontinuous, i.e., where there are channels, hummocks
or other sharp changes in ground level. In these areas
take elevation readings at 1 meter intervals. Both
survey team members continue to record data as in $2
above.
4. The team member holding the stadia rod records
important visible features as they occur along the
transect on Form S. Such features would include wet
areas, banks, and obvious changes in vegetation or soil
composition.
5. If a turn is made, the Surveyor should check the
transit level and record the bench mark elevation
before and after the transit is moved and again before
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the first sightings are taken (See Supplement I). The
bottom of Form R should be completed.
6. After completing all measurements, the person at the
transit and the person carrying the stadia rod compare
data forms to ensure agreement between distance and
reading numbers.
Procedure for Determining Elevations and Surface Water Depth when
Part of a Site is Inundated—
If a large part of the wetland is inundated, both elevation
information and surface water depths can be derived from
measuring only the surface water depths in that area. But, if
inundation of the wetland is patchy, elevation information must
be gathered using elevation procedures discussed above.
1. Where the wetland is not inundated, take elevation
readings as described in the above procedures.
2. Take an elevation reading to the water surface at the
first inundated plot in the transect as follows. Take
a standard stadia rod reading. Then, measure the water
depth using the metric markings on the bottom of the
stadia rod. Subtract the water depth from the stadia
rod reading and note this value on Form R. Be sure to
record the distance along the meter tape at which this
reading is taken.
3. From this point on, as long as the locations measured
are inundated, measure the depth of standing water with
the stadia rod. The elevation information will be
calculated from this data so transit readings are not
required. Record the distances along the transect at
which these measurements are taken and the
corresponding water depths on Form S.
4. If you leave the inundated area, use the transit to
take elevation readings in the usual manner until the
end of the transect is reached. Take transit and water
depth readings at the last inundated plot. The water
depth is again subtracted from the stadia rod reading
and recorded. The result provides a check on the
accuracy of the first water level calculation (*2
above). Record the information on Forms R and S.
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See Section IX (Internal QA Checks) if the site is sampled
on a QA day.
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SUPPORTING DATA
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY LIST
Transit or Builder's Level
& Tripod
Stadia Rod
Florescent Flagging
100-m Measuring Tape
35-mm Camera with 50-mm
or shorter lens
35-itm color slide film,
ASA 100 or less
Pens
*
*
360° Azimuth Compass
Graph Paper
360° Protractor
Blank Paper
Metric Ruler with
divisions in
centimeters
Pencils
Erasers
Supporting data augments the quantitative components of this
project by providing a general picture of each wetland. It is
divided into three major groups:
1. Sketch Maps
2. General Site Information
3. Photography
QA for supporting data is provided through the use of
standard procedures and field training. No specific QA criteria
are established.
Sketch Maps
Each wetland studied is mapped to provide a spatial picture
of the site for use during data analysis later in the project.
Sketch mapping techniques provide a quick and reasonably accurate
wetland map. This type of map shows the general planimetric
shape of the wetland, but is not intended to be precisely scaled.
The map shows major site features such as open water, banks, and
landmarks. In addition, sampling transects, basin morphology
transects, and water sampling points are indicated.
Mapping QA is based on standard procedures taught during
field training. Make certain the compass and transit are in
calibration before use (See "Calibration", Section VIII).
Mapping Procedures—
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Site mapping is divided into three components:
1. Training
2. Field Measurements and Rough Maps
3. Finished Maps
Training—During training, the Surveyors learn to determine
directions with both the compass and transit, and to measure
distance with the transit and stadia rod, and by "striding".
Striding—Striding is a method for estimating surface
distances by walking with a measured stride and counting the
steps. It is useful at sites where dense vegetation makes it
difficult to see the entire wetland from one or two locations.
During training, survey team members determine the length of
their individual strides by repeatedly walking a known distance
and counting the number of steps taken. The procedure is:
1. Mark off a 100-m course.
2. Wearing normal field clothing and shoes, walk the course
four times with an easy stride, counting the strides.
Strides are counted on one foot, i.e. , each time the left
foot is placed.
3. If the number of strides required to walk the course varies
by more than one, practice taking uniform strides and repeat
step #2.
4. After variation has been reduced to less than one stride per
100 m, calculate the average length of a stride by dividing
the number of strides taken to complete the course four
times into four times the length of the course.
5. Record the result for use during mapping.
Determining Distances with the Transit or Builder's Level
and Stadia Rod—At sites where traversing the wetland will cause
more disturbance than is desired, this method may be used to
determine distances. However, this method is not useful if
distances exceed 200 meters. It requires two persons, one at the
transit and the other to hold the stadia rod. The method uses
the principle that the stadia interval (the difference in the
reading between the two fixed stadia hairs) is directly
proportional to the distance between the stadia rod and the
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of the baseline on Form H. Take compass readings from both
points to a previously measured point on the wetland
perimeter. These readings will be used to locate the
baseline's position on the rough map. Take compass readings
to the station desired from each end of the baseline. These
readings can be used to calculate the unknown distance
later. See Supplement I for more detailed instructions for
Triangulation.
10. After all stations and site features are recorded, examine
the sketch map and document anything which will help
complete the final map (see Form F, "Environmental
Checklist" for a list of items to draw on the map) . Check
that data is recorded for all map stations and that entries
on the data forms are legible.
Finishing the Map—Finished maps are sketched as time
permits.
Map Sketching—
1. Assemble graph paper, pencils, erasers, a ruler with
markings in centimeters and millimeters, and a 360°
protractor.
2. Examine the rough sketch of the wetland and the map data
sheet (Form H) to estimate the appropriate scale to use to
fit the map on a sheet of paper. This takes some practice,
if the scale is too large, the map won't fit on the paper.
If too small, the map will be too small to contain the
details.
3. Establish "north" and indicate on the map with an arrow.
4. Mark the approximate location of station "A" on the graph
paper.
5. Lightly draw a line, i.e., a ray, from station "A" to
station "B", using the protractor to follow the compass
bearing recorded on the datasheet (Form H).
6. Calculate the distance from station "A" to station "B" from
the stadia-hair readings as described above. Determine the
length of the line to use on the map by converting the
actual distance from "A" to "B" to the equivalent length
based on the scale chosen for the map. Use the ruler to
create a line of the appropriate length on the graph paper
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-Water control structures such as dikes, ditches, or
culverts
-Tree removal
-Bank erosion due to drainage diversion or nearby
construction
4. Section III: Indicate the percent cover of the dominant
vegetation. This estimate is for all non-open water areas
within the wetland boundaries. Only include dominant
vegetation and use units of 10% in the estimate.
5. Section IV: Cover estimate of the vegetation surrounding the
wetland. Stand near the center of the site and pivot
through 360° observing the surroundings. Estimate how much
of the horizon, within approximately 100 m of the wetland
boundary, is covered by forest, meadow, shrubs, areas of
human development or disturbance, and open water. The total
percent cover estimated should equal 100. Next, look more
closely at the areas with human development or disturbance
and estimate the percentages of each specific disturbance
listed in items one through six on the form.
6. Section V: Comments. Record unusual conditions relating to
the landscape, vegetation, and substrate, e.g., sewage plant
nearby, old logs or rubbish found buried in the site, the
presence of dead animals.
Photography
A photographic record is used to visually record site
characteristics. It can be used to verify data later in the
study. In addition, it is a method for tracking changes in the
wetland over time.
General Guidelines—
The following procedure is followed by both the Botanists and the
Surveyors when taking photographs.
1. To standardize photographs, use a good quality, 35-mm camera
equipped with color slide film no faster than ASA 100.
2. Label each roll of film by photographing a completed Form N
in the first frame if it is a new roll, or in the first
frame taken on a site.
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In addition, identify each roll with a "roll number code".
The code contains three parts. The first part is a "V" for
vegetation, an "E" for environmental photos, or a "S" for
site record photos. Next, is the roll number. Rolls are
numbered consecutively for each camera used. The
photographer's initials are added last.
For example, if Jane Doe is taking vegetation
photographs on the 14th roll of film used in that
camera, the code would be V14JD.
3. Document each picture by number and topic on the appropriate
photo log (Forms E, K or T) .
4. Check the camera battery frequently. Carry a spare.
5. Never let the camera or film sit in the sun. Extra film can
be stored in a sealed plastic bag in a cooler with soil or
water samples if the weather is hot.
The primary types of photographs taken at each site are
vegetation photos, general site photos and site record photos.
Each is described below.
Vegetation Photos —
A Botanist who is not the Team Leader typically takes the
vegetation photos. The purpose is to document the vegetation
observed. Include photos of the vegetation surrounding the site,
unusual or rare plants, unknowns or plants hard to identify,
overviews of the vegetation on the site, any obvious pattern in
the distribution of the plants. Document the photos taken on
Form E.
General Site Photos —
The Surveyor who is not involved in mapping the site
typically photographs the general site environment. Take a
panoramic landscape sequence from a central location in the
wetland. Photograph major wetland features such as open water
areas, water channels, inlets, and outlets. Take pictures
looking along all transects from each end. Document the photos
taken on Form K, being sure to identify photos of transects by
transect number and the compass direction from which the photo
was taken.
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Site Record Photos —
These photographs provide a permanent record of the wetland
from a specific vantage point. The vantage point is carefully
recorded on Form T, so the wetland can be re-photographed from
the same location at some time in the future and changes in the
wetland documented. It is important to document the length of
the camera lens used in these photos. If possible, use a 50-min
lens.
Select one or two good viewpoints. Use locations with
permanent landmarks like stumps, rock outcrops, fencelines, or
roadways. Make sure that the locations incorporated on the site
map. Document sufficient information on Form T to ensure that
photographs can be taken in the same manner in the future.
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SECTION VII.
SAMPLE HANDLING AND CUSTODY
Samples can be damaged through improper handling and lost if
custodial responsibilities are not clearly established and
followed. This section outlines procedures for ensuring that
field samples are delivered safely to the lab.
The Team Leader is responsible for ensuring that all samples
and data are safely delivered to ERL-C or the laboratory. A
record of all samples, including the type, date collected, date
custody was transferred to lab, and the number of samples, is
maintained for each site on Form 0.
SAMPLE HANDLING PROCEDURES
The Team Leader has custody of the samples until they are
physically transferred to, and acknowledged by, the receiving
lab. Custody transfer is formalized by the signature of the
representative of the lab on Form 0. The lab is then responsible
for sample handling and safety. Samples may not be discarded
until authorized in writing by ERL-C.
General considerations in sample handling are listed below.
1. All sample containers must be clean prior to use in the
field. Water sample containers must have been acid rinsed
(See Section VI) and their lids must be in place.
2. Discard defective containers and lids.
3. As soon as each sample is collected, close the lid firmly,
and label the container.
4. Keep soil and water samples cool to retard biological
activity or other chemical changes. When in the field, keep
all samples in an ice packed cooler. Transfer samples into
a dark, refrigerated, storage unit as soon as possible.
5. If samples are shipped via commercial freight, pack them in
an insulated container with adequate ice or dry ice to keep
them cool until the time at which they can be transferred to
laboratory refrigeration.
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6. Complete the Sample Custody Log (Form 0). A copy of the log
will be kept with the samples from the time they are
collected until they are discarded. The original copy of
Form 0 is kept in the site packet.
7. Plant presses containing specimens should be stored in a
dry, well ventilated environment until validation is
completed. Keep them in a moderately heated room if weather
conditions are cold or humid.
Plant specimens that are collected and pressed must be
stored for a minimum of 5 years by the Principle
Investigator, ERL-C, or in a herbarium.
DATA HANDLING PROCEDURES
The Team Leader is also responsible for the data forms until
copies are received by ERL-C and checked for legibility and
completeness. No original data forms are to be discarded without
written permission by ERL-C.
General considerations in data handling are listed below.
1. Just before leaving a site, the Team Leader will check each
data sheet for legibility and completeness. The Master
Checklist is used to ensure all data forms are present and
in the correct order. Data forms are stored where they can
be kept dry and clean.
2. Daily, or as soon as practical, make a copy of all data
forms. Check copies for legibility and store them
separately from the originals. This provides a replacement
set in case the originals are destroyed or lost before the
copy is sent to ERL-C.
3. Send accrued copies of the completed forms to ERL-C weekly.
Upon receipt, they will be examined for possible QA
problems. If problems are identified, the Project Manager
will be notified in the QA report (See Section XIII), and
corrective action taken. It is imperative that corrections
be made quickly so procedures can be changed before much
additional data is gathered.
4. The Wetlands Research Team will maintain a log of all data
received from the field and lab. The log will be compared
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to the field sampling schedule so missing data can be
identified and located.
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SECTION VIII.
CALIBRATION PROCEDURES
Two pieces of equipment require calibration in this project,
the transit or builder's level and the Brunton compass.
Calibration can be done in the field and requires no additional
materials or equipment.
TRANSIT
This instrument uses a bubble level to establish the
rotational plane. If the bubble level is out of adjustment the
rotational plane will be tilted and measurement errors will
occur.
Check bubble level calibration each time the instrument is
set up. Follow standard procedures for setting up the transit
(See Section VI). Briefly, they are:
1. Bed the tripod legs firmly into the ground.
2. Adjust the leveling screws so that the best level is
achieved. The rule for turning the leveling screws is
"Thumbs in, thumbs out, the bubble follows the left thumb."
(Kissam, 1966)
3. Rotate the transit head 180° and note the position of the
bubble in the vial. The transit is level if the bubble
remained within the inner vial marks. If the transit is not
level, repeat steps #2 and #3 above.
The transit is in adjustment if the bubble remains within
the inner vial marks as the transit is rotated through 360°. If
the transit cannot be levelled, recalibrate the instrument
following the manufacturer's instructions.
Some transits may be equipped with a compass. If so, the
transit can be used to determine magnetic bearings to an accuracy
of ± 5'. (Kissam, 1966)
If the transit does not have a compass but is equipped with
a graduated circle, the graduated circle can be calibrated with a
compass so that 0° on the compass corresponds with the 0° marking
on the graduated circle. The graduated circle is marked in
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degrees or half degrees. It may be numbered from 0° to 360°
clockwise, or 0° to 360° clockwise and 0° to 90° in quadrants, or
0° to 360° in both directions. Once the graduated circle is
calibrated with a compass, the transit can be used to denote
bearings. (Davis, 1969)
COMPASS
At each site, before using the compass, check for damage,
e.g., loose hinges, broken glass. The needle should move freely
and smoothly when the compass is held level. Check that the
compass is adjusted for the correct magnetic declination for the
study area.
Magnetic declination is the difference in direction between
the true and magnetic north poles. Local declination can be
determined from a recently (within the past ten years) issued US
Geological Survey topographic map for the area. The legend
contains a true north arrow and a magnetic north arrow and
indicates the difference in degrees.
The compass has a calibration pin located under the glass
face, opposite the cover hinge. On the rim of the compass
rosette is a compass scale, marked in degrees. Turn the
adjustment screw, which is located on the side of the case, until
the pin lines up with the correct declination on the scale.
Check the compass by comparing the relationship between magnetic
north (the compass needle direction) and true north, 0° on the
compass rosette, with the north rays on the topographic map.
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SECTION IX.
INTERNAL QA CHECKS
Periodic quality control checks (internal QA Audits) are
performed to ensure that quality assurance objectives are
maintained. These audits are performed on field, lab, and ERL-C
procedures. This section discusses the audits and process for
making corrective actions.
Data comparability is monitored by periodic QA checks.
Comparability checks are conducted for site selection, vegetation
cover estimation and Pielou, plant identification, and slope
measurements. Duplicate samples are collected periodically to
check data precision. Completeness is checked by comparing the
maximum amount of collectable data to that which was actually
collected. Accuracy is checked with "standard" samples and
computer programs which compare duplicate databases. Standard
procedures and training promote high representativeness, although
no specific numerical checks are provided.
FIELD WORK
Internal audit information is collected at 15% of the total
number of sites to be sampled or no fewer than three sites,
whichever is greater. Internal audits should occur at regular
intervals throughout the study. They should occur at one site
per week in studies lasting three weeks or longer. These "QA
Sites" should have standing water present, if possible, so that
duplicate water samples can be collected. Standard field
procedures are followed, but, in addition, some team members
exchange jobs and duplicate a portion of the sampling and data
collection. This procedure allows quantitative assessment of
sampling comparability between team members for vegetation and
elevation measurements. Ultimately, this information will be
used to make a statement on the reproducibility of information
gathered using the techniques employed in this study.
In addition, duplicate water and soil samples are collected.
These samples, together with blanks, are sent to the lab for
analysis. They provide a quantitative measure of laboratory
precision and accuracy.
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Specific Procedures
Vegetation—
1. At QA sites both Botanists start sampling the same transect.
The Team Leader (Bl) samples plot number one and the data is
recorded on the data form for the site. The other Botanist
(B2) samples plot number two and records the data on a data
form marked "QA". After sampling these plots the botanists
switch locations and re-sample the plots without moving the
sampling frames. Both Pielou and cover estimates are
performed.
2. After the QA plots of transect one are sampled, botanists
move to transect two and repeat the procedure for plots one
and two. This time Bl's data is recorded as "QA" and B2's
as "non-QA".
3. The Botanists repeat this "switching" until each botanist
has sampled four plots per QA site that were sampled in
common by all botanists on the team.
4. After all the QA plots are sampled, Bl samples the remaining
plots on transect one and B2 samples those on transect two.
Data is recorded on each person's respective "non-QA" data
form.
5. Botanists should not exchange comments on the vegetation of
re-sampled plots while conducting QA sampling.
6. The Program Manager sends copies of all vegetation data
sheets (Forms D and Dl) to ERL-C for QA assessment.
7. To ensure accurate plant identification, all plant specimens
are validated by the team botanists or other qualified
persons after the field season is completed (See Section X).
Copies of the validated vegetation data sheets are then sent
to ERL-C.
Elevation—
1. At each QA site, after elevation measurements are completed
for the first transect, the Surveyors exchange jobs, move
the transit to another location, re-level the instrument,
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re-shoot the benchmark, and remeasure the first ten sampling
locations.
2. If there are fewer than ten sampling locations in the first
transect, remeasure additional plots until the 10 QA
measurements are obtained, on the second transect.
3. Record the QA data on separate data forms (Form R) and
circle "QA" in the heading.
4. Calculate the relative elevation of each resampled plot in
the normal manner.
