Abstract #186

**Number range CHAPTERA Database of Mercury in the Fishery Resources of
the Gulf of Mexico**

**Frederick C. Kopfler^1^, Brent Ache^2^, Jennifer Field^3^, and Don
Axelrad**^4^

^1^U.S. EPA, Gulf of Mexico Program Office, Mail Code: EPA/GMPO, Stennis
Space Center, MS 39529

^2^NOAA/NOS/MBO, SSMC-4, Room 9437, 1305 East West Highway, Silver
Spring, MD 20910

^3^Battelle, 1400 Centrepark Blvd., Suite 1005, West Palm Beach, FL
33401

^4^FL DEP, MS-6540, Room 669A, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL
32399-2400

**Biographical Sketch**

Frederick Kopfler received a PhD in Food Science from LSU. After
completing a postdoctoral appointment with USDA, he worked for the
Public Health Service investigating the pesticide and trace metal
contaminants in shellfish. As a charter employee of the USEPA he worked
on the health effects of chemical contaminants in drinking water. In
1989 he joined the newly formed Gulf of Mexico Program to work on public
health issues associated with the use of the Gulf\'s waters and its
seafood products including chemical contaminants of seafood; sewage
pollution of shellfish growing waters and recreational waters; and
harmful algal blooms.

Brent Ache is a physical scientist with NOAA's Ocean Service, Special
Projects Division. He holds a master's degree in Coastal Environmental
Management from Duke University's Nichols School of the Environment.

Jennifer Field is an environmental scientist with Battelle, specializing
in marine ecology. In addition to designing and conducting field
sampling studies, she has several years experience analyzing
environmental data. She also has experience conducting ecological and
human health risk assessments and environmental impact assessments. She
has a master's degree in biological science from Old Dominion
University.

Don Axelrad is an environmental administrator in the Mercury Program of
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Tallahassee.
Don received a B.S. degree in Chemistry from Wayne State University, an
M.S. degree in Environmental Health Science from the University of
Michigan, and a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the College of William and
Mary (1974). Subsequently, Don worked for the Department of
Conservation, Victoria, Australia for 17 years before joining DEP. For
the past 7 years, he has been involved in managing research on mercury
sources, biogeochemistry, bioaccumulation, wildlife and human toxicology
and model development, particularly directed at identifying options for
reducing mercury concentrations in Everglades' fish and wildlife.

**Abstract**

Mercury finds it way into aquatic ecosystems in a variety of ways.
Atmospheric deposition is one major pathway. Not only can mercury in the
atmosphere cross political and jurisdictional boundaries, migratory
pelagic predator fish do also. After a preliminary assessment indicated
that mercury was a widespread contaminant in edible tissue of fish taken
from the Gulf, the Gulf of Mexico Program Management Committee directed
the Program Office to conduct an analysis of the occurrence of mercury
in the fishery resources of the Gulf of Mexico. A steering committee
consisting of persons with knowledge of environmental mercury analysis
from state health and environmental agencies of the five states
surrounding the Gulf of Mexico, EPA, FDA, and NOAA was formed to oversee
the project. Emphasis was placed on data collected during and after 1990
as

the steering committee concluded that analytical methods had been
improved and standardized sufficiently that the results from the various
laboratories were comparable.

Tissue monitoring data sets from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi,
Louisiana, and Texas state monitoring programs; the EPA EMAP; the NOAA
Mussel Watch Program; and the NMFS GulfChem Study were acquired. These
data sets were aggregated into a regional database, which is available
over the internet with data mapper software that allows the user to
query the database, produce maps of the query results, and zoom in to
specific estuaries. The database was updated in September 2003, and
contains almost 27,000 records. The database can also be downloaded in
its entirety for use on a local computer.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #187

The Development of an Index of Biotic Integrity for Headwater Streams in
Northern New Jersey

**Richard J. Horwitz^1^, Christina Faust^2^, Camille Flinders^1^, Brian
E. Margolis^2^, T. Kevin O'Donnell^1^, Amanda Kindt^1^, Paul
Overbeck^1^, and Thomas Belton^3^**

^1^Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
Philadelphia, PA 19103

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, ^2^PO Box 427 and
^3^PO Box 409, Trenton, NJ 08625

## Biographical Sketches of Authors

Richard Horwitz received a B.A. from Cornell University and a Ph.D. from
the University of Chicago. He is currently leader of the Fisheries
Section of the Patrick Center for Environmental Research (PCER) at The
Academy of Natural Sciences. He has also served as the leader of the
Biometry Section at PCER. His research interests include factors
affecting distribution and abundance of freshwater and estuarine fishes,
particularly effects of watershed land use, hydrology, dams and habitat
on stream fishes. He is also interested in the monitoring, assessment,
and analysis of trends of ecological condition, such as measures of
biotic integrity, abundance and contaminant concentrations. He is
concerned with the design and evaluation of projects for the restoration
of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and he recently completed master
planning for natural lands restoration within Fairmount Park in
Philadelphia, one of the nation\'s largest urban parks.

Christina Faust is a Biologist with the Bureau of Freshwater and
Biological Monitoring within New Jersey\'s Department of Environmental
Protection. Her background includes research on both freshwater and
marine fish. She is currently working on New Jersey's Index of Biotic
Integrity monitoring program and headwater IBI development.

## Abstract

Due to naturally low species richness, headwater streams are excluded
from New Jersey's current Fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI)
monitoring program. Recognizing their ecological significance and the
need to monitor the health of headwater streams, the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), in collaboration with
the Philadelphia of Academy of Natural Sciences (ANS) has begun the
development of an IBI for streams smaller than five square miles. During
the summer of 2003, NJDEP and ANS collected fish, amphibians and
crayfish from eight reference and seven stressed headwater streams in
northern New Jersey. Our poster will outline the sampling methodologies
used and present preliminary findings from the first year of sampling.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #188

Advanced Water Quality Monitoring and Sampling Technology in the Study
of Deicers at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas

**Kurt Kraske**

U.S. Geological Survey, 2775 Altamesa Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76133

**Biographical Sketch of Author**

Kurt Kraske is a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Worth
Field Office, with a background in geology/hydrogeology and extensive
training and experience in environmental field investigations throughout
the United States. Kurt has served in the Fort Worth area since 2002,
and has been a primary water quality team member on the Dallas/Fort
Worth International Airport project. He has also served as a hydrologic
technician and volunteer with the USGS Water Resources Division in
DeKalb, Illinois.

**Abstract**

The U.S. Geological Survey is using state-of-the-art remote sampling and
monitoring technology in a water quality study at Dallas/Fort Worth
International Airport (DFW), Texas. The DFW study focuses on determining
the potential water quality effects of deicing fluids on receiving water
bodies. Potential effects may include increased biological oxygen
demand, subsequent decreases in dissolved oxygen concentrations, and
toxicity. Sampling/monitoring stations were established at 8 locations
throughout the Big Bear Creek watershed and Trigg Lake. Flow-weighted
samples are collected at 5 of the stations continuously and during
selected storm events. Samples are analyzed for constituents such as
biological and chemical oxygen demand, ethylene and propylene glycol,
surfactants, *Microtox*, and tolytriazoles. Manual samples are also
collected at specific times for analysis of chronic/acute bioassay and
glycol-hydrolyzing bacteria.

The technology used in the DFW study makes real-time, remote monitoring
and sampling information available at the office desktop, as well as
allowing complete control of all remote sampling/monitoring stations
from a personal computer. Most monitoring data is continuously displayed
on a website, including stream water level and discharge, precipitation
amount and intensity, water and air temperature, and water dissolved
oxygen. Sampling data can also be monitored in real-time. Communication
software, in combination with a cellular telephone system, allows the
user to control such items as: 1) changing the bottle into which samples
are collected by each automatic sampler, 2) changing the flow-weight
volume for each sample bottle, and 3) the station paging the user when
pre-set sampling conditions are met. Each sampling/monitoring station is
automated, with power supplied and regulated automatically at the site,
through a combination of AC power, batteries, solar panels, and propane
generators. Floating water quality monitoring stations operate
independently at the lake site, transmitting data through a radio
system, as well as storing it on the raft as a back-up.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #189

Training Oregon Volunteers to Develop Meaningful Monitoring Plans

Beth Lambert

Oregon State University Extension Service, 2204 4^th^ Street, Tillamook,
OR 97141

# Biographical Sketch of Author

Beth Lambert is a watershed management extension agent with the Oregon
State University Extension Service. She works with landowners, agencies,
non-profits, teachers, and the general public to encourage stream
habitat and water quality restoration. Beth specializes in riparian
restoration, water quality monitoring, and capacity-building for
community-based watershed councils. She works in Tillamook and Clatsop
Counties on Oregon's north coast and teaches statewide workshops as
well.

# Abstract

Water quality monitoring is a popular activity for Oregon's
community-based watershed councils. Much training is available to these
volunteers to help them learn to use monitoring equipment and collect
accurate measurements. But, little training has been available to help
them develop strong monitoring plans that lead to the collection of
useful data.

To train volunteers to develop meaningful monitoring plans, Oregon State
University Extension Service developed a monitoring curriculum for its
Watershed Stewardship Education Program (WSEP). WSEP is a series of
workshops offered around the state that provides information about
watershed processes, and stream ecology to watershed council members,
landowners, and others. WSEP participants attend 40 hours of training,
and may choose to complete a 40-hour volunteer project and receive
Master Watershed Steward certification. At least 300 people have
completed WSEP since its start in 1998. A survey of Master Watershed
Stewards revealed that 30 % intended to become involved in water quality
monitoring.

