United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Water
Office of Environmental Information
Washington, DC
EPA841-B-07-004
Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations
Manual
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
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NOTICE
The intention of the Survey of the Nation's Lakes project is to provide a comprehensive
"State of the Lakes" assessment for lakes, ponds, and reservoirs across the United States. The
complete documentation of overall project management, design, methods, and standards is
contained in companion documents, including:
• Survey of the Nation's Lakes: Quality Assurance Project Plan (EPA 841-B-07-003)
• Survey of the Nation's Lakes: Lake Evaluation Guidelines (EPA 841-B-06-003)
• Survey of the Nation's Lakes: Field Operations Manual (EPA 841-B-07-004)
• Survey of the Nation's Lakes: Laboratory Methods Manual (EPA 841-B-O 7-005)
This document (Field Operations Manual) contains a brief introduction and procedures to
follow at the base location and on-site, including methods for sampling water chemistry (grabs
and in situ), phytoplankton, zooplankton, sediment (diatoms and mercury), a fecal indicator,
algal toxins, benthic macroinvertebrates, and physical habitat. These methods are based on
both the guidelines developed and followed in the Western Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment Program (Baker, et. al., 1997) and methods employed by several key states that
were involved in the planning phase of this project. Methods described in this document are to
be used specifically in work relating to the Survey of the Nation's Lakes. All Project Cooperators
should follow these guidelines. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this
document does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. Details on specific
methods for site evaluation and sample processing can be found in the appropriate companion
document.
The suggested citation for this document is:
USEPA. 2007. Survey of the Nation's Lakes. Field Operations Manual. EPA841-B-07-
004. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES vi
LIST OF FIGURES vii
ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS viii
1.0 BACKGROUND 1
1.1 Selection of Sampling Locations 1
1.2 Selection and Description of Survey Indicators 2
1.2.1 Trophic Status Indicators 3
1.2.2 Ecological Integrity Indicators 4
1.2.3 Recreational Indicators 5
1.2.4 Other Indicators / Lake Characteristics 6
1.3 Supplemental Material to the Field Operations Manual 7
2.0 DAILY OPERATIONS SUMMARY 9
2.1 Sampling Scenario 9
2.2 Recording Data and Other Information 12
2.3 Safety and Health 14
2.3.1 General Considerations 14
2.3.2 Safety Equipment and Facilities 16
2.3.3 Safety Guidelines for Field Operations 16
3.0 BASE SITE ACTIVITIES 18
3.1 Predeparture Activities 18
3.1.1 Daily Itineraries 18
3.1.2 Instrument Checks and Calibration 19
3.1.2.1 Multi-Probe Meter Performance Test 19
3.1.2.2 Global Positioning System Battery Check 19
3.1.3 Equipment and Supply Preparation 19
3.2 Lake Verification 20
3.2.1 Lake Verification at the Launch Site 20
3.2.2 Lake Verification at the Index Site Location 24
3.2.3 Equipment and Supply List 24
3.3 Postsampling Activities 25
3.3.1 Equipment Cleanup and Check 25
3.3.2 Shipment of Samples and Forms 25
3.3.3 Communications 28
4.0 INDEX SITE SAMPLING 30
4.1 Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, and pH 30
4.1.1 Summary of Method 30
4.1.2 Equipment and Supplies 30
4.1.2.1 Multi-Probe Sonde 31
4.1.2.2 Temperature Meter 31
4.1.2.3 Dissolved Oxygen Meter 31
4.1.2.4 pH meter 31
4.1.2.5 Conductivity 31
4.1.2.6 Lake Profile Form 31
4.1.3 Sampling Procedure 34
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
4.2 Secchi Disk Transparency 36
4.2.1 Summary of Method 36
4.2.2 Equipment and Supplies 36
4.2.3 Sampling Procedure 36
4.3 Water Sample Collection and Preservation 39
4.3.1 Summary Method 39
4.3.2 Equipment and Supplies 39
4.3.3 Sampling Procedure 41
4.4 Zooplankton Collection 42
4.4.1 Summary Method 42
4.4.2 Equipment and Supplies 42
4.4.3 Sampling Procedure 43
4.5 Sediment Diatom and Mercury Sample Collection 44
4.5.1 Summary Method 44
4.5.2 Equipment and Supplies 44
4.5.3 Sampling Procedure 45
5.0 LITTORAL AND SHORELINE ACTIVITIES 48
5.1 Physical Habitat Assessment 48
5.1.1 Summary of Method 48
5.1.2 Equipment and Supplies 49
5.1.3 Locating the Physical Habitat Stations and Defining the Shoreline
Boundary 50
5.1.3.1 Shoreline Adjustments 53
5.1.3.2 Relocating, Adding, and Eliminating Stations 54
5.1.3.3 Identifying Relocated and New Stations on the Form 55
5.1.4 Physical Habitat Characterization Form and Instructions 55
5.1.5 Littoral Zone Habitat Characterization 57
5.1.5.1 Bottom Substrate 57
5.1.5.2 Aquatic Macrophytes 58
5.1.5.3 Fish Habitat Cover 58
5.1.5.4 Littoral Fish General Macrohabitat Habitat Classification 58
5.1.6 Riparian Zone Habitat Characterization 59
5.1.6.1 Riparian Vegetation Cover 59
5.1.6.2 Shoreline Substrate 60
5.1.6.3 Human Influences 60
5.1.6.4 Bank Type and Evidence of Lake Level Changes 60
5.1.7 Invasive Plants and Invertebrates 60
5.2 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling 61
5.2.1 Summary of Method 61
5.2.2 Equipment and Supplies 61
5.2.3 Sampling Procedure 62
5.2.3.1 Site Selection and Sample Collection 62
5.2.3.2 Sample Processing in the Field 62
5.3 Fecal Indicator (Enterococci) 67
5.3.1 Summary of Method 67
5.3.2 Equipment and Supplies 67
5.3.3 Sampling Procedure 67
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
6.0 FINAL LAKE ACTIVITIES 68
6.1 General Lake Assessment 68
6.1.1 Lake/Catchment Site Activities and Disturbances Observed 69
6.1.2 General Lake Information 69
6.1.3 Shoreline Characteristics 69
6.1.4 Qualitative Macrophyte Survey 74
6.1.5 Waterbody Character 74
6.1.6 Qualitative Assessment of Environmental Values 75
6.2 Processing the Fecal Indicator and Chlorophyll-a Samples 75
6.2.1 Equipment and Supplies (Fecal Indicator) 75
6.2.2 Procedures for Processing the Fecal Indicator Sample 76
6.2.3 Equipment and Supplies (Chlorophyll-a) 76
6.2.4 Procedures for Processing the Chlorophyll-a Sample 77
6.3 Data Forms and Sample Inspection 77
6.4 Launch Site Cleanup 78
7.0 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL 79
7.1 Repeat Sampling 79
7.2 Failed Evaluation and Assistance Visits 79
7.2.1 Specifications for QC Assurance 79
7.2.2 Reporting 80
8.0 LITERATURE CITED 82
APPENDIX A LIST OF EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
APPENDIX B SAMPLE FORMS
APPENDIX C SHIPPING GUIDELINES
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1 Summary of table of indicators 7
Table 2-1 Guidelines for recording field measurements and tracking information 13
Table 2-2 General health and safety considerations 15
Table 2-3 General safety guidelines for field operations 17
Table 3-1 Stock solutions, uses, and methods for preparation 20
Table 3-2 Locating the index site 24
Table 3-3 Lake Verification Checklist 24
Table 3-4 Postsampling equipment care 26
Table 4-1 Equipment and supplies - temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen profiles 30
Table 4-2 Sampling procedure - temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen profiles 34
Table 4-3 Sampling procedure - Secchi disk transparency 39
Table 4-4 Equipment and supplies - water samples 40
Table 4-5 Sampling procedures - Water Samples 41
Table 4-6 Equipment and supplies- zooplankton collection 42
Table 4-7 Sampling procedure - zooplankton collection 43
Table 4-8 Equipment and supplies - sediment core sample 45
Table 4-9 Sampling procedure - sediment core 46
Table 5-1 Equipment and supplies list for Physical Habitat Assessment 49
Table 5-2 General guidelines for locating or modifying the location of littoral and
shoreline stations 53
Table 5-3 Completing the physical habitat characterization form 56
Table 5-4 Littoral microhabitat characteristics 59
Table 5-5 Invasive plants and invertebrates 60
Table 5-6 Equipment and supplies list for benthic macroinvertebrate collection 61
Table 5-7 Procedure for benthic macroinvertebrate sampling 63
Table 5-8 Procedure for preparing composite samples for benthic macroinvertebrates 66
Table 5-9 Equipment and supplies list for fecal indicator sampling 67
Table 5-10 Procedure for Fecal Indicator (Enterococci) sample collection 67
Table 6-1 Lake site activities and disturbances 72
Table 6-2 General lake information noted during lake assessment 73
Table 6-3 Shoreline characteristics observed during final lake assessment 74
Table 6-4 Equipment and supplies list for fecal indicator processing 75
Table 6-5 Processing procedure - fecal indicator sample 76
Table 6-6 Equipment and supplies list for Chlorophyll-a processing 77
Table 6-7 Processing procedure - Chlorophyll-a sample 77
Table 7-1 General lake information noted during field evaluation 80
Table C-1. Sample preservation, packaging, and holding times 91
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1 Field sampling scenario 10
Figure 2-2 Location of sample collection points and physical habitat (P-Hab) stations 11
Figure 2-3 Sample labels for sample tracking and identification 12
Figure 3-1 Overview of base site activities 18
Figure 3-2(a) Lake Verification Form, Side 1 22
Figure 3-2(b) Lake Verification Form, Side 2 23
Figure 3-3 Lakes Sample Tracking Form 27
Figure 3-4 Sample packaging and shipping procedures 28
Figure 3-5 Communications flowchart for the Lakes Survey 29
Figure 4-1(a) Lake Profile Form, page 1 32
Figure 4-1(b) Lake Profile Form, page 2 33
Figure 4-2 Secchi disk diagram (EPA, 1991) 36
Figure 4-3(a) Lake Index Site Sample Collection Form, Page 1 37
Figure 4-3(b) Lake Index Site Sample Collection Form, Page 2 38
Figure 4-4 Integrated water sampler device (MPCA) 40
Figure 4-5 Procedure for using the integrated sampler device to collect depth-integrated
samples 41
Figure 4-6 Wisconsin net and collection bucket diagram 43
Figure 4-7 Illustration of the modified KB corerand sectioning apparatus (EMAP) 45
Figure 5-1 Dimensions and layout of a P-Hab station 48
Figure 5-2(a) Physical Habitat Characterization Form, Side 1 51
Figure 5-2(b) Physical Habitat Characterization Form, Side 2 52
Figure 5-3 D-frame net used for collecting benthic macroinvertebrates 61
Figure 5-4 Benthic and habitat sampling station diagram 62
Figure 5-5(a) Lake shoreline Sample Collection Form (Side 1) 64
Figure 5-5(b) Lake shoreline Sample Collection Form (Side 2) 65
Figure 6-1 Final lake activities summary 68
Figure 6-2(a) Lake Assessment Form, Side 1 70
Figure 6-2(b) Lake Assessment Form, Side 2 71
Figure C-1 Sample packaging and shipping summary 90
Figure C-2 Class 9 Dangerous Goods label 94
Figure C-3 Example Tracking Form for Unpreserved Samples 95
Figure C-4 Example Tracking Form for Preserved Samples 96
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ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS
ANC acid neutralizing capacity
C02 carbon dioxide
CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Dl deionized
DO dissolved oxygen
DOC dissolved organic carbon
EMAP Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ETOH ethyl alcohol
CIS geographic information system
GPS global positioning device
HOPE high density polyethylene
H2S hydrogen sulfide
MPCA Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
NALMS North American Lakes Management Society
NH4 ammonium
NIST National Institute of Standards
NOs nitrate
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PCB polychlorinated biphenyl
P-Hab physical habitat
QA quality assurance
QAPP Quality Assurance Project Plan
QA/QC quality assurance/quality control
QCCS quality control check solution
SOPs Standard Operating Procedures
TN total nitrogen
TOC total organic carbon
TP total phosphorus
TSS total suspended solids
TVS total volatile solids
USGS United States Geological Survey
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1.0 BACKGROUND
This manual describes field protocols and daily operations for crews to use in the Survey
of the Nation's Lakes. The Survey is a statistical assessment of the condition of our Nation's
lakes, ponds, and reservoirs (subsequently referred to in this manual as "lakes") and is
designed to:
• Assess the condition of the Nation's Lakes
• Establish a baseline to compare future surveys for trends assessment and evaluate
trends since the 1970's National Eutrophication Survey Study
• Help build State and Tribal capacity for monitoring and assessment and promote
collaboration across jurisdictional boundaries
This is one of a series of water surveys being conducted by states, tribes, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other partners. In addition to lakes, partners will
also study coastal waters, wadeable streams, rivers, and wetlands in a revolving sequence. The
purpose of these surveys is to generate statistically-valid reports on the condition of our Nation's
water resources and identify key stressors to these systems.
The goal of the Survey is to address two key questions about the quality of the Nation's
lakes, ponds, and reservoirs:
• What percent of the Nation's lakes are in good, fair, and poor condition for key indicators
of trophic state, ecological health, and recreation?
• What is the relative importance of key stressors such as nutrients and pathogens?
The Survey is designed to be completed during the summer growing season before lake
turnover (June through September). Field crews will collect a variety of measurements and
indicators from an "index site" located at the deepest point of the lake (<50 meters, and near the
center if sampling a reservoir), and document conditions of the littoral zone and shoreline from
stations around the lake.
1.1 Selection of Sampling Locations
EPA selected sampling locations using on a probability based survey design. Sample
Surveys have been used in a variety of field (e.g. election polls, monthly labor estimates, forest
inventory analysis) to determine the status of population or resources of interest using a
representative sample of a relatively few members or sites. Using this survey design allows data
from the subset of sampled lakes to be applied to the larger target population and assessments
with known confidence bounds to be made. For more information on how EPA selected the
sampling locations for the Survey see:
http://www.epa.qov/owow/lakes/lakessurvey/siteselect factsheet.html.
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With input from the states and other partners, EPA used the following framework to
guide the site selection process:
• The National Hydrography Dataset was used to derive a list of lakes for potential
inclusion in the survey.
• For purposes of this survey "lakes" refers to natural and manmade freshwater lakes,
ponds, and reservoirs greater than 10 acres (4 hectares) in the conterminous U.S.,
excluding the Great Lakes.
• Mine ponds, retention basins, cooling ponds, and saline lakes due to saltwater intrusion
were excluded from this study. For more information on the site exclusion criteria refer to
EPA841-B-06-003.
• The sample size was set to include 1,000 lake sampling events.
• The result was the inclusion of 909 discrete lakes, with 91 of the lakes to be scheduled
for revisits. An "oversample" of additional lakes was also done so that any state wishing
to conduct a state scale survey could be accommodated.
• The design was constructed to include a representative subset of the lakes that were
included in the National Lake Eutrophication Study, conducted by EPA in 1972. This will
allow for a trends assessment from the original 1972 NES study Lake selection for the
survey provided for 5 size class categories, as well as spatial distribution across the
lower 48 states and 9 aggregated Omernik Level 3 ecoregions.
• 10 acres (4 hectares) was set as the minimum size for inclusion in the Lakes Survey.
Related Survey documents include the following: Survey of the Nation's Lakes: Quality
Assurance Project Plan (EPA 841-B-07-003), Survey of the Nation's Lakes: Lake Evaluation
Guidelines (EPA 841-B-06-003), and Survey of the Nation's Lakes: Laboratory Methods Manual
(EPA 841-B-07-005). These documents are available at:
http://www.epa.gov/owow/lakes/lakessurvey.
1.2 Selection and Description of Survey Indicators
As part of the indicator selection process, EPA sought the advice of the scientific
community at a conference co-sponsored by the Agency and the National Association of Lakes
Managers, the National Conference Planning a Survey of the Nation's Lakes held April of 2006.
The Agency formed a Survey of the Nation's Lakes Steering Committee with state and regional
representatives to develop and refine methodologies. This section summarizes the Conference
and Steering Committee recommendations to EPA for selecting Survey indicators.
The Agency developed screening and evaluation criteria and identified potential
indicators based on recommendations from received at the Conference. Key screening and
evaluation criteria included indicator applicability on a national scale, the ability of an indicator to
reflect various aspects of ecological condition, and cost-effectiveness.
Conference participants included individuals with a technical background in water
monitoring program design and execution, as well as those with knowledge of programmatic
protocols relating to state water monitoring programs. Meeting participants provided feedback
on indicators, field protocols, and analytical procedures for the Survey. EPA, states, tribes,
members of the North American Lake Management Society, and others discussed approaches
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and options on the chemical, physical, and biological parameters to be measured. Participants
explored the technical and financial feasibility of sampling and analytical methods, and the use
of specialized technologies (e.g., remote sensing), practical considerations for getting the
assessment done (e.g., use of volunteers, availability of labs, timeframes, funding), and
emerging pollutants and contaminant issues. Conference discussions examined both technical
and programmatic aspects of the Survey's implementation.
The Agency sought the advice of its Steering Committee on a final list of Survey
indicators. The Committee, comprised of state representatives from each of the EPA regions,
provides advice and recommendations to the Agency on matters related to the Survey. EPA
used the Committee's recommendations to refine methods and develop final documents. A
summary of the National Conference and the Lake's Survey Steering Committee Report is
available at http://www.epa.gov/owow/lakes/lakessurvey.
The remainder of this section briefly describes the indicators that the Survey will use to
assess trophic status, ecological integrity, recreational value, and lake characteristics (also see
Table 1-1). Some indicators provide a basis for evaluating more than one category. For
example, an assessment of phytoplankton allows for an examination of ecological integrity and
trophic status, and to a certain extent, recreational value.
1.2.1 Trophic Status Indicators
Lakes are classified according to their trophic state. "Trophic" means nutrition or growth.
A eutrophic ("well-nourished") lake has high nutrients and high plant growth. An oligotrophic lake
has low nutrient concentrations and low plant growth. Mesotrophic lakes fall somewhere in
between eutrophic and oligotrophic lakes.
Three variables, chlorophyll, Secchi disk depth, and total phosphorus, are most often
used to estimate biomass and define trophic state of a particular lake. Other variables are
measured in conjunction with the trophic state variables to supplement and enhance
understanding of lake processes that affect primary productivity.
Vertical Profile Measurements
Depth profiles for temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen (D.O.) will be taken with a
calibrated water quality probe meter or multi-probe sonde from the index station in each lake.
This information will be used to determine the extent of stratification and the availability of the
appropriate temperature regime and level of dissolved oxygen necessary to support aquatic life.
Secchi Disk Transparency
A Secchi disk is a commonly used black and white patterned disk used to measure the
clarity of water in visibility distance. The Secchi disk measurement is used to help make an
estimate of the euphotic zone depth in the field.
Water Chemistry and Associated Measurements
Water chemistry measurements will be used to determine the acidic conditions, trophic
state and nutrient enrichment, and classification of water chemistry type.
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Chlorophyll-a
Chlorophyll a is the pigment that makes plants and algae green. Its measurement is
used to determine algal biomass in the water and estimate trophic status.
1.2.2 Ecological Integrity Indicators
Ecological integrity describes the ecological condition of a lake based on different
assemblages of the aquatic community and their physical habitat. The indicators include
plankton (phytoplankton and zooplankton), benthic macroinvertebrates, diatoms, and the
physical habitat of the shoreline and littoral zone.
Phytoplankton Assemblage
Phytoplankton are plant microorganisms that float in the water, such as certain algae,
and are the primary source of energy in most lake systems(Schriver et al. 1995).Phytoplankton
are highly sensitive to changes in ecosystems (e.g., turbidity and nutrient enrichment).
Zooplankton Assemblage
Zooplankton are animal microorganisms that float in water and consist of crustaceans
(copepods and cladocerans), rotifers ("wheel-animals"), pelagic insect larvae (phantom midges),
and aquatic mites. The zooplankton assemblage constitutes an important element of the food
web, where zooplankton transfer energy from algae (primary producers) to larger invertebrate
predators and fish. The zooplankton assemblage responds to environmental stressors such as
nutrient enrichment and acidification. The effects of these environmental stressors on
zooplankton can be detected through changes in species composition, abundance, and body
size distribution.
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblage
Benthic macroinvertebrates are bottom-dwelling animals without backbones
("invertebrates") that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye ("macro"). Examples of
macroinvertebrates include: crayfish, snails, clams, aquatic worms, leeches, and the larval and
nymph stages of many insects, including dragonflies, mosquitoes, and mayflies. Populations in
the benthic assemblage respond to a wide array of stressors in different ways so that it is often
possible to determine the type of stress that has affected a macroinvertebrate assemblage (e.g.,
Klemm et al., 1990). Because many macroinvertebrates have relatively long life cycles of a year
or more and are relatively immobile, the structure and function of the macroinvertebrate
assemblage is a response to exposure of present or past conditions.
Diatom Assemblage
Diatoms are a group of microscopic algae with a silicon dioxide cell wall and are
commonly preserved in lake sediments. This indicator is unique in its ability to tell us about past
conditions in the lake and its basin based on the species specific environmental requirements.
In addition, environmental variables (e.g. alkalinity, total P, conductivity, etc.) have been inferred
using diatom-based predictive models.
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Mercury
Mercury is found in many rocks including coal. When coal is burned, mercury is released
into the environment. Mercury in the air eventually settles into water or is washed into water.
Once deposited, certain microorganisms can change it into methylmercury, a highly toxic form
that builds up in fish, shellfish, and animals that eat fish. Fish and shellfish are the main sources
of methylmercury exposure to humans.
Mercury exposure at high levels can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune
system of people of all ages. Birds and mammals that eat fish are more exposed to mercury
than other animals in water ecosystems. Similarly, predators that eat fish-eating animals may be
highly exposed. At high levels of exposure, methylmercury's harmful effects on these animals
include death, reduced reproduction, slower growth and development, and abnormal behavior.
Mercury information collected from the Survey will allow scientists to better predict the impacts
of mercury deposition on a watershed.
Physical Habitat Survey
The physical habitat shoreline and littoral surveys (the region lying along a shore) will
serve three purposes. First, habitat information is essential to the interpretation of what lake
ecological condition is expected to be like in the absence of many types of anthropogenic
impacts. Second, the habitat evaluation is a reproducible, quantified estimate of habitat
condition, serving as a benchmark against which to compare future habitat changes that might
result from anthropogenic activities. Third, the specific selections of habitat information collected
aid in the diagnosis of probable causes of ecological degradation in lakes.
In addition to information collected in the field by the shoreline and littoral surveys, the
physical habitat description of each lake includes many map-derived variables such as lake
surface area, shoreline length, and shoreline complexity. Furthermore, an array of information,
including watershed topography and land use, supplements the physical habitat information.
The shoreline and littoral surveys concentrate on information best derived "on the ground." As
such, these survey results provide the linkage between large watershed-scale influences and
those influences that directly affect aquatic organisms day to day. Together with water
chemistry, the habitat measurements and observations describe the variety of physical and
chemical conditions that are necessary to support biological diversity and foster long-term
ecosystem stability. These characteristics of lakes and their shorelines are the very aspects that
are often changed as a result of anthropogenic activities.
