Stream and Lake Monitoring Protocol
SOP 04 – Training Field Personnel, v. 1.0, Page 1 of 5
Streams and Lake Monitoring Protocol
Arctic Network (ARCN) Alaska
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) # 04
Training Field Personnel
Version 1.0 (November 2007)
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This SOP describes the training procedures each observer for streams and lake
monitoring should receive annually for the five National Park units in the Arctic Network
(ARCN). Training is carried out well in advance of the upcoming field season and should be
completed by the end of June. This training includes both federally required safety training and
training specifically designed for shallow lake monitoring. Training includes the proper use and
calibration of the WTW water quality meter, the GPS unit, fluorometer, locating streams and
lakes collecting and analyzing water quality samples, physical habitat measurements, and
macroinvertebrate and vegetation sampling techniques.
I
Official NPS Required Safety Training
Our primary concern in stream and lake ecosystems is the health and safety of our
observers. To preserve observer safety we require a high degree of training before observers are
allowed into the field. The following safety courses are required of all observers involved in the
sampling. Each observer must be able to show that they possess current certification in the
following federal training programs:
1. Shotgun training – certified annually
2. Department of Interior Boat Safety – observers must hold a current certification (required
every three years)
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3. B-3 aircraft safety – if aircraft of any kind are scheduled for use during the field season
(required every three years)
4. Helicopter crew member training (S-272) – if helicopters are to be used during the field
season
The project manager is responsible for the general safety and welfare of the crew while in
the field and is required to take the following additional training:
1. CPR/First aid
2. Helicopter manager (S-372) – if helicopters are to be used during that field season (3 year
recertification program)
II
Training Program for Stream and Lake Monitoring
Effective training of observers is the single most important component of maintaining a
viable and effective long term monitoring program. Properly trained observers reduce interobserver error, help to streamline the in field sampling, reduce sampling errors, and increase our
ability to monitor aquatic ecosystems during the short summer field season. Being able to
properly collect data, use equipment, troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, and complete the
data collection are essential to the ARCN monitoring effort. We are committed to developing a
high quality training program that ensures observers are competent and confident in the
monitoring process and will guarantee the success of the project. Typically, we think of training
as that time spent in a classroom or out in the field demonstrating particular methods to new
volunteers. However, in order to be truly effective, it is crucial to integrate training into the
entire program.
Orientation
Observers are required to attend a basic orientation discussion that will outline the
training process, schedule, and required readings. The orientation session will cover the
following topics:
1. Program overview: discuss goals and measurable objectives of shallow lake monitoring
2. Basic program information – contacts etc.
3. How to Monitor: general techniques we’ll be using to monitor
4. Current Monitoring Schedule: what is the generalized sampling schedule for the
upcoming summer
5. Training schedule: what safety and monitoring training sessions are required and when
will they be offered
6. Required readings: observers are asked to read through the monitoring procedures
handbook which includes a narrative of the shallow lake monitoring protocol and all the
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SOPs for the project. Each observer should also familiarize themselves with the
following reference materials:

WTW Water Quality Monitoring System Operating Manual. Each WTW water
quality device is equipped with a photocopy of this document and it can also be
found online at
http://www.wtw.com/downloads/manuals/ba75420e04_Multi_350i.pdf

Wetland and riparian plant species lists

Common macroinvertebrate species list for project
Skill Development
After orientation and careful review of the necessary documents, the observers will begin
skill development training. This portion of the training program is primarily conducted in the
laboratory and on a local training lake. The emphasis is placed on learning and practicing the
skills necessary for completing the in-lake sampling. Observers are introduced to monitoring
techniques; maintaining, using, and storing equipment; and managing field data. We also
introduce common problems and solutions that are frequently encountered while using each of
the pieces of equipment. At this time basic proficiency will be tested by comparing
measurements among observers and trainers during training sampling trips.
General sampling information
1. Trip and Daily General Procedures
2. Locating sites
3. Installing permanent benchmarks
4. Sampling Procedure
5. Program Field Data Sheet
6. Review data sheets
7. Use of Personal Digital Assistant
8. GPS training (Alaska Regional Office Training Program)
9. Photography
10. Monitoring Supplies
11. Monitoring Checklist
12. A Glossary of Terms
13. Supplemental Information
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Water Chemistry
1. QA/QC for water samples
2. Chain of custody form requirements
3. Water sample collection
4. Proper labeling of water samples
5. Field site sample analyses (see individual analytes below)
6. Handling & transporting water samples
7. Laboratory analysis (including kits)
Conventional Water Quality Parameters. Practice calibrating and using a multiparameter
water quality meter. Personnel will read the equipment manuals and practice performing
instrument calibration and maintenance (changing dissolved oxygen membranes and
filling solution) in the office to gain experience.
Nitrate + Nitrite, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, Chlorophyll-A, and
Dissolved Organic Carbon, Cations, Heavy Metals. Personnel will familiarize
themselves with the field filtration process. Workers must be aware of hazards of the
sulfuric acid sample preservative and review MSDS’s.
Alkalinity. Personnel will be trained in the use of a digital titrator or buret with reproducible
results. Since pH color indicator changes can be subtle, analysts must be able to visually
distinguish the titration endpoint or else use a pH meter instead of an indicator solution.
It is recommended that field personnel gain experience by performing the analysis several
times in the office using tap water or, preferably, commercial alkalinity standard
solutions until they are familiar with the method and can obtain reproducible results. As
an aid in determining the endpoint color change, pH buffers can be mixed with deionized
water and the appropriate indicator added to the solution.
Macroinvertebrates
1. Selecting sites within reach
2. Sample collection - surber, kicknet
3. Macroinvertebrate sample processing- sieving, rinsing, storing and labeling
4. Sample handling and transport
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Sample Tracking
Train personnel in preparation of sample labels and use of sample tracking forms, and
procedures for contingencies, such as loss or compromise of samples.
Data Check and QC
Train personnel in data checking and QC procedures, including use of QC control charts
and handling of data that do not meet QC standards.
Data Entry
Train personnel in data entry procedures for each monitoring element.
Practical Testing
Field training is critical for developing the skills and confidence that observers will need
to be successful. Observers will be tested by performing a mock sampling event at a nearby lake
ecosystem. The newly trained observers will be required to demonstrate proficiency in each
aspect of the protocols. This portion of the training program is still in development. We have
outlined the general strategy below and intend to have a more detailed training program
developed by spring 2005.
1. Briefly review what water quality parameters do and do not tell us about the resource
2. Review safety considerations
3. Review the monitoring procedures the observers will be using
4. Demonstrate the procedures
5. Observers practice the procedures until they are comfortable with them, and trainers are
satisfied
6. Summarize monitoring steps
7. Observers and trainers do a monitoring run-through at a local lake, including data check
and entry. Results are compared and discussed. Objective is to ensure that similar
observations and results are obtained by all teams and that to the extent possible,
discrepancies are resolved before they are discovered in a remote field situation.
8. Answer final questions and concerns regarding field procedures.
9. Return to lab and review lab procedures and data entry, including data check procedures.
Project manager reviews results with field crew personnel to ensure consistency and that
any discrepancies are resolved and required modifications to the SOP can be made prior
to actual field work.
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