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Minor Ohio River Tributaries and
Licking River Watershed Watch
Scientific Study Plan
(Version 3.0)
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I.)ABSTRACT:
In order to provide for more informed participation in watershed
management programs by a wider public, Licking River Watershed
Watch plans to involve volunteers throughout the Licking River Basin
in:
1. a review of current research
2. stream surveys and data collection
3. public discussions of findings
4. establishment of community networks for continued local involvement.
An effort will be made to involve volunteers throughout the basin
in the process, including, stream side land owners, high school
science groups, support agencies such as Agricultural Extension
and the NRCS, municipal utilities, college level faculty and students,
environmental groups, Industrial Environmental Engineers and other
interested stakeholders willing to participate.
We will use the information generated in this data collection effort
to augment existing data from other studies ongoing in the watershed.
By generating original data, participants will have better ownership
understanding and interest in current research in the basin. Though
this plan delineates only one year of activity, the hope is to
create a long term dialog among the stakeholders in water quality
in the river basin.
This study plan sets forth the guidelines and methodology for the stream
surveys and data collection.
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II.) Data Collection Program
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Volunteers will be involved in seasonal data collection efforts.
Where appropriate timing of these measurements will be governed
by both climatic and stream-flow conditions.
A) April-May Field Surveys:
1. Stream Habitat Assessment (US EPA Protocol) Survey Items:
-Riparian zone, instream Features, bank stability
-Riparian and aquatic vegitation, vegatative zone width
-Sediment substrate components odors, oils and deposits
-Riffle quality, embeddedness, sediment deposition
-Flow, Velocity depth combinations.
-Photo documentation of riparian conditions
2. Benthic Macroinvertebrate Community Structure
Level I (group level field identification) by lay volunteers
3. Dissolved Oxygen (Best if done before 6:00 AM)
4. pH
5. Temp
Note: Field Surveys will be initiated at the April 26 "Kickoff" but may
be continued throughout the monitoring program. Groups will be
encouraged to visit as many sites as time and transportation will
allow.
B)Herbicide/Pesticide Sampling
Teams will conduct water sampling for agricultural chemicals.
These samples are for laboratory analysis (Immunoassay) of the
more common herbicides applied at that time. These herbicides
(and other relevant parameters) are listed below.
1. 2,4-D (amine) Pastures and Lawn chemicals
2. Chlorpyrifos (Dursban, replacing Diazinon)
3. Metolachlor (used on Soybeans)
4. Pendimethalin found in urban streams
or areas of concentrated tobacco cultivation
5. Triazine (used as pre-emergent for corn)
6. Field pH
7. Field Dissolved Oxygen (Before 6:00 am)
C) Storm Event Sampling Teams:
A subset of volunteers will be recruited to serve on
"Storm Teams" dedicated to storm event sampling in their
watersheds. These teams will be provided with an additional
set of herbicide sampling materials to sample streams in
their watershed that have gauging stations for determination
of specific flow hydrographs.
The teams will be instructed to wait for the initial rainfall
event that follows spring application of the compounds listed
above. The teams will attempt to sample as the stream is
rising from the rain.
D) Microbiological testing (July 1998, September 1998)
Teams will be recruited to conduct microbiological sampling of
Fecal Coliform (colonies/100 ml) during prime recreation season
in July and during the Fall low Flow period at the end of September.
Samples will be collected using EPA standard methods with no
more than six hour holding time from sample collection to lab
delivery.
Labs will use Membrane filtration method with test volumes of 1 ml
and 10 ml from the 100 ml sample.
Low Flow microbiological testing in the fall, more significant in the
areas where there is chronic access to livestock in the streams.
Micro for tripplett creek for a year and a half. Orders of magnitudes
may change it is huge Working with volunteers. Perhaps a magnatude of effort.
Sample 1: Recreation season
Sample 2: Low-flow.
E) October Sampling (Low Flow) October 10-13, 1998
Teams will conduct water sampling during low flow periods for
laboratory analysis of a wide range of water quality parameters.
Parameters may vary depending on the site and the land use activity
in the watershed.
Alkalinity mg/l
Conductivity µmho
TSSolids mg/l
TDSolids mg/l
Hardness mg/l
Nitrate mg/l
Nitrite mg/L
Ammonia-Nitrogen mg/L
Total Kjeldhal Nitrogen mg/L
Phosphorus ortho mg/L
Phosphorus total mg/L
Organic Carbon mg/L
Fluoride mg/l
Chloride mg/l
Bromide mg/l
Sulfate mg/L
Calcium mg/L
Magnesium mg/L
Sodium mg/L
Potassium mg/L
Aluminum mg/L
Arsenic mg/L
Barium mg/L
Cadmium mg/L
Chromium mg/L
Copper mg/L
Iron mg/L
Lead mg/L
Manganese mg/L
Mercury mg/L
Zinc mg/L
Field Dissolved Oxygen (Before 6:00 am)
Field pH
Field Temp
F) Standard Methods of Collection and Analysis:
Samples are to be gathered using (EPA) Standard Methods of
collection, preservation and analysis under full chain-of-custody
using scientifically trained volunteers. Sample analysis will
performed by a laboratory using standard methods of analysis.