WSEP's water quality monitoring curriculum consists of a two-hour
presentation / discussion and a three-hour hands-on session that helps
volunteers learn to develop monitoring plans and interpret water quality
data. During the lecture / discussion, participants are introduced to
baseline, trend, and effectiveness monitoring. Participants examine
graphed data sets and discuss when and where data should be collected in
order to better achieve monitoring goals. During the hands-on session,
participants work in small groups to develop monitoring plans for one of
Oregon's watersheds. Participants are given maps of the topography, land
use, and land ownership along with some initial water quality data. A
worksheet leads the participants through the process of identifying
water quality concerns; developing monitoring goals, objectives,
specific questions or hypotheses; and developing a monitoring plan to
meet their objectives. Each group then shares its monitoring plans with
the larger group.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #190

Assessing the Feasibility of Monitoring Aquatic Ecosystems on a

Landscape Scale in Central Alaska

**Amy S. Larsen^1^ and Maggie C. MacCluskie^2^**

^1^Aquatic Ecologist, National Park Service, 201 First Avenue,
Fairbanks, AK 99701

^2^Central Alaska Network Coordinator, National Park Service, 201 First
Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 997011

**Biographical Sketches of Authors**

Amy is an aquatic ecologist with the National Park Service. She has been
monitoring aquatic ecosystems in Alaska for over 10 years. For the past
three years she has been working with the Central Alaska Network Parks
to develop a long-term monitoring strategy for lotic and lentic
ecosystems. Prior to her work with the National Park Service she worked
on the effects of flooding on wetland ecosystem dynamics in subarctic
and arctic Alaska.

Maggie MacCluskie coordinates the Inventory and Monitoring program for
the Central Alaska Network. Her network of parks encompasses the
Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Denali National Park and
Preserve, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Prior to
joining the National Park Service her research work focused on waterfowl
nesting in the boreal forest of Alaska and Canada. She resides in
Fairbanks, Alaska where she enjoys taking part in as many outdoor
activities as possible with her family.

**Abstract**

We developed a preliminary strategy for long term monitoring of aquatic
ecosystems in National Parks in the central portion of Alaska. This
strategy focuses on collecting data on a small suite of physical and
chemical conditions, and biodiversity and community structure of
biologic organisms. Because little is known about the waters in central
Alaska we chose to focus our efforts on characterizing the full range of
conditions and variation rather than on understanding specific ecosystem
processes within our Parks. Our primary goal is to detect landscape
scale change. Here we describe the results from a 1-year pilot study to
test the feasibility of a large scale sampling regime and share our
insights into developing a long-term monitoring program designed for
relatively pristine ecosystems. During the pilot study we collected
water quality, macroinvertebrate and vegetation data from 10 ponds and 5
streams within Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. We analyzed water
samples for basic water quality parameters including temperature, DO,
specific conductance, pH, total N and P, NO~3~/NO~2~, and alkalinity. We
also collected macroinvertebrate/zooplankton samples from each site to
determine community structure and biodiversity. We estimated species
composition and percent cover of riparian and littoral vegetation for
each site. Basic diagnostic statistics and trend analysis were used to
detect patterns among the data. We evaluated these data for trends and
determined what measures would be good indicators of landscape scale
changes. Specific conductance and NO~3~/NO~2~ were successfully linked
to landscape scale disturbances.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #191

**Comparability of Biological Assessment Methods --**

**Prince George's County and the Maryland Biological Stream Survey**

**Erik W. Leppo^1^, James B. Stribling^1^, and Sharon Meigs²**

^1^Tetra Tech, Inc., 10045 Red Run Boulevard, Suite 110, Owings Mills,
MD 21117-6103

²Prince George\'s County, Programs and Planning Division, Department of
Environmental Resources, 9400 Peppercorn Drive, Largo, Maryland 20774

#### Biographical Sketches of Authors

Mr. Erik Leppo is a biologist in Tetra Tech's Baltimore Office. He has
10 years of experience collecting and analyzing biological data for use
within the biological indicators framework.

Dr. James Stribling is a biologist in Tetra Tech's Baltimore Office and
a Director in the Center for Ecological Sciences. He has over 20 years
of experience in the development and calibration of biological
indicators for assessment of water resource quality. An integral part of
that process is ensuring that implementation of routine monitoring
programs using those indicators is directly applicable to technical and
programmatic objectives.

Sharon Meigs works in the Programs and Planning Division of Prince
George's County, Maryland Department of Environmental Resources. Since
1999 she has served as the project manager of the County's biological
monitoring program.

#### Abstract

To make any statement of comparability between biological monitoring and
assessment protocols, attention must be given to characterizing random
and systematic error that can arise not only from sample to sample
within a method, but between methods even when monitoring the same
locations. If internal method error sources and the resulting
variability are not documented and accounted for, the fact that similar
assessments were attained may be no more than a random phenomenon. Thus,
we hold that sufficient information for analysis of method comparability
must include documentation of 1) the performance characteristics of a
method (what a method is capable of), and 2) the fact that an existing
dataset represents those characteristics (how a method actually
performed). To examine method and data comparability between Prince
George's County Department of Environmental Resources (DER) and the
Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS), 15 sites were sampled by both
agencies during the same index period (Spring 2001). Benthic
macroinvertebrate samples were collected by both agencies using similar
field methods, and assessments performed using the same multimetric
index; however, there were differences in reach length, specific
subsampling procedures, taxonomists, and data entry QC.

While methods performed equally well (intra-method) and arrived at
similar final assessments (inter-method), there were several differences
that could be attributed to field methods (variability of sample unit
allocation), laboratory procedures (subsampling and taxonomy), and
database management (metric calculation). In this paper, we discuss
similarities and differences in the methods, and evaluate the
acceptability of combining these datasets.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #193

### Direct Measurement of Ground Water Contaminant Discharge to Surface Water

**James R. Lundy and Mark Ferrey**

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, St. Paul, MN 55155

## Biographical Sketches of Authors

James Lundy is a hydrogeologist at the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has performed ground water studies at
leaking underground storage tank sites and superfund sites, and
contributed to remediation policy development efforts. He currently
works on issues related to ground water contaminant discharge to surface
waters.

Mark Ferrey is an environmental scientist at the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency. Before working at the MPCA, he researched the
attenuation and biological degradation of the herbicide alachlor in
soil. He is currently studying the role of abiotic natural attenuation
in the remediation of solvents in ground water at Superfund sites.

## Abstract

Defining zones of strongly discharging ground water is one way to
characterize threats posed to surface water quality by contaminated
ground water in both point source and non-point source settings. The
three techniques most useful techniques for mapping areas of
upward-discharging ground water and downward-discharging surface water
are: temperature contrast, vertical gradient, and seepage flux. Pore
water samples collected in zones of strong upward discharge show whether
ground water contaminants affect surface water quality. Estimates of
contaminant loading to surface water via the ground water pathway are
made by combining pore water quality data with seepage flux rates.

At one site, the actual locations of contaminant discharge to surface
water were not consistent with the conceptual model developed from
up-gradient monitoring well data. Differences in streambed hydraulic
conductivity are one factor in the departure. Hydrogeologic
heterogeneity along or between flow paths, variations in recharge or
natural attenuation capacity along flow paths, and other factors may
play a role as well.

Although reductive dehalogenation of chlorinated ethenes does occur in
the upgradient ground water, natural biodegradation processes do not
appear to be enhanced in the hyporheic zone as ground water enters the
surface water environment. This is consistent with the iron-reducing
ground water geochemistry that predominates in the last 100 cm of ground
water flow. Phospholipid and fatty acid analyses revealed variation in
microbial community structure with depth, but this did not correlate to
apparent attenuation of contaminants.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #194

# Development of a Habitat Assessment Tool for PDA

**Henry B. Manguerra^1^, Vaishal Sheth^1^, and Brian Watson^2^**

^1^Tetra Tech, Inc., 10306 Eaton Pl, Suite 340, Fairfax, VA 22030

**^2^**Tetra Tech, Inc., 2110 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 202, Atlanta,
GA 30339

## Biographical Sketches of Authors

Henry Manguerra is a principal engineer at the Fairfax, Virginia Office
of Tetra Tech, Inc. His experience includes the management and technical
oversight of projects involving development of GIS, decision support
systems, models, databases, and web applications to support various
Clean Water Act programs of EPA, states, and the tribes. For example, he
was Tt\'s project manager for EPA BASINS 3.0 development and its
customization for various states and tribes. More recently, he led the
development of a web-based user interface of STORET and other state\'s
water quality databases to support impairment analysis, 303(d) listing,
and TMDL development.

Vaishal Sheth is a GIS software engineer at the Fairfax, VA office of
Tetra Tech, Inc. He has practical experience in all parts of the
software systems development life cycle including the assessment of user
requirements, system design, implementation, testing, quality assurance
and deployment. Mr. Sheth has been a lead developer for the Habitat
Assessment Tool for PDA, Utah Data Assessment and Integration Tool, EPA
American Indian Environmental Office Grant Tracking Tool and Florida DEP
Environmental Data Extraction Tool.

Brian Watson is a civil engineer specializing in environmental
engineering and water resources engineering, including hydraulics,
hydrology, water quality modeling, and land development. He has
experience with watershed, groundwater and water quality models
including HEC-1, HEC-2, SWMM, HSPF, NWS DAMBRK and FLDWAV, MODFLOW,
WQMAP, WASP, and EFDC. He also has experience in GIS related programs
including ArcInfo, ArcView and BASINS. He has performed numerous
hydrologic and hydraulic studies for various land development projects,
and has worked on a variety of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) projects.