5. The Program Manager sends copies of data sheets to ERL-C for
assessment .
Soils—
Soil Sampling procedures are designed to identify general
patterns in soil characteristics with depth. Soil samples are
taken at every fourth vegetation plot (10 plots per site) from
the top and bottom (where possible) of a 30-cm soil core.
1. On QA days, collect QA samples following the standard soil
sampling procedures outlined in Section VI. However, two
samples, rather than one, are collected from the top and
bottom 5-cm segments of soil cores extracted from a
centrally-located plot on each of two of the transects,
i.e. , a total of four QA samples are collected per site.
If the soil is too hard or too saturated to extract a full
core, collect duplicate samples from the uppermost 5-cm of
the soil cores from two, centrally-located plots on each of
two of the transects. Again, a total of four QA samples are
collected per site (i.e., one extra sample is taken from the
top 5-cm section of soil cores extracted at four plots).
2. Place QA samples in separate, appropriately marked
containers. Use the sample numbering system described below
to indicate which samples are QA duplicates.
In the procedure described here, on Form M, and in Section
VI of this document, soil samples are assigned unique code
numbers which indicate sample type, QA status, and where
collected. The first three digits designate the site code,
the fourth digit designates the transect number, the fifth &
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sixth digits designate the plot number, the seventh & eighth
digits designate the greatest depth from which that sample
was taken, and the ninth digit designates QA (1) or Non-QA
(2).
(Site Code) (Transect) (Plot Number) (Depth) (QA-l,
Non QA-2)
3. Send the "non-QA" and "QA" samples from a site to the lab
together in the same batch.
Water Samples—
1. Prior to traveling to the field, prepare container and field
blanks by filling six of the pre-fixed sampling containers
with double-distilled water. Label two as container blanks
and two as field blanks following the procedure described
below. Container blanks are used to test for container
contamination. Field blanks are used to test for problems
in handling procedures in the field.
The water samples are labeled with unique code numbers which
indicate sample type, QA status, and where collected. The
procedure is as follows: the first three digits designate
Site Code; the fourth digit designates the fixative used
(Nitric Acid (N) , Sulfuric Acid (S) or Chilled (O); the
fifth digit designates the location of the water sample
within the site (Pond (P) , Inlet (I), or Outlet (0)); and
the sixth digit designates Sample Type (QA = 1, Non-QA = 2,
Container blank = 3, Field blank = 4, or EPA Standard = 5).
(Site Code) (N/S/C) (P/I/0) (1,2,3,4,5)
2. After preparing the three container blanks, transfer them to
refrigerated storage until submitted to the lab. Do not
carry them into the field.
3. Carry the three field blanks into the wetland and out to the
OA sampling point. Open and close each one at the same time
the QA water samples are collected.
4. In the field, follow standard operating procedures for
collecting water samples, but collect duplicate samples of
each type (N, S, & C) at one sampling point per QA site.
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5. Keep all water samples under refrigeration until submitted
to the lab for analysis.
6. Check that containers are properly labelled and send all
regular water samples, QA water samples, container and field
blanks to the lab for analysis as one batch.
LAB PROCEDURES
See Appendix IV, ABC Research Laboratory's QAPP Sections 10
and 11 for laboratory quality control procedures.
ERL-C DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
Internal QA audit data is sent by the field crew and the lab
to ERL-C for evaluation. Several procedures are used to
determine if QA criteria are met and to establish actual project
performance. This section details general data quality
assessment procedures and then applies them to specific
activities. Examples are used to clarify procedures. The
Principle Investigator is notified if established QA criteria are
not being met. Procedural changes or additional training can be
recommended if warranted.
The Project Officer will assign a member of the Wetlands
Research Team to keep a contemporaneous log of all QA activities
performed. The date, data type, and site number of all data
checked will be recorded. In addition, the audit results and
corrective actions will be documented.
General Procedures
Two calculations are frequently used in assessing accuracy,
comparability, and precision; Relative Percent Difference and
Coefficient of Variation. These calculations help in comparing
data sets with one or more reference data sets.
Relative Percent Difference (RPD) is used to compare two
values, such as the results of lab analysis of duplicate samples.
Compute the RPD by subtracting one value from the other and
recording the result as an absolute value. Divide this number by
the mean of the two values and multiply by 100.
|A - B|
RPD = ---------------- X 100
(A + B)/2
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Coefficient of variation (CoV) is used to compare three or
more values. CoV is computed by dividing the standard deviation
(SD) by their mean and multiplying by 100 to obtain a percent.
CoV = (SD / Sample mean) X 100
Specific Procedures
Vegetation—
The following procedures are used to determine comparability
between field team members.
Pielou:
1. Pielou data is checked by tabulating the number of
times both Botanists recorded the same species in each
plot (the number of matches) and dividing the number by
the value of k used in the study. This calculation is
done for each QA plot, the results are summed and
divided by 4 (the number of re-sampled plots). The
result is multiplied by 100 to produce the final
comparability index for the site.
2. If both team members recorded fewer than k species in a
plot, tabulate non-recorded species as a match.
Example: when k = 6
Data Sheet One Data Sheet Two
1) Polygonum #1 Polygonum tl
2) Unknown herb #2 Unknown herb #2
3) Eleochoris #1 Eleochoris #1
4) Eguisetum Peplis
5) -none- Salix
6) -none- -none-
There are four "matches", species number 1,2,3, and 6.
For this plot, the comparability index is 4 divided by 6 =
0.67. Repeat this procedure for each re-sampled plot and
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sum the results. Divide the result by four (the number of
resampled plots in this example) and multiply by 100 (to
yield a percentage).
Example: If the comparability indexes for a site with four
QA plots are:
Plot ft Index
1 0.67
2 0.58
3 0.84
4 0.79
Total 2.88
(2.88/4) X 100 = 72.0%
No minimum standards have been set for an acceptable value
for the comparability index. One purpose of the pilot studies is
to determine what might be reasonable standards to set. The goal
is to attain the maximum comparability possible given any
inherent constraints.
Vegetation Cover Estimates:
There are two components to the vegetation cover estimates.
One is the actual cover estimate for each species and the other
is the number of species observed.
Percent cover comparability is computed by calculating the
percent relative difference between botanists for each jointly
recorded species. For each species jointly recorded, sum the
cover estimates for that species for all four of a given
botanist's plots. Calculate the percent relative difference
between the two sums. The cover comparability for each species
is then calculated by subtracting this number from 100.
Determine cover comparability for the site by calculating the
mean comparability for all species.
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Example: Comparability for a given species.
Cover Estimates - Botanist One
Species Plot 1 Plot 2 Plot 3 Plot 4
Equisetum 5 20 0 50
Cover Estimates - Botanist Two
Species Plot 1 Plot 2 Plot 3 Plot 4
Equisetum 5 30 5 60
Calculations:
The sum of cover estimates are:
Botanist One = 75
Botanist Two = 100
The Percent Relative Difference (Also see p. 79) is:
1. Absolute value of 75 - 100 = 25
2. The mean cover estimate = 175 divided by 2 = 87.5
3. 25 divided by 87.5 = 0.29
4. Times 100 = 29% is the RPD.
Comparability for the species is:
100% less 29% = 71%
To compute cover comparability for the site, find the
comparability index for each jointly recorded species and
calculate their mean. If four species were jointly recorded at
the site:
Species Species Species Species
*1 #2 *3 #4
Comparability Index: 72% 84% 76% 92%
The sum is 324. Divide by 4 (the number of species) to get
the comparability index for the site, 81%.
Again, no minimum acceptable value has been set. The
results of the pilot studies will help to establish standards.
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Plant recognition comparability examines the number of
species both botanists jointly observed and identified during the
QA check. It is computed with the procedure used for Pielou
except all species observed are considered.
Example:
Species Plot 1 Plot 2 Plot 3 Plot 4
Jointly
recorded 8 5 11 9
species-
Total of
species 12 2 11 12 _
observed-
Comparability
ratio 0.67 0.71 1.00 0.75
To compute the comparability for the site, sum the ratios
for each plot, divide by four (the number of plots), then
multiply by 100:
(3.13/4) X 100 = 78.3%
Elevation—
Two checks are made after elevation data forms are received
from the Surveyors. First, all elevation calculations made on QA
days are checked for accuracy by recalculating all relative
elevations for that site. Second, elevation team comparability
is checked as follows:
1. Correlate the benchmark readings of the QA and Non-QA
transit set-ups as if you were correlating benchmark
readings after making a turn.
2. Adjust the stadia readings for the QA plots by adding or
subtracting the amount indicated by the difference in
benchmark readings for the two set-ups.
3. Using the vertical offset for the site from the Non-OA
readings, calculate the relative elevations for the
resampled QA plots.
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4. For each Surveyor, sum the relative elevations for the ten
re-sampled plots.
5. Calculate the relative percent difference between the two
sums using the method outlined earlier in this section (See
p. 79) and calculate comparability by subtracting it from
100.
6. If comparability is less than 80%, the Principle
Investigator is contacted and additional training in
elevation measurement procedures is recommended.
Example:
Plot # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 SUM
Relative Elevations - Won QA plots:
1.02 1.04 1.07 1.12 1.27 1.39 1.32 1.44 1.53 1.57 12.77
Relative Elevations - QA plots:
1.04 1.05 1.05 1.15 1.22 1.35 1.34 1.45 1.51 1.53 12.69
Subtract the two sums, convert to absolute value, and divide
by their mean,
(|12.77 - 12.69|) / 12.73 = 0.006
Multiply by 100 and subtract from 100 to compute
comparability,
100 - (0.006 X 100) = 99.4%
Soil Data From Lab—
After the lab analyzes a batch of soil samples the results
are sent to ERL-C. The results of duplicate field samples and
lab replicate analysis are used to assess precision in lab
analysis. Laboratory personnel do not know which samples are
field duplicates. This eliminates operator bias. Soils QA
audits are performed using lab "batches" as evaluation units.
Each batch consists of all of the samples from one or more
wetlands. Samples from the same wetland should never be
processed in different batches. However, subsamples from the
group of samples from a wetland can be processed in other batches
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as a check (See Appendix III, Quality Assurance Project Plan for
Wetland Soil Organic Content Determination).
The procedure used by ERL-C is:
1. Lab results for QA field duplicates within the batch are
located by sample identification number.
2. If the lab performed "organic content" calculations, every
fifth calculation is checked for accuracy.
Calculation for percent organic content is:
(weight at 550° - crucible weight)
l _ ------------------------------------ x 100
(weight at 103° - crucible weight)
Worksheets are returned to the lab for correction if more
than 1.0% of the calculations checked are incorrect.
3. The relative percent difference of percent organic content
among paired samples is calculated using the procedure given
earlier in this section (See General Procedures).
4. If more than 20% of the sample pairs have a relative percent
difference greater than 15%, it will be recommended that the
lab reanalyze the batch.
5. Lab QA procedures require that each tenth sample be split
into three replicate QA samples. Procedures for handling
these QA samples are detailed in the QA Plan for soil
analysis.
The Project Manager is notified if data comparability is
below established criteria. Additional lab personnel training
will be requested by the EPA Project Officer if warranted. The
average comparability values for the entire project are
calculated after all lab analysis is complete. Samples should
not be discarded by the lab until notification is received from
ERL-C.
Water Data From Lab—
The results of the laboratory water analysis are sent
directly to ERL-C for evaluation. ERL-C will examine the
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analysis of the duplicate and blank samples. If specific
criteria are not met, the lab may be requested to re-analyze the
samples in question. Therefore, samples should not be discarded
until notification is received from ERL-C. The cooperating
laboratory's QA procedures are on file with ERL-C's QA office.
The procedure used by ERL-C is:
1. Lab results for QA field duplicates are located. The
relative percent difference for each duplicate is
calculated. The criteria for requiring that the samples be
re-analyzed are not yet established. The results of the
pilot studies will be used to set these standards.
2. The relative percent difference between the certified
"standard" sample contents and the lab's analysis is
calculated. The rejection criteria will depend on the
specific metal or chemical. The criteria have not yet been
established. The results from the pilot studies will be
used to set these standards.
3. The results of the analysis of the Container blanks are
examined. Unusual levels of any specific material may
suggest that a change in container type or cleaning
procedures should be made.
4. The results of the analysis of the Field blanks are
examined. If they vary substantially from the container
blanks, some of the sample collection and fixing procedures
may be modified.
5. The results of the analysis of the EPA Standards are
examined. Levels of any specific material that differ from
those predetermined by the laboratory may suggest that a
change in sample handling or laboratory procedures should be
made.
86
-------
Section No. X
FLORIDA STUDY Revision No. 0
Date: 6/15/88
Page / of /
SECTION X.
DATA MANAGEMENT AND VALIDATION
Procedures for managing field and lab data are in the
process of being finalized and documented by ERL-C. They will be
included in the QA Project Plan, in a subsequent revision.
87
-------
Section No. XII
FLORIDA STUDY Revision No. 0
Date: 6/15/88
Page / of /
SECTION XI.
ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES
ERL-C is responsible for all data analysis. The procedures
are currently being developed and evaluated by ERL-C staff. They
will be included in the QA Project Plan, in a subsequent
revision.
88
-------
Section No. XII
FLORIDA STUDY Revision No. 0
Date: 6/15/88
Page / of /
SECTION XII.
PERFORMANCE AND SYSTEM AUDITS
QA audit procedures are discussed in Section V. , "Routine
Procedures Used To Maintain QA Objectives", and in Section IX.,
"Internal QA Checks".
89
-------
Section No. XIII
FLORIDA STUDY Revision No. 0
Date: 6/15/88
Page / of /
SECTION XIII.
REPORTS TO MANAGEMENT
Reports provide a permanent record of project QA activities.
In addition, they are important communications among the
individuals involved in the project. Two general types of QA
reports are required: those prepared for the Project Officer,
and those prepared for the Project Manager.
REPORTS TO THE EPA PROJECT OFFICER
After field training is completed, the Project Manager
completes a Personnel Information Form (Form U) for each team
member. The form provides a record of personnel team positions,
names, addresses, and qualifications. These forms are sent to
the Project Officer within one week of the completion of training
and become a permanent part of the project records. If new
people are added to the team, the Project Manager completes
additional Form U's and forwards them to ERL-C.
The Project Manager also submits periodic QA reports in the
form of a memo enclosed with the copies of the data forms. The
content and timing of these reports are discussed throughout this
document. Additionally, the Project Manager will include a
comprehensive evaluation of QA procedures as part of the final
technical report to ERL-C. The requirements for this report are
addressed in the Project Work Plan.
REPORTS TO THE PROJECT MANAGER
ERL-C will evaluate the periodic QA reports received from
the Project Manager, and will report the results to the Project
Manager in the form of a memo. The memo will present the results
of the evaluation and recommend corrective action if needed.
90
-------
FLORIDA STUDY
LITERATURE CITED
Buckner, R.B., Ph.D., Surveying Measurements and Their Analysis,
First Edition, Department of Geodetic Science and Surveying,
Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 1983, pp. 65 - 144.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet and E.T. LaRoe. 1979.
Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the
United States. US Fish and Wildlife Service Pub. FWS/OBS-
79/31. Washington, DC, 103 p.
Kissam, Philip, C.E., The Fundamentals of Surveying, McGraw-Hill
Book CO., 1966, pp. 56 - 181.
91
-------
FLORIDA STUDY
GLOSSARY
l-m2 quadrat (36)
404 personnel (1)
accuracy (12) (73)
adjacent to the appropriate distance on the meter tape (36)
area templates (24)
Bl & B2 (9)
basin morphology (52)
batch (82)
bench mark (53)
bias (12)
biological activity levels (48)
blotter material (43)
Botanists (4)
bucket auger (44)
calibration (18)
canopy (38)
Clean Water Act (1)
comparability (14) (73)
comparability index (78)
comparison wetlands (21)
compass (58)
completeness (12) (73)
confidence (14)
container blank (16) (18) (76)
Cooperative Agreement (8)
cover estimates (18) (38) (74)
creation (1)
data quality assessment procedures (77)
data validity (2)
declination (60)
defensible (1)
discontinuities in the canopy (38)
diurnal changes (48)
Environmental Research Laboratory (ERL-C) (1)
emergent vegetation (62)
field blank (16) (18) (76)
field data forms (2)
fix (48)
graduated circle (60) (71)
graminoids (39)
hydric soils (44)
hydrology (52)
inflorescence (43)
internal audit (73)
internal QA Audits (73)
92
-------
FLORIDA STUDY
internal QA checks (2)
k (78)
match (78)
metabolic activity (48)
mitigation (1)
Munsell Color Book (46)
Munsell Color Chips (46)
naturally occurring wetlands (1)
open habits (38)
open water (62)
operator bias (82)
organic content of the soil (44)
parameter (12)
percent cover comparability (79)
percent organic content (83)
Pielou (18) (74)
pilot project (2)
planimetric (57)
plant recognition comparability (80)
pollutant (48)
pre-fixed (48)
precision (12) (52) (73)
Principle Investigator (8)
Project Manager (5) (8)
Project Officer (8)
Project Work Plan (1)
QA Auditor (8)
QA methods (2)
QA objectives (2)
QA Project Plan (1)
QA report (2)
quadrat (34)
Rl & R2 (9)
ray (61)
reconnaissance (4)
recorders (4)
Regional Flora (34)
relative elevation (1) (52)
Relative Percent Difference (RPD) (77)
representativeness (14)
restoration (1)
SI, S2 & S3 (9)
sample breakdown (44)
sample point number (53)
sampling population (25) (29)
Section 404 (1)
site (14)
Site Code (22)
site packets (4)
93
-------
FLORIDA STUDY
species validation (42)
specimen validation (34)
stadia interval (59)
stadia rod (52) (53) (57)
standing water (42)
striding (58)
summary forms (2)
surveyors (4)
system audit (2) (16)
taxa (38)
Team Leader (4)
transect (14)
triangulation (60)
trophic (48)
turn (520 (52)
typical elevation (54)
validate (5)
vegetation cover estimates (79)
voucher specimens (5)
wetland (1)
Wetland Characterization Method (1
94
-------
FLORIDA STUDY
INDEX
l-m2 quadrat 36
360o azimuth 59
404 permit record 22
Accuracy 12, 34, 53, 76
Bare ground 42
Bench mark 54
Blanks 76
Botanists 4, 9, 18, 34, 68, 77
Brunton Compass 60, 62
Bucket auger 44
Builder's level 53, 60
Calibration 18
Clean Water Act 1
Comparability 14, 27, 34, 76
Comparability index 81, 82
Comparison wetlands 21
Completeness 12, 34, 44, 48, 76
Container blanks 16, 79
Container blank 18
Cover estimates 18, 38, 77
Created 21
Data quality assessment procedures 80
Emergent vegetation 64
EPA Project Officer 22
Equipment and supply list 27, 34, 48, 53, 59
Field blanks 16, 79
Field Team Leader 9
Field blank 18
Fix 48
Form F 63
Form G 62
Form H 62, 63
Form Jl 50
Form J2 51
Form K 69
Form L 55
Form M 44
Form N 68
Form 0 71
Form P 46
Form R 55, 57
Form S 55
Form U 91
General equipment and supplies list 21
Hydric soils 44
Hydrology 53
Incomplete data or sample collection 12
95
-------
FLORIDA STUDY
Internal audits 34, 53, 76
Internal QA Audits 76
K 36, 81
Lost or damaged data forms or samples 14
Munsell Color Book 46
Munsell Color Chips 46
NWI 24
Open water 64
Organic content 44
Percent cover comparability 82
Percent organic content 86
Percent Relative Difference 82, 83
Pielou 18, 77, 81, 84
Plant recognition comparability 84
Plot location stake 36
Pre-fixed 48
Precision 12, 53, 76, 85
Principal Investigator 20
Principle Investigator 80, 85
Program Manager 77
Project Manager 5, 8, 9, 38, 86
Project Officer 8, 80
Project Work Plan 22, 91
Project Work Plan 64
QA audit procedures 90
QA Auditor 8
Quadrat 34
Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) 52
Ray 63
Recorders 4, 9, 34
Regional Flora 34
Relative elevation 53
Relative percent difference 85, 86
Relative Percent Difference (RPD) 80
Representativeness 14, 27, 53, 76
Restored wetland 21
Roll number code 68
Sample breakdown 44
Sample point number 54
Section 404 1
Site Code 22
Site packets 24, 26
Site selection 14, 22
Soil samples 44
Specimen validation 34
Stadia interval 61
Stadia Rod 53, 56, 59
Standard samples 76
Standing water 42
96
-------
FLORIDA STUDY
Stride 60
Striding 60
Surveyors 4, 9, 18, 54, 64, 68, 84
Systems Audit 16
Team Leader 4, 9, 20, 54, 77
The Pielou Technique 36
Transect establishment 14
Transit 53, 60
Triancrulation 62
Turns 53, 54
Typical elevation 55
US Fish and Wildlife Wetland classification system 21
Vegetation Cover Estimates 82
Vial marks 53
Wetland 1
97
-------
Section No. APP
FLORIDA STUDY Revision No. 0
Date: 6/15/88
Page / of JZ.
