Water Quality Monitoring Manual
for Construction Sites
 copyright Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
77 Grenfell Street
ADELAIDE SA 5000
For further information contact:
Environmental Systems
telephone : (08) 8343 2686
or
Stormwater Services
telephone : (08) 8343 2534
First Published December 2001
Revision 1: February 2012
Revision 2: July 2012
To ensure you have the most up-to-date version of this document refer to
http://cms.dtei.sa.gov.au/enviro_services/standards,_guidelines,_procedures
Developed with the assistance of ID&A.
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites focuses on monitoring techniques that
are appropriate for detecting sediment discharges and potential impacts on watercourses from
Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) construction sites. This manual is to
be used in conjunction with the DPTI’s Protecting Waterways Manual which covers stormwater
pollution management and protection of waterways during the planning, design, construction and
maintenance of infrastructure projects.
Water quality monitoring is a tool to assist in managing construction sites, evaluating project
impacts and ensuring legislative compliance.
A risk assessment approach is used for determining what intensity of monitoring is appropriate on
each project.
Four levels of monitoring are proposed, with each level building on the one before. A brief
description of each level follows.

Level One Monitoring represents the simplest form of monitoring and involves visual
inspections of the work site and potential receiving waters. Level One Monitoring is to be
applied to sites where there is a low risk of sediment pollution from a project.

Level Two Monitoring requires visual inspections plus water quality readings to be taken using
hand held field equipment. This level is applicable to most sites where a discharge is expected
but is considered unlikely to have a significant impact on the aquatic environment. It is
expected that Level Two monitoring will be the most common form of monitoring utilised.

Level Three Monitoring involves visual inspections plus the installation of automated water
sampling and monitoring equipment. It should be undertaken where there is a high risk of
sediment pollution. These sites would require an Earthworks Drainage licence from the
Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

Level Four Monitoring involves visual inspections, water quality sampling and biological
monitoring. Level Four Monitoring would be required where there is medium to high risk of
pollution and ecologically sensitive or pristine receiving waters downstream of the works. An
EPA license would be required in this monitoring category.
Monitoring Levels Three and Four will both require the input of professional advice to assist with
the design and implementation of the monitoring programs.
Criteria for assessing the monitoring results are outlined in the manual with reference to EPA water
quality policies and national guidelines.
The procedures provide guidance on the selection of locations for monitoring, the frequency of
sampling and the type of equipment that should be used.
Data recording and reporting requirements are outlined and standard data collection sheets are
provided.
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
ABBREVIATIONS
ANZECC
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council.
ARMCANZ
Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand
AUSRIVAS
Australian River Assessment System
AWQC
Australian Water Quality Centre
AWT
Australian Water Technologies
DENR
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
EPA
Environment Protection Agency (Department of Environment and Natural
Resources)
EPA-VIC
Environment Protection Authority-Victoria
EPP
Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003
NATA
National Association of Testing Authorities
NRM
Natural Resources Management
NTU
Nephelometric Turbidity Units – a measure of sediment
NWQMS
National Water Quality Management Strategy
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Contents
1
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 8
2
Outline of the Water Quality Monitoring Procedure .......................................................... 9
3
Determining the Level of Monitoring Required ................................................................ 11
3.1
Evaluating the Nature of the Threat from a Discharge .....................................................................11
3.2
Monitoring Level Decision Matrix .......................................................................................................13
3.3
Summary of Water Quality Monitoring Requirements......................................................................14
4
Establishing a Monitoring Program .................................................................................. 17
4.1
Identifying the Objectives ....................................................................................................................17
4.2
Background Information ......................................................................................................................17
4.3
Project Design and Planning ...............................................................................................................18
4.4
Determining Sampling Locations .......................................................................................................18
4.5
Determining Sampling Frequency ......................................................................................................19
4.6
Determining if Sample Replicates are Required ...............................................................................20
4.7
Determining Monitoring Program Duration .......................................................................................21
4.8
Reporting ...............................................................................................................................................21
5
Level One Monitoring ........................................................................................................ 23
5.1
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................23
5.2
Monitoring Records..............................................................................................................................23
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2.4
Site description .............................................................................................................................23
Climatic data .................................................................................................................................23
Photo points ..................................................................................................................................23
Sediment trapping facilities ...........................................................................................................24
5.3
Sampling Locations .............................................................................................................................24
5.4
Frequency of Sampling ........................................................................................................................24
5.5
Data Storage and Retrieval ..................................................................................................................24
5.5.1
5.5.2
Data sheets ...................................................................................................................................24
Data analysis, interpretation and presentation .............................................................................24
5.6
Reporting ...............................................................................................................................................24
5.7
Staff Expertise ......................................................................................................................................24
6
Level Two Monitoring ........................................................................................................ 26
6.1
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................26
6.2
Monitoring Records..............................................................................................................................26
6.2.1
Site description .............................................................................................................................26
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6.2.2
6.2.3
6.2.4
6.2.5
6.3
6.3.1
6.3.2
6.3.3
6.3.4
6.4
6.4.1
6.4.2
Climatic data .................................................................................................................................27
Sediment trapping facilities ...........................................................................................................27
Discharge characteristics ..............................................................................................................27
Photo points ..................................................................................................................................27
Water Quality Information ...................................................................................................................27
Sampling Locations ......................................................................................................................27
Frequency of Sampling .................................................................................................................28
Sampling Protocols and Equipment..............................................................................................28
Number of Replicates ...................................................................................................................28
Data Storage and Retrieval ..................................................................................................................28
Data sheets ...................................................................................................................................28
Data analysis, interpretation and presentation .............................................................................28
6.5
Reporting ...............................................................................................................................................28
6.6
Staff Expertise ......................................................................................................................................29
7
Level Three Monitoring ..................................................................................................... 30
7.1
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................30
7.2
Monitoring Records..............................................................................................................................30
7.2.1
7.2.2
7.2.3
7.2.4
7.2.5
7.3
7.3.1
7.3.2
7.3.3
7.3.4
7.3.5
7.4
7.4.1
7.4.2
Site description .............................................................................................................................30
Climatic data .................................................................................................................................31
Sediment trapping facilities ...........................................................................................................31
Discharge characteristics ..............................................................................................................31
Photo points ..................................................................................................................................31
Water Quality Information ...................................................................................................................31
Water quality parameters to be sampled ......................................................................................31
Sampling Locations ......................................................................................................................33
Frequency of Sampling .................................................................................................................34
Sampling Protocols and Equipment..............................................................................................34
Number of Replicates ...................................................................................................................34
Data Storage and Retrieval ..................................................................................................................35
Data sheets ...................................................................................................................................35
Data analysis, interpretation and presentation .............................................................................35
7.5
Reporting ...............................................................................................................................................35
7.6
Staff Expertise ......................................................................................................................................35
8
Level Four Monitoring ....................................................................................................... 37
8.1
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................37
8.2
Monitoring Records..............................................................................................................................37
8.2.1
8.2.2
8.2.3
8.2.4
8.2.5
8.3
8.3.1
8.3.2
8.3.3
8.3.4
8.3.5
Site description .............................................................................................................................37
Climatic data .................................................................................................................................38
Sediment trapping facilities ...........................................................................................................38
Discharge characteristics ..............................................................................................................38
Photo points ..................................................................................................................................38
Water Quality Information ...................................................................................................................38
Water quality parameters to be sampled ......................................................................................38
Other parameters that could be measured (site dependent) ........................................................39
Sampling Locations ......................................................................................................................39
Frequency of Sampling .................................................................................................................40
Sampling Protocols and Equipment..............................................................................................40
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
8.3.6
8.4
8.4.1
8.4.2
8.4.3
8.5
8.5.1
8.5.2
Number of Replicates ...................................................................................................................41
Biological Monitoring ...........................................................................................................................41
Sampling locations ........................................................................................................................41
The Frequency of Sampling ..........................................................................................................42
Sampling Protocols and Equipment..............................................................................................42
Data Storage and Retrieval ..................................................................................................................43
Data sheets ...................................................................................................................................43
Data analysis, interpretation and presentation .............................................................................43
8.6
Reporting ...............................................................................................................................................43
8.7
Staff Expertise ......................................................................................................................................43
9
Equipment for Water Quality Sampling ............................................................................ 45
9.1.1
9.1.2
9.1.3
9.1.4
9.1.5
10
10.1.1
10.1.2
Grab sampling (AS/NZS 5667.1 & 6) ...........................................................................................45
Automatic sampling devices (AS/NZS 5667.1 & 6) ......................................................................45
Review of monitoring options and costs .......................................................................................45
Sampling containers .....................................................................................................................47
Sample collection and transport ...................................................................................................47
Quality Assurance and Quality Control ............................................................................ 48
Testing samples in situ .................................................................................................................48
Laboratory operations ...................................................................................................................48
11
Health and Safety Precautions.......................................................................................... 49
12
References ......................................................................................................................... 50
13
Contacts ............................................................................................................................. 52
13.1 Government Agencies .........................................................................................................................52
13.2 Consulting Firms ..................................................................................................................................52
13.2.1
13.2.2
Water sampling programs (Manual and Automatic) .....................................................................52
Biological Monitoring (AUSRIVAS) ...............................................................................................52
Appendix A .................................................................................................................................. 53
Appendix B .................................................................................................................................. 55
Appendix C .................................................................................................................................. 72
Appendix D .................................................................................................................................. 73
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
1 Introduction
Infrastructure projects undertaken by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
(DPTI) have the potential to impact on water quality and the aquatic environment. Removal of
vegetation, earthworks and changes to drainage patterns can result in erosion and sediment being
washed into waterways, thus impacting on water quality, aquatic ecology and the aesthetics of
waterways. This Water Quality Monitoring Manual provides a guide to monitoring sediment
discharges and impacts on waterways. The purpose of monitoring is to assist in day to day
management of the construction site, to determine the impact of the project, and to determine
compliance with commitments and legislative requirements.
This manual covers monitoring of sediment and macro-invertebrates.
monitoring in relation to land contamination or acid sulfate soils.
It does not deal with
DPTI’s Protecting Waterways Manual provides guidance on assessing and managing impacts on
water quality through the planning, design, construction and operation phases of transport
infrastructure. The objective is:
“Where feasible and achievable, there should be no short or long-term degradation of water quality
or the aquatic environment from transport infrastructure.”
This Water Quality Monitoring Manual should be used in conjunction with the Protecting
Waterways Manual in the planning, design and construction phase of DPTI’s infrastructure
projects. Water quality monitoring is a tool that can assist in the management of construction sites
and should be undertaken in conjunction with the Soil Erosion and Drainage Management Plan
and site management measures.
The primary aim of this procedure is to provide a guide to water quality monitoring that will detect
any degradation of water quality or the aquatic environment from DPTI’s infrastructure projects.
The sampling procedure was developed using recommended criteria in the Standards Australia
AS/NZS 5667.1:1998 (general monitoring), AS/NZS 5667.6 (rivers and streams) and AS/NZS
5667.4 (standing water bodies); ANZECC Guidelines produced in 1992 and the draft revision in
1999; and the Victorian EPA recommendations (EPA-VIC, 2000).
The Procedure provides the following:





A guide for determining the level of monitoring required,
Methods for achieving the desired level of monitoring,
Guidance on the parameters that should be measured,
Information on monitoring and equipment, and
References to further information and literature.
Monitoring requirements should be considered during the planning phase and incorporated into the
Environmental Management Plan and contract conditions.
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
2 Outline of the Water Quality Monitoring Procedure
The level of monitoring required will depend on the potential impacts of the project and the risk to
water quality. This manual describes a procedure for determining the level of monitoring based on
the risk presented by a project to the water environment and the ecological condition of the
receiving waters.
Four levels of monitoring are described ranging from visual inspections on low risk projects to
visual inspection as well as more complex water quality and macro-invertebrate monitoring on high
risk sites near sensitive environments.
The following flow chart outlines the process for determining the appropriate monitoring procedure
for a project.
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Monitoring Procedure Flow Chart
Planning
Is there a risk of a discharge of
sediment laden water into the
aquatic environment?
Yes
No
No Monitoring Required
Monitoring Required
Planning the Program





Identify the objectives
Gather background data
Identify site management
measures
Undertake risk
assessment
Determine appropriate
level of monitoring
Section 3 to Determine Appropriate Level of
Monitoring. See Table 3.4 for a Summary of
Water Quality Monitoring Requirements for
each Level.
Further
information
Establishing the program

Sampling locations

Frequency of sampling
Further
information
Sampling procedure
Determine sampling procedure
for the project based on the
required level of monitoring
Further
information
Monitoring Equipment
Further
information
Reporting
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Requirements specific to each level are
described in these sections of the manual.
Section 9
Provides a description and indicative cost of
suitable monitoring equipment.
Section 10
Some sampling methods and samples will
require specific quality control procedures to
be followed or the results will be invalid.
Quality Control
Health and Safety
Section 4 outlines how to establish
objectives, what to consider when determining
the sampling locations, the sampling
frequencies and the number of samples to be
taken at each site.
Further
information
Further
information
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Section 11
Provides a list of some of the hazards that
might be encountered. DPTI’s occupational
health and safety policy and procedures must
be followed at all times.
Section 4.7
Provides a description of reporting
requirements during the project and on its
completion.
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
3 Determining the Level of Monitoring Required
The level of monitoring required can be determined by the following criteria:

The nature of the threat from a discharge (as determined by Risk Assessment in DPTI’s
Protecting Waterways Manual).