Sample splits will be provided to the State Division of
Environmental Services Lab.
G) Sampling Site Selection Parameters:
1. Habitat Assessment/Biological Monitoring
Volunteers will be asked to seek out the highest quality
habitat for biological screening sites. We request them
to locate sites below any significant discharges or land
use features.
2. Grab Sample Sites "Monitoring Stations"
50 sites will be distributed as evenly as possible
among the 11 digit hydrologic units in the watershed.
Specific sites for grab samples will be as low as
possible in the catchment. Once a sample site is selected
it will be given a unique "Monitoring Station Code" (S01-S99)
that will be used to identify all samples taken at that
location.
H) Selecting Labs:
Bids will be requested from laboratories in the area. These
labs will be asked to provide the sample containers and instructions
on collection, preservation, and transport. LRWW Volunteers will
be responsible for transport of samples to labs in a coordinated
fashion and in compliance with the preservation method and
maximum-allowable holding times specified for each type of
analysis.
EKU Geological Chemistry Lab
Dr. Melissa Dieckman
103 Roark Bld
Dept. of Geology
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY 40475-3129
Kentucky State University Water Quality Lab
Commonwealth Technology
1-800-489-3506
Kentucky Geological Survey Labs (At UK)
Dr. Henry Francis, 606-257-5500
228 Mining and Mineral Resources Bldg
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY40506-0107
University of Louisville Dept. of Biological Sciences.
Jan Stevensen, 502-852-5938
Kentucky Division of Environmental Services
Bill Davis, 502-564-6120
East West Connector
Frankfort, KY 40601
(for QAQC, split samples and unknowns)
Cardinal Labs, Northern Kentucky
Dr. Ted Pass, MSU Water Testing Laboratory
Morhead State University, Morehead, KY
606-783-2158
I) Reporting:
Volunteers will be asked to mail their reports on habitat
assessment, stream bank stability measurements, land use
verification, and biological surveys to the Licking River*
Watershed Watch immediately after completion. The
water-sample analysis laboratories will submit a copy of their
results to SRWW* staff who will then distribute it to the
participants as described below the laboratory.
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III.) Data Management:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A) Observational data
Reports from the stream surveys shall be compiled in flat-record
file in MS Excel 97 with photographs referenced by site code.
Key photographs may be scanned in JPEG format if resources
permit. Fields for observational data should include:
Collector's identification
Lat-Long
Hydrologic Unit Code
Nature of Observation
(habitat, watershed, bank stability,dump site)
Observation Elements
Comments
Reference to external material (photo's, maps Etc...)
B) Laboratory analysis results shall be compiled in electronic spread
sheet Excel and exported to *.WK1 (lotus 123) or *.XLS
(MS. Excel) for use by participants.
C) Monitoring station results will be plotted and displayed in Arcview
3.0 for GIS applications. Copies of the maps will be made available
on the World Wide Web.
IV) Review of Literature
A) Where possible, electronic copies of current professional research
studies shall be obtained for inclusion in Licking River*
Watershed Watch Summary Reports. Executive Summary level
information will be obtained where possible for all reports
available. Reports shall be maintained in MS Word Format
exported to Word Perfect 5.1 for distribution.
B) Reports, data and information shall be made available to volunteer
participants in hard copy, with electronic archives available via
World Wide Web at this web address:
/watch/licking.htm
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V.) Conclusions and Data Analysis:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A) Preliminary reports will simply include the raw data with
sufficient background for interpretation. Users will be
cautioned not to draw hasty conclusions from single data
points that may lie outside the norm. Further review and
discussion will be warranted before specific conclusions and
calls for action are made. Though we do want the volunteers
to have access to the raw data as soon as it is available.
B) Roundtable meetings will allow for professionals and lay
participants to discuss findings and conclusions. An effort
to involve all the members of a community interested in water
quality will be made. Including representatives from industry,
the scientific community, agricultural businesses and local officials
The conclusions from these meetings will then be turned over to the
Kentucky Division of Water, The United States Geological Survey,
The United States Army Corps of Engineers,The United States
Department of Agriculture, NRCS, The Kentucky
Agriculture Water Quality Authority and any other organization that
offers to comment and respond to the reports.
C) The raw data will be available to any party that wishes to review
and comment on the information via the Web Site.
D) Expert Review Panel: The data will be provided to a panel of
limnological experts for review and comment at the Licking River
Watershed Protection Conference.