1.2.3 Recreational Indicators
Recreational indicators address the ability of the population to support recreational uses
such as swimming, fishing and boating. The protection of these uses is one of the requirements
in the Clean Water Act under 305b. Both the extent of a fecal indicator (Enterococci) and algal
toxins (microcystins) will serve as the primary indicators of recreational value.
Fecal Indicator (Enterococci)
Enterococci are bacteria that are endemic to the guts of warm blooded creatures. These
bacteria, by themselves, are not considered harmful to humans but often occur in the presence
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of potential human pathogens (the definition of an indictor organism). Epidemiological studies of
marine and fresh water bathing beaches have established a direct relationship between the
density of enterococci in water and the occurrence of swimming-associated gastroenteritis.
Enterococci samples will be taken from the last physical habitat transect in waist deep water.
Algal toxins (microcystins)
Microcystis is a microscopic organism that is found naturally at low concentrations in
freshwater systems. Under optimal conditions (such as high light and calm weather, usually in
summer), Microcystis occasionally forms a bloom, or dense aggregation of cells, that floats on
the surface of the water forming a thick layer or "mat." At higher concentrations, Microcystis
blooms are so dense that they resemble bright green paint that has been spilled in the water.
These blooms potentially affect water quality as well as human health (Microcystis produces
microcystin, a potent liver toxin) and natural resources. Decomposition of large blooms can
lower the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the water, resulting in hypoxia (low oxygen) or
anoxia (no oxygen). Sometimes, this results in fish kills. The blooms can also be unsightly, often
floating at the surface in a layer of decaying, odiferous, gelatinous scum.
Although the likelihood of people being affected by a Microcystis bloom is low, minor
skin irritation can occur with contact, and gastrointestinal discomfort can also occur if water from
a bloom is ingested. People recreationally exposed (e.g., personal watercraft operators) to
microcystins have also reported minor skin irritation. Health problems may occur in animals if
they are chronically exposed to fresh water with Microcystis present. Just as livestock and
domestic animals can be poisoned by drinking contaminated water, fish and bird mortalities
have been reported in water bodies with persistent Microcystis blooms.
1.2.4 Other Indicators / Lake Characteristics
Observations and impressions about the lake and its surrounding catchment by field
teams will be useful for ecological value assessment, development of associations and stressor
indicators, and data verification and validation.
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Table 1 -1. Summary table of indicators.
Indicator
Type
Trophic
Indicators
Ecological
Integrity
Recreational
Other
Indicators
(desktop,
some field
observations.)
Indicator
Vertical profile measurements (D.O.,
Temperature, pH)
Secchi Disk transparency
Water chemistry (TP, TN [NH4, NO3),
basic anions and cations, alkalinity
[ANC], DOC, TOC, TSS, conductivity
Chlorophyll-a
Phytoplankton assemblage
Zooplankton assemblage
(composition and structure, size
distribution)
Benthic macroinvertebrate
assemblage (Littoral)
Diatom assemblage
Mercury
Physical habitat survey
Fecal indicator (Enterccoccus)
Algal toxins (microcystins)
Lake area
Basin morphometry
Characteristics of watershed
Specs/Location in Lake
Vertical profile from deepest point (index
station)
Index station
Upper 2 m of water column at index
station (depth-integrated)
Index station
Upper 2 m of water column at index
station (depth-integrated)
Vertical tow through water column
Littoral margin of lake from 3 habitat
types at physical habitat stations
Sediment cores
Sediment core
10 stations equidistant around lake
margin
Water samples taken nearshore at final
habitat station (last sampling activity)
From index station
Done at desktop, and used in target lake
population selection
Done at desktop
Done at desktop using CIS and verified
by state agencies
1.3 Supplemental Material to the Field Operations Manual
The field operations manual describes field protocols and daily operations for crews to
use in the Lakes Survey. Following these detailed guides will ensure consistency across
regions and reproducibility for future surveys. Before beginning sampling on a lake, crews
should prepare a packet for each lake containing pertinent information to successfully conduct
sampling. This includes a road map and set of directions to the lake, topographic or bathymetric
maps, land owner access forms, site evaluation forms and other information necessary to
ensure an efficient sampling day.
Field crews will also receive a quick-reference handbook that contains tables and figures
summarizing field activities and protocols from the Field Operations Manual for Lakes. This
waterproof handbook will be the primary field reference used by field teams after a completing a
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required field training session. The field teams are also required to keep the field operations
manual available in the field for reference and for possible protocol clarification.
Large-scale and/or long-term monitoring programs such as those envisioned for national
surveys and assessments require a rigorous QA program that can be implemented consistently
by all participants throughout the duration of the monitoring period. Quality assurance is a
required element of all EPA-sponsored studies that involve the collection of environmental data
(USEPA 2000a, 2000b). Field teams will be provided a copy of the integrated Quality
Assurance and Project Plan (QAPP). The QAPP contains more detailed information regarding
QA/QC activities and procedures associated with general field operations, sample collection,
measurement data collection for specific indicators, and data reporting activities. For more
information on the Quality Assurance procedures, refer to the Survey of the Nation's Lakes:
Quality Assurance Project Plan (EPA 841-B-07-003)
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2.0 DAILY OPERATIONS SUM MARY
This section presents a general overview of the activities that a two person field team is
to conduct during a typical 1-day sampling visit to a lake. General guidelines for recording data
and using standardized field data forms and sample labels are also presented. Finally, safety
and health considerations and guidelines related to field operations are described.
2.1 Sampling Scenario
Field methods for the Lakes Survey are designed to be completed in one field day for
most lakes. Depending on the time needed for both the sampling and traveling for that day, an
additional day may be needed for pre-departure and post-sampling activities (e.g., cleaning
equipment, repairing gear, shipping samples, and traveling to the next lake). Remote lakes with
lengthy or difficult approaches may require more time to gain access to the lake, and field teams
will need to plan accordingly.
A field team typically will consist of two people. Two people are always required in the
boat together to execute the sampling activities and to ensure safety. Any additional team
members may either remain on shore to provide logistical support or are deployed in a second
boat to assist in data collection. A daily field sampling scenario showing how the work load may
be split between team members is presented in Figures 2-1 and 2-2. Each field team should
define roles and responsibilities for each team member to organize field activities efficiently.
Minor modifications to the sampling scenario may be made by teams; however the sequence of
sampling events presented in Figure 2-1 cannot be changed and is based on the need to
protect some types of samples from potential contamination and to minimize holding times once
samples are collected. The following sections further define the sampling sequence and the
protocols for sampling activities.
NOTE: When sampling Large Lakes (lakes >5000 hectares), field teams will omit the
physical habitat and benthic macroinvertebrate sampling efforts altogether, and the fecal
indicator sample will be collected at the launch site.
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Verify lake as target and determine launch site
Set up staging area
Sampler A Activities:
Sampler B Activities:
Prepare forms, equipment & supplies
Calibrate multi-probe meter
Load equipment and supplies onto boat
LOCATE INDEX SITE & ANCHOR BOAT
(For natural lakes: deepest point up to 50 meters, if >50 m, move away until <50 m
For reservoirs: deepest point up to 50 meters mid-reservoir)
Measure Secchi depth
Collect integrated water samples #1 & 2 (phytoplankton,
chlorophyll-a, & algal toxin )
Measure in situ temperature, pH & DO profile
Collect integrated water sample #3 & 4 (water chemistry)
Collect zooplankton using Wisconsin nets
(take each net tow from
opposite sides of the boat)
Collect sediment core; take mercury subsample and
remove top and bottom slices for sediment diatoms
x
LOCATE & TRAVEL TO PHYSICAL HABITAT STATIONS
Conduct habitat characterizations
Sample benthic macroinvertebrates in littoral zone
Collect fecal indicator (Enterococci) sample at 10th station
RETURN TO SHORE
Preserve benthic sample and
prepare for transport
-f
Filter chlorophyll-a and fecal indicator (enterococci)
samples; prepare for transport
ipipipipipipipipipipipipipipipip^i^s
Clean and organize equipment for loading
ipipipipipipipipipipipipipipipjp-l^^^
Check and prepare zooplankton, |
phytoplankton, and algal toxin samples for transport i
ipipipipipipipipipipipipipipipipiS;^^
Check and prepare water and sediment :
samples for transport :
iii^ii^i^
Inspect and clean boat, motor, & trailer to prevent
transfer of nuisance species and contaminants
MMMMMMMMMMMM^MMM^|.^MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMI i
Review data forms for completeness
Report back to Field Logistics Coordinator and
Information Management Coordinator
Figure 2-1. Field sampling scenario.
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Littoral zone - benthic sampling area
Sub-littoral zone
Profundal zone
Observation station
positioned 10m
offshore for sampling
10 evenly spaced
sampling stations
Index site
Deepest point up to 50 m - chosen
using bathymetric map and/or sonar
[<30 min. to choose]
X
•Water chemistry
-Depth-integrated
—In situ
•Chlorophyll a
•Phytoplankton
•Algal toxins
•Zooplankton
•Sediment diatoms
•Mercury
}
*
—)
1
•Fecal Indicator*
(time sensitive-
collect last)
Physical habitat and benthic
ampling stations (A-J) -
Starting point randomly
selected a priori
Habitat and benthic sampling station
15m
15m
Benthic sample collected
from dominant habitat within
littoral zone
10m
Observation station
Figure 2-2. Location of sample collection points and physical habitat (P-Hab) stations.
The field team is to arrive at the lake in the early morning to complete the sampling in a
single day. The sampling sequence is to:
• verify lake and locate index site,
• conduct depth profile measurements of dissolved oxygen and temperature,
• take Secchi disk transparency depth measurement,
• use the integrated sampler to collect water chemistry, chlorophyll-a, phytoplankton, and
algal toxin samples,
• collect zooplankton samples,
• collect sediment core samples for diatoms and mercury,
• conduct physical habitat characterization,
• collect benthic samples,
• collect fecal indicator sample,
filter chlorophyll-a and fecal indicator samples,
preserve and prepare all samples for shipment,
review field forms,
report sampling event,
ship time-sensitive samples.
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2.2 Recording Data and Other Information
All samples need to be identified and tracked, and associated information for each
sample must be recorded. To assist with sample identification and tracking, labels are
preprinted with sample ID numbers (Figure 2-3).
It is imperative that field and sample information be recorded accurately, consistently,
and legibly. The cost of a sampling visit coupled with the short index period severely limits the
ability to resample a lake if the initial information recorded was inaccurate or illegible.
Guidelines for recording field measurements are presented in Table 2-1.
PHYTOPLANKTON
NLA06608-
.' 12007
Depth of sample: 2m
Sample volume. ml
999003
MICROCYST1N
NLA06808- _
,_ /_ _ /2007
Sample Vol niL
999004
ZOOPLANKTON
NLA0660!i
Tow depth _ _ m
COARSE (243(jm) FINE (BOumi
999005
SEDIMENT
NLA0660"-
998010
BENTHOS
NLA06608- _
_/2007
uar ; of
999009
CHLOROPHYLL
NLA06608- ._
/__ _/2007
Vol. filtered: _mL
999002
WATER CHEMISTRY
NLA06608-
_/ /200?
999001
SEDIMENT CORE
NLA06608-
/ 12007
Core length; _ cm
TOP (0-1crn) BOTTOM ( to cm)
999008
ENTEROCOCCl SAMPLE
NLA06608 -
'
Vol. Fill' 1 ...... _ ____ _ ml 3 _ _ ml.
2 ___ mL 4 _ ml,
Filter: 1
Vol. Flit: ml
998000
Figure 2-3. Sample labels for sample tracking and identification.
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Table 2-1. Guidelines for recording field measurements and tracking information.
ACTIVITY
GUIDELINES
Field Measurements
Data Recording
Record measurement values and observations on data forms preprinted on
water-resistant paper.
Use No. 2 pencil only (fine-point indelible markers can be used if necessary) to
record information on forms.
Record data and information using correct format as provided on data forms.
Print legibly (and as large as possible). Clearly distinguish letters from numbers
(e.g., 0 versus O, 2 versus Z, 7 versus T or F, etc.), but do not use slashes.
In cases where information is to be recorded repeatedly on a series of lines
(e.g., physical habitat characteristics), do not use "ditto marks" (") or a
straight vertical line. Record the information that is repeated on the first
and last lines, and then connect these using a wavy vertical line.
When recording comments, print or write legibly. Make notations in comments
field only; avoid marginal notes. Be concise, but avoid using abbreviations
or "shorthand" notations. If you run out of space, attach a sheet of paper
with the additional information, rather than trying to squeeze everything into
the space provided on the form.
Data Qualifiers
(Flags)
Use only defined flag codes and record on data form in appropriate field.
K = Measurement not attempted or not recorded.
Q = Failed quality control check; remeasurement not possible.
U = Suspect measurement; remeasurement not possible.
Fn = Miscellaneous flags (n=1, 2, etc.) assigned by a field team during
a particular sampling visit (also used for qualifying samples).
Explain reason for using each flag in comments section on data form.
Review of Data
Forms
Review data forms for accuracy, completeness, and legibility before leaving
lake.
The Field Team Leader must review all data forms for consistency, correctness,
and legibility before transfer to the Information Management Center.
Sample Labels
Use adhesive labels with preprinted ID numbers and follow the standard
recording format for each type of sample.
Use a pencil to record information on labels. Cover completed labels with clear
tape.
Sample Collection
Information
Record sample ID number from label and associated collection information on
sample collection form preprinted on water-resistant paper.
Use a No. 2 pencil only (fine-point indelible markers can be used if necessary to
record information on forms).
Record collection information using correct format as provided on the sample
collection form.
(continued)
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Table 2-1 (continued). Guidelines for recording field measurements and tracking information.
ACTIVITY
GUIDELINES
Sample Collection and Tracking
Sample Qualifiers
(Flags)
Use only defined flag codes and record on sample collection form in
appropriate field.
K = Sample not collected or lost before shipment; resampling not
possible.
U = Suspect sample (e.g., possible contamination, does not meet
minimum acceptability requirements, or collected by non-
standard procedure).
Fn = Miscellaneous flags (n=1, 2, etc.) assigned by a field team
during a particular sampling visit (also used for field
measurements).
Explain reason for using flags in "Comments" on sample collection form.
Review of Labels and
Collection Forms
Compare information recorded on labels and sample collection form for
accuracy before leaving lake.
Review labels and sample collection form for accuracy, completeness, and
legibility before leaving lake.
The Field Team Leader must review sample collection forms for
consistency, correctness, and legibility before transfer to the
Information Management Center.
2.3 Safety and Health
Collection and analysis of samples can involve significant risks to personal safety and
health. This section describes recommended training, communications, and safety
considerations, safety equipment and facilities, and safety guidelines for field operations.
2.3.1 General Considerations
Important considerations related to field safety are presented in Table 2-2. It is the
responsibility of the group safety officer or project leader to ensure that the necessary safety
courses are taken by all field personnel and that all safety policies and procedures are followed.
Sources of information regarding safety-related training include the American Red Cross (1979),
the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (1981), U.S. Coast Guard (1987) and
Ohio EPA (1990).
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Table 2-2. General health and safety considerations.
Recommended Training:
First aid
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Vehicle safety (e.g., operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles)
Boating and water safety (if boats are required to access sites)
Field safety (weather, personal safety, orienteering, site reconnaissance of prior to sampling
Equipment design, operation, and maintenance
Handling of chemicals and other hazardous materials
Communications
Check-in schedule
Sampling itinerary (vehicle used & description, time of departure & return, travel route)
Contacts for police, ambulance, hospitals, fire departments, search and rescue personnel
Emergency services available near each sampling site and base location
Cell (or satellite) phone, if possible
Personal Safety
Field clothing and other protective gear including lifejackets for all team members
Medical and personal information (allergies, personal health conditions)
Personal contacts (family, telephone numbers, etc.)
Physical exams and immunizations
Persons using sampling equipment should become familiar with the hazards involved
and establish appropriate safety practices prior to using them. Make sure all equipment is in
safe working condition. If boats are used to access sampling sites, personnel must consider
and prepare for hazards associated with the operation of motor vehicles, boats, winches, tools,
and other incidental equipment. Boat operators should be familiar with U.S. Coast Guard rules
and regulations for safe boating contained in a pamphlet, "Federal Requirements for
Recreational Boats," available from a local U.S. Coast Guard Director or Auxiliary or State
Boating Official (U.S. Coast Guard, 1987). All boats with motors must have fire extinguishers,
boat horns, life jackets or flotation cushions, and flares or communication devices.
A communications plan to address safety and emergency situations is essential. All field
personnel need to be fully aware of all lines of communication. Field personnel should have a
daily check-in procedure for safety. An emergency communications plan should include
contacts for police, ambulance, fire departments, hospitals, and search and rescue personnel.
Proper field clothing should be worn to prevent hypothermia, heat exhaustion, sunstroke,
drowning, or other dangers. Field personnel should be able to swim, and personal flotation
devices must be used. Chest waders made of rubberized or neoprene material and suitable
footwear must always be worn with a belt to prevent them from filling with water in case of a fall.
Many hazards lie out of sight in the bottoms of lakes, rivers and streams. Broken glass
or sharp pieces of metal embedded in the substrate can cause serious injury if care is not
exercised when walking or working with the hands in such environments. Infectious agents and
toxic substances that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled may also be present in the
water or sediment. Personnel who may be exposed to water known or suspected to contain
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human or animal wastes that carry causative agents or pathogens must be immunized against
tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid fever, and polio. Biological wastes can also be a threat in the form of
viruses, bacteria, rickettsia, fungi, or parasites.
2.3.2 Safety Equipment
Appropriate safety apparel such as waders, gloves, safety glasses, etc. must be
available and used when necessary. First aid kits, fire extinguishers, and blankets must be
readily available in the field. Cellular or satellite telephones and/or portable radios should be
provided to field teams working in remote areas for use in case of an emergency. Supplies
must be available for cleaning of exposed body parts that may have been contaminated by
pollutants in the water such as anti-bacterial soap and an adequate supply of clean water or
ethyl alcohol.
2.3.3 Safety Guidelines for Field Operations
General safety guidelines for field operations are presented in Table 2-3. Personnel
participating in field activities on a regular or infrequent basis should be in sound physical
condition and have a physical examination annually or in accordance with Regional, State, or
organizational requirements. All surface waters and sediments should be considered potential
health hazards due to potential toxic substances or pathogens. Persons must become familiar
with the health hazards associated with using chemical fixing and/or preserving agents.
Chemical wastes can be hazardous due to flammability, explosiveness, toxicity, causticity, or
chemical reactivity. All chemical wastes must be discarded according to standardized health
and hazards procedures (e.g., National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [1981]; U.S.
EPA [1986]).
During the course of field research activities, field teams may observe violations of
environmental regulations, may discover improperly disposed hazardous materials, or may
observe or be involved with an accidental spill or release of hazardous materials. In such cases
it is important that the proper actions be taken and that field personnel do not expose
themselves to something harmful. The following guidelines should be applied:
1. First and foremost, protect the health and safety of all personnel. Take any necessary steps
to avoid injury or exposure to hazardous materials. If you have been trained to take action such
as cleaning up a minor fuel spill during fueling of a boat, do it. However, you should always
error on the side of personal safety.
2. Field personnel should never disturb or retrieve improperly disposed hazardous materials
from the field to bring back to a facility for "disposal". To do so may worsen the impact, may
incur personal liability or liability for the team members and their respective organizations, may
cause personal injury, or may cause unbudgeted expenditure of time and money for proper
treatment and disposal of the material. However, it is important not to ignore environmental
incidents. Notify the proper authorities of any incident of this type so they may take the
necessary actions to properly respond to the incident.
3. For most environmental incidents, the following emergency telephone numbers should be
provided to all field teams: State or Tribal department of environmental quality or protection,
U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. EPA regional office. In the event of a major environmental
incident, the National Response Center may need to be notified at 1-800-424-8802.
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Table 2-3. General safety guidelines for field operations.
• Two persons must be present during all sample collection activities, and no one should be left alone
while in the field.
• Exposure to lake water and sediments should be minimized as much as possible. Use gloves if
necessary, and clean exposed body parts as soon as possible after contact.
• All electrical equipment must bear the approval seal of Underwriters Laboratories and must be
properly grounded to protect against electric shock.
• Use heavy gloves when hands are used to agitate the substrate during collection of benthic
macroinvertebrate samples.
• Use appropriate protective equipment (e.g., gloves, safety glasses) when handling and using
hazardous chemicals
• Persons working in areas where poisonous snakes may be encountered must check with the local
Drug and Poison Control Center for recommendations on what should be done in case of a bite
from a poisonous snake.
• Any person allergic to bee stings, other insect bites, or plants (i.e., poison ivy, oak, sumac, etc.)
must take proper precautions and have any needed medications handy.
• Field personnel should also protect themselves against the bite of deer or wood ticks because of the
potential risk of acquiring pathogens that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease.
• All field personnel should be familiar with the symptoms of hypothermia and know what to do in
case symptoms occur. Hypothermia can kill a person at temperatures much above freezing (up to
10°C or 50°F) if he or she is exposed to wind or becomes wet.
• Field personnel should be familiar with the symptoms of heat/sun stroke and be prepared to move a
suffering individual into cooler surroundings and hydrate immediately.
• Handle and dispose of chemical wastes properly. Do not dispose any chemicals in the field.
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3.0 BASE SITE ACTIVITIES
Field teams are to conduct a number of activities at their base site (i.e., office or laboratory,
camping site, or motel). These include tasks that must be completed both before departure to
the lake site and after return from the field (Figure 3-1). Close attention to these activities is
required to ensure that the field teams know (1) where they are going, (2) that access is
permissible and possible, (3) that equipment and supplies are available and in good working
order to complete the sampling effort, and (4) that samples are packed and shipped
appropriately.
PREDEPARTURE ACTIVITIES
Team Leader
• Prepare daily itinerary
Crew Members
• Instrument checks & calibration
• Equipment & supplies preparation
Whole Crew
' Lake Verification
SAMPLE LAKE
POSTSAMPLING ACTIVITIES
Team Leader
• Review forms & labels
• Package and ship samples & data
forms
• File status report with regional
coordinator
Crew Members
• Clean boats with 10% bleach solution
and perform safety checks (boat, trailer,
& equipment)
• Charge or replace batteries
• Refuel vehicle and boat
• Obtain ice and other consumable
supplies as needed
Figure 3-1. Overview of base site activities.
3.1 Predeparture Activities
Predeparture activities include the development of a daily itineraries, instrument checks
and calibration, equipment and supply preparation, and lake verification. Procedures for these
activities are described in the following sections.
3.1.1 Daily Itineraries
The Field Team Leaders are responsible for developing daily itineraries. This entails
compiling maps, contact information, copies of permission letters, and access instructions (a
"lake packet"). The Field Team Leader must be sure to transfer the Lake Outline Sketch to the
Lake Verification Form and lay out the physical habitat (P-Hab) stations before the sampling day
(see Section 5.1.3). Additional activities include confirming the best access routes, calling the
landowners or local contacts, confirming lodging plans, and coordinating rendezvous locations
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with individuals who must meet with field teams prior to accessing a site. Changes in the
itinerary during the week, such as cancelling a sampling day, must be relayed by the Field
Team Leader to the Field Logistics Coordinator as soon as possible.
