STANDARD ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE

Fixed Interval Stream Monitoring

IC-S (1.1)

Mecklenburg County
Land Use and Environmental Services Agency - Water Quality Program
Jon Beller
Sr. Environmental Specialist
Project Officer / Date
Jeff Price
Environmental Analyst
QA/QC Officer / Date
Rusty Rozzelle
Water Quality Program Manager / Date
City of Charlotte
Engineering and Property Management - Storm Water Services
Steve Jadlocki
Sr. Water Quality Specialist / Date
Daryl Hammock
Water Quality Program Manager / Date

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services

Charlotte, NC


1.0 Purpose

1.1 To collect data in support of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stream Use-Support Index (SUSI). SUSI is a calculated water quality index designed to represent in-stream water quality conditions, relative to surface water quality standards and stream segment classification.

2.0 Applicability

2.1 This Standard Administrative Procedure (SAP) is applicable to Fixed Interval Stream Monitoring events conducted during FY2007-2008 under the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services Work Plan - Program Element IC-S(1.1).

3.0 Program Summary

3.1  Collect surface water grab samples and instantaneous in-stream field measurements on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 29 sites located throughout the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The sample sites are identified in Attachment 10.1 and a site map is included in Attachment 10.2.

3.2  Utilize the monthly sample results in a calculated index to represent the overall in-stream water quality conditions. For additional information on calculating the Stream Use-Support Index, refer to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services Stream Use-Support Index (SUSI) Administrative Procedure (Ref. 9.1).

4.0 Health and Safety Warnings

4.1 Always exercise caution and consider personal safety first. Surface water sampling poses a number of inherent risks, including steep and hazardous terrain negotiation, threatening weather conditions, deep and/or swift moving water, stinging insects and incidental contact with wild animals.

4.2 Always were gloves and exercise universal precautions. Decontaminate hands frequently using a no-rinse hand sanitizer. Urban surface waters pose potential for pathogenic contamination.

5.0 Interferences

5.1  Do not initiate Fixed Interval Monitoring sampling runs during active precipitation events to reduce the potential for sample contamination. Weather delayed sampling runs should be conducted as soon as possible in an effort to capture the in-stream conditions created by the weather event.

5.2  For pre-preserved sample collection bottles; overfilled, spilled or otherwise damaged containers should be discarded and a new sample should be collected. This reduces the risk of sample contamination and improper chemical preservation.

5.3  Any observed equipment problems or any identified inconsistencies with Standard Operating Procedures during a sample event should be reported to the QA/QC Officer immediately. Issues identified in conflict with programmatic Data Quality Objectives may result in re-samples, additional samples, a scratched run or a scratched sample event.

6.0  Sample Collection Procedure

Preparation

6.1  Identify staff resources responsible for sample collection. Coordinate the sample event details with staff resources and the CMU lab as necessary.

Note: A minimum of 3 staff (or sampling teams) corresponding to the East, Central and West sample runs will be required to complete the sampling event within the specified parameter hold-times.

6.2  For each of the 3 sample runs, print the following:

6.2.1  Field data sheet forms (Attachment 10.3)

6.2.2  Chain of Custody forms (Attachment 10.4)

6.2.3  Sampling Site Location List (Attachment 10.5)

6.2.4  Sample collection bottle labels (Attachment 10.6)

Note: Bottle labels require the use of special adhesive backed, waterproof label paper and a label printer. Otherwise, labels may be printed by hand utilizing

6.3  Assemble 35 sets of the following sample collection bottles; 1 set for each of the 29 sites site - plus 3 sets for QC blanks (one blank set per sample run), and 3 sets for site replicates (1 site per run - to be determined by the QA/QC Officer). Always carry an extra set of unlabeled bottles with each sampling run in the event that bottles are contaminated or otherwise unusable.

6.3.1  1 x 1000ml (unpreserved) – TSS, Turbidity

6.3.2  1 x 500ml (HNO3) – Metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn)

6.3.3  1 x 500ml (H2SO4) – Nutrients (N-NH3, NOX, TKN, TP)

6.3.4  2 x 100ml (sterile, NA2S2O3) – Bacteriological (Fecal Coliform, E Coli)

6.3.5  1 x 250ml (unpreserved) – SSC

6.4  Affix the self-adhesive labels to the appropriate sample collection bottles. Leave the Sample Collection Time blank. The collection time will be recorded in the field at the actual time of collection.

