Environmental Monitoring &
Technology
Certificate 4 - Trainee Learner Resource
Environmental Fieldwork
Study Module 2
cffet.net/env
Environmental Fieldwork
Study Module 2
Assessment details
Purpose
This subject covers the ability to site and set up basic ‘ground level’ meteorological
equipment and collect and record reliable data. It also includes the ability to assess data
quality, interpret significant data features and use the data to ensure the validity of air and
noise monitoring measurements.
Instructions
◗ Read the theory section to understand the topic.
◗ Complete the Student Declaration below prior to starting.
◗ Attempt to answer the questions and perform any associated tasks.
◗ Email, phone, book appointment or otherwise ask your teacher for help if required.
◗ When completed, submit task by email using rules found on last page.
Student declaration
I have read, agree to comply with and declare that;
◗ I know how to get assistance from my assessor if needed…
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◗ I have read and understood the SAG for this subject/unit…
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◗ I know the due date for this assessment task…
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◗ I understand how to complete this assessment task…
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◗ I understand how this assessment task is weighted…
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◗ I declare that this work, when submitted, is my own…
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Details
Student name
Type your name here
Assessor
Marker’s use only
Class code
EF
Assessment name
SM2
Due Date
Total Marks Available
29
Marks Gained
Marker’s use only
Final Mark (%)
Marker’s use only
Marker’s Initials
Marker’s use only
Date Marked
Click here to enter a date.
Weighting
This assessment contributes 5% to the overall mark for this subject
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Water quality monitoring programs
The quality of surface and groundwater, estuarine and marine waters tends to decline
because of human activities. Management and action by government, community and
industry can reduce or reverse the decline in water quality, and that is the reason behind
environmental planning and compliance legislation as well as Australia’s National Water
Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS).
Water quality must be measured (discrete tests) and monitored (tested over time), regularly
and the results analysed, interpreted, reported and acted upon to achieve effective
concerted management.
A water quality monitoring program is managed activity that involves the testing, analysis
and data interpretation of water samples, which results in decision making about water
quality, and is designed to check how the quality of water is changing in a particular area.
In this course you will learn how to work within an existing water quality monitoring
framework (either within your workplace or at TAFE with the Westlakes Water Quality
Monitoring Program (WWQMP, Figure 2.1 below)). The Diploma level unit deals with how to
actually setup and supervise one of these projects.
Figure 2.1 – GIS imagery of the Westlakes Water Quality Monitoring Project run between
Hunter TAFE and Lake Macquarie City Council (1997 – present).
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Program objectives
Why do we need to collect data on water quality? Answering this question will determine
the type of sampling program set up. Typical reasons for sampling are:
◗ Determine ambient/routine analyte levels
◗ Assess known and potential contaminated sites
◗ Determine background levels of pollutants prior new works/developments
◗ Statutory legislation & regulations
◗ Process monitoring - performance management
◗ Quality Control
◗ Response to an incident
With regards to the program objectives of a program, the NWQMS states that;
“The chosen objectives of a monitoring program should answer carefully defined
questions about specific issues. The objectives should be chosen after a conceptual
model has been agreed upon: that is, a description of the system as it is understood at
that time, based on available information and discussion with all stakeholders.”
Once the objectives have been established, an understanding of the processes within the
system needs to be reached. This understanding will then assist in defining the analysis
required to satisfy the objectives and provide an estimate of typical results including range,
and seasonal variation.
Processes include:
◗ Manufacturing processes - treatment plants
◗ Weather Patterns
◗ Site history
◗ Hydro geological Data
Other Influences
◗ Morphology
◗ Human intervention
Sampling objectives
Whenever there is a need to collect environmental data it is generally impossible to
examine it as a whole, so we collect some small part of it as this is more convenient, and the
convenient part is called a sample.
The object of sampling is to obtain a representative portion of material to be analysed, and
ensure that it does not undergo any significant changes between the time it was taken and
the time it was analysed.
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The term representative means just that; the sample must accurately represent the whole
water body (statistically called the population). If the sample is not representative,
everything that occurs afterwards (the analysis, the data collected, and the interpretation)
will be incorrect by the degree that the sample is un-representative.
You will learn all about the statistics of environmental analysis in a diploma level of study
Sampling design
A sampling program can now be developed based upon the objectives and processes that
will occur. The types of sampling programs may have different requirements in terms of
type and quality of data needed, sampling frequencies or number of samples. There are five
main types of monitoring programs outlined below.
Process Control Programs
Process control programs usually involve the monitoring and control of specific aspects of a
process. The concentration of one or more anolytes is measured on a predetermined basis
to ensure that the analyte/s in question are within defined limits. Typical examples in the
water industry are:
◗ Fluoride in drinking water
◗ Chlorine levels - drinking water & discharges
◗ Nutrient removal in Sewage Treatment systems
◗ Turbidity Levels in Discharges
◗ Temperature & Dissolved Oxygen of Discharges
Figure 2.2 – Example of complex process control monitoring
The results are required in order to decide whether process is working, and to allow for
adjustments to be made when required. They can also be used to trigger further
investigation, and to predict potential influences on receiving waters. These type of
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programs are often served by online monitoring, providing real time data, and also allowing
for automated responses. The key to their success, is knowing the limitations of your
equipment, and on good maintenance and quality procedures.