3.1.2 Instrument Checks and Calibration
Each field team must test and calibrate instruments prior to sampling. Calibration can be
conducted prior to departure for the lake site or at the lake, with the exception of dissolved
oxygen calibration. Because of the potential influence of altitude, dissolved oxygen calibration
is to be performed only at the lake site. Field instruments include a multiprobe unit for
measuring temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH and a Global Positioning System (GPS)
receiver. Field teams should have access to backup instruments if any instruments fail the
manufacturer performance tests or calibrations.
3.1.2.1 Multi-probe Meter Performance Test
Test and precalibrate the multi-probe meter prior to departure from the base. Each field
team should have a copy of the manufacturer's calibration and maintenance procedures. All
dissolved oxygen meters should be calibrated according to manufacturer specifications provided
along with the meter.
Field teams should perform a QC check of the pH meter calibration (and conductivity
meter calibration, if this optional measurement is taken). The following is a stock solution for
preparing a QC sample for pH and conductivity:
• Dissolve 3.4022 g KH2PO4 and 3.5490 g Na2HPO4 (analytical grade; dried at 120 °C
for 3 h and stored desiccated) in 1000.0 g (1.0018 Lat20°C, 1.0029 L at 25 °C) reagent
water.
• Prepare a 1:100 dilution of standard stock solution with reagent water for a QC sample
that has a theoretical pH of 6.98 and a theoretical conductivity = 75.3 uS/cm at 25^C
(Metcalfetal. 1993).
3.1.2.2 Global Positioning System Battery Check
Turn on the GPS receiver and check the batteries prior to departure. (Replace batteries
immediately if a battery warning is displayed.)
3.1.3 Equipment and Supply Preparation
Field teams must check the inventory of supplies and equipment prior to departure using
the equipment and supplies checklists provided in Appendix A; use of the lists is mandatory.
Pack meters, probes, and sampling gear in such a way as to minimize physical shock and
vibration during transport. If necessary, prepare stock preservation solutions as described in
Table 3-1. Follow the regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA).
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Table 3-1. Stock solutions, uses, and methods for preparation.
Solution
Bleach
(1%)
Calibration QC
sample
Lugol's
95% Ethanol
Use
Clean nets, other gear, and
inside of boat.
QC sample for pH and
conductivity calibration check
Preservative for phytoplankton
samples.
Preservative for benthic
invertebrate samples and
zooplankton samples.
Preparation
Add 400 ml bleach to 3,600 ml distilled water.
Dissolve 3.4022 g KH2PO4 and 3.5490 g
Na2HPO4 (analytical grade; dried at 120 °C for 3
h and stored desiccated) in 1000.0 g (1.0018 L at
20 °C, 1 .0029 L at 25 °C) reagent water.
Prepare a 1 :100 dilution of standard stock
solution with reagent water for a QC sample that
has a theoretical pH of 6.98 and a theoretical
conductivity = 75.3 uS/cm at 25t
Dissolve 100 g Kl in 1 L of distilled water.
Dissolve 50 g iodine (crystalline) in 100 ml glacial
acetic acid. Mix these two solutions. Remove any
precipitates. Store in the dark.
In addition, field teams must inspect the vehicles, boats, and trailers every morning
before departure, paying particular attention to the trailer hitch, electrical connections, tiedowns,
air pressure in the tires, and the overall condition of the boats. Refuel vehicles and conduct
maintenance activities the night before a sampling trip. Check trailer lights, turn signals, and
brake lights before departure.
Teams must also label and package the sample containers into site kits prior to
departure. Container labels should not be covered with clear tape until all information is
completed during sampling at the lake. Store an extra kit of sampling supplies (cubitainers,
bottles, chlorophyll-a filters, fecal indicator filters, foil, gloves, and labels) in the vehicles.
Inventory these extra supply kits prior to each lake visit. Be sure to order field sampling site kits
well in advance by contacting the Field Logistics Coordinator (Jennifer Pitt, 410-356-8993).
3.2 Lake Verification
3.2.1 Lake Verification at the Launch Site
The field team must verify that the lake is correctly identified and located. Lake
verification is based on map coordinates, locational data from the GPS when possible, and any
other evidence such as signs or conversations with local residents. Record locational
coordinates for the lake on the Lake Verification Form, Side 1 (Figure 3-2a). If GPS coordinates
are obtained, check the GPS box and record the latitude, longitude, and the type of satellite fix
(2D or 3D) for the launch site. Compare the map coordinates given on the lake spreadsheet for
the lake with the GPS coordinates displayed for the launch site, and check to see if the two sets
of coordinates are within 0.004167 decimal degrees of latitude and longitude. This distance is
approximately equal to the precision of the GPS receiver (±100 m) without differential correction
of the position fix. This is the desired level of precision but is not required if it can be confirmed
via other methods (e.g., map, landowner confirmation) that the correct sample lake has been
located. If GPS coordinates are not available, do not record any information but try to obtain the
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information at a later time during the visit. A fix may be taken at any time during a lake visit and
recorded on the form. Mark the location of the launch site with an "L" on the Lake Outline
Sketch (which must be transferred to the Lake Verification Form BEFORE the sampling day) on
the Lake Verification Form, Side 1 (Figure 3-2a).
Record directions to the lake and a description of the launch site on the Lake Verification
Form, Side 1 (Figure 3-2a), regardless of whether the site is sampled or not. This information is
very important and will be used in the future if the lake is revisited by another sampling team.
Provide information about signs, road numbers, gates, landmarks, and any additional
information you feel will be useful to another sampling team in relocating this lake. It is also
helpful to describe the distance traveled (miles) between turns. Also describe the launch site on
the same form. For example: Can the boat be launched with a trailer? Are there fees? Is the
launch paved or does it consist of soft sand? What landmarks are at the launch?
In addition to or in the absence of an accurate GPS reading, use as many of the
following methods as possible to verify the site:
• Obtain confirmation from a local person familiar with the area.
• Identify confirming roads and signs.
• Compare lake shape to that shown on a topographic map (USGS 7.5 minute map or
equivalent).
• Determine lake position relative to identifiable topographic features shown on the map.
If the lake shape on the USGS topographic map does not correspond with the actual
lake shape (which should be sketched on the Lake Verification Form, Side 2 [Figure 3-2(b)]),
and you cannot verify the lake by any other means, check "Not Verified" and provide comments
on the Lake Verification Form. At each lake, evaluate whether or not the lake meets the study's
operational definition of a "lake":
• > 4 ha in total surface area
• > 1000 square meters of open water
• > 1 meter in depth
• Not saline (due to salt water intrusion or tidal influence)
• Not used for aquaculture, disposal-tailings, mine-tailings, sewage treatment,
evaporation, or other unspecified disposal use
If the lake does not fit this definition, check "Non-target" in the lake sampled section on the
middle of the Lake Verification Form, Side 1 (Figure 3-2a) and provide an explanation for not
sampling the lake. Add any additional explanation as required. (For complete details on the
Lake Evaluation process, refer to the companion document Lake Evaluation Guidelines [EPA
841-B-06-003]).
Field team personnel and duties performed at each particular lake are to be recorded.
Record the names of each team member and check off the duties performed by each individual
at the bottom of the Lake Verification Form, Side 2 (Figure 3-2b).
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• LAKE VERIFICATION FORM """^ ^- 1
SITE ID: NLA06608- f *f f *f DATE: Q
SITE NAME: $ V •> A */M £
£l£L.t A -2. 0,<3 7, V1SIT: <
"2) 2
_. MODE OF
S t-/f/< IT ACCESS- ** Vehicle O Hike-In O Aircraft TEAM: XX" /
LAKE VERIFICATION INFORMATION
Lake shape compares with map? • YES O NO G
Lake verified by (X all that apply):
O Other (Describe Here):
Coordinates
Degrees, M&mjtes,
and Seconds
MAP p^
Decimal Degrees
Degree*, Minutes,
and Seconds
LAUNCH
SITE O"
Decimal Degrees
Oe§r««s, Minutes,
INDEX anaSKo,™*,
SITE O**
Decimal Degrees
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
Page 23 of 96
LAKE VERIFICATION FORM (cont.)
SITE ID: NLA06608- ^ *J
.7
- Arrow Indicates North; Mark site L=Laynch X=»lndex
NOTl: (f an outline map is attached ten, y» » continuous Mrip of clear tape across the top edg«,
You ca*i also att^C'li a Mparat® slw&t with the autEiite map on It
I
PERSONNEL
NAME
DUTIES
Index Site Shoreline
O
o
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o
o
o
o
o
o
Forms
o
•
o
o
o
o
o
200? Lake Verification R»v. OMO/2007
Draft
Figure 3-2(b). Lake Verification Form, Side 2.
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
Page 24 of 96
3.2.2 Lake Verification at the Index Site Location
Use the following procedure to locate the index site for natural lakes and reservoirs:
For natural lakes. To find the location of the index site for natural lakes, find the deepest point
in the lake <50 meters by using sonar and/or a bathymetric map and by observing the lake
shape and surrounding topography. If the lake is >50 meter deep, move away from the deepest
point until you reach a depth of 50 meters.
For reservoirs. To find the location of the index site for reservoirs, find the deepest point up to
50 meters that is near the center of the reservoir. Avoid sampling near the dam of the reservoir
(even though this is often the deepest point) since it will not provide a representational sample.
When an acceptable site is located, anchor the boat. Lower the anchor slowly to
minimize disturbance to the water column and sediment. Determine the coordinates of the
index site by GPS (if satellite coverage is available) and record on the Lake Verification Form,
Side 1 (Figure 3-2a). In addition, check the GPS fix box to indicate the type of satellite fix (2D or
3D) for the index site coordinates. If satellite coverage is not available at that time, try again
before leaving the index site. Identify the index site on the sketch map with an "X" on the Lake
Verification Form, Side 2 (Figure 3-2b).
Compare the spreadsheet coordinates with the GPS coordinates recorded for the index
site. If coordinates at the launch site or the index site are not within 0.004167 decimal degrees
of the map coordinates listed in the spreadsheet, question whether or not you are at the correct
lake. Information collected through the other methods described in the previous subsection
should always be considered before deciding whether or not the identity of a lake can be
verified. If the lake is sampled and coordinates are not within criteria or the lake shape does not
match, provide comments justifying your actions on the Lake Verification Form, Side 1 (Figure
3-2a).
3.2.3 Equipment and Supply List
Table 3-3 is the checklist for equipment and supplies required to conduct protocols
described in this section. It is similar to but may be different somewhat from the checklist in
Appendix A that is used at a base site to assure that all equipment and supplies are taken to
and available at the lake. Field teams should use the checklist presented in this section to
assure that the equipment and supplies are organized and available on the boat in order to
conduct protocols correctly and efficiently.
Table 3-3. Lake Verification Checklist.
Equipment and Supplies
Clipboard /#2 pencils
Lake Verification Form
Field notebook
Field Operations Manual and Field Handbook
Survey of the Nation's Lakes Fact Sheets
Number Needed per Lake
1
1
1
1
20
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
Page 25 of 96
Sampling permit (if required)
Hand-held Sonar
GPS unit with manual, reference card, extra battery pack
Anchor with 50 m line
Float to attach to anchor
1
1
1
1-2
1
3.3 Post Sampling Activities
Upon return to the launching location after sampling, the team must review all labels and
completed data forms for accuracy, completeness, and legibility and make a final inspection of
samples. If information is missing from the forms or labels, the Field Team Leader is to provide
the missing information. The Field Team Leader is to initial all data forms after review. If
obtainable samples are missing, the lake is to be rescheduled for complete sampling. Other
post sampling activities include: inspection and cleaning of sampling equipment, inventory and
sample preparation, sample shipment, and communications.
3.3.1 Equipment Cleanup and Check
Table 3-4 describes postsampling equipment care. Inspect all equipment, including
nets, boat, and trailer, and clean off any plant and animal material. This effort ensures that
introductions of nuisance species such as Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatuni) and
zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) do not occur between lakes. Prior to leaving a lake,
drain all bilge water or live wells in the boat. Inspect, clean, and handpick plant and animal
remains from vehicle, boat, motor, and trailer that contact lake water. Inspect and remove any
remnants of vegetation or animal life. Before moving to the next lake, if a commercial car wash
facility is available, wash vehicle, boat, and trailer and thoroughly clean (hot water pressurized
rinse-no soap). Rinse equipment and boat with 1% bleach solution to prevent spread of
exotics.
3.3.2 Shipment of Samples and Forms
The field team is to ship or deliver time-sensitive samples (i.e., water chemistry,
chlorophyll-a, and mercury) to the appropriate analytical laboratories as soon as possible after
collection. Other samples (i.e., phytoplankton, zooplankton, sediment diatoms, algal toxins,
fecal indicator (enterococci), and benthic macroinvertebrates) may be shipped or delivered in
batches provided they can be adequately preserved. For example, algal toxin samples need to
remain completely frozen and cannot be allowed to thaw prior to shipping. Make sure to report
all sample shipments to the Information Management Coordinator as soon as possible so that
the analytical labs can be notified to receive samples and they can be tracked if they do not
arrive when expected.
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
Page 26 of 96
Table 3-4. Postsampling equipment care.
1. Clean for biological contaminants (e.g., Eurasian water milfoil, zebra mussels, and alewife).
-Prior to departing from a lake, drain all bilge water from the boat.
-At the lake, inspect motors, boat, and the trailer for evidence of plant fragments especially in
or near the propeller and water intakes. Remove all plant fragments.
-At the lake or base site, dry out nets and buckets and inspect and remove any remnant
vegetation or animal life. Disinfect gear with 1% bleach solution.
-If a commercial car wash facility is available, thoroughly clean vehicle and boat (hot water
pressurized rinse-no soap).
2. Clean and dry other equipment prior to storage.
-Rinse chlorophyll-a and enterococci filtration chambers three times with distilled water after
each use.
-Briefly soak zooplankton nets in a 1% bleach solution and dry after each use. Do not dry in
sunlight because the mesh is photosensitive.
-Rinse core sampler, sectioning apparatus, and siphon with tap water at the base site.
-Rinse coolers with water to clean off any dirt or debris on the outside and inside.
3. Inventory equipment and supply needs and relay orders to the Field Logistics Coordinator.
4. Remove multi-probe meter and GPS from carrying cases and set up for predeparture checks
and calibration. Examine the oxygen membranes for cracks, wrinkles, or bubbles.
Replace if necessary.
5. Recharge/replace batteries as necessary.
6. Recheck field forms from the day's sampling activities. Make corrections and completions
where possible, and initial each form after review.
7. Replenish fuel and oil.
Field teams are to fill out one sample tracking form for each sample shipment. As
previously mentioned, some samples will be sent individually to analytical labs, while others will
be sent in batches. On each sample tracking form (Figure 3-3) the following information must
be recorded:
• Airbill or package tracking number
• Date sample(s) were sent
• Site ID where each sample was collected
• Sample type code:
MICR -Algal toxin (microcystins)
CHEM-Chemistry
CHLA-Chlorophyll-a
ENTE - Fecal indicator (Enterococci)
SEDI - Sediment core slices
SEDH - Sediment mercury
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
Page 27 of 96
BENT - Benthos
PHYT- Phytoplankton
ZOOP - Zooplankton
Date when the sample(s) was collected
Site visit number (e.g., 1 for first visit, 2 for re-visit)
Sample ID number encoded on label
Number of containers for each sample
Any additional comments
Packaging and shipping guidelines for each type of sample are summarized in Figure 3-
4. More detailed sample shipping instructions are presented in Appendix C.
After checking the Field Forms for completeness and accuracy, the Field Crew Leader
will make copies of all Field Forms and retain the copies. The original forms will be mailed to
Marlys Cappaert in the FedEx envelope provided in the site kit. A pre-addressed airbill to will be
provided.
J. De
LAKES - TRACKING
SENDER PHONE: f J, f _ (J t^tf,
SHIPPING
METHOD
mf"aE'* ""ILL NUMBER: I II % 3.3. 333
_
O Olher
OAtiSEMT: O.JTI ,Q.% J .J..O.Q.7.
NLA06608-
NLA06608- O a a «J
NLA06608-
NLA06608-
NLAM608-
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SampEg Typss
UNPRESERVED
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Filled in at lab
FAX TRACKING FORM TO 541-754-4637 OR CALL 541-754-4663
Figure 3-3. Lakes Sample Tracking Form.
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
Page 28 of 96
WATER
CHEMISTRY
4 L cubitainer
CHLOROPHYLL
(filter in 50 mL
tube)
MERCURY
(20 mL
vial
SEDIMENT
CORES
(Plastic
container)
MICROCYSTINS
(500-mLjar)
ENTEROCOCCI
(filters in vials)
ZOOPLANKTON
(125-mLjar)
PHYTO-
PLANKTON
(1 Ljar)
V J
MACROBENTHOS
(1 Ljar(s))
J
Preserve on Freeze immediately on
ice Dry ice
Preserve on
ice
1 i 1 1
Keep refrigerated
SHIP ON WET ICE (4° C) until
ASAP AFTER COLLECTION shipping (1 -2
weeks)
Ship in batches
on wet ice
1
OVERNIGHT COURIER
REQUIRED
Saturday delivery OK
OVERNIG
RE
Shi
NoSa
Freeze within 8 hours
on dry ice
1
Preserved with
95% ethanol
Preserved
with Lugols
Preserved with
95% ethanol
ill,
Keep frozen until
shipping (1-2
weeks)
Ship in batches
on wet ice
i
H
a
D
t
T COURIER
JIRED
delivery
Keep frozen (-20°C
until shipping (1-2
weeks)
Ship in batches
on dry ice
OVERNIGHT
COURIER
REQUIRED
Package and
ship using dry
ice protocols
Ship M-Th
No Sat delivery
Ship in batches (1-2 weeks)
•
OVERNIGHT OR
GROUND COURIER
Package and Ship as
Dangerous Goods
(unless volume of
ETOH is low)
Ship M-Th
No Sat. delivery
OVERNIGHT
OR GROUND
COURIER
Ship M-Th
No Sat. delivery
OVERNIGHT OR
GROUND COURIER
Package and Ship as
Dangerous Goods
(unless ETOH is
decanted)
Ship M-Th
No Sat. delivery
\ <
Figure 3-4. Sample packaging and shipping procedures.
3.3.3 Communications
Field Logistics Coordinator: Jennifer Pitt
Telephone number: 410-356-8993
Email address: Jennifer.Pitt@tetratech.com
The Field Logistics Coordinator serves as the central point of contact for information
exchange among field teams, the management and QA staffs, the information management
team, and the public (Figure 3-5). The Field Coordinator also monitors all aspects of field
sampling activities and responds to supply replenishment requests. When possible, teams
should inventory their supplies after each lake visit and submit requests well in advance of
exhausting on-hand stocks.
Each Field Team Leader must call or email the Field Logistics Coordinator and provide a
brief description of activities during the previous week including lakes visited and sampled,
problems encountered, and requests for information. The Field Logistics Coordinator must
contact the EPA Headquarters Coordinator to provide regional updates throughout the sampling
period. The EPA Headquarters Coordinator will maintain a database of all sampling activities
and reconnaissance information.
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
Page 29 of 96
EPA Headquarters Coordinator
Field Logistics Coordinator
Information Management
Completed data forms
Figure 3-5. Communications flowchart for the Lakes Survey.
The Information Management Coordinator monitors all aspects of data form and
shipping activities, including coordinating and tracking field sample shipments to the various
analytical laboratories. The Field Team Leader must review all data forms for consistency,
correctness, and legibility before transfer to the Information Management Center. The Field
Team Leader must also provide sample tracking information as soon as possible following
sample shipment to the analytical labs. The information can be relayed either by faxing a copy
of the sample tracking form to the Information Management Center or by calling in the
information recorded on the tracking form. Contact information for the Information Management
Center is listed on the bottom of the Lakes Sample Tracking Form (Figure 3-3) and is as follows:
• Sample Tracking (Fax): 541-754-4637
• Sample Tracking (Phone): 541-754-4663
• Ms. Marlys Cappaert, EPA Lakes Survey Information Management Coordinator (541-
754-4467)
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
Page 30 of 96
4.0 INDEX SITE SAMPLING
Field teams are to collect measurements and indicators from the index site located at the
deepest point of the lake (<50 meters, and near the center if sampling a reservoir) for
temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, Secchi transparency, chlorophyll-a, phytoplankton, algal
toxins, water chemistry, zooplankton, and a sediment core. A detailed description of the
individual elements is provided below.
4.1 Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, and pH
4.1.1 Summary of Method
The field team is to measure temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH by using a multi-
parameter water quality meter (or sonde) at predefined depth intervals. First, the team calibrates
the sonde, records site conditions, determines the site depth, and determines measurement
intervals. The sonde is then lowered in the water and the team measures the vertical profile of
temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH at the predetermined depth intervals. Once the profile is
completed, another dissolved oxygen measurement is taken at the surface and compared to the
initial reading. If the lake is stratified, the team is to note the top and bottom of the metalimnion.
The instruments are delicate and care should be taken to avoid the probe contacting
bottom sediments. Therefore, the site depth must be accurately measured before taking the
measurements. An accurate depth measurement is also needed to determine the number of
measurements needed and entering the depth intervals on the Lake Profile Form.
4.1.2 Equipment and Supplies
Table 4-1 provides the equipment and supplies needed for field operations to measure
temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen profiles at the index site.
Table 4-1. Equipment and supplies -temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen profiles.
For determining water column depth
For taking profile measurements and
calibrating the water quality meter
For recording profile measurements
• Hand-held sonar unit (or a calibrated sounding
line, or a calibrated pole for very shallow lakes)
• Multi-parameter water quality meter with
temperature, pH, and DO probes.
• 50 m sonde communication cable with length
marked in 0.5 m intervals
• Extra batteries
• Deionized and tap water
• Calibration cups
• Calibration standards
• Barometer or elevation chart to use for
calibration
• Lake Profile Form
• Pencils (for data forms) and permanent markers
(for labels)
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
Page 31 of 96
4.1.2.1 Multi-Probe Sonde
The multi-probe sonde must be heavy enough to minimize wobbling as it is lowered and
raised in the water column. Also, the instrument must be stabilized prior to taking a reading.
The field team must experiment with the sonde prior to sampling and add weight to the cable if
needed. Some state or tribal agencies may want to attach additional probes to the sonde and
collect profile data on other parameters (e.g., specific conductance). While not required for the
Lakes Survey Program, including this data is not discouraged, and the Lake Profile form is
designed to capture these additional data.
4.1.2.2 Temperature Meter
The Field team must check the accuracy of the sensor against a thermometer that is
traceable to the National Institute of Standards (NIST) at least once per sampling season. The
entire temperature range encountered in the Lakes Survey should be incorporated in the testing
procedure and a record of test results kept on file.
4.1.2.3 Dissolved Oxygen Meter
The field team must calibrate the DO meter prior to each sampling event. It is
recommended that the probe be calibrated in the field against an atmospheric standard
(ambient air saturated with water) prior to launching the boat. In addition, manufacturers
typically recommend periodic comparisons with a DO chemical analysis procedure (e.g.,
Winkler titration) to check accuracy and linearity.