The level of protection for the environment (as determined with reference to ANZECC and
ARMCANZ, 2000), and

The protected environmental value of the catchment(s), as prescribed in the South Australian
Environmental Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003 and Natural Resources Management
(NRM) Plans.
A decision matrix is used to combine the above two criteria to determine the level of monitoring
appropriate for the specific infrastructure project.
3.1
Evaluating the Nature of the Threat from a Discharge
The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure’s Protecting Waterways Manual outlines a
risk assessment approach to determine the potential nature, scale and likelihood of any impacts during
the construction and operational phases of infrastructure projects. This is used to identify the level of
risk and mitigation measures that should be used. It can also be used to evaluate the likelihood of a
discharge occurring and having some potential impact.
The Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003 provides set ambient water quality objectives
for all South Australian water bodies and assigns a protected environmental value to these bodies.
Further specific water quality objectives may also be assigned to a specific catchment by the local
NRM Board. These objectives and values must be considered when determining the level of risk and
monitoring required.
An evaluation of the receiving environment is also required as an input to the risk assessment. The
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) describe a hierarchy
of three ecosystem conditions. Including these criteria when deciding the level of monitoring to be
carried out, will ensure the receiving environment is given an appropriate priority when determining the
monitoring requirements. The criteria are provided in table 3.1 below.
Table 3.1: ANZECC Ecosystem Condition and Required Level of Protection
Description
High conservation/ecological value systems: effectively unmodified or
other highly-valued ecosystems, typically (but not always) occurring in
national parks, conservation reserves or in remote and/or inaccessible
locations. While there are no aquatic ecosystems in Australia and New
Zealand that are entirely without some human influence, the ecological
integrity of high conservation/ecological value systems is regarded as
intact.
Slightly to moderately disturbed systems: ecosystems in which aquatic
biological diversity may have been adversely affected to a relatively small
but measurable degree by human activity. The biological communities
remain in a healthy condition and ecosystem integrity is largely retained.
Typically, freshwater systems would have slightly to moderately cleared
catchments and/or reasonably intact riparian vegetation; marine systems
would have largely intact habitats and associated biological communities.
Slightly– moderately disturbed systems could include rural streams
receiving runoff from land disturbed to varying degrees by grazing or
pastoralism, or marine ecosystems lying immediately adjacent to
metropolitan areas.
Highly disturbed systems: These are measurably degraded ecosystems
of lower ecological value. Examples of highly disturbed systems would be
some shipping ports and sections of harbours serving coastal cities, urban
streams receiving road and stormwater runoff, or rural streams receiving
runoff from intensive horticulture.
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A small impact may present a high level of risk in a high conservation environment but may present a
low level of risk in a highly disturbed system. When considering these points it is important to identify
whether an impact is likely to have a short or long-term impact. For example it may be incorrect to
assume that a presently disturbed system will always be in that condition. If the impact of construction
work involves only a short-term impact then the current condition of the receiving water is a reasonable
measure.
If an impact was to continue in the long term then a more conservative assessment of the long-term
condition of the receiving water (without the impact) is required.
Constructed wetlands are designed to treat pollution from stormwater run-off. They are not however
designed to take sediment from construction sites. They should be considered as a slightly to
moderately disturbed ecosystem.
The risk management process involves analysing the potential impacts from the project and the nature
of the receiving environment to identify the risk. The specific stages are as follows:





Establish the context- Define the scope of the risk management process,
Identify risks- Every conceivable environmental risk arising from the project should be recorded,
Analyse risks- Examine all the identified risks in relation to how likely it is to occur and the
consequences of it occurring,
Evaluate risks- A qualitative risk analysis matrix provides a simple way to evaluate the level of
risk, and
Treat risks- The risk assessment process indicates the risks that require priority attention, both
during and after project development.
An evaluation is made of the likelihood of pollution occurring and threats presented by that pollution.
The likelihood and consequence evaluations are combined to predict the risk presented by the project
using the following risk assessment matrix. Refer to the Protecting Waterways Manual for further
details. The risk analysis matrix developed in the Protecting Waterways Manual is presented in Table
3.2.
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Table 3.2: Risk Analysis Matrix (Refer Protecting Waterways Manual)
Consequence
Low
Medium
High
Minor adverse
social or
environmental
impact.
Measurable adverse
environmental or
social impact. Will
result in annoyance
or nuisance to
community
Significant damage or
impact on
environmental systems
and local community.
Widespread impact on
community resulting in
injury or illness.
Low Risk
Low Risk
Low Risk
Medium Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Likelihood
Low
The event could occur
only rarely, or is
unlikely to occur.
Medium Risk
(could be High)
Medium
The event will occur
occasionally or could
occur.
High Risk
High
The event will occur
often or is most likely
to occur.
3.2
High Risk
(Critical)
Monitoring Level Decision Matrix
Once a risk assessment has been undertaken the decision matrix presented in Table 3.3 is a tool to
assess the appropriate level of monitoring based on the ANZECC classifications of ecosystem
condition and required levels of protection (ANZECC and ARMCANZ, 2000).
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Table 3.3:
Decision Matrix for Level of Monitoring Required
Ecosystem Condition
DPTI Risk
Assessment
Low Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
Extreme Risk
3.3
Highly disturbed
systems
Slightly to
moderately
disturbed systems
High
conservation or
ecological value
Monitoring Level
Monitoring Level
Monitoring Level
One
One
Two
Monitoring Level
Monitoring Level
Monitoring Level
Two
Two
Three
Monitoring Level
Monitoring Level
Monitoring Level
Two
Three
Four
Monitoring Level
Monitoring Level
Monitoring Level
Three
Four
Four
Summary of Water Quality Monitoring Requirements
Table 3.4 below provides a summary of the various requirements for the four levels of monitoring. The
objective of the monitoring is to ensure that sediments are not entering the aquatic environment at
levels that might cause environmental harm and to ensure that remedial actions are undertaken, where
necessary. The purpose of the monitoring is to assist in the day to day management of the construction
site, and to determine compliance with commitments and legislative requirements.
The monitoring requirements become increasingly rigorous and complex with the higher levels.
Monitoring Levels One and Two are relatively simple and are able to be undertaken by staff who have
been given appropriate training. Monitoring Level Three requires specialist skills in flow measurement,
whilst Monitoring Level Four requires the services of a qualified freshwater ecologist who is familiar
with the identification and use of macro-invertebrates as indicator species.
For further details on how to carry out the procedures for each monitoring level, see the relevant
section in the text that follows this table.
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Table 3.4 Monitoring Requirements and Assessment Criteria for each Level
Level
Method


One
Two
Three
Four
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

Visual inspection of site erosion
and drainage management
measures
Visual inspection of drainage
discharge points
Photo Points
Temperature and rainfall from
nearest Bureau of Meteorology
station.
As above plus:

Record of colour of site water
discharge and receiving water
upstream and downstream of site

Manual Turbidity recordings.
As above plus:
Fixed in-situ automated sampling on
main watercourses with manual
sampling at minor discharge points to
record:

Turbidity

Water depth

Site rainfall
May also require:

Suspended sediment samples

Sediment grading analysis

Streamflow recordings
EPA (Earthworks drainage) licence
required, which could include other site
specific requirements.
As above plus:
Biological monitoring below site and at
a control site, (or at an EPA approved
reference site).
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Frequency
Criteria
Equipment
Expertise
Weekly and during rainfall
events
Sediment traps clear
and available for
trapping sediment
No visible sediment
discharge in receiving
waters
Digital or single lens reflex
50 mm camera
Staff with good
observational skills
and ability to reliably
assess, record site
condition.
Weekly and during rainfall
events
Discharge < 20 NTU or
no greater than the
turbidity of receiving
waters, if receiving
waters already exceed
20 NTU.
Munsell soil colour chart.
Portable turbidity meter.
Sample containers for
laboratory analyses or if
turbidity meter fixed in
office.
As above plus staff
trained in water
quality monitoring.
Continuous recording by
in-situ probe when
watercourse flowing.
Turbidity recording interval
to be set to suit flow
conditions but typically
should not exceed 15
minutes between
recordings.
Manual recordings should
be taken daily and during
rainfall events.
Discharge < 20 NTU or
no greater than the
turbidity of receiving
waters, if receiving
waters already exceed
20 NTU.
Monitoring should start
before site works
commence and consist of
one sample set during
spring and autumn.
Sampling should continue
for twelve months
following completion of
site works.
Results should indicate
no statistical change in
environmental health,
and site should maintain
healthy rivers
classification.
Fully automated recording
equipment.
Portable turbidity meter.
Sample containers for
laboratory analyses or if
using a desktop turbidity
meter.
Specialist sampling
equipment is required.
As above plus
monitoring program to
be developed and
overseen by a
qualified hydrologist.
Manual
measurements can
be taken by staff
trained in water
quality monitoring.
As above plus
biological samples
must be collected and
analysed by a skilled
freshwater ecologist.
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
Control Measures
Water quality monitoring is a tool to assist in the day to day management of the construction site to
determine project impacts and legislative compliance.
Using a treatment train approach
Sediment discharge
Scour
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4 Establishing a Monitoring Program
4.1
Identifying the Objectives
When establishing a monitoring program the objectives (or purpose) of the program should be
clearly established. These objectives will provide direction on the nature of the monitoring
program, determine the form of reporting to be used, and the parameters that need to be
measured. To ensure the results of the monitoring are valid, an objective should be expressed as a
statistically testable hypothesis (EPA-VIC, 2000).
Factors to consider in establishing the objectives for the monitoring program:

The potential impacts and risks associated with the project

Nature of the pollutants

Legislative compliance requirements

Particular environmental concerns raised by the local community and community
expectations

Cost effectiveness so that the monitoring effort is consistent with the potential scale of
impacts of the project

Expertise/training of personnel.
For example, if the main objective is to determine if a licence requirement is met then the
conditions of the EPA licence will guide what is measured, but if it is also to meet public support for
protecting a significant species then this must also be included in the program. If it is simply to
demonstrate that water quality protection measures are in place and working then collection of
physical data may be all that is required.
For the majority of infrastructure works sediment will be the main pollutant from the site. The
planning phase should have addressed the potential for land contamination or acid sulfate soils. If
these are an issue on the site, specific water quality monitoring measures should be included in the
management or rehabilitation plans.
4.2
Background Information
The following information needs to be collected prior to beginning the monitoring program:

Obtain any previous data relevant to the discharge point (historical, geographical,
hydrological, meteorological, water quality, biological) and assess its reliability,

Collect any background information on the characteristics of the receiving aquatic
environment both upstream and downstream of the discharge point, (eg significant species,
industrial discharges nearby),

Identify potential pollutants that may be mobilised by the project, and document potential
pollutant behaviour, fate and effects on the environment,

Identify and map any other discharges, landuses or disturbances within the monitoring area
that could affect the results,

Consult appropriate references for additional information on monitoring techniques if
required (see reference section),

Consult landholders where permission is required to cross their property to gain access to
the monitoring sites.
Once the above information has been gathered, the monitoring objectives and level of monitoring
determined from Table 3.3 should be revisited to ensure that they are still appropriate.
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4.3
Project Design and Planning
Setting up the sampling procedure is one of the most important stages, as ensuring it is
established with the correct techniques maximises the probability that the results will be valid and
useable. In setting up the monitoring program, the following items should be considered:

Parameters to be measured will depend on;
-
Level of Monitoring.
-
Legislation.
-
The discharge characteristics (Risk Assessment will identify this).
-
The environmental values.
-
Public concern.
 Selection of sampling locations that provide the necessary water quality information but
also provide;
-
Easy access.
-
Effective collection of samples.
-
Protection from vandalism.

Whether sample replicates are required;

The frequency and time samples are taken;

The duration for which the monitoring program will be undertaken.
Further information on monitoring is available in the following documents: Standards Australia
AS/NZS 5667.1:1998 (general monitoring); AS/NZS 5667.6 (rivers and streams) and AS/NZS
5667.4 (standing water bodies); ANZECC Guidelines produced in 1992 and the revision in 2000;
and the Victorian EPA recommendations (EPA-VIC, 2000).
Much of the sampling procedure will be site specific, as each site has a unique environment with
varying discharges and impacts. Therefore this procedure is a guide and is to be used in
determining what is needed and how to go about setting up the program. For example, the number
of samples required or location of sampling will vary with each project and how to determine this is
described below.
4.4
Determining Sampling Locations
Monitoring will typically be required in three key areas associated with an infrastructure project.
These are:

Within the works

Downstream of the works

Outside of the area of influence of the works (eg upstream) as a baseline or control.
The individual sampling locations will need to be selected to ensure that the required water quality
information is collected. Factors to be considered include:

Ensuring all areas that are likely to be impacted by a discharge are monitored. If there are
several tributaries which receive a discharge from the construction site then there may
need to be several monitoring sites.

Sample sites must be located in an appropriate area to detect the required water quality or
environmental factor. For example;
-
Is the pollutant likely to be found in the water column or in the sediment?
-
The downstream site must be within the area of impact.
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If there are sediment basins, monitoring may need to be carried out above and below these
to establish sediments are not escaping and impacting the environment.

An EPA license may nominate specific locations where monitoring must take place.

The ability to install and operate equipment during high rainfall events. Samples will need
to be collected in these periods and hence safe and reliable access is important.

The site should be readily accessible for storage and transport of samples (either by car,
4WD, foot, boat etc) but should also be secure and the equipment protected against
vandalism.

Occupational, Health, Safety and Welfare (OHS&W) issues are to be considered, along
with any environmental issues that site access may cause.

Experimental design:
-
The site will influence the selection of techniques. (For example, if streamflow is to be
measured then an existing culvert or ford may provide a useful sampling point, whilst
the specific characteristics of the site will determine if water level or water level and
velocity should be recorded).
-
The spatial and temporal distribution of the pollutant or parameter to be measured in
the water column. (For example, a macro-invertebrate that is required as an indicator
species may only be located in the sediment at certain times of the year (some
research or advice from experts may be required to determine this).
-
Sampling sites which are selected to compare water quality above and below the
discharge point should be selected on the basis that they exhibit similar environmental
characteristics.
The following should be considered regarding the distribution of samples across an area:

Water quality and pollutant concentrations will be influenced by factors such as sediment
size, water flow and mixing.