APPENDIX I.
DATA FORMS
-------
FLORIDA STUDY
Section No. APP
Revision No. 0
Date: 6/15/88
Page -? of JZ,
APPENDIX I.
DATA FORMS
The copies of the data forms have been included to be used
as masters for xeroxing. They are:
Master Checklist
Form A: Vegetation Checklist
Form B: Weather Conditions & Transect Rationale
Form Dl: Herbaceous Vegetation / Pielou & Plot Cover
Form D2: Woody Vegetation / Plot Cover
Form E: Vegetation Photo Record
Form F: Environmental Checklist
Form G: Sketch Map
Form H: Map Data
Form I: General Site Information
Form Jl: Water Quality Information
Form J2: Water Sample Information
Form K: Environmental Photo Record
Form M: Substrate/Hydrology Data
Form N: Photo ID Sheet
Form P: Soil Sample Log & Lab Worksheet
Form Q: Equipment Checklist
Form R: Basin Morphology Data
Form S: Basin Morphology Descriptions
Form U: Personnel
Botanist's Expanded Checklist
Expanded Surveyor's Checklist
-------
FLORIDA WETLAND FIELD SAMPLING - MASTER CHECKLIST Date
SITE NAME/CODE STATE COUNTY_
PERSONNEL NAME & CODE
Form A: Vegetation Checklist
Form B: Weather Conditions & Transect Rationale
Form Dl: Vegetation/Plot Cover & Pielou Comparison
Form D2: Woody Vegetation/Plot Cover & Pielou Comparison
Form E: Vegetation Photo Record
Form F: Environmental Checklist
Form G: Sketch Map
Form H: Map Data
Form I: General Site Information
Form Jl: Water Quality Information
Form J2: Water Sample Information
Form K: Environmental Photo Record
Form M: Substrate/Hydrology Data
Form N: Photo ID Sheet
Form P: Soil Sample Log & LaJb Worksheet
Form R: Basin Morphology Data
Form S: Basin Morphology Descriptions
All sheets present and complete? (Crew leader's initials.)
-------
FORM A: VEGETATION CHECKLIST Date
SITE NAME/CODE STATE COUNTY_
PERSONNEL NAME & CODE
Refer to expanded checklist and sampling protocol for greater
detail. Initial completed tasks. Specific task assignments are
indicated by personnel codes - Team B consists of the Botanists
and Team R is comprised of the Recorders. Write "NA" in blanks
not applicable.
I. Crew leader determines transect locations,
(Bl) notes weather conditions, and writes rationale for
the selection of transect locations on FORM B.
II. Species reconnaissance.
(Team B)
Pseudonym standardization.
III. Assemble equipment and data forms.
(Team R)
IV. Transect establishment. Number of Transects:
(Team R)
V. Vegetation Sampling.
(Teams B & R)
A. Herbaceous Vegetation/Plot Cover &
Pielou Comparison - FORM Dl.
B. Woody Vegetation/Plot Cover & Pielou
Comparison - FORM D2.
C. QA Re-Sample
D. Vegetation Photography - FORM E.
E. Pseudonym standardization finalized.
VI. Plant specimens collected.
(B2)
A. Unknown plants accounted for?
VII. List species observed but not sampled:
(B2)
-------
FORM B: WEATHER CONDITIONS 4, TRANSECT RATIONALE Date
SITE NAME/CODE __ STATE COUNTY
PERSONNEL NAME 4 CODE (BJ - Crew leader)
WEATHER CONDITIONS:
VEGETATION TRANSECT PLACEMENT:
Vegetation gradient represented?
Elevation gradient represented?
No gradient - random or systematic placement of transects?
Number of transects Total transect length for site m
RATIONALE:
BASIN MORPHOLOGY TRANSECT PLACEMENT:
Vegetation transects sufficient to determine basin shape?
If NO:
Vegetation transects extended to determine basin shape?
Total length of transect extensions: meters
If NO:
Additional transects placed to determine basin shape?
Number of additional transects:
Total length of additional transects: meters
RATIONALE:
-------
ro!W sl: KERSAC:.-*S VEGETATION / PI^LOU 4 FLOT COVT.R
SITT SA.-C / CO EC .
PAC£_
DAT!
TRASSFCT • _ LENGTH _ c SAMPLING INTERVAL _ e
PERSONt.TL NAMES CODES
OA SHEET? V S O : (OM*.
.£"oin. O* / "in.
COVEF. TRECISION
0-5: i ii
>5-301 i. 5:
>3o-ioot ^ ic:
3>«ck to collect •
Tx
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
\
f^t' 'TO-- 0
WOODY VEC.
BARE CROUKD
f
C
C
c
p
c
p
c
p
c
p
c
n
c
p
c
p
c
p
c
p
c
p
c
p
c
p
c
p
c
p
c
?
c
p
c!
1
1
•1
1
1
1
1
I
I
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
,
F
^
1
I
I
1
I
1
1
1
l
i
+-
I
1
1
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1
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t
1
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i
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T~J|
1
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r*
j
]•
•
•
u
1
•
•
Ti
I
•
~m
^^
|
-------
FORM D2: WOODY VEGETATION / PLOT COVER
SITE NAME / CODE
TRANSECT H
LENGTH
PERSONNEL NAMES / CODES_
OA SHF.ET? Y / N
m SAMPLING INTERVAL
QUADRAT SIZE = 5m'
PAGE
DATE
of
COVER PRECISION
0-5% i 1%
>5-30% i 5%
>30-100% 4 10%
Species name corrections
(Use during species I.D.I
^-^
Oiecfc to collect
Qieck vhcn collected^v
\ J
v y
/£
/
/
/
•/\
/
/
/
^
i/
/
/
/
distance from n
Dlot #
-
-
—
-------
E: VEGETATION PHOTO RECORD
SITE NAME/CODE
Date
STATE
COUNTY
PERSONNEL NAME & CODE
(B2)
Page
of
Include photographs of: vegetation patterns; interesting, unidentified, or
difficult to key taxa; plant species habit or habitat; and other wetland
features of importance. Use only one roll of film per record sheet.
TYPE OF FILM:
PHOTOGRAPH DESCRIPTION
FILM ID #_
FRAME #
SLIDE
-------
FORM F: ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Date
SITE NAME/CODE STATE COUNTY
PERSONNEL NAME f, CODE
Refer to expanded checklist and sampling protocol for greater detail.
Initial completed tasks. Specific task assignments are indicated by
personnel codes. Team S is comprised of the Surveyors.
I. (SI & S2) Assemble equipment and data forms.
II. (SI & S2) Qualitative Site Information completed.
A. (SI) Sketch Map - FORM G.
1. Indicate North.
2. Indicate transect locations, directions
and origins.
3. Indicate inlet s, outlet, or pond
boundaries.
4. Indicate where water sampled.
5. Indicate access.
6. Indicate Vegetation Zones & Patches
B. (SI) Map Data Sheets - FORM H.
C. (SI & S2) Finished Map.
III. (S2) Descriptive Site Information - FORM I.
IV. (S2) Environmental Photographs - FORM K.
V. (SI & S2) Transect Morphology Data - FORMS R & S.
Elevation Data for 40 Vegetation Plots? Y / N (Circle
One)
If No: Why Not?
Total number of vegetation plots:
VII. (S2) Vegetation Transect Surface Water - FORM S.
VIII. (SI & S2) Substrate Data - FORM M.
IX. (SI & S2) Soil Sample Log & Lab Worksheet - FORM P. Two
copies: one to be kept with the site data and
one sent with the soil samples to the lab.
Continued on next page.
-------
FORM F: ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Date
SITE NAME/CODE Page 2
X. (SI) Basin Morphology Data - FORM R.
Total number of basin morphology sample points:
Elevation Sample Interval:
XI. (S2) Basin Morphology Descriptions - FORM S.
-------
FORM G: SKETCH MAP Date . ___
SITE NAME/CODE STATE COUNTY
PERSONNEL NAME 4. CODE
-------
FORM H: MAP DATA SHEET
SITE NAME/CODE STATE
Date
COUNTY
PERSONNEL NAME & CODE I
Stride Lenqth
Station
From
m
Station
To
Bearina
Stadia
Readings/
Strides
Calculated
Distance
1
Page of
•
Comments
1
,
1
|
i
I
-------
FORM I: GENERAL SITE INFORMATION
SITE NAME/CODE
Date
STATE
COUNTY
PERSONNEL NAME & CODE
(S2)
I .
II.
IV.
% open water
% wetland disturbed
III. Indicate % dominant vegetation types & % non-vegetated area
(excluding open water) within the wetland.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
.% trees
% shrubs
emergent herbs
submergent herbs
non-vegetated area (natural)
non-vegetated area (disturbance related;
Indicate % relative cover of surrounding areas within TOO
meters of the wetland boundaries (should add up to 100%):
meadow/field
shrubs
% water body - specify type:
human disturbance
% cultivation
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
% for
% mea
% shr
% wat
% hum
% industrial, - specify type:
% housing
% highway
% grazing
% commercial
*** 1-6 should total the percentage value in E.
V.
Comments:
-------
FORM Jl: WATER QUALITY INFORMATION
_TE NAME/CODE
STATE
Date
COUNTY
PERSONNEL NAME & CODE
(S2)
I. Water present at site?
Yes / No
(Circle one)
II.
(S2)
Indicate:
Water samples
OA samples
Pond
/ Inlet / Outlet
(Circle)
(Check
appropriate
boxes. )
III.Time water sampled:
a.m.
IV. Water Quality: Appearance: Clear / Turbid / Colored
Describe:
Scent: Odor / Odorless
Describe:
V, Water Flow:
Channel / Overland / No Flow
(Circle)
Staonant
Slow Flow
Rapid Flow
(Check
approp.
boxes. )
VI. Signs of Stress: algal bloom / deterioration of vegetation/ dead
animals / erosion / scouring / water fluctuation
disturbance / flow obstructions / other.
Describe:
-------
FORM J2: WATER SAMPLE INFORMATION
SITE NAME/CODE
STATE
Date
COUNTY
PERSONNEL NAMES & CODES
Water samples are to be assigned code numbers that relate them to their
origins. The procedure is as follows: The first three digits
designate the Site Code, the fourth digit designates Nutrients (N) or
Metals (M) , the fifth digit designates Pond (P) , Inlet (I), or Outlet
(0), and the sixth digit designates Sample Type: (QA-= 1, Non-QA = 2,
Container blank = 3, and Field blank =4).
(Site Code)
(N/M) (P/I/0) (1/2/3/4)
I. Number of Water Samples Collected:
II. "Standard" Sample lab code (if QA site!
III. Comments:
IV.
Sample Numbers
Received at lab by:
Date:
-------
FORM K: ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTO RECORD Date
SITE NAME/CODE STATE COUNTY
PERSONNEL NAME & CODE (S2 )
Page of
Include photographs of: surroundings, wetland overview, representative
vegetation, animal activity, disturbance or obstructions, buffers,
evidence of stress (see Form I), the view down the length of each
transect (la±>el by number), and other wetland features of interest and
importance. Use only one roll of film per record sheet.
TYPE OF FILM:
PHOTOGRAPH DESCRIPTION FILM ID #
FRAME * SLIDE
-------
•T»
-------
\ /•
r% r
Date:
& Site Code:
J l* i
A/.
Photographer:
Film Roll Code:
-------
TORM P: SOIL SAMPLE LOG * LAB WORKSHEET
of
Da t: 0 :
ri
-------
FORM Q: EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
SITE NAME/CODE
Date
STATE
COUNTY
PERSONNEL NAME & CODE
AND SUPPLIES LIST
Clipboards (1 per crew member
Large rubber bands to go
around clip boards.
Form Folders or File Folders
Data Forms
First Aid Kit including
Bee/Insect bite and sting
medication.
Heavy String or Twine
Large plastic bags
Waterproof Pens
Permanent Markers
Cups
Cooler for food
Water Jug - for
drinking
Paper Towels
Soap
Water Jug - for
washing
Baskets to contain
equipment & supplies.
TRANSECT ESTABLISHMENT
At least four 100-m all
weather measuring tapes
(Ben Meadows #122608
or equivalent)
Red, Yellow and Blue
flagging
Several 24" Wooden Stakes
Two 5-lb. Hammers
Nylon Straps to bind
wooden stakes for carrying
At least four 1.5-m lengths
of Rebar (1/2 to 5/8 inch
in diameter)
At least four 3-m lengths
of PVC pipe (1/2 inch in
diameter)
VEGETATION SAMPLING
0.1-m2 Rectangular Quadrat
(dimensions: 0 .5 m X 0.2 m)
1-m2 Rectangular Quadrat
(1.5 to 2 m on the long side)
Plant Presses with blotters
and ventilators
Newspapers for plant pressing
Heavy Twine
Vegetation Forms
Regional Flora
Pens
6-centimeter ruler
Trowel
Hand Lenses
"Lunch sack" size
brown paper bags.
-------
SOIL SAMPLING
2 Bucket Augers
Trowels
8-oz Ziplock Bags
(extra for QA days)
Munsell Color Charts
(Ben Meadows #221900 & 221934)
Carpenter's Aprons
Ice Chests with ice
Two 30-cm Rulers
Spray Bottle with
water
Water for hand washing
Paper Towels
Permanent Marking Pen
WATER SAMPLING
Pre-fixed sample bottles
(provided by lab)
Baking Soda
Paper Towels
Pens
3 Liter Plastic Pitcher
Large Plastic Bags
Plastic Aprons
Plastic Gloves
Goggles
Permanent Marking Pens
Ice Chests with Ice
Ladle or Small Pitcher
ELEVATION
Transit or Builder's Level
& Tripod
Stadia Rod
Metric Ruler
Pens
Florescent
Tape
Flagging
SUPPORTING DATA
Transit or Builder's Level
& Tripod
Stadia Rod
Florescent Flagging
100-m Measuring Tape
35-mm Camera with 50-mm
or shorter lens
35-mm color slide film,
ASA 100 or less
Pens
360° Azimuth Compass
Graph Paper
360° Protractor
Blank Paper
Metric Ruler with
divisions in
centimeters
Pencils
Erasers
-------
FORM R: EP\SIN MORHELOGY
SITE
STATE
uare
OOUrTTY
M=iME i OOCE
Sheet? Y / N
TRANSECT *
Page
of
LENGTH
SAMPLING INTERVAL:
Rear]ings shall be taken at intervals decided by the crew leader along the transects except
where microtopograpny is anomalous, ie. where hunmocks, depressions, channels, etc. exist.
In these instances, readings will be taken every l neter. However, record the linear
distance from the origin at which each reading is taken. NDTF whpn readings are surface
•water depth measurements.
Ssuple Distance Stadia Vertical Relative Sanple Distance Stadia Vertical Relative
;) Rpari-inq Offset ynprafinn Point (Meters) Readina Offset ElwaLian
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
0
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
D TUFN: Bencrrork Readings
Initial Reading
Jinal Reading
Error
TORN: New Benctavark?
NO:
2nd Reading
Initial B.M.
2. Relocate Tripod
3. 3rd Reading
Initial B.M.
4. Final B.M.
Reading
5.
Plot #
Plot *
(sa.-r.e as 1)
Pice =
YES:
1.
2.
•3
2nd Reading
Initial B.K.
Plot*
(Diff of 3 t 4)
Establish ne^ Benchmark
1st Reading
Nev Bencherk Plot* _
Difference bef-een ne- and
initial benc.'rrarks
Relocate Tripod
2nd Reading
Benchmark Plot?