4.1.2.4 pH Meter
The field team must calibrate the pH meter prior to each sampling event. Calibrate the
meter in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and with the team agency's existing
SOP. The team must also conduct a quality control check with a different standard to verify the
calibration and periodically evaluate instrument precision (see Section 3.1.2.1).
4.1.2.5 Conductivity
A field conductivity measurement is optional for the Lakes Survey. If the field team opts
to take conductivity measurements, the conductivity meter must be calibrated prior to each
sampling event. Calibrate the meter in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
4.1.2.6 Lake Profile Form
The 2-page Lake Profile Form is shown in Figures 4-1 (a) and (b). Field team members
use the Lake Profile Form to record the following:
• The top portion of page 1 of the Lake Profile Form is used to record environmental
conditions observed at the site and overall depth.
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Page 32 of 96
LAKE PROFILE FORM
SITE 10: NLA06608- ^^ «f
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Page 3 3 of 96
LAKE PROFILE FORM (continued)
urn
SITE ID: NLA06608-
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•
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Cond.
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Comments
^ K - No messdFgfmm Of (S^Se^a^n madi;. U - Suspect measurenisn! oc observation. P 1 , F2, me ~ mtsc Sags sissignad bv f»id f-rew
il. fla^s irt coiTirr^n" seel ions
* If the sHe depth is <3 m, imk« readings at the surface, every 0.5 m, and 0.5 m above bottom.
WETALIMN3ON * The region of the profile where the temperature changes at the rate oM "C or greater per meter of depth.
ImlicaU tr>» depth of th» (op of the metalimnion with » T. and the bottom of d» rn»alirnnion (nhen ths rat« ehanae becomes Itu
than 1 'C per meter) with a 'B', After th«s metalfmnion is ertcsuntered, take readings ev&ry 1 m until bottom of the metalimnion ig
Draft
Lake Profile - 2007 0312012007
Figure 4-1 (b). Lake Profile Form, Page 2.
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
Page 34 of 96
• The remaining portion of page 1 is used to record calibration information.
Documentation includes the instrument's manufacturer and model number (e.g., YSI
600XL with 650 display), identification number, QCCS values (for pH and conductivity),
and the instrument readings. The purpose of the ID number is to track which instrument
provided the data, in the event it is later discovered that the unit was operating in error; it
will likely be an internal reference number or code supplied by the entity conducting the
field sampling.
• The profile table is on page 2. It includes columns to record depth, DO, pH and
temperature (as well as optional conductivity) and a column to indicate the location of
the metalimnion. It also contains a "Flag" column to note a problem or other conditions
of interest.
• The comment section is used to report on "Flagged" measurements or other conditions
of note.
4.1.3 Sampling Procedure
Table 4-2 presents step-by-step procedures for measuring temperature, pH, and
dissolved oxygen profiles at the index site.
Table 4-2. Sampling procedure -temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen profiles.
Calibrate Instrument
Record Site Conditions
Determination of Site Depth
Check meter and probes and calibrate according to manufacturers
specifications. Enter calibration information on Page 1 of the Lake Profile
Form.
• Observe site conditions and fill out the "Site Conditions" portion of
the Lake Profile Form. Conditions to be reported include:
Precipitation ("None, "Light," or "Heavy.")
• Surface conditions ("Flat," "Ripples," "Choppy," or "Whitecaps.")
• Presence or absence of odor or scum. (Choice of "Yes" or "No"
plus space to describe the odor or scum if present.)
Use sonar or other means to determine the depth of the site and record
the depth on the Lake Profile Form. Indicate on the form if sonar was not
used to determine depth.
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Page 3 5 of 96
Determination of
Measurement Intervals
The number of readings and the depth intervals taken will depend on the
depth at the index site. Below is a list of rules for determining the intervals.
• The profile will always begin with a measurement just below the
surface.
• The deepest measurements will always be at 0.5 m above the
bottom.
• If the site is < 3.0 m deep, measurements should be recorded just
below the surface and at 0.5 m intervals, until 0.5 m above the
bottom.
• If the depth is between 3.0-20 m, measurements should be
recorded just below the surface, then at 1.0 m, intervals through
20 m (or until reaching 0.5 m above the bottom).
• If the depth exceeds 20 m, record at 1.0 m, intervals through 20 m,
then record measurements every 2 m starting at 22 m (until 0.5 m
above the bottom or the maximum depth of 50 m is reached).
Using the above rules, record the intervals for the profile in Depth column
of the Lake Profile Form.
Measure Temperature, DO,
and pH
• Lower the sonde in the water and measure the vertical profile of
temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH at the predetermined depth
intervals.
• Record the measurements on the Lake Profile Form.
• Flag any measurements that the team feels needs further
comment or when a measurement cannot be made.
• Use the flag codes on the form and the comment box found on the
second page.
Repeat Surface DO
Measurement
When the profile is completed, take another measurement at the
surface, record it, and compare it to the initial surface reading.
Mark Yes or No on the form if the second DO reading is within 0.5
mg/L of the initial surface reading.
This provides information regarding measurement precision and
possible calibration drift during the profile.
Determine the Metalimnion
If the lake is thermally stratified, note the top and bottom of the
metalimnion in the Metalimnion column.
For standardization purposes the metalimnion has been defined in
the protocol as an area where water temperature changes at least
1 degree per meter.
If you suspect that the metalimnion exists but does not change at
the specified rate, flag the data form and explain.
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
Page 36 of 96
4.2 Secchi Disk Transparency
4.2.1 Summary of Method
A Secchi disk is a black and white patterned disk used to measure a lake's clarity (See
Figure 4-2). The reading is taken on the shady side of the boat, without sunglasses or view
aids. Measurements are recorded at the depth that the disk disappears and again when it
reappears.
Metal or Plastic Disk
\
Eye Bolt
~ Metal Weight
Figure 4-2. Secchi disk diagram (EPA, 1991).
4.2.2 Equipment and Supplies
• Secchi disk and calibrated sounding line (marked in half meter intervals)
• Tape measure (in centimeters)
Field teams are to record the Secchi disk readings on p. 1 of the Lake Index Site Sample
Collection Form, as seen in Figure 4-3(a).
4.2.3 Sampling Procedure
Because different people measuring Secchi transparency at the same site may obtain
different results (due to differences in vision and interpreting disk disappearance and
reappearance), it is recommended that one team member conduct Secchi disk measurements
for all lakes (see Table 4-3).
If the lake is shallow and the water clear, the Secchi disk might reach the bottom and still
be visible. If this is the case, it is important to not stir up the bottom sediments while anchoring
the boat. Teams must be sure to move the boat away from the anchor before taking the
reading. If the disk is visible at the bottom of the lake, indicate this on the form.
States that wish to take additional measurements for comparisons using a viewscope
are encouraged to do so after completing the Secchi disk measurements following the
previously described protocols.
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Page 37 of 96
LAKE INDEX SITE SAMPLE COLLECTION FORM
SITE ID: NLA06608- «?? & */
SECCHI DISK TRANSPARENCY *
D»jjSoSBk Depth Dl«* lupti otic Zone ,, ri...§«
EHMppwn (m) RnppunMni) Depth (m)* Ftas Comments Ch«w
i__j5j.tfi5"i _ ,0.^0 X2 =
/,& O
* KQTE: If t uphoUc ZOM depth Is < 2 m (s«cchl < 1 ml, ukt muttipl* '"short" ntegmted **mplw.
DEPTH OF INTEGRATED SAMPLE FOR WATER CHEM, CHLOROPHYLL,
PHYTOPLANKTON, AND M1CROCYST1N )T>'(>ICALLV i MI / , 0 m
WATER CHEMISTRY <44. CUBITAMER)
Sample ID
^.^ ?,«
Sample
Typ»-
P
Ssmpto
Voyfiw
(mL)
j-0o
Frozen Flag Comments
•
O
1 Sample Types: P = Primary; D = f\®\& duplicate
Sy ?feJd a°Sw tisiglsss ai^ R^gs in ccHTirniitni MreJicms
2007 Late Inctex Site Samp. Coll. 03/MW007
Draft
Figure 4-3(a). Lake Index Site Sample Collection Form, Page 1.
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LAKE INDEX SITE SAMPLE COLLECTION FORM (cont.) ™
SITE ID: NLA06608- *} f «| «f
DATE:
. o. f
o . 0, 6,
Sample
Type*
P
P
Depth of
Tow
(m)
IO.O
to.o
No. of
f
/
Narc-
(CQ,)
«
•
O
o
Pre-
served
(ETOH)
0
«
O
0
" CortHnsnts
SEDIMENT CORE SAMPLES {Target Cora Length =• 35 to 45 cm)
NOTE: Field duplicate sample not required
Collected *'ND6X « OTHER,
a*. record GPS
O OTHER coordinates:
Class
SEO
TOP
BOTTOM
Sample ID
.7.9.1LA/.0.
.f, f, f. 0.0.7.
^«? f oo y
" Sample Types: P * primary; D * Field dupl
Sample
Type-
f
p
?
Latitud9 North
Length
of Core
(cm)
¥0
* j
INTERVAL (cm)
From
0
0
37
To
1
1
5f
Fi.KJ
Longitude West
,
Comments
utt
Sediment
Core
Subsamplcs
Top: ^m
0 to 1 Ctn
Bottom:
-2 cm , ;
from •••
bottom
of core
Sed. sample:
~1 cm3 from
center of
surface of
core before
sectioning
Flap codes K •" No (ti6a§urenw-f!t cw obs^rifalscw f
fieki ore* Expiash aii Hags in com'ment sections
imj Uke index Site Samp, Coll. 03/20/200?
; flags a
Figure 4-3(b). Lake Index Site Sample Collection Form, Page 2
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Table 4-3. Sampling procedure - Secchi disk transparency.
1. Confirm that the lowering line is firmly attached to the Secchi disk.
2. Remove sunglasses. Also, do not use view scopes or other visual aids. If wearing prescription
sunglasses, temporarily replace them with regular clear lens prescription glasses.
3. Lower the Secchi disk over the shaded side of the boat until it disappears.
4. Read the depth indicated on the lowering line. If the disappearance depth is <1.0 meter,
determine the depth to the nearest 0.05 meter by marking the line at the nearest depth marker
and measuring the remaining length with a tape measure. Otherwise, estimate the
disappearance depth to the nearest 0.1 meter. Record the disappearance depth on the
Sample Collection Form.
5. Lower the disk a bit farther and then slowly raise the disk until it reappears and record the
reappearance depth on the Sample Collection Form.
6. Calculate the euphotic zone on the Sample Collection Form.
7. Note any conditions that might affect the accuracy of the measurement in the comments field.
4.3 Water Sample Collection and Preservation
4.3.1 Summary of Method
Field teams are to collect water samples using an "integrated sampler." The device is a
PVC tube 6.6 feet (2 meters) long with an inside diameter of 1.24 inches (3.2 centimeters) fitted
with a stopper plug on one end and a valve on the other (based on a design by the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency, see Figure 4-4). The device allows collection of water from the upper
two meters of the water column (within the euphotic zone). If the euphotic zone is < 2.0m deep
(as calculated in the Secchi Disk Transparency section of the Sample Collection Form), the
integrated sampler will be lowered only to the depth of the euphotic zone, and additional draws
will be taken to collect the volume needed for the samples.
The field team is to remove the rubber stopper and rinse the sampler by submerging
three times in the lake. With the valve open and the stopper off, the sampler is slowly lowered
into the water as vertically as possible until the upper end is just below the surface. Cap and
slowly raise the sampler. Close the valve when the bottom is near the surface. Empty the
sample into a 4 L cubitainer.
4.3.2 Equipment and Supplies
Table 4-4 provides the equipment and supplies needed for field operations to collect water
samples at the index site. Field teams are to record the Water Sample Collection and
Preservation data on p. 1 of the Lake Index Site Sample Collection Form, as seen in Figure 4-
3(a).
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Ball Valve
Figure 4-4. Integrated water sampler device (MPCA).
Table 4-4. Equipment and supplies - water samples.
For collecting water samples
Integrated sampler (MPCA design)
Surgical gloves (non-powdered)
For storing and preserving water
samples
One 4 L cubitainer
HOPE sample bottles (one 1L, one 2 L, and one 500ml)
Wet ice
Dry ice
Lugol's solution
Coolers
For filtering chlorophyll-a sample
Whatman GF/F or equivalent 0.7 urn glass fiber filter
Filtration apparatus with graduated filter holder
Hand pump
50-mL steam-top centrifuge tube
Dl water
Aluminum foil
For documenting the collection of
water samples
Sample Collection Form
Pencils and permanent markers
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4.3.3 Sampling Procedure
The field team is to collect four integrated water samples (Figure 4-5 and Table 4-5).
Samples #1 and #2 are to be transferred from the sampler to the 4 L cubitainer, mixed
thoroughly, and poured off into one 2 L sample bottle for chlorophyll-a filtering, one 1 L sample
bottle for phytoplankton processing, and one 500 ml_ bottle for the algal toxin sample. Samples
#3 and #4 are to be transferred from the sampler to the 4 L cubitainer for the water chemistry
sample.
Integrated
Sampler
nn
#3
#4
4L
Water Chemistry
Algal toxins
Chlorophyll a
Figure 4-5. Procedure for using the integrated sampler device to collect depth-integrated samples.
Table 4-5. Sampling procedure -water samples.
1. Make sure all the water sample containers have the same bar code and the labels are
completely covered with clear tape.
2. Put on surgical gloves (non-powdered). Do not handle any food, drink, sunscreen, or insect
repellant until after the water chemistry sample has been collected.
3. Remove the rubber stopper cap and open the valve on the sampler and field rinse by
submerging it three times in the lake and draining. Do this on the opposite side of the boat you
plan to sample from. Do not take samples near the motor.
4. Slowly lower the sampler into the lake as vertically as possible. Stop when the upper end is just
below the surface. If the euphotic zone is < 2.0 m deep (as calculated in the Secchi Disk
Transparency section of the Sample Collection Form), the integrated sampler will be lowered
only to the depth of the euphotic zone; additional draws will be taken to collect the volume
needed for the samples (8 L total).
5. Cap the upper end with the rubber stopper firmly and slowly raise the sampler.
6. When the bottom of the sampler is near the surface, reach underneath and close the valve on
the bottom end.
7. Lift the sampler in the boat, keeping it as vertical as possible.
8. Pour the contents of Pull #1 and Pull #2 into the 4 L cubitainer and mix well.
9. Fill the 2 L bottle from the 4 L cubitainer. This is the chlorophyll sample, which will be filtered on
shore (see Section 6.2.1). Immediately after the sample is collected, wrap bottle in aluminum foil
to minimize exposure to light and place on ice until filtration can be initiated.
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Table 4-5. Sampling procedure -water samples.
10. Fill the 1 L bottle from the 4 L cubitainer, allowing enough headspace to add ~20-25 ml of
preservative. This is the phytoplankton sample. Add a small amount of Lugol's solution (~10
ml) until the sample resembles the color of weak tea, shake well, and place the bottle in the
cooler with sealed 1-gal plastic bags of ice.
11. Fill the 500 ml bottle from the 4 L cubitainer. This is the algal toxin sample. Place the bottle in
the cooler with sealed 1-gal plastic bags of ice. The sample must be frozen on dry ice within 8
hours.
12. Pour the contents of Pull #3 and Pull #4 into the 4 L cubitainer. Seal the cap tightly and wrap
electrical tape clockwise around the cap. Place the cubitainer in a cooler with sealed 1-gal
plastic bags of ice.
4.4 Zooplankton Collection
4.4.1 Summary of Method
The field team is to collect two vertical samples using a fine mesh (80 u,m) and course
mesh (243 urn) Wisconsin net. The fine mesh tow net, with a collection bucket attached to the
end, is slowly lowered over the side of the boat until it is 0.5 meters off of the bottom of the lake.
The tow net is retrieved back to the surface at a steady constant rate. Once the net is lifted out
of the water, it is rinsed from the outside to free organisms from the side of the net, and to
concentrate them into the collection bucket. The sample is transferred to a sample container,
and the organisms are narcotized and preserved. The tow is repeated with the course mesh net
on the opposite side (or end) of the boat. (Note: If the depth of the index site is less than 2 m
and the Secchi disk can be seen at the bottom, a second 1.5m tow is made and the samples
combined (total tow length=3 m).
4.4.2 Equipment and Supplies
Table 4-6 provides the equipment and supplies needed for field operations to collect a
zooplankton sample. Figure 4-6 is an illustration of the Wisconsin nets and collection buckets.
Field teams are to record the Water Sample Collection and Preservation data on p. 2 of the
Lake Index Site Sample Collection Form, as seen in Figure 4-3(b).
Table 4-6. Equipment and supplies -zooplankton collection.
For collecting zooplankton sample
For storing and preserving zooplankton
sample
For documenting the collection of
zooplankton sample
• Wisconsin net (80 |j,m mesh) and collection bucket
• Wisconsin net (243 |j,m mesh) and collection bucket
• calibrated line, marked in 0.5 m increments
• 125 ml sample bottles
• Squirt bottle with Dl water
• 95% ethanol
• CO2 tablets (or Alka-seltzer or club soda)
• 500 ml container
• Self-sealing plastic bag
• Electrical tape
• Sample Collection Form
• Pencils and permanent markers
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Figure 4-6. Wisconsin net and collection bucket diagram.
4.4.3 Sampling Procedure
The procedures for collecting and processing zooplankton samples are presented in Table 4-7.
Table 4-7. Sampling procedure -zooplankton collection.
Sample Collection
1. Record the lake ID on the sample label.
2. Prior to each use, carefully clean and thoroughly rinse the interior of the plankton nets and
buckets with Dl water.
3. Carefully inspect the nets and buckets for holes or tears.
4. Attach the collection buckets to the "cod" end of the nets and secure.
5. Attach the bridled end of the plankton net to a %" calibrated line with markings every 0.5 m
(you could use the line for the Secchi disk if necessary).
6. Carefully and slowly lower the first net in a constant upright position over the side of the boat.
7. Continue lowering the net until the mouth of the net is 0.5 meters above the lake bottom. If
the depth is < 2 m and the Secchi disk could be seen at the bottom, a second 1.5 m tow is
made and the samples combined (total tow length=3 m).
8. Retrieve the net by pulling back to the surface at a steady constant rate without stopping (0.3
m or 1 ft per second).
9. Once at the surface, slowly dip the net up and down in the water without submersing the net
mouth and help rinse contents into the collection bucket.
10. Complete the rinsing of the net contents by spraying water against the outside of the net with
a squirt bottle or similar tool.
11. Holding the collection bucket in a vertical position, carefully remove the bucket from the net.
12. Concentrate the contents of the collection bucket by swirling the bucket without spilling the
contents. Excess lake water will filter out of the bucket from the screened sides.
13. Repeat steps 6-12 with the second net on the opposite side (or end) of the boat.
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Sample Processing
1. Carefully remove the mesh bucket from its net. Set the bucket in a 500-mL container filled
three-fourths full with lake water to which a CO2 tablet has been added. Alternatively, Alka-
Seltzer or club soda may be used. The CO2 narcotizes the zooplankton to relax their external
structure prior to preservation in 95% ethanol. This facilitates taxonomic identification. Wait
until zooplankton movement has stopped (usually about 1 minute).
2. Record the sample ID number and check on the Sample Collection Form that it is preserved.
3. Use small volumes of Dl water from a squirt bottle to rinse the contents of the mesh net
bucket into the polyethylene jar. Rinse bucket with Dl water three to four times or until the
majority of zooplankton have been removed. Drain the remaining filtrate into the sample
container. Fill the jar of zooplankton to the mark (~80 ml or a little more than half full) with
95% ethanol.
4. In some cases, the volume of zooplankton collected in bucket may exceed 125 ml. Do not
try to force all of the sample into a single bottle or the preservative will not function properly
and the sample may be lost. In such cases, use a second bottle to preserve the additional
amount of sample. Use an "extra jar" label (i.e., one with no sample number printed on it).
Complete the label, and print in the sample number assigned to the first container on the
label of the second container. On the Sample Collection Form, record a "2" in the "No. Jars"
field.
5. Record the length of the tow on the Sample Collection Form and on the sample labels. Verify
that all information on the labels and the form is complete and correctly recorded. Cover each
label completely with a strip of clear tape.
6. Seal the lids of the jars by wrapping electrical tape in a clockwise direction so that the lid is
pulled tight as the tape is stretched around it. Place jars in a self-sealing plastic bag.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 for the second sample collected.
4.5 Sediment Diatom & Mercury Sample Collection
4.5.1 Summary of Method
Lakes Survey team members will use a corer to extract a sediment sample at the index
site, use clean technique to collect a small sediment sample from the surface of the core, and
then slice off the top and bottom of the core for diatom analysis in the laboratory. The results will
be used to assess sediment mercury concentrations across the nation, and to compare current
conditions with past conditions based on the diatom frustule abundance and composition. The
bottom core sample collected from natural lakes will not be dated (using radioisotopes or other
means) so it will be impossible to pinpoint the age of the bottom of the core. Nonetheless, this
investigation will provide a general indication of how the lake has changed over time.
4.5.2 Equipment and Supplies
Table 4-8 provides the equipment and supplies needed for field operations to collect a
sediment core sample. Figure 4-7 is an illustration of the modified KB corer and sectioning
apparatus. Core tubes will be marked at 45 cm. Field teams are to record the sediment
sampling data on p. 2 of the Lake Index Site Sample Collection Form, as seen in Figure 4-3(b).
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Table 4-8. Equipment and supplies - sediment core sample.
For collecting sediment core sample
For collecting sediment sample for mercury
analysis
For storing and preserving sediment core
sample
For documenting the collection of sediment
core sample and mercury subsample
• Modified KB corer
• Plexiglas sectioning apparatus
• Core tubes
• Siphon tube with a bent plastic tip
• Pre-washed 20-mL PET vial
• Pre-washed 5-mL plastic pipette tip
• Natural Lakes: 2 small plastic containers with lids
• Reservoirs: 1 small plastic container with lid
• Sample Collection Form
• Pencils and permanent markers
4.5.3 Sampling Procedure
The field team is to collect a 45 cm long sediment core from undisturbed sediments, and
section off 1 cm of sediment from the top and bottom (for natural lakes) of the core for analysis.
Before sectioning off the top 1 cm, a small amount of sediment will be removed from the center
of the core, to be used for measuring total and methyl mercury. In natural lakes, the composition
and texture of the bottom will vary from lake to lake and, in some lakes, it will be impossible to
get a 45 cm core because the bottom is too rocky, the sediments too dense, or, if it a shallow
lake, there are macrophytes covering the bottom. It is essential that the GPS coordinates be
recorded and the collection location be marked on the Lake Verification Form, Side 2 (Fig. 3-2b).
If the team collects a core less than 45 cm on the first try they should try moving to
another location near the index site with the intent of finding an area with a softer bottom. In
addition the team can experiment with getting improved penetration by releasing the corer
further above the sediments. If a 45 cm core sample cannot be collected from these natural
lakes waterbodies, the longest core that the team can obtain should be processed. The
procedures for collecting and processing sediment cores are presented in Table 4-9.