# Abstract

With advances in computer technology, the traditional use of paper-based
forms to collect field data are now slowly being replaced by software
applications that run on Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) or pocket
computers. This paper describes the design and development of a similar
application for habitat assessment for the Tennessee Department of
Environmental Conservation (TDEC). The application which runs on a
Windows CE Operating System provides the user a form-based user
interface for conducting the assessment and recording habitat data such
as physical stream characteristics; land use and other watershed
characteristics; water quality and biota measurements; and other
qualitative observations. The application assists in ensuring that the
habitat assessment is conducted completely and consistently with all
other assessments. It also facilitates and enhances data entry through
the use of predefined lists, automated error checking, and built-in
calculators (e.g., total habitat score) thereby minimizing errors in
data entry. Once data are recorded in the PDA, they can be uploaded and
consolidated to a common Microsoft Access database in a desktop computer
allowing near real-time sharing of data among many users. This also
eliminates the intermediate step of manually transferring the data from
the paper format into the computer, thereby saving valuable time and
resources. The application allows bi-directional data transfer between
the PDA and the MS Access database allowing users to transfer predefined
station data from the MS Access to the PDA. The MS Access database is
also customized to provide users a form-based interface for browsing,
editing, and reporting the consolidated habitat data. On-going efforts
include pilot field-testing of the application by TDEC staff. Future
development objectives include the integration of this application with
other field data capture technologies such as a GPS receiver to receive
location information.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #195

Evaluating Agricultural Best Management Practice (BMP) Effectiveness in
the Lower St. Johns River Basin, Florida

# Pam Livingston-Way and Lori L. McCloud

St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), 4049 Reid Street,
Palatka, FL 32178

## Biographical Sketches of Authors

Pam Livingston-Way is the Lower St. Johns River (LSJR) Basin
Agricultural Non-point Source Pollution Program manager. Prior to
joining the SJRWMD in 1990, she earned her MS in agronomy from Western
Kentucky University and served as an NRCS Soil Conservation Service
District Conservationist. Pam's work with local growers and stakeholders
determined the impact of agricultural non-point source pollution on LSJR
water quality. Her program to develop and implement pollution reduction
BMPs has done much toward meeting TMDLs established for the LSJR. She
also serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Johns County Soil and
Water Conservation District.

Lori McCloud is a SJRWMD environmental scientist and the Lower St. Johns
River Basin Management Program Database Manager. She earned her MS in
biological oceanography in 2000 from the Florida Institute of
Technology, while working at the Florida Marine Research Institute
designing, implementing, and evaluating biological impact assessments in
coastal habitats. Since joining the District in 2001, she has been
responsible for the development and maintenance of a multi-program
scientific database. She also supports project managers in data analysis
and project management.

## Abstract

The lower St. Johns River (LSJR) is adjacent to approximately 28,000
acres of agricultural cropland commonly known as the Tri-County
Agricultural Area (TCAA). This area generates large amounts of sediment
and nutrient-enriched runoff that drains from a system of ditches and
canals into the receiving waters of the LSJR. Studies have shown that
agricultural operations are a major anthropogenic source of pollution to
the freshwater portion of the river, contributing to favorable
conditions for algal blooms.

The District has been working cooperatively with the TCAA growers since
1994 to develop and evaluate cost-effective best management practices
(BMPs) implemented by local growers to decrease pollution loading to the
LSJR. Baseline monitoring was conducted prior to BMP implementation, and
is currently ongoing using nested-paired watershed sites, paired
watersheds and multiple watershed stations. In addition to baseline
monitoring, stormwater monitoring at these sites is now being conducted,
and will allow the evaluation of BMP effectiveness during loading
spikes, which typically contribute the majority of the nutrient load.

The combination of data collection during baseline conditions as well as
storm events will allow a complete understanding of how BMP
implementation affects water quality. This study addresses how to apply
the two sampling methodologies in a way that will allow the evaluation
of BMPs for both base flow and storm flow events, the temporal effects
of BMPs on water quality, and will provide a comparison of the spatial
monitoring designs to evaluate how they complement each other.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #196

**High School Student Success in Perennial Stream Classification**

**Mike K. Meyer^1^ and Ryan J. Albert^2^**

^1^Herndon High School, 700 Bennett Street, Herndon, VA, 20170

^2^George Mason University, 4400 University Dr., MSN 5F2, Fairfax, VA
22030-4444

**Biographical Sketches of Authors**

Mike Meyer received his master's degree from Indiana
University-Bloomington in Science Education. His field experience
includes surveying Great Grays and Spotted owls in Oregon, surveying
Mexican Spotted owls in California, and participating in a study
comparing habitat preferences of various bat species in old-growth
redwood forests versus younger forest ecosystems in Northern California.
He currently teaches AP Biology and chemistry at Herndon High School in
Herndon, Virginia and has been at the school for five years. His
academic interests include working with student-scientist partnerships
and bringing hands-on science into his classrooms.

Ryan Albert is a PhD student in Environmental Science and Policy at
George Mason University and a student of Dr. R. Chris Jones. His
research examines urbanization and water quality in the rapidly
developing Northern Virginia area. His field experience includes
monitoring water quality in the tidal portions of the Potomac River,
biomonitoring in freshwater streams, and a study examining the
applicability of North Carolina's perennial stream protocol in the
Northern Virginia area. He also has experience with both George Mason
and part-time with Tetra Tech Inc. working on TMDL development.

**Abstract**

Qualified instructors can teach high school students the necessary
skills for stream monitoring while furthering the students' education.
This study examines whether data collected by high school students
examining perennial and intermittent streams is valid for both research
and analysis and use by policy makers. The paper also examines if
students can learn from the data collection process.

The study was designed using Fairfax County's Perennial Stream Protocol.
Fairfax County recently designed this protocol to map perennial streams,
and to serve as a basis for reclassifying them in order to extend
Resource Protection Area (RPA) protections to additional riparian
habitat. Utilizing this protocol to assess two streams in Herndon
Virginia, students took part in an authentic scientific project. The
study has spanned two years with a modified methodology in the second
year based on experiences from the first. Lesson plans were designed to
teach students the basic theory and skills needed for data collection.
The second year's study also included the EPA's Rapid bioassessment
protocol habitat sheet; however, this was used primarily as a teaching
tool. Results indicate that students do gain traditional 'academic'
knowledge from the field component (p \< .01) and that the data
collected may be usable under certain circumstances.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #197

### Evolution Of A Successful Monitoring Program In Suisun Marsh, CA

**Ken K. Minn P. E. and Kate Le**

California Department of Water Resources, 3251 S Street, Sacramento, CA
95816

## Biographical Sketches of Authors

Ken Minn is a senior water resources engineer in Division of
Environmental Services within California Department of Water Resources.
He is the chief of Suisun Marsh Compliance and Monitoring Section that
implements Suisun Marsh Monitoring Program. He has worked in numerous
water resources projects including water quality and monitoring over
last 14 years. His expertise is in water resources and geohydrology
including water quality.

Kate Le is a water resources engineer with the Department of Water
Resources (DWR), Division of Environmental Services, Suisun Marsh
Planning. She has ten years of experience with the department. Her
specialty is in computer simulation models. She has been applying the
Delta Simulation Models (DSM1 and DSM2) over the years, to plan and
analyze impacts of water projects on Suisun Marsh and Delta
hydrodynamics and constituents transport. In addition, she also monitors
conditions in the Suisun Marsh and Delta to adhere to regulatory
standards.

## Abstract

Suisun Marsh is the largest contiguous brackish water marsh remaining on
the west coast of North America. It is a critical part of the San
Francisco Bay-Delta estuary ecosystem. Encompassing 116,000 acres, the
Suisun Marsh includes 52,000 acres of managed wetlands, 27,700 acres of
upland grasses, 6,300 acres of tidal wetlands, and 30,000 acres of bays
& sloughs. In 1987, Department of Water Resources (DWR), the California
Department of Fish and Game (DFG), US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), and
Suisun Resource Conservation District (SRCD) signed the Suisun Marsh
Preservation Agreement (SMPA). DWR, in collaboration with federal and
local partners, has been implementing a compliance monitoring program
under the SMPA. The monitoring parameters include electrical
conductivity, stage, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and soil
salinity. The monitoring program and methodologies have been evolving in
response to following developments: significant differential
settlements, environmental regulations and awareness, and advancement in
monitoring and data management technology. To overcome challenges and to
capitalize the technological advancement, DWR is implementing a
system-wide upgrade for the monitoring network including: tidal datum
reestablishment (NAVD88), minimizing structural profile of existing
stations, and implementing real-time access for data and development of
data warehouse and replication. This upgrade is being implemented
through collaborative efforts among State, federal and local
organizations, new and emerging methods and technologies to collect and
share data.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #198

### Determination of Stream Biological Integrity Based on Fish Population Surveys

**Karyn Molines**

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, 1361 Wrighton Road, Lothian, MD 20711

## Biographical Sketch of Author

Karyn Molines is the naturalist and education coordinator for the Jug
Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. Since 1995, she has coordinated several
ecological monitoring studies of freshwater tidal and nontidal systems.
Over fifty volunteers assist her with fish population surveys, benthic
macroinvertebrate sampling, amphibian studies (with specific efforts in
monitoring the breeding migration of Ambystoma opacum), and plant
inventories. She will receive her Masters in Environmental Science and
Policy from Johns Hopkins University on May 21, 2004.