Difference
Readings Ne- Benc.'rrark
E. ---=•
-------
FORK S: BASIN MUTHDLOGTY EESGREPnOC
Date
COUNTY
PERSONNEL NAME & OOCE
Sheet? Y / N
TRANSECT #
Page
of
LENGTH
m
SAMPLING INTERVAL:
Readings shall be taken at intervals decided by the crew leader along the transects except
where micrptopography is anomalous, ie. where hummocks, depressions, channels, etc. exist.
In these instances, readings will be taken every 1 meter. However, record the linear
distance from the origin at which each reading is taken. This form is to be completed by
the individual carrying the stadia rod. Descriptions are needed of anomalous topography
only (ie. note where hummocks, depressions, channels, etc. occur aJong the transect).
Sample
Point
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Distance
(Meters
0
Typography
(Hummock, channel, etc.)
Sample
Point
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Distance
(Meters)
^Topography
(Hummock, channel, etc.)
•
flJTES:
-------
FORM U: PERSONNEL
Date:
Primary Team Position (Circle): Bl B2 Rl R2 SI S2
Additional Training (Circle): Bl B2 Rl R2 SI S2
Permanent Address:
Phone: ( ) OR (.
Qualifications For Field work:
This form is completed by the Project Manager. Send all Form U's
to ERL-C within one week after field training.
May 2, 1988
-------
BOTANIST'S EXPANDED CHECKLIST Date
SITE NAME/CODE STATE COUNTY
PERSONNEL NAMES & CODES (Bl & B2}
I. (Bl) Crew leader (Bl) initiates the sampling of the site.
A. Determines transect locations and determines sample
interval length. Information and rationale recorded on
FORM B.
B. Notes weather conditions on FORM B.
C. Determines if site morphology can be discerned from
placement of vegetation transects. If not, then determines
placement of site morphology transects with input from
Surveyor Team. Information and rationale recorded on FORM
B.
D. Instructs Recorders on location, number and placement of
transects.
II. (Bl & B2) Species Reconnaissance
A. Identify common species present on site - with limited
excursions into the wetland, avoiding the areas where the
vegetation transects are to be set up.
B. Assign standard pseudonyms for unknown species.
III. (B2) Vegetation Photographs - FORM E & FORM N.
A. Fill out and photograph Form N - Photo ID Sheet.
B. Record photos from only one roll of film per copy of Form E
used.
C. Photograph vegetation patterns, interesting, unidentified,
or difficult to key taxa, plant species habit or habitat,
and other wetland features of importance.
D. Label film with ID £ from Form N when the roll is finished.
E. Use only one roll of film per record sheet - Form E.
-------
IV. (Bl & B2) Vegetation Sampling
NOTE: Botanists may want to be separated enough to make
overhearing one another difficult while reading vegetation
plots. Previous personnel have found it distracting to be
within hearing distance of one another while sampling
vegetation plots.
Collect data required by both vegetation sampling methods
(Pielou and Cover estimation) at a given sample point
before proceeding to the next sample point.
A. Pielou Comparison - Form Dl.
1. Place 1m2 quadrat at plot location.
2. Identify up to "k" number of species within sample
plot and inform recorders. Record # species found
after 30 seconds and 1 minute.
B. Vegetation / Plot Cover - Forms Dl & D2.
1. Leave the 1 m2 quadrat in place from Pielou.
2. Select appropriate quadrat size (0.1 m2 for homogenous
plots of herbs < 5 dm tall or 1 m2 for patchy plots of
herbs herbs > 5 dm tall and for shrubs). Place the
0.1 m2 quadrat in the 1 m2 quadrat if it is needed.
For woody species use the 5 m2 quadrat.
3. Make estimates of unvegetated area within sample plots
and inform recorders of whether bare ground or waterv
4. Make cover estimates for each species present and
inform recorders. Estimate % cover of BASAL AREA of
Woody species in 1 m2 herbaceous plots (FORM Dl) .
Estimate % CANOPY cover of Woody species in 5 m2 plots
(FORM D2).
5. Inform recorders of species that will be collected.
V. (Bl & B2) QA Procedures
A. Crew leader (Bl) determines QA plots for vegetation data.
6 of the 40 vegetation plots are to be read by both
botanists.
B. Place quadrats at two QA plots nearest each other on one
transect and read the plots.
-------
C. After reading the QA plot for both Pielou and Cover
Estimates, botanists leave the quadrats in place and switch
positions. They then read the other QA plot.
D. Continue to read QA plots in this manner until the QA plots
at one transect are completed.
Return to the usual procedure for the remaining plots in
each transect.
VI. (B2) Botanists collect species checked "to collect" on
FORMS Dl & D2.
A. Record when each species is collected on Forms Dl & D2.
B. Label specimens with site information and the appropriate
pseudonym from the data form.
C. Press specimens following standardized procedures.
VII. (Bl) Crew leader finalizes work at the site.
A. Documents a description of site and work done, including
any problems, difficulties, unusual circumstances, etc.
B. Receives, checks, and orders data sheets.
C. Completes and initials the Master checklist.
D. Places all data sheets into the Site Packet.
-------
EXPANDED SURVEYOR'S CHECKLIST Date
SITE NAME/CODE STATE COUNTY
PERSONNEL NAMES & CODES _(S1, S2 & S
I. (Si, S2 & S3) Assemble equipment and data forms.
II. (SI, S2 & S3) Qualitative Site Information.
A. (S2) Sketch Map - FORM G
1. Indicate North.
2. Indicate transect locations, directions and
origins.
3. Indicate inlet & outlet, and pond boundaries.
4. Indicate where water sampled.
5. Indicate access.
6. Indicate vegetation zones & patches.
7. Indicate dominant landmarks, e.g., large trees,
poles or boulders.
8. Indicate land use along borders of the site.
B. (SI & S2) Map Data Sheets - FORM H.
C. (SI, S2 & S3) Finished Map.
III. (S3) Descriptive Site Information - FORM I.
A. Estimate % cover of open water and vegetation
within the wetland.
B. Estimate % wetland disturbed.
C. Record dominant vegetation types & relative
of each.
D. Estimate relative cover of surrounding area in
various land uses.
-------
IV. (S2) Water Quality & Sample Information - FORMS Jl & J2.
A. Water present at site?
B. Water samples collected?
C. Label water samples.
D. Fix water samples. (Mercuric chloride for
nutrients sample, and nitric acid for metals
sample.)
E. Record appearance & scent of water.
F. Describe water flow.
G. Record signs of Stress.
V. (S2 & S3) Environmental Photographs - FORM K.
A. Fill out and photograph Form N - Photo ID Sheet.
B. Record photos from only one roll of film per copy
of Form K used.
C. Photograph each transect from both ends.
D. Photograph objects indicated on Form K.
E. Label film with ID # from Form N when the roll is
finished.
VI. (SI, S2 & S3) Quantitative Abiotic Sampling.
Basin morphology and Vegetation Transects will often correspond.
FORMS R and S will be used to record elevation and surface water
data on all transects. All elevation measurements, surface
water measurements, hydrology and soil sampling along transects
will occur concurrently.
A. (SI, S2 & S3) Relative elevations along vegetation
transects - FORM L.
1. (SI) Set up & level transit.
2. (S2) Locate benchmark.
3. (SI) TaJce initial benchmark reading.
4. (S2 & S3) Start at first transect stake. Always
walk to the left of the transect.
-------
Record the distances of sample points
on FORMS R & S.
5. (S2) Place stadia rod adjacent to stakes marking
vegetation plots, but not in holes or on
hummocks.
6. (S2) Hold stadia rod vertical.
7. (SI) Periodically check telescope bubble to be
sure instrument is level.
8. (Si) When turns are necessary (i.e. , if not all
plots are visible from original transit
location), follow turn procedure outlined or
Form L.
9. (SI) Check that 40 vegetation plots have
elevation readings. Note on Form F.
10. (SI) Calculate vertical offset for the site anc
relative elevation for each plot.
B. (SI, S2 & S3) If standing water is present along the
transect, measure depth with the staci™
rod at every sampling plot and record •
on FORM R. This should be done
concurrent with reading relative
elevations along the transects to keep
trampling to a minimum.
C. (SI, S2 & S3) Basin Morphology Data (FORM R) and
Basin Morphology Descriptions (FORM S).
1. (SI) Follow above procedures (VI. A. 1-8) for
transit location and set-up.
2. (S2) Place stadia rod at intervals along basin
morphology transects, starting at the
beginning of the meter tape. Record the
distances of sample points along the
transect on Form S. Sampling interval will
be determined by the crew leader.
3. (S2) When microtopography becomes hummocky,
contains depressions, stream or erosion
channels, etc., place stadia rod at 1 meter
intervals.
-------
Alert SI at the sample point where this
procedure has become necessary.
4. (S2) Record the distances of the 1 meter sample
points and descriptions of their
microtopography on Form S.
5. (SI) Record the distances of sample points along
the transect and the readings from the
stadia rod on Form R. Indicate which
sampling points are vegetation Plots.
6. (SI) Calculate vertical offset for the site, and
relative elevation for basin morphology
readings on Form R.
D. (SI, S2 & S3) Soil Sampling & Hydrology - FORM M &
FORM P.
NOTE: These tasks are interchangeable between Survey Team
personnel. Sample soils only after the botanists have
finished with the plot.
1. Use a sharp-shooter, tile shovel or auger to
extract soil core of 30 cm length in every fourth
vegetation plot, starting with the first plot
(the second stake) on each vegetation transect.
The presence of bedrock or gravel may require
starting with a subsequent vegetation plot. If
so, start with the first plot containing soil and
continue to sample every fourth plot. Record the
plot numbers sampled and the time the soil pit
was dug on Form M.
If there is standing water on the site or if the
substrate is saturated, it may be more effective
to use a coring device.
2. Extrude the soil core and place it on a plastic
sheet.
3. Note if there is any rotten egg odor emanating
from the pit and record Yes or No on Form M.
4. Check the sides of the pit or the soil core for
evidence of saturation (glistening & moistness).
Measure the distance from the surface that the
soil is saturated and record the distance in cm
on Form M.
-------
5. If there is water in the soil pit, measure the
distance from ground level to the water surface
in centimeters.
Record this distance as a positive number and the
time on Form M in the space for the "Initial
Depth to Water".
If the water reaches the ground surface, record
"S" in this space.
6. If there is no water in the soil pit, record "NW"
and the time on Form M in the space for the
"Initial Depth to Water".
7. Collect Soil Samples:
a. If the substrate is firm, collect a sample
from the top and bottom 5 cm intervals of
the soil core. Discard large twigs, roots,
and debris.
b. If the substrate consists of a slurry or is
semi-liquid, collect a sample from at least
the top 5 cm of the core.
8. Place each soil sample in a container. Label
each container with a permanent marker.
9. Record each soil sample's code number, transect,
plot, depth (state 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, etc.), and QA
status on Form M.
10. QA Procedures:
If conducting a survey type study, take duplicate
soil samples from the top of 4 central plots (if
the substrate is a slurry), or from the top and
bottom of 2 centrally located plots on each of
two transects at QA sites.
11. Determine the Munsell Soil Color of a wet soil
sample taken from a depth of 25 - 30 cm. If this
depth was not reached because of rock, gravel,
etc. , determine the color from the greatest depth
of the soil core below the B-horizon. Record
this number on Form M.
VII. (SI) Ensure all forms are properly and completely filled
out. Arrange them in the order specified on the
Master Checklist and give them to the Crew Leader.
-------
Section No. APP. II
FLORIDA STUDY Revision No. 0
Date: 6/10/88
Page / of /?
APPENDIX II.
SITE SELECTION METHODOLOGY
-------
Section No. APP. II
FLORIDA STUDY Revision No. 0
Date: 6/10/88
Page £ of/^
APPENDIX II.
SITE SELECTION METHODOLOGY
-------
SITE SELECTION METHODOLOGY
for
EVALUATION OF CREATED WETLA.KDS IN FLORIDA
General Methodology
Because of the diverse climatic and geomorphologic character of Florida,
it became apparent early in the development of the site selection methodology
that the final sites must be located within a relatively small, homogeneous
"eco-region." The small number of created and reference wetlands that were to
be used in these field tests (nine of each) made it imperative that variation
due to climatic or geomorphologic differences be excluded from the data base.
Once the region was selected, the population of created wetlands had to be of
sufficient size to insure there were enough candidate wetlands in the total
population to account for exclusions resulting from environmental conditions,
human impacts, inaccessibility, etc. Thus the selection process, which started
at the state level, was aimed at selecting an eco-region with a sufficient
number of created and reference wetlands to enable final selection of nine
suitable wetlands in each category.
The selection process was organized in a hierarchical manner. First, a
state data base was accessed to identify the regions in Florida with the
largest numbers of created wetlands. Second, regional and local government
agency files within these regions were consulted, and likely subregions within
each were selected. Third, physiologic differences within these subregions
were taken into account, and a final eco-region having a sufficient number of
crested vetlands was selected.
-------
Once an eco-region was selected, aerial photographs and maps of the region
were used to select a population of reference wetlands from which the final
nine were to be chosen. To insure that the population represented a full
spectrum of reference wetlands, three categories of landscape development
intensity were used: highly developed, moderately developed, and relatively
undeveloped. One-third of the final number of reference wetlands were chosen
from each category.
Specific methods for the selection of created and reference wetlands are
given in the following sections.
Selection of Eco-Regions
Criteria for study area selection were as follows:
1. The region had to have sufficient development activity and
permitting activity so as to yield a large concomitant
population of created wetlands, and
2. Each region had to be within one climatic region.
Regions with the largest number of created wetlands were selected from a
data base provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation
(FDER). Given in Figure 1 and summarized in Table 1 are FDER districts and the
total number of permits issued for created wetlands less than 5 acres. Sites
had to be within a reasonable distance of Gainesville to minimize travel
expenses. From the FDER data base and under the travel constraint, two sub-
regions were selected from which final eco-regions were to be selected. The
first sub-region was in central Florida around the growing Orlando metropolitan
area, and the second was on the west coast around Tampa, Florida.
Once sub-regions were selected, permit files of FDER district offices were
inspected to further refine the data base and determine the sizes, types, and
total numbers of created wetlands within each district. Consultation vith FDER
-------
personnel led to the selection of the sub-region around Tampa, Florida. This
sub-region which encompasses Hillsborough County, was selected primarily
because of the extensive data base kept by the county's Environmental
Protection Commission (EPC) however, analysis of created wetlands data base
relatively showed that on all created wetland projects over the past 6 years.
Since accurate records of species planted, year of planting, site conditions,
and follow-up site visits were kept by the Commission, this data base was found
to be far superior to any within the two sub-regions.
As the analysis of the Hillsborough County created wetlands data base
proceeded, geologic, topographic, and hydrologic evidence strongly suggested
that the county was most appropriately divided into two eco-regions (Sinclair
et al. 1986; Vernon and Puri, 1964; U.S.D.A., 1958). The line paralleling and
southeast of the Hillsborough River, which extends diagonally from Hillsborough
Bay to the northeast corner of the county divides the county into two eco-
regions (see Figure 2). The eastern region is underlain by the Hawthorn
Formation, composed of marine sands, clays, marls and sandy limestone, while
north of the river the region is underlain by the St. Marks Formation, composed
of sandy, chalky limestone. North and west of the Hillsborough River the
topography is flat; the cover material over the limestone and dolomite deposits
is relatively thin, subjecting the limestone to rainwater percolation and
dissolution. The landscape is characterized by shallow depressions, most of
which are dominated by cypress. East of the Hillsborough River the topography
is flat, the land gradually rises to the east, abutting sand covered ridges.
Drainage is better defined and shallow depressions are less frequent. Unlike
the northern region, depressions in the eastern region are shallower and are
dominated by herbaceous cover.
-------
It would seem that the eastern region was most suitable for this study
because of the preponderance of herbaceous wetlands. There was not a
sufficient number of crear.cc" wetlands within this eco-region (a result of less
development activity within this portion of the county) to form a large enough
population from which to drav the final nine study wetlands. Because the
northern eco-region had more created wetlands, it was chosen as the study area.
Selection of Created Wetland Sites
Created wetlands which meet the study criteria were identified from the
data base of the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission. A
total of 63 created wetlands in 30 developments through the county were
identified (see Figure 3). By far the largest concentration of created
wetlands was in the northern eco-region because of the outward expansion of the
Tampa urban area. The criteria used to identify candidate created wetlands
were:
1. Size (less than 1 hectare),
2. Type (herbaceous vegetation),
3. Age (at least one year), and
A. Intensity of maintenance performed since creation of the site
(the less maintenance, the more desirable the site).
After eco-region selection was complete, the total number of created
vetlands meeting the above criteria and residing in the selected eco-region was
reduced to twenty.
Final selection of the created wetlands required site visits where the
following criteria were applied:
1. The extent to which the created wetland approximates natural
freshwater marsh systems of the eco-region (i.e., created
-------
littoral zones of stormwater ponds were least desirable;
isolated, fully vegetated marshes were most desirable),
2. Location of sites in an urbanized setting, and
3. Accessibility.
The first of these criteria was most important. Natural herbaceous
wetlands that were to be used as reference wetlands occur most often as
isolated, fully vegetated communities throughout this eco-region. Seldom does
one encounter naturally occurring herbaceous littoral zones, although many
developers are now planting their lake margins with herbaceous vegetation.
Therefore, in order to make relevant comparisons between reference and created
wetlands, created littoral zones, for the most part, were eliminated from
consideration.
During site visits, extent of obvious maintenance and exogenous impacts
were also noted. Candidates were eliminated if these two factors seemed to
dominate. The final selection process yielded a final list of nine created
wetlands.
Selection of Reference Wetlands
The problem of selecting a representative sample of reference wetlands was
compounded by two factors related to their purpose; they were to be used as a
reference base, against which, measured parameters from created wetlands were
to be compared. The first factor was related to the diversity of herbaceous
wetlands characteristic of the Florida landscape; there are numerous community
types, from flag ponds dominated by broad leafed rooted herbaceous plants to
deep-water marshes dominated by floating plants. The second factor was related
to urbanization impacts on isolated wetlands.
As a result of these factors, the methodology for selection of reference
vetlcnds differed from that used for created wetlands. In general, the
-------
selection process identified candidate wetlands within the eco-region,
identified a subsample population within the entire eco-region since the larger
population was too extensive to visit all sites, stratified the total
population into three categories of landscape condition, and randomly ordered
wetlands in each category for selection. Each wetland was visited and scored
based on accessability and visible evidence of severe exogenous impacts to
develop the final list of reference wetlands.