Quality Characterisation Programs
Quality characterisation programs aim to estimate one or more statistical parameters that
characterise the concentration of the anolyte or its variability during a defined period. The
results may be required;
◗ To assess compliance with relevant guidelines or standards
◗ As part of a research investigation
◗ For characterisation of analytes which do not currently need to be controlled
◗ For long-term impact potential
Figure 2.3 – Example of a QC control chart
Statutory Monitoring
Statutory monitoring means monitoring that is required under an environmental (or other)
licence as a result of some legislation (EPA licence under the POEO Act is the most common
example for us). The content of these types of monitoring programs is specifically defined in
all aspects and will commonly have requirements for:
◗ Sample site locations
◗ Sampling technique
◗ Number of samples to be taken
◗ Frequency of sampling events
◗ Analytes to be measured
◗ Reporting Procedures
With typical examples including sewage effluent discharge licences, Water Authority Trade
Waste Agreements (TWA) and, as mentioned, EPA licences. You will learn more about the
statutory side of things in the Environmental Management subject.
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Figure 2.4 – Environmental Protection Licence form NSW EPA. A lot of the field technicians
work is as a direct result of compliance with these licences.
Pollution Investigation
These programs should be designed to determine the character and origin of a pollutant.
The sampling programs are a set of procedures, which when put in place, must be followed
in the event of an incident. As it is a responsive type of sampling, the protocols need to be
well established and staff familiar with the routine to allow for effective sampling.
In some states, government employees have a responsibility to the environment and are
legally bound to report any incidence of polluting, and to assist in the identification of the
offending party.
The procedures need to be flexible enough to allow for identification of unknown
substances, as it may not always be obvious to the sampler as to the nature of the pollutant.
The program must include provisions for quality assurance and control (QA/QC) and for
cover all aspects of documentation and procedures.
The program needs to gather the following information:
◗ Identify the source
◗ Identify any effects
The information needs to be legally admissible in court, so you need to take into
consideration the following:
◗ Sample volumes
◗ Clearly identify potential sources
◗ Type of waterway and flow characteristics
◗ Any licensed releases/discharges
◗ Recent weather conditions
◗ Any site history of similar events
◗ Eliminate any other potential sources
◗ Establish that change in water quality has can cause environmental harm.
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Programs for Baseline studies
These programs are designed to monitor the background levels of particular analytes and
can provide baseline data for future reference. It is important to ensure that a broad range
of analytes are measured to cover all potential future issues. This baseline data may then be
used to determine the potential environmental impacts of particular activities.
The LT Creek Project
TAFE has worked extensively with the University of Newcastle on a project that assesses the
impact that a mine could be having on the quality of LT Creek. This project has been
modelled directly from the methodologies used in the NWQMS Chapter 7, the Monitoring
Guidelines [look]. This project is ongoing and the data collected will be published.
They may be used in design of future treatment plants, determine end use options, or
provide data for comparative analysis to be incorporated in other studies. When designing
your program there are a number of criteria that need to be considered:
◗ Data quality Objectives - level of confidence required will directly affect the number
of samples taken
◗ Duration and frequency of sampling
◗ Sampling procedure
◗ Traceability of data
◗ Analytical requirements
◗ Sample point selection
◗ Chain of Custody procedures
Once the program design has been finalised, procedures for the sampling, laboratory
analysis and reporting of the data should be defined and documented. This documentation
should include the exact details of the sample site, steps for sample collection, provision for
quality control samples, chain-of-custody procedures, and the preservation and
transportation of samples. Procedures need to written in such a way that they are;
◗ Give Precise instructions
◗ Easily understood
◗ Leave no room for interpretation
◗ User friendly
It is important that documents are written in manner, which will allow staff at varies levels
to be able to follow and understand what is required. It is often useful to have your main
document concise, with reference to work instruction sheets, site files etc, to ensure your
document does not get too unwieldy, and difficult to maintain. The document should
contain:
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◗ Objectives
◗ Sampling information
◗ Quality Assurance
◗ Review Criteria
The objectives of all sampling programs should be reviewed regularly, to ensure the
program is achieving its goals. This review needs to look at the data collected, trends, or
outcomes, and compares outcomes of similar programs where possible. You need to ensure
that the data you are collecting is sufficient, and valid to allow you to achieve the desired
outcomes set out in the Sample Program.
The timing of these reviews is dependent on the type of program, with some reviews being
required frequently (eg, weekly, monthly) whilst others such as biological monitoring
needing long term data (eg 5-10 years) in order to be able to make sound conclusions.
Selection of sites
The selection of sampling sites will largely be determined by the objectives of the
monitoring program and the problem being addressed.
The design of most sampling programs for physical and chemical indicators have at least an
element of judgement in the selection of sampling sites because the experimenters usually
have a specific issue or problem to monitor and therefore have a reasonable idea of where
to confine their sampling activities. Considerations which need to be taken into account are
listed below.