6.5  For each of the 3 runs / sampling teams, fill a 4-liter certified clean bottle with reagent grade distilled/de-ionized water from the CMU lab. This will serve as “sample” water for non-bacteriological QC blanks.

6.6  For each of the 3 runs / sampling teams, request a bottle of sterilized bacteriological buffer-blank solution from the CMU lab. This will serve as “sample” water for QC bacteriological blanks.

6.7  For each of the 3 runs / sampling teams, calibrate a YSI multi-parameter sonde utilizing the YSI Calibration Procedure (Ref. 9.2).

6.8  For each of the 3 runs / sampling teams, fill 2 coolers (or as many as needed) approximately ¼ full with ice.

Sample Collection

6.9  At the first sample site location for each run; fill the labeled sample blank bottles with either de-ionized water (6.5) or sterilized bacteriological buffer blank solution (6.6) as specified in the Direct (Grab) Surface Water Sample Collection SOP (Ref. 9.3).

6.10  At each sample site location; collect stream water in labeled sample collection bottles as specified in the Direct (Grab) Surface Water Sample Collection SOP (Ref. 9.3). Collect a replicate sample at the site as directed by the Data Manager.

6.11  At each sample site location; collect instantaneous in-stream field measurements utilizing a calibrated YSI multi-probe sonde, as specified in the YSI Multiprobe Calibration and Field Data Collection (STD) SOP (Ref. 9.2).

6.12  At each sample site location; record in-stream field measurements (“field data”) on WQ field data sheet forms where appropriate.

Post-Sample Collection

6.13  Complete all appropriate entries on the laboratory Chain of Custody (COC) in preparation for submitting QC blanks and surface water (stream) samples to the CMU laboratory for analysis.

6.14  Deliver QC blanks and water samples to the CMU Lab in coolers on ice.

6.15  Check-in the YSI multi-parameter sonde per the YSI Multiprobe Calibration and Field Data Collection (STD) SOP post-field verification (Ref. 9.2).

6.16  Determine flow (cfs) for each sample site location utilizing the USGS Internet website, and complete the WQ field data sheet flow information for each site (Attachment 10.7).

6.17  Submit the completed WQ field data sheet forms and a copy of the completed COC to the WQ Data Manager.

7.0 Performance / Acceptance Criteria

7.1  For each sample run, a complete event must include QC sample blanks. For each site sampled, a complete event must include direct-grab surface water samples and in-stream instantaneous measurements (italics) for the following parameters:

F Coliform / TKN / Turbidity / Zinc / Temp
E Coli / TP / Chromium / DO / USGS Flow
N-NH3 / TSS / Copper / pH
NO2-NO3 / SSC / Lead / SpCond

Automated (continuous) in-stream field measurements will also be collected at sites equipped with CMANN installations.

7.2  A total of 12 complete sample events will be collected at each of the sites per year.

7.3  Direct-grab samples must be analyzed by a NC State certified laboratory for each parameter identified in 7.1 in order to be considered complete.

7.4  YSI multi-parameter sondes must be calibrated before and after use. Also, mid-site field pH checks must be within established limits.

8.0 Data and Records Management

8.1  All field data must be submitted to the QA/QC Officer in hard-copy on approved field sheet forms.

8.2  All lab data must be submitted to the QA/QC Officer in electronic format.

8.3  All completed COCs must be submitted to the QA/QC Officer.

8.4  Electronic transfer of analytical data from the Laboratory database to the WQDR will be administered by the QA/QC Officer.

8.5  Transfer of all collected field data (flow and instantaneous in-stream measurements) to the WQDR will be administered by the QA/QC Officer.