To identify the total population of candidate reference wetlands, existing
herbaceous wetlands of a size class close to 1 hectare in the northern eco-
region were identified using 1986 true color aerial photography (scale
1:12000). All herbaceous wetlands within the region immediately north of the
Tampa urban area were mapped and numbered. Figure A is a map of quadrat
location and 32 potential reference wetlands located as accurately as possible,
given map scale limitations.
Using a mosaic of color infra-red photographs of the northern eco-region,
a location was chosen that included a full spectrum of development intensities
and the largest possible population of herbaceous wetlands. Areas east and
west of the quadrat were less desirable because of the paucity of wetlands in
the east and minor development intensity in the west.
The extent of urbanization surrounding a reference wetland is a very
important variable. Observation of the developing landscape throughout Florida
over many years has shown a radius of decreasing negative impacts on wetlands
surrounding and extending away from urbanized areas (Brown, 1986). Apparently,
the more urbanized the landscape, the greater the potential for exogenous
impacts and the lower the ecological health of wetlands found within them.
Community structure is greatly influenced by these exogenous impacts.
-------
Using a quadrat extending from the highly urbanized landscape surrounding
Tampa to the relatively natural landscape at the periphery of the county,
reference wetlands could be selected from three different categories of
landscape development intensity. These categories were derived by estimating
the percentage of land in urban, agricultural, and undeveloped (natural) uses
2
within 2.6 km surrounding each wetland. These estimates were made by placing
2
a grid containing 36 cells and encompassing an area of 2.6 km over each
wetland and visually estimating the percentages of each land use within each
cell. Total area within each land use category was summed from the 36
observations.
Two indexes were derived from these data based on the following equations:
^(% urban x 5) + (% agriculture x 5) + % natural2 / 100 (1)
and
^(% urban x 10) + (% agriculture x 5) + % natural2 / 100 (2)
Equation (1) gives equal weight to both urban and agricultural land uses,
while equation (2) gives higher weight to urban uses over agricultural uses.
The first index suggests that impacts from urban and agriculture use of
landscape are equivalent, while the second index suggests that urban uses
impact wetlands greater than agricultural uses.
Table 2 gives the calculated values for landscape development indexes for
each of the wetlands. The higher the number for each index the higher the
development intensity in the surrounding landscape. After comparing the two
indexes, equation (2) was chosen. Because urban land uses impact isolated
wetland community structure to a larger extent through overdrainage and other
exogenous impacts than does agricultural development.
Figure A shows the distribution of reference wetlands listed in Table 2
according to the landscape development intensity index. In the top bar graph,
-------
the percentage of surrounding landscape within each land use is given for each
wetland. The bottom graph shows a frequency distribution. Three categories of
landscape development intensit}' were derived from the frequency distribution:
1. 4.0 - 5.5% (12 wetlands,)
2. 6.0 - 7.5% (10 wetlands,)
3. 8.5 - 9.5% (10 wetlands,)
Wetlands within each landscape development intensity category were
randomly numbered. Each wetland within each category was visited in order, and
either selected or eliminated. Selection proceeded until three wetlands were
selected from each landscape development intensity category. Criteria for
suitability were, (1) accessibility and (2) extent of exogenous impacts (where
it was evident that the wetland had been influenced by some recent exogenous
impact [e.g., ditching, grazing, off-road vehicle use, etc.], the wetland was
eliminated). Nine reference wetlands were chosen in this manner.
-------
Table 1.
Florida Department of Environmental Regulation
Groundwater Management System
Number of Permits Issued (General Permits Excluded)
8/25/77 to 8/25/87
for wetlands less than 5 acres
County
Northwest District
Bay
Calhoun
Escambia
Franklin
Gadsden
Gulf
Holmes
Jackson
Jefferson
Leon
Liberty
Okaloosa
Santa Rosa
Wakulla
Walton
Washington
TOTALS
St. Johns River District
Brevard
Lake
Marion
Orange
Osceola
Seminole
Volusia
Short Form
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
2
0
1
0
l_
9
5
0
1
6
2
A
7
Standard Form
2
0
0
0
0
0
C
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0_
3
2
0
0
2
1
0
3
TOTALS 2 5
-------
Table 1. Continued.
County
Northeast District
Alachua
Baker
Bradford
Clay
Columbia
Dixie
Duval
Flagler
Gilchrist
Hamilton
Lafayette
Levy
Madison
Nassau
Putnam
St. Johns
Suwannee
Taylor
Union
TOTALS
Southwest District
Citrus
De Soto
Hardee
Hernando
Hillsborough
Manatee
Pasco
Pinellas
Polk
Sarasota
Sumter
Short Form
0
0
0
2
0
0
23
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0_
32
0
1
0
0
25
13
14
22
8
15
0
Standard Form
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
£
0
1
0
0
1
5
2
1
3
1
0
0
TOTALS
98
-------
Table 1. Continued.
County Short Form Standard Form
Southeast District
Broward 7 3
Dade A 3
Palm Beach _7_ .§.
TOTALS 18 12
Southeast Branch District
Indian River 1 0
Martin 6 0
Okeechobee 0 0
St. Lucie _3 _]_
TOTALS 10 1
South Florida District
Charlotte 7 0
Collier 7 1
Glades 2 0
Hendry 0 0
Highlands 5 0
Lee 36 1
Monroe 12_ l_
TOTALS 69 3
STATE TOTALS 261 41
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Table 2. Landscape Development Intensity.
% of Area
Marsh
dumber
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Urban
33.6
26. 4
45.3
42.2
18.9
18.9
11.7
33.1
31.1
30.8
46.9
57.2
80.3
50.0
44.7
43.3
31.4
61.9
66.7
62.5
86.7
66.9
76.7
78.9
80.6
80.8
65.0
78.3
58.9
82.8
94.4
92.5
Agric.
35.3
38.9
9.7
16.4
44.7
44.7
62.5
31.7
33.3
36.1
25.0
10.3
5.0
8.7
7.5
16.9
18.9
13.6
2.2
6.1
2.5
8.3
2.8
6.9
5.0
3.3
6.4
5.6
9.7
4.4
0.0
0.0
Natural
31.1
34.4
44.7
41.7
36.4
36.4
25.8
35.3
35.6
33.3
28.1
32.5
14.7
41.3
47.8
39.7
49.7
24.4
31.1
31.4
10.8
24.7
20.6
14.2
14.4
15.8
28.1
16.1
29.4
13.1
5.6
7.5
Landscape Development
Intensity
Index 1
3.76
3.61
3.20
3.35
3.54
3.54
3.97
3.59
3.58
3.68
3.88
3.70
4.41
3.35
3.09
3.41
3.01
4.02
3.76
3.74
4.57
4.01
4.18
4.43
4.42
4.37
3.85
4.36
3.73
4.49
4.78
4.70
Index 2
5.44
4.93
5.46
5.46
4.49
4.49
4.55
5.24
5.13
5.22
6.23
6.56
8.43
5.85
5.33
5.58
4.58
7.12
7.09
6.87
8.90
7.36
8.01
8.38
8.45
8.41
7.10
8.27
6.67
8.63
9.50
9.33
Index //I Calculated using the following formula [(% Urban x
5) + (55 Agriculture x 5) % Natural]/1QO
Index #2 Calculated using the following formula [(% Urban x
10) + (% Agriculture x 5) + % Natural]/
-------
1- Northwest District
2- Northeast District
3- St. Johns River District
4- Southwest District
5- Southeast District
6- Southeast Branch District
7- South Florida District
Figure 1. Map of Florida Department of Environmental Regulation Districts
Shoving the Orlando Region (#3), and Tampa Region (#4).
-------
Pasco County
;'-• i" o;' :Ji*(* TV"- *"• ~*""-*^'--' *'; •••v-V'-i'w »sif•"-' ~?"j£' \
Manalpp C.nuntv I
St. Marks Formation
Hawthorne Formation
Other
Figure 2. Map of Hlllsborough County Showing two Geologic Formations that
are Basis for Distinguishing two Eco-Regions (from Vernon and
Puri, 196A).
-------
Pasco County
J\J1 \J U^l I • •
ounty" A
.. A '
• (/•» <
Figure 3. Map of Urban Area of Hillsborough County Showing Location of Created Wetlands.
-------
Pasco County
Figure 4. Map of Northern Portion of Hillsborough County Showing Landscape
Quadrat (study area) and Location of Reference Wetlands.
-------
Lend Ua« Distribution
1OO
567
9 10 B 13 1 4 3 16 14 1 1 12 2B 2O 19 27 10 22 2328 24 26 13253021 32 31
Urban
Moroh
A5rlc.
Noturol
6 -
5 -
D
tr
v
2 -
1 -
5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8
Landscape Development Intensity
8.3
9.3
10
Figure 5.
Graphs of Landscape Development Intensity Index for Reference
Wetlands Shoving: (a) Wetlands Organized by Ascending Index-
Number (top), and (b) Frequency Distribution of Wetlands by
Index Number (bottom).
-------
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brown, M.T. 1986. Cummulative Impacts in Landscapes Dominated by Humanity.
Pages 33-50 jin_ E.D. Estevez, J. Miller, J. Morris, and R. Hamman (eds.),
Managing Cumulative Effects in Florida Wetlands: Conference Proceedings.
New College Environmental Studies Program Publication No. 37. Sarasota,
Florida.
Sinclair, W.C., S.W. Stewart, R.L. Knutilla, A.E. Gilboy, and R.L. Miller.
1986. Types, Features, and Occurrence of Sinkholes in the Karst of West-
Central Florida. Water Resources Investigations Report 85-4126.
U.S.G.S. Tallahassee, Florida.
U.S.D.A. 1958. Soil Survey, Hillsborough County Florida. U.S.D.A., Soil
Conservation Service. U.S.G.P.A. Washington, D.C.
Vernon, R.O., and H.S. Puri. 1964. Geologic Map of Florida, Map Series NO 18.
Florida Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Geology, Tallahassee,
Florida.
-------
FLORIDA STUDY Section No. APP. Ill
Revision No. 0
Date: 6/15/88
of *j[
APPENDIX III.
QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN
for
WETLAND SOIL ORGANIC CONTENT DETERMINATION
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, HL
v3_ of «//
QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN
FOR
WETLAND SOIL ORGANIC CONTENT DETERMINATION
Document Control Number
( )
Revision (0)
Name:
Title:
Signature
Eric M. Preston
Phone
_EPA Project Officer_
Date
Name:
Title
Signature
Mark Brov-Ti
Phone
University of Florida. Project Manager,
Date
Name:_
Title
Signature
_James McCartv_
Phone
OA Officer
Date
Name:
Title
Signature
_Soence Peterson^
EPA Watershed Branch. Chief
Phone
Date
U.S Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
April 1988
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CONTENTS
Introduction ........................................... 1
Project Description .................................... 1
Organization and Responsibilities ...................... 2
Quality Assurance Objectives ........................... 3
Sample Custody ......................................... 4
Calibration Procedures and Frequency ................... 5
Analytical Procedures .................................. 5
Data Reduction, Validation, and Reporting .............. 7
Internal Quality Control Checks ........................ 8
Performance and System Audits .......................... 10
Preventive Maintenance ................................. 10
Specific Routine Procedures used to Assess Data
Precision ......................................... 10
Corrective Actions ..................................... 11
Quality Assurance Reports to management ................ 12
Appendix ............................................... 14
Section A (Worksheets)
Section B (QA Audit checklists)
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INTRODUCTION
Policies initiatec3 by the Administrator of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in memoranda of May 30,
1979, and June 14, 1979, require that all EPA laboratories
participate in a centrally managed quality assurance (QA)
program. This policy extends to research efforts supported or
mandated through formal agreements with other organizations. The
intent is to develop a unified approach to QA to ensure the
collection of data which are scientifically sound, legally
defensible, and of known quality. This QA Project Plan has been
created to meet this EPA QA policy.
The checks and related criteria established in this QA
document were devloped to ensure that data derived from the
analysis are usable. By the time soil samples are delivered to
the lab significant amounts of research funds and time have
already been expended. Because of this, inaccurate or lost data
is very expensive and reduces the value of the overall research
effort. It is important, therefore, that QA procedures are
carefully followed.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This laboratory procedure is part of a larger research
program. The EPA's Corvallis Environmental Lab (ERL-C) under the
auspeces of the Office of Research and Development (OPJD) is
conducting research on the nation's wetlands. One component of
this research is the development of a standardized method for
characterizing wetlands. This method will be used to compare
naturally-occurring wetlands with wetlands created or restored as
mitigation under section 404 of the Clean Water Act. One of the
characterists of many wetlands is that they occur on hydric
organic soils. The samples analyzed in this project were
extracted from wetlands under study using the ERL-C Wetlands
Characterization Method. This document establishes procedures for
determining organic content of wetland soil samples using high
temperature ignition techniques.
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Soil samples are delivered to the lab by ERL-C personnel or
EPA cooperators. Samples are analyzed following procedures
detailed in this document and the resulting data is provided to
the ERL-C Wetlands Research Team.
PROJECT ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITY
This soil analysis project is part of a cooperative research
project between the US EPA and the University of Florida.
Responsibility for project execution is divided between both
entities.
EPA/Management
i
The US EPA Environmental Research Lab, Corvallis, Oregon
(ERL-C), is responsible for major project funding and general
oversight. The Project Officer, Eric Preston, and his staff, are
responsible for ensuring that the communication of needs and
services between the EPA and the University of Florida is
comprehensive and unambiguous.
EPA/OA Auditor
The EPA QA Auditor from ERL-C is responsible for inspecting
the laboratory facilities and operations for adherence to
specified QA procedures and criteria. Recommendations and issues
will be discussed with laboratory staff at the conclusion of the
visit. The auditor will present findings in a written report
submitted to the Project Officer who will instigate corrective
actions, if required.
Coooerator
The University of Florida and the Project Manager, Mark
Brown, are responsible for ensuring laboratory procedures are
followed and quality assurance criteria are met.
LAB PERSONNEL
Persons conducting soil analysis need to be proficient in
the use of related lab equipment and knowledgeable in standard
procedures and familiar with the contents of the Project QA Plan.
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Trainees will be under the direct supervision of qualified lab
staff.
QUALITY ASSURANCE OBJECTIVES
No measure of the precision and accuracy for determinations
of soil percent organic content using this method is available.
QA objectives in this project refer to analytical procedures
only.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Precision is a measure of mutual agreement among individual
measurements of the same property, usually under prescribed
similar conditions. Data precision is checked through the use of
field and lab replicate samples and standard procedures.
Accuracy is the degree to which a measurement reflects the true
or accepted reference value of the measured parameter. It is a
measure of the bias in a system. Accuracy depends on the
technique used to measure a parameter and the care with which it
is executed.
Completeness is a measure of the amount of valid data obtained
from a measurement system compared to the amount that was
expected to be obtained under correct normal conditions.
Representativeness expresses the degree to which data accurately
and precisely represent a characteristic of a population,
parameter variations at a sampling point, a process condition, or
an environmental condition.
Comparability expresses the confidence with which one data set
can be compared to another. Variability of data collected by
different investigators should be minimized. If large differences
exist between investigators, comparisons are dubious because they
may reflect investigator differences rather than site
differences.
QUALITY ASSURANCE CRITERIA
Weighing Accuracy— ± 5% of Standard Weights
3
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Weight determination accuracy is a function of balance and
operator accuracy. Periodic checks with standard weights (see
Analytical Procedures and Calibration sections) are recorded and
used to determine QA performance.
Weighing. Temperature, and Time Precision—
<5% Relative Percent Difference (RPD)
Weighing precision is determined by having a second party
randomly reweigh ten percent of the measurements. Temperature
and time precision are determined by examination of relevant
entries on the lab batch log and comparing them with time and
temperature requirements set forth in the procedures (see
Analytical Procedures section).
Data Completeness— >95% of Potential
Data completeness is determined by computing the amount of
usable data resulting from the analysis as a percentage of the
number of samples delivered to the lab. ERL-C computes lab
performance in meeting this objective.
Sample Representativeness— <15% RPD
This measure reflects how well the analyzed part of the
sample represents the total contents of the original sample
container. Processing replicate lab samples give an indication
of how well this criteria is being met (see Internal Audit
section) . The Wetlands Characterization QA Plan details
procedures for ensuring samples collected are representative of
the wetland under study.
SAMPLE CUSTODY
Soil sample custody is the responsibility of a laboratory
staff member who will be named by the Project Manager, Mark
Brown. Custodial responsibilities transfer from the field Team
Leader to this individual upon receipt of samples at the lab as
evidenced by a sample custody sheet signed by the lab
representative. Sample custody remains with the lab until
written notification from ERL-C that samples can be discarded.
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The lab will maintain contemporaneous logs of all samples
received, dates processed, analysis results, and problems
encountered. These logs will be kept on file until ERL-C
authorizes their destruction.
CALIBRATION PROCEDURES AND FREQUENCY
To ensure data are accurate and consistent, all equipment
will be maintained and periodically calibrated. Balances and
ovens will be certified for accuracy by a qualified testing
organization and evidenced by an attached certification sticker.
Balances: Check that balances read zero prior to each
measurement. Use standard certified weights to check balances at
the beginning and end of each batch of samples weighed. Record
these calibration check values for inclusion in the final QA lab
report.
Ovens: Check oven and furnace weekly for temperature
accuracy following calibration procedures established by the
manufacturer. The starting and stopping temperatures for each
batch are recorded on the Lab Batch Log (form 1) and indicate the
whether or not the unit is maintaining a stable temperature over
time.
ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES
1. Samples are kept in refrigerated storage at a minimum of
3°C. This retards continued breakdown of organic materials
by soil microbes. Soil samples must be analyzed within 30
days from the time they were collected.
2. Samples are analyzed in batches. Each batch consists of all
samples from one or more sites. Each site must be treated
as a unit because a specific number of quality assurance
replicate samples are included.
3. Assemble the required number of numbered ceramic crucibles
needed to complete a batch of samples. Crucible number
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markings must be able to withstand the 550°C furnace
temperature. Dirty crucibles should be scrubbed and washed
to remove all residue from previous determinations. A small
stiff brush may be used if necessary. Rinse crucibles well
with tap water, then with distilled water and dry in drying
oven. Place crucibles in a muffle furnace at 550°C. for one
hour. Store in a desiccator until used.