Note that the distribution of the item to be measured (ie pollutant or invertebrates) may be
patchy, a good sampling design will assist in accounting for this by the use of controls and
sufficient replicates).

Discharges into fast running streams will usually mix vertically completely within a
kilometre. Hence normally a watercourse only needs to be sampled at one depth. If the
water body is slow moving then there may be some stratification to be aware of that may
influence the distribution of sediments (AS/NZS 5667.6 & .4 provides further details).
4.5
Determining Sampling Frequency
The selection of a sampling frequency will largely be a value judgment of the person designing the
monitoring program. It will generally increase with the level of monitoring and with greater
environmental value of the receiving water. It will depend on:

When water flows over the work site and into the watercourse.

The frequency of rainfall events because it is important to collect water quality samples and
recordings during rainfall events.

Monitoring should be continued after an impact to determine the recovery of the
environment. It should only cease after it is certain the environment has recovered from the
impact.

The condition of the site. Monitoring should occur more frequently during high risk activities
such as earthworks and while large areas of the site are open to erosion.

Monitoring will depend on seasonal conditions, and is typically less frequent in dry periods
and more frequent in winter. Ambient water quality changes seasonally and with biological
monitoring many species fluctuate in number seasonally.
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Regular samples should be taken at the same time each day but additional samples may
also be required. For example, samples during rainfall events are required and in some
instances it may be necessary to sample to identify diurnal variations.

Any requirements stipulated in an EPA license (if there is one).

The cost of some monitoring procedures may limit the amount of data that can be collected
and hence this needs to be considered in the project design and costing.
4.6
Determining if Sample Replicates are Required
Water quality will typically be highly variable during flow events. Different results can also be
recorded when samples are taken side by side at the same time. In taking a sample the intent is to
use the results from that sample as a measure of the quality of all the water passing the sampling
point at that time. The sample will only ever be an estimate because water quality is not
homogeneous. It will be more valid statistically, if more than one sample is taken at any one time
at each sampling location, so that a better representative estimate can be made. These additional
samples are called replicates.
The number of replicates will be dependent upon the variability in the water quality at the sampling
site. When variability or “patchiness” is great the replicates will be less similar and more replicates
will need to be taken to be able to distinguish changes due to discharges from natural changes.
When impacts are small the difference between the impact and the natural changes will be smaller
and therefore more replicates will be required.
Once replicates are gathered and analysed, the results for each sample are averaged and the
variability about the mean determined. The average figure represents the value for that sample,
and the variability represents how much the criteria being sampled changes at that site, at that
particular time.
The power to detect an impact is determined by the sampling intensity. The more replicates taken,
the greater the power. The probability of detecting an impact or “power” can be varied depending
on the sensitivity required. For example, an area of greater biological or economic importance, may
need a greater level of protection. The ability to detect impacts, therefore, may need to be more
sensitive, requiring a greater power and therefore more replicates.
The number of replicates taken will depend on (AS/NZS 5667.1:1998):

The Level of Monitoring

The objective of the sampling program

The type of chemical analyses

The confidence level for the analytical results (See below for statistical power)

Cost of laboratory analyses.
In most cases it is expected that replicates will not be taken and will only be required for higher
levels of monitoring on particularly sensitive sites.
Where replicates can be justified, a power analysis is ideally used to calculate the number of
replicates that are needed at each site for an appropriate level of confidence for that sample. The
number of replicates required to achieve a desired power can be calculated using mathematical
formulas such as those in Zar (1984). The most common method of applying these formulas is to
use an appropriate statistical package. Environmental consultants would have access to such
packages.
Cost may prohibit a power analysis, but replicates of each sample should still be taken where
possible (it may not be possible if samples are very expensive or for automated samplers for
example that only take one sample, but if these are taken regularly, samples close together would
act as replicates). A simple rule of thumb to use, is the greater the variability of samples at each
site, the greater the number of replicates required. With more expensive samples cost may still
prohibit replicates.
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Another option if cost is a limiting factor, is to pool replicate samples into a composite. This is a
cost effective method of representing a site that is variable (EPA-VIC, 2000). This technique mixes
the collected samples to give an average concentration. However, great care needs to be taken to
ensure samples are not biased, as one sample that has very low concentrations can affect the
whole sample, and this variability is of course missed when the samples are pooled. This
technique is not appropriate for analysing dissolved gasses (AS/NZS 5667.1:1998). Also samples
will not be able to be compared statistically if the replicates are pooled.
4.7
Determining Monitoring Program Duration
The duration for which the monitoring program will run should be determined during the Water
Quality Risk Assessment process when the level of monitoring required is also determined. This
will allow the appropriate parties (ie local council, natural resource management board etc) to have
input.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ rule for the duration of monitoring. The objectives of the monitoring
program should be considered (see 4.1) and whether the risks to water quality that the project
presents have ceased or have been reduced to an acceptable level. This would generally mean
that construction and stabilisation works have been completed. This may be at ‘practical
completion’ or at an earlier time when risk levels have dropped.
Monitoring on certain areas of a project may ramp down ie drop from level 2 monitoring to level 1
monitoring, or cease at different stages during the project. This may mean that if works affecting
one watercourse has been completed and all stabilisation works have been implemented the
monitoring level may reduce or cease completely while works and monitoring in other areas are
continuing. This is often appropriate for linear projects, particularly rail works.
The duration of monitoring should be included in the Contract Specific Requirements and the
Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan. The Contractor and DPTI’s Environment Officer (in
consultation with DPTI’s Senior Hydrologist) may negotiate changes to the duration originally
stated if it becomes apparent that risks have reduced on site.
4.8
Reporting
Three forms of reporting are required throughout the life of the project:

Monitoring Plan
A report which describes the objectives of the monitoring program, results of the risk
assessment, how the receiving environment was classified, and reasons for selection of the
Level of Monitoring. This report should also describe the responsibility and method for
undertaking and reporting the monitoring program so that requirements can be clearly set
out in the contract documentation. It is important that this report links water quality
monitoring to the management of the site and the Soil Erosion and Drainage Management
Plan.

Monitoring Implementation Report
The results of the water quality monitoring should be reported regularly and linked to
reporting on site management and the implementation of the Soil Erosion and Drainage
Management Plan. The reports should document monitoring activities and results as well
as recommendations for changes in management of the site to reduce impacts (if required).
The subsequent reporting period should include a description of on-site actions taken if
changes have been recommended in the previous monitoring report, or if not, why this is
the case.
These reports would typically be weekly reports. The following information should be
contained in the weekly report:
- The aim of monitoring and level of monitoring
- Location of monitoring
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Photographs of site drainage and receiving waters
Daily temperature and rainfall readings
Description of environment, eg water clarity, algae present, aquatic and terrestrial
vegetation type and abundance/density (estimate)
Results of water quality analysis and whether they meet guidelines.
Site management actions taken in response to water quality readings that are above
guidelines.
Refer to sections 5 to 8 for details required at each level of monitoring.

Project Review Report
At the completion of the project a review of the effectiveness of the monitoring program
should be undertaken by DPTI in liaison with the contractor to provide a feedback loop for
future projects. This should include:
-
An introduction outlining the reasons for the monitoring
A description of the site and infrastructure works carried out (including a detailed
map)
The results of the Risk Assessment
The methodologies used for the sampling procedure, the level of monitoring
assigned to the project, and the compliance criteria that was selected
Details of data calculations
Before and after works comparisons and trend analyses
Results of the monitoring.
The results and discussion should include the following information:
- The nature of the impact if there is one
- The cause of the impact if possible
- The actions taken on the high/abnormal results of the monitoring (if there were any)
- Details on continued monitoring after completion of the infrastructure works if
required (to monitor the recovery and ensure the impact is not sustained)
- Precautions taken to avoid the impact continuing and/or occurring again
- The potential for significant long-term effects, the mechanisms of change and their
biological significance
- The implications of the results with concluding remarks, which should also suggest
improvements and further monitoring if necessary.
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5 Level One Monitoring
Method
 Visual inspection of
site erosion and
drainage management
measures
 Visual inspection of
drainage discharge
points
 Photo Points
 Temperature and
rainfall from nearest
Bureau of Meteorology
station.
5.1
Frequency
Criteria
Weekly and
during
rainfall
events
Sediment traps (eg
silt fences, hay
bales, silt socks)
clear and available
for trapping
sediment.
No visible sediment
discharge in
receiving waters.
Equipment
Digital or
single lens
reflex 50 mm
camera
Expertise
Staff with good
observational
skills and ability
to reliably record
site condition.
Introduction
The monitoring objective is to ensure sediments are not entering the aquatic environment and that
remedial actions are undertaken where necessary to prevent pollution of waterways. If there are
any sediment discharge(s) into the aquatic environment this should be noted on the datasheet and
be immediately reported to the site manager so that remedial actions can be taken. Consideration
should be given to increase monitoring to Level Two if sediment discharges are likely to continue.
Monitoring consists of:

Visually checking the effectiveness site soil erosion and drainage management measures and
potential discharge point(s) for sediment discharges,

Establishing photo points at the potential discharge point(s),

Reporting results.
5.2
Monitoring Records
The following information should be recorded.
5.2.1
Site description
Basic information describing the site should be recorded on the first page of the water quality
monitoring data sheets (Appendix B).
Create a plan of the monitoring site in relation to drainage lines, receiving waters, vegetated or
environmentally sensitive areas, any work site depots/workshop areas etc, and the extent of the
works generally.
The site description should also include site characteristics such as slope. Much of this information
should be available from the Soil Erosion and Drainage Management Plan for the project.
5.2.2
Climatic data
Daily weather conditions should be recorded including maximum temperature, rainfall in last 24
hours. The nearest Bureau of Meteorology measuring site with similar characteristics is
appropriate for Level One monitoring.
5.2.3
Photo points
Appropriate photo points should be established. The aim being to provide visual evidence of the
state of the receiving environment before and after any discharges associated with construction
works. A visual record is an extremely useful tool in monitoring, as it provides additional support to
the site observations.
Photos are to be taken before, during and after the infrastructure works. The need for photos will
be dependent on the level of monitoring required, but generally the greater risk to the environment,
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the more frequent the photos. It would be prudent to take photos on a weekly basis during the
works. In addition they may also be taken immediately after or during a rainfall event.
A methodology for taking these photos is supplied in Appendix C, with the datasheets for recording
the monitoring information, in Appendix B.
5.2.4
Sediment trapping facilities
On a weekly basis, note and record percentage of sediment trapping capacity remaining. Record
amount of sediment removed from sediment traps when they are cleaned or removed.
5.3
Sampling Locations
Level one monitoring observations should be undertaken at site soil erosion and drainage
management measures, and at the possible drainage discharge point(s).
5.4
Frequency of Sampling
Frequency of sampling will be based on the season, rainfall events and the perceived risk of a
discharge. The greater the risk or environmental value of the area, the more often it will be
necessary to monitor. It is recommended that monitoring be carried out weekly and also during or
immediately following rainfall events.
5.5
5.5.1
Data Storage and Retrieval
Data sheets
Basic information describing the site should be recorded on the water quality monitoring data
sheets (Appendix B).
5.5.2
Data analysis, interpretation and presentation
Level One, data analysis consists of monitoring the effectiveness of site soil erosion and drainage
management measures and site drainage points for evidence of sediment in runoff and
watercourses. Data should either be stored on a database or in a secure filing system for inclusion
in weekly site reports.
Any sediment laden discharge into the aquatic environment should be immediately reported to the
site manager, and consideration given to whether the monitoring should increase to Level Two or
above, if necessary.
5.6
Reporting
Project reporting requirements outlined in Section 4.7 should be implemented.
During the construction phase, monitoring results should be included in a weekly report that
documents the performance of the site management measures whether or not a discharge(s) were
found, and any action(s) taken to improve the management measures and prevent discharges.
Appendix B provides a standard report format for Level One monitoring.
5.7
Staff Expertise
Staff with good observational skills and ability to reliably record and report on site condition and
take photographs are required.
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Level One Monitoring
Visual Inspection of operating practices and the effectiveness of site erosion and drainage management
measures and inspection of drainage points for sediment discharges.
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6 Level Two Monitoring
Method
Frequency
Criteria
As for Level One plus:


Record colour of
site water discharge
and receiving water
upstream and
downstream of site.
Weekly and
during rainfall
events
Manual Turbidity
recordings.
6.1
Discharge < 20
NTU or no
greater than the
turbidity of
receiving waters,
if receiving
waters already
exceed 20 NTU.
Equipment
Munsell soil
colour chart.
Portable turbidity
meter.
Sample
containers for
laboratory
analyses or if
turbidity meter
fixed in office.
Expertise
Staff with good
observational
skills & ability to
reliably record
site condition.
Staff trained in
water quality
monitoring.
Introduction
The monitoring objective is to ensure sediments are not entering the aquatic environment at a level
that might cause environmental harm; and to ensure that remedial actions are undertaken where
necessary.
Monitoring consists of:

Visually checking the effectiveness of site soil erosion and drainage management measures
and discharge point(s) for sediment discharges

Establishing photo points at the discharge point(s)

Recording the colour of site water discharges and the receiving waters upstream and
downstream of the site

