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Date: 3/7/2016
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FRIENDS OF THE SAN GABRIEL RIVER
WATERSHED
QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN
(QAPP)
OUTLINE PREPARED BY:
First Edition: Gwen Starrett, SWRCB, 1998
Second Edition: Dominic Gregorio, SWRCB, 2001
COMPLETED PLAN PREPARED BY:
W. Richard Laton, Ph.D, Calfornia State University, Fullerton
Refer correspondance to:
Friends of the San Gabriel River
www.sangabrielriver.org
P.O. Box 3725
South El Monte, CA 91733
Fax: 562- 695- 8248
Email:sangabrielriver@aol.com
Approvals:
Agency / Organization: ________________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________Date: ____________
Agency / Organization: ________________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________Date: ____________
Agency / Organization: ________________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________Date: ____________
Agency / Organization: ________________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________Date: ____________
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2.
Table of Contents page
2.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE .............................................................................. 2
3.
DISTRIBUTION LIST ............................................................................................. 6
4.
PROJECT ORGANIZATION .................................................................................. 6
4.1. Management (Monitoring Leaders and Trainers) ......................................................................................... 6
4.2. Field Monitors and Team Captains (Volunteers and Staff) .......................................................................... 6
4.3. Data Managers .................................................................................................................................................. 6
4.4. Quality Assurance Personnel ........................................................................................................................... 6
4.5. Technical Advisors............................................................................................................................................ 6
5.
PROBLEM DEFINITION/BACKGROUND ............................................................. 7
5.1. Problem Statement....................................................................................................................................... 7
5.1.1.
Citizen Monitoring Mission and Goals .............................................................................................. 7
5.1.1.1.
Mission.................................................................................................................................... 7
5.1.1.2.
Program Goals ....................................................................................................................... 7
5.2.
6.
Intended Usage of Data ............................................................................................................................... 8
PROJECT/TASK DESCRIPTION .......................................................................... 9
6.1. General Overview of Monitoring ................................................................................................................... 9
Table 6.1 Summary of Monitoring Design .................................................................................................... 9
6.2.
7.
Project Timetable ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Table 6.2 identifies the schedule of major activities associated with this project. ........................................... 10
Table 6.2 Project Schedule ........................................................................................................................... 10
DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES ........................................................................... 11
Table 7.1. Data Quality Objectives for Conventional Water Quality Parameters .................................. 11
Table 7.2. Data Quality Objectives for Nutrients Using Colorimeters or Spectrophotometers .............. 11
Table 7.3. Data Quality Objectives for Nutrients Using Comparators ..................................................... 12
Table 7.4. Data Quality Objectives for Urban Pollutants Using Field Kits .............................................. 12
Table 7.5. Data Quality Objectives for Biological Parameters .................................................................. 12
Table 7.5. Data Quality Objectives for Biological Parameters .................................................................. 13
7.1. Accuracy ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
7.1.1. Chemical and Physical Parameters ........................................................................................................ 13
7.1.2. Biological Parameters .............................................................................................................................. 13
7. 2.
Comparability ............................................................................................................................................ 14
7. 3.
Completeness .............................................................................................................................................. 14
7. 4.
Precision ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
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7. 4. Precision ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
7.4.1. Chemical and Physical Parameters ........................................................................................................ 15
7.4.2. Biological Parameters .............................................................................................................................. 15
7. 5.
Representativeness ..................................................................................................................................... 15
7. 6.
Method Detection Limit and Sensitivity .................................................................................................. 15
8.
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................. 16
9.
DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS .................................................................. 17
10.
SAMPLING PROCESS DESIGN ......................................................................... 17
10.
SAMPLING PROCESS DESIGN ......................................................................... 18
10.1.
Rationale for Selection of Sampling Sites ............................................................................................ 18
10.2.
Sample Design Logistics ........................................................................................................................ 18
11. SAMPLING METHOD REQUIREMENTS ............................................................... 19
Table 11.1 Sampling Method Requirements................................................................................................ 19
Table 11.1 Sampling Method Requirements................................................................................................ 20
12.
SAMPLE HANDLING AND CUSTODY PROCEDURES ..................................... 21
12.1.
Sample Handling .................................................................................................................................... 21
12.2.
Custody Procedures ............................................................................................................................... 21
12.3.
Disposal ................................................................................................................................................... 21
13.
ANALYTICAL METHODS REQUIREMENTS ...................................................... 22
Table 13.1 Analytical Methods for Water Quality Parameters ................................................................ 22
Table 13.2
TARGET REPORTING LIMITS FOR CONVENTIONAL WATER QUALITY
CONSTITUENTS (Laboratory) ................................................................................................................... 23
14.
QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................. 27
14.1.
Cautions Regarding Test Procedures .................................................................................................. 27
14.1.1. Winkler Method for Dissolved Oxygen ............................................................................................ 27
14.1.2. Nutrients ............................................................................................................................................. 27
14.1.3. Urban Pollutants ................................................................................................................................ 27
14.2.
Blanks, Replicates, Split Samples, and Standardization..................................................................... 27
Table 14.1 Summary of Quality Control Requirements ............................................................................ 29
15.
INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENT TESTING, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ... 30
15.1.
Temperature ........................................................................................................................................... 30
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15.2.
Dissolved oxygen .................................................................................................................................... 30
15.3.
Conductivity and pH ............................................................................................................................. 30
15.4.
Turbidity ................................................................................................................................................. 30
15.5.
Nutrients and Urban Pollutants ........................................................................................................... 30
16.
INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION / STANDARDIZATION AND FREQUENCY ....... 31
Table 16.1 Instrument Calibration and Frequency ................................................................................... 31
17.
INSPECTION/ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS ................................................ 32
18.
DATA ACQUISITION REQUIREMENTS ............................................................. 32
18.1.
Professional Analytical Data ................................................................................................................. 32
18.2.
Geographical Information/ Mapping ................................................................................................... 32
19.
DATA MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................... 32
20.
ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE ACTIONS ...................................................... 33
21.
REPORTS ............................................................................................................ 33
22.
DATA REVIEW, VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION .......................................... 33
23.
VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION METHODS .................................................. 33
24.
RECONCILIATION WITH DQOS ......................................................................... 33
APPENDIX 1. SAN GABRIEL RIVER WATERSHED MONITORING MANUAL ......... 34
APPENDIX 2. QUALITY ASSURANCE / QUALITY CONTROL DATA FORMS ......... 35
Data Quality Form: Accuracy .............................................................................................................................. 36
Data Quality Form: Completeness ....................................................................................................................... 37
Data Quality Form: Precision ............................................................................................................................... 38
APPENDIX 3. FIELD DATA AND OBSERVATION SHEETS ...................................... 39
APPENDIX 4. MAPS OF SAMPLING LOCATONS ..................................................... 40
APPENDIX 5. ACRONYMS ......................................................................................... 41
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APPENDIX 6. GLOSSARY .......................................................................................... 52
APPENDIX 7. LIST OF RECOMMENDED CRITICAL FIELD EQUIPMENT/SPARE
PARTS .......................................................................................................................... 72
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3.
Distribution List
All group leaders, and technical advisors will receive copies of this Quality Assurance (QA) plan, and any
approved revisions of this plan. Once approved, this QA plan will be available to any interested party by
requesting a copy from the project management.
4.
Project Organization
This QAPP is a multi-organization project. The following citizen monitoring group will monitor and assess the
streams, storm drains, lakes, bays, etc. within the San Gabriel River Watershed:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
San Gabriel River
Coyotee Creek
San Jose Creek
East Fork
West Fork
This QA plan reflects the diversity of monitoring and organizational support involved in this project. For the
elements of this QA plan, we have addressed aspects that are shared with all groups as well as those aspects that
are unique to individual groups. While the goals of monitoring may vary, the data quality objectives are
consistent allowing us to compare data collected by different organizations. The specific organizational
structure for each of the participating organizations is given below.
Friends of the San Gabriel River Watershed
4.1. Management (Monitoring Leaders and Trainers)
1)
2)
4.2. Field Monitors and Team Captains (Volunteers and Staff)
1)
2)
4.3. Data Managers
1)
2)
4.4. Quality Assurance Personnel
1)
2)
4.5. Technical Advisors
1)
2)
3)
W. Richard Laton, Ph.D., RG, CPG
Assistant Professor of Hydrogeology, California State University, Fullerton
714-278-7514; wlaton@fullerton.edu
Tom McClain, MS
Adjunct Professor, California State University, Fullerton
tmcclain@fullerton.edu
John Foster, Ph.D., CEG
Professor of Geology, California State University, Fullerton
714-278-7096; jfoster@fullerton.edu
Refer to other sections of this QAPP to further understand these different roles or functions within your
group.
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5.
Problem Definition/Background
5.1.
Problem Statement
The San Gabriel River lies at the heart of our region, bringing us the water, vegetation and wildlife that enrich
our valley. Our river is central to the geography and economy of our region, but too often it has been ignored
and abused.
Now the San Gabriel River is making a comeback. Communities are looking to the river for revitalization and
to restore the natural beauty that has drawn so many to this area. Residents are revaluing it for the fun and
environmental awareness it can give. And throughout its length, people are rolling up their sleeves to carve out
pocket parks, restored streams, bike and hiking trails, and nature centers. With the new Joint Rivers and
Mountains Conservancy and enhanced state funding for parks and rivers, we have the tools to restore the
majesty of the San Gabriel River.
From high in the San Gabriel Mountains all the way to the Pacific Ocean, the San Gabriel River unites our
communities in a unique way.
There is insufficient information to adequately assess the status of aquatic resources in the San Gabriel River
Watershed. There are concerns over the status and maintainance of the quality of water resources in this
watershed. Citizen monitoring organizations have been formed in local watersheds to address these water
quality concerns. If quality assurance is adequate, valuable information will be provided for watershed
management and pollution prevention.
5.1.1.
Citizen Monitoring Mission and Goals
5.1.1.1. Mission
The mission of citizen monitoring is to produce environmental information which is needed to protect
California’s watersheds and aquatic resources. Citizen monitoring will also inform and engage the community in
effective watershed stewardship. The vision is for the San Gabriel River become a corridor of an integrated
watershed system while providing protection, benefit and enjoyment to the public.
5.1.1.2. Program Goals
The general goals of citizen monitoring are:
 Identifying valued resources and watershed characteristics for setting management goals,
 Identifying physical watershed characteristics influencing pollutant inputs, transport and fate,
 Identifying the status and trends of biological resources in and around an aquatic environment,
 Screening for water quality problems,
 Identifying pollution sources and illegal activities (spills, wetland fill, diversions, discharges),
 Establishing trends in water quality for waters that would otherwise be un-monitored,
 Evaluating the effectiveness of restoration or management practices,
 Evaluating the effect of a particular activity or structure, and
 Evaluating the quality of water compared to specific water quality criteria
 To educate residents and energize communities
 To serve as an advocate and catalyst for effective action
 To clean up and restore the river
 To protect water quality through better understanding.
In addition, citizen monitors build awareness of water quality issues, aquatic resources and pollution prevention.
This project will supplement existing agency information by monitoring streams in the San Gabriel River
watershed. The focus of the project is on habitat and chemical, physical and biological water quality measures
that will identify the status of these aquatic resources. This information obtained will be provided to the
regulatory agencies. It is the responsibility of the regulatory agencies to ensure that adequate and valid data are
collected to meet their regulatory requirements.
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5.2.
Intended Usage of Data
The data will be used by the Friends of the San Gabriel River Watershed for general watershed assessment
purposes. This assessment of this data will be useful in providing information for watershed management and
pollution prevention. The data will be made available to the public for purposes of watershed education. It will
also be made available to the regulatory and resource management agencies to supplement their existing data
collection efforts. One potential application of the data will be to provide information to the Regional and State
Boards for their use, if they so choose, in Section 305(b) reporting.
Data will be compiled and maintained at P.O. Box 3725, South El Monte, CA 91733. The information will be
shared with the State Water Resources Control Board, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board,
and upon request to other state, federal, and local agencies and organizations.
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6.
Project/Task Description
6.1. General Overview of Monitoring
The citizen monitors are monitoring water quality in the San Gabriel River Watershed. Table 6.1 summarizes
the monitoring design, including the physical, chemical and biological parameters to be measured, whether the
samples will be analyzed by the monitoring group or sampled for later analysis by a professional lab, and the
frequency of measurement.
Table 6.1 Summary of Monitoring Design
Parameter
Type of monitoring
Frequency of monitoring
Flow
Temperature
Dissolved Oxygen
pH
Conductivity (fresh water) or
Salinity (marine)
Turbidity
Ammonia
Nitrate
Ortho-Phosphate
Chlorine
Phenols
Copper
Detergents
Total Organic Carbon
Metals
Oil and Grease
Pesticides
Bacteria
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Odor and Visual Observations
Codes for Table 6.1:
Type: F: field analysis, L: in-house lab analysis, P: sample only, send to outside professional lab
Frequency: M: monthly, S: seasonal, X: irregular
All of the water quality data will be compared to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board Basin
Plan. For results that are not comparable to the Basin Plan we will review those data with our Technical
Advisors.
This QA plan only addresses data quality objectives for the following parameters:
 
Flow
Phenols
Temperature
Copper
Dissolved Oxygen
Detergents
pH
Total Coliform Bacteria
Conductivity
E. coli Bacteria
Salinity
Enterococcus Bacteria
Turbidity
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Ammonia (nitrogen)
Pesticides
Nitrate (nitrogen)
Trash
Ortho-Phosphate
Metals
Chlorine
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For stream and urban storm drain environments flow will be determined by using the protocol described in the
San Gabriel River Watershed Monitoring Manual. Chemistry, physical, and bacterial parameters will be
monitored using protocols outlined in the San Gabriel River Watershed Monitoring Manual. Benthic
macro-invertebrate monitoring will be performed according to the California Stream Bioassessment
Procedure. This program has a systematic method for visual and other sensory observations. A Stream/Shore
Walk Visual Assessment observation sheet, with instructions, is included in the San Gabriel River Watershed
Monitoring Manual. Observations using the Stream/Shore Walk Visual Assessment observation sheet will be
made, at a minimum, on a monthly basis. Observational data include color, Secchi depth, odor, presence of oil
or tar, trash, foam, and algae. In addition, the stream habitat quality will be assessed, at least once per year,
using the California Dept. of Fish and Game Physical Habitat Assessment Form. Observational data
include epifaunal substrate/available cover, embeddedness, velocity/depth regimes, sediment deposition, channel
flow status, channel alteration, frequency of riffles, bank stability, vegetative protection, and riparian vegetative
zone width.
Analytical methods and data quality objectives for the following parameters are not addressed in this QA plan.
Samples for these and other parameters will be taken by volunteers and staff, and sent to an agency, commercial,
or academic laboratory for analysis:

 Total Organic Carbon
 Metals
Oil and Grease and PAH’s
Pesticides and other synthetic organic compounds
Toxicity
6.2.
Project Timetable
Table 6.2 identifies the schedule of major activities associated with this project.
Table 6.2 Project Schedule
Activity
Identify monitoring leaders
Obtain training for monitoring leaders
Recruit monitors
Obtain and check operation of instruments
Train monitors
Initiate monitoring
Initiate data entry
Calibration and quality control sessions
Review data with technical advisors
Date
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7.
Data Quality Objectives
This section identifies how accurate, precise, complete, comparable, sensitive and representative our
measurements will be. These data quality objectives were derived by reviewing the QA plans and performance
of other citizen monitoring organizations (e.g. Chesapeake Bay, Texas Watch, Coyote Creek Riparian Station,
Southern California Citizen Monitoring Steering Committee, Heal the Bay Malibu StreamTeam), by considering
the specifications of the instruments and methods which we will employ, and by considering the utility of the
data. For purposes of this QAPP the data quality is considered adequate for the determination of general water
quality conditions, with a potential application of the data to Section 305(b) reporting purposes.