4. Select a soil sample and a crucible. Record the sample code
and crucible number on the worksheet (form A-l).
5. Remove any roots, chunks of debris, and stones from the
sample. Mix well, using a spatula.
6. Weigh the crucible to the nearest 0.1 mg and record on
worksheet.
7. Place about 10 grains of soil into the crucible. Reseal the
sample container and return to refrigerated storage.
Remaining soil will be used if analysis must be repeated.
NOTE: Triplicate samples are prepared for QA. Prepare
triplicate samples from every tenth field sample
container processed and label them by adding an A,
B and C to the sample number. Process samples A
and B together in the same batch and process C in
the following batch. See Internal Quality Control
Checks section for details.
8. Continue this process until a batch is complete. Place
crucibles, on wire racks, in drying oven overnight at 103-
105°C. Record time and temperature on form Bl.
9. Remove crucibles from oven (enter time and temperature on
form B-l) and place in desiccator until they have cooled to
room temperature.
10. Weigh each crucible to the nearest 0.1 mg and record the
weight on worksheet (form A-l) under the "crucible + sample
weight, 103 C" column.
11. After all samples are weighed, place them in a muffle
furnace at 550°C for one hour. Higher temperatures and
longer times can volatize non-organic carbonate materials
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so, monitor furnace temperature and record the time that
samples are inserted and removed (form B-l). Remove
crucibles and place in desiccator until they have cooled to
room temperature, at least 30 minutes.
12. Weigh the cooled crucible to the nearest 0.1 mg and record
on the worksheet under the "crucible + sample weight, 550 C"
column.
After each batch is completed, make copies of the worksheets
and send them to the Project Officer at ERL-C. ERL-C staff will
check QA duplicate sample results and notify lab as to whether or
not QA criteria are being met.
DATA REDUCTION, VALIDATION, AND REPORTING
DATA REDUCTION
All data reduction will be done by ERL-C staff.
DATA VALIDATION
The only valiaation activity involved in these procedures is
examination of sample identification numbers. Before each sample
is analyzed, each container identification number is examined by
lab personnel. The field Team Leader should be contacted for
verification of sample if any numbers are unclear. Document the
problem and its resolution in the worksheet's "comments" section.
REPORTING
After each batch of soil samples is completed, the lab will
send a report to the Project Officer at ERL-C. It is important
that this report be sent as soon as the analysis is completed so
ERL-C can report back on any problems before additional analysis
is completed. The report will be in the form of a cover letter
accompanying legible copies of all worksheets. It will state
which batches are included, any problems encountered, procedural
changes made, and who to contact for any clarification needed.
After ERL-C has assessed the lab results, a report will be
returned to the lab. If more than 20% of the QA duplicates have
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a percent relative difference greater than 15%, the batch will be
reanalyzed. If criteria are being met, but a high degree of
variability is found, ERL-C may suggest changes in procedures or
an additional QA systems audit may be requested.
INTERNAL QUALITY CONTROL CHECKS
Internal QA checks fall into three general classes:
calibration, replicate samples, and duplicate weight
determinations.
CALIBRATION
Calibration checks ensure data accuracy. Check that
balances read zero prior to each measurement. Use standard,
certified weights to check balances at the beginning, after
weighing 30 samples, and after completing each batch.
REPLICATE SAMPLES
Replicate samples check data precision and
representativeness. Prepare triplicate samples from every tenth
field sample container processed and label them by adding an A, B
and C to the sample number. Process samples A and B together in
the same batch and process C in the following batch. After
ignition and weighing, compute Relative Percent Difference (RPD)
between samples as outlined below (use form B-l).
Calculation of RPD within batch: Representativeness
1. For samples A and B, subtract the crucible weight from
the sample plus crucible weights for each oven
temperature. Divide the 550°C weight by the 103°C
weight.
(550° sample + crucible) - crucible
(103° sample + crucible) - crucible
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2. Subtract the values computed (in £1) for A from B and
record the result as an absolute value.
3. Calculate the mean of the values computed for A and B
(in tl).
4. Divide the difference (#2) by the mean (#3) and
multiply by 100.
|A - B|
For A & B:-> RPD = X 100
(A + B)/2
Calculation of PRD between batches: Precision
Use the computations outlined above to calculation the PRD
between the mean of samples A and B and sample C.
I(A + B)/2| - C
For AB & C:-> RPD = X 100
(|(A + B)/2| + C)/2
Interpretation:
Average RPD values should fall between two and ten percent.
If high values are obtained check that procedures are being
followed carefully. High "within batch" values can indicate
inadequate sample mixing or weight determination. High "between
batch" values can indicate furnace temperature variations or
inconsistent ignition times. If no apparent reason can be
isolated for the problem, inform ERL-C project staff.
DUPLICATE WEIGHT DETERMINATIONS
This procedure indicates comparability between lab
personnel. A portion of the weight determination for each batch
should be rechecked by a second party. Within one hour of
weighing a batch of samples, a second person should randomly
select ten percent of the samples and reweigh them following
standard procedures. Record the second weight determinations on
a separate data sheet (form A-l) and write "QA" in the heading.
Divide the difference between the readings by their mean to
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determine the RPD. If values greater than 5% are obtained check
that personnel are following standard sample weighing procedures.
If the reweighed samples consistently read heavier than the
first, the soil and crucibles may be absorbing atmospheric
moisture. To correct this, reweigh samples sooner and keep in a
desiccator.
PERFORMANCE AND SYSTEM AUDITS
On May 18th or 19th, Deborah Coffey will visit the lab to
conduct an EPA QA systems audit. She will examine the laboratory
equipment, interview personnel, and monitor procedures. She will
prepare an audit report and submit it to the EPA Project Officer.
The report will contain her findings and any recommended or
required changes. Refer to Data Quality Audit Protocol
Checklists (appendix) for an example of ERL-C audit protocols.
It is important to remember that an audit, like other QA
procedures, is not intended to find fault with lab personnel. It
is a valuable tool for ensuring all parties have correctly
communicated with each other and that the final soils data will
meet the project needs. The auditor's role is to help us all in
achieving this goal.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
All lab equipment will be maintained according to standard
laboratory procedures and manufacturer's recommendations. The
balance and ovens will be kept clean to prevent sample
contamination and calibration loss.
SPECIFIC ROUTINE PROCEDURES USED TO ASSESS DATA PRECISION
Most of the routine procedures used to assess data precision
are covered in the "Internal Quality Control Checks", "Analytical
Procedures", and "Preventive Maintenence" sections of this
document. This section does, however, address the important area
of data entry on worksheets.
10
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3. EPA systems audit results.
If corrective actions are required, soil sample analysis
should be suspended until they are in place.
If ERL-C QA checks on field sample duplicates identify high
variability, two levels of corrective actions may occur. PRD
>15% for more than 20% of the sample pairs results in a
requirement to reanalyze the batch. If high levels of
variability continue, an EPA systems audit may be performed to
aid in problem identification.
Lab personnel keep a record of data and computations used
for internal QA checks. They consult with the Project Manager
and take actions required to correct procedural or equipment
problems if indicated by the QA checks. In addition, if problems
cannot be corrected by the staff, assistance from ERL-C staff
should be requested.
If the EPA Auditor's report requires corrections to lab
equipment or procedure, this must be acknowledged and corrected
before sample analysis can continue.
QUALITY ASSURANCE REPORTS TO MANAGEMENT
A final data quality report becomes an intregal part of the
final research product. The report is assembled by ERL-C staff
and submitted to the EPA Project Officer. Included in the report
are:
1. A summary of actual data quality achieved, including a
disclosure of any factors limiting data utility.
2. A description of problems encountered and corrections
made.
3. Suggestions for increasing data quality in future
studies.
12
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7
APPENDIX
-Lab worksheets Section A
-OA Audit Checklists Section B
14
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Appendix A
Use these worksheets as masters to make copies from for
actual data recording.
-------
L-JATCH
ANALYS
SAMPLE
NUMBER
-------
QUALITY ASSUF
BATCH \IUM6ER<
SAMPLE
NUMBER
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
^
CRUCIBLE
NUMBER
1ANCE LOG D
'S^ ^
ATF 1
HFFT OF
CRUCIBLE
WEIGHT
•
CRUC. -t-
SAMPLE WT.
10.^ r
'
CRUC. -t-
SAMPLE WT.
fiSO C
SAMPLE
WEIGHT
1 O~\ C
SAMPLE
WEIGHT
?=>•?. O C
PRO
BETWEEN
A AMD B
i.
•
AB FORK/
PRO
BETWEEN
a AND r.
A?
INITIALS
-------
LAB BATCH LOG
tlAlCH NO.
a.ND DATE
....
•=;HFFT nr
DRYING OVEN
TIME in
TEMP. IN
TIME OUT
TEMP. OUT
LAB FORM B1
MUFFLE FURNACE
TIME IN
I
TEMP. IN
TIME OUT
.
"
1
TEMP. OUT
INITIALS
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Location:
Project:
Date:
DATA QUALITY AUDIT PROTOCOL
Yes
N/A
A. Data Quality Indicators
1. Are all routine data sets assessed for precision?
2. Are guidelines in Chapter 5 used for determining precision?
If not, describe the method used.
3. Is there a record of the determination of precision for each
result?
4. Can the precision of each result be ascertained from the
record?
5. Was the precision obtained acceptable to the data user?
6. Are data routinely assessed for bias?
7. Are guidelines in Chapter 5 used for determining bias? If
not, describe method used.
8. Is there a record of how bias was determined for each result?
9. Can the bias of each result be ascertained from the record?
10. Was the bias obtained acceptable to the date user?
11. Were objectives for precision and bias described in the
project plan met? If not, were deviations justified?
-12. Do progress reports provide sufficient information to allow
data user to determine precision?
13. Do progress reports provide sufficient information to allow
data user to determine bias?
.44. Was the data quality objective for completeness met? If not,
were the reasons documented?
15. Was the degree of completeness acceptable to the data user?
16. Does the degree of representativeness obtained follow project
plan guidance?
17. Was the degree of representativeness acceptable to the data
user?
18. Is a method detection limit given for each analytical method
described in the project plan?
-------
Yes
N/A
19. Is there a description of how the method detection limit was
obtained?
20. Was the method detection limit acceptable to the data user?
21. If assumptions are used in statistical analyses of data, are
these described?
22. Are the limitations of the data specified in progress reports?
23. Are reasons given for missing samples or data?
24. Were the objectives of the study met according to the data
user?
I 25. Were the results of the study acceptable to the data user?
Yes
No
IN/A
B. Data Generation
1. Are all calculations shown or indicated?
2. Are calculations checked by another party?
3. Can the individual checking calculations be identified?
4. Is there a record of the development of control charts for
precision and bias?
5. Are plotted precision and bias control charts used to deter-
mine whether valid data are being generated from day to day?
' 6. Does the individual in charge of QA approve control charts
before their routine use?
7. Are procedures for identifying outliers documented (where
control charts were not used)?
-~ 8. Are significant figures established for each analysis?
9. Are round-off rules uniformly applied?
lYeslNolN/A
I I I
C. Data Processing
1. Is there an individual responsible for checking data tran-
scriptions?
2. Car. the individual making data transfers be identified?
-------
lYes
No
N/Al
3. Were data transfers checked as specified in QA project plans
or SOPs?
4. Are computer programs documented?
5. Are the sources of authors of programs identified?
6. Are changes and reasons for the changes in computer programs
documented?
7. If changes are made in programs, is the person making the
changes identified?
8. Are computer program changes dated?
9. Are duplicates of raw data kept?
10. Is there an individual responsible for the data files?
11. Are files of hard copy checked to determine if they are
complete?
12. Are there SOPs or other written documentation for data
transcription and retrieval?
13. Were the procedures described in item »12 followed? If not,
were deviations documented?
14. Are data collected and recorded in a standard format?
15. Are data formatting guidelines consistent within the lab?
16. For routine measurements, are appropriate data validation
methods specified (control charts, outlier tests, etc.)?
17. If data storage systems are used for archiving data, what QC
checks are performed to reduce data transcription errors?
18. Have the report forms been developed to provide complete data
documentation to facilitate data processing?
19. Are data reported in proper format and units?
YeslNolN'/A
D. Notebooks
1. Are entries in a nonerasable medium?
2. Is the author of an entry identifiable?
3. Are the entries dated?
-------
Yes
No
N/A
4. Are changes in entries documented?
5. Are reasons given for changes in entries?
6. Are entry changes dated?
7. Can the individual making the changes be identified?
8. Are entries clean and understandable?
9. Is there a table of contents or a system to find specific
entries in a notebook?
10. Are there erasures or excised pages in notebooks?
11. Are notebooks or preprinted data forms permanently bound to
provide good -documentation?
12. Are entries and calculations in laboratory notebooks reauired
to be countersigned?
-------
Location:
Project:
Date:
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AUDIT PROTOCOL
Yes I NO IN/A
A. QUALITY ASSURANCE ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Orcanization
1.
2.
3.
Does the QAO serve in a staff position to the Laboratory
Director? If not, to whom does he/she report?
Who evaluates QAO's performance?
What percentage of OAO's time is devoted to Quality Assurance
(QA) activities? i
Does the Laboratory have a QA committee? If so, what is its
composition, responsibilities, and frequency of meetings?
Yes
No
N/A
Proaram Administration
la. How does the QAO monitor QA/QC implementation within research
projects? (Review reports, walk-through laboratory, other)
b. Does QAO conduct (MSA) technical and performance audits of
laboratory?
c. How often? Does QAC use extramural help for this activity?
2a. Does the QAO schedule on-site audits of extramural laboratory
projects? If so, wr.at types of audits are performed and how
often scheduled?
b. Are extramural audits coordinated with senior staff/project
officer?
3. Does the QAO meet or. a regular basis with staff to discuss QA
problems and provide assistance?
4. Is the QAO consulted during preparation of project and task
research and QA plans?
5. Does the QAO advise Laboratory Director regarding QA/QC
training requirements for research and administrative staff?
-------
Manaaement
'Yes|NolN/A|
I 1. Does QAO meet on regular basis with division/branch and
Laboratory Director?
2. Are QA issues discussed on a regular basis at senior staff
meetings?
3a. What measures has the QAO initiated to facilitate implemen-
tation of the QA program? (Meetings, training sessions,
other)
b. How effective are these measures? (What feedback is avail-
able?)
I Yes
NO
1
1
IN/A
Implementation Reauirements and Schedules
1. Are program plan QA milestones being implemented according to
schedule? If not, what are reasons for delay (e.g., insuffi-
cient resources or support from management, other)?
2. Is the Laboratory Director made aware of success/failure to
meet QA milestones?
3. Are milestones achievement a part of QAO's performance
evaluation?
4a. Are standard laboratory notebooks provided?
b. Does each investigator maintain his own notebook?
c. Are all entries dated?
d. Are entries made in ink?
e. Are all pages signed?
f. Does Supervisor/QAO review notebook periodically and sign and
date such review?
g. Are laboratory notebooks numbered serially, issued from a
laboratory supply room or library, and returned for archiving
when the project is complete and/or the bookbook is full?
-------
Resources
Yes
1. QA Budget Allocations (exclusive of salaries)
Previous FY $
Current FY S
New FY S ~
a. Are travel funds available for OAO/project officer to attend
extramural audits?
b. What percent of extramural audits were attended by QAO/
project oficer in the last FY?
I lie. What percent of extramural audits will be attended by QAO/
project officer this FY?
No
i
N/A
1
1
B. QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING OF PERSONNAl
Yes
No
N/A
1. How long has QAO been in present position?
2. Does the QAO make it a practice to evaluate the QA/QC perform-
ance of laboratory personnel and recommend training where
necessary?
I 3a. Have any laboratory personnel attended QA/QC-related training
courses in the last 12 months?
b. How many?
b. What courses?
"4. What particular QA/QC courses would the laboratory QAO like
to have provided?
5. How are laboratory personnel kept advised of new directives
or changes in QA/QC practices?
Yes
No I N/A|
C. QUALITY ASSURANCE OPERATIONS
1. Are all current intramural projects covered by a project plan
approved by the QAO?
2. Do QA project plans follow QAKS guidelines as specified in
QAMS-005/80 and Chapter 5?
3. Are routine repetitive tasks covered by SOPs?
-------
Yes
NO IN /A
1
1
1
1
i
I
1
1
i
1
1
1
1
1
4.
5.
6.
7.
Does the QAO have authority to determine whether QA project
plans are properly implemented?
Is QAO consulted regarding data Quality problems arising in
the laboratory?
Since all extramural projects reouire a QA project plan, does
the QAO have the authority to ensure that no data are
collected until he/she has approved the respective plan?
Does the QAO review progress reports from extramural projects
for data qua!ity?
Yes
N/A
D. AUDITS AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS
1. Are internal audits performed at regular intervals?
2. Are records of the internal audits maintained?
3. Are audit reoorts dated and signed by the individual conduct-
ing the audit?
4. Do audit reports discuss problems and recommend corrective
action?
5. Does the OAO review and sign-off audit reports?
6. Does the laboratory conduct performance evaluations to
monitor its internal QA/QC operations? If so, how often and
what types?
Does the laboratory require extramural projects to partici-
pate in performance evaluations? If so, how often and what
types?
8. Does the laboratory participate in performance audits or
interlaboratory performance tests conducted by EMSL? If so,
how often and what types?
YeslNolN/Al
I I I 1.
I
E. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
Does the laboratory have a protocol for initiating the
corrective action for routine measurements? If so, which of
the following triggering mechanism(s) is used?
-------
Ye
a. Performance Audits
b. Technical Systems Aduits
c. Intel-laboratory Performance Tests
d. QA Management Systems Program Audits
e. Internal QA/QC checks
f. Other
2. Are records of corrective QA action maintained? Request and
examine specific examples of a response to the following
problems:
a. instrumental problems
b. problems during analyses
c. problems in sampling, sample handling, or transport
d. out of control; not meeting objectives for precision and
accuracy
e. individuals identified who initiated and implemented correc-
tive action
f. in response to interlaboratory studies
3. Do QA project plans specify who is resposnible for assuring
that corrective action procedures are implemented if
required?
4. Is the OAO informed whenever corrective QA action is
required?
5. What mecham'sm(s) are used when corrective QA action is
necessary (suspension of routine analysis, recalibrations,
split samples, other)? '
6. What QC techniques are used to evaluate the efficacy of
corrective actions (e.g., control charts, spikes, split
samples, etc.)?