Taking manual turbidity readings

Reporting results.
6.2
6.2.1
Monitoring Records
Site description
Basic information describing the site should be recorded on the first page of the water quality
monitoring data sheets (Appendix B).
Create a plan of the monitoring site in relation to drainage lines, receiving waters, areas of native
vegetation, any work site depots/workshop areas etc, and the extent of the works generally. This
plan should also include information on slope. Much of this information should be available from
the Soil Erosion and Drainage Management Plan for the project.
Watercourse characteristics at discharge point(s) and monitoring locations should be recorded at
the start of the project. Parameters such as mean width, depth, and the composition of the bed of
the watercourse are required (sandy/rock/clay; vegetated/bare; stable /unstable). If these
parameters change during the project this must also be recorded.
A description of the aquatic environment is also required. This should include information on water
clarity, whether algae is present, as well as information on the predominant aquatic and terrestrial
vegetation type and abundance/density (estimate). These parameters should be observed during
weekly inspections.
The cross section of the watercourse should be surveyed at the sampling point. The watercourse
bed level should also be recorded at a point 50 metres upstream and downstream. This
information can then be used to estimate flows in the watercourse if this becomes necessary.
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6.2.2
Climatic data
Daily weather conditions including, maximum temperature and rainfall in the last 24 hours should
be recorded. The nearest representative Bureau of Meteorology recording station is suitable for
Level Two Monitoring.
6.2.3
Sediment trapping facilities
On a weekly basis, note and record percentage of sediment trapping capacity remaining. Record
amount of sediment removed from sediment traps when they are cleaned or removed.
6.2.4
Discharge characteristics
Inspect site on a weekly basis and during rainfall events. Note any evidence of discharges:
 Location of discharge.
 Colour of discharge (Use a Munsell soil colour chart).
 Colour of receiving waters upstream and downstream (Use a Munsell soil colour chart).
6.2.5
Photo points
Appropriate photo points should be established. The aim being to provide visual evidence of the
state of the environment before and after any discharges associated with the works. A visual
record is an extremely useful tool in monitoring, as it provides additional support to the site
observations. Photo points should be established upstream of the works, at discharge point(s), and
downstream of the works. Photo points could also be established at selected sediment trapping
facilities.
Photos are to be taken before, during and after the infrastructure works. The need for photos will
be dependent on the level of monitoring required, but generally the greater risk to the environment,
the more frequent the photos. It would be prudent to take photos on a weekly basis during the
works. In addition they may also be taken immediately after possible impacts from discharges,
such as if a high turbidity reading is gained.
A methodology for taking these photos is supplied in Appendix C, with the datasheets for recording
the monitoring information, in Appendix B.
6.3
Water Quality Information
For Level Two Monitoring, manual turbidity recordings should be taken. Turbidity provides an
indication of the amount of sediment that is being discharged into and carried in the receiving
waters. Readings should be taken weekly and during rainfall events.
Water depth recordings should also be made when turbidity readings are taken. This process can
be simplified with the installation of standard Gauge Boards in the watercourse or drain. Details on
Gauge Board installation can be obtained from the Department for Water Science Monitoring and
Information Division: Resource Monitoring Unit.
Turbidity should be measured with a portable hand held probe. Readings from the probe should
be regularly crosschecked with a laboratory-analysed sample for a range of field turbidity readings.
Field turbidity readings are likely to vary between 20 and 200 NTU depending on flow and
discharge characteristics. Ideally turbidity readings should be below 20 NTU as per the
Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003, or at least no greater than the turbidity in the
receiving water if this already exceeds 20 NTU. If readings fail these tests an investigation should
be undertaken to determine and eliminate the cause.
Whether to test for other substances will be site dependent. Investing actions during the planning
phase and the Risk Assessment should identify the presence of any other substances in the soil
that could also place the environment at risk.
6.3.1
Sampling Locations
Water quality monitoring is required at the discharge point(s) and upstream and downstream of the
works.
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6.3.2
Frequency of Sampling
In-situ water quality monitoring should be carried out weekly using a hand held turbidity meter. This
is, of course, flexible and should be based on the degree of risk; the lower the risk, the less
frequent the sampling. However, monitoring should always be carried out during rainfall events.
The results from in-situ water quality testing should be cross-checked monthly by sending samples
to a laboratory.
6.3.3
Sampling Protocols and Equipment
Level Two Monitoring is carried out using hand held turbidity meters or taking laboratory samples.
Portable turbidity meters can be used to take turbidity readings directly at the site and hence
provide a rapid and direct means of measuring water quality in the environment.
Meters require regular calibration and need to be kept clean otherwise they can clog and give
misleading results. Meters should be washed between samples (and sample replicates) in clear
water (preferable distilled water but filtered tap water can suffice).
A water quality sample should be collected and sent to a laboratory for testing to check the
calibration of the turbidity meter. The manufacturer of the turbidity meter should be able to provide
advice on the required frequency but this typically should not need to be more frequent than once
every eight weeks (provided the meter is well maintained).
A sample should be collected as per Appendix A and sent to the laboratory.
6.3.4
Number of Replicates
Ideally the number of replicates to be taken should be calculated statistically, but the cost of doing
this and analysing samples at the laboratory may prohibit this. A simple rule of thumb to use is, the
greater the variability of the samples at each site, the greater the number of replicates required.
Replicates of each sample should be taken where possible. For example, a small project may not
justify a full statistical analysis, but as Level Two monitoring requires samples to be taken in-situ, it
is a simple process to ensure several readings are taken each time a sample is taken at each site.
As a minimum three recordings of turbidity should be taken each time an in-situ sample is taken
with the hand held probe. All three readings should be taken within five minutes of each other.
(For further discussion see section 4.6).
6.4
6.4.1
Data Storage and Retrieval
Data sheets
Basic information describing the site and monitoring results should be recorded on the water
quality monitoring data sheets (Appendix B).
6.4.2
Data analysis, interpretation and presentation
Good monitoring design will save time doing unnecessary sampling and ensure the results are
useable. The data analysis should therefore be considered in the planning stage.
Water quality readings should be compared between the above and below site monitoring points
and against the assessment criteria (refer Table 3.4). The results should be used in on-going site
management to ensure environmental harm is avoided.
Data should then be stored in a database for later analysis, or in a secure filing system for later
reference and reporting.
6.5
Reporting
Project reporting requirements outlined in Section 4.7 should be implemented.
During the construction phase, monitoring results should be included in a weekly report that
documents the performance of the site management measures, whether or not a discharge(s) was
found, and any action(s) taken to improve the management measures and prevent discharges.
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The report should be supplied to the site manager and DPTI’s Contract Manager.
Appendix B outlines the reporting format for Level 2 Monitoring.
6.6
Staff Expertise
Staff undertaking the sampling should be trained in water quality monitoring and have the ability to
effectively record and report on results.
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7 Level Three Monitoring
Method
Frequency
Criteria
Equipment
Expertise
As for Level Two plus:
Fixed in-situ automated
sampling on major
watercourses with manual
sampling at minor
discharge points to record:

Turbidity

Water depth

Site rainfall
May also require:

Suspended sediment
samples

Sediment grading
analysis

Streamflow recordings
EPA license may apply
which could include other
site specific requirements.
7.1
Continuous
recording by in-situ
probe when
watercourse is
flowing. Turbidity
recording interval to
be set to suit flow
conditions but
typically should not
exceed 15 minutes
between
recordings.
Manual recordings
should be taken
daily and during
rainfall events.
Discharge < 20
NTU or no
greater than
the turbidity of
receiving
waters, if
receiving
waters already
exceed 20
NTU.
Fully
automated
recording
equipment.
Portable
turbidity meter.
Sample
containers for
laboratory
analyses or if
using a
desktop
turbidity meter.
Monitoring
program to be
developed
and overseen
by a qualified
hydrologist.
Manual
measurement
s can be
taken by staff
trained in
water quality
monitoring.
Introduction
The monitoring objective is to measure site discharges to ensure sediments are not entering the
aquatic environment at levels that might cause environmental harm; and to ensure that remedial
actions are undertaken where necessary.
Level Three Monitoring involves fixed in-situ automated water sampling on major watercourses and
the measurement of all those parameters recorded for Levels One and Two, plus a small range of
additional parameters. Monitoring consists of:
 Visually checking the effectiveness of site soil erosion and drainage management measures
and discharge point(s) for discharges

Establishing photo points at the discharge point(s)

Recording the colour of site water discharges and the receiving waters, upstream and
downstream of the site

Taking manual and automatic turbidity readings

Measuring streamflow

Taking suspended sediment samples
 Reporting results.
The frequency of readings is increased for Level Three monitoring with many readings taken on a
daily basis as well as continuous monitoring of the discharge and/or the receiving waters.
Projects that require Level Three Monitoring should have an EPA (Earthworks Drainage) licence.
Monitoring requirements stipulated in the EPA Licence take precedence over these procedures.
7.2
7.2.1
Monitoring Records
Site description
Basic information describing the site should be recorded on the first page of the water quality
monitoring data sheets (Appendix B).
Create a plan of the monitoring site in relation to drainage lines, receiving waters, areas of native
vegetation, any work site depots/workshop areas etc, and the extent of the works generally. This
plan should also include information on slope. Much of this information should be available from
the Soil Erosion and Drainage Management Plan for the project.
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Watercourse characteristics at discharge point and monitoring locations should be recorded at the
start of the project. Parameters such as mean width, depth, and the composition of the bed of the
watercourse are required (sandy/rock/clay; vegetated/bare; stable /unstable). If these parameters
change during the project this must also be recorded.
A description of the aquatic environment is also required. This should include information on water
clarity, whether algae is present, as well as information on the predominant aquatic and terrestrial
vegetation type and abundance/density (estimate). These parameters should be observed during
weekly inspections.
The cross section of the watercourse(s) should be surveyed at sampling points and watercourse
bed level also recorded at a point 50 metres upstream and downstream. This information can then
be used to estimate flows in the watercourse if this becomes necessary.
7.2.2
Climatic data
Daily weather conditions including, maximum temperature, rainfall in last 24 hours and cloud cover
must be gathered from a work site rainfall recording station.
7.2.3
Sediment trapping facilities
On a weekly basis, note and record percentage of sediment trapping capacity remaining. Record
amount of sediment removed from sediment traps when they are cleaned or removed.
7.2.4
Discharge characteristics
Inspect site on a weekly basis and during rainfall events. Note any evidence of discharges:
 Location of discharge.
 Colour of discharge (Use a Munsell Soil colour chart).
 Colour of receiving waters upstream and downstream (Use a Munsell soil colour chart).
7.2.5
Photo points
Appropriate photo points should be established. The aim being to provide visual evidence of the
state of the environment before and after any discharges associated with the works. A visual
record is an extremely useful tool in monitoring, as it provides additional support to site
observations. Photo points should be established upstream of the works, at discharge point(s), and
downstream of the works. Photo points could also be established at selected sediment trapping
facilities.
Photos are to be taken before, during and after the infrastructure works. The need for photos will
be dependent on the level of monitoring required, but generally the greater risk to the environment,
the more frequent the photos. It would be prudent to take photos on a weekly basis during the
works. In addition they should also be taken immediately after rainfall events and if a high turbidity
reading is recorded.
A methodology for taking these photos is supplied in Appendix C, with the datasheets for recording
the monitoring information, in Appendix B.
7.3
Water Quality Information
Level Three monitoring involves fixed, automated water quality monitoring on major (or particularly
sensitive) watercourses, with manual sampling at minor discharge points to supplement the
automated sampling, as appropriate.
7.3.1 Water quality parameters to be sampled
Turbidity
In Level Three Monitoring turbidity is used as an indicator of suspended solids. Turbidity can be
used to provide an indication of the amount of sediment that is being discharged into and carried in
the receiving waters.
Turbidity should be measured with a mounted sensor in the receiving water connected to a data
logger, both upstream and downstream of the discharge / work site.
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Readings from the turbidity probe should be crosschecked with a laboratory-analysed sample for a
range of turbidity readings.
Turbidity readings are likely to vary between 20 and 200 NTU depending on flow and discharge
characteristics. Ideally turbidity readings should be below 20 NTU as per the Environment
Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003, or at least no greater than the turbidity in the receiving
water if this already exceeds 20 NTU. If readings fail these tests an investigation should be
undertaken to determine and eliminate the cause.
Suspended solids
Suspended solids (SS) are discrete particles (0.45m < diameter <4m) whereas total dissolved
solids (TDS) are soluble material. Suspended solids are measured by filtering the sample through
fine filter paper and hence samples must be collected and sent to a laboratory.
Suspended solids samples should be collected during rainfall events and these samples should
also be tested in the laboratory for turbidity.
Results from laboratory analyses can be used to develop a mathematical relationship between
turbidity and suspended solids, so that an indication of the variation and range of suspended solids
can be made from the turbidity readings. As turbidity readings are easier and cheaper to obtain, a
continuous record of turbidity can be converted into an estimate of suspended solids and total
sediment load.
Total sediment load
Total sediment load is an environmentally important parameter because it represents the total
amount of sediment entering the receiving water. It is calculated using continuous stream flow data
and suspended solids concentration.
Calculation of total sediment load requires a direct measurement of flow in the receiving water to
be taken. Flow can be calculated by installing a velocity-depth probe in the receiving water or by
measuring water level over a fixed weir or stable section of watercourse (eg a rock bar).
Professional advice should be sought regarding the selection of instrumentation and the selection
of the monitoring point for flow measurements.
Information from the flow recordings is integrated with the estimated suspended solids data to
estimate total load of sediment.
Other parameters that could be measured (site dependent)
An assessment of the site for potential land contamination or acid sulfate soils should be
undertaken during the project planning phase. If possible contamination is found, any special
water quality monitoring requirements should be identified and incorporated into the site
remediation program.
There is a range of other parameters that could be measured depending on specific sites. These
are most likely to include the following.
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved oxygen is measured in mg/L or % saturation, and is best done with the use of a portable
hand held probe. Dissolved oxygen changes with temperature (hence varies naturally through the
day), salinity and also altitude.
Oxygen depletion is indicative of the presence of oxidisable organic matter; sediments may also
limit the amount of oxygen in the water column. This may be useful to include if there is concern
about organic sediment inputs reducing oxygen levels.
Sediment analysis
Sediment size and amount affects the pollutant load in the sediment and can have dramatic effects
on the invertebrates in the system. Sediment analysis is designed to provide information on the
size of sediment particles that are being mobilised as part of the works and of the pollutants that
they are transporting.
The analysis requires a sample to be collected for testing at a laboratory.
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A direct representative sample of discharge water should be taken immediately before it enters the
receiving water. The sample can then be sent to a laboratory to determine the sediment grading.
If the sediment is to be tested for potential associated toxicants, a weak acid wash should be used
by the laboratory to ensure that the analysis is limited to those toxicants that are likely to become
bio-available rather than those that might make up the basic mineral composition of the sediment.
(The testing laboratory can provide more advice on this aspect).
Other Parameters
Further parameters that may be required to be measured due to particular site conditions or
adjoining landuses that could give rise to additional contaminants being found in the water include:

