1. home and garden
2. environmental safety

FIELD PROCEDURES
(See “Data Sheets” section for sample data sheets.)
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
SAFETY ..........................................................................................................................1
TEAM RHYTHM AND STREAM ETIQUETTE ........................................................................7
ANTI-CONTAMINATION PROTOCOL .................................................................................9
QUALITY ASSURANCE… ................................................................................................ 11
COMPASS USE .............................................................................................................. 13
STREAMKEEPERS BASIC QUARTERLY MONITORING
WATER CHEMISTRY—GENERAL GUIDELINES ................................................................. 15
AIR TEMPERATURE ....................................................................................................... 17
TURBIDIMETER: HF-DRT 15CE ...................................................................................... 19
TURBIDIMETER: HACH 2100P ...................................................................................... 23
pH: YSI 60 ................................................................................................................... 27
MULTIMETER: YSI-85 ................................................................................................... 33
MULTIMETER: HYDROLAB QUANTA .............................................................................. 38
FLOW ........................................................................................................................... 47
PHOTOS ....................................................................................................................... 57
CAMERA USE ................................................................................................................ 61
FISH AND WILDLIFE SIGNS ........................................................................................... 65
NOXIOUS WEEDS ......................................................................................................... 69
BIOLOGICAL MONITORING (OTHER THAN FISH, WILDLIFE & WEEDS)
BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLING .................................................................. 71
GRAB SAMPLING FOR LAB ANALYSIS (BACTERIA, NITRATES, ETC.) ................................ 77
PHYSICAL HABITAT MONITORING
NOTE: All physical habitat parameters other than Bank Stability and Gradient were mothballed in 2005; see
“Physical habitat sampling” at http://www.clallam.net/streamkeepers/html/program_planning.htm
BANK STABILITY ASSESSMENT...................................................................................... 81
GRADIENT .................................................................................................................... 83
ESTABLISHING CROSS SECTION MONUMENTS............................................................... 85
BANKFULL: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO LOCATE IT ......................................................... 89
CROSS SECTION SURVEY .............................................................................................. 91
LARGE WOODY DEBRIS ................................................................................................ 95
EROSION/REVETMENT SURVEY ..................................................................................... 97
POOLS SURVEY............................................................................................................. 99
PEBBLE COUNT........................................................................................................... 101
CANOPY CLOSURE (SINGLE POINT) ............................................................................. 103
CANOPY TYPE PERCENTAGES (REACH-WIDE) .............................................................. 105
CONIFER STEM COUNT ............................................................................................... 107
NEW PROJECTS, TEAMS & SITES
SAMPLING PLAN DESIGN ............................................................................................ 109
NEW SITE/REACH ESTABLISHMENT ............................................................................. 111
SAMPLING SITE SKETCH MAP...................................................................................... 113
REACH MAP ................................................................................................................ 115
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SAFETY
This is Chapter 1 because it’s Job 1. Keep the following points in mind:
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Safety is a group effort: We recommend that you don’t go out alone
(depending on circumstances) and make sure somebody knows where you’re going and when
you expect to be back. Emphasize safety with your entire group, and watch out for each other.
Precautionary principle: If you are in doubt as to your ability to safely collect a sample,
don’t do it! Be aware of your physical limitations and those of the rest of your team, and the
difficulty of collecting samples at certain locations under certain conditions.
County Incident Reports (attached): Turn one in anytime there’s an accident or near-miss.
Cell phones: We can provide you with an emergency 911-cell phone on request, but they are
not always reliable out in the woods.
• If you have a cell phone, give your number to SK staff.
• Before each outing, make sure your cell phone is fully charged and that you’ve updated
your roaming capability (see your manual).
• Exchange cell phone numbers with your fellow team members and re-confirm them each
time you go out. Keep your cell phone on during the entire outing.
• Upon reaching the site, determine the nearest location cell phone service can be accessed
before beginning work. (If not at the site itself, try the top of the bank or ridge, a nearby
clearing, or the place where you parked.) Record this information for the SK staff, who will
enter it into the site-description information. Check this each time you go out.
• Team leaders should predetermine emergency services cell phone GPS capability for the site
where the team will be located; site descriptions in your forms folders will include latitude,
longitude, and horizontal datum—the essentials required by emergency services.
• Walkie Talkies are also available for cases where volunteers separate from one another.
Orientation: If you don’t know the area, take a good map with you.
Traffic: Be careful when pulling off the road and leaving your car. If you are working near a
road, wear orange vests (which we can supply) or other bright clothing.
Medical conditions: Let your staff and team know if you have any special medical
conditions, such as heart problems, diabetes, asthma, or extreme allergies. If your emergency
contact number is other than your home phone, let your teammates know. BRING ANY
NEEDED MEDICATIONS WITH YOU INTO THE FIELD, AND LET THE REST OF YOUR TEAM
KNOW WHERE YOU KEEP THEM.