CORE TUBE—
j Length = 60 cm}
Ma'k far dsatom section
sample (surface irteiva!)
[1 cm from tatom ot Ujfte)
Mot used (bi presen!)
*• Mark for beginning of
(bottom interval)
CORE EXTRUDER
Figure 4-7. Illustration of the modified KB corer and sectioning apparatus (EMAP).
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Table 4-9. Sampling procedure - sediment core.
Collect the Sediment Core from Natural Lake
1. Record the lake ID and the date on three sample labels. Mark one label for the top interval
(TOP), one for the bottom interval (BOTTOM), and one smaller label (from a separate sheet)
for the sediment sample (SED). Attach the labels to two small plastic containers (for
diatoms) and one 20 ml plastic (PET) vial (for sediment). Record the bar code numbers on
the collection form.
2. If the bottom has been disturbed during the initial depth determination or for any other
reason, move at least 5 m to take the core. It is critical that the corer strikes undisturbed
surface sediments.
3. Put on surgical gloves. They must be worn during sample collection because the sediments
may contain contaminants.
4. Insert the core tube into the sampling housing apparatus and tighten the hose clamp steams
to secure the tube.
5. Attach the messenger to the sampler line and slowly lower the corer through the water
column until the bottom of the core tube is 0.5 m above the sediment surface. While
maintaining a slight tension on the line, let the line slip through the hands and allow the
corer to settle into the bottom sediments. Immediately after the corer drops into the
sediments, maintain line tension to prevent the corer from tilting and disturbing the core
sample. (Keep in mind that the goal is to obtain a core 45 cm in length. If this core length is
not obtained the first time, the operation might need to be repeated at a new site using a
greater release height in order to improve penetration and attain a longer core.)
6. Trip the corer by releasing the messenger weight so that it slides down the line.
7. Slowly raise the corer back to the surface, until the core tube and rubber seal are just under
the water.
8. While keeping the seal under water, slowly tilt the corer until you can reach under the
surface and plug the bottom of the corer with a rubber stopper. To do this without disturbing
the water-sediment interface, you cannot tilt the corer more than 45 degrees. (This is a fairly
difficult operation and stoppers are easily lost. Be sure to have spares available at all times.)
9. Keeping your hand under the stopper, raise the corer into the boat in a vertical position.
Stand the corer in a large tub to prevent contaminating the boat with sediment material.
Process the Sediment Core
1. Detach the core tube from the corer. One team member should hold the sampler in a
vertical position while the second person dismantles the unit.
2. Measure the length of the core to the nearest 0.1 cm and record the interval on the Sample
Collection Form and on the two sample labels.
3. Slowly extrude the sample. To do this, position the extruder under the stopper at the base of
the coring tube. Supporting both the core tube and the extruder in a vertical position, slowly
lower the coring tube until the sediment is approximately 1 cm below the top of the tube.
4. Remove the water above the sediment core by using a siphon tube with a bent plastic tip (or
a small disposable pipette) so that the surface sediments are not disturbed.
5. Continue extruding the core slowly and gently until the top of the core is just below the top of
the core tube.
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6. The pre-washed "sampling kit" for the sediment sample will be provided in a resealable
plastic bag. Do not open the bag until you are ready to collect the sediment sample, and
make sure the contents of the kit do not come into contact with anything other than the
sediment sample.
7. Use the pre-washed 5-mL plastic pipette tip to collect a 1 cm3 sample from the center of the
core. Use the wide end of the pipette tip like a corer and insert it into the core sample to the
top of the collar on the tube (1 cm deep), place your finger over the other end of the pipette
tip to remove the sediment sample
8. Transfer the removed sediment into the pre-labeled and pre-washed PET vial. Do not rinse
the sample into the vial. Place the sediment sample on dry ice immediately to quick freeze
the sample, and keep frozen until shipment. Pipette tips are not re-used, so they should be
rinsed with lake water or Dl water and disposed of properly.
9. Place the Plexiglas sectioning apparatus (marked with a line 1 cm from the bottom) on the
stage directly over the coring tube. Slowly extrude the sediment core into the attached
sectioning apparatus until the top of the sediment reaches the 1-cm line on the sectioning
tube. Slide the top 1 cm section of sediment into the plastic container labeled for the top
interval. Record this interval on the Index Site Sample Collection Form and on the sample
label for the TOP interval.
IF YOU ARE SAMPLING A RESERVOIR. GO TO STEPS 12-13 BELOW. IF YOU ARE
SAMPLING A NATURAL LAKE. CONTINUE WITH STEPS 10-13.
10. Before collecting the bottom section, remove the sectioning apparatus and rinse in lake
water. This procedure prevents contamination of the bottom sediment layer with diatoms
from the upper portion of the core. This step is critical as a small amount of sediment
contains millions of diatoms which would destroy the population structure needed to
compare environmental conditions depicted by top and bottom core samples.
11. Continue extruding the sample, discarding the central portion in the tube, until the bottom of
the stopper is approximately 5 cm (3 inches) from the top of the coring tube. Affix the
sectioning apparatus to the top of the tube. Extrude the sample until the bottom of the
stopper reaches the lower black line at the top of the tube (approximately 3 cm from the top
of the tube). Section the extruded sediment (2cm) and discard. Rinse the sectioning tube
with lake water. Without removing the sectioning apparatus from the coring tube, slightly tilt
the tube and wash the sectioning stage with a small amount of water from a squirt bottle.
Make sure the rinse water runs off the stage and not into the coring tube with sediment.
Lower the tube until the top of the sediment is at the 1-cm mark on the sectioning tube.
Collect the 1-cm section of core material in the second plastic container labeled for the
BOTTOM interval. Record this interval on the Sample Collection Form and on the sample
label for the bottom core. Discard the remaining 2 cm.
12. Cover the labels on each container completely with clear tape. Place containers in a cooler
with bags of ice.
13. Rinse the corer, collection apparatus, and sectioning apparatus thoroughly with lake water.
Rinse with tap water at the next base site.
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5.0
LITTORAL AND SHORELINE ACTIVITIES
To better understand the character of near-shore habitats and conditions, the Lakes
Survey team will travel to 10 evenly spaced physical habitat ("P-Hab") stations around the lake
and document conditions and characteristics observed within a defined plot area. The full array
of measurements and sampling described in this chapter include:
• measures or observations of littoral and riparian physical habitat structure at 10 P-Hab
stations;
• observations of invasive plants and macroinvertebrates;
• sampling of benthic macroinvertebrates at each of the 10 stations and composited as a
single sample; and
• collection of water sample at the last P-Hab station for fecal indicator (Enterococci)
analysis.
It should be noted that for lakes with a surface area of greater that 5,000 ha (defined as
Large Lakes) the Lakes Survey team will not be required to travel to the P-Hab stations and
perform physical habitat assessments or benthic macroinvertebrate sampling due to the
increased level of effort required to complete such large areas. Additionally, such lakes will
require modified procedures for collecting the fecal indicator (see Section 5.3).
5.1 Physical Habitat Assessment
5.1.1 Summary of Method
Figure 2-2 displays the placement and distribution of P-Hab stations around the lake.
The plot at each station measures 25 m by 15 m and include portions of the riparian zone
(shoreline and uplands) and the littoral zone. Figure 5-1 displays the plot dimensions of a P-
Hab station used in the Lakes Survey.
15 rn
Shoreline
zone (1 m) ^\.^
' ~~"*
Riparian
zone
Littoral
zone
XX
Ll5m
MO m
t
Observation station
Figure 5-1. Dimensions and layout of a P-Hab station.
The approximate locations of the 10 stations are determined prior to the sampling visit
and marked on the Lake Outline Sketch to be attached to the Lake Verification Form, Side 2
(Figure 3-2b). Once on the water, the Lakes Survey field team travels to a station and
establishes the dimensions of the survey plot. The survey begins by estimating an observation
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location 10m (perpendicular) from the shoreline. This spot may be marked with a buoy and is
the vantage point from which the team records riparian observations, and is also the point that
separates the open water from the rectangular littoral plot. The remaining dimensions of the
plot are visually estimated.
The riparian portion of the plot extends 15 m into the upland (beginning at the shoreline)
and 15m along the lakeshore (15 m is about 3 standard canoe lengths). In this zone the team
records information about the vegetation type and the height and areal coverage of trees,
shrubs, and grasses. Observing the shoreline, they record information about shoreline
substrate (e.g., gravel, sand), the high-water mark, and bank slope. Anthropogenic activities
and other features (e.g., buildings, land use, docks) will also be noted.
The littoral region of the lake is that portion of the shoreward profile susceptible to the
habitation of autotrophic plants, and includes the region of fluctuating water level between the
high and low water marks (Ruttner 1969). The littoral portion of the plot measures 10m
distance from buoy to shoreline and 15m across (7.5 m on either side of the boat). At the shore
station 10m offshore, the field team measures the water depth. They note any surface film or
algae growth in the zone and probe the sediments to determine the type (e.g., gravel, sand) and
areal cover of each bottom substrate type. In addition they estimate the areal cover of
macrophytes and habitat/cover within the littoral plots using a simple coding system. All these
observations are recorded on Side 1 of the Physical Habitat Characterization Form (Figure 5-
2a). Physical habitat comments are recorded on the bottom half of Side 2 of the form (Figure 5-
2b).
5.1.2 Equipment and Supplies
Table 5-1 provides the equipment and supplies needed for field operations to locate the P-Hab
stations and conduct the physical habitat assessment. Field teams are to record the physical
habitat observations on the Physical Habitat Characterization Form, as seen in Figure 5-2 (a)
and (b).
Table 5-1. Equipment and supplies list for Physical Habitat Assessment.
Item
Quantity
Physical Habitat Assessment
Sonar
GPS unit with manual, reference card, extra battery pack
Anchor with 50-m line
Float to attach to anchor
Surveyor's tape
Lake Verification Form
Physical Habitat Characterization Forms
Field notebook
Quick reference field operations handbook
PVC sounding rod, 3-m length, marked in 0.1 m increments
Buoy for marking observation point
1
1
1
1
1 roll
1
10
1
1
1
1
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5.1.3 Locating the Physical Habitat Stations and Defining the Shoreline Boundary
A Lake Outline Sketch from a 1:100:000 topographic map should be recorded on Side 2
of the Lake Verification Form (Figure 3-2a). (Alternatively, a photocopy of the lake may be
made and attached to the form, as long as the top of the copy has a continuous strip of tape
going across it; if there are gaps it will catch in the scanner). A random starting point (i.e.,
Station A) on the lake outline should then be assigned prior to beginning sampling activities
(e.g., in the office before beginning field work). Any reasonable method may be used to
randomly select the starting point (e.g. tossing a coin on the map, place a compass on the map
in the center of the lake and find due north). It is important that the remaining nine stations be
located at equal distances around the lake going in a clockwise direction (see Figure 2-2). This
can be done using a string to trace the perimeter of the lake, which can then be straightened
and marked in equal intervals, or by using a planimeter wheel to measure the perimeter and
dividing by 10. Coordinates entered as GPS waypoints greatly facilitate correctly locating P-
Hab stations by boat in the field, especially on large lakes.
Starting at the nearest boat access point, proceed by boat around the lake near the
shore, observing bank, shoreline, emergent, and subsurface characteristics. Using the Lake
Outline Sketch and a topographic map or GPS unit, locate and stop at each of the 10 P-Hab
stations. Position the boat at a distance of 10 m (-30 ft, offshore), anchor if necessary, and
make the semi-quantitative measurements on the Physical Habitat Characterization Form,
(Figure 5-2a and b). A separate Physical Habitat Characterization Form will be completed for
each station. Make every reasonable attempt to record physical habitat observations and
measurements for all 10 P-Hab stations. Where this is impossible, record a "K" flag in each
field to clearly indicate on the form that no observations could be made at that particular station.
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1 mKmJ PHYSICAL HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION - LAKES <""'•" «" |
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Page 52 of 96
•Vb" PHYSICAL HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION - LAKES (continued)
SITE ID: N LA 0*608 - 9?*f *J DATE: €) f \ O 1
IS 0.0.7.
LITTORAL FISH MACROHABITAT CLASSIFICATION BANK FEATURES (within ploU
Human
C&vm Class
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INVASlVi PLANTS AND IMVERTBiRATES
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SPECIES ^'^ FLAQ
NONE OBSERVED
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Quagga Mussel
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African waterweed
Brazilian waterweed
European water chestnut
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Giant salvlnla
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SPECIES
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£?r£a F«0
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Knotweed (Giant or Japanesa)
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Flowering rush
0
*
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2007 Physical Habitat Ctsaraeterilzaton Form • Lakes Q4/12/2&Q7
Figure 5-2(b). Physical Habitat Characterization Form, Side 2.
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5.1.3.1 Shoreline Adjustments
Once in the field, the field team might run into conditions or problems that will require
modifications to the shoreline and/or station location(s) as drawn on the Lake Outline Sketch. If
this occurs, the field team makes the corrections and adjustments on the Lake Verification Form
and the Physical Habitat Characterization Form and notes reasons on the comments section of
the form. The general guidelines for locating or modifying the location of the littoral and
shoreline stations are summarized in Table 5-2.
Table 5-2. General guidelines for locating or modifying the location of littoral and shoreline stations.
At Each Physical Habitat (P-Hab) Sampling Station:
1. Locate station using maps, aerial photos, or GPS units.
2. Define shore as either the current waterline OR the boundary between open water and the edge
of dense vegetation (terrestrial, wetland, or emergent vegetation) or extensive very shallow water.
(Shoreline defined by limit for navigating sample boat.)
3. If the shoreline observed in the field differs from the mapped shoreline, enter a comment on the
Physical Habitat Characterization Form (Side 2) stating the apparent reason (e.g., drought,
flooding, dredging). Mark "Station Relocated" on side 1.
4. If a P-Hab station is lost because of shoreline changes, position one or more new stations at
approximately equal intervals. Mark "Station Relocated" at the top of the Physical Habitat
Characterization Form.
5. If a station is eliminated, enter "K" flags on the Physical Habitat Characterization Form to indicate
no observations, mark the "Station Dropped" box.
7. If the shoreline observed in the field differs radically from the Lake Outline Sketch and you are
sure you are at the correct lake, draw a new map on the same page as the original lake. Use a
string to measure the new outline, divide it into 10 equal parts, and lay out the 10 station
locations.
8. At each of the 10 P-Hab stations, position the boat at an observation point 10 m from shore. Drop
buoy at observation point, or maintain position while anchored.
9. Limit shoreline and riparian observations to an area 15 m (50 ft) wide by 15 m (50 ft) inland from
shore, and littoral observations to an area 15 m wide (50 ft) by 10 m (30 ft) from shore to the
boat.
10. Record littoral and riparian characteristics on side 1 of the Physical Habitat Characterization
Form. Record any observed invasive plants and invertebrates, as well as any additional
comments on side 2 of the Physical Habitat Characterization Form.
The shoreline is defined as the interface between "lake-like" conditions and riparian or
wetland conditions. In most cases the shoreline will be easily identified as the current waterline.
In some instances, however, the shoreline might not be obvious. Listed below are some
general situations and rules that should be applied.
• If there has been a big drop in lake level due to drought, dam repair, or other reasons,
shallow areas may be exposed that are usually covered with water. In this case,
consider the current waterline as shoreline for the purposes of this survey, not the
normal waterline.
• If there are extensive very shallow areas, or shoal-type areas, consider the shoreline to
be the boundary between the shallow area and deeper open water, as defined by ease
of access by small sampling boat.
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• If access to the true shoreline is prevented by an area of dense aquatic or terrestrial
vegetation, consider the shoreline to be the boundary between the vegetation and
deeper open water. Again define the operational shoreline by ease of access by small
sampling boat.
All adjustments to the shoreline based on field observations should be drawn directly on
the Lake Outline Sketch and noted in the comments section of the Physical Habitat
Characterization Form. If the Lake Outline Sketch does not in any way match the lake
shoreline, the field team will need to draw a new sketch map approximating the shoreline, and
establish the 10 P-Hab stations. A quick way to locate 10 evenly-spaced P-Hab stations is to:
(a) lay a piece of string on the lake perimeter, (b) pick up the string, measure it, and mark out 10
equal parts, and (c) lay the string back on the perimeter and use the marks to locate the 10 sites
on the map.
5.1.3.2 Relocating, Adding, and Eliminating Stations
The goal of the physical habitat survey is to characterize the lakeshore based on
observations of conditions at 10 evenly spaced P-Hab sites around the lake. Adjustments to
station locations might be needed if the field team runs into unusual conditions or problems.
Below are some rules concerning modifications to the station location(s).
Actual shoreline is different than appears on the map
• If only a small portion of the shoreline differs and it does not affect, or only slightly
affects, a P-Hab site location, sketch the lake shoreline on the Lake Outline Sketch and
reposition the station (if needed).
• If the difference causes a contraction of the shoreline and a P-Hab station location is
lost, the field team should sketch the lake shoreline on the Lake Outline Sketch and
make a decision to (a) keep the station, relocate it on the revised shoreline map and
adjust some or all other stations in order to keep stations evenly spaced around the lake
(i.e., keep 10 stations), or (b) eliminate the station altogether (i.e., reduce the number of
stations).
• If the difference causes an expansion of the shoreline the team should sketch the lake
shoreline on the Lake Outline Sketch and make a decision to (a) add one or more
stations, mark them on the revised shoreline map and adjust some or all other stations if
needed so they are evenly spaced around the lake (i.e., designate more than 10
stations), or (b) adjust the stations so they are evenly spaced around the lake (i.e., keep
10 stations). On larger lakes the field team should try to maintain the goal of 10 stations.
P-Hab Station is inaccessible
• If a P-Hab station is inaccessible the field team must make a decision to (a) relocate the
station and adjust some or all other stations so they are evenly spaced around the lake
(i.e., keep 10 stations), or (b) eliminate the station altogether (i.e., reduce the number of
stations). The size of the lake will help drive this decision. On larger lakes the field team
should try to maintain the goal of 10 stations.
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5.1.3.3 Identifying Relocated and New Stations on the Form
The field team should use the following notations when recording station location
modifications.
• If a station is relocated, note the new location on the Lake Outline Sketch and check the
appropriate original station letter (e.g., "C") on that form. The team also must check the
box for the station letter on the Physical Habitat Characterization Form and check the
box for "Station Relocated".
• If a station is lost and cannot be replaced, cross out the original station location on the
pre-printed Lake Outline Sketch and check the box for "Station Dropped" on the Physical
Habitat Characterization form, fill in each of the data boxes with "K" to indicate that no
observations were made at the designated station, and note the reason in the
comments.
• If one or more stations are added, check the nearest station locations on the Lake
Outline Sketch, and fill in the box for "New Station" on a blank Physical Habitat
Characterization Form.
5.1.4 Physical Habitat Characterization Form and Instructions
At each P-Hab station, make observations and measurements of the shoreline from the
boat which is 10 m offshore (estimated by eye). It is important to stay 10m from shore and to
limit bank and shoreline observations at each station to the area that is within the defined plot
dimensions. The littoral and riparian observation plots have fixed dimensions (Figure 5-1) that
are estimated by eye. Littoral measurements pertain to the water and lake bottom in the 10 m
(30 ft) distance between the boat and the shoreline and extending 15 m (50 ft) along the shore.
Riparian observations at each station pertain to the adjacent land or wetland area that is 15 m
wide and extends 15m back onto land. The bank angle and shoreline substrate observations
refer to a narrower shoreline zone that extends 1 m landward from the present waterline.
The shoreline boundary is defined as the approximate interface between "lake-like"
conditions and riparian or wetland conditions. In cases where the lake shoreline is not obvious
(e.g., where there is evidence of large seasonal change in lake level) define the shoreline as the
current waterline. In cases where the lake shoreline is not visible, define the lake shoreline as
the approximate boundary between open water and swamp or marsh conditions into which your
boat could not easily move.
Use the rating system based on areal coverage in evaluations of riparian vegetation,
shoreline substrate, littoral bottom substrate, fish cover, and aquatic macrophytes. The five
entry choices range from 0 (absent) to 4 (>75% cover) and are defined in Table 5-3, which lists
steps required to complete the Physical Habitat Characterization Form (Figures 5-2a and b).
The second page of the form has space for comments. When estimating cover or substrate
type, mixtures of more than one class might all be given sparse (1), moderate (2), or heavy (3)
rankings. One dominant class with no clear subdominant class might be ranked very heavy (4)
with all the remaining classes either sparse (1) or absent (0). Two dominant classes with more
than 40 percent cover can both be ranked 3.
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Table 5-3. Completing the physical habitat characterization form.
General
1. Fill in a Physical Habitat Characterization Form at each of the 10 P-Hab stations,
clearly indicating station from which the observations have been made.
2. Survey plot dimensions:
• Riparian Vegetation -15m along shoreline and 15 m back onto land.
• Shoreline Substrate and Bank Angle -15m along shore and 1 m back.
• Littoral (in lake) -15m along shoreline and 1 m out into lake
3. Use semi-quantitative ranking for vegetation, substrate, aquatic macrophytes & fish
cover:
• Very heavy (greater than 75% coverage) = 4
• Heavy (40 to 75% coverage) = 3
• Moderate (10 to 40% coverage) = 2
• Sparse (present, but less than 10% coverage) = 1
• Absent = 0
Littoral
Habitat
1. Measure lake depth 10 m from shore at each P-Hab station, noting new location if the
point has to be relocated for some reason.
2. Note the presence or absence of water surface scums, algal mats, or oil slicks.
3. Determine the lake bottom substrate visible from the boat. If the bottom is not visible,
attempt to collect a sample or characterize by remote sensing with a sounding tube
(e.g., PVC tubing).
4. Rank the littoral substrate sediment particle size, making multiple probes if the
bottom is not visible. If the bottom is covered with leaves or other organic debris, choose
"Organic substrates". If the substrate is concealed and remote sampling is not possible,
use "Not observed" flag (K).
5. Note sediment color and odor if a sample can be seen or collected.
6. Estimate the areal coverage of the three individual aquatic macrophyte types and
the areal coverage of all three types combined: submerged, emergent, and floating
within the 10 x 15 m plot between the boat and shoreline. If you cannot see or probe the
bottom, move closer to shore and note your new location with a Flag in the "Bottom
Substrate" section.
7. Record fish habitat cover observed from the shore to the boat and 15 m along shore.
8. Record fish habitat macrohabitat classification for the general vicinity visible from
the sampling station 10 m by 15 m littoral area.
9. Record invasive plant or invertebrate species observed.
Riparian
Habitat
5.
6.
7.
8.
Divide shoreline vegetation into 3 categories:
• Greater than 5 m high = canopy layer
• 0.5 to 5 m high = understory layer
• Less than 0.5 m high = ground cover layer
(Grasses or woody shrubs and tree branches can occur in >1 layer. The ground
cover layer may be vegetation, water, barren ground, or duff.)
Record the type of vegetation in the two tallest shoreline vegetation layers (canopy &
understory) as none, deciduous, coniferous, broadleaf evergreen, or mixed. Define
mixed as a segment where at least 10% of the areal coverage is made up of the
alternate vegetation type.