pH (freshwaters: pH 6.5 - 7.5)- Lower values can result from acidic inputs from acid rain,
acid sulfate soils, acid mine drainage, illicit discharges. Higher values due to algal blooms,
illicit discharges. Can be measured with a portable hand held probe or a fixed probe
connected to a data logger mounted in the receiving water.
 Colour Requires laboratory sample.
 Temperature temperature variations can cause changes in water quality. Temperature can
be measured with a portable hand held probe or a fixed probe connected to a data logger
mounted in the receiving water.
 Electrical conductivity (µS/cm) indicative of salinity. Measured with a portable hand held, or
fixed probe, connected to a data logger mounted in the receiving water.
 Nutrients Nitrate, Nitrogen (Kjeldahl), Nitrogen (total), Phosphate (ortho or dissolved),
Phosphate (total), chlorophyll a. All these require collection of a sample for laboratory
analysis to achieve reliable results.
 Heavy metals Requires laboratory sample.
 Organic contaminants (can affect dissolved oxygen) Requires laboratory sample.
 Oils and grease Requires laboratory sample.
Many of these require special sample collection and storage techniques and hence must be
collected correctly. Appendix A provides a list of appropriate techniques.
In most cases these “other Parameters” will not need to be measured.
7.3.2 Sampling Locations
Within the worksite
Monitoring within the worksite will typically be designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of various
sediment control structures.
For each of the sediment trapping facilities, on a weekly basis, note and record the percentage of
sediment trapping capacity that remains available for trapping sediment. Also record an estimate
of sediment volumes removed from facilities during the construction phase.
If a sediment basin is located immediately before the discharge into receiving waters, then turbidity
and suspended solids monitoring should take place at the outlet from the basin. In addition to
demonstrating the effectiveness of the sediment basin this will also provide cost savings as
construction of the monitoring station can be done at the same time as the sediment basin is built.
Sediment basins and key sediment traps should also be locations for photo points and be marked
on the datasheet maps.
Outside of the work site
A recommended assessment method is to compare the disturbed area in space and time with a
similar non impacted area (control), both before and after the impact (NWQMS, 1992).
Measuring the same set of parameters upstream and downstream of the work site should be
undertaken. Samples should be taken at the same time as the sample downstream of the
discharge point and in as similar type of site as possible.
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Monitoring downstream of the works should take place within the region that is impacted by the
discharge. If in doubt of how far the possible impacted region is in the watercourse, a formula can
be used (See AS/NZS 5667.4), however typically this is within 200m of the discharge.
7.3.3
Frequency of Sampling
Level Three Monitoring should use fixed automated water quality monitoring on major
watercourses with manual sampling at minor discharge points to supplement the automated
sampling as appropriate.
Monitoring should be carried out more regularly due to the greater environmental risk as calculated
in the Risk Assessment. The frequency may be stipulated in an EPA licence or it may be the
professional judgment of the person conducting the monitoring program.
Where an automatic sampler is used then a turbidity reading every 15 minutes should be
undertaken with the start of sampling triggered by a set flow rate. If a hand held probe is used then
daily recordings should be taken as well as samples during several rainfall events to gain an
appreciation of how water quality varies during a rainfall event.
7.3.4
Sampling Protocols and Equipment
Automated Sampling
Automated sampling equipment is set up at a site and samples are taken either at set time
intervals, (e.g. every 15 minutes), or per unit discharge (every megalitre).
The equipment will include an automatic turbidity probe, a water level and/or velocity sensor, and a
data logger. In some cases it may also be useful to install an automatic (tipping bucket) rain gauge.
Professional advice should be sought on the selection of the most appropriate equipment and setup for automatic monitoring sites.
There are various technologies available to equip instrumentation with alarms that can notify the
relevant manager of a high or abnormal reading, if this is considered appropriate.
Manual Sampling
Manual sampling in Level Three Monitoring is required at minor discharge points. This sampling
will be carried out using hand held turbidity meters with some laboratory samples. Portable turbidity
meters can be used to take turbidity readings directly at the site and hence provide a rapid and
direct means of measuring water quality in the environment.
Meters require regular calibration and need to be kept clean otherwise they can clog and give
misleading results. Meters should be washed between samples (and sample replicates) in clear
water, (preferably distilled water but filtered tap water can suffice).
A water quality sample should be collected and sent to a laboratory for testing for the purpose of
checking the calibration of the turbidity meter (See Appendix A). The manufacturer of the turbidity
meter should be able to provide advice on the required frequency but this typically should not need
to be more frequently than once every eight weeks (provided the meter is well maintained).
7.3.5
Number of Replicates
When undertaking automated sampling it is not practical to take replicates. However replicates
should be taken for manual recordings.
Ideally the number of replicates to be taken should be calculated statistically, but the cost of doing
this and analysing samples at the laboratory may prohibit this. A simple rule of thumb to use is, the
greater the variability of the samples at each site, the greater the number of replicates required.
As a minimum three recordings of turbidity should be taken each time an in-situ sample is taken
with the hand held probe. All three readings should be taken within five minutes of each other.
Similarly, if a manual sample is taken for subsequent laboratory testing of suspended solids
replicate samples should also be taken. Again the number of replicates should be calculated but
as a minimum five replicates should be taken during the first sampling exercise so that the results
can be used to calculate the required number.
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7.4
7.4.1
Data Storage and Retrieval
Data sheets
Basic information describing the site and the water quality readings should be recorded on the
water quality monitoring datasheets (Appendix B).
7.4.2
Data analysis, interpretation and presentation
Good monitoring design will save time doing unnecessary sampling and ensure the results are
useable. The data analysis should therefore be considered in the planning stage.
Photos taken before and after the works should be compared and any differences due to the works
noted. It should also be noted if there are no observable differences.
Data should be stored in an appropriate database that is compatible with the analysis (eg can
easily be imported into data analysis packages) and compared with appropriate statistical
analyses. Some equipment have facilities to record information that can be later downloaded onto
the computer. Where possible, data should be represented graphically and comments be made on
trends over time, with reference to any peaks and possible reasons for these.
Water quality readings should be compared between the above and below site monitoring points
and against the assessment criteria (refer Table 3.4). The results should be used in on-going site
management to ensure environmental harm is avoided.
7.5
Reporting
Project reporting requirements outlined in Section 4.7 should be implemented.
During construction, monitoring results should be included in a weekly report that documents the
performance of the site management measures; whether the water quality criteria were exceeded;
and any action(s) taken to improve management measures and prevent discharges.
The weekly monitoring report should be supplied to the site manager and DPTI’s Contract
Manager.
In Level Three Monitoring, water quality data should be presented graphically and compared with
flow data. Comments should be made on trends over time, and reference made to any peaks and
reasons for these.
Appendix B outlines the regular reporting format for Level 3 Monitoring.
7.6
Staff Expertise
The monitoring program should be developed and overseen by an experienced hydrologist. Staff
undertaking the sampling should be trained in water quality monitoring and have the ability to
effectively record and report on results.
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Level Three Monitoring
Permanent water quality monitoring stations
Field River – Southern Expressway
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8 Level Four Monitoring
Method
As for Level Three plus:
Biological monitoring
below site and at a
control site, (or an EPA
approved reference
site).
8.1
Frequency
Criteria
Monitoring
should start
before site works
commence and
consist of one
sample set
during spring
and autumn.
Sampling should
continue for
twelve months
following
completion of
site works.
Results should
indicate no
statistical change
in environmental
health, and site
should maintain
healthy rivers
classification.
Equipment
Specialist
sampling
equipment is
required.
Expertise
Samples must
be collected
and analysed
by a skilled
freshwater
ecologist.
Introduction
The monitoring objective is to measure site discharges and undertake biological monitoring, to
ensure sediments are not entering the aquatic environment at levels that might cause
environmental harm; and to ensure that remedial actions are undertaken where necessary. It
involves a direct measurement of environmental health through macro-invertebrate monitoring, to
verify that no environmental harm has been caused by the project.
Level Four Monitoring requires the measurement of all those parameters recorded for Level Three
plus biological monitoring. Monitoring consists of:
 Visually checking the effectiveness of site soil erosion and drainage management measures
and potential discharge point(s) for sediment discharges

Establishing photo points at the discharge point(s)

Recording the colour of site water discharges and the receiving waters upstream and
downstream of the site

