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EPA NEW ENGLAND REGION
2011 EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM FOR VOLUNTEER
WATER MONITORING
I. PURPOSE OF THE EPA EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM FOR VOLUNTEER WATER
MONITORING
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified improved water
quality as one of its highest priorities. The agency recognizes the value of
monitoring data in guiding EPA, states and tribes in efforts to improve the health of
the Nation's waters. There are waters, however, that states, tribes and EPA are not
able to monitor at all or only on at a very limited basis. Here in New England,
volunteer groups have played a valuable role in supplementing available monitoring
data. With this equipment loan program, EPA New England expects to support and
enhance the work of existing monitoring groups and assist the start up of new
groups to meet the goal of expanding the number waters which are monitored.
While EPA will give priority to qualified applicants who have not received an
equipment loan, those who have received equipment through the loan program in
the past are welcome to apply as well.
II. EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR LOAN
This loan program is restricted to equipment only, and does not include
expendable supplies (e.g. gloves, calibration standards, disposable pipettes, etc.).
EPA cannot loan computers, cameras. Other types of equipment may also be
unapproved, based upon review by EPA.
The equipment loaned to each selected group this year will be limited to $2,500 in
total value. This equipment will be available through a long-term loan of five years,
on an annual renewal basis. The type of equipment EPA can provide includes, but
is not limited to the examples provided in Section VII of this announcement.
Organizations are encouraged to be as specific as possible with the equipment
needed, and the features that are desirable.
III. ELIGIBILITY OF VOLUNTEER MONITORING GROUPS
The equipment loan program is open to all volunteer monitoring groups in New
England, including those coordinated by states, tribes, municipalities, universities,
and other organizations. It is open to groups along a wide spectrum of experience
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levels - those that are just getting started as well as those with extensive and long-
term experience. Higher priority will be given to groups which have not yet received
equipment loans from EPA.
As part of the loan program, selected groups will need to have a current Quality
Assurance Program or Project Plan (QAPP). If a group is just getting started in
monitoring, the QAPP will need to be approved by a deadline agreed upon by
EPA, which will allow some time for a new group to become familiar with details of
monitoring protocols and QA requirements.
The goals of data use must include a local application and sharing with at least
one state or tribal regulatory agency responsible for assessing water quality
conditions and reporting to EPA. Groups collecting data only for educational
purposes will not be eligible for this program.
IV. SELECTION PROCESS
Organizations that are eligible include:
• Organizations that currently provide monitoring data to a state or tribal
agency; are seeking to upgrade the type of methods used, and expand the
number or types of monitoring sites. Expanding coverage on a watershed
basis will be highly regarded by EPA.
• Organizations just getting started with monitoring who need equipment.
Evidence of a commitment to undertake monitoring with a goal of producing
data for long-term use, and meeting QA and data use requirements is
necessary. New organizations will be given special priority.
Minimum criteria for ranking applications include the following:
• Complete application: Applications with incomplete or missing information may
not be considered. Make sure all required information is provided.
Applications will be considered as they are received, with no follow-up for
missing information.
• A brief description of the organization to include: The goal of the organization,
brief history of the organization, how long the organization has been in operation,
and the purpose of generating monitoring data. Are there any partners involved?
• A statement that indicates there has been agreement with a state or tribal
regulatory agency about providing data for reporting under a Clean Water Act or
other federal statutory program. The name and phone number of the contact
with the agency is required, as generating data useable by a state or tribe
is one of the core criteria for a loan.
• The group has an EPA or state approved Quality Assurance Project or Program
Plan, or indicates the intention of having an approved QAPP by a reasonable
deadline.
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• A description or map indicating location and number of sample sites for which
equipment will be used.
• A description of how the monitoring program will be improved by upgrading
protocols, adding protocols, and/or expanding the number of sample sites.
• A statement identifying the goals of using a web-based approach in uploading
useable data to EPA's national water quality data system WQX/STORET. EPA
will assist uploading the first year's data that is useable for sharing, if the group
needs assistance. EPA expects data to be provided in a spreadsheet format
(e.g., ACCESS, EXCEL, etc.)
• Activities to share summaries of monitoring program results with local
communities or watershed areas as part of community outreach or education
efforts.
• Identification of the type and number of pieces of equipment:
o Provide a list of equipment in order of priority. Cost estimates are very
helpful, but EPA understands that final costs will be determined at the time
of the agency's purchase.
o A statement on storage and maintenance of the equipment.
o A statement outlining when and how EPA will be notified if there is any
loss or damage to the equipment.
• The application must also state full agreement with additional conditions
contained in this announcement
V. CONDITIONS OF EQUIPMENT LOAN AGREEMENT
a. Equipment can be loaned on a long-term basis of up to five years, renewable on an
annual basis. After this period, an additional loan or return of equipment may occur.
b. Applicant agrees to maintain equipment in good working condition.
c. Equipment will be labeled as belonging to EPA and will remain EPA equipment for
the duration of the loan.
d. The applicant agrees to notify EPA upon loss or damage to the equipment. Damaged
equipment may be repaired by EPA or may need to be returned to EPA without
replacement, depending upon circumstances.
e. A loan agreement will be signed by the responsible leader of the organization.
f. Each group will be required to develop a brief environmental data report upon request.
