This assessment will consider biotic and abiotic components of the watershed ecosystem that may qualify the waterbody for antidegradation protection. Features such as water quality, aquatic habitat, and ecological or recreational significance are evaluated in an effort to determine whether the water body qualifies for special water quality protection. Data analysis for special water quality protection surveys consists primarily of classification type analyses because the data are qualitative. A listing of the factors considered in assessing the need for special water quality protection is available upon request. Monitoring Network Design and Rationale Sampling locations are chosen to ensure that data representative of conditions in a given stream reach are obtained.
Every effort is made to sample representative sites at comparable locations.
However, because weather, stream flow conditions and accessibility vary, observations of instream and riparian physical characteristics are recorded for reference in estimating waterbody conditions under various circumstances. Monitoring Parameters and Their Frequency of Collection Sampling locations are listed in the final report for each survey. Both a narrative description and map are provided. Water samples are collected as grabs at representative locations to complement biological samples collected across a transect or throughout a large portion of stream reach including of all available habitat. Long-term water chemistry data may be substituted for a biological assessment.