Taking manual and automatic turbidity readings

Measuring streamflow

Taking suspended sediment samples

Sampling of the aquatic environment for macro-invertebrates using the National Healthy Rivers
Program sampling procedures
 Reporting results.
Projects that require Level Four Monitoring are likely to require licensing by the EPA. If so,
monitoring requirements stipulated in the EPA Licence take precedence over these procedures.
Biological monitoring is unlikely to provide direct feedback into the construction program unless the
project spans several years. It is therefore to be used primarily as a verification process to
demonstrate that the works and measures put in place did not cause measurable environmental
harm.
8.2
8.2.1
Monitoring Records
Site description
Basic information describing the site should be recorded on the first page of the water quality
monitoring data sheets (Appendix B).
Create a map of the monitoring site in relation to drainage lines, receiving waters, areas of native
vegetation, any work site depots/workshop areas etc, and the extent of the works generally. This
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map should also include information on slope. Much of this information should be available from
the Soil Erosion and Drainage Management Plan for the project.
Watercourse characteristics at discharge point and monitoring locations should be recorded at the
start of the project. Parameters such as mean width, depth, and the composition of the bed of the
watercourse are required (sandy/rock/clay; vegetated/bare; stable /unstable). If these parameters
change during the project this must also be recorded.
A description of the aquatic environment is also required. This should include information on water
clarity, whether algae is present, as well as information on the predominant aquatic and terrestrial
vegetation type and abundance/density (estimate). These parameters should be observed during
weekly inspections.
The cross section of the watercourse(s) should be surveyed at sampling points and watercourse
bed level also recorded at a point 50 metres upstream and downstream. This information can then
be used to estimate flows in the watercourse if this becomes necessary.
8.2.2
Climatic data
Daily weather conditions including, maximum temperature, rainfall in last 24 hours, cloud cover
must be gathered on the work site.
8.2.3
Sediment trapping facilities
On a weekly basis, note and record percentage of sediment trapping capacity remaining. Record
amount of sediment removed from sediment traps when they are cleaned or removed.
8.2.4
Discharge characteristics
Inspect site on a weekly basis and during rainfall events. Note any evidence of discharges:
 Location of discharge.
 Colour of discharge (Use a Munsell soil colour chart).
 Colour of receiving waters upstream and downstream (Use a Munsell soil colour chart).
8.2.5
Photo points
Appropriate photo points should be established. The aim being to provide visual evidence of the
state of the environment before and after any discharges associated with the works. A visual
record is an extremely useful tool in monitoring, as it provides additional support to site
observations. Photo points should be established upstream of the works, at discharge point(s), and
downstream of the works. Photo points could also be established at selected sediment trapping
facilities.
Photos are to be taken before, during and after the infrastructure works. The need for photos will
be dependent on the level of monitoring required, but generally the greater risk to the environment,
the more frequent the photos. It would be prudent to take photos on a weekly basis during the
works. In addition they should also be taken immediately after rainfall events and if a high turbidity
reading is recorded.
A methodology for taking these photos is supplied in Appendix C, with the datasheets for recording
the monitoring information in Appendix B.
8.3
Water Quality Information
Level Four monitoring uses fixed, automated water quality monitoring on major (or particularly
sensitive) watercourses, with manual sampling at minor discharge points to supplement the
automated sampling as appropriate.
8.3.1
Water quality parameters to be sampled
Turbidity
In Level Four Monitoring turbidity is used as an indicator of suspended solids. Turbidity provides an
indication of the amount of sediment that is being discharged into and carried in the receiving
waters.
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Turbidity should be measured with a mounted sensor in the receiving water connected to a data
logger, both upstream and downstream of the discharge / work site.
Readings from the turbidity probe should be crosschecked with a laboratory-analysed sample for a
range of turbidity readings.
Turbidity readings are likely to vary between 20 and 200 NTU depending on flow and discharge
characteristics. Ideally turbidity readings should be below 20 NTU as per the Environment
Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003, or at least no greater than the turbidity in the receiving
water if this already exceeds 20 NTU. If readings fail these tests an investigation should be
undertaken to determine and eliminate the cause.
Suspended solids
Suspended solids (SS) are discrete particles (0.45m < diameter <4m) whereas total dissolved
solids (TDS) are soluble material. Suspended solids are measured by filtering the sample through
fine filter paper and hence samples must be collected and sent to a laboratory.
Suspended solids samples should be collected during rainfall events and these samples should
also be tested in the laboratory for turbidity.
Results from laboratory analyses can be used to develop a mathematical relationship between
turbidity and suspended solids, so that an indication of the variation and range of suspended solids
can be made from the turbidity readings. As turbidity readings are easier and cheaper to obtain, a
continuous record of turbidity can be converted into an estimate of suspended solids and total
sediment load.
Total sediment load
Total sediment load is an environmentally important parameter because it represents the total
amount of sediment entering the receiving water. It is calculated using continuous stream flow data
and suspended solids concentration.
Calculation of total sediment load requires a direct measurement of flow in the receiving water to
be taken. Flow can be calculated by installing a velocity-depth probe in the receiving water or by
measuring water level over a fixed weir or stable section of watercourse (eg a rock bar).
Professional advice should be sought regarding the selection of instrumentation and the selection
of the monitoring point for flow measurements.
Information from the flow recordings is integrated with the estimated suspended solids data to
estimate total load of sediment.
Water Quality Sampling for Biological Monitoring
In addition to samples taken to record flow, turbidity, and suspended solids, water quality sampling
is required to enable reliable interpretation of macro-invertebrate sampling associated with
biological monitoring. These samples will be collected much less frequently but will need to be
tested for a much wider range of parameters. These parameters will normally include heavy
metals and various ions. A professional aquatic biologist will need to design and undertake the
biological monitoring work and that should include the selection of the additional parameters that
should be measured.
8.3.2
Other parameters that could be measured (site dependent)
During the planning phase an assessment of the site for potential contaminants or acid sulfate soils
should be undertaken. If possible contamination is found, the water quality monitoring procedure
should be identified in the site remediation program, or management measures incorporated in to
the site water quality monitoring, as appropriate.
There is a range of other parameters that could be measured depending on specific sites. A listing
and discussion of these is provided in Section 7.3.1.
8.3.3
Sampling Locations
Within the worksite
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Monitoring within the worksite will typically be designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of various
sediment control structures.
For each of the sediment trapping facilities, on a weekly basis, note and record the percentage of
sediment trapping capacity that remains available for trapping sediment. Also record an estimate
of sediment volumes removed from facilities during the construction phase.
If a sediment basin is located immediately before the discharge into receiving waters, then turbidity
and suspended solids monitoring should take place at the outlet from the basin. In addition to
demonstrating the effectiveness of the sediment basin this will also provide cost savings as
construction of the monitoring station can be done at the same time as the sediment basin is built.
Sediment basins and key sediment traps should also be locations for photo points and be marked
on the datasheet maps.
Outside of the work site
A recommended assessment method is to compare the disturbed area in space and time with a
similar non-impacted area (control), both before and after the impact (NWQMS, 1992).
Measuring the same set of parameters upstream and downstream of the work site should be
undertaken. Samples should be taken at the same time as the sample downstream of the
discharge point and in as similar type of site as possible.
Monitoring downstream of the works should take place within the region that is potentially impacted
by the discharge. If in doubt of how far the possible impacted region is in the watercourse, a
formula can be used (see AS/NZS 5667.4), however typically this is within 200m of the discharge.
8.3.4
Frequency of Sampling
Level Four Monitoring should use fixed automated water quality monitoring on major watercourses
with manual sampling at minor discharge points to supplement the automated sampling as
appropriate.
Monitoring should be carried out more regularly due to the greater environmental risk as calculated
in the Risk Assessment. The frequency may be stipulated in an EPA licence or it may be the
professional judgment of the person running the monitoring program.
Where an automatic sampler is used then a turbidity reading every 15 minutes should be
undertaken. It may also be appropriate for sampling to be triggered by a set flow rate to avoid
recordings when there is no or very little flow. If a hand held probe is used then daily recordings
should be taken as well as samples during several rainfall events to gain an appreciation of how
water quality varies during a rainfall event.
8.3.5
Sampling Protocols and Equipment
Automated Sampling
Automated sampling equipment is set up at a site and samples are taken either at set time
intervals, (eg every 15 minutes), or per unit discharge (eg every kilolitre).
The equipment will include an automatic turbidity probe, a water level and/or velocity sensor, and a
data logger. In some cases it may also be useful to install an automatic (tipping bucket) rain gauge.
Professional advice should be sought on the selection of the most appropriate equipment and setup for automatic monitoring sites.
There are various technologies available to equip instrumentation with alarms that can notify the
relevant manager of a high or abnormal reading, if this is considered appropriate.
Manual Sampling
Manual sampling in Level Four Monitoring is required at minor discharge points. This sampling will
be carried out using hand held turbidity meters with some laboratory samples. Portable turbidity
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meters can be used to take turbidity readings directly at the site and hence provide a rapid and
direct means of measuring water quality in the environment.
Meters require regular calibration and need to be kept clean otherwise they can clog and give
misleading results. Meters should be washed between samples (and sample replicates) in clear
water, (preferably distilled water but filtered tap water can suffice).
A water quality sample should be collected and sent to a laboratory for testing for the purpose of
checking the calibration of the turbidity meter (see Appendix A). The manufacturer of the turbidity
meter should be able to provide advice on the required frequency but this typically should not need
to be more frequently than once every eight weeks (provided the meter is well maintained).
8.3.6
Number of Replicates
When undertaking automated sampling it is not practical to take replicates. However replicates
should be taken for manual recordings.
Ideally the number of replicates to be taken should be calculated statistically, but the cost of doing
this and analysing samples at the laboratory may prohibit this. A simple rule of thumb to use is, the
greater the variability of the samples at each site, the greater the number of replicates required.
As a minimum three recordings of turbidity should be taken each time an in-situ sample is taken
with the hand held probe. All three readings should be taken within five minutes of each other.
Similarly, if a manual sample is taken for subsequent laboratory testing of suspended solids
replicate samples should also be taken. Again the number of replicates should be calculated but
as a minimum five replicates should be taken during the first sampling exercise so that the results
can be used to calculate the required number.
8.4
Biological Monitoring
Specialised expertise in aquatic biology should be obtained to set up and run the biological
monitoring program. The AUSRIVAS procedure developed as part of the National Healthy Rivers
Program is the preferred approach to be used. (A sample data sheet is provided in Appendix B).
In determining the method of biological monitoring the following are to be considered:
 What to measure:
Generally the macro-invertebrate community are the most appropriate to
measure impacts.
An indicator species can assist in isolating particular impacts (eg from
sediments), but should not be used in isolation.
 How to measure:
Preferably, a statistical comparison of samples above and below the
discharge, before, during the life of the project and on completion. Samples
need to be taken at the same season each year. It is preferable to use the
lowest possible taxonomic level.
If this is not possible samples can be taken in a similar habitat above the
discharge and these can be compared with those in the impacted area(s).
Samples can also be compared with representative sites as per the
AUSRIVAS procedure. If this latter method is adopted then agreement
should be established with the EPA regarding appropriate representative
sites that are to be used in AUSRIVAS before the infrastructure project is
under way.
A brief description of the strengths and weaknesses of biological monitoring is provided in
Appendix D.
The consultant aquatic biologist should document the objectives and methodology of the biological
monitoring program. They should also provide a report documenting the sampling results and an
analysis of any impact.
8.4.1
Sampling locations
A site with similar characteristics to the area of the receiving water potentially impacted by the
works needs to be found. This may be upstream of the site or may be a comparison with an
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AUSRIVAS (Australian River Assessment System) reference site, where the reference site acts as
the “control” site.
A qualified aquatic biologist will be needed to help select an appropriate site to act as a control.
Monitoring the receiving water environment, downstream of the discharge(s) from the work site is
required. This should take place within the region that is potentially impacted by the discharge. If
in doubt of how far the possible impacted region is in the watercourse, a formula can be used (see
AS/NZS 5667.4), however typically this is within 200 m of the discharge.
8.4.2
The Frequency of Sampling
Biological monitoring is undertaken during spring and autumn. It should begin before any potential
impact from discharges and ideally should be carried out at the same time of year as the proposed
works.
If data cannot be gained before the works start or it is insufficient, analysis then has to be based on
whether there are significantly different changes over time in the downstream site compared to the
control site. It is important to note that this will limit the analysis because it will be difficult to prove
there has or has not been an impact, (even if the control is different to the site downstream of the
discharge), as the controls’ environment will never be identical to the potentially impacted site. The
AUSRIVAS procedure can also be used to compare the downstream site with reference sites,
where the reference sites are acting as a type of control with which the sites are compared.
Monitoring should be continued after the works are completed, particularly if an impact is detected,
to monitor the recovery of the system.
An option to minimise expenses, if it is uncertain prior to the infrastructure works whether biological
sampling should be carried out, is to take samples and preserve them before the works begin. The
samples can then be processed if the information is needed as the infrastructure works progress.
8.4.3
Sampling Protocols and Equipment
Biological monitoring can be carried out in a number of ways and this will largely be dependent
upon the characteristics of the potentially impacted area downstream of the discharge.
There are several areas from which the sample can be collected and this will determine how the
sample is collected i.e.

Riffle section of watercourse.

Edge of watercourse.

Amongst vegetation.

In the sediment.

In the water.
Biological sampling requires specialist expertise and if the AUSRIVAS procedures are to be used it
requires people familiar with those procedures to develop the program and undertake the sampling
and analysis. (Details of the AUSRIVAS procedures can be found on the AUSRIVAS web page,
http://ausrivas.canberra.edu.au/).
If a specific indicator species is to be used the habitat and seasonal life cycle characteristics will
dictate where and when the sampling takes place. The exact species used as an indicator will be
site dependent and expert advice will be required to identify an appropriate species. However, if
impacts from sediment are to be identified, it is likely that a filter feeder would be appropriate as
these are most likely to be affected by sediment.
Note that in carrying out the taxonomic identification the AUSRIVAS procedure only requires
relatively coarse taxonomic identification however P. Goonan of the EPA (pers comm)
recommends identifying taxa down to the lowest taxonomic level possible as this provides more
useful information.
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8.5
Data Storage and Retrieval
8.5.1
Data sheets
Basic information describing the site and the water quality results should be recorded on the water
quality monitoring data sheets (Appendix B).
Data for the biological monitoring is to be recorded on the AUSRIVAS datasheet (Appendix B).
8.5.2
Data analysis, interpretation and presentation
Good monitoring design will save time doing unnecessary sampling and ensure the results are
useable. The data analysis should therefore be considered in the planning stage.
Photos taken before and after the works should be compared and any differences that could be
due to the works noted. It should also be noted if there are no observable differences.
Data from monitoring should be stored in an appropriate database that is compatible with the
analysis (eg can easily be imported into data analysis packages) and compared with appropriate
statistical analyses. Some equipment has facilities to record information that can be later
downloaded onto the computer. Where possible data should be represented graphically and
comments be made on trends over time, with reference to any peaks and possible reasons for
these.
Water quality readings should be compared between the above and below site monitoring points
and against the assessment criteria (refer Table 3.4). The water quality results should be used in
on-going site management to ensure environmental harm is avoided.
The aquatic biologist should undertake the appropriate statistical analysis and comparison of the
sites to determine if there has been any adverse impacts on biological communities.
8.6
Reporting
Project reporting requirements outlined in Section 4.7 should be implemented.
During construction, monitoring results should be included in a weekly report that documents the
performance of the site management measures; whether the water quality criteria were exceeded;
and any action(s) taken to improve management measures and prevent discharges.
Water quality data should be presented graphically and compared with flow data. Comments
should be made on trends over time, and reference made to any peaks and reasons for these.
The weekly monitoring report should be supplied to the site manager and DPTI’s Contract
Manager.
The final report will include an assessment of the biological data that should be used to:






8.7
Determine which taxa (if any) have been impacted and whether there are likely to be any
significant long-term effects.
Identify the nature of the impact (if there is one).
Identify the cause of the impact if possible.
Record the actions taken for the sites where high levels of disturbances were recorded as a
result of the monitoring.
Provide advice on continued monitoring that might be required after the construction works
(if an impact is detected) to monitor the recovery.
Provide recommendations for improvements to avoid a similar impact occurring again.
Staff Expertise
The water quality monitoring program should be developed and overseen by an experienced
hydrologist. Staff undertaking the water sampling should be trained in water quality monitoring and
have the ability to effectively record and report on results.
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The biological monitoring program should be developed, undertaken and analysed by a freshwater
ecologist.
Level Four Monitoring
Aquatic macro-invertebrate sampling
Water Boatman (Corixidae)
(photos courtesy of SA WaterWatch)
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9 Equipment for Water Quality Sampling
9.1.1
Grab sampling (AS/NZS 5667.1 & 6)
This is the most common form of sampling. It is usually taken manually. The simplest method is to
use an open mouthed vessel, eg bucket (cleaned appropriately) and immerse to just below the
water, or immerse the sample bottle directly to fill it. Sediments may be sampled using grabs or
dredges.
9.1.2
Automatic sampling devices (AS/NZS 5667.1 & 6)
The main types of samplers are: time or volume dependent or event dependent. The time
dependent samplers collect discrete, composite or continuous samples but ignore variations in
flow. Volume dependent samplers do not take into account variations in flow. Event dependent
samplers are triggered by an event (eg rainfall event).
9.1.3
Review of monitoring options and costs
Below is a list of the range of equipment available for carrying out the sampling procedure. The
equipment required has been divided into the areas of:

Water quality monitoring
- In situ testing- portable meters
- Benchtop testing equipment
- Laboratory testing
- Consultants carrying out all testing