Warm-up: Stretch before stream walking, especially quadriceps, calves and hamstrings. If
you’re limber, you’ll find it easier to move when faced with sudden loss of footing.
Awareness: Keep your eyes moving, scanning the stream in front of you when walking and
looking around you when monitoring. (Note that jacket hoods block peripheral vision and ballcap bills block hazards overhead.) Be conscious of your body placement as you rest or write—
you want to be able to see around. Make a habit of looking for tracks.
Walking: Boots with felt bottoms or corkers are the safest. Many boots do not offer much
support, so if you have weak ankles, wrap them for stability. Walking sticks have numerous
uses: third leg, water depth/substrate tester, brush whacker, balancing aid, and weapon.
Polarized glasses will help you see the creek bottom.
Carrying equipment: The equipment bags are bulky and heavy; if your access trail is long or
arduous, you may want to repack stuff into frame backpacks (available at the office).
Fatigue: Note your energy level and those of your teammates. Know when to quit.
High flows: In higher flow situations plan your stream crossings at an angle, allowing the
water to “carry” you to your destination. But don’t go in at all if the water’s too high and/or
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SAFETY
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deep: The “rule of 10” states that you shouldn’t go into water where velocity (ft/sec) X depth
(ft) ≥10. If you can’t wade across, you can do many of the field procedures from the bank.
Log Jams: All log jams, no matter how small, have the potential to cause injury—avoid them
if possible. If you have to walk on them, choose the most stable and safe parts. Beware of
bare logs or alders, which are slippery and may be rotten. Make sure your footing is on a
stable log before resting all your weight on it. Attempt to have an escape plan if a particular
log shifts. Avoid pulling yourself up via attached branches.
Bad water: Our creeks are not all pristine, and even those that seem so might surprise you!
Avoid hand-mouth contact; use gloves and hand-sanitizer provided in your kit.
Hazardous materials: The most dangerous materials we use are alcohol and glass cleaner
(which you should have heard about during volunteer orientation), but you may find other
hazardous materials at your sites—broken glass, needles, human/animal wastes, etc.
Brush: Some parts of the stream may be very brushy or worse. Help each other to avoid
getting tangled or prickled, and work around what you have to. Also beware of some of the
more dangerous plants, such as poison hemlock and giant hogweed—you’ll learn about these
during Noxious Weed training.
Protective gear: Be prepared for rain, wind, and cold. For cold, bring a thermos or a St.
Bernard, plus extra layers of clothing, rain gear, and a warm hat. For heat, bring a hat,
sunblock, and plenty to drink. For brush and biting insects, long pants/sleeves and rubber
garden gloves are good. We stock garden gloves in the field kits, but bring your own if you
don’t wear shared apparel.
Rain: If it begins to rain heavily, thunder, lightning, or hail, get out of the stream and into
your car. If it seems to be a passing storm, try waiting it out and then returning to the stream.
Note on your field form the time you left and returned, and about how much rain fell. Keep an
eye on water levels if it has been raining anywhere in the watershed.
Dogs: Use your best judgment if a menacing dog comes your way. Running is not the best
reaction. Talk to the dog calmly and call for the owner.
Bees: Bees may nest along stream banks, in the ground, and in hives in the trees. Watch for
nests or “sentinel” bees. If you see bees, avoid them and notify your teammates. Our First
Aid kits include “sting-ease” sticks which alleviate both stings and nettles. You might also wish
to carry the antihistamine diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in liquid form, to help alleviate a severe
allergic reaction, and consider asking your physician for a prescription for Epi-pens that you
can bring into the backcountry with you, to treat yourself or anyone else who might have
an anaphylactic reaction to a bee-sting. Though rare, this is a potentially fatal event.
Mushrooms: Yes, mushrooms—stay away from these! Some of them can even poison a
person through the skin!
First Aid/CPR: There is a First Aid kit in each field kit with a variety of supplies and a First Aid
booklet; see the list at the end of this chapter. We urge you to get trained in First Aid/CPR.
Streamkeepers periodically offers a free First Aid/CPR training which is somewhat adapted to our
special conditions, but other organizations, such as Red Cross, also offer these courses on a
regular basis. We stock a CPR mask in our first aid kits, but it’s not a top-quality one such as a
Laerdal; you may want to purchase one of these. (Note that as of November 2005, the American
Heart Association advises that if you don’t feel comfortable doing CPR with rescue breaths, chest
compressions alone can be effective.) Wilderness First Aid books may be borrowed from the office.
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SAFETY
Seasonal Safety Issues
Monitoring in Wet & Cold Weather Conditions
1. FREEZING TEMPERATURES AND YOU: Cold, wet conditions call for extra precaution against
hypothermia; keep an eye on your teammates, particularly if it's wet. (And even if it's not
raining, the vegetation will probably be wet enough to merit chest waders if you have them.)