Data quality objectives are summarized in Tables 7-1 to 7-5. Whenever possible the methods with the greatest
sensitivity and lowest detection limit will be employed as the primary methods. Methods with lesser sensitivity
and higher detection limits will be used for field confirmations or as back-up methods in the case that the
primary methods are not available or functioning properly for a particular sampling event. Specific DQOs were
not given for in-situ continuous monitoring devices. See Section 14 for quality control protocols to be followed
when continuous monitoring devices are employed.
Table 7.1. Data Quality Objectives for Conventional Water Quality Parameters
Parameter
Method/range
Units
Detection
Limit
Sensitivity*
Precision
Accuracy
Completeness
Thermometer
o
o
o
o
C
-5
0.5 C
80%
 0.5 C
 0.5 C
(-5 to 50)
Dissolved
Electronic
mg/l
0.1 mg/l
0.1 mg/l
80%
 10%
 10%
oxygen
meter/probe
Dissolved
Micro-Winkler
mg/l
0.2 mg/l
0.2 mg/l
80%
 10%
 10%
oxygen
Titration
Vacuum
Dissolved
1.0 (1.0-6.0)
ampoule
mg/l
1.0 mg/l
+ 1.0 mg/l + 1.0 mg/l
80%
2.0 (6.0-12.0)
oxygen
Indigo carmine
pH
pH meter
pH units
2.0
0.1 unit
80%
 10%
 10%
Non-bleeding
pH
strips (range
pH units
4.5
0.5 unit
+ 0.5 units + 0.5 units
80%
4.5-10.0)
conductivity
Conductivity
µS/cm
10
10 µS/cm
80%
 10%
 10%
meter
Turbidity
Nephelometer
NTUs
0.1
0.1
80%
 10%
 10%
Dual Tube
Turbidity
JTUs
5
5 JTUs
NA
80%
 5 JTUs
Optical
NA: not applicable
* Note: Some test kits vary in sensitivity over the range of detection. The specific range of readings is noted in
parentheses.
Temperature
Table 7.2. Data Quality Objectives for Nutrients Using Colorimeters or Spectrophotometers
Parameter
Ammonia
Nitrogen
Nitrate
Nitrogen
OrthoPhosphate
Method/range
Units
Detection
Limit
Sensitivity
Nessler method
mg/l
0.05
0.01
Cadmium
reduction
mg/l
0.05
0.01
Ascorbic acid
mg/l
0.07
0.01
Precision
Accuracy
0.2 (<2.0)
10% (>2)
0.2 (<2.0)
10% (>2)
0.2 (<2.0)
10% (>2)
0.2 (<2.0)
10% (>2)
0.2 (<2.0)
10% (>2)
0.2 (<2.0)
10% (>2)
Completeness
80%
80%
80%
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Table 7.3. Data Quality Objectives for Nutrients Using Comparators
Detection
Limit
Sensitivity*
Precision
Accuracy
Completeness
mg/l
0.25
0.25 (0-0.5)
0.5 (0.5-1.0)
1.0 (1.0-2.0)
2.0 (2.0-4.0)

0.5(<2.0)

1.0(>2.0)
 1.0
80%
Zinc reduction
mg/l
1.0
1.0
 1.0
 1.0
80%
Ascorbic acid
mg/l
0.2
0.2 (0-1.0)
0.5 (1.0-2.0)
 0.5
 1.0
80%
Parameter
Method/range
Ammonia
Nitrogen
Salicylate
method
Nitrate
Nitrogen
OrthoPhosphate
Units
* Note: Some test kits vary in sensitivity over the range of detection. The specific range of readings is noted in
parentheses.
Table 7.4. Data Quality Objectives for Urban Pollutants Using Field Kits
Parameter
Method/range
Units
Detection
Limit
Sensitivity*
Precision
Accuracy
Completeness
Total
Residual
Chlorine
Colorimetric
(0.2 - 3.0)
mg/l
0.2
0.2 (0.2-1.0)
0.5 (1.0-2.0)
1.0 (2.0-3.0)
 0.5(<2.0)
 1.0(>2.0)
 0.5(<2.0)
 1.0(>2.0)
80%
Phenols
Direct
Photometric
(0.5 - 5.0)
mg/l
0.5
0.5 (0.5-3.0)
1.0 (3.0-5.0)
 0.5(<3.0)
 1.0(>3.0)
 0.5(<3.0)
 1.0(>3.0)
80%
Total
Copper
Neocuproine
(0.25 - 4.0)
mg/l
0.25
0.25 (0-0.5)
0.5 (0.5-2.0)
1.0 (2.0-4.0)
 0.5(<2.0)
 1.0(>2.0)
 0.5(<2.0)
 1.0(>2.0)
80%
Detergents
Anionic
Surfactants as
MBAS
(0.1)
mg/l
0.1
0.1
 0.1
 0.1
80%
* Note: Some test kits vary in sensitivity over the range of detection. The specific range of readings is noted in
parentheses.
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Table 7.5. Data Quality Objectives for Biological Parameters
Parameter
Method/range
Units
Detection
Limit
Sensitivity
Precision
Accuracy
Completeness
Benthic
Macroinvertebrates
Calif. Stream
Bioassessment
Protocol
N/A
Family
level
N/A
< 5%
difference
< 5%
difference
80%
Duplicates
within
95%
confidence
limits
Duplicates
within
95%
confidence
limits
Duplicates
within
95%
confidence
limits
Positive
standard
within ½ of
an order of
magnitude
Positive
standard
within ½ of
an order of
magnitude
Positive
standard
within ½ of
an order of
magnitude
Total
Coliform
Bacteria
Colilert 18
hour
MPN/
100ml
10
See IDEXX
quantitray
tables
E. coli
Bacteria
Colilert 18
hour
MPN/
100ml
10
See IDEXX
quantitray
tables
Enterococcus
Bacteria
Enterolert 24
hour
MPN/
100ml
10
See IDEXX
quantitray
tables
7.1.
80%
80%
80%
Accuracy
7.1.1. Chemical and Physical Parameters
Accuracy describes how close the measurement is to its true value. Accuracy is the measurement of a sample of
known concentration and comparing the known value against the measured value. The accuracy of chemical
measurements will be checked by performing tests on standards at the quality control sessions held twice a
year. A standard is a known concentration of a certain solution. Standards can be purchased from chemical or
scientific supply companies. Standards might also be prepared by a professional partner, e.g. a commercial or
research laboratory. The concentration of the standards, known to the volunteer leader, will be unknown to the
monitors until after measurements are determined. The concentration of the standards should be within the midrange of the equipment. The Data Quality Form: Accuracy, found in Appendix 1, will be used to record
accuracy.
7.1.2. Biological Parameters
Accuracy for bacteria will be determined by analyzing a positive control sample twice annually. A positive
control is similar to a standard, except that a specific discreet value is not assigned to the bacterial
concentrations in the sample. This is due to the fact that bacteria are alive and capable of mortality and
reproduction. Instead of a specific value, an approximate target value of the bacterial concentration is assigned
to the sample by the laboratory preparing the positive control sample.
For benthic macroinvertebrate analysis, accuracy will be determined by having 20% of the samples (annually)
re-analyzed and validated to CSBP Level 3 (genus level) by a professional taxonomist.
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7. 2.
Comparability
Comparability is the degree to which data can be compared directly to similar studies. Citizen monitoring
groups will use the methods described in the following resource documents to ensure that their data can be
compared to others:





U.S. EPA’s Volunteer Monitoring Manuals for Streams, Lakes or Estuaries,
SWRCB Clean Water Team Compendium for Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment, and
California’s Department of Fish and Game’s (CDFG) California Stream Bioassessment Protocol (CSBP) for
Citizen Monitors.
Heal the Bay’s Malibu Creek Stream Team Pilot Project, Shattering the Myths of Volunteer Monitoring
San Francisco Estuary Institute’s Volunteer Monitoring Protocols.
Before modifying these methods, or developing alternative or additional methods, technical advisors will
evaluate and review the effects of the potential modification. It will be important to address their concerns about
data quality before proceeding with the monitoring program.
7. 3.
Completeness
Completeness is the fraction of planned data that must be collected in order to fulfill the statistical criteria of the
project. Volunteer data will not be used for legal or compliance uses. There are no statistical criteria that
require a certain percentage of data. However, it is expected that 80% of all measurements could be taken when
anticipated. This accounts for adverse weather conditions, safety concerns, and equipment problems.
We will determine completeness by comparing the number of measurements we planned to collect compared to
the number of measurements we actually collected that were also deemed valid. An invalid measurement would
be one that does not meet the sampling methods requirements and the data quality objectives. Completeness
results will be checked quarterly. This will allow us to identify and correct problems. The Data Quality Form:
Completeness, found in Appendix 1, will be used to record completeness.
Coyote Creek
San Gabriel River
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7. 4.
Precision
7.4.1. Chemical and Physical Parameters
The precision objectives apply to duplicate and split samples taken as part of a QC session or as part of periodic
in-field QC checks. Precision describes how well repeated measurements agree. The evaluation of precision
described here relates to repeated measurements taken by either different volunteers on the same sample (at
quality control sessions) or the same volunteer analyzing replicate samples (in the field). Sampling variability
will not be covered in this section. The Data Quality Form: Precision, found in Appendix 1, will be used to
record precision.
7.4.2. Biological Parameters
Precision for bacterial parameters will be determined by having the same analyst complete the procedure for
laboratory duplicates of the same sample. At a minimum this should be done once per day, or run duplicates on
a minimum of 5% of the samples if there are over 20 samples run per day. The results of the duplicates should
be within the confidence limits supplied by the manufacturer.
For benthic macroinvertebrate analysis, precision will be determined by having the technical advisor annually
perform an evaluation on the citizen analysts as discussed in Section 14.2 of this QAPP.
7. 5.
Representativeness
Representativeness describes how relevant the data are to the actual environmental condition. Problems can
occur if:



Samples are taken in a stream reach that does not describe the area of interest (e.g. a headwaters sample
should not be taken downstream of a point source),
Samples are taken in an unusual habitat type (e.g. a stagnant backwater instead of in the flowing portion of
the creek),
Samples are not analyzed or processed appropriately, causing conditions in the sample to change (e.g. water
chemistry measurements are not taken immediately).
Representativeness will be ensured by processing the samples in accordance with Section 10, 11 and 12, by
following the established methods, and by obtaining approval of this document.
7. 6.
Method Detection Limit and Sensitivity
The Method Detection Limit is the lowest possible concentration the instrument or equipment can detect. This
is important to record because we can never determine that a pollutant was not present, only that we could not
detect it. Sensitivity is the ability of the instrument to detect one concentration from the next. Detection Limits
and Sensitivities are noted in Tables 7.1. - 7.5.
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8.
Training Requirements
All citizen monitoring leaders must participate in a minumum of three days of hands-on training sessions on
water quality monitoring conducted by the Clean Water Team of the State Water resources Control Board.
For macroinvertebrate bioassessment citizen monitoring leaders must also participate in a three day training
course provided by the California Department of Fish and Game, the Sustainable Lands Stewardship Institute,
the American Fisheries Society, or the State Water Resources Control Board.
Trained citizen monitoring leaders may then train their rank-and-file volunteers. Individual trainees are
evaluated by their performance of analytical and sampling techniques, by comparing their results to known
values, and to results obtained by trainers and other trainees.
In addition to completion of the above described training course, the citizen monitoring leaders must participate
in semi-annual Quality Control Sessions. These Quality Control Sessions will be supervised by Quality Control
Trainers and will provide an opportunity for citizen monitors to check the accuracy and precision of their
equipment and techniques. Quality Control Trainers are defined as water quality professionals from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, the State Water Resources Control Board, and the Regional Water Quality
Control Boards. Additional qualified trainers may be recruited and designated by the above agencies from
experienced citizen monitoring organizations, universities and colleges, commercial analytical laboratories, and
other federal, state, and local agencies.
The monitor will bring his/her equipment to the Quality Control Session. The monitor will conduct duplicate
tests on all analyses and meet the data quality objectives described in Section 7. If a monitor does not meet the
objectives, the trainers will re-train and re-test the monitor. If there is insufficient time at the QC session to retrain and re-test monitors, the monitor will be scheduled for an additional training session. The monitor will be
encouraged to discontinue monitoring for the analysis of concern until training is completed.
The Quality Control Trainers will examine kits for completeness of components: date, condition, and supply of
reagents, and whether the equipment is in good repair. The Trainers will check data quality by testing
equipment against blind standards. The trainers will also ensure that monitors are reading instruments and
recording results correctly. Sampling and safety techniques will also be evaluated. The trainer will discuss
corrective action with the volunteers, and the date by which the action will be taken. The citizen monitoring
leader is responsible for reporting back that the corrective action has been taken. Certificates of completion will
be provided once all corrective action has been completed.
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9.
Documentation and Records
All field results will be recorded at the time of completion, using the field data sheets (see Appendix 2). Data
sheets will be reviewed for outliers and omissions before leaving the sample site. Data sheets will be signed
after review by the citizen monitoring leader. Data sheets will be stored in hard copy form at the location
specified in Section 5.2. Field data sheets are archived for three years from the time they were collected. If data
entry is ever performed at another location, duplicate data sheets will be used, with the originals remaining at the
headquarters site. Hard copies of all data as well as computer back-up disks are maintained at headquarters.
All voucher collections, completed data quality control forms and maintenance logs will also be kept at the
headquarters location specified in Section 5.2. The mainenance log details the dates of equipment inspection,
battery replacement and calibrations, as well as the dates reagents and standards are replaced.
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10.
Sampling Process Design
10.1. Rationale for Selection of Sampling Sites
Sampling sites are indicated on the maps in Appendix 3. The following criteria were evaluated when choosing
sampling locations:






access is safe,
permission to cross private property is granted,
sample can be taken in main river current or where homogeneous mixing of water occurs,
sample is representative of the part of the water body of interest,
location complements or supplements historical data,
location represents an area that possesses unique value for fish and wildlife or recreational use.
Any reference sites are chosen upstream of any potential impact. A site chosen to reflect the impact of a
particular discharge, tributary or land use is located downstream of the impact where the impact is completely
integrated with the water, but upstream of any secondary discharge or disturbance.
Prior to final site selection, permission to access the stream was obtained from all property owners. If access to
the site becomes a problem, the citizen monitoring leader will select a new site. Safety issues are included in the
San Gabriel River Watershed Monitoring Manual .
Sample sites will be reviewed by the leader before sending volunteers out to the site. The monitoring leader will
document permission and terms obtained from landowners, and will complete and file a Stream/Shore Walk
form for the site, which will include a map and photographs.
10.2. Sample Design Logistics
Volunteers are instructed to work in teams of at least two people. If a scheduled team cannot conduct the
sampling together, the team captain is instructed to contact the citizen monitoring leader so that arrangements
can be made for a substitute trained volunteer.
Prior to final site selection, permission to access the stream is obtained from all property owners. If access to
the site is a problem, the citizen monitoring leader will select a new site following the site selection criteria
identified in Section 10.1.
Safety measures will be discussed with all volunteers. No instream sampling will be conducted if there are
small
creek
flood
warnings
or
advisories.
These
can
be
found
at
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/weather.html#Warnings. It is the responsibility of the citizen monitoring organization
to ensure the safety of their volunteer monitors. Safety issues are included in the San Gabriel River
Watershed Monitoring Manual .
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11. Sampling Method Requirements
The San Gabriel River Watershed Monitoring Manual describes the appropriate sampling procedure for
collecting samples for water chemistry. Water sampling apparatus may include Van Dorn Samplers, Niskin
Bottles, Kemmerer Tubes, LaMotte Oxygen Samplers, DH 48 Sediment Samplers, extension pole type sampling
devices, and hand held plastic containers. Benthic invertebrates will be collected with a D shaped kick net (0.5
mm mesh) mounted on a pole. For a complete list of approved sampling instrumentation see Appendix 7. In
those cases where glass bottles are required in Table 11.1, plastic samplers are allowed as long as the hold time
in the sampling device is minimal before transfer to the glass sample bottle. Sampling devices and sample
bottles (that are not pre-sterilized and do not contain preservatives/fixing agents) will be rinsed three times with
sample water prior to collecting each sample. For sterile bottles, whirl-paks, and sample bottles which do
contain preservatives/fixing agents (e.g., acids, etc.) never rinse with sample water prior to collecting the
sample. Also, never use a sample bottle containing preservatives/fixing agents for sampling; in these cases
always use a sampling device to collect the sample prior to transferring the sample into the bottle.