Biological monitoring
- Consultants or trained staff to carry out testing.
Details of various products, services and contacts for these are provided in Appendix C.
Table 9.1 below provides a summary of equipment and typical costs, including analysis costs for
typical parameters.
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Table 9.1 Monitoring Cost Summary
METHOD
COST (2001)
Parameter
COMMENTS
Meters require calibration and
field verification of results with
grab samples.
Bench top testing
equipment
Turbidity
Operator can be self-taught by
following instruction manual.
$2,000
Quality control can be
increased through dedicated
officer analysing samples,
meter less prone to damage.
Turbidity
Field portable
meters
Fully automated
system suitable for
watercourses
$1000 - $3,000
Meters require calibration and
field verification of results with
grab samples.
Turbidity,
Dissolved
Oxygen, pH,
temperature
$2500 - $3,000
Including solar power, and
software to send alarm if
water quality or flow criteria
exceeded
Flow, turbidity,
rainfall
Equipment $10,000
Installation a further $7,500
OR a system could be leased
for between $1,000 to $1500
per month
Fully automated
system suitable for
installation in
pipes, culverts or
concrete lined
drains
Water velocity,
turbidity
Operator can be self-taught by
following instruction manual.
NATA or a similar accredited
laboratory should calibrate
turbidity meter.
Allow a further $5000 for vandal
proofing in urban areas.
Including solar power, and
software to send alarm if
water quality or flow criteria
exceeded.
NATA or a similar accredited
laboratory should calibrate
turbidity meter.
$8,000 for equipment and
software.
Allow a further $5000 for vandal
proofing in urban areas.
Installation $5,000
Laboratory
analyses
Water Quality
There is usually a minimum
charge of at least $50.
NATA is Australia's only
nationally and internationally
recognised provider of
laboratory accreditation. Also
provides training (interstate).
-Collection of samples +
water quality (2 sites): $670
Biological
monitoring
(Using AUSRIVAS
procedure)
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Turbidity and SS $15 /
sample (includes containers
& methodology)
NATA or a similar accredited
laboratory must calibrate
sampling equipment.
Macroinvertebrates
-ID fauna: $350/sample
-Reporting: $100/hr
Requires specialist consultants
to undertake sampling and
analysis
+. chemical analyses for
AUSRIVAS procedure
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9.1.4
Sampling containers
Containers are selected based on their lack of interaction with the sample. Appendix A lists
appropriate containers to be used for water quality analyses. Containers are usually glass,
polyethylene or polypropylene (EPA-VIC, 2000). However, glass is unsuitable for sampling most
trace inorganics and for some analytical parameters fluoropolymer (PTFE) lid liners should be
used.
To avoid contamination, sampling containers need to be washed. Containers should be washed
and rinsed with high-grade reagents and solvents. These may need to be retained and submitted
for analysis as a blank. Where reagents are used for preservation, these must be submitted to use
as a blank (EPA-VIC, 2000).
The Environment Protection Authority (Victoria) (EPA- VIC, 2000) provides guidelines on washing
containers used for water analysis. The Standards Australia criteria form the basis for their
protocols.
9.1.5
Sample collection and transport
Physical, chemical and biological processes can affect a sample from the time it is collected to
when it is analysed. To avoid or minimise changes it is necessary to (EPA-VIC, 2000; AS/NZS
5667.1:1998):

Use the appropriate sampling equipment, container and preservation methods

Store samples correctly and analyse within the stipulated holding time (Appendix A)

Ensure samples are not contaminated during collection and concentrations do not change
between collection and analysis

Protect containers from damage or contamination in transport

The number and type of samples received at the laboratory should be verified against the
samples sent.
Accurately record site observations on the container. The label must uniquely identify the sample
and contain the following information (EPA-VIC, 2000; AS/NZS 5667.1:1998):
 Sample identification code
 Location (with coordinates and any other relevant location information)
 Time
 Date
 Who collected the sample
 Use a waterproof marking pen
 Any changes to the label should be initialled and dated
 The sample log must also show all additional relevant information; location in watercourse,
depth, type of preservative added, type of sample taken and method used, general
environmental and climatic conditions, and any other information that may affect the results.
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10 Quality Assurance and Quality Control
The International Standards Organisation (ISO) defines quality assurance as “all those planned
and systematic actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that a product, process or
service will satisfy quality requirements.”
Quality assurance obligations can be met by following recommended procedures such as those
recommended by Standards Australia. They provide general principles that can be applied that
ensure the procedures are up to a standard level, eg, the AS/NZS 5667.1:1998 Water quality Sampling - Guidance on the design of sampling programs. This provides information on sampling
techniques and the preservation and handling of samples.
Accreditation can also be sought to prove the procedures are carried out to a required standard.
For example a laboratory quality assurance system is a requirement of NATA accreditation.
For Level Three and Level Four monitoring, where samples are relinquished to another person for
testing, samples should be accompanied by a ‘chain of custody’ record. See Appendix B for an
example. This record ensures sample integrity from collection through to the reporting of test
results.
10.1.1 Testing samples in situ
Samples can be:
(1) Sent to a laboratory;
(2) Tested in situ on a portable meter or with in situ automated devices; or
(3) Tested using equipment based at a permanent site eg main office.
If testing is to be carried out in situation 2 and 3, the following criteria must be ensured:
 Maintenance and calibration of equipment and instruments
 Use certified reagents and standards as part of a Quality Assurance Program
 Adequate experience of personnel

Regular checks at a laboratory to establish the meters are operating accurately.
10.1.2 Laboratory operations
When samples are sent to a laboratory, the following aspects should be considered:
 The laboratory should have NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) registration
for the required analyses.
 Quotes could be obtained from several laboratories to ensure a competitive price is
selected.
 The time from the receipt of samples, to analysis and reporting should be efficient.
The laboratory should have the following standards:

Quality Assurance (QA) Manual (management structure; procedures; calibration and
maintenance timetables, details of QA program).

Methods documentation: technical description, detailed instructions, method of calculation,
and specification of accuracy, precision and number of significant. figures should be
quoted.

Laboratory records system, reporting of results to client, etc.

Regular review of activities and QA program (using external assessors).
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11 Health and Safety Precautions
Considering occupational health and safety is an important part of the monitoring program as it
ensures monitoring is carried out in a manner that protects the health and safety of monitors and
other site personnel.
The following are health and safety issues specific to water quality monitoring (EPA-VIC, 2000):
(1) If the Risk Assessment identifies potentially harmful substances or there are potentially harmful
chemicals being used in the sampling process, eg pollutants and preservative chemicals.

Avoid skin contact (wear gloves or if contact is accidentally made, wash hands immediately
and seek medical advice)

Avoid inhaling contaminated gases/vapours/dusts.

For hazardous samples the label must have a warning.

Open wounds must be covered.

Familiarise with safety precautions of any chemicals being used.

Take care to avoid spillage of chemicals used in the environment.
(2) On site precautions

If water quality poses a health risk, maintain appropriate inoculations.

Use protective equipment/clothing where at risk from pollutants.

Establish safe standard sampling points (identify on plan).

Where necessary install safety harnesses/rails.

The sampler should either be accompanied by another person or make known the location.
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12 References
ANZECC and ARMCANZ (2000) National Water Quality Management Strategy. Australian and
New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality Vol 1. The Guidelines (Chapters 1-8)
DRAFT (for public comment). Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council.
Australian Water Technologies (AWT) (2000) Eastern Freeway Extension and Ringwood Bypass
Stage 2; Mullum Mullum Creek. Environmental Impact Program. Pre Construction ReportInvestigations (May 1999-Sept 2000). A report prepared for VicRoads, Eastern Freeway Project.
Commonwealth Environment Protection Agency (1994) National River Processes and
Management Program Monitoring River Health Initiative: River Bioassessment Manual.
Commonwealth Environment Protection Agency, Canberra.
Connell, D.W. (1983). Water pollution causes and effects in Australian and New Zealand (3rd ed.).
Queensland: University of Queensland Press.
Cullen, P. (1990). Biomonitoring and environmental management. Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment, 14, 107-114.
Environment Protection Agency (1999). Stormwater Pollution Prevention Code of Practice for the
Building and Construction Industry. Government of South Australia.
Environment Protection Agency (EPA) (1998). Stormwater Pollution Prevention Code of Practice
for local state and federal government. Government of South Australia.
Environment Protection Authority (2001a) A Risk Assessment Approach to Soil Erosion and
Drainage Management Plans. Report Prepared by ID&A Pty Ltd for the Environment Protection
Agency; Department for Environment and Heritage.
Environment Protection Authority-Victoria (EPA-VIC) (2009) A guide to the sampling and analysis
of water, wastewater, soils and wastes. 7th edn. Environment Protection Authority, State
Government of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.
Maher, W.A. and Norris, R.H. (1990). Water quality assessment programs in Australia: deciding
what to measure, and how and where to use bioindicators. Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment, 14, 115-130.
Norris R. H. & Georges A. (1993) Analysis and interpretation of benthic macroinvertebrate surveys.
In: Freshwater Biomonitoring and Benthic Macroinvertebrates (eds D. M Rosenberg & V. H. Resh)
pp. 234-286. Chapman and Hall, New York.
NWQMS (1992) National Water Quality Management Strategy; Australian Water Quality
Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters. Australian and New Zealand Environment and
Conservation Council. November 1992.
Osenberg, C.W., Schmitt, R.J., Holbrook, Abu Saba, K.E. and Flegal, A.R. (1994). Detection of
environmental impacts: natural variability, effect size, and power analysis. Ecological Applications,
4(1), 16-30.
Standards Australia (1998) AS/NZS 5667.1:1998 Water quality - Sampling - Guidance on the
design of sampling programs.
Standards Australia (1998) AS/NZS 5667.4:1998 Water quality - Sampling - Guidance on sampling
from lakes, natural and man-made.
Standards Australia (1998) AS/NZS 5667.6:1998 Water quality - Sampling - Guidance on sampling
of rivers and streams.
Transport SA (2002) Protecting Waterways Manual.
Underwood, A.J. (1989). The analysis of stress in natural populations. Biological Journal of the
Linnean Society, 37, 51-77.
Zar, J.H. (1984). Biostatistical analysis (2nd ed.). New Jersey: Prentice-Hall International Inc.
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WEB PAGES
AUSRIVAS (Australian River Assessment System)
http://ausrivas.canberra.edu.au/
ANZECC Guidelines
http://www.environment.gov.au/water/publications/quality/nwqms-guidelines-4-vol1.html
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13 Contacts
13.1 Government Agencies
Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
77 Grenfell Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Advice on Department for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Procedures and monitoring
requirements

Environmental Systems
Telephone 8343 2686

Stormwater Services
Telephone 8343 2534
Environment Protection Agency
250 Victoria Square, Adelaide SA 5000
Telephone: 8204 2000
Advice on EPA licences and biological monitoring, including AUSRIVAS
Department for Water,
Science Monitoring and Information Division: Resource Monitoring Unit
300 Richmond Road, Netley, SA 5037
Telephone: 8463 6800
Advice on guage board installation and automatic sampling.
13.2 Consulting Firms
13.2.1
Water sampling programs (Manual and Automatic)
ID&A Pty Ltd
10 Dequetteville Terrace, Kent Town.
Contact:
Geoff Fisher
Telephone:
8363 9133
Water Data Services
583 Marion Road, South Plympton.
Contact:
Bruce Nicholson
Telephone:
8371 0178
Tonkin Consulting
5 Cooke Terrace, Wayville.
Contact:
Ken Schalk
Telephone:
8273 3100
13.2.2 Biological Monitoring (AUSRIVAS)
Australian Water Quality Centre
Hodgson Road, Bolivar
Contact:
Peter Schultz
Telephone:
8259 0215
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Appendix A
Sample Collection and Holding Details (EPA-VIC, 2000; AS/NZS 5667.1:1998)
The following parameters are extracts from EPA-VIC (2000) “Containers, preservation and holding
periods for waters, groundwaters and wastewaters.”
ANALYTICAL
PARAMETER
CONTAINER
VOLUME
(mL)
PRESERVATION PROCEDURE
Consult
analyst
PERIOD
COMMENTS
24hrs
Also known as “filtrable
residues” or dissolved
solids.
Store at 1-40C
24hrs
Also known as “nonfiltrable residues” or
suspended solids.
Store at 1-40C
24hrs
Total
dissolved
solids (TDS)
Polyethylene,
glass
500
Suspended
solids (SS)
Polyethylene,
glass
500
Solids (total)
Polyethylene,
glass
500
Biological
oxygen
demand
(BOD)
Plastic, glass.
Glass when
low BOD
(<5mg/L)
Oxygen,
dissolved
(DO)
Field
measurement
. Calibrate
meter on the
day of use
and
preferably
check after
measurement
s.
300
Nil
Odour
Polyethylene,
glass
500
Store at 1-40C
pH
Polyethylene,
borosilicate
glass
Temperature
none
Colour
Polyethylene,
glass
Conductivity
Polyethylene,
glass
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MAX HOLDING
Fill to exclude air.
Store at 1-40C.
Do not pre-rinse with
sample.
1000
Fill to exclude air.
Store at 1-40C, in dark.
100
500
24hrs
On site or
in situ
In situ
N/A
In situ
Store at 1-40C, in dark.
48hrs
Fill to exclude air.
Store at
28 days.
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Avoid excessive
turbulence to minimize
oxygen entrainment.
Calibrate meter on the
day of use and
preferably check after
measurements.
6hrs
Nil
1-40C
Nitrification inhibition is
not to be implemented
when performing the
BOD.
if kept for up to
24hrs
Calibrate meter on the
day of use and
preferably check after
measurements.
Preferably on site.
Calibrate meter before
use.
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ANALYTICAL
PARAMETER
CONTAINER
VOLUME
(mL)
PRESERVATION PROCEDURE
Consult
analyst
Put sample on ice
immediately and store at 140C
Nitrate
Nitrogen
(Kjeldahl)
Nitrogen
(total)
Phosphate
(ortho or
dissolved)
Phosphate
(total)
Polyethylene,
glass
Polyethylene,
glass
Polyethylene,
glass
Polyethylene,
glass
500
500
500
300
Filter with 0.45 µm cellulose
acetate membrane filter and
freeze immediately
Put sample on ice
immediately and store at 140C
Filter with 0.45 µm cellulose
acetate membrane filter and
freeze immediately
Put sample on ice
immediately and store at 140C
Filter with 0.45 µm cellulose
acetate membrane filter and
freeze immediately
Put sample on ice
immediately and store at 140C
If freeze immediately
Polyethylene,
glass
300
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PERIOD
COMMENTS
48hrs
24 days
48hrs
24 days
48hrs
24 days
24hrs
28days
Put sample on ice
immediately and store at 140C
If freeze immediately
MAX HOLDING
24hrs
28days
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
Appendix B
Sampling Site Description Data Sheet
(to be completed for each sampling site)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION.
Project Name: _________________________________________ Project Number: ________
Road Number: __________
SITE DESCRIPTION (include sketch overleaf)
Sampling Site Name / Code: _____________________________________________________
Chainage: _____________________
Location Name (river and site location):
Maintenance Marker: ___________
Nearest Named Place:
Map sheet Name: ___________________________
___________
Map sheet no and scale: _________
AMG Zone:
__________________
Easting:
__________________
Northing:
_________________
Latitude:
__________________
Longitude:
_________________
SITE ACCESS
Access by