Estimate the areal cover of the shoreline vegetation, recording the % of each
coverage type within 3 vegetation classes (canopy, understory, and ground cover):
Rate the shoreline substrate 1 m into the riparian plot for areal coverage in particle
size classes shown on the Physical Habitat Characterization Form.
Describe the angle of the shoreline bank back 1 m from the edge of the water
Estimate the vertical and horizontal distances between the present lake level and
the high water line.
Record presence of each human influence type
Record invasive plant or invertebrate species observed.
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On the human influence entry fields, mark "C" if present within the shoreline or littoral
plot. Record a "P" if visible but adjacent or behind (outside) the plot, or "0" for absence of listed
features. "Adjacent" is defined as found within a hypothetical plot of equal size to the right or left
of the sampling plot. If, for some reason, you cannot make measurements at a station, record a
"K" flag in all data fields for that station. This entry is very important, as there is no other way of
determining whether your intent is to record the absence of features or to denote a missed
station.
For any particular measurement variable, if no effort is made to collect data, or if you
make an effort but for some reason are unable to obtain data, enter a "K" flag in the flag field.
Explain on the Physical Habitat Characterization Form, Side 2 (Figure 5-2b) in the section
designed for comments why data could not be obtained. If you collect data for a variable but
have reason to believe it is suspect (or it was collected using a nonstandard protocol), enter a
"U" flag in the flag field. In the comments section, explain why you think it is suspect (or
describe what nonstandard procedure was used and why). If there is unusual or otherwise
relevant information critical to interpreting data entered on the form, enter sequential flags (F1,
F2, F3, etc.), and explain these flags in the comments section. Numbered "F" flags pertain to
the front and back side of each individual form.
5.1.5 Littoral Zone Habitat Characterization
Lake depth at the observation point 10 m (30 feet) offshore in each littoral station is
taken using the sonar, calibrated Secchi disk line, or the marked PVC sounding rod. Record the
presence or absence of water surface scums, algal mats, or oil slicks. All measurements or
observations in the following categories are recorded on the Physical Habitat Characterization
Form (Figure 5-2a).
5.1.5.1 Bottom Substrate
To characterize littoral bottom substrate, restrict observations to the substrate you can
detect from the boat. If you can't see the bottom, examine sediment indirectly using a long tube
(e.g., the 3-m PVC sounding rod). Probe the bottom beneath the boat with the sounding rod
(you may have to move closer to shore if too deep to use rod). Soft sediment can be brought to
the surface for examination. Hard sediments can be "felt" with the sounding rod. Sandy
substrate can be "felt" or "heard" by twisting the sounding rod and detecting grittiness. If you
had to move into shallow water to use sounding rod to observe sediment characteristics, flag
the observation and record (on the Physical Habitat Characterization Form comments section)
the depth where you observed the sediment. Rate the cover of substrate sediment particle
sizes that have very heavy, heavy, moderate, sparse, and absent areal coverage. Base these
ratings on visual observations and judgments using the size classes defined on the form. If the
bottom is covered with leaves or other organic debris, choose "Organic substrates". If the
substrate is obscured by vegetation and you cannot obtain a PVC sounding rod sample, enter a
"K" flag to denote "no observation made", and explain reason in comment field on back of form.
However, probing with the sediment tube usually makes it possible to determine if the sediment
is soft (therefore either Sand or Silt/Clay/Muck).
Sediment color and odor are subjective observations to be noted on the form, whenever
possible. Select "None" or "Other" if sediment color does not match one of the categories. For
sediment odor, the choices are "H2S" (sulfurous, rotten egg), "Anoxic" (sewage odor),
"Chemical" (strong odor like turpentine, paint, etc.), "Oil", or "Other" (including musty, no odor,
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organic, and fishy odors). If "Other" is indicated, explain the observation on the comment form.
5.1.5.2 Aquatic Macrophytes
To characterize aquatic macrophytes, separately estimate the areal coverage (as
defined in Table 5-3) within the lake area between your boat and the shoreline for each of the
three aquatic macrophyte types:
• submerged,
• emergent (has erect portions above the water surface), and
• floating (either rooted or non-rooted vegetation)
Count any plant as being in only one of these types. Then estimate the coverage of all
combined types of aquatic macrophytes in the same area. You may have to probe the bottom
with the PVC sounding tube or your anchor if the water is turbid. Indicate ("yes" or "no") if the
aquatic macrophytes extend further out into the lake than the area included in your observation
area (i.e., more than 10 m [or 30 ft] from shore).
5.1.5.3 Fish Habitat Cover
Evaluate the areal cover of the listed types of fish habitat and cover features that are in
the water and shoreline within the 10 x 15 m littoral portion of the field of vision at each P-Hab
station (Table 5-3). Select a rating of 0 (absent) to 4 (>75% cover) based on the abundance of
the various fish cover types (Table 5-3). These features are within or partially within the water
and conceal fish from aquatic and terrestrial predators such as larger fish, otters, kingfishers,
and ospreys.
• Aquatic and Inundated Herbaceous Vegetation - submerged, floating, or emergent live
aquatic or non-woody herbaceous plants
• Woody Debris/Snags ~ inundated or partially inundated dead trees, branches, or
rootwads with diameter >0.3 m (1 ft)
• Woody brush/woody debris - inundated dead or living woody vegetation <0.3 m
diameter.
• Inundated Live Trees - inundated portions of trees >0.3 m in diameter
• Overhanging Vegetation ~ <1 m from the water surface (do not include higher
overhanging vegetation, which might provide perches for birds such as kingfishers)
• Ledges or Sharp Dropoffs - overhanging banks, submerged rock shelves, and steep
sloping rock walls
• Boulders - >basketball size
• Human Structures - docks, barges, houseboats, swimming platforms, tires, car bodies,
and habitat enhancement structures (e.g., log rafts)
5.1.5.4 Littoral Fish General Macrohabitat Habitat Classification
At each physical habitat station, classify the general category offish macrohabitat in the
general vicinity of the sampling station. The hierarchical classification system defined in Table
5-4 consists of four levels. The first classification level refers to disturbance: is there major
human influence in the littoral zone (not the shore) or is this area in a more or less natural state
(including largely recovered areas)? The second level refers to the presence of cover: is there
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cover for fish or open water or a mixture of the two? The third level defines the kind of cover:
human influence includes "structures" (e.g., docks, boats, floating platforms) and "fill" (e.g.,
revetment boulders, trash); natural areas include in-lake vegetation, boulders, or woody
materials or a mixture. The fourth level describes substrate. Check the appropriate box for
each category on the Physical Habitat Characterization Form, Side 2 (Figure 5-2b).
Table 5-4. Littoral macrohabitat characteristics.
Littoral Fish
Macrohabitat
Classification
Classify the habitat for fish into the following categories for each respective level:
1st level (in-lake disturbance)
High, Med, or Low
2nd level (in-lake cover)
Cover (major fish cover), Open, or Mixed (patchy).
3rd level (cover type)
Artificial Structure (docks, boats), Fill (revetment, boulders, etc.), Vegetated,
Woody, Boulders, Mixed (a combination), or None.
4th level (dominant substrate)
Mud/Muck, Sand/gravel, Cobble/Boulder, or Bedrock.
5.1.6 Riparian Zone Habitat Characterization
The riparian habitat characterization includes riparian vegetation cover, shoreline
substrate, bank features, and human influences. Record all measures or observations for these
categories on the Physical Habitat Characterization Form (Figures 5-2a with comments on 5-
2b).
5.1.6.1 Riparian Vegetation Cover
To characterize riparian vegetation, observe the visible area from the shoreline back a
distance of 15 m (50 ft) from the shore. If the high water mark is more than 15m away from
shore, the riparian plot includes parts of the shore that are sometimes inundated. On the other
hand, if the "shoreline" boundary (defined as the approximate interface between "lake-like"
conditions and riparian or wetland conditions) is an inundated wetland, then this area includes
the wetland vegetation, or aquatic macrophytes. Conceptually divide the shoreline vegetation
into three layers:
• Canopy (>5 m high)
• Understory Layer (0.5 to 5 m high)
• Ground Cover Layer (<0.5 m high)
Note that several vegetation types (e.g., grasses or woody shrubs) can potentially occur
in more than one layer. Similarly note that some things other than vegetation are possible
entries for the "Ground Cover" layer (e.g., water or barren ground), as indicated in Table 5-3.
Before estimating the areal coverage of the vegetation layers, record the type of vegetation in
each of the two taller layers (Canopy and Understory).
• deciduous,
• broadleaf evergreen,
• coniferous (needle-leafed, usually evergreen),
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• mixed, or
• none
Consider the layer "Mixed" if >10% of the areal coverage is made up of the alternate vegetation
type.
5.1.6.2 Shoreline Substrate
Rank, by areal coverage (very heavy, heavy, moderate, sparse, and absent) particle size
classes of the substrate that are visible in the 1-m wide (terrestrial) strip nearest to the lake
shoreline. These size estimates are made by eye from the boat, using the size classes and
cover class ratings defined on Side 1 of the Physical Habitat Characterization Form (Figure 5-
2a). If the inorganic substrate is obscured by vegetation, choose "Vegetation or Other"; if there
is another type (e.g., organic flotsam), record its coverage rank in the "Vegetation or Other"
category and then identify the category in the comments section.
5.1.6.3 Human Influences
Select "C" for any and all of the human activities and influences that you observe within
the defined lake and riparian observation areas. If present (15 x 15 m areas to left and right)
adjacent to the plot or within your field of vision behind (outside) the defined observation area,
choose "P." Select "0" if human activity is not present in either lake or riparian areas.
5.1.6.4 Bank Type and Evidence of Lake Level Changes
Choose the bank angle description that best reflects the current shoreline that is
dominant within your field of vision and 1 m into the riparian plot: Near vertical/undercut (>75
degrees, steep (>30 to 75 degrees; need hands to climb up), gradual, (5 to 30 degrees; can
walk up), or flat (< 5 degrees). Estimate the vertical difference between the present level and
the high water line (using survey pole and level or visual estimation); similarly, estimate the
horizontal distance up the bank between current lake level and evidence of higher level (usually
done using a laser range finder).
5.1.7 Invasive Plants and Invertebrates
Record if any invasive plant and invertebrate species listed in Table 5-5 have been
observed within the habitat plot. Check the boxes on the side 2 of the Physical Habitat
Characterization Form (Figure 5-2b) for any species observed within the littoral or
shoreline/riparian plots.
Table 5-5. Invasive plants and invertebrates.
Littoral Species
Shoreline/Riparian
Species
• Zebra (or Quagga) mussel
• Eurasian watermilfoil
• Hydrilla
• Curly pondweed
• African waterweed
• Brazilian waterweed
• Purple loosestrife
• Knotweed (Giant or Japanese)
• European waterchestnut
• Water hyacinth
• Parrot feather
• Yellow floating heart
• Giant salvinia
• Hairy willow herb
• Flowering rush
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5.2 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling
5.2.1 Summary of Method
Benthos are collected using a semi-quantitative sampling of multiple habitats in the
littoral zone of lakes using a D-frame dip net (Figure 5-3). Sample collection is stratified on the
following three specific habitat types: rocky/cobble/large woody debris; macrophyte beds; and
organic fine muds or sand.
Figure 5-3. D-frame net used for collecting benthic macroinvertebrates.
5.2.2 Equipment and Supplies
Table 5-6 provides the equipment and supplies needed for field operations to collect benthic
macroinverbrates. Field teams are to record the benthic macroinvertebrate sampling data on
the Lake Shoreline Sample Collection Form, Side 1 (Figure 5-5a).
Table 5-6. Equipment and supplies list for benthic macroinvertebrate collection.
Item
Quantity
Benthic Macroinvertebrate
Modified kick net (D-frame with 500 urn mesh) and 4-ft handle
Spare net(s) and/or spare bucket assembly for end of net
Buckets, plastic, 8- to 1 0-qt capacity
Sieve-bucket or soil sieve with 500 urn mesh openings (U.S. std No. 35)
Watchmakers' forceps
Wash bottle, 1-L capacity labeled "LAKE WATER"
Small spatula, spoon, or scoop to transfer sample
Funnel, with large bore spout (optional)
Sample jars, HOPE plastic with leakproof steam caps, 500-mL and 1-L capacity,
suitable for use with ethanol
95% ethanol, in a properly labeled container
Rubber gloves
1
2
1
2pr.
1
1
1
4 to 6
each sample
2 gal
2pr.
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Table 5-6. Equipment and supplies list for benthic macroinvertebrate collection.
Cooler (with suitable absorbent material) for transporting ethanol and samples
Benthic sample labels, with preprinted sample numbers
Benthic sample labels without preprinted sample numbers
Internal benthic sample labels on waterproof paper
Lake Shoreline Sample Collection Form
Soft (#2) lead pencils
Fine-tip indelible markers
Clear tape strips
Plastic electrical tape
Scissors
Pocket-sized field notebook (optional)
Field operations and methods manual
1
2
4
6
1
1 pkg.
4 rolls
1
1
1 copy
5.2.3 Sampling Procedure
5.2.3.1 Site Selection and Sample Collection
The process for selecting the p-Hab stations is described in the Physical Habitat
Assessment Section 5.1. All benthic samples should be collected from the dominant habitat
type within the 10 m x 15 m littoral zone component of each of the 10 P-Hab stations (Figure 5-
4). The sampling process is described in Table 5-7.
15m
Shoreline N
zone (1 m)
Benthic sample collected _
from dominant habitat within
littoral zone
15m
10m
Observation station
Figure 5-4. Benthic and habitat sampling station diagram.
5.2.3.2 Sample Processing in the Field
Use a 500 urn mesh sieve bucket placed inside a larger bucket full of lake water while
sampling to carry the composite sample as you travel around the lake. Once the composite
sample from the collections from the 10 stations is sieved and reduced in volume, store in a 1-
liter jar and preserve with 95% ethanol. Multiple jars may be required if detritus is heavy (Table
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5-8). If more than one jar is used for a composite sample, use the "extra jar" label provided;
record the SAME sample ID number on this "extra jar" label. The sample ID number is also
recorded with a lead pencil (No. 2 ) on a waterproof label that is placed inside each jar. If a
sample requires more than one jar, make sure the correct number of jars for the sample is
recorded on the Sample Collection Form. Record information for each composite sample on the
Lake Shoreline Sample Collection Form as shown in Figure 5-5(a).
Check to be sure that the pre-numbered adhesive label is on the jar and covered with
clear tape. Place the samples in a cooler or other secure container for transporting and/or
shipping the laboratory (see Appendix C).
Table 5-7. Procedure for benthic macroinvertebrate sampling
1. After locating the sample site according to procedures described in the physical habitat section,
identify the dominant habitat type within the plot:
• Rocky/cobble/large woody debris;
• Macrophyte beds;
• Organic fine muds or sand;
• Leaf Pack
2. After identifying the dominant habitat type, use the D-frame dip net (equipped with 500 urn mesh) to
sweep through 1 linear meter of the dominant habitat type at a single location within the 10m x 15m
littoral zone sampling area, making sure to disturb the substrate enough to dislodge organisms.
• If the dominant habitat is rocky/cobble/large woody debris it may be necessary to exit the boat
and disturb the substrate (e.g., overturn rocks, logs) using your feet while sweeping the net
through the disturbed area.
• Because a dip-net is being used for sampling, the maximum depth for sampling will be
approximately 0.5 m (the length of the dip-net staff); therefore, in cases in which the depth of the
lake quickly drops off it may be necessary to sample in the nearest several meters to the shore.
3. After completing the 1-meter sweep, remove all organisms and debris from net and place them in a
bucket following sample processing procedures described in the following section.
4. Proceed to the next sampling station and repeat steps 1-5. The organisms and detritus collected at
each station on the lake should be combined in a single bucket to create a single composite sample
for the lake. After sampling at all 10 stations is completed, process the composite sample in the
bucket according to procedures described in the following section.
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Survey offrte Nation's Lakes
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
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Table 5-8. Procedure for preparing composite samples for benthic macroinvertebrates
1. Pour the entire contents of the bucket through a sieve (or into a sieve bucket) with 500 urn mesh
size. Remove any large objects and wash off any clinging organisms back into the sieve before
discarding.
2. Using a wash bottle filled with lake water, rinse all the organisms from the bucket into the sieve.
This is the composite sample for the lake.
3. Estimate the total volume of the sample in the sieve and determine how large a jar will be needed
for the sample (500-mL or 1-L) and how many jars will be required.
4. Fill in a sample label with the Lake ID and date of collection. Attach the completed label to the jar
and cover it with a strip of clear tape. Record the sample ID number for the composite sample on
the Sample Collection Form. For each composite sample, make sure the number on the form
matches the number on the label.
5. Wash the contents of the sieve to one side by gently agitating the sieve in the water. Wash the
sample into a jar using as little water from the wash bottle as possible. Use a large-bore funnel if
necessary. If the jar is too full pour off some water through the sieve until the jar is not more than Y2
full, or use a second jar if a larger one is not available. Carefully examine the sieve for any
remaining organisms and use watchmakers' forceps to place them into the sample jar.
If a second jar is needed, fill in a sample label that does not have a pre-printed ID number on it.
Record the ID number from the pre-printed label prepared in Step 4 in the "SAMPLE ID" field of
the label. Attach the label to the second jar and cover it with a strip of clear tape. Record the
number of jars required for the sample on the Sample Collection Form. Make sure the number
you record matches the actual number of jars used. Write "Jar N of X" on each sample label
using a waterproof marker ("N" is the individual jar number, and "X" is the total number of jars
for the sample).
6. Place a waterproof label inside each jar with the following information written with a number 2 lead
pencil:
Lake ID • Collectors initials
Type of sampler and mesh size used • Number of stations sampled
Name of lake
Date of collection • JarNofX
7. Completely fill the jar with 95% ethanol (no headspace). It is very important that sufficient ethanol be
used, or the organisms will not be properly preserved. Existing water in the jar should not dilute the
concentration of ethanol below 70%.
NOTE: Prepared composite samples can be transported back to the vehicle before adding
ethanol if necessary. In this case, fill the jar with lake water, which is then drained using the
net (or sieve) across the opening to prevent loss of organisms, and replaced with ethanol at
the vehicle.
8. Replace the cap on each jar. Slowly tip the jar to a horizontal position, then gently rotate the jar to
mix the preservative. Do not invert or shake the jar. After mixing, seal each jar with plastic tape.
Store labeled composite samples in a container with absorbent material that is suitable for use with 70%
ethanol until transport or shipment to the laboratory.
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5.3 Fecal Indicator (Enterococci)
5.3.1 Summary of Method
Field teams are to collect a water sample within the littoral zone of the final habitat
station (station J) where the water is about waist deep (1 meter). Teams are to use a pre-
sterilized, 250 ml bottle and collect the sample at about 0.3 meter (12 inches) below the water.
Following collection, samples are placed in coolers and maintained on ice prior to filtration of
four 50 ml_ volumes. Samples must be filtered within 8 hours of collection. For "large lakes"
(greater than 5,000 ha) the sample is to be collected from the launch site at the end of the day.
5.3.2 Equipment and Supplies
Table 5-9 provides the equipment and supplies needed for field operations to collect the fecal
indicator sample. The Lake Shoreline Sample Collection Form (Figure 5-5b) is used to record
and document the fecal indicator sample.
Table 5-9. Equipment and supplies list for fecal indicator sampling
Item
Quantity
Fecal Indicator
surgical gloves (non-powdered)
pre-sterilized, 250 ml sample bottle
sodium thiosulfate tablet
Lake Shoreline Sample Collection Form
Fecal Indicator sample labels
Wet ice
cooler
1
1
1
4 vial labels and 1 bag label
1
5.3.3 Sampling Procedure
Table 5-10. Procedure for Fecal Indicator (Enterococci) sample collection.
Collect the Enterococci Sample
1. Put on surgical gloves (non-powdered).
2. Approach 1 m deep sampling location slowly from downstream or downwind.
3. Lower the un-capped, inverted 250 ml sample bottle to a depth of 0.3 meter below the
water surface, avoiding surface scum, vegetation, and substrates. Point the mouth of the
container away from the body or boat. Right the bottle and raise it through the water
column, allowing bottle to fill completely.
4. After removing the container from the water, discard a small portion of the sample to
allow for proper mixing before analyses.
5. Add the sodium thiosulfate tablet, cap, and shake bottle 25 times.
6. Store the sample in a cooler on ice to chill (not freeze). Chill for at least 15 minutes and
do not hold samples longer than 8 hours before filtration and freezing.
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6.0 FINAL LAKE ACTIVITIES
Prior to leaving the lake, the field team makes a general visual assessment of the lake
and its surrounding catchment and makes a final check of the data forms and samples. The
objective of the lake assessment is to record field team observations of catchment and lake
characteristics that are useful for future data interpretation, ecological value assessment,
development of associations, and verification of stressor data. The observations and
impressions of field teams are extremely valuable. The purpose of the second check of data
forms and samples is to assure completeness of all sampling activities. Activities described in
this section are summarized in Figure 6-1.
COMPLETE LAKE ASSESSMENT
(2 People)
REVIEW DATA FORMS
(1 Person)
• Completeness
• Accuracy
• Legibility
• Flags/Comments
INSPECT BOAT, MOTOR, TRAILER,
AND NETS FOR PRESENCE OF PLANT
AND ANIMAL MATERIAL, AND CLEAN
THOROUGHLY
(1 Person)
PACK EQUIPMENT AND
SUPPLIES FOR TRANSPORT
(1 Person)
FILTER, PRESERVE,
AND INSPECT SAMPLES
(1 Person)
• Complete
• Sealed
• Ice packs
• Packed for transport
REVIEW SAMPLE LABELS
(1 Person)
• Completeness
• Accuracy
• Legibility
• Cross-check with forms
CLEAN UP LAUNCH SITE
AND STAGING AREA
(1 Person)
LOAD BOAT ONTO TRAILER
(2 Persons)
LEAVE LAKE
COMMUNICATIONS
SHIP SAMPLES
Figure 6-1. Final lake activities summary.
6.1 General Lake Assessment
The team members complete the Lake Assessment Form (Figures 6-2a and b) at the
end of lake sampling, recording all observations from the lake that were noted during the course
of the visit. This Lake Assessment Form is designed as a template for recording pertinent field
observations. It is by no means comprehensive, and any additional observations should be
recorded in the comments section. The form consists of five major sections: 1)
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
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Page 69 of 96
Lake/Catchment Site Activities and Disturbances Observed, 2) General Lake Information, 3)
Shoreline Characteristics, 4) Qualitative Macrophyte Survey, and 5) Qualitative Assessment of
Environmental Values.
6.1.1 Lake/Catchment Site Activities and Disturbances Observed
Record any of the sources of potential stressors listed in Table 6-1 on the Lake
Assessment Form, Side 1 (Figure 6-2a), that were observed while on the lake, while driving or
walking through the lake catchment, or while flying over the lake and catchment. For activities
and stressors that you observe, rate their abundance or influence as low (L), moderate (M), or
heavy (H) on the line next to the listed disturbance. Leave the line blank for any disturbance not
observed. The distinction between low, moderate, and heavy will be subjective. For example, if
there are two to three houses on a lake, circle "L" for low next to "Houses." If the lake is ringed
with houses, rate it as heavy (H). Similarly, a small patch of clear-cut logging on a hill
overlooking the lake would rate a low ranking. Logging activity right on the lake shore, however,
would get a heavy disturbance ranking. The section for "Lake Site Activities and Disturbances
Observed" includes residential, recreational, agricultural, industrial, and lake management
categories.