## Abstract

We have conducted fish population surveys in the tidal and nontidal
waters in Maryland's Coastal Plain geophysical province since 1987. Two
study sites were shallow Patuxent River tidal flats, two were nontidal
permanent creeks, and one was a beaver pond, all within the Jug Bay
Wetlands Sanctuary, in Lothian, Maryland. In 1993 we began using 4-m and
10-m seine nets to capture the fish. We developed a seining technique in
1997 to standardize the Farm Point data. We collected data on species
composition, size, and habitat use. We identified 45 species at the five
sites. Seven species were common to all sites. Species diversity varied
by tidal regime as well as by habitat. Striped bass and hogchokers were
found only in the tidal sites, while rosy-sided dace and least brook
lamprey were found only in the nontidal creeks. The two creeks had
similar species composition, yet the dominant species varied. The two
tidal sites had similar species composition, whereas the beaver pond
supported both tidal and nontidal fish species. Species diversity and
abundance were used to determine an Index of Biotic Integrity for the
nontidal creeks. Volunteers were critical partners in collecting and
identifying fish. This study demonstrated the valuable role volunteers
play as "citizen scientists" in collecting biological monitoring data.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #199

# Multiparameter approach to tracking improved water quality 

# and habitat conditions in Onondaga Lake New York 

# 

**Elizabeth C. Moran^1^ and Jeanne C. Powers^2^**

^1^EcoLogic LLC, 132 ½ Albany St. Suite S-2, Cazenovia, NY 13035

^2^Onondaga County Dept. of Water Environment Protection, 650 Hiawatha
Blvd. W, Syracuse, NY 13032

**Biographical Sketches of Authors**

Dr. Elizabeth Moran is President of EcoLogic LLC, a small environmental
consulting firm specializing in water resources issues. She has been a
technical advisor in limnology to Onondaga County for about 15 years, as
the County implements an extensive series of improvements to its
wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure. Jeanne Powers
manages Onondaga County's Ambient Monitoring Program and is responsible
for oversight and reporting on this complex program. She is trained in
environmental engineering and integrates the decisions related to the
level of treatment of wastewater and location of discharge with the
water quality monitoring and modeling efforts.

**Abstract**

There is a need to develop effective strategies to communicate progress
on complex issues of science and public policy. Onondaga County
Department of Water Environment Protection (OCDWEP) monitors and reports
on several key metrics of water quality and biology to assess progress
towards improvement in Onondaga Lake. OCDWEP is responsible for
designing and implementing a comprehensive monitoring program of
Onondaga Lake and its watershed. The Ambient Monitoring Program (AMP) is
designed to provide data and information regarding the effectiveness of
a series of improvements to the County's wastewater collection and
treatment system. Effectiveness is measured in terms of progress on two
fronts: (1) compliance with water quality standards and guidance values
and (2) restoration of a balanced ecological community of plants and
animals. Onondaga Lake has been the subject of intense monitoring and
research since the 1970s. The AMP builds on the historical data but
includes an expanded program of biological monitoring; phytoplankton,
zooplankton, fish, macrophytes, benthic macroinvertebrates and zebra
mussels are now included in an integrated program to assess water
quality conditions and biological response. We have developed a series
of metrics to analyze and report findings of this integrated program.
The metrics describe conditions related to specific desired uses:

-   Water contact recreation (indicator bacteria and water clarity in
    nearshore areas)

-   Aesthetics (total phosphorus, frequency, intensity, and duration of
    algal blooms, percent cyanobacteria)

-   Aquatic life protection (ammonia and nitrite N, dissolved oxygen)

-   Fish reproduction (success of target warmwater species)

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #200

World Water Monitoring Day - Cleaner Water, Closer World

Connecting the Global Water Monitoring Community Through a Focal Event

Edward Moyer

America's Clean Water Foundation, 750 First Street NE, Suite 1030,
Washington, D.C. 20002

Biographical Sketch of Author

Ed Moyer is America's Clean Water Foundation's (ACWF) International
Coordinator for World Water Monitoring Day. He joined ACWF in June 2002
and assisted in the planning and execution of the World Watershed
Summit, the National Youth Watershed Summit and National Water
Monitoring Day, all taking place in 2002 as part of the Year of Clean
Water. He presently coordinates the foundation's day-to-day planning and
conduct of World Water Monitoring Day and serves as the principal
contact for monitoring participants throughout the year.

Prior to joining the ACWF staff, Ed worked for twenty years as an
analyst and manager in Michigan's water quality programs. He holds a BA
in Education from Michigan State University.

Abstract

Lessons learned through three decades of the U.S. Clean Water Act
continue to point to the need for citizens to better understand how
their daily lives both impact, and are impacted by, their local water
resources. Now, in times of decreasing fiscal resources that impair
staffing plans for water monitoring programs, partnerships to expand the
roles of volunteer monitors can result in more "hands in the water" to
watch over the health of local watersheds across the globe.

America's Clean Water Foundation created World Water Monitoring Day and
serves as its international coordinator. Aided by other primary sponsors
such as the International Water Association, the Association of State
and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administration and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, ACWF has introduced an annual worldwide
event that focuses international attention on the importance of water
monitoring and the accompanying water quality issues that affect local
watersheds on a daily basis. ACWF believes recognizing existing efforts
and providing an annual opportunity to connect often-localized events
into a bigger global scope best accomplish this. By engaging citizens in
a positive, hands-on monitoring experience, we hope to increase their
understanding and encourage their continued participation as stewards of
their local watersheds.

In October 2003 an estimated 80,000 participants from 24 countries
registered 5,275 sites on the World Water Monitoring Day website
(www.worldwatermonitoringday.org) and conducted water fairs, training
and other related activities. Participants provided results for
dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and turbidity. In addition, media
representatives throughout the world helped educate citizens by relating
the vision and message of World Water Monitoring Day and encouraging
participation in the event.

Mr. Moyer will share highlights from the first World Water Monitoring
Day and discuss the benefits and challenges of connecting existing
volunteer monitoring efforts. The 2003 World Water Monitoring Day
Summary report will also be available.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #201

The Presence, Levels and Relative Risks of Priority Pesticides

in Selected Canadian Aquatic Ecosystems

Janine Murray, Rob Kent, and Don Andersen

Environment Canada, National Water Research Institute,

351 boul St-Joseph, 8th floor, Gatineau, PQ, K1A 0H3, Canada

Biographical Sketch of Presenting Author

Janine Murray is a Senior Environmental Monitoring Specialist with the
Water Quality Monitoring Branch of the National Water Research Institute
of Environment Canada. Janine has worked on environmental monitoring
issues since 1992, firstly in northern ecosystems with the Northern
Contaminants Program of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and with the
international Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program in Norway. Since
2000, Janine has worked with Environment Canada on national coordination
of water quality monitoring. Janine currently manages a national
surveillance project on pesticides in water, working closely with water
quality monitoring scientists across Canada.

Abstract

Pesticides are a unique group of toxic substances, as they are
deliberately released into the environment. Currently, there are only
limited data on the occurrence, distribution and fate of current-use
pesticides in surface waters, groundwaters, and sediments of Canada.
Correspondingly, the ability to predict or assess the potential for
deleterious health and environmental effects is compromised. In order to
address this knowledge gap, Environment Canada is conducting a
geographically diverse national pesticides surveillance program focused
on vulnerable watersheds (e.g. drinking water sources and sensitive
aquatic habitats). Sampling of surface and ground waters, sediment and
biota is being conducted over 2 to 3 years, to confirm the presence and
levels of in-use pesticides based on the following priorities: regional
usage, chemical persistence, environmental fate and
bioaccumulation/biomagnification potential.

A recent report by, Environment Canada's National Water Research
Institute, entitled Threats to Sources of Drinking Water and Aquatic
Ecosystem Health in Canada, highlighted the need for targeted pesticides
monitoring data to determine trends, assess hazards, and provide
knowledge for regulatory decisions. The data from this surveillance
project is also expected to inform the Canadian public and federal,
provincial and municipal resource managers on the environmental
presence, levels and relative risks of pesticides, identify specific
priorities and areas for future effects investigations, and ultimately
assist the development of recommended risk management measures.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #202

**Old Mans Creek and Clear Creek, East-Central Iowa --**

**The Role of Volunteers in a Snapshot Sampling**

**Jacklyn Neely^1^ and Dave Ratliff^2^**

^1^Iowa Department of Natural Resources -- IOWATER Program, 502 E. 9^th^
St., Des Moines, IA 50319

^2^Dave Ratliff, K.D. Engineering, PO Box 2593, Iowa City, IA 52240,
<kdeng@msn.com>

## Biographical Sketches of Authors

Jacklyn Neely is the IOWATER Field Coordinator for the Iowa Department
of Natural Resources. Jacklyn\'s primary duties include training
volunteers and coordinating watershed groups. She holds a BS in biology
and earth science from the University of Wisconsin. Jacklyn has
participated in a variety of biological research projects including
herpetological studies with the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point,
a study on caddisflies with the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, and
a fish-monitoring program with the Upper Mississippi Long Term Resource
Monitoring Program, the University of Wisconsin, and the Iowa DNR.
Jacklyn has been with the Iowa DNR since May 2000.

Dave Ratliff was project leader for the first snapshot of Old Mans Creek
and Clear Creek in Johnson and Iowa counties in September, 2003. Dave
attended the first IOWATER workshop held at Springbrook Conservation
Education Center in Guthrie Center, IA and then continued his Water
Quality Monitoring education to receive his Level 2 Certification. His
work with the United States Geological Society allowed Dave to start
K.D. Engineering in 1976, which later evolved into the development and
implementation of the first Microprocessor-controlled RJE station to be
built. Today, Dave still heads K.D. Engineering, which is involved in
computer systems support.