Whenever possible, the collector will sample from a bridge so that the water body is not disturbed from wading.
All samples are taken approximately in mid-stream, at least one inch below the surface. If it is necessary to
wade into the water, the sample collector stands downstream of the sample, taking a sample upstream. If the
collector disturbs sediment when wading, the collector will wait until the effect of disturbance is no longer
present before taking the sample. Never wade into a lined channel system. Collection of samples should be
perfomed from the dry bank area.
The following table describes the sampling equipment, sample holding container, sample preservation method
and maximum holding time for each parameter.
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Table 11.1 Sampling Method Requirements
Parameter
Sample Bottle
Preferred / Maximum Holding Times
Conventional Parameters
Temperature
Dissolved oxygen
clear plastic bottle or sample directly
plastic bottle or sample directly
pH
conductivity
turbidity
plastic bottle or sample directly
plastic bottle or sample directly
plastic bottle
Nutrients
Ammonia N
plastic bottle
Nitrate N
Ortho-Phosphate
plastic bottle
plastic bottle
Total Residual
Chlorine
Phenols
Total Copper
Detergents
plastic bottle
Total Organic
Carbon
Metals
acid and d.i. water rinsed glass
sampling bottle, teflon liner in lid
plastic sampling bottle
Oil and Grease
acid and d.i. water rinsed glass
sampling bottle, teflon liner in lid
acid and d.i. water rinsed glass
sampling bottle, teflon liner in lid
acid and d.i. water rinsed glass
sampling bottle, teflon liner in lid
PAH’s
Pesticides and other
synthetic organic
compounds
Toxicity
Bacteria
Benthic
macroinvertebrates
plastic bottle
plastic bottle
plastic bottle
immediately
immediately / for wet chemistry fix per protocol
instructions, continue analysis within 8 hr.
immediately
immediately / refrigerate up to 24 hours
immediately / store in dark for up to 24 hr.
immediately / up to 8 hours if the sample is acidified
with sulfuric acid to less than 3.0 pH
immediately / refrigerate in dark for up to 48 hours.
immediately / refrigerate in dark for up to 8 hours
Urban Pollutants – Field Measurements
immediately
immediately
immediately
immediately
Laboratory Analysis of Chemical Parameters
refrigerate to 4 degrees C, send to lab immediately
fix with Ultrapure (or comparable) nitric acid, send
to lab immediately
refrigerate to 4 degrees C, send to lab immediately
refrigerate to 4 degrees C, send to lab immediately
refrigerate to 4 degrees C, send to lab immediately
acid and d.i. water rinsed glass
refrigerate to 4 degrees C, send to lab immediately
sampling bottle, teflon liner in lid
Biological Samples
sterile plastic sampling bottle or
whirl-pak
wide mouth plastic bottles
Refrigerate to 4 degrees C in the dark; deliverd to the
lab within 4 hours, start analysis within 6 hours
Fixed with ethanol immediately
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12.
Sample Handling and Custody Procedures
12.1. Sample Handling
Identification information for each sample will be recorded on the field data sheets (see Appendix 2) when the
sample is collected. Samples that are not processed immediately in the field will be labeled with the waterbody
name, sample location, sample number, date and time of collection, sampler’s name, and method used to
preserve sample (if any).
12.2. Custody Procedures
The conventional water quality monitoring tests do not require specific custody procedures since they will, in
most cases, be conducted immediately by the same person who performs the sampling. In certain circumstances
(such as driving rain or extreme cold), samples will be taken to a nearby residence for analysis. Samples
requiring chemical preservation will be fixed prior to transport.
When samples are transferred from one volunteer to another member of the same organization for analysis, or
from the citizen monitoring group to an outside professional laboratory, then a Chain of Custody form should be
used. This form identifies the waterbody name, sample location, sample number, date and time of collection,
sampler’s name, and method used to preserve sample (if any). It also indicates the date and time of transfer, and
the name and signature of the sampler and the sample recipient. In cases where the sample remains in the
custody of the monitoring organization, then the field data sheet may be allowed to double as the chain of
custody form. It is recommended that when a sample leaves the custody of the monitoring group, then the Chain
of Custody form used be the one provided by the outside professional laboratory. Similarly, when quality
control checks are performed by a professional lab, their samples will be processed under their chain of custody
procedures with their labels and documentation procedures. For benthic macroinvertebrate samples, the
California Department of Fish and Game Aquatic Bioassessment Laboratory Chain of Custody form will
be used.
12.3. Disposal
All analyzed samples or spent chemicals (except for waste from the nitrate/cadmium reduction test and the
Nessler ammonia test) including used reagents, buffers or standards will be collected in a plastic bottle clearly
marked “Waste” or “Poison”. This waste material will be disposed of according to appropriate state and local
regulations. This will usually mean disposal into a drain connected to a sewage treatment plant.
Liquid waste from the cadmium reduction nitrate test will be kept separate and disposed of at a facility that is
permitted to handle, transport, or dispose Cd waste. Liquid waste from the Nessler ammonia test (which contains
mercury) will likewise be kept separate and disposed of at a facility that is permitted to handle, transport, or
dispose Hg waste. Waste from the zinc reduction nitrate test and the salicylate ammonia test can be held in the
regular waste container and disposed of as described in the previous paragraph.
Whenever possible, if waste includes reagents from the detergent test, these wastes will be poured down a drain
underneath a flume hood.
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13.
Analytical Methods Requirements
Water chemistry is monitored using protocols outlined in the San Gabriel River Watershed Monitoring
Manual . The methods were chosen based on the following criteria:




capability of volunteers to use methods,
provide data of known quality,
ease of use,
methods can be compared to professional methods in Standard Methods.
If modifications of methods are needed, comparability will be determined by side-by-side comparisons with a
US EPA or APHA Standard Method on no less than 50 samples. If the results meet the same precision and
accuracy requirements as the approved method, the new method will be accepted.
Table 13.1 outlines the methods to be used, any modifications to those methods, and the appropriate reference to
a standard method.
Table 13.1 Analytical Methods for Water Quality Parameters
Parameter
Temperature
Method
Thermometric
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved Oxygen
Winkler Method, Azide
Modification
Membrane Electrode
Colorimetric indigo carmine
Modification
Alcohol-filled thermometer marked
in 0.5oC increments
Prepackaged reagents, 20 ml sample
size
none
Vacuum ampoules
pH
pH
Conductivity
Turbidity
Turbidity
Electrometric
Litmus indicator strips
Electrometric
Dual tube optical comparisons
Nephelometric
none
Non-bleeding
none
none
none
Ammonia N
Phenate
Salicylate with Color Comparator
4500 - NH3 F.
Ammonia N
Nessler or Phenate/Salicylate
prepackaged reagents, colorimeter
or spectrophotometer
Nitrate N
Cadmium Reduction or
Zinc reduction
Cadmium Reduction or Zinc
Reduction
Ascorbic acid
Ascorbic acid
Color Comparator
4500 – NH3 C
18th edition
only (1992)
4500 – NO3
E.
4500 – NO3
E.
4500 – P E.
4500 – P E.
Nitrate N
Ortho-Phosphate
Ortho-Phosphate
Total Residual
Chlorine
Phenols
Total Copper
Detergents
Total Coliform
Bacteria
E. coli Bacteria
Enterococcus Bacteria
Benthic
Macroinvertebrates
DPD
Colorimetric
Direct Photometric
Neocuproine
Anionic Surfactants as MBAS
Colilert 18 hour
Colilert 18 hour
Enterolert 24 hour
California Stream Bioassessment
Protocol
prepackaged reagents, colorimeter
or spectrophotometer
Color Comparator
prepackaged reagents, colorimeter
or spectrophotometer
none
Reference (a)
2550 B.
4500-O C.
4500-O G.
ASTM D 88887
4500-H B.
Whatman Co.
2520 B.
None
4500 - Cl G.
Color Comparator
Color Comparator
none
none
5530 D.
3500 -Cu D.
5540 C.
9223
none
none
Level 2 (to family only)
9223
IDEXX Corp.
Harrington,
Jim, CDFG,
1997
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(a) All of the above methods, with the exception of dissolved oxygen via indigo carmine, pH via non-bleeding
indicator strips, turbidity via dual tube (JTUs), enterococcus bacteria, and benthic macroinvertebrates are
described in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater 20 th Edition. American
Public Health Association et al, 1998.
Table 13.2
TARGET REPORTING LIMITS FOR CONVENTIONAL WATER QUALITY
CONSTITUENTS (Laboratory)
Analysis
Matrix
Reporting
Units
*Suggested Analytical Methods (See
*Note, and see References 1-13, at
bottom of table)
Target Reporting
Limit (TRL)
CONVENTIONAL CONSTITUENTS
AMMONIA (as N)
water
(dissolved)
mg/L
EPA 350.3 EPA 350.2 SM 4500-NH3B, C
BIOCHEMICAL
OXYGEN DEMAND
water
mg/L
EPA 405.1 SM 5210B
BORON
water
(dissolved)
mg/L
EPA 200.7 EPA 6010A SM 4500 B-19
CALCIUM
water
(dissolved)
mg/L
EPA 200.7 EPA 6010A SM 3111B
0.05
CHLORIDE
(iodometric)
water
(dissolved)
mg/L
EPA 300.0A SM 4500 Cl C
0.25
CHLOROPHYLL a
PHEOPHYTIN a
CHEMICAL
OXYGEN
water
(dissolved)
µg/L
SM 10200H
2.0
(500 ml filtration)
water
mg/L
EPA 410.1-.4
5
CONDUCTIVITY
water
µS/cm
SM 2510B EPA 120.1
2.5
FIXED &
VOLATILE
DISSOLVED
SOLIDS (500C)
water
mg/L
EPA 160.4 SM 2540E
5
FLUORIDE
water
(dissolved)
mg/L
EPA 300.0A EPA 6010A
0.123
IRON
water
(dissolved)
mg/L
EPA 300.0A EPA 6010A
0.02
mg/L
EPA 200.7 EPA 6010A SM 3111B
0.02
DEMAND
(titrametric)
MAGNESIUM
water
(dissolved)
0.1
2
0.010
(500 ml filtration)
MANGANESE
water
(dissolved)
mg/L
EPA 200.7 EPA 6010A SM 3111B
0.02
NITRATE (as N)
water
(dissolved)
mg/L
EPA 300.0A EPA 353.3 SM 4500-NO3E,
F (Flow injection analysis)
0.01
water
mg/L
EPA 353.2 SM 4500-NO3E, F
0.1
water
(dissolved)
mg/L
EPA 300.0A EPA 353.2 SM 4500-NO2B
(Flow injection analysis)
0.01
NITRATE+NITRITE
NITRITE (as N)
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Analysis
Matrix
Reporting Units
*Suggested Analytical Methods (See
*Note, and see References 1-13, at
bottom of table)
Target Reporting
Limit (TRL)
CONVENTIONAL CONSITUENTS
OIL AND
water
mg/L
GREASE
(HEM)
mg/L
(dissolved)
water (total)
water
ORTHOPHOSPHATE
(as P)
(dissolved)
E. Coli
water
Enterococcus
water
Fecal Coliform
water
Total Coliform
water
POTASSIUM
water
(dissolved)
SEDIMENT
GRAIN SIZE
ANALYSIS
1.4
SM 5520 B
water
ORGANIC
CARBON
EPA 1664A
EPA 415.1-.2
SM 5310 C
mg/L
EPA 415.1-.2
SM 5310C
mg/L
EPA 300.0A
EPA 365.3
SM 4500-P E&F
(Flow injection analysis)
PATHOGENS
MPN/100 ml
SM 9221B/E mod. MUG,
SM 9223B
colonies/100 ml
SM 9230C,
ASTM D6503
MPN/100 ml
SM 9221E,
SM 9222D
(25-tube dilution)
MPN/100 ml
SM 9221B,
SM 9222B
(25-tube dilution)
mg/L
EPA 200.7
sediment
% gravel
% sand
EPA 6010A
SM 3111B
SM 3500-K D
(6), (7) ASTM
(sieve-hydrometer)
(4-fraction)
% silt
% clay
0.6
0.6
0.01
2
1
2
2
0.1
1%
(8) Plumb 1981,
(9) EPA 1995
(abbrev. pipette)
Particle Size
sediment (full
phi analysis)
g (grams-weight)
(8) Plumb 1981,
(9) EPA 1995,
(10) Folk 1980
(full phi pippette
analysis)
<0.002 mm
>0.002 mm
>0.0039 mm
>0.0078 mm
>0.0313 mm
>0.0625 mm
>0.125 mm
>0.25 mm
>0.5 mm
>1 mm
>2 mm
>3.2 mm
>4 mm
>8 mm
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Analysis
Matrix
Reporting
Units
*Suggested Analytical Methods
(See *Note, and see References 1-13, at bottom of table)
Target
Reporting
Limit (TRL)
CONVENTIONAL CONSTITUENTS
SEDIMENT TOTAL
sediment
%OC
(dry weight)
ORGANIC CARBON
EPA 9060, and
water
(dissolved)
water
(dissolved)
mg/L
water
(dissolved)
mg/L
water
mg/L
(11) ASTM 2000 D3977
(12) Gray et al 2000
water
mg/L
EPA 310.1-2
water
mg/L
water
mg/L
TOTAL KJELDAHL
NITROGEN
water
mg/L
TOTAL PHOSPHATE
water
mg/L
water
mg/L
TURBIDITY
water
NTU
VOLATILE
SUSPENDED
water
mg/L
SILICA
SODIUM
SULFATE
SUSPENDED
mg/L
(as P)
SOLIDS (103-105 C)
SOLIDS
0.1
EPA 300.0A
1.0
0.5
1
SM 2320B
(as CaCO3)
TOTAL SUSPENDED
EPA 200.7
SM 4500-SO4,
E ASTM D516
SOLIDS
TOTAL HARDNESS
0.1
EPA 6010A
SM 3111B
(as CaCO3)
TOTAL DISSOLVED
EPA 200.7
SM 3111B
SEDIMENT
CONCENTRATION
TOTAL ALKALINITY
0.01
(13) EPA 1986
(Kahn Method)
EPA 160.1
SM 2540C
EPA 200.7
EPA 130.1-2
SM 2340C
EPA 351.1-.4 4500-NorgB,
4500-NorgB,
C SM 4500-NH3C, E, F
EPA 365.1-4
SM 4500-P B(5),
E&F
EPA 160.2
SM 2540D APHA 1997
EPA 180.1
SM 2130B
EPA 160.4
10
1
0.5
0.05
0.5
0.5 ntu
1.0
SM 2540E
*NOTE REGARDING SUGGESTED METHODS LISTED ABOVE
All analytical methods listed above are suggested. Other methods may be employed, and modifications of
standard methods are encouraged, as long as the methods used: 1) meet the sensitivity requirements of the
TRL's, and 2) are contained in 40CFR36, the most current version of Standard Methods, or another reliable
procedure as documented to produce results that are equal to or more stringent than the method being modified
(modifications made according to CFR (Title 40, Part 136.4). Any changes in procedures due to equipment
changes or to improved precision and accuracy will be documented. Analyses and determinations must be
performed by qualified personnel in conformance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) or DHS approved test procedures described in the current Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (Title 40,
Part 136); "Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste," SW-846; or Title 22, CFR, Article 11, as appropriate.
The test procedures may be modified subject to the application and approval of alternate test procedures under
the CFR (Title 40, Part 136.4). The SWAMP Program strongly encourages the use of "performance-based
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methodology" (PBM) for conducting analytical procedures and therefore recognized the use of modified
standard procedures, as appropriately documented following CFR 40, Part 136.4. The use of PBM allows for
approved procedures to be modified according to these guidelines, which provide results that are equal to or
better than (more stringent than) the standard protocol that was modified.