If you see someone with purple lips slurring their words, warm them up or send them home.
Don't hesitate to use the space blanket in the first aid kit.
2. FREEZING TEMPERATURES AND EQUIPMENT: Don't leave the "clean bag" in your car or
garage overnight if it looks like it will freeze. The turbidity standards can be ruined if they
freeze, so if it's really cold, you might have to carry them in your pocket on monitoring day.
The YSI meters will not function properly below 23°F (-5°C), and your teammates probably
won’t either, so if it’s that cold, postpone till a warmer day.
3. WAYS TO MAKE MONITORING EASIER:
a. GLOVES: The big orange gloves (in the plastic tub) are the best way to keep your hands
warm if you have to hold an electronic probe underwater for a while. Short of those, the
other gloves in the kit will also help somewhat.
b. DRY WORK AREA: We have big beach umbrellas available, along with rebar anchors, if you
want a dry space for people and/or equipment. And we have an extra tarp we can loan
out.
c. WATER CHEMISTRY IN THE CAR: The next-to-last page of the Water Chemistry protocol
has a box entitled “Alternative Water-Chemistry Procedures for Poor Conditions”. Check it
out!
4. FLOOD CHANGES: Due to flooding, many of your sites might have changed quite a bit or
become hard to access. It would be a good idea to scout your sites beforehand, to make sure
there aren't "issues" to be resolved. You might want to bring a hand saw, axe, etc. If the site
has changed drastically and you have a detailed reach map of it, you might want to draw a
new one. See the “Site Sketch Map” or “Reach Map” chapters for details.
Summer Safety
Remember the hazards of summer: heat stress, dehydration, sunburn, and biting insects.
Yellow Jackets:
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Reactions to a sting can be immediate or delayed, toxic and/or allergic, including deadly
anaphylactic shock. Streamkeepers cannot supply any medications in our first aid kits, but we
encourage individuals to do so, particularly for anaphylaxis; see “Items Recommended to Bring
Yourself” below.
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Yellow jackets do not leave their stinger. They can sting multiple times. If you are stung and a
stinger remains, chances are that you were not stung by a yellow jacket.
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When they sting, they release a pheromone that alerts others in the nest to come and help
defend the nest - hence the sudden appearance of many angry insects when a moment ago
there were none.
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When you run afoul of a yellow jacket, cover your face with your hands and move swiftly away.
No running and no flailing - although an instinctive response, these actions aggravate them.
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Bright colors and floral patterns indicate to them that you may be food. So do fragrances.
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SAFETY
Spiders and Ticks and Mosquitoes:
You may not feel the sting or bite when it happens, but you’ll probably soon notice swelling,
redness, itching, or even pain. Some people have to worry about much more than that, though. If
you’re allergic to bites or stings, they could cause hives, dizziness, stomach cramps, or nausea. In
rare cases, people feel weak or have trouble breathing or swallowing. In the worst instances, that
can lead to unconsciousness, and even shock or death.
There are insects like black flies and tiny red chiggers whose bites cause serious itching. They
rarely lead to worse problems, however.
Spider bites are generally harmless, with a few exceptions, such as the bite of the black widow
spider. This poisonous spider is glossy black with a red hourglass mark on the stomach. It
measures just one-half inch in diameter, and lives in woodpiles, sheds, and basements. The bite
itself may not hurt, but it could cause bad stomach pain and cramps, breathing difficulty, and
possibly nausea, sweating, twitching, shaking, and tingling in the hand. See a doctor immediately
for black widow spider bites.
Also be alert for brown recluse spiders. They’re smaller than black widows and have a white
pattern that looks like a violin on their backs. Their bites can be painful and cause some of the
same reactions as black widows, but they’re not as dangerous.
Tick bites are a particular concern. Ticks are tiny bugs that live in tall grass or shrubs and often
ride on deer, dogs, mice, or people. Some ticks carry serious illnesses such as Rocky Mountain
spotted fever and Lyme disease. You need to identify and treat these illnesses early.
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Check yourself and your clothing for ticks when you finish an outdoor job. If one of these tiny
insects is on your skin, remove it quickly. Grab the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, getting as
close to the skin as possible. Then pull it straight up with steady even pressure so you get all
its body parts. If you can’t remove the tick yourself, get medical help to do so. Once it is out,
wash the area gently with water and apply rubbing alcohol.
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See a doctor immediately if you develop a large red spot from the bite or if you develop
swelling, fever, joint pain, or flu-like symptoms within a few weeks. Physicians can treat tickborne diseases with antibiotics. However, fast treatment is essential for maximum
effectiveness.