6.1.2 General Lake Information
Observations regarding the general characteristics of the lake are described in Table 6-
2, and are recorded on Side 1 of the Lake Assessment Form (Figure 6-2a). The hydrologic lake
type is a very important variable for defining subpopulations for acidic deposition effects. Note
any flight hazards that might interfere with either low-altitude fly-overs by aircraft (for future
aerial photography or videography) or landing on the lake for sampling purposes (either by float
plane or helicopter). When estimating the intensity of motor boat usage, in addition to the actual
number of boats observed on the lake during the visit, use other observations such as the
presence of boat houses, docks, and idle craft.
6.1.3 Shoreline Characteristics
Shoreline characteristics of interest during the final lake assessment are described in
Table 6-3. Observations related to this portion of the assessment are recorded on the Lake
Assessment Form, Side 1 (Figure 6-2a). To estimate the extent of major vegetation types, limit
the assessment to the immediate lake shoreline (i.e., within 20 m of the water). Also estimate
the percentage of the immediate shoreline that has been developed or modified by humans.
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LAKE ASSESSMENT FORM
SITE ID: NLA06608- » vntnd>«m L M H Wo« ^y W H r-toh SteeUnj
GENERAL LAKE INFORMATION
Hydrologic Lake Type: • Reservoir
Outlet Dams: O None
Low Elevation Flight Hazards: O Yes
Motor Boat Density: O High
Swimability: o Good
Lake Level Changes: O Zero
Q Drainage Seepage
U (ouliets presen!) ^ (no outlets observed)
• Artificial O Natural
• No
• Low O Restricted O Banned
• Fair O Not Swimmabte
• Elevation Change = / m
SHORELINE CHARACTERISES (% of shoreline)
Forest • Rare (<5%)
Grass O Rare (<5%)
Shrub O Rare (<5%)
Wetland O Rare (<5%)
Bare Ground • Rare (<5%)
Agriculture O Rare (<5%)
Shoreline Mods (docks, riprap) O Rare (<5%)
Development (Residential & Urban) O Rare (<5%)
O Sparse (5 to 25%) O Moderate (25 to 75%) O Extensive (>75%)
O Sparse (5 to 25%) • Moderate (25 to 75%) O Extensive (>75%)
O Sparse (5 to 25%) O Moderate (25 to 75%) O Extensive (>75%)
• Sparse (5 to 25%) O Moderate (25 to 75%) O Extensive (>75%)
O Sparse (5 to 25%) O Moderate (25 to 75%) O Extensive (>75%)
• Sparse (5 to 25%) O Moderate (25 to 75%) O Extensive (>75%)
• Sparse (5 to 25%) O Moderate (25 to 75%) O Extensive (>7S%)
• Sparse (5 to 25%) O Moderate (25 to 75%) O Extensive (>75%)
QUALITATIVE MACROPHYTE SURVEY
Emergent/Floating Coverage (% Lake Area) O <5% • 5 to 25% O 25 to 75% O >75%
Submergent Coverage (% Lake Area) • <5% O 5 to 25% O 25 to 75% O >75%
Macrophyte Density O Absent • Sparse O Moderate O High
WATERBODY CHARACTER
Pristine OS O4 «3 O2 O1 Highly Disturbed
Appealing OS • 4 O3 O2 O1 Unappealing
LAKE PHOTOGRAPHS
Did you take any photographs at this lake? • Yes O No
Draft
200T Lake Assessmwit 03HW2007
Figure 6-2(a). Lake Assessment Form, Side 1.
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Field Operations Manual
Page 71 of 96
LAKE ASSESSMENT FORM (cont.)
wrt by *\T)
jinm*H; ~* ¥
SITE ID: NLA06608- 9*1^2
DATE: O S'l O 1 1 2 O 6 1
QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES
EcoSogical Integrity: Q Excellent Q Good 0 Fair Q Poor
Genera!
Assessment:
yeAX*.
Bf tfiftt drr/#es ,
Wildlife
Observed :
- -rrtiL.tr)
Trophic State: O Oligotrophic Q Mesotrophic Q Eutrophic Q Hypereutrophic
Visual Assessment:
Algal Abundance & Type:
Agv*t>*+>ear
otu cni.o jtt> PMyu F/e.Tt$e, cues* ALMS;
Nutrient Sources:
Recreational Value: Q Excellent £ Good Q Fasr 0 Poo
Conditions and
Local Contacts:
TALK.
vmtr. *.4Kf
Observations (e.g.
accessibility, boating,
fishing, swimming,
health concerns):
—9-
fSF/ICM /?/EiB»J K»K.
/rf*rj>xtT*^r-
Comments.
VfSIT USA*
M/P-
200T Lake Assessment OJ/20O007
Draft
Figure 6-2(b). Lake Assessment Form, Side 2.
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Page 72 of 96
Table 6-1. Lake site activities and disturbances.
Observe lake activities or disturbances listed and record as L (low), M (moderate), or H
(heavy) intensity on Side 1 of the Lake Assessment Form (except as noted below):
Residences
Maintained Lawns
Construction
Pipes/Drain
Dumping
Roads
Bridges/Causeways
Sewage Treatment
Hiking Trails
Parks,
Campgrounds
Primitive Parks,
Camping
Resorts
Marinas
Trash/Litter
Surface Films,
Scum or Slicks
Cropland
Pasture
Livestock Use
Orchards
Poultry
Feed lot
Water Withdrawal
Industrial Plants
Mines/Quarries
Oil/Gas Wells
Power Plants
Presence of any houses and residential buildings around the lake.
Presence of any maintained lawns around the lake.
Presence of any recent construction in the immediate area around the
lake or signs of recent sedimentation events (depositional fans).
Presence of any pipes or drains feeding into or out of the lake. If known,
write down what type of activity the pipe is associated with (e.g., storm
sewer, plant intake) in the "Comments" section on Side 2.
Any evidence of landfill or dumping around the lake, including garbage
pits and informal dumping of large amounts of trash or cars and
appliances along roads or lakeshore. This does not include small
amounts of litter. If informal dumping areas exist, note that they are
informal sites in the "Comments" section on Side 2.
Presence of any maintained roads in the immediate area around the
lake.
Presence of any bridges or causeways across or in the immediate
vicinity of the lake.
Presence of sewage treatment facility.
Presence of formal hiking trails around the lake.
Presence of organized public or private parks, campgrounds, beaches
or other recreational areas around the lake.
Presence of informal or primitive parks, camping areas, beaches or
other recreational areas (e.g., swimming holes) around the lake.
Level of resort activity; this could include motels, resorts, golf courses,
and stores.
Presence of any marinas.
Relative abundance of trash or litter around the lake.
Relative abundance of surface films, scum, or slicks on the lake.
Presence of cropland.
Presence of pastures.
Presence of livestock use.
Presence of orchards.
Presence of poultry operations.
Presence of feedlot or concentrated animal feeding operations.
Any evidence of water withdrawal from the lake.
Any industrial activity (e.g., canning, chemical, pulp) around the lake or
in the catchment. Describe the type of industry in the "Comments"
section on Side 2.
Any evidence of mining or quarrying activity in the catchment or around
the lake.
Any evidence of oil or gas wells in the catchment or around the lake.
Presence of any power plants.
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Table 6-1. Lake site activities and disturbances.
Logging
Evidence of Fire
Odors
Commercial
Liming
Chemical
Treatment
Angling Pressure
Drinking Water
Treatment
Macrophyte Control
Water Level
Fluctuations
Fish Stocking
Any evidence of logging or fire removal of trees in the lake area.
Any evidence of forest fires in the lake area.
Presence of any strong odors.
Any commercial activity (e.g., convenient stores, shopping centers,
restaurants) around the lake or in the catchment.
Any evidence of liming activities.
Presence of any chemical treatment facilities.
Estimate of the intensity of fishing activity in the lake.
Presence of any drinking water treatment facilities.
Any evidence of dredging or other activities to control macrophyte
growth; describe these in the "Comments" section on Side 2.
Any evidence of water level fluctuations due to lake management.
Any evidence of fish stocking in the lake.
Record any other oddities observed or additional information for any specific activity in the
"Comments" section on Side 2.
Table 6-2. General lake information noted during lake assessment.
Hydrologic
Lake Type
Outlet Dams
Low Elevation
Flight Hazards
Motor Boat
Density
Swimmability
Lake Level
Changes
Note if there are any stream outlets from the lake, even if they are not
flowing. If no lake outlets were observed, record the lake as a seepage lake.
If the lake was created by a man-made dam (not that a dam is present just
to raise the water level), record the lake as a reservoir. Otherwise record the
lake as a drainage lake.
Note the presence of any dams (or other flow control structures) on the lake
outlet(s). Differentiate between artificial (manmade) structures and natural
structures (beaver dams).
If there are any hazards (above tree level) that would interfere with low
elevation aircraft flights or landing on the lake, check "Yes"; otherwise check
"No." Examples include radio towers or power lines.
Record your impression of the density of motor boat usage on this lake (high
or low). If there is a restriction on the size of motor boat engines, check
"Restricted." If motor boats are banned, check "Banned." Consider the day
of the week and weather in your assessment as well as the number of
boathouses, idle craft. Count jet skis and any other motorized craft, which
could stir up the lake, as motor boats.
Record a subjective impression about the aesthetics of swimming in this
lake (swimmability) along the range of "good" to "not swimmable."
Examine the lake shoreline for evidence of lake level changes (e.g., bathtub
ring). If there are none, check "zero"; otherwise try to estimate the extent of
vertical changes in lake level from the present conditions based on other
shoreline signs.
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Table 6-3. Shoreline characteristics observed during final lake assessment.
Check percent of shoreline characteristics:
Forest
Grass
Shrub
Wetland
Bare Ground
Agriculture
Shoreline
Modifications
Development
Deciduous, coniferous, or mixed forest, including
sapling vegetation.
Meadows, lawns, or other open vegetation.
Shrub vegetation
Forested and non-forested wetlands (submerged
terrestrial vegetation).
Non-vegetated areas such as beaches, sandy areas, paved areas, and
exposed rock.
Cropland, orchard, feedlot, pastureland, or other
horticultural activity.
Actual shoreline that has been modified by the installation of riprap,
revetments, piers, or other human modifications.
Immediate shoreline area developed by human activity; include lawns, houses,
stores, malls, marinas, golf courses, or any other human-built land use.
6.1.4 Qualitative Macrophyte Survey
Macrophytes (aquatic plants large enough to be seen without magnification) are
important indicators of lake trophic status. The most important indicator for this survey is the
percentage of the lake area covered with macrophytes, as perceived by observers. For both
"emergent/floating" and "submergent" coverage, choose one of the four percentage groupings
(0-25%, 25-50%, 50-75%, 75-100%), on Side 1 of the Lake Assessment Form (Figure 6-2a). In
some cases, it will be fairly easy to estimate the percentage from observations made during
sampling. In other cases, it will be an educated guess, especially if the water is turbid. After
recording the areal percentage of macrophyte coverage, record the density of the plants in the
observed macrophyte beds as absent, sparse, moderate, or high. All activities described in this
subsection are recorded on Side 1 of the Lake Assessment Form (Figure 6-2a).
6.1.5 Waterbody Character
Rate the waterbody character which is the physical habitat integrity of the water body
and is largely a function of riparian and littoral habitat structure, volume change, trash, turbidity,
slicks, scums, color, and odor. The Lakes Survey attempts to define water body character
through two attributes: degree of human development and aesthetics. Rate each of these
attributes on a scale of 1 to 5. For development, give the lake a "5" if it is pristine, with no signs
of any human development. A "1" would indicate a lake is totally developed; for example, the
entire lake is ringed with houses, seawalls, docks, etc. For aesthetics (whether the lake is
appealing or not) base the decision on any factors about the lake that disturb you (trash, algal
growth, weed abundance, overcrowding). Circle the number that best describes your opinion
about how suitable the lake water is for recreation and aesthetic enjoyment today:
1. Enjoyment is nearly impossible.
2. Level of enjoyment is substantially reduced.
3. Enjoyment is slightly impaired.
4. There are very minor aesthetic problems; it is otherwise excellent for swimming,
boating, and enjoyment.
5. It is beautiful and could not be any nicer.
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6.1.6 Qualitative Assessment of Environmental Values
The primary goal of this study is to assess three major ecological values with respect to
lakes: trophic state, ecological integrity, and recreation. Based on your field experience, record
your own assessment of these values on the Lake Assessment Form, Side 2 (Figure 6-2b).
Write comments on these values in this section.
• Ecological integrity is the ability to support and maintain a balanced, integrated,
adaptive community with a biological diversity, composition, and functional organization
comparable to natural lakes of the region. Record your overall impression of the "health"
of the biota in the lake. Note any possible causes of impairment. The presence of
higher order consumers (fish-eating birds and mammals) is an indication of a healthy
food web and should be noted here. Similarly, the absence of an organism that you
might expect to see is an important observation.
• Trophic state is the rate or amount of phytoplankton and macrophytes produced or
present in a lake. Give your visual impression of the trophic status as oligotrophic (little
or no biomass in the lake water), mesotrophic (intermediate amounts of biomass in the
lake water), eutrophic (large amounts of biomass in the lake water), or hypereutrophic
(choked lake, with more biomass than water). Give your overall impression of algal
abundance and general type (e.g., filamentous). List any observed potential nutrient
sources to the lake (e.g., septic tanks and agricultural runoff).
• Suitability for Recreation is the ability to support recreational uses such as swimming,
fishing, and boating. Record your overall impression of the lake as a site for recreation.
Note any possible causes of impairment. Note the presence or absence of people using
the lake for recreational activities.
Use the comments section on the Lake Assessment Form, Side 2 (Figure 6-2b) to note
any other pertinent information about the lake or its catchment. Here the field team can record
any observations that may be useful for future data interpretation.
6.2 Processing the Fecal Indicator and Chlorophyll-a Samples
6.2.1 Equipment and Supplies (Fecal Indicator)
Table 6-4 provides the equipment and supplies needed to process the Fecal Indicator sample.
Table 6-4. Equipment and supplies list for fecal indicator processing
Item
Quantity
Fecal Indicator
surgical gloves (non-powdered)
sterile screw-cap 50-mL PP tube
Sterile filter holder, Nalgene 145/147
Osmotics 47 mm polycarbonate sterile filters
Sterile disposable forceps
Sterile microcentrifuge tubes containing sterile glass beads
1
1
1 package
1
3
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Table 6-4. Equipment and supplies list for fecal indicator processing
Fecal Indicator sample labels
Dry ice
cooler
4 vial labels and 1 bag label
1
6.2.2 Procedures for Processing the Fecal Indicator Sample
The procedures for processing the Fecal Indicator Sample are presented in Table 6-5.
Table 6-5. Processing procedure - fecal indicator sample.
1. Put on surgical gloves (non-powdered).
2. Set up sample filtration apparatus on flat surface and attach hand pump. Set-out 50-mL sterile
PP tube, sterile 60-mm Petri dish, 2 bottles of chilled phosphate buffered saline (PBS),
Polycarbonate (PC) filter box and 2 filter forceps.
3. Chill Filter Extraction tubes with beads on dry ice.
4. Aseptically transfer 4 PC filters from filter box to base of opened Petri dish. Close filter box and
set aside.
5. Remove cellulose nitrate (CN) filter from funnel and discard.
6. Load filtration funnel with sterile PC filter on support pad (shiny side up).
7. Shake sample bottle(s) 25 times to mix well.
8. Measure 25-mL of the mixed water sample in the sterile graduated PP tube and pour into filter
funnel.
9. Replace cover on filter funnel and pump to generate a vacuum. Keep pumping until all liquid is in
filtrate collection flask.
10. If the first 25 ml volume passes readily through the filter, add another 25 ml and continue
filtration. If the filter clogs before completely filtering the first or second 25 ml volume, discard
the filter and repeat the filtration using a lesser volume.
11. Pour a quarter (approx. 25-mL) of the chilled phosphate buffered saline (PBS) into the graduated
PP tube used for the sample. Cap the tube and shake 5 times. Remove the cap and pour
rinsate into filter funnel to rinse filter.
12. Filter the rinsate and repeat with another 25 ml of phosphate buffered saline (PBS).
13. Remove filter funnel from base without disturbing filter. Using sterile disposable forceps remove
the filter (touching only the filter edges) and fold it in half, in quarters, in eighths, and then in
sixteenths (filter will be folded 4 times).
14. Insert filter into chilled filter extraction tube (with beads). Replace and tighten the screw cap,
insert tube(s) into ziplock bag on dry ice for preservation during transport and shipping.
15. Record the volume of water sample filtered through each filter and the volume of buffer rinsate
each filter was rinsed with on the Enterococci Filtration / Sample Processing Form. Record the
filtration start time and finish time for each sample.
16. Repeat steps 6 to 15 for the remaining three 50-mL sub-sample volumes to be filtered.
6.2.3 Equipment and Supplies (Chlorophyll-a)
Table 6-6 provides the equipment and supplies needed to process the Chlorophyll-a sample.
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Table 6-6. Equipment and supplies list for Chlorophyll-a processing
For filtering chlorophyll-a sample
Whatman GF/F or equivalent 0.7 |jm glass fiber filter
Filtration apparatus with graduated filter holder
Hand pump
50-mL steam-top centrifuge tube
Dl water
Sample Collection Form
Sample labels
Pencils and permanent markers
Surgical gloves
Forceps
6.2.4 Procedures for Processing the Chlorophyll-a Sample
The procedures for processing chlorophyll-a samples are presented in Table 6-7.
Whenever possible, sample processing should be done in subdued light, out of direct sunlight.
Table 6-7. Processing procedure - chlorophyll-a sample.
1. Put on surgical gloves.
2. Place a glass fiber filter (Whatman GF/F or equivalent 0.7 urn filter) in the graduated filter holder
apparatus. Do not handle the filter with bare hands; use clean forceps.
3. Pour 250 ml of water into the filter holder, replace the cap, and pump the sample through the
filter. If 250 ml of lake water will not pass through the filter, change the filter, rinse the apparatus
with Dl water, and repeat the procedures using 100-mL of lake water. NOTE: IF the water is
green or turbid, use a smaller volume to start with.
4. Rinse the upper portion of the filtration apparatus thoroughly with Dl water to include any
remaining cells adhering to the sides and pump through the filter. Monitor the level of water in
the lower chamber to ensure that it does not contact the filter or flow into the pump.
5. Observe the filter for visible color. If there is visible color, proceed; if not, repeat steps 3 &4 until
color is visible on the filter or until a maximum of 2,000 ml have been filtered. Record the actual
sample volume filtered on the Sample Collection Form and on the sample label.
6. Remove the bottom portion of the apparatus and pour off the water from the bottom.
7. Remove the filter from the holder with clean forceps. Avoid touching the colored portion of the
filter. Fold the filter in half, with the colored side folded in on itself.
8. Place the folded filter into a 50-mL steam-top centrifuge tube and cap. Record the sample volume
filtered on a chlorophyll label and attach it to the centrifuge tube (do not cover the volume
markings on the tube). Ensure that all written information is complete and legible. Cover with a
strip of clear tape. Double check that the "total volume of water filtered" on the Sample Collection
Form matches the total volume recorded on the sample label. Wrap the tube in aluminum foil and
place in a self-sealing plastic bag. Place this bag between two small bags of ice in a cooler.
9. Rinse filter chambers with de-ionized (Dl) water.
6.3 Data Forms and Sample Inspection
After the Lake Assessment Form is completed, the Field Team Leader reviews all of the
data forms and sample labels for accuracy, completeness, and legibility. The other team
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member inspects all sample containers and packages them in preparation for transport, storage,
or shipment.
Ensure that all required data forms for the lake have been completed. Confirm that the
LAKE-ID and date of visit are correct on all forms. On each form, verify that all information has
been recorded accurately, the recorded information is legible, and any flags are explained in the
comments section. Ensure that written comments are legible, with no "shorthand" or
abbreviations. After reviewing each form initial the lower right corner of each page of the form.
Ensure that all samples are labeled, all labels are completely filled in, and each label is
covered with clear plastic tape. Make sure that all sample containers are properly sealed.
6.4 Launch Site Cleanup
Load the boat on the trailer and inspect the boat, motor, and trailer for evidence of
weeds and other macrophytes. Clean the boat, motor, and trailer as completely as possible
before leaving the launch site. Inspect all nets for pieces of macrophyte or other organisms and
remove as much as possible before packing the nets for transport. Pack all equipment and
supplies in the vehicle and trailer for transport; keep them organized as presented in the
equipment checklists (Appendix A). Lastly, be sure to clean up all waste material at the launch
site and dispose of or transport it out of the site if a trash can is not available.
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7.0 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
Standardized training and data forms provide the foundation to help assure that data
quality standards for field sampling are met. These Standard Operating Procedures for field
sampling and data collection are the primary guidelines for all cooperators and field teams. In
addition, repeat sampling and field evaluation and assistance visits will address specific aspects
of the data quality standards for the Survey of the Nation's Lakes.
7.1 Repeat Sampling
A total of 10% of the target sites visited will be revisited during the same field season by
the same field team that initially sampled the lake. The repeat sample sites were selected by
taking the first 91 lakes (10% of the lakes) from the entire draw of lakes for the survey. A list of
repeat sites will be provided to each State by the EPA Regional Lakes Coordinator. Because of
the selection process, some states may have a large number of repeat sample sites, while other
states may not have any. If a site selected for repeat sampling is dropped, then the alternate
assigned to replace it should be revisited. The primary purpose of this "revisit" set of sites is to
provide variance estimates that can be used to evaluate the survey design for its potential to
estimate status and detect trends in the target population of lakes. The revisit will include the
full set of indicators and associated parameters. The time period between the initial and repeat
visit to a lake should be as long as possible.
7.2 Field Evaluation and Assistance Visits
A rigorous program of field and laboratory evaluation and assistance visits has been
developed to support the Survey of the Nation's Lakes Program. These evaluation and
assistance visits are explained in detail in the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for the
Lakes Survey. The following sections will focus only on the field evaluation and assistance
visits.
These visits provide a QA/QC check for the uniform evaluation of the data collection
methods, and an opportunity to conduct procedural reviews as required to minimize data loss
due to improper technique or interpretation of field procedures and guidance. Through uniform
training of field teams and review cycles conducted early in the data collection process,
sampling variability associated with specific implementation or interpretation of the protocols will
be significantly reduced. The field evaluations will be based on the evaluation plan and
checklists. This evaluation will be conducted for each unique team collecting and contributing
data under this program (EPA will make a concerted effort to evaluate every team, but will rely
on the data review and validation process to identify unacceptable data that will not be included
in the final database).
7.2.1 Specifications for QC Assurance
Field evaluation and assistance personnel are trained in the specific data collection
methods detailed in this Lakes Survey Field Operations Manual. A plan and checklist for field
evaluation and assistance visits have been developed to detail the methods and procedures.
The plan and checklist are included in the QAPP. Table 7-1 summarizes the plan, the checklist,
and corrective action procedures.