9.0 References

9.1  Mecklenburg County Water Quality Program Stream Use-Support Index (SUSI) Administrative Procedure; Rev. 1.0.

9.2  YSI Multiprobe Calibration and Field Data Collection (STD) SOP; Rev. 1.1.

9.3  Direct (Grab) Surface Water Sample Collection Procedure; Rev 1.1.


10.0 Attachments

10.1 - Fixed Interval Monitoring Sample Site Descriptions

Central Run
# / Site ID / Stream / Location
1 / MC29A1 / Little Sugar Creek / Carolina Medical Center Dr.
2 / MC31A / Briar Creek Trib / Runnymede Rd.
3 / MC31B / Briar Creek Trib / Colony Rd.
4 / MC33 / Briar Creek / Colony Rd.
5 / MC38 / McAlpine Creek / Sardis Rd.
6 / MC40A / Four Mile Creek / Elm Lane.
7 / MC42 / McMullen Creek / Sharonview Rd.
8 / MC45 / McAlpine Creek / McAlpine Creek WWTP.
9 / MC45B / McAlpine Creek / Harrisburg Rd. in SC
10 / MC51 / Six Mile Creek / Marvin Rd.
East Run
1 / MC30A / Edwards Branch / Sheffield Dr.
2 / MY11B / Mallard Creek / Pavilion Blvd.
3 / MY12 / Back Creek / Caldwell Rd.
4 / MY13 / Reedy Creek / Reedy Creek Rd.
5 / MY7B / McKee Creek / Reedy Creek Rd.
6 / MY9 / Goose Creek / Stevens Mill Rd.
7 / MY8 / Clear Creek / Ferguson Rd.
8 / MY10 / Clark's Creeks / Harris Rd.
9 / MY1B / W. Rocky River / River Ford Rd.
9 / MY1B / W. Rocky River / River Ford Rd.
West Run
1 / MC14A / Long Creek / Mt Holly Rd.
2 / MC17 / Paw Creek / Wilkinson Blvd.
3 / MC22A / Irwin Creek / Irwin Creek WWTP.
4 / MC25 / Coffey Creek / Hwy 49
5 / MC27 / Sugar Creek / Hwy 51.
6 / MC47A / Steele Creek / Carowinds Blvd.
7 / MC49A / Little Sugar Creek / Hwy 51.
8 / MC66 / Beaverdam Creek / Windy Gap Rd.
9 / MC4 / McDowell Creek / Beatties Ford Rd.
10 / MC50 / Gar Creek / Beatties Ford Rd.

FIM SAP; Rev. 1.2

Effective Date: 1/1/08

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10.2 - Fixed Interval Monitoring Sample Site Locations

FIM SAP; Rev. 1.2

Effective Date: 1/1/08

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10.3 – FIM Example WQ Field Data Sheet


10.4 – FIM Example Chain of Custody


10.5 – Example Sampling Site Location List


10.6 – FIM Example Sample Collection Bottle Label

Mecklenburg County LUESA/WQP

MC (Run Name) – Fixed Interval Monitoring

Sample ID: (W–Site Name)

Date: **/**/** Time:

Sample Type: Grab Staff ID:

Preservative: (Preservative) Bottle: (Vol) ml Plastic

Tests: (Parameter)


10.7 – USGS Flow Data Acquisition Links

MC14A / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=0214291555
MC17 / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=0214295600
MC22A / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=02146300
MC25 / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=02146348
MC27 / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=02146381
MC29A1 / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=02146409
MC30A / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=0214643820
MC31A / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=0214645080
MC31B / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=0214645075
MC33 / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=0214645022
MC38 / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=02146600
MC4 / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=0214266000
MC40A / No Flow Link (Backwater)
MC42 / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=02146700
MC45 / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&cb_00065=on&cb_00045=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=02146750
MC45B / Flow Link (No Rating Curve Established)
MC47A / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=0214678175
MC49A / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=02146530
MC50 / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=0214266080
MC51 / No Flow Link
MC66 / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=0214297160
MY10 / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=02124080
MY11B / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=0212414900
MY12 / No Flow Link
MY13 / No Flow Link (USGS Proposed Location)
MY1B / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=0212393300
MY7B / No Flow Link (USGS Proposed Location)
MY8 / http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nc/nwis/uv?cb_00065=on&cb_00060=on&format=html&period=1&site_no=0212466000
MY9 / No Flow Link

FIM SAP; Rev. 1.2

Effective Date: 1/1/08

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