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14.
Quality Control Requirements
Quality control samples will be taken to ensure valid data are collected. Depending on the parameter, quality
control samples will consist of blanks, replicate samples, and split samples. In addition, quality control sessions
(a.k.a. intercalibration exercises) will be held twice a year to verify the proper working order of equipment,
refresh volunteers in monitoring techniques and determine whether the data quality objectives are being met.
Responsible laboratories will follow all approved procedures and quality control measures as outlined in this
QAPP. Only those laboratories approved by the State of California shall be used.
14.1. Cautions Regarding Test Procedures
14.1.1. Winkler Method for Dissolved Oxygen
The Winkler method is not appropriate for highly alkaline waters. Other citizen monitoring groups have noted
problems with short shelf-life of the sodium thiosulfate reagent. Field measurements should be evaluated
immediately to determine whether they are reasonable. The validity of the dissolved oxygen test will also be
assured by taking these steps:





Care is taken not to aerate water samples during collection,
Water is added gently to the dissolved oxygen bottle,
No air bubbles are present in the sample,
The titration sample will be measured carefully with a graduated cylinder,
The sample is swirled thoroughly after each drop of titrant, if the endpoint is overrun, another 20 ml. of the
sample will be titrated.
14.1.2. Nutrients
The nitrate test measures nitrite as well as nitrate. Therefore the results for the nitrate test are actually mg/l
Nitrite + Nitrate Nitrogen. When mixing nitrate reagents take care not to agitate aggressively. The LaMotte
phosphate reagents have been shown to degrade well within their listed shelf life once opened.
14.1.3. Urban Pollutants
The tests for detergent, chlorine and phenol should not be conducted on saline waters. Suspended matter and
algae may give false positive results for detergent. The low sensitivity of the copper test may preclude detecting
copper as most falls out of solution forming copper carbonate.
14.2. Blanks, Replicates, Split Samples, and Standardization
Field/Laboratory Blanks: For all conventional water quality analyses, except temperature, dissolved oxygen and
pH, field blanks will be analyzed once daily. For nutrients using comparators, a field blank will be analyzed
every sampling trip. Color can sometimes appear in these nutrient blanks, suggesting that the real samples may
be overestimating the true nutrient concentration. When colorimeters or spectrophotometers are used at the
group’s facility for nutrient analysis, a laboratory reagent blank will be analyzed and recorded for each day of
analysis. For urban pollutants field blanks will be run daily. For bacterial analysis performed at a group’s
facility, a laboratory blank will be performed for each sampling/analysis event. Blanks do not apply to benthic
macroinvertebrate sampling. (see Table 14.1)
Instructions for Field and Lab Blanks: Distilled water is taken into the field or used in the laboratory and
handled just like a sample. It will be poured into the sample container and then analyzed. When reagents are
used in a test method, then the reagents are added to the distilled water and these types of blanks are referred to
as reagent blanks. Field blanks are recorded on the field data sheet. For nutrients measured with comparators,
results from the field reagent blanks should be “not detected”. If nutrients are detected, corrective action will be
taken to eliminate the problem. For nutrients measured with colorimeters, the lab reagent blanks should be less
than 0.05 ppm and the specific value should be recorded and subtracted from the field sample result. For
bacterial analysis, the reagents are added to distilled water (in the same manner as for a field sample) and that
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blank is then sealed in a quantitray and incubated along with the field samples. The blank should be below
detection limits (i.e., no positive wells) at the end of the incubation period.
Field Confirmations: When a second method for measuring temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH is available
in the field, then the monitors are encouraged to perform both measurements on a split sample at least once
daily. Examples of this sort of redundant measurement would be:



for temperature, the use of an electronic thermometer (such as those that are built into dissolved oxygen
meters) and an armored thermometer;
for dissolved oxygen, the use of an oxygen meter and an indigo carmine colorimetric kit;
for pH, a meter and a non-bleeding indicator strip.
This will serve to provide backup capability if the more sensitive electronic meters fail, and will provide
additional confidence as to the quality of the data. The results of both measurements will be recorded along with
the procedure used on the field data sheet. If both results are comparable then the result produced using the
method of greater sensitivity will be the one entered in the final data set by the data manager in consultation with
the monitoring leader. If the two results are inconsistent, then the monitoring leader will note on the data sheet
which of the results will be entered on the final data set by the data manager.
Replicate Samples: Replicate samples are two or more samples collected at the same time and place. When
there are only two replicates then these are referred to as duplicates. For conventional water quality, nutrients,
and urban pollutant analyses duplicate field samples will be taken once every 20 samples, or quarterly whichever
comes first. Duplicate samples will be collected as soon as possible after the initial sample has been collected,
and will be subjected to identical handling and analysis. For bacterial analysis lab duplicates will be run at least
once per sampling day, and when there are more than 20 samples run per day then there will be a minimum 5%
of the samples analyzed in duplicate. For benthic macroinvertebrate sampling, instead of duplicate sampling,
each sampler will be evaluated annually by measuring the area sampled upstream of the net. The area should be
two square feet and should be verified by using a two square foot pvc frame.
Split Samples: Twice a Year, split spiked samples (standards) will be analyzed as part of the Quality Control
Session. The split standard is one sample, containing a known concentration of an analyte, that is divided
equally into two or more sample containers. Split standards will be analyzed by the volunteers, and sent to a
professional laboratory (except for dissolved oxygen, temperature, and pH), before the maximum sample
handling time is exceeded. Volunteers will analyze the split standard normally and will perform at least three
analyses on that same sample. From these results accuracy and precision will be determined. The professional
laboratory will analyze the sample using the method referenced in Table 13.1
For turbidity using the dual tube (JTU) method, split field samples will be analyzed as part of the Quality
Control Session. The laboratory receiving the split sample will analyze it using the nephelometric method, even
though these results are not strictly comparable to the visual JTU comparators. The results of turbidity using the
two methods will be plotted to determine if there is a linear correlation. If this correlation is significant, then it
will be used to estimate and compare results of the turbidity tubes with nephlometric results. The Technical
Advisory Committee for all groups will use the product-moment correlation coefficient (r) to determine the
adequacy of the correlation.
For bacteria, split field samples or split positive controls will be analyzed by the citizen monitoring group and an
outside professional laboratory twice annually. In addition, at the quality control session different analysts from
the citizen monitoring group(s) will each read a minimum of the three quantitrays and compare their results.
These results should be within + one well for concentrations of less than 1000 MPN/100 ml, and within + two
wells for concentrations of greater than 1000 MPN/100ml.
A minimum 20% of the benthic macroinvertebrate samples will be subjected to validation by a outside
professional taxonomist. Following analysis by the citizen group the selected samples will be reconstituted and
sent out for professional level 3 taxonomic analyses. Reconstituted means opening the vials containing the 100
identified specimens, pouring the specimens back into the original sample jar, and gently stirring the contents.
In addition, once a year citizen macroinvertebrate analysts will participate in an intercalibration exercise in
which their subsampling/sorting and taxonomic skills will be evaluated. A minimum of two teams of analysts
will each inspect each other’s processed grids immediately following completion of the subsampling procedure.
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There should be no more than 10% missed organisms. A technical advisor should then evaluate each of the
citizen analysts by testing their identification to order and family level on at least 20 specimens, including at
least one representative from each of the major orders and families as determined by the technical advisor for
that watershed. Accuracy and precision can be determined by the results of these validation and evaluation
measures.
Standardization of Instruments and Procedures: At the Quality Assurance Sessions the temperature
measurements will be standardized by comparing our thermometers to a NIST-certified or calibrated
thermometer in ice water and ambient temperature water. All meters (pH, conductivity, oxygen) will be
evaluated at the Quality Assurance Session using standards provided with the assistance of a professional
laboratory and/or the technical advisors. For oxygen meters the standard will be distilled water saturated with
oxygen. The Winkler kits for dissolved oxygen will be checked by standardizing the sodium thiosulfate solution
in the test kit, and/or by comparing the entire kit to a saturated oxygen standard. Instructions for checking the
sodium thiosulfate are included in the test kit. (Additional reagents and glassware must be purchased separately
however.) If the result is unsatisfactory, as indicated in the instructions, the sodium thiosulfate and/or other
reagent will be discarded and replaced with new reagents.
Continuous Monitoring Devices: Should continuous monitoring devices be used for any parameters then such
devices must be calibrated and deployed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and field confirmation
will be performed using replicate sampling (for laboratory analysis) or standardized instruments. For example,
there is the possibility of using in-situ continuous monitoring devices for flow or temperature measurements.
Confirmations using a flow meter or a standardized field thermometer will be perfomed at the time of deploying
and retrieving the device. This will serve to determine the accuracy of the continuous monitoring device. Table
14.1 summarizes the quality control regimen.
Table 14.1 Summary of Quality Control Requirements
Parameter
Temperature
Dissolved oxygen
pH
conductivity
turbidity
Ammonia
Nitrate
Ortho-Phosphate
Ammonia
Nitrate
Ortho-Phosphate
Total Residual Chlorine
Phenols
Total Copper
Detergents
Total Coliform and E.
coli Bacteria
Enterococcus Bacteria
Benthic Invertebrates
Blank
Duplicate Sample
Split Sample
to lab
Water quality
5% or a minimum of once a year
none
5% or a minimum of once a year
none
5% or a minimum of once a year
none
5% or a minimum of once a year
twice a year
5% or a minimum of once a year
twice a year
Nutrients (comparators)
daily
5% or a minimum of once a year
twice a year
daily
5% or a minimum of once a year
twice a year
daily
5% or a minimum of once a year
twice a year
Nutrients (colorimeters or spectrophotometers)
daily
5% or a minimum of once a year
twice a year
daily
5% or a minimum of once a year
twice a year
daily
5% or a minimum of once a year
twice a year
Urban Pollutants
daily
5% or a minimum of once a year
twice a year
daily
5% or a minimum of once a year
twice a year
daily
5% or a minimum of once a year
twice a year
daily
5% or a minimum of once a year
twice a year
Biological Parameters
daily
5% or a minimum of once per day
twice a year
none
none
none
daily
daily
daily
none
5% or a minimum of once per day
None, instead conduct evaluation of
sampling area annually
twice a year
20% per year
QC session
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
twice a year
once a year
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15.
Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection and Maintenance
A maintenance log is kept by the monitoring group leader. This log details the dates of instrument and sampling
gear inspection, calibrations performed in the laboratory, battery replacement, the dates reagents and standards
are replaced, and any problems noted with instruments, samplers, or reagents.
15.1. Temperature
Before each use, thermometers are checked for breaks in the column. If a break is observed, the alcohol
thermometer will be placed in nearly boiling water so that the alcohol expands into the expansion chamber, and
the alcohol forms a continuous column. verify accuracy by comparing with a calibrated or certified thermometer.
15.2. Dissolved oxygen
Dissolved Oxygen Winkler Titration: Before each use, bottles, droppers, and color comparators are checked to
see if they are clean and in good working order. Reagents are replaced annually according to manufacturer’s
recommendation.
Dissolved Oxygen Meters: Membranes and solutions should be replaced according to manufacturer’s
specifications, but no less frequently than quarterly. Membranes should be checked for bubbles after
replacement. Before each use, D.O. meters are checked to see if they are clean and in good working order.
15.3. Conductivity and pH
Before each use, conductivity and pH meters are checked to see if they are clean and in good working order.
Conductivity and pH meters are calibrated before each use. Conductivity standards and pH buffers are replaced
at least annually. Conductivity standards are stored with the cap firmly in place and in a dry place kept away
from extreme heat. Do not re-use pH or conductivity standards.
15.4. Turbidity
Dual Tube Turbidity (JTU’s): Before each use, turbidity tubes are checked to ensure that they are clean. The
turbidity standard will be replaced annually.
Nephelometers: Meters and tubes should be checked for cleanliness and proper operation. The tubes should not
be smudged or scratched.
15.5. Nutrients and Urban Pollutants
Before each use, test kits are checked to ensure that droppers, sample containers, and color comparators are
clean and in working condition. Colorimeter tubes should be checked to make sure they are clean and are not
scratched. Reagents are replaced annually according to manufacturer’s instructions.
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16.
Instrument Calibration / Standardization and Frequency
Instruments will be calibrated and reagents checked against standards accordingly to the following schedule.
Standards will be purchased from a chemical supply company or prepared by (or with the assistance of) a
professional laboratory. Calibration records will be kept in the maintenance log at the headquarters location
(described in Section 5.2.) where it can be easily accessed before and after equipment use. Calibrations that are
performed by monitors in the field are recorded on the field data sheets, also archived at the headquarters. The
frequency of calibration is described in Table 16.1.
Table 16.1 Instrument Calibration and Frequency
Equipment Type
Temperature
Dissolved Oxygen
(Winkler)
Dissolved Oxygen
meter
pH
conductivity
Turbidity meter
(nephelometer)
Dual TubeTurbidity
Conventional Water Quality Parameters
Calibration Frequency
Standard or Calibration Instrument Used
Every 6 months
NIST calibrated or certified thermometer
Every 6 months
Check sodium thiosulfate and/or against a saturated
oxygen standard every 6 months.
Every sampling day
At a minimum, water saturated air, according to
manufacturer’s instructions.
Every sampling day
pH 7.0 buffer and one other standard (4 or 10)
Every sampling day
Conductivity standard and distilled water
Every sampling day
For clear ambient conditions use an 1.0 NTU standard,
for turbid conditions use an 10.0 NTU standard
Every sampling day
Distilled water
Equipment type
Ammonia
Nitrate
Ortho-Phosphate
Nutrients (using comparators)
Checked against Standard
every 6 months or when reagents replaced
every 6 months or when reagents replaced
every 6 months or when reagents replaced
Equipment type
Ammonia
Nitrate
Ortho-Phosphate
Nutrients (using colorimeters or spectrophotometers)
Checked against Standard
Standard Used
Every day of analysis
ammonia standard
Every day of analysis
nitrate standard
Every day of analysis
ortho-phosphate standard
Equipment type
Total Residual Chlorine
Phenols
Total Copper
Detergents
Urban Pollutants
Checked against Standard
every 6 months or when reagents replaced
every 6 months or when reagents replaced
every 6 months or when reagents replaced
every 6 months or when reagents replaced
Standard Used
ammonia standard
nitrate standard
phosphorous standard
Standard Used
sodium hypochlorite
phenol standard
copper standard
MBAS surfactant standard
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17.
Inspection/Acceptance Requirements
Upon receipt, buffer solutions, standards, and reagents used in the field kits will be inspected by the citizen
monitoring leader for leaks or broken seals, and to compare the age of each reagent to the manufacturer’s
recommended shelf-life. All other sampling equipment will be inspected for broken or missing parts, and will
be tested to ensure proper operation.
Before usage, thermometers are inspected for breaks. Breaks can be eliminated by heating (see Section 15.1).
If not, they will be returned to the manufacturer.
Reagents are replaced before they exceed manufacturer’s recommended shelf life. These shelf lives are
typically one to two years. However, specific replacement dates can determined by providing the reagent lot
number to the manufacturer. Reagent replacement dates are noted in the maintenance log.
18.
Data Acquisition Requirements
18.1. Professional Analytical Data
Only certified analytical laboratories or academic laboratories (with approval of State and/or Regional Board
staff) will be used for quality assurance checks and analysis of field samples. The Technical advisory
Committee (TAC) or technical advisors will review these laboratories’ data as well as the volunteers. They may
also review the lab’s own quality control data to ensure data validity.
18.2. Geographical Information/ Mapping
USGS maps will be used to verify watershed boundaries and river courses. NOAA navigation charts can be
used for mapping marine sampling sites. Additional information on distribution of natural resources will be
obtained from the National Park Service and the CDFG’s Biodiversity database. Land use information will be
obtained from local planning offices. When information is requested, the agency will be asked to provide
appropriate megadata and any information on data limitations. This information will be maintained with the
data files. For further information please refer to San Gabriel River Watershed Atlas.
19.