## Abstract

In September 2003, 50 volunteers sampled more than 50 sites throughout
Old Mans Creek (245 sq. mi.) and Clear Creek (103 sq. mi.) watersheds as
part of a snapshot sampling. A snapshot sampling is when multiple sites
throughout a geographic area are sampled within a short period of time.
While these events enable collection of baseline data and can highlight
areas for follow-up monitoring, they are beneficial in getting
volunteers in the IOWATER Program (Iowa's volunteer water monitoring
program) involved in collecting water quality data on a watershed or
county scale. This snapshot was one of the most intensive studies
conducted by volunteers in Iowa, as it included chemical, physical,
biological, and discharge measurements. Monitoring of 16 sites on the
main stem of Old Mans Creek under low-flow conditions showed a
relationship between the number of microhabitats and benthic
macroinvertebrate diversity, as well as the impact of a small
community's wastewater facility, located within the watershed, on
ammonia, chloride, and phosphorus concentrations in the creek. Elevated
chloride concentrations were also reported for Clear Creek, with
chloride concentrations declining downstream in both streams. Monitoring
of many of these same sites one month later revealed the same elevated
chloride trend. Results from this sampling provide a baseline for future
events, as monitoring of these sites will occur on a tri-annual basis
(spring, summer, fall).

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #203

**Bacterial Source Tracking in the Upper Iowa Watershed Using *E. coli*
Ribotyping**

**Eric H. O'Brien^1^, Nancy Hall^2^, Karen Owens^2^, Richard
Langel^1^.**

^1^Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Geological Survey, 109
Trowbridge Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1319

^2^University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory, Oakdale Hall #101OH, Iowa
City, IA 52242-5002

**Biographical Sketches of Authors**

Eric O'Brien completed his master's research in Environmental Science at
the University of Northern Iowa in May 2003. His primary interest of
focus is environmental microbiology, specifically focusing on bacterial
source tracking. Currently, he directs most of his efforts toward the
ongoing bacterial monitoring of Iowa's State Park beaches as well as
tracking of bacterial sources at these beaches through intensive
watershed sampling and source tracking methodologies.

Ms. Hall is the Supervisor of the Environmental Microbiology section at
the University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory. In this capacity Ms. Hall is
responsible for the supervision of scientists, microbiologists, and
technicians performing various environmental microbiology and chemistry.
Ms. Hall currently serves on a number of Joint Task Group for Standard.
She also is a member of the Microbiology Revision Subcommittee for the
EPA Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking
Water and she is the Editor for the Iowa Groundwater *Quarterly.* Her
current research interests are bacterial source tracking using the
RiboPrinter and method development for pathogen recovery in
environmental samples.

Ms. Owens received her B.A degree in Biotechnology from the University
of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1996. She began employment with
the Hygienic Laboratory as a Public Health Microbiologist I in September
2000. Her responsibilities at UHL include analyzing water samples for
Total Coliforms, Fecal Coliforms, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa,* and
Heterotrophic Plate Count. Ms. Owens is UHL's principal analyst for
bacterial source tracking using the Qualicon's RiboPrinter®.

Richard Langel received his master\'s degree in geology from the
University of Iowa in 1996, and began working for the IGS in 1998. He
has worked on a variety of projects, ranging from working with well
drillers to coordinating a watershed-monitoring program. Rick designed
the sample collection strategy used in the Upper Iowa River source
tracking project.

**Abstract**

The Upper Iowa River is a valuable natural and economic resource located
in northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota. The Upper Iowa River
watershed is a 1,005 square mile watershed recognized as a priority
watershed for water quality protection because of its recreational
value. Since 1999, the Upper Iowa River Watershed Alliance has monitored
39 stream sites throughout the Upper Iowa River Watershed in an effort
to identify subwatersheds that are contributing elevated levels of fecal
bacteria. Three subwatersheds were selected for a bacteria source
tracking project; Coldwater Creek, Silver Creek near Cresco, and Silver
Creek near Waukon.

The Upper Iowa Bacteria Source Tracking Project, begun in 2002, used DNA
ribotyping to identify fecal sources in the Upper Iowa River Watershed.
This was the first project of its type in Iowa and it was used to build
a statewide E. coli bacteria DNA fingerprint database. A total of 200 E.
coli isolates from known fecal sources and 50 E. coli isolates from
water samples taken from the subwatersheds were collected and analyzed.
DNA ribotyping successfully discriminated between human and cattle
bacterial sources; however, the number of isolates was insufficient to
distinguish between other animal sources. Project results have guided
researchers and conservation specialists in the local area toward more
accurate targeting of best management practices in watersheds to address
and reduce fecal contamination. Consequently, because of the success of
this project, researchers have continued building the DNA fingerprint
library and applied other source tracking tools to ongoing studies
throughout the state.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #204

**Evaluating the Effects of Conservation Practices:**

**Watershed-Scale Research and Monitoring**

**Michael O'Neill^1^, Robert Kellogg^2^, Carl Myers^2^, and Jerry
Bernard^2^**

^1^Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, 1400
Independence Ave. SW

Washington, DC 20250-2210

^2^Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20250-2890

**Biographical Sketches of Authors**

Mike O\'Neill is the National Program Leader for Water Quality with the
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service. Mike
received a Ph.D. in Geography from the State University of New York at
Buffalo. He was a faculty member at Virginia Tech and Utah State
University and also served as the Watershed Extension Specialist at Utah
State prior to joining CSREES in 1998.

Robert Kellogg is the coordinator of the National Assessment component
of the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) with the Natural
Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Robert received a Ph.D. in
Agricultural Economics and a Masters of Biomathematics from North
Carolina State University. He has been working at NRCS as a natural
resources policy analyst for 11 years.

Carl Myers is the CEAP Team Leader for NRCS. Prior to his current detail
to USDA/NRCS, Carl has held a series of positions at EPA since the
1970\'s, including serving as Deputy Director of the Assessment &
Watershed Protection Division for the last 12 years. Carl has a B.E.S.
\[mechanical engineering\] from Johns Hopkins University and a M.S.,
Environmental Engineering, from Stanford University.

**Abstract**

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has an extensive history of
support for conservation and agricultural management practices on the
Nation's croplands, rangelands, and forest lands. This support has come
in the form of basic and applied research, technical and financial
assistance, educational programs, and information gathering and
dissemination through the Department's many agencies. While there is an
extensive body of literature demonstrating the effectiveness of
conservation and agricultural management practices at the plot and field
scale, very little information exists to demonstrate how these effects
are manifested at the watershed scale. USDA is offering a competitive
grants program for evaluating the effectiveness of conservation and
agricultural management practices at the watershed scale. In particular,
the program attempts to address how the spatial distribution and
temporal implementation of conservation and management practices affect
water quality within intermediate-sized watersheds. Given the potential
for long lag times between the implementation of practices and their
manifestation as water quality improvements, the program will focus on
capturing and expanding upon the value of existing monitoring programs.
We are particularly interested in determining how existing monitoring
data can be used to unravel the complex interactions among conservation
practices implemented over time and space within a given watershed.
Related to this effort is a need to understand how to design an
effective monitoring strategy to capture the effects of conservation and
agricultural management practices implemented within a watershed.

The success of this program hinges upon the ability of investigators to
assemble existing monitoring data, evaluate gaps in monitoring data and
identify how interactions among practices impact water quality. We
expect to fund four or five different watershed projects (each project
will last three years) in each of the next three years. At the
conclusion of the final set of projects, we anticipate conducting a
summary evaluation of the measurable effects of conservation and
agricultural management practices on water quality.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #205

### Mosquitoes and Stormwater Ponds...Testing the Perception

**Michael J. Paul^1^ and Kristen L. Pavlik^2^**

^1^Biology Department, Howard University, 415 College Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20059

^2^Tetra Tech, Inc., 10045 Red Run Blvd., Ste. 110, Owings Mills, MD
21117

## Biographical Sketch of Presenting Author

Kristen Pavlik is an aquatic biologist for Tetra Tech, Inc. She is
currently assisting the US EPA with the implementation of the national
Wadeable Streams Assessment project. She is also the technical lead for
a countywide biological monitoring program (Howard County), and monthly
stormwater sampling (Anne Arundel County), both in Maryland. She has
also been involved in field sampling, laboratory sample processing and
taxonomy, data management, QA/QC, and report writing.

## Abstract

Mosquitoes are important pests and disease vectors, whose management is
often a top priority in areas affected by some of the diseases they
carry. The life cycle of important pest species relies on standing
water. In response to concerns about mosquito breeding in stormwater
ponds, we studied the distribution of mosquito populations, especially
those associated with stormwater ponds, during the summer of 2003 in
Prince George's County, Maryland. We designed and implemented a survey
of different areas, including those with stormwater management ponds, to
determine the distribution of mosquito populations. Twenty-nine randomly
selected stormwater ponds were selected for sampling, as well as
standing water in a variety of different land use areas: 14 forested, 2
high-density residential, 6 low-density residential, 8 agricultural, and
3 urban. At each pond, 20 dips were made along the periphery using a
telescoping dip pole with a 750 ml sample container. Mosquito larvae and
pupae were collected at all of the other land uses using a baster and
sieve. Standing water habitats included, but were not limited to,
water-filled tree holes, puddles, wheel ruts or other surface
impressions, birdbaths, containers (e.g., garbage can lids, flower
pots), and abandoned tires. The number of samples and volume sampled
were recorded, along with semi-quantitative data on the nature of the
sampling site. Mosquito larvae and pupae were rarely found in pond
samples, (an average of 1 individual in 5 of 29 ponds, or 17%). By
contrast, they were much more commonly found in all other habitat types,
with the highest numbers (by far) found in standing water from
agricultural, forested, and residential areas. Many of the individual
samples from these areas yielded, on average, several hundreds
(sometimes thousands) of individuals per sample, regardless of the type
of site. Analysis of these data and ancillary factors suggest that well
designed and maintained stormwater retention ponds are an insignificant
source of mosquitoes in the County.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #206

The Importance of Rare Taxa to Multimetric Indices

**Kristen L. Pavlik and Erik W. Leppo**

Tetra Tech, Inc., 10045 Red Run Blvd., Ste. 110, Owings Mills, MD 21117

# Biographical Sketches of Authors

Kristen Pavlik is an aquatic biologist for Tetra Tech, Inc., in
Baltimore, MD. She is currently assisting the US EPA with the
implementation of the national Wadeable Streams Assessment project. She
is also the technical lead for a countywide biological monitoring
program (Howard County), and monthly stormwater sampling (Anne Arundel
County), both in Maryland. She has also been involved in field sampling,
laboratory sample processing and taxonomy, data management, QA/QC, and
report writing.