Conventional Car
4WD
Keys required 
Key Number _____________
Landholder to be notified



Foot
Boat
Landholder Contact Details: ________________________
________________________
Landmarks for finding site: _____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
PARAMETERS
Monitoring Level for Site: ___________
Parameters to be recorded:  Photo Point
 Colour Chart
 % Sediment Trapping
Capacity Remaining
 Field Turbidity
 Water Level
 Suspended Solids
 Automatic Recorder
 Biological
 Stream flow
 Other ___________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
Sampling Site Location Sketch:
DPTI Project Name: ______________
Sampling Site Code: ______________
(Show site location, stream boundaries, vegetation, physical features, points of sampling, photo
points, water levels taken, automated sampling devices etc.).
North
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
LEVEL ONE MONITORING
DATA RECORDING AND REPORTING SHEET
DPTI Project Name: ________________ Sampling Site Code:__________________
Road Number:
________________
Week Start Date
______________
SEDMP Measure Performance Summary Table
Date:
Time:
Temperatu
re
Rainfall
(mm)
Photo
taken
(Yes / No)
Photo
Label
%
Sediment
Trapping
Remaining
Nature of Site Activities: (eg earthworks, laying pavement etc)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Discharge from site observed?
YES
NO
If discharge observed:
Date and time of observation
_________________________________
Action Taken: _________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Name of Sampler:
______________________________________________
Signature:
______________________________________________
Forward copy of completed sheet to Site Manager and DPTI Contract Manager
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LEVEL TWO MONITORING
DATA RECORDING AND REPORTING SHEET
DPTI Project Name: ________________ Sampling Site Code:__________________
Road Number:
________________
Week Start Date ____________________
Daily Summary Table
Date:
Temperatur
e
Rainfall (mm)
Photo taken
?
(Y / N)
Photo Label
SEDMP
Measure
% Sediment
Trapping
Remaining
Volume of
Sediment
Removed
(m3)
Nature of Site Activities: (eg earthworks, laying pavement etc)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
IN SITU SAMPLING DETAILS
DATE
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TIME
COLOUR
(MUNSELL
SOIL
COLOUR
CHART)
TURBIDITY
(NTU)
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WATER
DEPTH
(METRES)
SATISFACTORY SATISFACTORY
IF LESS THAN
IF LESS THAN
20 NTU
25 mg/L
/x
/x
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
LABORATORY SAMPLES TAKEN
Label container with: sample identification code/location, time, date, who sample collected by. Use
a waterproof marking pen. Any changes to label should be initialled and dated.
Containers used:
Storage method:
Transport time to lab:
(Tick if sample taken and record when results are received from the laboratory)
SAMPLE TIME SAMPLE TURBIDITY
DATE
ID
(NTU)
SATISFACTORY IF SATISFACTORY IF
SEDIMENT OTHER SAMPLES TAKEN
LESS THAN
LESS THAN 20
SAMPLE
25 mg/L
NTU
(note type)
Non-complying result recorded from site?
/ x
YES
/X
NO
Date and time of observation(s) _________________________________
Action Taken: _________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Name of Sampler:
______________________________________________
Signature:
______________________________________________
Forward copy of completed sheet to Site Manager and DPTI Contract Manager
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
LEVEL THREE MONITORING
DATA RECORDING AND REPORTING SHEET
DPTI Project Name: ________________ Sampling Site Code:__________________
Road Number:
________________
Week Start Date ____________________
Daily Summary Table
Date:
Temperature
Rainfall (mm)
Photo taken
?
(Y / N)
Photo Label
SEDMP
Measure
% Sediment
Trapping
Remaining
Volume of
Sediment
Removed
(m3)
Nature of Site Activities: (eg earthworks, laying pavement etc)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
IN SITU SAMPLING DETAILS
DATE
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TIME
COLOUR
(MUNSELL
SOIL
COLOUR
CHART)
TURBIDITY
(NTU)
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WATER
DEPTH
(METRES)
SATISFACTORY
SATISFACTORY
LESS THAN
20 NTU
LESS THAN
25 mg/L
/ x
/x
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
LABORATORY SAMPLES TAKEN
Label container with: sample identification code/location, time, date, who sample collected by. Use
a waterproof marking pen. Any changes to label should be initialled and dated.
Containers used:
Storage method:
Transport time to lab:
(Tick if sample taken and record when results are received from the laboratory)
SAMPLE TIME SAMPLE TURBIDITY
DATE
ID
(NTU)
SATISFACTORY IF SATISFACTORY IF
SEDIMENT OTHER SAMPLES TAKEN
LESS THAN
LESS THAN 20
SAMPLE
25 mg/L
NTU
(note type)
/ x
/X
AUTOMATED SAMPLING SUMMARY
(Note : Attach a copy of the latest data readouts / graph for week)
SAMPLES
TAKEN TO
EQUIPMENT
TURBIDITY TIME PEAK
DATE LAST DATE LAST
CHECK
CHECKED
READING RECORDED
CLEANED CALIBRATED READINGS?
Y/N
FOR DAY
(PLACE A )
PEAK
DATE
Non-complying result recorded from site?
YES
PEAK
VELOCITY/
FLOW
READING
FOR DAY
NO
Date and time of observation(s) _________________________________
Action Taken: _________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Name of Sampler:
______________________________________________
Signature:
______________________________________________
Forward copy of completed sheet to Site Manager and DPTI Contract Manager
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
LEVEL FOUR MONITORING
DATA RECORDING AND REPORTING SHEET
DPTI Project Name: ________________ Sampling Site Code:__________________
Road Number:
________________
Week Start Date ____________________
Daily Summary Table
Date:
Temperature
Rainfall (mm)
Photo taken
?
(Y / N)
Photo Label
SEDMP
Measure
% Sediment
Trapping
Remaining
Volume of
Sediment
Removed
(m3)
Nature of Site Activities: (eg earthworks, laying pavement etc)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
IN SITU SAMPLING DETAILS
DATE
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TIME
COLOUR
(MUNSELL
SOIL
COLOUR
CHART)
TURBIDITY
(NTU)
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WATER
DEPTH
(METRES)
SATISFACTORY
SATISFACTORY
LESS THAN
20 NTU
LESS THAN
25 mg/L
/x
/x
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
LABORATORY SAMPLES TAKEN
Label container with: sample identification code/location, time, date, who sample collected by. Use
a waterproof marking pen. Any changes to label should be initialled and dated.
Containers used:
Storage method:
Transport time to lab:
(Tick if sample taken and record when results are received from the laboratory)
SAMPLE TIME SAMPLE TURBIDITY
DATE
ID
(NTU)
SATISFACTORY IF SATISFACTORY IF
SEDIMENT OTHER SAMPLES TAKEN
LESS THAN
LESS THAN 20
SAMPLE
25 mg/L
NTU
(note type)
/ x
/X
AUTOMATED SAMPLING SUMMARY
(Note : Attach a copy of the latest data readouts / graph for week)
PEAK
DATE
TURBIDITY TIME PEAK
READING RECORDED
FOR DAY
EQUIPMENT
CHECKED
Y/N
DATE LAST LESS THAN
CLEANED
20 NTU
SAMPLES
TAKEN TO
CHECK
READINGS?
(PLACE A
)
Date Turbidity Probe Last Calibrated:
____________________
Non-complying result recorded from site?
YES
PEAK
VELOCITY/
FLOW
READING
FOR DAY
NO
Date and time of non-complying observation(s) _________________________________
Action Taken: _________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Name of Sampler:
______________________________________________
Signature:
______________________________________________
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BIOLOGICAL SAMPLING:
Date of last sample
________________ Date for next sample __________________
Forward copy of completed sheet to Site Manager and DPTI Contract Manager
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LABORATORY SAMPLES
CHAIN OF CUSTODY FORM
Samples
Date
Sample ID / Type
Container Type
No. of
Containers
Sample Collection
Samples Collected By: _____________________________ Date: _______________
Sample Transport
Samples Delivered To: _________________________________________________
Date: __________________ Time: ____________________
Sample Receipt
Samples Received By: _________________________________________________
Date: __________________ Time: ____________________
Estimated date / time of results: _______________________
Sample Results
Date / time Sample Results Received: __________________
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Sample AUSRIVAS Field Data Sheet
To be used by Consultant Aquatic Biologist
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Water Quality Monitoring Manual for Construction Sites
Appendix C
Photo-point Methodology
(Methodology adapted from the Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs
1999).
In this methodology it is assumed photographs are taken in a standard way with 50mm lens. If not,
note the type of camera used.
Photos are to be taken before the infrastructure works begin, on a weekly basis during the works
and after works. In addition they may also be taken immediately after possible impacts from
discharges, such as if a high turbidity reading is gained. The following methodology should be
applied:

Select a view that best represents the discharge area; looking downstream from the
discharge point (or likely discharge point if there is no discharge).

Have as many photo points as is required to record the information. The larger the possible
impact, the greater the number of photo points. At the least, a photo point should be located
immediately downstream of each discharge.

Site a marker at the point where the photo is to be taken. (Ensure the location of this
marker is also placed on a map with latitude and longitude if possible, or a description of
where it is).

Take the photo from the same point each time eg from directly behind the marker, looking
downstream.

Place an ID marker in the photo with relevant information (write as big and as clearly as
possible). An A4 piece of paper can be held in the bottom left corner. Two photos are to be
taken at each photo point, one with and one without the ID marker.
Example of marker for photo
Photo reference number:
(ie Onkaparinga River, Hahndorf, July 2001)
Site number:
Date:

ORH/7_01
p5.1
6/7/99
If a SLR camera is used, a shutter speed of 125th of a second or 60th of a second will
maximise the depth of field. Make sure that you use the cameras’ light meter effectively.
This means taking a light reading from the target area to be photographed.
Take only horizontal photos, not vertical (i.e. not with the camera held sideways).
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Appendix D
Biological Monitoring
Biological monitoring searches for changes that are different from what would be expected if there
were no human impacts.
Biological monitoring examines the principle area of concern directly, the receiving environment
(Connell, 1983). Judging the state of the environment through chemical studies assumes that
each system has predictable responses to certain concentrations of contaminants. The response
of biological systems to different stresses or contaminants is often unique, as each system is
unique, resulting in different chemical tolerances in different areas.
In addition, the ANZECC Guidelines (ANZECC & AGMCANZ, 2000) recommend using direct
assessment of the biological community to measure whether ecosystem integrity is being
maintained or threatened.
Biological monitoring does however, have several disadvantages. It can be expensive, time
consuming and limited taxonomy can hinder progress (Cullen, 1990). Identification of stress
through biological monitoring also does not identify the actual stressor, but laboratory experiments
can assist in trying to isolate the factor that is causing the stress (NWQMS, 1992; Connell, 1983).
Commonly biological communities are used for monitoring and these include benthic invertebrates,
phytoplankton, zooplankton and periphyton (NWQMS, 1992). They are a logical choice when little
is known about what is under threat, as a larger component of the ecosystem is examined and the
risk that an effect will be missed is minimised. They are broad scale, non specific and respond to a
range of stressors.
Using the benthic community for monitoring has several advantages:

It is largely sessile and intimately associated with sediments, an area where a contaminant
often concentrates

It is also very diverse, representing almost every phylum and class in the animal kingdom,
having a large range of sizes, reproductive strategies, feeding types and life histories

There will be a range of responses to disturbances, having both sensitive and tolerant
species present

Changes in this community reflect impacts on other communities as well.
Indicator species, or taxa, are also widely used when monitoring and have an advantage over
community studies, in that sampling is simpler and consequently cheaper.
Ideally the taxa to be monitored should possess a number of characteristics (Connell, 1983):
 be exposed to the disturbance in question
 be practical in that they are common and easily sampled and identified
 be tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions
 have both economic and ecological significance
 be representative of the community and indicate the current status of ecological processes
 act as a predictor of the future health of the system.
 the indicator chosen will be dependent on the season when monitoring.
Indicator species are not recommended as sole indicators of an impact, but should be used in
conjunction with other methods.
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