Data Management
Field data sheets are checked and signed in the field by the citizen monitoring leader. The citizen monitoring
leader will identify any results where holding times have been exceeded, sample identification information is
incorrect, samples were inappropriately handled, or calibration information is missing or inadequate. Such data
will be marked as unacceptable by the monitoring leader and will not be entered into the electronic data base.
Independent laboratories will report their results to the citizen monitoring leader. The leader will verify sample
identification information, review the chain-of-custody forms, and identify the data appropriately in the
database. These data are also reviewed by the technical advisors quarterly.
The data management coordinator will review the field sheets and enter the data deemed acceptable by the
citizen monitoring leader and the technical advisors. Upon entering the data the data management coordinator
will sign and archive the field data sheets. Data will be entered into a spreadsheet (MS Excel) or a database
(MS Access) in a way that will be compatible with EPA’s STORET and the Regional WQCB’s database
guidelines. Following initial data entry the data coordinator will review electronic data, compare to the original
data sheets and correct entry errors. After performing data checks, and ensuring that data quality objectives
have been met, data analysis will be performed.
Raw data will be provided to the State WQCB and Regional WQCB in electronic form at least once every two
years so that it can be included in the 305(b) report. Appropriate quality assurance information may be provided
upon request.
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20.
Assessment and Response Actions
Review of all field and data activities is the responsibility of the citizen monitoring leader, with the assistance of
the technical advisory committee. Volunteers will be accompanied by the citizen monitoring leader, or a
technical advisor on at least one of their first 5 sampling trips. If possible, volunteers in need of performance
improvement will be retrained on-site. All volunteers must attend a refresher course offered by the citizen
monitoring group. If errors in sampling technique are consistently identified, retraining may be scheduled more
frequently.
Within the first three months of the monitoring project, the State Water Board or Regional Board staff, or its
designee, will evaluate field and laboratory performance and provide a report to the citizen monitoring group.
All field and laboratory activities, and records may be reviewed by State and EPA quality assurance officers as
requested.
21.
Reports
The technical advisors will review draft reports to ensure the accuracy of data analysis and data interpretation.
Raw data will be made available to data users per their request. The citizen monitoring organization(s) will
report their data to its (their) constituents after quality assurance has been reviewed and approved by their
technical advisors. Every effort will be made to submit data and/or a report to the State and/or Regional Board
staff in a fashion timely for their data uses, e.g. 305(b) reports.
22.
Data Review, Validation and Verification
Data sheets or data files are reviewed quarterly by the technical advisors to determine if the data meet the
Quality Assurance Project Plan objectives. They will identify outliers, spurious results or omissions to the
citizen monitoring leader. They will also evaluate compliance with the data quality objectives. They will
suggest corrective action that will be implemented by the citizen monitoring leader. Problems with data quality
and corrective action will be reported in final reports.
23.
Validation and Verification Methods
As part of standard field protocols, any sample readings out of the expected range will be reported to the citizen
monitoring leader. A second sample will be taken as soon as possible to verify the condition. If the data is
invalid, then the data will be noted (flagged) on the data sheet. We will take further actions to trace the sources
of error, and to correct those problems. If the error is a result of improper monitoring procedures, then we may
re-train monitors until their performance is acceptable.
It is the responsibility of the citizen monitoring leader to re-train volunteers until performance is acceptable.
24.
Reconciliation with DQOs
The Technical Advisory Committee working with the monitoring leader(s) will review data quarterly to
determine if the data quality objectives (DQOs) have been met. A quorum of 1/2+1of the technical advisory
committee will be required for committee decisions. If a quorum is not met at the meeting, work will still
proceed. The work product (e.g., review and comments on data or reports) will then be sent out to the whole
technical advisory committee for approval with a 30-day review period.
If data do not meet the project’s specifications, the following actions will be taken. First, the technical advisors
working with the monitoring leader(s) will review the errors and determine if the problem is equipment failure,
calibration/maintenance techniques, or monitoring/sampling techniques. They will suggest corrective action. If
the problem cannot be corrected by training, revision of techniques, or replacement of supplies/equipment, then
the technical advisors and the TAC will review the DQOs and determine if the DQOs are feasible. If the specific
DQOs are not achievable, they will determine whether the specific DQO can be relaxed, or if the parameter
should be eliminated from the monitoring program. Any revisions to DQOs will be appended to this QA plan
with the revision date and the reason for modification. The appended QAPP will be sent to the quality assurance
panel that approved and signed this plan. When the appended QAPP is approved, the citizen monitoring leader
will work with the data coordinator to ensure that all data meeting the new DQOs are entered into the database.
Archived data can also be entered.
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APPENDIX 1. San Gabriel River Watershed Monitoring Manual
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APPENDIX 2. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Data Forms
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Data Quality Form: Accuracy
Monitoring Group Name
Your Name
Date
Parameter/
units
Temperature
o
C
Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/l)
pH
standard
units
Conductivity
(umhos/cm)
Comments:
Sensitivity
Type of Session (field or lab)
Quality Assurance Leader
Accuracy
Objective
Standard
Conc.
Analytical
Result
Estimated
Bias
Meet
Objective?
Yes or No
Corrective action
planned
Date
Corrective
Action
taken
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Data Quality Form: Completeness
Monitoring Group Name
Your Name
Date
Parameter
Temperature
o
C
Dissolved Oxygen
(mg/l)
pH
standard units
Conductivity
(umhos/cm)
Comments:
Type of Session (field or lab)
Quality Assurance Leader
Collection Period
No. of Samples
Anticipated
No. Valid Samples
Collected and
Analyzed
Percent Complete
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Data Quality Form: Precision
Monitoring Group Name
Your Name
Date
Parameter/
units
Temperature
o
C
Dissolved
Oxygen mg/l
pH
standard units
Conductivity
(umhos/cm)
Comments:
Mean (x)
Type of Session (field or lab)
Quality Assurance Leader
Standard
Deviation
(s.d.)
s.d./x
Precision
Objective
Meet
Objective?
Yes or No
Corrective action planned
Date
Corrective
Action
taken
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APPENDIX 3. Field Data and Observation Sheets
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APPENDIX 4. Maps of Sampling Locatons
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APPENDIX 5. Acronyms
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Acronyms
ACO
ACOPS
Act 307
ADQ
ADR
AI
AL
ALR
ARARs
AS
ASC
AST
ASTM
ATSDR
BACM
BACT
BADT
BaP
Administrative Consent Order (CERCLA)
Advisory Committee on Oil Pollution of the Sea
the Environmental Response Act
Audits of Data Quality
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Active Ingredient
Acceptable Level
Action Leakage Rate
Applicable, Relevant, Appropriate Reports
Area Source
Area Source Category
above Ground Storage Tank
American Society for Testing and Materials
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Best Available Control Measures
Best Available Control Technology
Best Available Demonstrated Technology
Benzo(a)Pyrene
BAT
Best Available Technology or Best Available Technology Economically Achievable
(CWA)
BATEA
BCPCT
BCT
BDAT
BDCT
BDT
BEJ
BGL/BGS
BMP
BMR
BOD
BOD
BP
BPJ
BPT
BPWTT
BSE
BSNH
BSO
BT
BTEX
BTZ
CA
Best Available Technology Economically Achievable
Best Conventional Pollutant Control Technology
Best Conventional Technology
Best Demonstrated Available Technology (RCRA)
Best Demonstrated Control Technology
Best Demonstrational Technology
Best Engineering Judgment
Below Ground Level/ Below Ground Surface
Best Management Practice(s)
Baseline Monitoring Report
Biochemical or Biological Oxygen Demand
Biochemical Oxygen Demand. Biological Oxygen Demand
Boiling Point
Best Professional Judgment
Best Practicable Technology. Pest Practicable Treatment
Best Practical Wastewater Treatment Technology
Base flood elevation
Headwater basin
Benzene Soluble Organics
Base Topo
Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylene
Below the Treatment Zone
California
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Cal.
Cal/EPA
Calif.
Cal-OSHA
CalTrans
CAMU
CAO
CAP
CAS
CCP
CCR
CDC
CDD
CDF
CDFG
CDMG
CDWR
CEB
CEQ
CEQA
California
California Environmental Protection Agency
California
California Division of Occupational Safety and Health
California Department of Transportation
Corrective Action Management Units (RCRA)
Corrective Action Order (RCRA)
Corrective Action Plan. Cost Allocation Procedure. Criteria Air Pollutant
Chemical Abstract Service
Commercial Chemical Product
California Code of Regulations
Centers for Disease Control
Chlorodibenzodioxin
Chlorodibenzofuran
California Department of Fish and Game
California Div. of Mines and Geology
California Dept. of Water Resources
Chemical Element Balance
Council on Environmental Quality
California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Section
21000 et seq; Title 14 CCR Section 15000 et seq
CERCLA
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act
CERCLIS
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Information System
CERES
California Environmental Resource Evaluation System
CESPL OM Corps of Engineers, South Pacific Division, LA District, Operations
Manual COE United States Army Corps of Engineers
CESQG
Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator of hazardous wastes
CFC
Chlorofluorocarbons
CFCs
chlorofluorocarbons (refrigerants whose reactions in the atmosphere
destroy stratospheric ozone)
CFM
Chlorofluoromethanes
CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
CFS
cubic feet per second (units of flow rate, also see MGD)
CGL
Comprehensive General Liability Insurance
CHEMTREC Chemical Transport Emergency Center (1-800-424-9300)
CHIPS
Chemical Hazards Information Profiles (EPA
CIMIS
California Irrigation Management Information System
CIRSS
California Integrated Remote Sensing System
cm
Centimeter
CO
Carbon monoxide
COD
Chemical Oxygen Demand
CPSC
Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 CFR)
CRKT
Tidal creek
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CRWQCB
CSO
CSP
CSWMP
CTG
CWA
CWA
CWAP
CWPPRA
CZMA
DC&A
DCE
DCO
DDT
DEIS
DES
DMR
DNA
DNAPL
DO
DOC
DOD
DOE
DOJ
DOT
DQO
DRE
EA
EAP
EB
EBS
ED
EDB
EDC
EDTA
EH
EHS
EIA
EIS
EL
EMR
EMS
EO
EOP
California Regional Water Quality Control Board
Combined Sewer Overflow
Certified Safety Professional
County Solid Waste Management Plan (California)
Control Techniques Guidelines
Clean Water Act or FWPCA, 33 USC Section 1251 et seq;CA Water Code
Section 13200 et seq (Porter-Cologne Act)
Clean Water Act
Clean Water Action Project
Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection & Restoration Act
Coastal Zone Management Act
Data Collection and Analysis
Dichloroethene
Delayed Compliance Order
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane - a toxic pesticide
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (NEPA)
Diethylstilbesterol
Discharge Monitoring Report
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid
Dissolved Oxygen
dissolved organic carbon
Department of Defense
Department of Energy
Department of Justice
Department of Transportation
Data Quality Objective
Destruction and Removal Efficiency
Environmental assessment
Environmental Action Plan
Environmental Benefits
Environmental Baseline Survey
Effective Dose
Ethylene Dibromide
Ethylene Dichloride
Ethylene Diamine Triacetic Acid
Redox Potential
Extremely Hazardous Substance
Environmental Impact Assessment. Economic Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact Statement (required under NEPA)
Exposure Level
Environmental Management Report
Environmental Management System (also see ISO14000)
Ethylene Oxide
End of Pipe
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EP
EPA
ESA
ESA
ESH
FDA
FFCA
FID
FIFRA
FIRM
FIRMS
FR
FS
FU
FWS
GAC
GC/MS
GIS
GLC
GMCC
GPM
GPS
GRAS
GWM
HA
ha
HASWA
HAZMAT
HazWoper
HBM
HBMN
HCCPD
HCFC
HFA
HFC
HHS
HIU
HLL
HLLS
HRS
HUA
HW
HWM
IB
Extraction Procedure
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Endangered Species Act
Environmental Site Assessment
Environmental Safety and Health
Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR)
Federal Facility Compliance Act
MS Gas Chromatograph/ Mass Spectrograph
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act
Flood Rate Insurance Map
Flood Rate Insurance Maps
Federal Register
Feasibility Study
Field unit
Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S.)
granular activated carbon
Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Geographic Information System
Gas Liquid Chromatography
Global Monitoring for Climatic Change
Gallons per Minute
Geographic Positioning System
Generally Recognized as Safe
Groundwater Monitoring
Hydrologic Atlas
Hectare
Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments
Hazardous Materials
29 CFR 1910.120 - the OSHA / EPA requirement to have all employees
trained if they will be handling, managing or shipping hazardous wastes.
Hydrologic bench mark
Hydrologic Bench Mark Network
Hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene
Hydrochlorofluorocarbon
Hydrologic field assistant
Hydrofluorocarbon
Department of Health and Human Services
Hydrologic Information Unit
Hill
Hills
Hazard Ranking System
Hydrologic Unit Area
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous Waste Management
Isobar
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ID
in
INUR
ITC
IWMB
km
L/C
LAER
Lat
LCA
LD50
LDS
LEPC
LFG
LGN
LK
LKS
LOD
LOEL
Long
LQG
LUFT
LUST
m
M.
MACT
MATC
mB
MCL
(SDWA)
MCLGs
MDL
MGD
MHW
Mi
Min
MLW
MP
MRQ
(as in ID number) - Hazardous Waste Identification Number assigned to
RCRA generators, transporters, and TSDFs
Inch; inches
Inventory Update Rule
Interagency Testing Committee
California Integrated Waste Management Board (Cal/EPA)
Kilometer
Land cover
Lowest Achievable Emission Rate
Latitude
Life Cycle Analysis/ Assessment
Lethal Dose Level 50%
Leak Detection System
Local Emergency Planning Committee
Landfill Gas
Lagoon
Lake
Lakes
Limit of Detection
Lowest Observed Effect Level
Longitude
Large Quantity Generator of hazardous wastes - this term has a specific
definition under RCRA!
Leaking Underground Fuel Tank
Leaky Underground Storage Tank
Meter
Mile; mille (1,000)
Maximum Achievable Control Technology
Maximum Acceptable Toxic Concentration
Millibar
Maximum Concentration Limits or Maximum Contaminant Levels
Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (SDWA)
Maximum Detection Level
million gallons per day (units of flow rate)
Mean High Water
Mile(s)
Minute
Mean low water
Measuring point
Monthly Hotline Report Q&A, The Hotline prepares a monthly report that
contains questions and answers on common or difficult RCRA topics.
EPA publishes this report. The questions and answers can be usually used
as EPA guidance. Beware: the hotline is run by an EPA contractor and
their answers are often erratic and not legally binding.
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MRSH
MSDS
MSE
MSL
MSW
MT
Mt
MTBE
MTD
Mtn.
N
N2O
NAA
NAAQS
NAPL
NCP
NDVI
NEPA
NESHAP
NFIP
NFRAP
NFS
NFWS
NIMBY
NIOSH
NIPDWR
NO
NOV
NOx
NPDES
NPL
NPS
NPS
Nr.
NRC
NRWS
NSDWR
NSPS
NSR
NTU
NWQS
Marsh
Material Safety Data Sheet (under OSHA)
Mean square error
Mean sea level
Municipal Solid Waste
Mountain; Montana
Mount; Mountain; Mont
methyl tert-butyl ether (gasoline additive to reduce emissions, now a
common groundwater contaminant)
Maximum Tolerated Dose
Mountain
North
Nitrous Oxide
Non-Attainment Area
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid
National Contingency Plan
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index
National Environmental Policy Act
National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants
National Flood Insurance Program (U.S.)
No Further Remedial Action Planned
National Forest Service (U.S.); National Forest System; Network File
System
National Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S.)
"Not In My Backyard" Syndrome
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations
Nitric Oxide
Notice of Violation
Nitrogen Oxides
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (permits for discharges
to lakes, rivers or streams under CWA)
National Priorities List (list of ranked hazardous waste sites established
under Superfund)
National Park Service (U.S.)