Erik Leppo is a biologist in Tetra Tech's Baltimore Office. He has 10
years of experience collecting and analyzing biological data for use
within the biological indicators framework.

## 

## Abstract

The usefulness of including rare taxa in bioassessment scores has been
widely contested. The variable definition of a rare taxon complicates
the issue, varying from "very seldomly occurring", to "a species known
to exist in a community that is absent from a sample series from that
community". These frequency of occurrence definitions are functional,
but too broad or conceptual to serve as a definition of taxa encountered
in any routine and practical biological sampling activity. Two
operational definitions of rare taxa that we have used are: 1) those
taxa that occur at only a single site in a geographic area, or 2) those
taxa occurring at many sites, but only in relatively low numbers (e.g.,
less than 5). The importance of rare taxa to biological assessments
potentially has serious effects on the level of effort required for both
field and laboratory activities.

Prince George's and Howard Counties (Maryland) currently operate
independent biological monitoring programs that sample sites on 1^st^ --
4^th^ order streams on a rotating basin schedule. Prince George's County
is located in the Coastal Plain, and therefore uses the Maryland benthic
index of biological integrity (B-IBI) calibrated for streams of that
physiographic region; Howard County is located in the lower Piedmont
physiographic region, and uses the B-IBI calibrated for non-Coastal
Plain streams. Defining rare taxa as above, we address the question of
effects on multimetric indices by directly comparing those calculated
with, to those calculated without rare taxa. Other factors are kept
constant, allowing for an effective comparison between the degree of
index correspondence using taxa of these different rarity classes.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #207

The New Jersey Toxics Reduction Workplan for NY-NJ Harbor:

Blank Contamination Impacts on the Useability of Ambient Water Sample
Data

Joel A. Pecchioli

Division of Science, Research and Technology, New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection,

P.0 Box 409, Trenton, NJ 08625

Biographical Sketch of Author

The author is a Research Scientist I in the Division of Science,
Research and Technology of the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection, and Project Manager of the New Jersey Toxics Reduction
Workplan for New York-New Jersey Harbor. He has a Masters of Science
degree (Botany) from the University of British Columbia, and Bachelor of
Science degrees (Marine Science, Biology) from Southampton College of
Long Island University.

**Abstract**

As part of the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program Contaminant
Assessment and Reduction Program, the New Jersey Toxics Reduction
Workplan for NY-NJ Harbor has collected ambient surface water samples at
20 locations throughout the estuary. Large-volume water samples were
collected using the Stevens-Trace Organics Platform Sampler, which
included glass fiber filters (to collect suspended sediments and
associated organic contaminants) and XAD resin columns (to collect
dissolved fraction PCBs and pesticides). The samples were analyzed using
high-resolution methods for PCBs (USEPA Method 1668a), dioxins/furans
(USEPA Method 1613b), PAHs, and pesticides. Grab samples were collected
and analyzed for Cd and Pb (USEPA Method 1638), Hg and methyl-Hg (USEPA
Method 1631), and dissolved PAHs. Field, equipment, and laboratory
method blanks were collected and analyzed in association with the
ambient water samples. Based on USEPA guidelines, blank contamination
impacts on the sample data were evaluated using a "5X Maximum Blank
Approach" developed specifically for this project. Blank contamination
impacts on the sample data for the suspended sediment fraction of the
organic contaminants were minimal. The dissolved fraction PAH data was
consistently impacted by blank contamination, particularly for
naphthalene compounds, fluorene, and dibenz(a,h)anthracene. Sample data
for dissolved Hg and methyl-Hg were also frequently impacted by blank
contamination. This poster will present and discuss observed blank
contamination impacts (or the lack of such impacts) on the sample data
in relation to analytical quantitation levels and observed ambient
concentrations.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #208

**WQ-WET: A Web-Based Application to Allow Local Water Quality
Monitoring Projects to Submit Data for Storage in a STORET Database**

**James M. Porter^1^, Hafiz M. Munir^1^, Louise E. Hotka^1^, Jennifer
Oknich^1^, and Akira Matoba^2^**

^1^ Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road North, St.
Paul, MN 55155-4194

^2^ URS Corporation, 700 Third Street South, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1199

**Biographical Sketches of Authors**

James M. Porter is the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's STORET
database administrator. Educated as an environmental scientist, his
early career responsibilities included acquiring water quality
monitoring data from local projects throughout Minnesota and storing
them in the legacy STORET system. He has participated in a number of
water quality assessment, GIS, and database development projects over
the last 12 years.

Hafiz M. Munir is a senior hydrologist with the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency. He received his Ph.D. in 1991 from the University of
Minnesota, St. Paul with an emphasis in surface and subsurface
hydrology, water resources management, and hydrologic modeling. He
worked as a consultant for about ten years. Currently, he provides
contract administration and project management for statewide TMDL
projects in the State of Minnesota Impaired Water Program. He has
authored several technical reports and papers in professional journals.

Louise E. Hotka, monitoring coordinator at the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency, draws on her experience with field operations, lab
analysis, legacy STORET, and local project monitoring to help develop
the WQ-WET application. She came to state service 17 years ago from the
USGS Water Resources Division Iowa District.

Jennifer Oknich, monitoring data coordinator at the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency, graduated from the University of Minnesota with a
Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, with
a hydrology emphasis. Her responsibilities include acquiring ambient
monitoring data from local projects throughout Minnesota and preparing
them for storage in STORET. She will be the primary user and point of
contact for the WQ-WET application. Since 2000, she has worked in a wide
variety of environmental positions.

Akira Matoba is a senior programmer at the Minneapolis, Minnesota office
of URS, Inc. For the past year, he has worked very closely with
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency staff in their task of collecting and
converting water quality data for storage in STORET. He has authored
numerous programs to expedite the process, including development of the
web server for automated data collection, validation, and conversion via
the web.

**Abstract**

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's STORET database serves as a
clearinghouse for ambient lake and stream water quality monitoring data
collected by local monitoring projects throughout the state. Collecting
the data has historically been labor intensive despite efforts to
standardize data formats. To improve efficiency and accuracy, the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency developed a web-based application to
allow monitoring projects to submit data as a spreadsheet and ultimately
produce a STORET Interface Module (SIM) import file.

The Water Quality Web Entry Tool (WQ-WET) application will serve as a
central access point for data providers. Each user will have an account
referencing one or more projects. A user will be able to look up
allowable STORET values or request new values while preparing result
files. Upon receiving an uploaded result file, WQ-WET will validate the
file and facilitate user aliasing of unrecognized field names and result
values. Once the user has correctly configured the result file and
aliases, WQ-WET can load the data and produce a SIM import file. Data
imported to STORET are made available a short time later on the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's separate Environmental Data Access
(EDA) web site, providing quick turnaround to data providers. For
security reasons, neither WQ-WET nor any user has direct access to the
STORET database. The allowable value tables are rewritten nightly in a
separate database. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency staff will
establish new values and load SIM import files independently from the
WQ-WET application.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #209

**The Influence of Scale, Design, and Indicators in Watershed Assessment
Outcomes**

**Number range CHAPTEREdward T. Rankin^1^ and Chris O. Yoder^2^**

^1^Center for Applied Bioassessment and Biocriteria, P.O. Box 21541,
Columbus, OH 43221-0541

^2^Midwest Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 21561, Columbus, OH
43221-0561

# Biographical Sketches of Authors

Edward T. Rankin is a Senior Research Associate for the Center for
Applied Bioassessment & Biocriteria (CABB) in Columbus, Ohio. He
previously worked for 18 years for the State of Ohio Environmental
Protection Agency as a fishery ecologist in their Ecological Assessment
Section. He has worked on projects related to assessing the effects of
multiple stressors on aquatic life in streams, development and
application of stream habitat assessment methodologies and development
and application of biological criteria.

Chris O. Yoder is involved in the national development of biological
assessments and biocriteria, including multimetric index development for
large rivers and wadeable streams. He is presently the principal
investigator of a cooperative agreement with the U.S. EPA, Office of
Water for monitoring and assessment, indicators, and biological criteria
development and implementation. He was most recently Manager of the
Ecological Assessment Section at Ohio EPA (1989 -- 2001) and supervisor
and staff member since 1976. His experience also includes service on
national, regional, and state working groups and committees dealing with
monitoring and assessment, environmental indicators, biological
assessment, biological criteria, and WQS development and implementation.
Recently he served as a member of the National Research Council
committee on the role of science in the TMDL process. He has 33 years of
experience in the assessment of fish assemblages and other aquatic
organism groups, their associated habitats, and 28 years in water
quality management including the integration of multiple indicators of
stress, exposure, and response.