The report should be in final form by April 1 of each year.
g. Each applicant agrees to upload useable data to EPA's national water quality
database, the Water Quality Exchange (WQX). EPA will provide guidance and
assistance as needed. If not able to upload data, the applicant can provide data in a
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compatible format to EPA for uploading to WQX. If EPA uploads the data, the group will
need to provide metadata and other organizational information as needed.
VI. APPLICATION PROCEDURE & SCHEDULE
An application form is attached to this announcement. Applications should be
limited to five pages, including an equipment list and a map of sites (if appropriate).
Once applications are received, an Equipment Loan Application Review
Committee will review and make recommendations on selections. EPA will seek
input from appropriate State or Tribal agencies regarding selections as needed, if
there is no conflict of interest, (i.e., if a State or Tribal program is not an
applicant).
Applications will be accepted through close of business June 17, 2011
with selections to be announced by July 8, 2011. Applications can be submitted
through email (preferred) or in hard copy to:
Diane Switzer
EPA Region I, New England
11 Technology Drive North Chelmsford, MA 01863
Email: switzer.diane(S)epa.gov
For further information, please contact Diane Switzer at 617-918-8377 or
switzer.diane(S)epa.gov, or Katrina Kipp at 617-918-8309 or kipp.katrina(S)epa.gov
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VII. EXAMPLES OF WATER MONITORING EQUIPMENT
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Item Description
These are examples, but are not the only items EPA may loan. Prices
listed are estimates only.
Yellow Springs Instruments, Professional Plus, $1500
Yellow Springs Instruments, Model pH100, pH Meter, $350
Handheld sonar, $90
HB Instruments Envirosafe Thermometer $7
Beta Horizontal Water Sampler, 2.2 liter, $300
Chlorophyll Filtering Kit, $430
KickNet,$130-$230
HOBO base station, equipment & 10 temperature monitors
Microscope for Cyanobacteria ID & enumeration, $700 - $1
$1800+
000
Barometer, watch style, $60
Sieve bucket, $1 00 - $1 30
Secchi Disk & line,$75
Gravelometer, $50
Kestral Pocket Weather Meter (Wind speed, Temperature,
with replacement impeller, $120
Wind chill)
Macroinvertebrate Sampling Kit, $90
Forceps, $1.50
D-frame Dip Net, $70
Lufkin 100' Nyclad Steel Tape (feet/inches), $45
Garmin GPS 76CSx Meter with accessories, $600
Wisconsin Net, $260
LaMotte SMARTS Colorimeter, with accessories $1,300
Incubator for Bacteria Analysis, $1 ,700 - $2400
*Equipment and manufacturer names are provided for example purposes only, and
not reflect recommendation or endorsement by EPA.
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*< PR0t*°
APPLICATION FOR
EPA NEW ENGLAND REGION
2011 VOLUNTEER MONITORING EQUIPMENT LOAN
1. ORGANIZATION
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
2. PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR LOAN- will sign loan agreement
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
3. IS THIS A NEW OR EXISTING MONITORING ORGANIZATION?
D New
D Existing
4. DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION: (see instructions)
5. QAPP
Does the organization have a current Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP)?
D Yes - Date of EPA or state approval:
D No - Target date for an approved QAPP:
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6. WATERS TO BE MONITORED
Name of waterbody(s):
Watershed:
Do sampling locations have latitude/longitude determined by GPS?
_Yes
_No
Is a map of the area with locations of existing or planned sampling stations attached?
_Yes
_No
7. WATER QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS THAT WILL BE MONITORED
What parameters will be monitored?
How many sampling stations and at what frequency?
Describe where in the water column sample will be collected (e.g. surface, vertical
profiles, near-shore or deep water, etc)
8. EXPECTED USE OF DATA
What will the organization do with the data?
State agency that will use the data:
State contact name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
How will the data be used in the local community and by a state agency?
ill there be an annual data summary available?
Yes
No
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/ill quality control sample results (e.g., duplicate sample, blanks, etc.) be available with
submitted data?
Will useable data be uploaded to EPA's national waterbody system, WQX/STORET?
Yes No
Will EPA assistance be needed to accomplish this?
Yes
No
What type of outreach will the organization conduct to share results and educate the
local community?
9. EQUIPMENT: (Be as specific as possible, and list in order of priority. The total
value of equipment borrowed cannot exceed $2,500)
Equipment Needed
Equipment Source
(if known)
Estimated
Cost
10. LOAN AGREEMENT PROVISIONS - if selected you would agree to:
Submit data upon request
Submit annual data report by April 1 of each year
Have a current QAPP in place
Upload data to national WQX/STORET
Maintain equipment in good working condition
Designate a person to sign agreement and be responsible for equipment
Submit the completed application by June 17, 2011 by email (preferred) or mail to:
Diane I. Switzer
USEPA NERL
11 Technology Drive
North Chelmsford, MA 01863
switzer.diane@epa.gov
Phone:617-918-8377
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