Non-Point Source
number
National Response Center
Narrows
National Secondary Drinking Water Regulation
New Source Performance Standards
New Source Review
Nephlometric Turbidity Unit
National Water Quality Standards (CWA)
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O3
OPA
OPM
ORD
OSHA
OSW
OSWER
P
PAA
PAH
PAIR
Pb
PCB
PCDF
PCE
PCP
PEL
PFC
PGM
pH
PK
PM-10
PNA
PND
PNDI
PNIN
PNRS
POC
POE
POI
POTW
ppb
PPE
ppm
PPM/PPB
ppt
PPTH
PRP
PS
PSA
PSAM
PSD
PSM
PSU
Ozone
Oil Pollution Act
Operation and Maintenance
Office of Research and Development
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (29 CFR)
Office of Solid Waste
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Precision
Priority abatement areas
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Preliminary Assessment Information Rule
Lead
polychlorinated biphenyls (former used in industrial fluids, now common
food chain contaminant)
Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans
Perchloroethylene
Pentachlorophenol
Permissible Exposure Limit
Perfluorated Carbon
Permanent ground monument
-log (hydrogen ion activity)
Peak
Particulate Matter < 10 Micrometers
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Pond
Intermittent pond
Premanufacture Notification
Preliminary Natural Resources Survey
Point Of Compliance
Point Of Exposure
Point Of Interception
Publicly Owned Treatment Works
Parts per billion
Personal Protective Equipment
Parts per million
Parts per million/ parts per billion
Parts Per Trillion
Parts Per Thousand
Potentially Responsible Party (Superfunds)
Point Source
Preliminary Site Assessment
Point Source Ambient Monitoring
Prevention of Significant Deterioration
Point Source Monitoring
Primary sampling unit
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PT
Point
PTFE
Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)
Pts.
Points
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride
QA
Quality assurance
QA/QC
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
QAC
Quality Assurance Coordinator
QAMIS
Quality Assurance Management and Information System
QAO
Quality Assurance Officer
QAPP
Quality Assurance Program (or Project) Plan
QAT
Quality Action Team
QBS
Quality-based selection
QC
Quality Control
QCI
Quality Control Index
QCP
Quality Control Plan
QL
Quantification Limit
QW
Quality of water
R&D
Research and Development
RACM
Reasonably Available Control Measure
RACT
Reasonably Available Control Technique
RAP
Remedial Action Plan (Superfunds)
RAPS
Remedial Action Plans
RBI
River Basin Investigation
RCH
Reach
RCRA
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RI
Remedial Investigation
RI/FS
Remedial Investing/Feasibility Study (CERCLA)
ROWD
Report of Waste Discharge
RPCC
Release Prevention, Control and Countermeasure
RPDS
Rapids
RQ
Reportable Quantity
RSV
Reservoir
RTK
Right-to-Know
RUST
RCRA Underground Storage Tanks
RWQCB
Regional Water Quality Control Board (California)
S&A
Sampling and analysis
SARA Title III Emergency Preparedness and Community Right-to-Know Section of
SARA, aka EPCRA
SARA
Superfund Amendment Reauthorization Act
SARWQCB Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board
SCCWRP
Southern California Coastal Water Research Project
SCWRP
Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project
SDWA
Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974
SDWIS
Safe Drinking Water Information System
SERC
State Emergency Response Commission
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SIC
SIP
SLP
SMCL
SO
SOC
SOW
SPCC
SPDES
SQG
Superfund
SW-846
SWPPP
SWQTF
SWRCB
T/RS
TCDD
TCDF
TCE
TCF
TCLP
TCP
TCRI
TD
TDS
TEG
TEL
THC
THM
TLV
TMDL
TNT
TOA
TOC
TOX
Tp.
TPTH
TRI
TRIP
TRIS
TSCA
TSDF
TSP
TSS
Standard Industrial Classification
State Implementation Plan
Slope(s)
Secondary Maximum Contamination Level
Sulfur Dioxide
Schedule of Compliance
Scope Of Work
Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures
State Pollutant Discharge Elimination
Small Quantity Generator of hazardous wastes (has a specific definition!)
CERCLA
Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program
Stormwater Quality Task Force
State Water Resources Control Board (Cal/EPA)
Township/Range System
Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin
Tetrachlorodi-benzofurans
Tetrachloroethylene, perchloroethylene
Total Chlorine Free
Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure
Trichloropropane;
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory
Toxic Dose
Total Dissolved Solids
Tetraethylene Glycol
Tetraethyl Lead
Total Hydrocarbons
Trihalomethane
Threshold Limit Value
Total Maximum Daily Limit; Total Maximum Daily Load
Trinitrotoluene
Trace Organic Analysis
Total Organic Carbon/ Compound
Tetradichloroxylene
Township
Triphenyltinhydroxide
Toxic Release Inventory
Toxic Release Inventory Program
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory System
Toxic Substances Control Act
Treatment, Storage, or Disposal Facility (permitted hazardous waste
facility)
Total Suspended Particulates
Total Suspended (non-filterable) Solids
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TTHM
TTO
TVOC
TWA
U.S.
U/R
UA
ug/m3
UGB
UIC
Univ.
UP
USA
USC
USCG
USDA
USDW
USPS
UST
VCM
VCP
VOC
VP
VSS
WAP
WCRD
WDMS
WET
WIS
WMA
WMD
WQMP
WQS
Total Trihalomethane
Total Toxic Organics
Total Volatile Organic Compounds
Time Weighted Average
United States of America
Urban/rural
Urbanized area
Micrograms Per Cubic Meter
Urban growth boundary
Underground Injection Control
University
Urban planning
United States of America; United States Army
Unified soil classification
United States Coast Guard
United States Department of Agriculture
Underground Source of Drinking Water
United States Postal Service
Underground Storage Tanks
Vinyl Chloride Monomer
Voluntary Cleanup Program
Volatile Organic Compounds
Vapor Pressure
Volatile Suspended Solids
Waste Analysis Plan
Watershed & Coastal Resources Division
Watershed Data Management System
Wetland Evaluation Technique
Watershed Information System
Watershed Management Areas
Water management district
Water Quality Management Plan
Water Quality Standard
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APPENDIX 6. Glossary
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GLOSSARY
acre-foot (acre-ft) - The volume of water required to cover 1 acre of land (43,560 square
feet) to a depth of 1 foot. Equal to 325,851 gallons or 1,233 cubic meters.
abatement debris - Waste from remediation activities.
abatement - Reducing the degree or intensity of, or eliminating, pollution.
absorption - The process by which substances in gaseous, liquid, or solid form dissolve or
mix with other substances.
acidic - The condition of water or soil that contains a sufficient amount of acid substances to
lower the pH below 7.0.
action levels - 1. Regulatory levels recommended by EPA for enforcement by FDA and
USDA when pesticide residues occur in food or feed commodities for reasons other than the
direct application of the pesticide. 2. In the Superfund program, the existence of a
contaminant concentration in the environment high enough to warrant action or trigger a
response under SARA and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Contingency Plan. The
term is also used in other regulatory programs.
activated sludge - Product that results when primary effluent is mixed with bacteria-laden
sludge and then agitated and aerated to promote biological treatment, speeding the breakdown
of organic matter in raw sewage undergoing secondary waste treatment.
advanced treatment - A level of wastewater treatment more stringent than secondary
treatment; requires an 85-percent reduction in conventional pollutant concentration or a
significant reduction in non-conventional pollutants. Sometimes called tertiary treatment.
aeration - A process which promotes biological degradation of organic matter in water. The
process may be passive (as when waste is exposed to air), or active (as when a mixing or
bubbling device introduces the air).
aerobic - Bacteria or processes active only in the presence of molecular oxygen.
agricultural pollution - Farming wastes, including runoff and leaching of pesticides and
fertilizers; erosion and dust from plowing; improper disposal of animal manure and carcasses;
crop residues, and debris.
alkalinity - The total measurable bases (OH, HCO3, CO3) in a volume of water; a measure of
a material's capacity to neutralize acids. When soil or water contains sufficient amounts of
alkali substances to raise the pH above 7.0, it is said to be alkaline.
alluvium - A general term for clay, silt, sand and gravel, or similar unconsolidated material
deposited by a river as a sorted or semi-sorted sediment in the bed of the river or on its
floodplain.
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applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements (ARARs) - Any state or federal
statute that pertains to protection of human life and the environment in addressing specific
conditions or use of a particular cleanup technology at a Superfund site.
aqueous solubility - The maximum concentration of a chemical that will dissolve in pure
water at a reference temperature.
aromatics - A type of hydrocarbon, such as benzene or toluene, with a specific type of ring
structure. Aromatics are sometimes added to gasoline in order to increase octane. Some
aromatics are toxic.
artificial recharge - A process where water is put back into ground-water storage from
surface-water supplies such as irrigation, or induced infiltration from streams or wells.
assay - A test for a specific chemical, microbe, or effect.
assessment endpoint - In ecological risk assessment, an explicit expression of the
environmental value to be protected; includes both an ecological entity and specific attributed
thereof entity (e.g. salmon are a valued ecological entity; reproduction and population
maintenance--the attribute--form an assessment endpoint.)
attractant - A chemical or agent that lures insects or other pests by stimulating their sense of
smell.
background level - 1. The concentration of a substance in an environmental media (air,
water, or soil) that occurs naturally or is not the result of human activities. 2. In exposure
assessment the concentration of a substance in a defined control area, during a fixed period of
time before, during, or after a data-gathering operation.
backyard composting - Diversion of organic food waste and yard trimmings from the
municipal waste stream by composting hem in one's yard through controlled decomposition of
organic matter by bacteria and fungi into a humus-like product. It is considered source
reduction, not recycling, because the composted materials never enter the municipal waste
stream.
bacteria - (singular: bacterium) Microscopic living organisms that can aid in pollution
control by metabolizing organic matter in sewage, oil spills or other pollutants. However,
bacteria in soil, water or air can also cause human, animal and plant health problems.
baseflow - That part of a stream discharge not attributable to direct runoff from precipitation
or snowmelt, usually sustained by groundwater discharging into the stream.
bed load - Sediment particles, or bed material resting on or near the channel bottom that are
pushed or rolled along by the flow of water. Bed Material also refers to bottom sediments of
lakes, ponds, rivers or estuaries.
bedrock - The solid rock beneath the soil and superficial rock. A general term for solid rock
that lies beneath soil, loose sediments, or other unconsolidated material.
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benefit-cost analysis - An economic method for assessing the benefits and costs of
achieving alternative health-based standards at given levels of health protection.
best available control measures (BACM) - A term used to refer to the most effective
measures (according to EPA guidance) for controlling small or dispersed particulates and
other emissions from sources such as roadway dust, soot and ash from woodstoves and open
burning of rush, timber, grasslands, or trash.
biological processes –
bioaccumulants - Substances that increase in concentration in living organisms as
they take in contaminated air, water, or food because the substances are very
slowly metabolized or excreted.
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) - A measure of the quantity of dissolved
oxygen [mg/l] necessary for the decomposition of organic matter in water by
organisms (chiefly bacteria).
bioconcentration - The accumulation of a chemical in tissues of a fish or other
organism to levels greater than in the surrounding medium.
biodegradable - Capable of decomposing under natural conditions
biodegradation - A subset of biotransforination, it is the biologically mediated
conversion of a compound to more simple products.
biogenic - Formed biologically by organisms or within organisms.
biological contaminants - Living organisms or derivates (e.g. viruses, bacteria,
fungi, and mammal and bird antigens that can cause harmful health effects when
inhaled, swallowed, or otherwise taken into the body.
biological magnification - Refers to the process whereby certain substances such
as pesticides or heavy metals move up the food chain, work their way into rivers
or lakes, and are eaten by aquatic organisms such as fish, which in turn are eaten
by large birds, animals or humans. The substances become concentrated in tissues
or internal organs as they move up the chain. (See: bioaccumulants.)
biological oxygen demand (BOD) - An indirect measure of the concentration of
biologically degradable material present in organic wastes. It usually reflects the
amount of oxygen consumed in five days by biological processes breaking down
organic waste.
biological stressors - Organisms accidentally or intentionally dropped into habitats
in which they do not evolve naturally; e.g. gypsy moths, Dutch elm disease,
certain types of algae, and bacteria.
biosensor - Analytical device comprising a biological recognition element (e.g. enzyme,
receptor, DNA, antibody, or microorganism) in intimate contact with an electrochemical,
optical, thermal, or acoustic signal transducer that together permit analyses of chemical
properties or quantities. Shows potential development in some areas, including environmental
monitoring.
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biotechnology - Techniques that use living organisms or parts of organisms to produce a
variety of products (from medicines to industrial enzymes) to improve plants or animals or to
develop microorganisms to remove toxics from bodies of water, or act as pesticides.
bioassay - A test to determine the relative strength of a substance by comparing its
effect on a test organism with that of a standard preparation.
bioaugmentation - Similar to bioremediation, but involving the introduction of
organisms to affect cleanup.
biological control - In pest control, the use of animals and organisms that eat or
otherwise kill or out-compete pests.
biological oxidation - Decomposition of complex organic materials by
microorganisms. Occurs in self-purification of water bodies and in activated
sludge wastewater treatment.
biological treatment - A treatment technology that uses bacteria to consume
organic waste.
biomonitoring – The use of living organisms to test the suitability of effluents for
discharge into receiving waters and to test the quality of such waters downstream
from the discharge.
bioremediation - The process by which bacteria remove contaminant from a
groundwater system.
extrinsic bioremediation - In this process bacteria are added to the system.
intrinsic bioremediation - In this process we rely on bacteria already existing in
the system.
biodiversity - Refers to the variety and variability among living organisms and the
ecological complexes in which they occur.
biomass - All of the living material in a given area; often refers to vegetation.
biome - Entire community of living organisms in a single major ecological area.
(See: biotic community.)
biota - The total assemblage of plants and animals in an area. The biota is the sum of
the plant life (flora) and animal life (fauna).
biotic community - A naturally occurring assemblage of plants and animals that
live in the same environment and are mutually sustaining and interdependent.
(See: biome.)
bloom - A proliferation of algae and/or higher aquatic plants in a body of water;
often related to pollution, especially when pollutants accelerate growth.
brackish water - Mixed fresh and salt water; ≈ (103 - 104 mg / l).
breathing zone - Area of air in which an organism inhales.
brine - Water with a salinity > 104 mg / l.
brownfields - Abandoned, idled, or under used industrial and commercial facilities/sites
where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental
contamination. They can be in urban, suburban, or rural areas. EPA's Brownfields initiative
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helps communities mitigate potential health risks and restore the economic viability of such
areas or properties.
buffer - Asolution or liquid whose chemical makeup is such that it minimizes changes in pH
when acids or bases are added to it.
cadmium (Cd) - A heavy metal that accumulates in the environment.
CAS registration number - A number assigned by the Chemical Abstract Service to
identify a chemical.
carbon monoxide (CO) - A colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete
fossil fuel combustion.
carbon tetrachloride (CC14) - Compound consisting of one carbon atom ad four chlorine
atoms, once widely used as a industrial raw material, as a solvent, and in the production of
CFCs. Use as a solvent ended when it was discovered to be carcinogenic.
carcinogenic - Event, condition, or effect that produces cancer.
catalyst - A substance that changes the speed or yield of a chemical reaction without being
consumed or chemically changed by the chemical reaction.
central collection point - Location were a generator of regulated medical waste
consolidates wastes originally generated at various locations in his facility. The wastes are
gathered together for treatment on-site or for transportation elsewhere for treatment and/or
disposal. This term could also apply to community hazardous waste collections, industrial and
other waste management systems.
chemical oxygen demand (COD) - A measure of chemically oxidizable material in water.
COD is an approximation of the amount of organic and reducing material present.
chemical stressors - Chemicals released to the environment through industrial waste, auto
emissions, pesticides, and other human activity that can cause illnesses and even death in
plants and animals.
chlorinated hydrocarbons - 1. Chemicals containing only chlorine, carbon, and hydrogen.