-------
Yes
N/AI
I 7. Does the QAO exercise any QA, i.e., management procedures, to
I evaluate the effectiveness of corrective action (e.g.,
I technical systems audits, performance evaluation (PE) sample,
I etc.)?
I
I 8. Does the QA follow up on problems and determine that correc-
I tive action has been implemented?
Yes
No
N/A
F. SENIOR STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES
Name:
Title:~~
Responsible for following projects:
la. In performance evaluation of subordinates, is QA performance
a consideration?
b. If so, what criteria do you use in the evaluation process?
2. Are QA project plans discussed/reviewed with your staff?
3a. What is your concept of the Agency's QA/QC program?
b. How do you visualize your responsibilities in the context of
the program?
4a. Do any of your projects lack a QA project plan?
4b. If so, what management strategy is used to assure that data
of known quality are being generated?
I 5a. Are all routine laboratory tasks covered by SOPs?
-------
I Ye
N
N/A
b. If not, what protocols are required for these repetitive
operations to assure uniform execution?
6a. During the past 12 months have you had any use for QA/QC
problem(s) resolution?
b. If so, what were problems and how were they resolved?
7a. Do you review data generated by your technical staff?
b. If so, what criteria do you use in the review process?
8. Do you observe your staff's performance in the laboratory?
9a. Do you discuss QA/QC problems with your staff?
b. On a regular basis?
lOa. Coulcj you use more or "less help from your QAO?
b. If more, what kinds of help would you like to see?
lla. Do you believe your staff could benefit from specific types
of QA/QC training?
b. If so, what types do you suggest?
12.
When and how do you schedule audits of your extramural
laboratories?
-------
Location:
Project:
Date:
TECHNICAL SYSTEMS AUDIT PROTOCOL
(YeslNolN/Al
I I I I 1.
I I I I
A. General
Is a written and approved QA project plan available for each
project?
Yes
_
No
N/A
1
2
3
4
B. Laboratory Procedures
Is calibration of instruments and eauipment satisfactory?
Duplicate samples are analyzed » of time.
Spiked samples are used * of time.
Does the laboratory participate in interlaboratory QC checks
or performance evaluations such as the Intercomparison
Program conducted by the Environmental Monitoring Systems
Laboratory, Las Vegas/ORD?
I Yes
No
N/A
C. Laboratory Facilities and Equipment
1. Is proper grade distilled water available for specific
analysis?
2. Does fume hood have enough ventilation capacity?
3. Does laboratory have sufficient lighting?
. 4. Are instruments/equipment in operating condition?
5. Are written troubleshooting SOPs for instruments available?
6. Does a schedule for required maintenance exist?
7. Is proper volumetric glassware used?
8. Is glassware properly cleaned according to a laboratory SOP?
9. Are QC procedures for maintaining and servicing equipment
available and are records kept for major items (performance
specifications, acceptance procedures, maintenance records,
etc.)?
10. Are OC procedures available and records kept for consumables
(purity, shelf-life records, acceptance testing, etc.)?
-------
Yes
No
N'/Al
11.
12.
13.
Are QC procedures available and records kept for services
(water purity, hoods, metrology, etc.)?
Are inspections and maintenance of facilities and equipment
conducted regularly? If so, by whom?
Who receives these reports?
Does QAO inspect records for equipment, consumables, and
services? If so, how frequently and what corrective action
is taken where so indicated?
I I
I I 14. How often are balances calibrated?
I I
I I 15. Are measurement devices (i.e., pH meters, automatic pipettes,
I I etc.) calibrated before use?
YeslNo
N/A
D. Sampling
1. What can be deduced about representativeness of samples
collected? .^
Is sampling site(s)location random or specific?
If random, what was statistical rationale? _^___~~~
If specific, what factors influenced site selection?
2. Is duration of sampling sufficient to detect all important
pollutant(s) generated by the process under investigation?
3. Are number of samples collected sufficient to satisfy the
completeness requirements specific in QA project plan?
4. Were replicate samples taken for each sampling site?
5. How is integrity of samples maintained?
— Tyce of container used
Type of preservation used _
Type of field spike(.s) used~
Type of field blank(s) used
Type of trip blank(s) used
Was sampling performed in accordance with a laboratory-
approved QA project plan?
Were uniform procedures followed throughout for collection of
field blanks, container cleanup, and preservation of samples?
Were samples adequately labeled and were custody reouire-
ments implemented as specified in the OA project plan?
-------
YeslNolN/A
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
1-21.
I
22.
23.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
24.
25.
Is there an SOP or other source of documentation which
describes the organization's sample custody procedures?
Are records available of when the sample was collected?
Are records available of who collected sample?
Are records available of how sample was collected?
Are records available of where sample was collected and what
it is?
Are records available of how the samples were prepared and
transported to laboratory?
Are records available of when the samples were prepared and
transported to laboratory?
Are records available of who prepared and then transported
the sample?
Is there someone designated to be the sample custodian
(log-in and track samples)?
Is there a designated receipt location for samples for the
laboratory?
Is the condition of the sample upon receipt and date of
receipt documented?
Are samples individually identified by number or code so that
they can be traced?
Are samples permanently labeled upon receipt?
Are records available as to how sample was stored upon
receipt?
Is there a system for documentation of the history of the
sample after it has been logged into the laboratory?
Individuals handling the sample (for instance, to take
subsample) identified?
Placing sample into another container?
The date (a) was performed?
Amounts removed from sample recorded?
The procedure(s) used to obtain subsample?
Are records available of when sample was extracted?
Are records available of when sample was analyzed?
-------
|Yes
No
N/A
26. Are records available of wno extracted sample?
27. Are records available of who analyzed sample?
28. Are records available on preparation of sampling containers
or sampling med ia?
29. Are extracts of samples labeled?
30. Are extraction/reaction containers labeled during chemical
work-up?
31. If autosamplers are used, are sample vials labeled?
32. Once analysis has been completed, are records available of
the remainder of the sample (storage, disposal)?
33. Is there a policy or protocol in place for when and how
samples are disposed of after completion of analysis?
34. Was the SOP or other protocol describing sample custody
followed? If not, were the deviations documented?
I Yes
No IN/AI
E. Analysis
1. Was analysis performed in accordance with the QA Project Plan
approved by EPA?
2. How much time elapsed between sample collection and analysis?
Was this within the prescribed limits specified in
the QA project plan?
3. Under what conditions were samples stored prior to analysis
(i.e., temperature, light, humidity, etc.)?
Were these within the prescribed limits specified in the QA
project plan?
__ 4. Were samples spiked in the field?
Are recoveries within acceptable limits?
5. Are instruments calibrated prior to analysis?
6. Are QC procedures specified in the QA project plan being
implemented (e.g., frequency of spikes, method blanks, check
samples, method calibration standards, etc.)?
7. Are sample preparation/extraction procedures documented and
implemented accordingly?
-------
Yes
NolN/Al
8.
10.
11.
Are analytical procedures and associated SOPs documented and
implemented accordingly?
What method and checks are used in sample calculations for
data quality?
If corrective action is warranted, what mechanisms exist for
assuring effectiveness of corrective action?
What has been the laboratory's record on the last two P£
studies?
12. Are control samples introduced into the train of actual
samples to ensure that valid data are being generated?
13. Were field spikes used to assess loss due to storage,
handling, and chemical analysis?
14. Are the identities of the specific instruments used in the
study documented?
I 15. Are SOPs available on instrument operations, maintenance, and
I calibration?
16. Are appropriate SOPs available to respond to instrument
failure?
17. Is the response of the instrument in the concentration range
of the samples?
18. Are conditions of the instrument for the analysis recorded,
i.e., temperature, chart speed or time, sample number,
column, solvent, volume, etc., such that conditions are
known for each result?
19. Is an instrument log or record maintained describing when the
instrument was used and its condition during the period each
result was analyzed?
20. Is there a record of the amount of sample analyzed by the
instrument?
21. Are dilutions or preparation of the sample for instrumental
analyses documented?
22. If microprocessors or laboratory data management systems are
used with GCs or HPLCs , are hard copies of chromatographs
available?
-------
Yes I NO IN/A
23. If microprocessors or laboratory data management systems are
used with GCs or HPLCs, can the nature of the baseline be
determined?
24. Are instrument Iocs signed, initialed, or in some manner can
you identify the individual who made an entry?
25. If problems arise with instrument performance, do instrument
logs or records document
a. identity of the problem?
b. how the problem was discovered?
c. when the problem was discovered?
d. the action taken to correct the problem?
Yes
INO
.
IN /A
1
F. Standards and Reagents
I 1. Are standards available to perform daily check procedures?
2. Is the source of the standards or reference materials docu-
mented for each result?
3. Is the purity of the standards used to obtain the results
documented?
4. Are standard solutions, reagents, and solvents labeled in a
manner such that
a. the preparers can be identified?
b. the dates prepared can be ascertained?
c. notebook description of preparation can be found?
d. identity of substance is known?
e. purity of concentration is known?
f. storage reouirements are known?
g. expiration date known?
5. Are records retained for the source of standard solutions,
solvents, reagents, etc.?
... 6. Are records available far the purity of solvents, reagents,
etc., used in this study?
7. Are standard reagents and solvents properly stored?
8. Are working standards freouently checked? How often?
9. Are standards discarded after recommended shelf life has
expired?
10. Are background reagents and solvents run with every series of
samples?
-------
G. Laboratory Personnel
[YeslNolN/Al
I I 1. Does the analyst have appropriate training?
I I
I I 2. Does the analyst follow the specified procedures?
I I
I I 3. Is the analyst skilled in performing analyses?
-------
Section No. APP. 122
FLORIDA STUDY Revision No. 0
Date: 6/10/88
Page_J of /*/
APPENDIX IV.
ABC RESEARCH LAB'S QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES
Sections 10 & 11
-------
FLORIDA STUDY Section No. APF. IV
Revision No. 0
Date: 6/15/88
APPENDIX IV.
ABC RESEARCH LAB'S QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES
Sections 10 & 11
-------
Sectior. No. 10
Revision No. 1
D2te5-lS-S7 -
Page _j_ or c
10.0 Internal Quality Control Checks
Analytical quality control (QC) procedures are those steps
taken by the laboratory in day-to-day activities to achieve the
desired accuracy, precision, reliability, and comparability of
analytical data.
The following describes the quality control procedures used
at ABC for different types of analysis.
Gravimetric Methods
The analytical balances are calibrated yearly by the proper
service personnel. A set of NBS certified weights is used to check
the calibration of the balance daily. Raw data and calculations for
gravimetric analysis are recorded in bound laboratory notebooks. Ten
percent of the samples for gravimetric analysis are analyzed in dupli-
cate. In addition, a check sample is analyzed at periodic intervals.
Titrimetric Methods
In all cases, primary standard reference materials are used to
calibrate the titrant and back titrant. Preparation of these materials
is described in Standard Methods or other methods manual. Standard
solutions of the parameter to be analyzed are prepared and analyzed
daily to verify titrant standardization and the analyst's ability to
discern the endpoint. Raw data and calculations for titrimetric
analysis are recorded in bound laboratory notebooks. Ten percent of
the samples for titrimetric analysis are analyzed in duplicate and
five percent of the samples are spiked.- In addition, one blank is
-------
Section No. ]Q
Revisior, No._ I
D£te S--IS-RT
Page ^ or o
is analyzed with each run. A check sample is analyzed at periodic
intervals.
Standard Curve Methods
Four quality control checks are routinely performed during
sample analysis. The checks are the analysis of standards to establish
the standard curve, the analysis of a reagent blank, duplicate sample
analysis and analysis of spiked samples. These checks are described
below:
1) Standard Curve -^
Prior to the analysis of samples, a standard curve that covers
the entire working range of the method is constructed with at least
five standards, including one near the upper limit of the concentration
range and one near the lower limit of the concentration range.
2) Method Blank '
A method blank is determined for each set of samples analyzed and
whenever a new source (new container) of reagent or solvent is introduced
into the analytical scheme.
3) Spiked Samples
Five percent of the samples on each analytical run are spiked in
order to determine the recovery or accuracy of the method. This is
done by adding a spike sufficient to approximately double the back-
ground concentration level of the sample. If the original sample
concentration is higher than the midpoint of the standard curve, then
the concentration of the spike should be approximately one-half the
original sample concentration. If the concentration of the original
-------
Sectior, Nc. 10
Revision No. ]
Date _ S-15-S7
Page _-> _ o: s _
sample was not detectable, the concentration of the spike should
be S to 15 times the lower limit of detection. The volume of the spike
added in aqueous solution should not dilute the sample by more
than ten percent. The percent recovery for each spike is calculated
utilizing the following equation:
P = 100(0-X)/T
Where:
P = Percent Recovery X = Background Concentration
0 = Observed Value T = True Value
4) Duplicate Samples
Ten percent of the samples on each analytical run are analyzed
in duplicate in order to determine the precision of the method.
Section 13.0 describes the statistical procedures utilized to
assess the precision and accuracy data.
Microbiological Methods
The quality control checks for microbiological testing will
include the following:
1) Sterility checks
2) Positive and negative controls
3) Duplicate analysis and calculation of precision
4) Verification of membrane filter analysis
5) Completion of most probable number analyses.
GC Methods
The quality control checks for GC analysis will include the
following:
1) A minimum of ten percent of the sanples in the batch will be
duplicated, with no less than one duplicate anlaysis per batch.
-------
Sectior. No. 1C
Revision No. _ j_
Date 5-15-87
Page ^ of 5
2) Five percent of the batch samples but not less than one will be
spiked. The spiked concentration will be at least five times
the required minimum detectable concentration in order to help
insure the detection of the spike amount over the natural
analyte level present in the sample.
3) A reagent blank will be analyzed with each batch of samples. -*
This blank will consist of a volume of extracting solvent
equivalent to-that volume used in the actual sample extraction
and will be carried through the entire extraction procedure.
4) A minimum of three standard concentrations covering the working
range of the instrument will be analyzed with each batch.
GC/MS Methods
GC/MS analyses are divided into two primary areas: Volatile
Organic Analysis (U.S.E.P.A. Purgeables - Method 624) and Non
Volatile Organic Analysis 0->.S.E.P.A. Base/Neutrals and Acids -
Method 625).
Volatile Organic Analysis (VOA) are carried out according to
Method 624 (USEPA). Three surrogate compounds are used, (1, 4
Difluorobenzene, Pentafluorobenzene, and 4 Bromofluorobenzene) in
the analysis of all samples. Upper and lower control limits for
method performance for each surrogate have been calculated and are
used in control charts to observe trends in performance. These control
limits will be replaced by methods performance criteria as they become
available from USEPA only if these criteria are more exacting. Daily
control charts will be kept and updated for surrogate recoveries.
These recoveries will be calculated on 3 day moving averages and the
-------
Section No. 10
Revision No"! ~
Date S-lo-TT
Page 5 of
"Dixon Test" will be used as the criteria for testing extreme ob-
servations. Standard response data will also be kept and analysis will
not continue unless the daily standard response factors are within
± 25% of the calibration response factors.
Non Volatile Organic Analysis (NVOA) are carried out according to
Method 625 (USEPA). Seven surrogate compounds are used in the analysis
of all samples. The three surrogates used in the acid fraction are
2-Fluorophenol, Pentafluorophenol, and Phenol (d ). The four
surrogates used in the base-neutral fraction are Decafluorobiphenyl,
2-Fluorobiphenyl, 1-Fluoro Naphthalene, Nitrobenzene (d^). The same
steps are taken to insure accuracy, precision, and certification as in
the VOA analysis.
Data showing response factors, average response factors, standard
deviation and relative standard deviation for both analyses have been
established and are included in Appendix A.
-------
Section Nc.
Revision No.
Page T"
11.0 Performance and System Audits
j_l.l Internal Audits
Performance and system audits will be conducted to determine the
quality of all laboratory data generated for any given project. Per-
formance audits can be defined as independent checks of actual data
output which are made on a random basis in order to arrive at a
quantitative r.easure of the quality of the output. System audits
can be defined as qualitative reviews of all aspects of the quality
assurance prcgrar,, used to arrive at a measure of the capability and
ability of the program.
Perforsar.ee audits are conducted by the QA supervisor or an
independent auditor to evaluate the quality of data produced by the
analysis system. Both analysis audits and data processing audits
are conducted. Tnese audits are performed independent of and in
addition to the normal quality control checks done by the analyst.
Two techniques are utilized for analysis audits:
1) Split samples are analyzed using two different analysts.
2) Audit control standards are supplied to the analyst for analysis.
Data processing audits will consist of spot-checking of data
calculations.
System audits are conducted to review the quality assurance
procedures used for the total measurement system. System audits are
normally a qualitative appraisal.
The following checklist (Figure 11-1) is used in conducting a
system audit. The checklist is not comprehensive; it does not
-------
Section Nc. 11
Revision No. .,
Date 5-!.>-£> 7"
Page 2 of 7
address all factors that would affect the quality of the sampling and
analytical data on all projects. It does, however, represent the
type of information that should be reviewed in order to judge the
adequacy of proposed quality assurance procedures.
A system audit may be made at any time during the life of a
project but is normally conducted before or just after a project
has been initiated. By conducting an audit shortly after a
project has started, problems can be identified and corrected
before they have a serious impact on the data for the project.
Audits may be conducted by the quality assurance officer, a
group leader, the department manager or project manager. In addition,
a second analyst may audit the sample analysis technique or data
reduction procedures and results of the original analyst.
Each project is audited at least once during the lifetime of
the project. Long tern projects are audited a minimum of once every
three months.
11.2 External Audits
External audits will be conducted and will consist of on-site
inspections and participation in inter-laboratory performance eval-
uation studies.
ABC Research will submit to any on-site inspections by DER.
These inspections will be required for all projects. In addition,
periodic on-site inspections are conducted by EPA personnel in
conjunction with the NPDES program. On site inspections will serve
as an external audit on laboratory operations and quality control
-------
Sectior. No. H
Revision KoT~
Date 5-15-S"
Page 3of~
procedures. Problems identified during on-site inspections will be
targeted for innnediate corrective action.
ABC Research participates in inter-laboratory performance
evaluation studies conducted by DHRS and EPA. DHRS performance
samples are analyzed twice a year. EPA performance samples for
NPDES parameters (i.e. BOD, suspended solids, nitrogen) are
submitted periodically by various clients. This is a requirement
of the NPDES permitting program.. Results of the performance
evaluation check samples are utilized to identify problem areas.