**Abstract**

The geometric watershed sampling design developed and implemented by
Ohio EPA provides an opportunity to examine the issues of scale, design,
and indicators usage in the outcomes of watershed assessments. The
geometric sampling design is a dense selection of sites determined by
halving the drainage area at the mouth of the watershed which is then
continued down to a watershed size of as small as 1-2 sq mi. Biological
(fish and macroinvertebrates), habitat, and water column chemistry data
are typically collected at each station and integrated with other
information from the watershed. Stations are assessed for attainment of
aquatic life uses and a weight of evidence approach is used to identify
causes and sources of impairment at stations. Basic questions about how
watershed assessment design influences the knowledge and outcomes about
specific management issues were approached by iterative analysis of the
assessment outcomes for aquatic life use issues. For example, at what
point does adding spatial resolution to the watershed sampling design
cease to offer unique information for one or more management purposes?
Do different management objectives influence this? How do these choices
influence the environmental accuracy of the watershed assessment? Are
there implications and consequences to broader issues such as indicator,
criteria, and tool development?

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #210

### Monitoring input-output ion budgets in subalpine watersheds of central Colorado

**Chuck Rhoades^1^, Banning Starr^1^, Robert Stottlemyer^2^ and Louise
O'Deen^1^**

^1^U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Ft. Collins, CO
80521

^2^U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Ft. Collins,
CO 80521

## Biographical Sketches of Authors 

Chuck Rhoades is a Research Biogeochemist with the USDA Rocky Mountain
Research Station. His current work focuses on plant, soil and water
nutrient processes in subalpine watersheds and riparian areas in
Colorado. Prior to joining the USFS he was assistant professor of
Restoration Ecology at the University of Kentucky.

Banning Starr has conducted field and laboratory work associated with
numerous biogeochemical and hydrological research projects at the Fraser
Experimental Forest since 1999. He recently graduated with an M.S. in
Ecology from the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology at Colorado State
University.

Robert Stottlemyer is a Research Biogeochemist with the National Park
Service / U.S. Geological Survey. In addition to long-term watershed
research at the Fraser Experimental Forest, he maintains projects at
Isle Royale National Park, Agashashok Watershed, Noatak National
Preserve and the Calumet watershed in Michigan.

Louise O\'Deen has worked as chemist and laboratory manager for the
Rocky Mountain Research Station since 1989. She oversees water, plant
and soil analyses for long-term monitoring and research at the Fraser
Experimental Forest and a variety of national parks and conducts
analyses for monitoring network of wilderness lakes on U.S.F.S. land in
the western U.S.

## Abstract

The Fraser Experimental Forest (FEF), located in the central Rocky
Mountains of Colorado includes both subalpine and alpine ecosystems and
ranges in elevation from 2,684 m to 3,905 m. The 9,300 ha research
forest is drained by more than a dozen first or second-order streams
that form part of the headwaters of the Colorado River. Watershed-level
manipulations have been employed at FEF to investigate the effects of
various forest canopy removal strategies on snow accumulation and stream
discharge. Water chemistry and sediment load have been assessed in
conjunction with snow and stream flow measurements. Two manipulated and
untreated watershed pairs dating to the mid 1940s and 1980s provide a
unique opportunity to study the biogeochemical processes controlling the
water quality of pristine and recovering subalpine watersheds. Here we
present input-output ion budgets for the dominant nutrient cation and
anion species in order to evaluate patterns of nutrient retention and
export during a 10-year period for the main watershed pair. In these
high elevation watersheds, snowpack water equivalent controls stream
discharge and nutrient export, so we address the relations between
seasonal and annual stream flow and nutrient concentrations and
volume-weighted loads. The precipitation chemistry at FEF is relatively
pristine relative to most collection sites within Colorado and weekly
monitoring has shown few long-term trends since the monitoring program
was initiated. Watershed nutrient budgets from FEF therefore, provide
valuable baseline conditions to help land managers and policy makers
assess management manipulations and detect long-term climate change or
anthropogenic influences on atmospheric deposition.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #211

Monitoring, Education and Partnerships Through the Georgia Southeast and
Coastal Region Training Center

**Joseph P. Richardson**

Savannah State University, Marine Sciences Program, P.O. Box 20583,
Savannah, GA 31404

## Biographical Sketch of Author

Joseph P. Richardson is a professor of marine sciences in the Marine
Sciences Program at Savannah State University. He joined Savannah State
University in 1979 after earning a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences from the
University of North Carolina. A native of Tennessee, he earned a BA in
Biology from the University of Tennessee. His research includes coastal
water quality and Caribbean seaweeds. Presently he teaches graduate and
undergraduate marine science courses at Savannah State, and he serves as
the Director of the Coastal Region Training Center for the Georgia Adopt
A Stream Program that serves southeastern Georgia counties.

## Abstract

The Coastal Region Training Center at Savannah State University was
established in 1996 to promote participation in the volunteer-based
Georgia Adopt A Stream Program throughout southeastern and coastal
Georgia. Since its initial establishment, the Center has maintained
operation through acquisition of external grants. Presently the Center
is supported by grants from the Coastal Zone Management Program of the
Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Division, and from the
Georgia Sea Grant College Program. The Center promotes participation in
the Georgia Adopt A Stream Program by: providing assistance to
individuals and partners interested in starting a local volunteer-based
water quality monitoring program; conducting training workshops for
visual, chemical and biological water quality monitoring (including QAQC
certification); serving as a technical and educational resource;
collecting, reviewing and transmitting water quality data from local
volunteer groups; and by providing supplies and equipment to
school-based monitoring groups. Since the Center's development, interest
in water quality and watershed issues in southeast Georgia has
increased, and the establishment of volunteer-based water quality
monitoring programs has increased steadily. Since its establishment,
three southeastern Georgia Riverkeeper programs have become established,
and the Center provided chemical monitoring training for each. Recently
many school-based watershed education projects have been developed which
provide for local hands-on field and lab activity-based educational
opportunities for students and teachers in southeastern Georgia. Water
quality chemical parameters collected by participating groups include:
temperature, Secchi disk depth, settleable solids, pH, dissolved oxygen,
salinity, nitrate-nitrogen, and phosphate. Biological monitoring
utilizes macro-invertebrate collection, identification and
quantification.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #212

Elemental Analysis of Clastic Sediments to Determine Fluvial Sediment
Sources

**Mark S. Riedel^1^ and David S. Leigh^2^**

^1^USDA Forest Service, Coweeta Hydrologic Lab, 3160 Coweeta Lab Rd,
Otto, NC 28763

^2^Dept. of Geography, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-2152

**Biographical Sketches of Authors**

Mark S. Riedel (mriedel@fs.fed.us) is a Research Hydrologist at the USDA
Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Coweeta Hydrologic
Laboratory. Dr. Riedel's research interests include land use legacy
influences on water quality and fluvial processes, riparian land use
impacts on stream stability, the cumulative effects of forest roads on
erosion and sedimentation and the application and development of
spatially explicit, process based water yield and sedimentation models
to predict and explain the propagation of land use impacts on fluvial
processes through time and space.

David S Leigh (dleigh@uga.edu) is a Professor of Geomorphology in the
Geography Department, University of Georgia, Athens.

# Abstract

The forested southern Appalachians provide water for approximately ten
million people and hydroelectric reservoirs that generate more than ten
billion dollars of electricity, annually. However, excessive
sedimentation of surface waters have threatened water supplies and
resulted in the establishment of sediment TMDLs for once pristine
mountain streams. Forestland conversion for residential, commercial and
industrial uses is largely unregulated, occurring at unprecedented rates
and predicted to continue increasing over the next fifty years. This
development drives the construction of steep, gravel roads into the
steep, unstable mountain slopes. Such roads are estimated to account for
30% to over 80% of the contemporary sediment sources to streams. We have
researched road erosion and sediment yield for a number of decades and
used the results of our work to develop forest road best management
practices. However, it is only recently that we have been able to
directly quantify the sources of sediments within streams. We have
employed total elemental analysis to characterize the mineralogical
composition of clastic sediments from native soils, gravel roads and
streambeds from southern Appalachian mountain streams. This method
allows us to differentiate between weathered, native sources of coarse
streambed sediments (sand size and greater) and fresh quarry-sources of
streambed sediment. The strongest elemental signals occur as elevated
sodium and calcium signatures in the road gravel and enrichment in
stream sediments. We are using this method to directly quantify sediment
budgets for these streams and improve our development of forest road
best management practices.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #213

The Clickable Map Concept: Status of the Maryland Water Monitoring
Council's Efforts to Provide Metadata Through a Geographic Information
System

**Matthew Rowe^1^, Chris Swan^2^, and Marty Hurd^3^**

^1^Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard,
Baltimore, MD 21230

^2^University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle,
Baltimore, MD 21250

^3^Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, Tawes
State Office Building,

Annapolis, MD 21401

**Biographical Sketches of Authors**

Matthew Rowe has worked for the last five years as an environmental
scientist with the Maryland Department of the Environment. His duties
include compilation of the State's list of impaired waters (e.g.,
303\[d\] List), environmental oversight of dredging projects, and using
biological communities as indicators of water quality. Matt has worked
for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in stream restoration and
received a National Network for Environmental Management Studies (NNEMS)
fellowship from EPA. Matt's interests include TMDL implementation,
stream restoration techniques and Smart Growth approaches to sustainable
development.