These include a class of persistent, broad-spectrum insecticides that linger in the environment
and accumulate in the food chain. Among them are DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor,
chlordane, lindane, endrin, Mirex, hexachloride, and toxaphene. Other examples include
TCE, used as an industrial solvent. 2. Any chlorinated organic compounds including
chlorinated solvents such as dichloromethane, trichloromethylene, chloroform.
chlorinated solvent - An organic solvent containing chlorine atoms (e.g. methylene
chloride and 1,1,1-trichloromethane). Uses of chlorinated solvents are included in aerosol
spray containers, highway paint, and dry cleaning fluids.
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cleanup - Actions taken to deal with a release or threat of release of a hazardous substance
that could affect humans and/or the environment. The term "cleanup" is sometimes used
interchangeably with the terms remedial action, removal action, response action, or corrective
action.
climate change (also referred to as 'global climate change') - The term 'climate
change' is sometimes used to refer to all forms of climatic inconsistency, but because the
Earth's climate is never static, the term is more properly used to imply a significant change
from one climatic condition to another. In some cases, 'climate change' has been used
synonymously with the term, 'global warming'; scientists however, tend to use the term in the
wider sense to also include natural changes in climate.
global warming - An increase in the near surface temperature of the Earth. Global
warming has occurred in the distant past as the result of natural influences, but
the term is most often used to refer to the warming predicted to occur as a result
of increased emissions of greenhouse gases (greenhouse effect).
coastal zone - Lands and waters adjacent to the coast that exert an influence on the uses of
the sea and its ecology, or whose uses and ecology are affected by the sea.
coliform bacteria - A group of bacteria that mostly inhabits the intestinal tract of humans
and animals, but also found in soil. While harmless in themselves, coliform bacteria are used
as indicators of the possible presence of pathogenic organisms. therefore, the coliform index
is a rating of the purity of water based upon a count of fecal bactera.
colloid - Particles so small that they do not settle gravitationally, but are kept suspended by
Brownian motion. For colloids in water, they range in size from 10-9 to 10-6 m (or 10-3 to 1
microns).
combined sewer overflows - Discharge of a mixture of storm water and domestic waste
when the flow capacity of a sewer system is exceeded during rainstorms.
combined sewers - A sewer system that carries both sewage and storm-water runoff.
Normally, its entire flow goes to a waste treatment plant, but during a heavy storm, the
volume of water may be so great as to cause overflows of untreated mixtures of storm water
and sewage into receiving waters. Storm-water runoff may also carry toxic chemicals from
industrial areas or streets into the sewer system.
comparative risk assessment - Process that generally uses the judgment of experts to
predict effects and set priorities among a wide range of environmental problems.
compost - The relatively stable humus material that is produced from a composting process
in which bacteria in soil mixed with garbage and degradable trash break down the mixture
into organic fertilizer.
conductance - A rapid method of estimating the dissolved solids content of water supply by
determining the capacity of a water sample to carry an electrical current. Conductivity is a
measure of the ability of a solution to carry and electrical current.
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conservation - Preserving and renewing, when possible, human and natural resources. The
use, protection, and improvement of natural resources according to principles that will ensure
their highest economic or social benefits.
conservation solute - A non-reactive constituent that does not undergo chemical reduction.
constituent(s) of concern - Specific chemicals that are identified for evaluation in the site
assessment process
consumptive use - That part of water withdrawn that is evaporated, transpired by plants,
incorporated into products or crops, consumed by humans or livestock, or otherwise removed
from the immediate water environment. Also referred to as water consumed.
contamination - The degradation of natural water quality as a result of man's activities.
There is no implication of any specific limits, since the degree of permissible contamination
depends upon the intended end use of the water.
corrective action - EPA can require treatment, storage and disposal (TSDF) facilities
handling hazardous waste to undertake corrective actions to clean up spills resulting from
failure to follow hazardous waste management procedures or other mistakes.
cryptosporidium - A protozoan microbe associated with the disease cryptosporidiosis in
man. The disease can be transmitted through ingestion of drinking water, person-to-person
contact, or other pathways, and can cause acute diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever,
and can be fatal as it was in the Milwaukee episode.
decomposition - The breakdown of matter by bacteria and fungi, changing the chemical
makeup and physical appearance of materials.
decontamination - Removal of harmful substances such as noxious chemicals, harmful
bacteria or other organisms, or radioactive material from exposed individuals, rooms and
furnishings in buildings, or the exterior environment.
DDT - The first chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide chemical name: Dichloro-DiphenylTrichloroethane). It has a half-life of 15 years and can collect in fatty tissues of certain
animals. EPA banned registration and interstate sale of DDT for virtually all but emergency
uses in the United States in 1972 because of its persistence in the environment and
accumulation in the food chain.
degradation - To wear down, reduce to lower quality, by erosion or reduce the complexity
of a chemical compound
diffusion - The movement of suspended or dissolved particles (or molecules) from a more
concentrated to a less concentrated area. The process tends to distribute the particles or
molecules more uniformly.
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dioxin - Any of a family of compounds known chemically as dibenzo-p-dioxins. Concern
about them arises from their potential toxicity as contaminants in commercial products. Tests
on laboratory animals indicate that it is one of the more toxic anthropogenic (man-made)
compounds.
dissolved oxygen (DO) - The oxygen freely available in water, vital to fish and other
aquatic life and for the prevention of odors. DO levels are considered a most important
indicator of a water body's ability to support desirable aquatic life. .
diversion - 1. Use of part of a stream flow as water supply. 2. A channel with a supporting
ridge on the lower side constructed across a slope to divert water at a non-erosive velocity to
sites where it can be used and disposed of.
divide - A topographic high (or ridge) separating surface watersheds (catchments).
domestic water use - Water used for household purposes, such as drinking, food
preparation, bathing, washing clothes, dishes, and dogs, flushing toilets, and watering lawns
and gardens
drainage basin - Land area where precipitation runs off into streams, rivers, lakes, and
reservoirs. Also called a watershed.
drought - A prolonged period of low (lower than average) rainfall.
drinking water equivalent level - Protective level of exposure related to potentially noncarcinogenic effects of chemicals that are also known to cause cancer.
ecological impact - The effect that a man-caused or natural activity has on living organisms
and their non-living (abiotic) environment.
ecology - The relationship of living things to one another and their environment, or the study
of such relationships.
ecological indicator - A characteristic of an ecosystem that is related to, or derived
from, a measure of biotic or abiotic variable, that can provide quantitative
information on ecological structure and function.
ecological integrity - A living system exhibits integrity if, when subjected to
disturbance, it sustains and organizes self-correcting ability to recover toward a
biomass end-state that is normal for that system.
ecological risk assessment - The application of a formal framework, analytical
process, or model to estimate the effects of human actions(s) on a natural
resource and to interpret the significance of those effects in light of the
uncertainties identified in each component of the assessment process. Such
analysis includes initial hazard identification, exposure and dose-response
assessments, and risk characterization.
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ecosystem structure - Attributes related to the instantaneous physical state of an
ecosystem; examples include species population density, species richness or
evenness, and standing crop biomass.
ecosystem - The interacting system of a biological community and its non-living
environmental surroundings.
effluent - Wastewater, treated or untreated, that flows out of a treatment plant, sewer, or
industrial outfall. Generally refers to wastes discharged into surface waters.
effluent guidelines - Technical EPA documents which set effluent limitations for
given industries and pollutants.
effluent limitation - Restrictions established by a state or EPA on quantities, rates,
and concentrations in wastewater discharges.
effluent standard - (See: effluent limitation.)
emergency (chemical) - A situation created by an accidental release or spill of hazardous
chemicals that poses a threat to the safety of workers, residents, the environment, or property.
enforceable requirements - Conditions or limitations in permits issued under the Clean
Water Act Section 402 or 404 that, if violated, could result in the issuance of a compliance
order or initiation of a civil or criminal action under federal or applicable state laws. If a
permit has not been issued, the term includes any requirement which, in the Regional
Administrator's judgment, would be included in the permit when issued. Where no permit
applies, the term includes any requirement which the RA determines is necessary for the best
practical waste treatment technology to meet applicable criteria.
EPA - The Environmental Protection Agency. The federal authority responsible for
enforcing the various laws dealing with environmental standards.
estimated environmental concentration - The estimated pesticide concentration in an
ecosystem.
estuary - Region of interaction between rivers and near-shore Ocean waters, where tidal
action and river flow mix fresh and salt water. Such areas include bays, mouths of rivers, salt
marshes, and lagoons. These brackish water ecosystems shelter and feed marine life, birds,
and wildlife. (See: wetlands.)
ethylene dibromide (EDB) - A chemical used as an agricultural fumigant and in certain
industrial processes. Extremely toxic and found to be a carcinogen in laboratory animals,
EDB has been banned for most agricultural uses in the United States.
eutrophication - The slow aging process during which a lake, estuary, or bay evolves into a
bog or marsh and eventually disappears. During the later stages of eutrophication the water
body is choked by abundant plant life due to higher levels of nutritive compounds such as
nitrogen and phosphorus. Human activities can accelerate the process.
exceedance - Violation of the pollutant levels permitted by environmental protection
standards.
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exotic species - A species that is not indigenous to a region.
fecal coliform bacteria - Bacteria found in the intestinal tracts of mammals. Their
presence in water or sludge is an indicator of pollution and possible contamination by
pathogens.
flocculation - The aggregation of particles (colloids or precipitates) suspended in a solution
to a size that they can settle gravitationally.
flood peak - The highest stage or discharge during a given flood event.
floodplain - The flat or nearly flat land along a river or stream or in a tidal area that is
covered by water during a flood.
flow rate - The rate, expressed in gallons -or liters-per-hour, at which a fluid escapes from a
hole or fissure in a tank. Such measurements are also made of liquid waste, effluent, and
surface water movement.
fluvial - Referring to processes occurring in a river.
fresh water - Water with a salinity < 1000 mg/l of dissolved solids; drinkable or potable
water is implied.
Ghyben-Herzberg (or freshwater) lens - A body of freshwater buoyantly overlying
marine water.
hardness - A water-quality indication of the concentration of alkaline salts in water, mainly
calcium and magnesium. If the water you use is "hard" then more soap, detergent or shampoo
is necessary to raise a lather.
Soft
mineral
grains/gallon >1.0
,50
CaCO3
Moderately Slightly Moderately
Soft
Hard
Hard
51-100
1.0-3.5
101-150
3.5-7.5
151-250
Hard Very Hard
7.5<10.5
10.5
251>350
350
headwater(s) - 1. The source and upper reaches of a stream; also the upper reaches of a
reservoir. 2. The water upstream from a structure or point on a stream. 3. The small streams
that come together to form a river. Also may be thought of as any and all parts of a river basin
except the mainstream river and main tributaries.
Hjulstrom Diagram - A plot of stream velocity versus stream bed grain size with the fields
of deposition (sedimentation), erosion, and transportation.
household hazardous waste - Hazardous products used and disposed of by residential as
opposed to industrial consumers. Includes paints, stains, varnishes, solvents, pesticides, and
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other materials or products containing volatile chemicals that can catch fire, react or explode,
or that are corrosive or toxic.
hydrological cycle - The cyclic transfer of water vapor from the Earth's surface via
evapotranspiration into the atmosphere, from the atmosphere via precipitation back to earth,
and through runoff into streams, rivers, and lakes, and ultimately into the oceans.
hydrologic unit - A geographic area representing all or part of a surface drainage basin or a
distinct hydrologic feature. In the U. S. these units have 8-digit identification numbers.
hydrology - 1. The study of the waters of the Earth (or other planetary bodies); 2. A distinct
geoscience interactive on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales with the oceanic,
atmospheric, and solid earth sciences as well as with many biological sciences.
indicator - 1. In biology, any biological entity or processes, or community whose
characteristics show the presence of specific environmental conditions. 2. In chemistry, a
substance that shows a visible change, usually of color, at a desired point in a chemical
reaction. 3. A device that indicates the result of a measurement; e.g. a pressure gauge or a
moveable scale.
interflow - Water which infiltrates the land surface and flows into a stream but never
recharges the local water table.
isotropy - The condition in which the properties of interest (generally hydraulic properties of
the aquifer) are the same in all directions.
lacustrine - Relating to processes occurring in a lake.
lag time - The time between the middle of the precipitation event in a watershed (or
catchment) and the arrival of the flood peak at a given location.
lagoon - Shallow body of water, often separated from the sea by coral reefs or sandbars.
lead (Pb) - A heavy metal that is hazardous to health if breathed or swallowed. Its use in
gasoline, paints, and plumbing compounds has been sharply restricted or eliminated by
federal laws and regulations.
lithology - Mineralogy, grain size, texture, and other physical properties of granular soil,
sediment, or rock.
lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) - The lowest level of a stressor that
causes statistically and biologically significant differences in test samples as compared to
other samples subjected to no stressor.
managerial controls - Methods of nonpoint source pollution control based on decisions
about managing agricultural wastes or application times or rates for agrochemicals.
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marine water - Water in the ocean (or sea) or groundwater which has recently been part of
an ocean (or sea) and which retains the essential chemistry of the ocean water.
maximum contaminant level (MCL) - The designation given by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to water-quality standards promulgated under the Safe Drinking
Water Act. The MCL is the greatest amount of a contaminant that can be present in drinking
water without causing a risk to human health.
mechanical dispersion - Process whereby solutes are mechanically mixed during advective
transport, caused by the velocity variations at the microscopic level; synonymous with
hydraulic dispersion.
mercury (Hg): -Heavy metal that can accumulate in the environment and is highly toxic if
breathed or swallowed. (See: heavy metals.)
methyl orange alkalinity - A measure of the total alkalinity in a water sample in which the
color of methyl orange reflects the change in level.
microbial growth - The amplification or multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria,
algae, diatoms, plankton, and fungi.
mitigation - Measures taken to reduce adverse impacts on the environment.
monitoring - Periodic or continuous surveillance or testing to determine the level of
compliance with statutory requirements and/or pollutant levels in various media or in humans,
plants, and animals.
municipal discharge - Discharge of effluent from waste water treatment plants which
receive waste water from households, commercial establishments, and industries in the
coastal drainage basin. Combined sewer/separate storm overflows are included in this
category.
national estuary program - A program established under the Clean Water Act
Amendments of 1987 to develop and implement conservation and management plans for
protecting estuaries and restoring and maintaining their chemical, physical, and biological
integrity, as well as controlling point and nonpoint pollution sources.
new source - Any stationary source built or modified after publication of final or proposed
regulations that prescribe a given standard of performance.
nitrate - A compound containing nitrogen that can exist in the atmosphere or as a dissolved
gas in water and which can have harmful effects on humans and animals.
nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) - A compound now replacing phosphates in detergents.
nitrogenous wastes - Animal or vegetable residues that contain significant amounts of
nitrogen.
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non-aqueous phase liquid (NAIL) - Contaminants that remain undiluted as the original
bulk liquid in the subsurface, e.g. spilled oil. (See: fee product.)
non-point source (NPS) pollution - Pollution discharged over a wide land area, not from
one specific location. Non-point source pollution is contamination that occurs when
rainwater, snowmelt, or irrigation washes off plowed fields, city streets, or suburban
backyards. As this runoff moves across the land surface, it picks up soil particles and
pollutants, such as nutrients, and pesticides.
non-potable - Water that is unsafe or unpalatable to drink because it contains pollutants,
contaminants, minerals, or infective agents.
nutrient pollution - Contamination of water resources by excessive inputs of nutrients. In
surface waters, excess algal production is a major concern.
odor threshold - The minimum odor of a water or air sample that can just be detected after
successive dilutions with odorless water.
oligotrophic lakes - Deep clear lakes with few nutrients, little organic matter and a high
dissolved-oxygen level.
outfall - The place where a sewer, drain, or stream discharges; the outlet or structure through
which reclaimed water or treated effluent is finally discharged to a receiving water body.
overland flow - The flow of water over the land surface created by direct precipitation.