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VI.) Volunteer Organization:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A) Committee Structure:
1. The Steering Committee: consisting of volunteers and
advisors for the program.
2. The Scientific Advisory Team is responsible for the development
of the scientific study plan, quality assurance, quality control
provisions.
3. The Volunteer Trainers are responsible for planning and conducting
the training workshops in the watershed.
3. The Volunteer Support Coordinators are responsible for
recruitment, coordinating, distributing sampling materials and coordinating delivery of collected samples to the labs.
4. Watershed Roundtables: Interested parties working to
coordinate specific activities within a particular watershed.
5. Hydrologic Unit Monitoring Teams. Groups of about five folks
responsible for conducting the field surveys, sample collection
and other observations on the watershed
B) Contacts:
1. Susan Patton, Steering Committee
606-356-8582
2. Hank Graddy, Staff,
606-846-4905
3. Ken Cooke, Volunteer Support Advisor, KY Water Watch, DOW
800-928-0045 Ext 473 (V)
C) Scientific Advisory Team Members: (None confirmed, only nominated!)
Doug Hines, Natural Resources Conservation Service
hinesfarm@compuserve.com (606)234-3364 (f)606-234-3344
Dr Brian Reeder, Morehead State University, Science Advisor
(b.reeder@morehead-st.edu) (606) 783-2957
Dr. William Bryant Thomas More College
(bryantw@thomasmore.edu) (606) 344-3370
Dr. James O. Luken, NKU Associate Professor
(luken@nku.edu) (606) 572-5300
Dr. John Hageman, Thomas More College Field Station Director
(hagemanj@thomasmore.edu) (606) 344-3525
Mike Mills, Kentucky Division of Water
(mills@nrdep.nr.state.ky.us) (502) 564-3410
Greg Stephens NRCS Jefferson Co. Office.
502-499-1900
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VII.)Volunteer Training:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A) Training Workshops
1. Printed materials and training videos.
2. An initial six hour in field workshop* will be
provided to volunteers in the project.
3. Follow up training for will be conducted for teams
conducting sample collection in June and September.
4. materials provided
-Field guide to streams and rivers
-Sample parameters list and description
-Map and basin description
-Guidance document on habitat assessment
-Survey instructions benthic macroinvertebrate collection
-Instructions for field testing equipment
B). Volunteer Equipment
1. Volunteers will provide their own 35mm cameras and video
cameras where used.
2. Lamotte Field dissolved oxygen and pH testing kits
(many locally provided, some loaned by the project)
-EDO modified Winkler titration method,
-Color metric wide-range indicator for pH.
3. Sample containers for advanced teams, (provided by labs)
4. #10 Softnet Collection net
5. Coolers for sample preservation and transport will be
provided by the volunteers
6. Reporting Forms for Watershed Survey, Habitat Assessment,
Discharge Survey, Dump Survey, Pristine Site Survey, and Chain
of Custody Record for sample Collection.
C) Workshop Agenda:
1. Project goals and timetable
2. Survey of existing research
3. Map exercise, finding watersheds and sample sites
4. Why and how of data collection
5. Habitat Assessment/Biological Monitoring
6. Lunch
7. Sample Collection Field Test Chemistry
8. Biological Monitoring Practice
9. Habitat Assessment Practice
10. Logistical planning
D) Training Workshop Times and Places
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1. Northern Kentucky/ TMC Biological Field station 4/5/98
2. Morehead 4/18/98
3. Cynthiana 5/3/98
F) Volunteer Organization: (For Complete details, See Volunteer
Management Plan.)
1. Each watershed will have an Volunteer for collection and
transport of lab samples (1-2 members with scientific background)
2. Lay volunteers will be involved in Habitat/biological surveys
and field analysis of Dissolved Oxygen and pH
(team size will vary)
3. Hydrologic Unit Monitoring Teams in selected 11 digit HUCs will
include both advanced and lay members, Some on high visibility
canoe floats.
4. Advanced Biological Assessment Teams. for conducting "Level II"
Benthic Macroinvertebrate surveys.
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VIII.) Continuing Process
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A) Organization of Watershed Networks Volunteers that participate
in this project will be encouraged to form community watershed
networks or formal watershed councils or alliances. Assistance will
be provided by the Kentucky Waterways Alliance and other groups
on establishing these organizations.
B) Continued Surveys and Lab Analysis. if funding can be
sustained, additional field days and lab sample runs will take place
on a quarterly basis throughout the basin.
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IX) Changes to this plan
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This is still a draft. Parameter list may be modified based on lab
bids and cost.
Send Comments Via E-mail to both of these addresses
kywwp@igc.org (Ken Cooke)
hgraddy@aol.com (Hank Graddy)
+++
End
Study Plan (Version 3.0)
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