Chris Swan recently became an Assistant Professor at the University of
Maryland Baltimore County and is affiliated with the University's Center
for Urban Environmental Research and Education. Chris received his Ph.D.
in biology from the University of Maryland in 2003. His academic
interests include stream ecology, restoration and the transfer of energy
from riparian corridors to the stream channel. Chris's current research
focuses on the mechanisms by which allochthonous resource management
interacts with benthic habitat characteristics to provide the energy
base for stream food webs.

Martin Hurd obtained his Master of Science degree from West Virginia
University in 1995. Since then, he has worked as a biologist for the
Maryland Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural
Resources. Martin is currently working on the State\'s biological stream
survey; collecting and analyzing data on aquatic macroinvertebrates,
fish, amphibians, reptiles, water quality, and stream habitat. His
current interests include using advanced GIS techniques and predictive
models to assess water quality and protect aquatic biodiversity.

**Abstract**

The Maryland Water Monitoring Council (MWMC) was established in Maryland
over 10 years ago. The Council consists of representatives from State
and federal agencies, local governments, academia, volunteer monitoring
groups, and the private sector who donate their time to enhance
coordination and collaboration among the water monitoring community. In
fulfillment of this mission, the MWMC's Data Management Committee (DMC)
recently developed on-line tools to survey and display planned water
quality monitoring activities in the State. A Web survey form ([http:
//mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/mwmc/data_request_04.cfm.](http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/mwmc/data_request_04.cfm))
was created to allow water monitoring groups to quickly and easily enter
standardized monitoring program metadata into a central database. Data
from this web form is then joined to the geographically referenced data
and posted on the Web using ArcIMS GIS software (located at
<http://cuereims.umbc.edu/MWMC>). This ArcIMS system allows any user
with an Internet connection and browser to view or query water quality
monitoring stations, and their associated metadata, sampled by multiple
organizations throughout the State. Combining monitoring program
information in this way across multiple levels of government and the
private sector allows previously disparate groups to use limited
monitoring resources more effectively as well as better target data gaps
among monitoring programs.

Development of the map and Web form is a cooperative endeavor between
the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Department of
Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Baltimore County. The
DMC is currently developing ideas to improve the mapping interface such
as including more detailed monitoring program data, watershed status and
trends, enhanced query capability, expanded data layers, and Web links
to other related data and sites. The DMC is also drafting funding
proposals for a full-time GIS staff person to accelerate map and Web
form enhancements as well as soliciting input and suggestions from the
water monitoring community on ways to make the MWMC's ArcIMS system a
more useful collaboration tool.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #214

Monitoring of Selected Herbicides, Antibiotics, Steroids,

and Industrial Chemicals in Water by ELISA

Fernando M. Rubio^1^, Kristy J. Ramsey^1^, Paul Stackelberg^2^, and
Michael T. Meyer^3^

^1^Abraxis, LCC, 54 Steamwhistle, Warminster, PA 18974

^2^USGS, New Jersey District, 810 Bear Tavern Road, West Trenton, NJ
08628

^3^USGS, Kansas District, 4821 Quail Crest Place, Lawrence, KS 66049

Biographical Sketches of Authors

Fernando Rubio is a biochemical scientist and president of Abraxis, LCC.
Fernando has developed immunoassays for analytes of clinical and
environmental significance since 1976. His currents interests are the
development of immunochemical products to serve the agricultural,
environmental, food safety and clinical markets.

Kristy Ramsey has served as a researcher in the department of research
and development, Abraxis LLC. Since 2000, she has developed ELISA kits
for monitoring environmental pollutants such as pesticides, endocrine
disruptors, industrial chemicals and algal toxins.

Paul Stackelberg has worked as a hydrologist with the Water Resources
Discipline of the USGS since 1988. Paul participates on the National
Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program, assessing the occurrence of
pesticides in ground-water samples from across the Nation and
identifying those natural and anthropogenic factors most clearly
associated with pesticide occurrence. Recently Paul has been working in
cooperation with the NJDEP and the Centers for Disease Control to assess
the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern in New Jersey's water
resources. Specifically, Paul has focused on the occurrence of
pharmaceuticals and other wastewater-related compounds in the State's
streams and their persistence and fate through conventional and advanced
drinking-water-treatment facilities.

Dr. Meyer has served as a research assistant and research scientist with
the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) since 1988. Mike was the Chief
Research Scientist of the USGS, Florida District, Water Quality and
Research Laboratory from 2000 to 2003 and is currently the director of
the USGS, Kansas District Organic Geochemistry Research Group. The focus
of his research is development of analytical methods to study the nature
of organic contaminants in surface water and ground water. His primary
interest is the study of "emerging contaminants" such as pesticide
degradates and pharmaceutical compounds. Dr. Meyer has initiated and
participated in several field, watershed, regional, and national scale
studies of selected "emerging organic contaminants" in surface and
ground water.

Abstract

Concerns due to the potential health effects on human health and
wildlife resulting from the production, use, and disposal of numerous
chemicals used in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, industry, and household
conveniences, have increased over the years. Many of these compounds
find their way into rivers and streams from agriculture run offs, raw
sewage waste overflows, incomplete waste treatment, other point
discharges and diffuse sources. Very sensitive methods are required to
analyze for these contaminants in water samples because in many
instances, they are present at very low concentrations (ng/mL). Enzyme
linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technology was used to analyze water
samples collected during the summer of 2003 at various locations of
water treatment plants (WTP) in New Jersey, and from stream providing
raw water to those plants. Each sample was analyzed for selected
herbicides, antibiotics, steroids, and industrial chemicals. Details of
the technology, testing procedures, and results obtained will be
presented.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #215

Making Sense of Turbidity Measurements -- Advantages In Establishing
Traceability Between Measurements and Technology

Mike Sadar

Hach Company, 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, CO 80539-0389

Biographical Sketch of Author

Mr. Sadar has over 14 years experience in the research, development, and
application of turbidity and particle analysis technologies as applied
to environmental waters. He is a well-known authority on turbidity and
membrane technology, has authored several papers on the science of
turbidity and its applications, and serves on several American Society
for the Testing of Materials (ASTM) sub-committees related to turbidity
and suspended sediments measurement. Mr. Sadar received his Bachelor of
Science degree in analytical chemistry from Colorado State University in
1988.

Abstract

### While turbidity is well recognized as a key indicator of water quality in stream and watershed monitoring, the platforms employed to detect and quantify turbidity yields diverging results. The measurement of turbidity is highly influenced by the instrument's use of radiant incident-light and scattered light detection angle. Further, the accuracy of measurement is subject to particle shape and size, its distribution in a water sample, morphology, and color. As a consequence, interpretation of turbidity values can be perplexing, leading to under- or overstating of measurement values.

Historically, the collection of turbidity data is logged and interpreted
without knowledge or trace to the type of platform used and its bias to
the measurement. To reconcile this problem, the USGS and ASTM D-19
technical subcommittees on high-level turbidity have begun
re-structuring turbidity reporting to lend traceability to the type of
platform used in performing the measurement.

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview as to the variety of
turbidity measuring platforms used in stream monitoring and to
categorize them into equivalent or like measuring units. The value of
understanding the difference and bias for each measuring platform should
lead to a better interpretation of turbidity as it is related to water
quality. The traceability to the technology will provide for better data
comparability from a historical perspective.

\* \* \* \* \*

Abstract #216

# Sediment and Water Quality Assessment in the Conasauga River Basin

**Adam J. Sharpe^1^, Elizabeth G. Nichols^1^, Chris S. Hofelt^1^, James
D. Gregory^1^, and Paul D. Johnson^2^**

^1^North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695

^2^Tennessee Aquarium Research Institute, 5385 Red Clay Road, Cohutta,
GA 30710

## Biographical Sketch of Presenting Author

Adam Sharpe is a graduate student in the natural resources program at
North Carolina State University. The focus of his program is in
hydrology. Adam's undergraduate degree is from the State University of
New York at Cortland, from which he received a degree in biology with a
concentration in secondary education. After graduation from SUNY
Cortland, Adam taught high school biology, chemistry, and earth science
for three years before returning to graduate school. Adam's role in this
research project involves the production of the sampling design,
sampling protocols, as well as the quality control/quality assurance
plans for the research. His role also includes carrying out the sample
collection, processing, and analysis.

## Abstract

Recent biological inventory data shows a consistent decline in molluscan
abundance and biodiversity in the Conasauga River Basin in Northwest GA.
The river is impacted by various land uses that include row crop,
livestock operations, urban impacts, recreational human uses, and
transportation corridors. Preliminary toxicity screening using Vibrio
fischeri and the Flash Luminescent Assay indicates acute toxicity of
river sediments, particularly at low flow events. One time sampling may
not always capture the full impact due to various meteorological events
and changing land use patterns. Planned activities include seasonal,
monthly, and diurnal sampling of targeted sites in the Conasauga
watershed. Analysis of sites will involve traditional biological and
chemical characterization of water and sediments. In addition, target
sites will be monitored by stable isotope ratio analysis (IRMS), passive
sampling devices (PSD), and polar organic chemical integrative samplers
(POCIS). PSDs will be used as time integrative samplers to screen for
particular monitor hydrophobic organic contaminants in the water.
Analysis of sediment and mollusks by IRMS should indicate sources of
nitrogen inputs into the river system. POCIS will be used to monitor
polar chemicals known to cause acute toxicities in aquatic environments.
Sampling will span a twelve-month period, and the data collected will
used to determine potential factors responsible for the declines in
mollusk biodiversity, abundance, and survival.

\* \* \* \* \*