Corrective action is initiated for parameters that are outside
of the acceptable range.
-------
Kevision ivo. _
Date 5-15-87
Page
of
AUDIT CHECKLIST
Figure 11-1
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Item
Is a clear statement made of the objectives of the
project and the use of the sampling and analysis data?
Has a statement been made, or can the level of
importance to be attached to the QA considerations be
derived from stated project objectives?
Yes
No
Comment
PROJECT STAFFING
Item
Has a project QA Supervisor been assigned to the
project team?
Is the project organization structure appropriate to
accomplish the QA objectives of the project?
Do personnel assigned to this project have the appro-
priate educational background to successfully
accomplish project objectives?
If any special training or experience is required, is
it represented on the project staff?
Will the training of personnel be required specifi-
cally for this project? If so, is it covered in the
project plan?
Is there adequate staffing to accomplish the planned
work in a high-quality manner within the project
schedule?
Yes
No
Comment
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Page
or
FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, AND INSTRUMENTATION
Item .
Is appropriate and adequate sampling
equipment available?
Will appropriate sample containers be used
for the parameters measured?
If _in situ, on-line, or monitoring
instrumentation is to be used, is it
clearly specified as to make, model, and
performance specifications?
Are the performance specifications of all
on-line or in situ instrumentation
adequate to meet project reliability and
data quality requirements?
Has a plan been made to optimize system
reliability by requiring periodic per-
formance checks, calibration, and preven-
tive maintenance?
Are procedures described for documenting
controlling the configuration of all
systems?
Is laboratory instrumentation and equip-
ment suitable to meet the data quality needs
of the project?
Yes
Corament
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DATA MANAGEMENT
Item
Will data be validated before entering
into automated data systems?
Will automated data handling programs
be adequately documented and verified
before use?
Will mathematical and computer models be
verified by actual data?
Is the statistical treatment of the data
described and does it meet project
requirements?
Kill a project QA report be prepared to
summarize all quality control data?
Yes
No
Comment
PROJECT SCHEDULE
Item
Does the project plan show adequate time to
accomplish the sajnpling program, and does it
allow for uncontrollable delays, such as bad
weather?
Will interim sampling and analysis program
results be reported to the Project Officer
for review and comment?
Does the project schedule allow sufficient tine
between sajnple collection and reporting of the
data to apply adequate analytical quality
control, including supervisory review?
Yes
No
Comment
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Page 7 of 7
ANALYTICAL PLAN AND METHODS
Item
Will standard analtyical (EPA-approved)
procedures be used where appropriate and
available?
Does the project plan include a copy of all
non-standard analytical procedures?
If any new analytical procedures are to be
used, will they be adequately tested before
use?
Will use of the analytical methods specified
result in data of adequate detection limit,
accuracy, and precision to meet the require-
ments of the project?
Will duplicate analyses be conducted on at
least 10 percent of the samples?
Kill spike Sample analyses be conducted on
at least 5 percent of the samples?
Will reagent blank samples be run?
Will split sample analysis be conducted?
Will any field spiked samples be processed?
Will instruments and measurement systems be
calibrated with adequate frequency?
Will calibration materials that are traceable
to NBS standards be used where available?
Yes
No
Comment
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FLORIDA STUDY Supplement I
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SUPPLEMENT I
MAPPING PROTOCOL
ELEVATIONS
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SUPPLEMENT I
The following materials have been extracted from the draft
Project Work Plan. They are referenced in this document on the
pages indicated.
Page
MAPPING PROTOCOL
Determination of Length of Stride 60
Stride Variations 60
Using the Brunton Pocket Transit 75
The Compass Traverse Map 63
Triangulation 61
Plotting the Map 63
Closure Error Correction 64
ELEVATIONS
Calculating Relative Elevations 53
Turning 53
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MAPPING PROTOCOL
DETERMINATION OF LENGTH OF STRIDE
In simple field mapping, distances along traverses can be
measured by striding from point to point and plotted as
horizontal distances to the scale of the map. A stride is the
distance between where one foot touches the ground in successive
steps (two paces). Stride length is determined as follows:
1. With a tape measure, lay out a stride course, 100 meters in
length (or some other convenient but specific length), over
the type of ground in which most of your mapping will be
done.
2. In field dress with normal field equipment, stride this
course four times, carefully counting and recording the
number of strides for each trip. Be sure to use your normal
walking stride, do not purposely stretch or alter it in any
way.
3. Take the average of the four results as your average number
of strides for the course. If any one trip differs from the
average by more than one percent, it should be disregarded
and repeated (Greenhood, 1964).
4. Calculate the length of your stride:
S = C divided by #
Where: S = stride length
C = course length
# = average number of your strides over the course
Units for stride length should be meters per stride.
STRIDE VARIATIONS
Your stride will be longer and of a more consistent length
when you are fresh rather than tired. Also, stride length
shortens on slopes ana uneven ground. It shortens more when
walking uphill than downhill. If a slope is less than 10% (about
5.5°), the difference in your stride due to the slope is too
small to justify the work and time spent calculating it
(Greenhood, 1964). However, if the slope is greater than 10%, or
if great precision is required, deduct 1.2% of the distance paced
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for each percent of slope when walking uphill, and when walking
downhill, deduct 0.5% of the distance paced for each percent of
slope.
USING THE BRUNTON POCKET TRANSIT
The Brunton Pocket Transit is used to determine direction
via compass bearings, to measure vertical angles and percent of
slopes, and to measure the inclination of objects. The principal
use of the compass in field work is to locate sample points and
move accurately and efficiently from one point to another. The
compass circle is divided into 90° quadrants or 360°
counterclockwise azimuth. For field mapping, the 360° azimuth is
more useful than the 90° quadrants because there is less chance
errors will be made in calculating directions (Lounsbury and
Aldrich, 1979).
TO SET THE COMPASS CIRCLE FOR TRUE OR MAGNETIC BEARINGS.
The compass needle points a direction in accordance with the
total effects of the earth's magnetic field at the compass'
location. The sight line to magnetic north and that to true
north form an angle at the pivot. This angle is the number of
degrees the compass needle bears away from true north at that
locality. The number of degrees, or bearing, is the magnetic
declination at that place. Declination information for every
location in the United States can be obtained from U.S. Coast and
Geodetic Survey Maps (USCGS) (Greenhood, 1964). The compass
circle can be rotated in the box by turning a slotted pinion head
that extends through the side of the box. It is marked
DECLINATION. A dime will fit into the slot. Before using the
instrument, always be sure to set the circle at the declination
of the locality by turning the compass face so that the degree of
declination comes under the true North marker. (Declination in
the Willamette Valley is presently about 20 degrees E of N).
TO TAKE A BEARING.
Set the front sight perpendicular to the box and slant the
mirror backward at about 45 degrees. Hold the instrument flat in
the left hand with the mirror to the rear. Press the left
forearm against the waist. Steady the instrument with the right
hand.
Center the round bubble. Any tipping of the compass will
prevent the needle from swing freely. The bubble indicates when
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the instrument is level by staying centered. Place the eye so
that the line on the mirror (the rear sight) bisects the
reflection of the front sight. Turn your whole body until the
reflection of the object to be sighted is aligned with the
sights. If necessary, damp the swing of the needle by pressing
the right thumb against the plunger that lifts the needle. Read
the position of the NORTH end of the needle. It is often marked
with colored paint.
The compass operator stands at a base point, A, and points
the compass toward an object at the next field position, B. The
instrument indicates the angle between the true north/south
meridian through A and the ray AB. The compass expresses this
angle as degrees from true north, the azimuth. The number of
degrees indicated is the bearing or direction of the ray from
station A to station B (Stoddard, 1982). **Note: True and
magnetic north are identical because declination has already been
taken into account.
To determine the bearing of an object at a high angle of
elevation, turn the mirror further back and set the front sight
so that it leans over the box. Then proceed as before.
To determine the bearing of an object at-a large angle of
depression, set the front sight so that it leans over the box at
about 45 degrees and slant the mirror backward about 45 degrees.
Turn the front sight to the rear. Sight over the front sight and
through the window at the base of the mirror. Read the SOUTH end
of the needle.
TO MEASURE HORIZONTAL ANGLES.
Take a compass bearing of each of the two points between
which the angle is to be measured. The difference between the
two bearings is the horizontal angle.
THE COMPASS TRAVERSE MAP
The compass traverse produces the rough sketch of the map.
Directions, distances, and landmark data are gathered in the
field, the final map is plotted in the office.
The compass traverse field map is the most simple form of
map. However, it can be very accurate and useful. It may be
used for gathering detail to be placed on smaller scale maps or
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for placing features in their proper relationships for laboratory
analysis.
EQUIPMENT: A compass, a notebook, a few sheets of blank paper, a
pencil, and a clipboard to provide a hard surface on
which to write and sketch.
TECHNIQUES:
***Before starting the traverse, be sure to set the declination
on the compass!!
1. Select a good base point as the first station, A. Sight the
direction to the place representing the second station, B.
The compass will indicate the angle of direction from the
first to the second station. Read the compass direction
carefully. It is expressed in degrees from true north, 0 to
360°. Sketch the directional ray showing the approximate
positions of the first and second stations, and record the
bearings on the data sheet.
2. Pace the distance of a straight line from station A to
station B and record the number of strides on the data
sheet.
3. The locations of stations and landmarks such as channels,
certain stands of vegetation, fencelines, etc. that occur
along the traverse (and to the left and right of it) should
be noted, both in the field notebook and on the sketch map.
This can be done by traversing the distance or establishing
locations by triangulation.
4. The whole process is repeated leg by leg until the end of
the traverse. If a closed traverse is made, the process is
continued until the return to the starting point.
5. Greater accuracy is assured if back sights are taken at
every station.
TRIANGULATION.
The complete field sketch can be made from two traverse
stations if rough terrain, the presence of water, or other field
conditions warrant. Often, it is most efficient to locate
objects (such as the transect ends) and landmarks by
triangulation rather than traversing. Quite often during our
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field work, we used triangulation rather than traversing in an
effort to avoid trampling the wetland vegetation. However, all
objects to be triangulated must be sharply visible from the two
stations on the base line. If a station is not completely
visible, have another person stand at that station and sight on
them.
Triangulation, sometimes called intersection, will create a
map to scale without figuring any distances if only the shape of
the area is required. If the length of the base line is
determined, the map will be to scale, and the distances to the
triangulated stations and features can be measured after the map
is completed (Greenhood, 1964).
1. Pick two stations from which to start the sketch. These
stations must be of sufficient distance apart to maximize
the angles sighted to subsequent stations. At station A,
sight to station B and to all other features located on or
within the perimeter of the wetland that you wish to include
in the field map. Carefully read the bearings and record
them on the data sheet. Be certain to indicate that these
bearings were all sighted from station A.
2. Traverse the distance from station A to station B, carefully
counting the number of strides. Record them on the data
sheet.
3. Sketch the ray from station A to station B. This is your
base line.
4. At station B, sight back to station A (as a check of the
base line's direction) and sight all the features you
sighted from station A. Again, read the compass carefully
and record the bearings on the data sheet.
5. If a third station can be used for sighting, use it to sight
stations A and B, and all the other features. This will
check the accuracy of the sighted points by providing
another compass bearing with which to triangulate.
PLOTTING THE FINAL FIELD MAP.
After the field mapping is completed, whether by traversing or a
combination of traversing and triangulation (as was most commonly
used during the pilot study), the final field map should be
created in the office. Equipment needed is a protractor, a
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ruler, pencil, graph paper, and of course the field sketch and
data sheets.
1. Convert the number of strides for each distance traversed to
meters and record this on the data sheet. You should have
previously calculated the length of your stride.
2. Decide on the scale of the map. This will take some
practice. Many maps were started that turned out to be too
large to fit onto the paper, or too small to show any
detail. When this occurred, we re-plotted the map at a
different scale. Generally, a scale of 1cm:5 or 10 m
worked well.
3. Draw an arrow in one corner of the page to denote North.
4. Decide where to put station A and mark the spot. Then,
using a protractor, denote the angle from north that line AB
projects along.
5. Use the ruler to draw line AB the correct length. Mark
station B on the map.
6. Follow the same procedure from station B to station C. Then
continue on around the circuit until the entire perimeter of
the wetland has been mapped.
7. If triangulation techniques were used, use the line from
station A to station B as your base line.
8. Plot the direction of one feature from station A, draw a ray
from station A along that bearing to the approximate
position of the object.
9. Plot the direction of this same feature from station B and
draw another ray.
10. The two rays should intersect at some point. This is the
location of the object, or station, to scale with the rest
of the map.
11. A third ray may be used from another point as a check.
12. The positions of features located by triangulation are to
scale with parts of the map created by traversing (Finch,
1920).
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13. finally, connect the dots to show the shape of the perimeter
and fill in the detail.
"CLOSURE ERROR" CORRECTION***
1. Measure the perimeter of the sketch, noting distances
between points. Draw a line to represent the perimeter of
this plot and mark each point on it, keeping the relative
scale.
Example: A to B = 4 cm; B to C = 4 cm; C to D = 5 cm;
D to A' = 7 cm; Perimeter = 20 cm.
The line does not have to be 20 cm long. It can be reduced
as long as the reduction of all distances between points is
kept to scale.
2. Measure the width of the gap and draw a line its length up
from A' on the line.
3. Measure the bearing of the ray from A to A'.
4. Complete the triangle by drawing a line from A to the top of
the line representing the width of the gap. This line will
be the length of the perimeter of the adjusted plot.
5. Draw lines up from each point on the first perimeter to the
adjusted perimeter.
6. Measure the lengths of each ray extending up from the points
on the line. Then draw each ray in its corresponding place
on the figure with the angle from north of the ray
connecting A to A'.
7. Finally, draw in the adjusted plot, starting at A, going to
points 1, 2, & 3, and back to A. The "gap" should now be
closed.
***This method of error correction should be used only if the
closure error is very large. If the error is small, either leave
the gap open or adjust the plot from your memory of what the
perimeter of the wetland looked like and triangulation. The
purpose of these maps does not require extreme precision.
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EXAMPLE:
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tfs&s&jtg-,
* i. -f'^ Pi°t -3}/
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ELEVATIONS:
Conceptual Hint: The engineer's level establishes a plane at eye
level over the ground. The stadia rod measures how far the earth
is below that plane. Therefore, as the stadia rod is moved
downhill the numbers read from it get larger. We are concerned
with relative elevation. In this case, we will use the lowest
spot per site (not per transect!) as zero and calculate
elevations relative to that point.
Calculating Relative Elevations
After all plots have been read, take a final reading at the
starting bench mark. Determine if the last reading of the
benchmark differs from its first reading by more than ± 0.05
feet. Do this before dismantling the tripod. Show on the data
sheet (in the space provided) all readings and calculations. If
the error is greater than + 0.05 feet, determine where it
occurred (ie. where the tripod was bumped or started settling),
and reshoot the affected plots.
Either on the site or that evening (no more than 24 hours
later) , calculate the relative elevations for all plots for the
site (not per transect). Do this in the space allowed on the
field sheet.
(a) First determine the lowest point in the site.
(b) The lowest point corresponds to the largest "Line Rod
Reading" on the data sheets. Make this number the
"Vertical Offset".
(c) Subtract the Vertical Offset from the largest Line Rod
Reading to get a "Final Relative Elevation" of zero.
(d) Subtract all Line Rod Readings from the Vertical Offset
to determine the Final Relative Elevations for all
plots within the site.
(e) Leave all original readings on the sheet as a data
check, as well as any notes.
Moving the Tripod or "Turning"
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If you cannot see all plots, or if the elevation change is
too great, you will need to move the tripod.
(a) First take another reading of the original benchmark
and record it BEFORE moving the tripod.
(b) Next, determine if the original benchmark will be
visible from the tripod's new position. If so,
continue to use it.
(c) Move the tripod to it's new position, set it up and
level it.
(d) Take a reading of the benchmark from the new position
and record it. Take readings for the remaining plots
and a final reading of the benchmark and record them.
If the original benchmark is not visible from the new tripod
position, a new benchmark (similar to the first) must be
established.
(a) It is important to take and record a final reading of
the first benchmark and a reading of the new benchmark
BEFORE moving the tripod. This relates the new "eye
level plane" to the previous one, so that elevations
read after the tripod is moved will correspond to those
read before the move.
(b) Move the tripod to its new position, set it up and
level it.
(c) Take another reading of the new benchmark and record
it. This reading gives you the new "eye level plane".
(d) Take readings for the remaining transect plots, and a
final reading of the new benchmark and record them.
This procedure is sometimes referred to as "taking a turn",
or "turning". If a new benchmark must be established in addition
to moving the tripod to complete a turn, the readings taken after
the turn will relate to the second "eye level plane". The
relative elevations calculated from these readings must be
adjusted so they related to the first "eye level plane".
Adjusting your Eye Level Plane:
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If only one benchmark was required:
(a) The elevations calculated from readings taken after
moving the tripod must be related to those read before
moving the tripod. Determine the difference between
the bench readings by subtraction. For example, the
last benchmark reading taken before moving the tripod
was 5.15 feet. The reading taken after moving the
tripod was 3.74 feet. This means the tripod was moved
1.41 feet downhill (5.15 - 3.74 = 1.41). The new "eye
level plane" is 1.41 feet lower than the first.
(b) Adjust relative elevations of plots read after moving
the tripod by adding 1.41 feet to each. Do these
calculations after all reading have been taken.
If more than one benchmark was required:
(a) Calculate the difference between the last reading of
the first benchmark and the reading of the second
benchmark taken before moving the tripod. For example,
the last reading of the first benchmark was 5.15 feet.
The reading for the second benchmark is 4.04 feet.
Therefore the elevation of the second benchmark is 1.11
feet higher than the first benchmark (5.15 - 4.04 =
1.11).
(b) Calculate the difference between the readings taken of
the second benchmark before and after moving the
tripod. For example, the reading of the new benchmark
after moving the tripod is 6.32 feet. The means the
new eye level plane is 2.32 feet higher than the
previous plane (6.32 - 4.04 = 2.32).
(c) When calculating relative elevations for the site, the
change in eye level plane must be taJcen into account.
Using the example above, 2.32 feet must be subtracted
from each calculated final relative elevation taken
after the turn.
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