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Table 7-1. General lake information noted during field evaluation.
Field
Evaluation
Plan
• Regional Lake Coordinators will arrange the field evaluation visit with each Field
Team, ideally within the first two weeks of sampling.
• The Evaluator will observe the performance of a team through one complete set of
sampling activities.
• If the Team misses or incorrectly performs a procedure, the Evaluator will note this
on the checklist and immediately point this out so the mistake can be corrected on
the spot.
• The Evaluator will review the results of the evaluation with the Field Team before
leaving the site, noting positive practices and problems.
Field
Evaluation
Checklist
The Evaluator observes all pre-sampling activities and verifies that equipment is
properly calibrated and in good working order, and Lakes Survey protocols are
followed.
The Evaluator checks the sample containers to verify that they are the correct type
and size, and checks the labels to be sure they are correctly and completely filled
out.
The Evaluator confirms that the Field Team has followed Lakes Survey protocols for
locating the lake and determining the index site on the lake.
The Evaluator observes the index site sampling, confirming that all protocols are
followed.
The Evaluator observes the littoral sampling and habitat characterization, confirming
that all protocols are followed.
The Evaluator will record responses or concerns, if any, on the Field Evaluation and
Assistance Check List.
Corrective
Action
Procedures
• If the Evaluator's findings indicate that the Field Team is not performing the
procedures correctly, safely, or thoroughly, the Evaluator must continue working
with this Field Team until certain of the Team's ability to conduct the sampling
properly so that data quality is not adversely affected.
• If the Evaluator finds major deficiencies in the Field Team operations the Evaluator
must contact a Lakes Survey QA official.
It is anticipated that evaluation and assistance visits will be conducted with each Field
Team early in the sampling and data collection process, and that corrective actions will be
conducted in real time. If the Field Team misses or incorrectly performs a procedure, the
Evaluator will note this on the checklist and immediately point this out so the mistake can be
corrected on the spot. The role of the Evaluator is to provide additional training and guidance
so that the procedures are being performed consistent with the Field Operations Manual, all
data are recorded correctly, and paperwork is properly completed at the site.
7.2.2 Reporting
When the sampling operation has been completed, the Evaluator will review the results
of the evaluation with the Field Team before leaving the site (if practicable), noting positive
practices and problems (i.e., weaknesses [might affect data quality] or deficiencies [would
adversely affect data quality]). The Evaluator will ensure that the Team understands the
findings and will be able to perform the procedures properly in the future. The Evaluator will
record responses or concerns, if any, on the Field Evaluation and Assistance Check List. After
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the Evaluator completes the Field Evaluation and Assistance Check List, including a brief
summary of findings, all Field Team members must read and sign off on the evaluation.
If the Evaluator's findings indicate that the Field Team is not performing the procedures
correctly, safely, or thoroughly, the Evaluator must continue working with this Field Team until
certain of the Team's ability to conduct the sampling properly so that data quality is not
adversely affected. If the Evaluator finds major deficiencies in the Field Team operations (e.g.,
less than three members, equipment or performance problems) the Evaluator must contact the
following QA official:
• Mr. Otto Gutenson, EPA Lakes Survey Project QA Officer (202-566-1183)
The QA official will contact the Project Manager or Project Technical Advisor to
determine the appropriate course of action. Data records from sampling sites previously visited
by this Field Team will be checked to determine whether any sampling sites must be redone.
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8.0 LITERATURE CITED
American Red Cross. 1979. Standard First Aid and Personal Safety. American National
Red Cross. 269 pp.
Baker, J.R., D.V. Peck, and D.W. Sutton (Eds.) 1997. Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment Program -Surface Waters: Field Operations Manual for Lakes. EPA/620/R-
97/001. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
Carmichael, W. W. 1997. The cyanotoxins. Advances in Botanical Research 27:211-240.
Jones, G.J., and W. Korth. 1995. In situ production of volatile odour compounds by river and
reservoir phytoplankton populations in Australia. Water Science and Technology
31:145-151.
Kamman, N. 2005 [Draft]. Development of Biocriteria for Vermont and New Hampshire Lakes
Criteria Development for Phytoplankton and Macroinvertebrate Assemblages for Three
Lake Classes. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. Waterbury, VT.
Klemm, D. J., P. A. Lewis, F. Fulk, and J. M. Lazorchak. 1990. Macroinvertebrate Field and
Laboratory Methods for Evaluating the Biological Integrity of Surface Waters. EPA
600/4-90/030. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Larsen, D. P., and S. J. Christie (editors). 1993. EMAP Surface Waters 1991 Pilot Report.
EPA/620/R-93/003. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research
Laboratory, Corvallis, Oregon.
Metcalf, R. C., and D. V. Peck. 1993. A dilute standard for pH, conductivity, and acid
neutralizing capacity measurement. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 8:67-72.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. 1981. Occupational Health Guidelines
for Chemical Hazards (Two Volumes). NIOSH/OSHA Publication No. 81-123.
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Ohio EPA. 1990. Ohio EPA Fish Evaluation Group Safety Manual. Ohio Environmental
Protection Agency, Ecological Assessment Section, Division of Water Quality Planning
and Assessment, Columbus, Ohio.
Persson, P.E. 1980. On the odor of 2-methylisobornol. Water Research 32(7):2140-2146.
Ruttner, F. 1969. Fundamentals of Limnology. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada. 295 pp.
Schindler D.W. 1987. Detecting ecosystem responses to anthropogenic stress. Canadian
Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 44, 6-25.
Schriver et al. 1995. Impact of Submerged Macrophytes on Fish-Zooplankton- Phytoplankton
Interactions - Large-Scale Enclosure Experiments in a Shallow Eutrophic Lake.
Freshwater Biology 33, no. 2: 255-70.
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Stanley, T. W., and S. S. Verner. 1986. The U.S. Environmental Protections Agency's quality
assurance program. Pp. 12-19 |J\I: J.K. Taylor and T.W. Stanley (eds.). Quality
Assurance for Environmental Measurements. ASTM STP 867, American Society for
Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
U.S. Coast Guard. 1987. Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats. U.S. Department
of Transportation, United States Coast Guard, Washington, D.C.
USEPA. 2000a. EPA Quality Manual for Environmental Programs 5360A1. May 2000.
http://www.epa.gov/quality/qs-docs/5360.pdf
USEPA. 2000b. EPA Order 5360.1 A2 CHG2, Policy and Program Requirements for
Mandatory Agency-wide Quality System, May 5, 2000. http://www.epa.gov/quality/qs-
docs/5360-1.pdf
USEPA. 1991. Volunteer lake monitoring: A methods manual. Office of Water, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC. EPA 440/4-91-002.
USEPA. 1986. Occupational Health and Safety Manual. Office of Planning and Management,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
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APPENDIX A
LIST OF EQUIPMENT AND
SUPPLIES
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Equipment & Supply Lists
General Equipment
50 m sonde cable with length marked in 0.5 m intervals
Anchor with 50 m line
Barometer or elevation chart to use for calibration
Batteries
Bleach
Access instructions
1-L wash bottle with deionized water
Buoy for marking observation point
Calibration cups
Calibration standards
Calibration QC check solution
Clear tape strips
Clipboards
Contact info
Electrical tape
Extra batteries
Field forms
Field notebook
Field operations and methods manual
Filtration apparatus with graduated filter holder
Fine-tip indelible markers
Float to attach to anchor
GPS unit with manual and reference card
Maps
Hand-held sonar unit
Pencils (#2) and permanent markers
Permission letters
Plastic storage tub
Pocket-sized field notebook (optional)
PVC sounding rod, 3-m length, marked in 0.1 m increments
Quick reference field operations handbook
Rubber gloves
Sampling permit (if required)
Scissors
Screwdriver
Spare water quality meter (optional)
Surgical gloves (non-powdered)
Survey of the Nation's Lakes Fact Sheets
Surveyor's tape
Tape measure (cm)
Watchmakers' forceps
1-L wash bottle labeled "LAKE WATER"
Sample labels
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Boat Equipment List
Motor
Gas Can
Lifejackets (1/person)
Type IV PFD (Throwable Life Saving device)
Bow/Stern lights
Anchor with 75m line or sufficient to anchor in 50m depth
Second anchor for windy conditions and Littoral sampling (w/50m line)
Sonar Unit
Oars or Paddles
First Aid Kit
Extra Boat Plug
Spare Prop Shear Pin
Emergency Tool kit
Hand Bilge pump
Fire Extinguisher
Boat horn
Sample/Data Collection
Modified KB corer
Modified kick net (D-frame with 500 urn mesh) and 4-ft handle
Core tubes
Screwdriver
rubber stoppers
Multi-parameter water quality meter with pH, temperature, and DO probes
Secchi disk and calibrated sounding line, marked in 0.5 m intervals
Integrated sampler device (MPCA design)
Spare net(s) and/or spare bucket assembly for end of net
Wisconsin net (243 |j,m mesh) and collection bucket
Wisconsin net (80 |j,m mesh) and collection bucket
Pre-washed 5-mL pipette tip
20 mL plastic (PET) scintillation vial in a Ziploc bag
Sample Processing/Preservation
95% ethanol
CO2 tablets (or Alka-seltzer or club soda)
Narcotization chamber
Lugol's solution
Hand pump
Osmonics 47 mm polycarbonate sterile filters
Plexiglas sectioning apparatus
Siphon tube with a bent plastic tip
Sterile disposable forceps
Sterile filter holder, Nalgene 145/147
Funnel, with large bore spout (optional)
Buckets, plastic, 8- to 10-qt capacity
Sieve-bucket or soil sieve with 500 urn mesh openings (U.S. std No. 35)
Small spatula, spoon, or scoop to transfer sample
Whatman GF/F or equivalent 0.7 urn glass fiber filter
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Sample Storage
125 ml sample bottles forzooplankton
50-mL steam-top centrifuge tube
500 ml sample bottle for algal toxins
1-L polypropylene bottles for phytoplankton
2-L polypropylene bottles for chlorophyll-a
4 L cubitainer
Plastic containers for sediment core slices
Sterile microcentrifuge tubes containing sterile glass beads
Aluminum foil
Electrical tape
Packaging/Shipping
Coolers
Cooler liners (30-gal garbage bags)
Dry ice
Wet ice
Self-sealing plastic bags
1-gallon self-sealing bags
Shipping tape
Fed Ex airbills
Class 9 Dangerous Goods label
A Site Kit will be provided to the field crews for each sampling site. Please call the Field
Logistics Coordinator well in advance of field sampling to request the Site Kits.
Supplies provided in each Site Kit:
• Field Data Forms
• Sample Labels
• Pre-washed 5-mL pipette tip (Mercury sampling)
• 20 mL plastic (PET) scintillation vial in a Ziploc bag for mercury sample
• Osmonics 47 mm polycarbonate sterile filters
• 60 mL petri dish
• Sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (2)
• Sterile 250 mL fecal indicator bottle
• Sterile disposable forceps (2)
• Sterile vacuum filter holder, Nalgene 145/147
• Whatman GF/F 0.7 urn glass fiber filter
• 125 mL sample bottles for zooplankton (2)
• 50 mL screw top centrifuge tube
• 500 mL sample bottle for algal toxins
• 1-L polypropylene bottle for phytoplankton
• 1-L benthos jars (2)
• 4-L cubitainer for water chemistry
• Plastic containers for sediment core slices (2)
• Sterile microcentrifuge tubes containing sterile glass beads (4)
• Foam envelope
• FedEx airbills for EPA Corvallis lab
• FedEx airbills for other labs
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APPENDIX B
SAMPLE FORMS
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APPENDIX C
SHIPPING GUIDELINES
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SHIPPING GUIDELINES
Before shipping, it is very important to preserve each sample as directed in the sample
collection portion of this Field Operations Manual.
• Preserve the samples as specified for each indicator before shipping (Fig. C-1).
• Be aware of the holding times for each type of sample (Table C-1):
o Water chemistry samples must be shipped the same day as collection.
o Chlorophyll-a and mercury samples have a longer holding time, but will be sent
with the water chemistry samples since they are going to the same laboratory.
o The remaining samples must be preserved immediately upon collection; they
may then be sent in batches to the appropriate laboratory.
WATER
CHEMISTRY
4 L cubitainer
Preserve on
ice
CHLOROPHYLL
(filter in 5QmL
tube)
V J
MERCURY
(20 mL
vial
Freeze immediately on
Dry ice
SEDIMENT
CORES
(Plastic
container)
V J
S N
MICROCYSTINS
(500-mLjar)
V J
ENTEROCOCCI
(filters in vials)
V. -J
Preserve on
ice
ZOOPLANKTON
(125-mLjar)
V J
Freeze within 8 hours
on dry ice
PHYTO-
PLANKTON
(1 Ljar)
v J
Preserved with
95% ethanol
f N
MACROBENTHOS
(1Ljar(s))
V J
Preserved
with Lugols
Preserved with
95% ethanol
SHIP ON WET ICE
ASAP AFTER COLLECTION
OVERNIGHT COURIER
REQUIRED
Saturday delivery OK
Keep refrigerated
(4° C) until
shipping (1-2
weeks)
Ship in batches
on wet ice
JL
Keep frozen until
shipping (1-2
weeks)
Ship in batches
on wet ice
Keep frozen (-20°C)
until shipping (1-2
weeks)
Ship in batches
on dry ice
OVERNIGHT COURIER
REQUIRED
Ship M-Th
No Sat delivery
OVERNIGHT
COURIER
REQUIRED
Package and
ship using dry
ice protocols
Ship M-Th
No Sat delivery
Ship in batches (1-2 weeks)
OVERNIGHT OR
GROUND COURIER
Package and Ship as
Dangerous Goods
(unless volume of
ETOH is low)
Ship M-Th
No Sat. delivery
OVERNIGHT
OR GROUND
COURIER
Ship M-Th
No Sat. delivery
OVERNIGHT OR
GROUND COURIER
Package and Ship as
Dangerous Goods
(unless ETOH is
decanted)
Ship M-Th
No Sat. delivery
Figure C-1. Sample packaging and shipping summary.
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Table C-1. Sample preservation, packaging, and holding times.
SAMPLE
Water Chemistry
Chlorophyll-a
Mercury
Sediment Core
Algal Toxin
Fecal Indicator
Zooplankton
Macrobenthos
Phytoplankton
PRESERVATIVE
Wet ice
Dry ice
Dry ice
Wet ice
Dry ice; must be
frozen within 8 hours
of collection
Dry ice; MUST be
filtered & frozen within
8 hours of collection
95% Ethanol
95% Ethanol
Lugol's
PACKAGING FOR SHIPMENT
Ship in cooler with wet ice
Ship in cooler with wet ice
Ship in cooler with wet ice
Ship in cooler with DRY ICE
Ship in cooler or sturdy container; ship with
courier's Dangerous Goods protocols; no
additional preservative needed for shipping.
HOLDING TIME
24 hours; these 3
samples shipped
together
Batch
Batch
Batch
Batch
Batch
Batch
When ice is used for shipment (water chemistry, chlorophyll-a, mercury, sediment cores, and
algal toxins):
• Ensure that the ice is fresh before shipment.
• Line the cooler with a large, 30-gallon plastic bag.
• Contain the ice separately within numerous 1-gallon self-sealing plastic bags.
• White or clear bags will allow for labeling with a dark indelible marker. Label all bags
of ice as "ICE" with an indelible marker to prevent misidentification by couriers of any
leakage of water as a possible hazardous material spill.
• Place samples and bags of ice inside the cooler liner and seal the cooler liner.
• Secure the cooler with strapping tape.
When dry ice is used for shipping (fecal indicator samples):
• Indicate dry ice on shipping airbill.
• Label cooler with a Class 9 Dangerous Goods label.
• Securely tape the cooler drainage open to prevent pressure build-up in the cooler.
• Secure the cooler with strapping tape
• See "Dry Ice Shipping Protocols" at the end of this Appendix.
WATER CHEMISTRY, CHLOROPHYLL-a, and MERCURY SAMPLES
• Water Chemistry
Stored in a 4-L cubitainer
Confirm that the cubitainer is labeled and covered with clear tape.
Place the cubitainer in a second bag inside the cooler liner.
• Chlorophyll-a
Stored in a 50-mL steam-top centrifuge tube
Confirm that the label with bar code is completed and covered with clear tape.
Place the centrifuge tube in a 1-qt self-sealing plastic bag.
Place the bag in a1-gal self-sealing plastic bag and place inside second bag with
water chemistry sample.
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Field Operations Manual
Page 92 of 96
• Mercury
Stored in a 20-mL scintillation vial
Confirm that the label with bar code is completed and covered with clear tape.
Place the vial in self-sealing Ziploc bag.
Place the bag inside second bag with water chemistry and chlorophyll sample.
• Close the second bag containing all samples.
• Surround the bag with bags of fresh ice. It is important to keep the samples as cold as
possible.
• Ship the water chemistry, chlorophyll-a, and mercury samples on the day of collection
whenever possible. If shipping on the day of collection is not possible, the samples must
be shipped the next day with fresh ice.
SEDIMENT CORE SAMPLES
Stored in plastic containers
• Confirm that the labels with bar codes attached to each of the containers containing
sediment (top and bottom) are complete and covered with clear plastic tape.
• Place the containers in a second bag inside the cooler liner.
• Close the bag containing all samples.
• Surround the bag with bags of fresh ice. It is important to keep the samples as cold as
possible.
• Samples can be held and shipped in batches to the laboratory for analysis.
ALGAL TOXIN SAMPLES
The sample needs to be frozen on dry ice as soon as possible after collection (within 8 hours).
• Confirm that the 500ml sample container is labeled and properly sealed.
• Place the sample container in a second bag inside the cooler liner.
• Pack the cooler with wet ice.
• Samples can be held frozen and shipped in batches to the laboratory for analysis.
FECAL INDICATOR
The sample needs to be filtered and frozen as soon as possible after collection (within 6 hours).
• Confirm that the container is labeled and properly sealed.
• Place the container in the cooler and close.
• Pack the cooler with 5-10 Ibs of dry ice.
• Refer to the DRY ICE SHIPPING PROTOCOLS at the end of this Appendix.
• Samples can be held frozen and shipped in batches to the laboratory for analysis.
ZOOPLANKTON SAMPLES
Preserved in 95% ethanol and sealed at the lake.
• Confirm that each jar is labeled with the appropriate bar code and covered with clear
plastic tape. If a sample requires an additional jar, confirm that the bar code number of
the corresponding labeled sample is recorded on the supplemental label.
• Verify that each jar is sealed with electrical tape and sealed in a quart-size self-sealing
plastic bag.
• Place the bags in the appropriate shipping container.
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Field Operations Manual
Page 93 of 96
• Surround the jars with crumpled newspaper, vermiculite, or other absorbent material.
• Samples can be held and shipped in batches to the laboratory for analysis.
NOTE: If shipped, these samples must be shipped as "DANGEROUS GOODS" and
should be packaged and labeled in accordance with the requirements of the chosen
courier. For shipping 95% ethanol via UPS, label as a flammable liquid; no more than
5 L total can be included per shipment.
PHYTOPLANKTON SAMPLES
Preserved with Lugol's solution and sealed at the lake.
• Confirm that the bottle is labeled with the appropriate bar code and covered with clear
plastic tape.
• Verify that the bottle is sealed with electrical tape.
• Place the sealed bottles in a gallon-size self-sealing plastic bag.
• Place the bagged samples in the appropriate shipping container.
• Surround the jars with crumpled newspaper, vermiculite, or other absorbent material.
• Samples can be held and shipped in batches to the laboratory for analysis.
BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE SAMPLES
Preserved in 95% ethanol and sealed at the lake.
• Confirm that the bottle is labeled with the appropriate bar code and covered with clear
plastic tape.
• Check to make sure jars are sealed with electrical tape.
• Place up to twenty 500-mL or ten 1-L jars in each cooler.
• Surround the jars with crumpled newspaper, vermiculite, or other absorbent material.
• Samples can be held and shipped in batches to the laboratory for analysis.
NOTE: If shipped, these samples must be shipped as "DANGEROUS GOODS" and
should be packaged and labeled in accordance with the requirements of the chosen
courier. For shipping 95% ethanol via UPS, label as a flammable liquid; no more than
5 L total can be included per shipment. Alternatively, the ethanol may be decanted from
the benthic invertebrate samples so that they may be shipped using standard overnight
shipping:
• Allow the samples to sit for at least 1 week to adequately preserve the organisms.
• Immediately before shipping, decant the ethanol from the samples jars, leaving enough
liquid to keep the samples moist.
• Make sure to use an overnight delivery so that the lab can immediately restore the
ethanol to the sample jars.
• Alert the laboratory so that they are aware they will need to refill the jars immediately
upon receipt.
DRY ICE SHIPPING PROTOCOLS
1. Indicate dry ice on shipping airbill
• Fill out Section 1 and Section 3 of the Fed Ex airbill with your Sender and
Recipient address and phone number.
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Field Operations Manual
Page 94 of 96
• In Section 4, check "FedEx Priority Overnight."
• In Section 5, check "Other."
• In Section 6, under "Does this shipment contain dangerous goods?":
Check "Yes/Shipper's Declaration not required."
Check "Dry Ice," and fill out" 1 x (ami, of dry ice in kg] kg"
• In Section 7, fill out weight and declared value of package.
2. Label cooler with a Class 9 Dangerous Goods label (available from FedEx) (Fig. C-2).
Shipper's Declaration not Require
Part B is required
Dry Ice amount must be in
kilograms.
Note: 2 IDS. = 1 kg
^Airwaybills/airbills must have the following:
I. "Dangerous Goods - Shipper's
Declarators not Required".
2. Dry Ice; 9; UN 1815; 111
\ 3. * Kg 904
Place the label on the front
side of the cooler, not the
top of the cooler.
Fill out #3 in the top right
hand corner of the label
with the same information
as in Section 6 of the
FedEx airbill.
Declare the weight of the
dry ice again in the lower
left hand corner.
Fill out the Sender
("Shipper") and Recipient
("Consignee") address on
the bottom of the label.
Figure C-2. Class 9 Dangerous Goods label.
3. Securely tape the cooler drainage open to prevent pressure build-up in the cooler. This
is critical to ensure proper venting of the dry ice.
4. Secure the cooler with strapping tape.
5. Place the completed airbill on the top of the cooler.
NOTE: Not all FedEx locations will accept shipments containing dry ice. Please be sure to call
in advance to ensure your location will accept the package for shipment.
TRACKING FORMS
A Tracking Form must be filled out to accompany each sample shipment. Please refer
to Figures C-3 and C-4 for examples of Tracking Forms completed for both unpreserved and
preserved samples. Be very careful to fill in the information correctly and legibly, especially the
airbill number, Site ID, and Sample ID numbers. Use the codes on the bottom of the form to
indicate sample type. The Tracking Form is to be placed in a self-sealing plastic bag and
included inside the shipping container. Before sealing the container, remember to contact the
Information Management Center (via fax or phone) using the contact information at the bottom
of the tracking form. For preserved samples, the Information Management Center must be
alerted both when the samples are brought to the holding facility AND when they are shipped to
the appropriate laboratory.
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
Page 95 of 96
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Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Field Operations Manual
Page 96 of 96
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