Type of data to be collected
◗ in-situ measurements
◗ Physical Parameters
◗ Data from composite samples
Reference data
◗ Previous monitoring history
◗ Guidelines data from NWQMS methodologies
Site integrity
◗ Outside influence unrelated to the sampling program
◗ Changes to structure
◗ Mixing Zones
Safe access
This must be ensured under all conditions. If for example, the sites are inaccessible during
the wet season, then data cannot be collected and the program cannot address questions
about water quality during this period.
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Risk assessments should be carried out for all sampling points.
Figure 2.5 – Sampling must always be safe (this is water sampling at a volcano).
Site identification
Sites need to be accurately identifiable so that they can be sampled repeatedly. Global
positioning systems have Simplified this, particularly for marine environments.
Early intensive monitoring
Normally for a monitoring program that will be ongoing, the design will require a short
period of intensive monitoring. This would involve many sample points from throughout the
potential monitoring area. This will reveal the nature of the system and allow the sampling
regime and frequency necessary to provide a representative profile of the system to be
determined for each measurement parameter.
Environmental footprint
Impact on the local environment due to sampling activity. Care must be taken when
selecting sample sites, some issues which can arise include;
◗ stability of stream banks
◗ sensitive vegetation
◗ artificial introduction of new species
The selection of sampling points is the most critical part of any sampling program. Initially
Regulators may direct you to specific sites, but you should be ensuring that those decisions
have been made with appropriate information. In most EPA discharge licences, the licence
specifies the following:
◗ The point of discharge of any sort
◗ Upstream of discharge by ~500 m
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◗ Downstream of discharge by ~ 500 m
Authorities are looking for the impact on the receiving waters of the discharge. The distance
stated may be shorter or longer depending upon aspects such as;
◗ Flow characteristics of receiving water
◗ Flow characteristics of discharge
◗ Mixing zones
Case study
To work effectively with this unit, you will need to work with a case study. This could be
something that you are involved with at work, or you can use the TAFE program (mentioned
above). Either way, you will need to gain first hand practical experience with sampling and
testing of surface water samples.
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Assessment Task
After reading the theory above, answer the questions below. Note that;
◗ Marks are allocated to each question.
◗ Keep answers to short paragraphs only, no essays.
◗ Make sure you have access to the references (last page)
◗ If a question is not referenced, use the supplied notes for answers
Answer the following questions
1. What is a water quality monitoring program? 2 mk
Type your answer here
Leave blank for assessor feedback
2. List the five main objectives of a monitoring program. 1 mk
Type your answer here
Leave blank for assessor feedback
3. What is the key objective of sampling? 1 mk
Type you answer here
Leave blank for assessor feedback
4. What is meant by the term ‘representative’? 2 mk
Type your answer here
Leave blank for assessor feedback
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5. List the four main categories of sample design. 1 mk
Type your answer here
Leave blank for assessor feedback
6. Consider the differences between a process involving water (e.g. food manufacturing)
and natural water. What could we know about process water that we wouldn’t know
about natural water. 4 mk
Type your answer here
Leave blank for assessor feedback
7. List two (2) reasons why a statistical quality characterisation program would be
employed. 2 mk
Type your answer here
Leave blank for assessor feedback
8. What is meant by the term ‘statutory monitoring’? 2 mk
Type your answer here
Leave blank for assessor feedback
9. Identify the two key requirements or needs of a pollution incident investigation. 2 mk
Type your answer here
Leave blank for assessor feedback
10. A baseline study is used to gather water quality data before a development or other
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activity occurs. How would background information be used to inform us of change? 5
mk
Type your answer here
Leave blank for assessor feedback
11. Selecting sampling sites is critically important. What are the seven key aspects that
should be considered when choosing a sample site. 7 mk
Type your answer here
Leave blank for assessor feedback
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Assessment Submission
Answers
◗ Attempt all questions and tasks
◗ Type your answer into the text fields provided.
Submission
Use the documents ‘Save As…’ function to save the document to your computer using the
file name format of;
name-classcode-assessmentname
Note that class code and assessment code are on Page 1 of this document.
◗ email the document back to your teacher
Penalties
If this assessment task is received greater than seven (7) days after the due date (located on
the cover page), it may not be considered for marking without justification.
Results
Your submitted work will be returned to you within 3 weeks of submission by email fully
graded with feedback.
You have the right to appeal your results within 3 weeks of receipt of the marked work.
Problems?
If you are having study related or technical problems with this document, make sure you
contact your assessor at the earliest convenience to get the problem resolved. The name of
your assessor is located on Page 1, and the contact details can be found at;
www.cffet.net/env/contacts
References
Note that some of these resources might be available from your teacher or library
Other resources
If they exist, the items listed below are for general information only. If you know of a good
resource that other students might find useful let your teacher know and we shall add it to
the list.
◗ Nil
Where to get help
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Contact your teacher if you run into any trouble this unit. You would be surprised how
flexible we are at accommodating your needs, but communication is the key. If you don’t let
us know you are having trouble, we may have trouble trying to help you.
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