Also called Horton overland flow.
oxygen demand - The need for molecular oxygen to meet the needs of biological and
chemical processes in water.
oxidation - The chemical addition of oxygen to break down pollutants or organic waste; e.g.,
destruction of chemicals such as cyanides, phenols, and organic sulfur compounds in sewage
by bacterial and chemical means.
oxidation pond - A man-made (anthropogenic) body of water in which waste is consumed
by bacteria, used most frequently with other waste-treatment processes; a sewage lagoon.
pH - A measure of the relative acidity or alkalinity of water. Water with a pH of 7 is neutral;
lower pH levels indicate increasing acidity (H+), while pH levels higher than 7 indicate
increasingly basic (OH-) solutions.
particle size - The diameter, in millimeters, of suspended sediment or bed material. Particlesize classifications are:
Clay - 0.0000094-0.0001575 inch (0.00024-0.004 mm)
Silt - 0.0001575-.0024409 inch (0.004-0.062 mm)
Sand - 0.0024409-0.0787402 inch (0.062-2.0 mm)
Gravel - 0.0787402-2.519685 inch (2.0-64.0 mm)
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pathogen - A disease-producing agent; usually applied to a living organism. Generally, any
viruses, bacteria, or fungi that cause disease.
periphyton - Microscopic underwater plants and animals that are firmly attached to solid
surfaces such as rocks, logs, and pilings.
persistence - Refers to the length of time a compound stays in the environment, once
introduced. A compound may persist for less than a second or indefinitely.
phenols - Organic compounds that are byproducts of petroleum refining, tanning, and textile,
dye, and resin manufacturing. Low concentrations cause taste and odor problems in water;
higher concentrations can kill aquatic life and humans.
phosphates - Certain chemical compounds containing phosphorus. Phosphogypsum Piles
(Stacks): Principal byproduct generated in production of phosphoric acid from phosphate
rock. These piles may generate radioactive radon gas.
phosphorus - An essential chemical food element that can contribute to the eutrophication
of lakes and other water bodies. Increased phosphorus levels result from discharge of
phosphorus-containing materials into surface waters.
photosynthesis - The manufacture by plants of carbohydrates and oxygen from carbon
dioxide mediated by chlorophyll in the presence of sunlight.
point-source pollution - Water pollution coming from a single point, such as a sewageoutflow pipe.
plume - A three-dimensional body of fluid emanating from a point source or point sources
with a chemistry or physical composition differing from the ambient groundwater,
atmosphere, or surface water body.
pollution prevention - 1. Identifying areas, processes, and activities which create excessive
waste products or pollutants in order to reduce or prevent them through, alteration, or
eliminating a process. Such activities, consistent with the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990,
are conducted across all EPA programs and can involve cooperative efforts with such
agencies as the Departments of Agriculture and Energy. 2. EPA has initiated a number of
voluntary programs in which industrial, or commercial or "partners" join with EPA in
promoting activities that conserve energy, conserve and protect water supply, reduce
emissions or find ways of utilizing them as energy resources, and reduce the waste stream.
potable water - Water of a quality suitable for drinking.
precursor - In photochemistry, a compound antecedent to a pollutant. For example, volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) and nitric oxides of nitrogen react in sunlight to form ozone or
other photochemical oxidants. As such, VOCs and oxides of nitrogen are precursors.
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prescriptive - Water rights which are acquired by diverting water and putting it to use in
accordance with specified procedures; e.g. filing a request with a state agency to use unused
water in a stream, river, or lake.
prior appropriation doctrine - The system for allocating water to private individuals used
in most Western states. The prior appropriation doctrine is based on the concept of "First in
Time, First in Right." The first person to take a quantity of water and put it to beneficial use
has a higher priority of right than a subsequent user. The rights can be lost through nonuse;
they can also be sold or transferred apart from the land.
PRPs - Potential responsible parties. Waste generators who are responsible for the ultimate
fate of toxic wastes. Includes property owners, industries, government agencies, etc. The
current federal laws make the PRPs liable in perpetuity for these wastes.
reaeration - Introduction of air into the lower layers of a reservoir. As the air bubbles form
and rise through the water, the oxygen dissolves into the water and replenishes the dissolved
oxygen. The rising bubbles also cause the lower waters to rise to the surface where they take
on oxygen from the atmosphere.
receiving waters - A river, lake, ocean, stream or other watercourse into which wastewater
or treated effluent is discharged.
recharge - The process by which water is added to the groundwater system or, more
precisely, enters the phreatic zone. Can be expressed as a rate (i.e., in/yr) or a volume.
recharge basin - A basin or pit excavated to provide a means of allowing water to soak into
the ground at rates exceeding those that would occur naturally.
relative ecological sustainability - Ability of an ecosystem to maintain relative ecological
integrity indefinitely.
release - Any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting,
escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment of a hazardous or toxic
chemical or extremely hazardous substance.
remedial action (RA) - The actual construction or implementation phase of a Superfund
site cleanup that follows remedial design.
remediation - The process by which contaminated groundwater systems are cleansed of
their pollutants or in which the pollutants are managed to avoid their deleterious release to the
biosphere.
reservoir - 1. An impoundment of surface water behind a dam; 2. A porous and permeable
subsurface formation or part of a formation containing a natural, individual, and separate
accumulation of hydrocarbons (oil or gas).
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safe water - Water that does not contain harmful bacteria, toxic materials, or chemicals, and
is considered safe for drinking even if it may have taste, odor, color, and certain mineral
problems.
saline water - Water that contains significant amounts of dissolved salts. Salinity is defined
as:
Fresh water - Less than 1,000 parts per million (ppm)
Slightly saline water - From 1,000 ppm to 3,000 ppm
Moderatly saline water - From 3,000 ppm to 10,000 ppm
Highly saline water - From 10,000 ppm to 35,000 ppm
sediment - Usually applied to material in suspension in water or recently deposited from
suspension. In the plural the word is applied to all kinds of deposits from the waters of
streams, lakes, or seas.
sedimentary rock - Rock formed of sediment, and specifically: 1. Sandstone and shale,
formed of fragments of other rock transported from their sources and deposited in water; and
2. Rocks formed by or from secretions of organisms, such as most limestone.
semi-arid - Pertaining to climatic conditions in which the precipitation, although slight, is
sufficient for growth of short sparse grass. A semiarid climate is sometimes referred to as a
steppe climate.
spring melt/thaw - The process whereby warm temperatures melt winter snow and ice.
Because various forms of acid deposition may have been stored in the frozen water, the melt
can result in abnormally large amounts of acidity entering streams and rivers, sometimes
causing fish kills.
storm sewer - A system of pipes (separate from sanitary sewers) that carries water runoff
from buildings and land surfaces.
stream - A flowing body of water which is generally confined to a specific channel or
channels.
effluent stream - A steam which is receiving baseflow.
ephemeral stream - A stream which flows only briefly after rainfall events.
gaining stream - A stream which increases in discharge along its channel because of
groundwater inflow.
influent stream - A stream with its water flowing into the groundwater system.
intermittent stream - A stream which typically does not flow all year long.
losing stream - A stream which loses discharge along its channel.
perennial stream - A stream which flows all year long.
sinking steam - A stream which loses discharge because its water is infiltrating into the
ground.
submerged aquatic vegetation - Vegetation that lives at or below the water surface; an
important habitat for young fish and other aquatic organisms.
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subwatershed - Topographic perimeter of the catchment area of a stream tributary.
Superfund - The program operated under the legislative authority of CERCLA and SARA
that funds and carries out EPA solid waste emergency and long-term removal and remedial
activities.
surface runoff - Precipitation, snow melt, or irrigation water in excess of what can infiltrate
the soil surface and be stored in small surface depressions; a major transporter of non-point
source pollutants in rivers, streams, and lakes.
surface water - All water naturally open to the atmosphere (rivers, lakes, reservoirs, ponds,
streams, impoundments, seas, estuaries, etc.)
surface-water treatment rule - Rule that specifies maximum contaminant level goals for
Giardia lamblia, viruses, and Legionella and promulgates filtration and disinfection
requirements for public water systems using surface-water or ground-water sources under the
direct influence of surface water. The regulations also specify water quality, treatment, and
watershed protection criteria under which filtration may be avoided.
suspended loads - Specific sediment particles maintained in the water column by turbulence
and carried with the flow of water.
suspended solids (SS) - Small particles of solid pollutants that float on the surface of, or
are suspended in, sewage or other liquids. They resist removal by conventional means.
SVOC - Semivolatile organic chemicals, such polyaromatic hydrocarbons, PCBs, etc.
tail water - The runoff of irrigation water from the lower end of an irrigated field.
tertiary wastewater treatment - Removal of sesidual suspended solids (after secondayr
treatment), usually by granualr medium filtration or microscreens. Disinfections is also
typically a part of tertiary treatment. Nutrient removal is often included in this definition.
total dissolved phosphorous - The total phosphorous content of all material that will pass
through a filter, which is determined as orthophosphate without prior digestion or hydrolysis.
Also called soluble P. or ortho P.
total dissolved solids (TDS) - All material that passes the standard glass river filter; now
called total filterable residue. Term is used to reflect salinity.
total suspended solids (TSS) - A measure of the suspended solids in wastewater, effluent,
or water bodies, determined by tests for "total suspended non-filterable solids."
toxic chemical - Any chemical listed in EPA rules as "Toxic Chemicals Subject to Section
313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986."
toxic pollutants - Materials that cause death, disease, or birth defects in organisms that
ingest or absorb them. The quantities and exposures necessary to cause these effects can vary
widely.
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toxicity - The degree to which a substance or mixture of substances can harm humans or
animals. .
toxicological profile - An examination, summary, and interpretation of a hazardous substance
to determine levels of exposure and associated health effects.
transport - The movement of solute, suspended matter, or heat in a porous medium, in a
surface stream, or through the atmosphere.
treatment - 1. Any method, technique, or process designed to remove solids and/or
pollutants from solid waste, waste-streams, effluents, and air emissions. 2. Methods used to
change the biological character or composition of any regulated medical waste so as to
substantially reduce or eliminate its potential for causing disease.
turbidity - A measure of water cloudiness caused by suspended solids.
VOC - Volatile organic chemical, such as benzene, gasoline, etc.
wastewater - The spent or used water from a home, community, farm, or industry that
contains dissolved or suspended matter.
water quality--a term used to describe the chemical, physical, and biolo. gical
characteristics of water, usually in respect to its suitability for a particular purpose.
wetland - Areas under or contiguous to open water or with a shallow water table. Wetlands are
characterized by water-loving vegetation (phreatophytes or, in areas with brackish water,
halophytes).
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units to convert
units converting to
formula for conversion
inch (in)
millimeter (mm)
# in x 24.4= # mm
foot (ft)
mm
# ft x 304.8 = # mm
mile (mi)
kilometer (km)
# mi x 1.609344 = # km
acre-foot (acf)
gallon (gal)
# acf x 325,851 = # gal
cubic-foot (ft3)
acre-foot (acf)
# acf x .000023 = # ft3
pound (lb)
gram (g)
# lb x 453.59 = # g
degree Farenheit (°F)
degree Celcius (°C)
°F x 5/95 = °C
part-per-billion (ppb)
microgram-per-liter
(µg/L)
# ppb = # µg/L
part-per-million (ppm)
milligram-per-liter (mg/L)
# ppm = # mg/L
gallon (gal)
liter (L)
# gal x 3.79 = # L
microgram (µg)
gram (g)
# µg x 10-6 = # g
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APPENDIX 7. List of Recommended Critical Field
Equipment/Spare Parts
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List of Recommended Critical Field
Equipment/Spare Parts
Field Data Measurements
1. Multiprobe Sensor Instrument and various analytical probes/accessories (may
have capability of unattended, automated monitoring at hourly intervals over at
least a 24-hour period).
 Possible options include:
 Hydrolab Surveyor 3/H20, Surveyor 4/minisonde, or Surveyor
4/datasonde 4
 Hydrolab Datasonde 3 or 4
 YSI 610DM/YSI 600 XLM Minilogger
 YSI 650 MDS
 YSI 600XL
 Long cord (and short cord) for multiprobe instrument(s)
 YSI internal thermometer for water temp
 All Maintenance Parts, Electrolyte Solutions, pH storage solution, etc.
for Multiprobe Sensors
 Back-up Multiprobe Sensor in working condition
2. Turbidity meter (i.e. LaMotte 2020)
3. Weather Radio
4. Pocket Calculator
5. Flow Meter/Top-setting Wading Rods/Digital Counter (i.e. Scientific
Instruments Digimeter)/100 ft. Measuring Tape
6. Digital Camera
7. Global Positioning System (GPS)
Water Sampling
1. Plastic Buckets with Rope
2. Battery-powered or Car-converter-powered Peristaltic Pump (needed only for
depth integrated sampling and filtrations)
3. TM clean in-line filters (0.45 micron, disposable)
4. Powder-free Nitrile Gloves
5. Polyethylene Gloves (wrist and shoulder long)
6. Clean plastic sampling device (beaker) on extendable sampling pole
7. Pre-printed labels with station info
8. See table with sample bottles/containers in water sampling SOP
9. Metals-in-Water Kit: Plastic bottles, tubing, syringes, syringe filters, metals-free
water and filters for metals-in-water sampling prepared by the laboratory
10. Chlorophyll filtration kit (manifold, pump, filters etc.)
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Sediment Sampling
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Modified Van Veen grab, cleaning reagents for cleaning grab, davit (for boat)
Polyethylene/Polycarbonate Scoops (pre-cleaned at laboratory)
Homogenizing jar and stirring rods
Labels with station info
See table with sample bottles/containers in sediment sampling SOP
Biological Sampling
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
"D" or "Y" Frame Kick Net (mesh size < 800µm x 900µm)
Surber Sampler
Seines (short 6-10' 1/8-inch mesh; long 20-25' 1/4-inch mesh)
Gill Net
Backpack Shocker - Smith Root Type VII or equivalent (for regions where
conductivity allows use) and Extra Battery
6. 5-Gallon Plastic Buckets
7. Chest Waders
8. Heavy Weight Rubber Gloves for Shocking
9. Non-conductive Dip Nets for Fish (both medium and small mesh sizes)
10. Glass Jars/Vials for Biological Specimens
11. Ethyl Alcohol
12. Isopropyl Alcohol
13. Rose Bengal
14. Formalin
15. Forceps
16. Lopping Shears for Snag Samples
17. Sorting Sieves (U.S. Std. Sieve No. > 20)
18. Sorting Trays for Benthics
19. Mason Jar Lids (for isolating sub-sample in sorting tray)
20. Fish Measuring Board
21. Heavy Weight Aluminum Foil (for shipping tissue samples)
22. Plastic Bags (for shipping tissue samples)
23. Trawl (for coastal regions)
24. Plankton Net
25. Compound Microscope
26. Dissection Microscope
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Habitat Assessment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Map Measuring Wheel or Planimeter
Clinometer
Densiometer
Optical Range Finders (short and long distance)
Survey Range Pole
Long Tape (100 meters)
Other Office/Field Equipment
1. Refrigerator/Freezer
2. Ice Machine, Ice and dry ice Delivery, supply Contract
3. Boat/Motor/Trailer/PFDs – Refer to “Minimum Health and Safety
Guidelines” Appendix H, for a boating safety checklist.
4. Battery Charger
5. Waders
Shipping
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Insulated coolers
Cube ice/blue ice/dry ice
Duct tape (for sealing coolers)
Packaging tape (for taping labels)
Prewritten FedEx labels/ shipping tags
COCs (prewritten, if possible)
Bubble wrap/ packaging foam
Zip bags for COCs
Health and Safety
Refer to “Minimum Health and Safety Guidelines” (Appendix H) for a list of
essential equipment.
Friends of the San Gabriel River Watershed - Revision 1
Date: 3/7/2016
Page 76 of 76
Personal and Travel Equipment and Supplies
1. Rain gear
2. Change of clothes
3. Heavy Duty Flashlight
4. Cell phone and charger
5. Maps
6. Hiking Boots
7. Extra batteries
8. Contact phone numbers
9. Sun glasses/ sun block/ hat
10. Drinking water
11. Work gloves
12. Insect repellent
13. Backpacks/ tote bin for carrying gear
Additionally, all necessary forms, calibration logbooks, procedures manuals, equipment
instructional manuals, and identification manuals for biological specimens will be kept
on hand by all SWAMP personnel.
APPENDIX 8. References and Internet Addresses