Mosquitoes can carry a number of dangerous and deadly diseases, including malaria, dengue
and yellow fevers, several variations of encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
Protect yourself from insect-borne diseases by following these tips:
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Wear light-colored snug clothes. Don’t use perfumes or colognes.
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Use insect repellent on skin and clothes. Follow label warnings.
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Get immediate medical attention for a black widow spider bite and difficulty breathing or
swallowing.
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Check for tiny ticks after all outdoor work.
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Remove ticks immediately with fine-tipped tweezers. Grab close to skin, pull entire body
straight up. Get medical help if you can’t remove it. Then wash with water and cleanse with
rubbing alcohol.
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Get prompt medical attention if a tick bite causes a red spot or if swelling, fever, joint pain, or
flu-like symptoms develop.
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SAFETY
Streamkeepers First Aid Items
Note: always ask for permission to treat first. If patient is not responsive, consent is implied if you are
acting with good intentions and within your level of training, particularly if you are acting to prevent the
patient’s death before medical help arrives.
Items in Streamkeepers First Aid Kits
Item
CPR Microshield
Emergency blanket
Quantity
1
1
LED Light (reg. kits)
Sting relief tube (reg. kits)
1
1
Cake icing tube w/instructions
1-4.25 oz
Cold Pack
Gloves – large
Gloves – medium
Triangular Bandage
Adhesive Tape
Stretch Bandage
Ace Bandage
Moleskin/Molefoam
Abdominal Pad (5in x 9in)
1
At least 2 pair
At least 2 pair
1
1 roll
1 roll
1
1 pad
1
Gauze Sponges (4in x 4in)
Non-Adherent Sterile Pad
Antiseptic Wipes
Misc. Band-Aids
Compound Benzoin Tincture
Swab
Safety Pins
Tweezers
Chrome Snippers
Biohazard Bags
First Aid Report Form
1 pkg
2
5+
Many
1
Pencil
Emergency First Aid Booklet
1
1
3
1
1 Pair
2
2 Forms
Comments
Offers protection when giving rescue breaths
For hypothermia, but can also be used as a tarp or to scare
away animals
May give some relief from stinging nettles as well as insect
bites
For hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes; take 1 Tbsp.,
wait 15 min., repeat as often as needed
To maintain a barrier vs. blood-borne pathogens
For making slings or other wraps
For direct application to profusely bleeding wounds; place
additional pads on top of one another as needed
To clean wounds once bleeding has stopped
Use on skin surrounding wound if wet conditions make
bandages hard to stick
To cut away clothing to perform first aid
For materials contaminated with bodily fluids
These can guide you to things to look for while waiting for
emergency assistance
Items Recommended to Bring Yourself
1. High-quality CPR mask with a good seal and breathing tube, such as Laerdal Pocket Mask (if you’re
prepared to perform rescue breathing).
2. Ibuprofen (to relieve pain, inflammation, headache): take up to 4 x 200 mg.
3. Chewable aspirin for angina (heart stress): up to 648 mg, chew or crush & place under tongue; do not
use if internal bleeding is suspected
4. Antihistamine, e.g., diphenhydramine (Benadryl), preferably in dissolving strip form; for allergic
reactions including anaphylaxis (see below).
5. Epi-Kit (bee-sting kit) with injectable epinephrine: for anaphylaxis; requires a prescription—your doctor
will ask you to prove that you know when and how to use; expensive; must be accompanied by
anithistamine (see above) or the patient will probably “rebound” after a few minutes when epinephrine
wears off; they may “rebound” anyway, so be prepared to adminster a second injection; Patient must
be transported to nearest emergency room for further treatment.
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TEAM RHYTHM AND STREAM ETIQUETTE
QUARTERLY MONITORING SEQUENCE
This is roughly the way things work each quarter to get a team’s monitoring done.
Different people on the team might take on different tasks.
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Decide on monitoring dates with your team and reserve a field kit—
earlier is better!
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Inventory field kits for completeness before taking them out. (Generally, our office
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Store your kit safely when not in use, and do not leave the “clean bag” in your car or garage
volunteers will have done the inventory for you—check this on the inventory sheet.)
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during extreme hot or cold temperatures, or the equipment or chemicals might fail to function
properly and possibly require costly replacement.
Visit all sites (from highest to lowest) on a given stream on the same day. This is
important for certain types of upstream/downstream comparisons. If you have to spread out
the visits over more than one day, please note on your data sheets whether there was a
precipitation event (and how many inches) in between.
If a site has no flow, you should still fill out a data sheet; zero flow is important information.
You can still look for wildlife, weeds and take photos.
At a given reach, begin with fish and wildlife observations—you’re most likely to see
things before you’ve mucked around very much.
Be sure to take all chemical tests and macroinvertebrate samples upstream of any places
where you have walked in the creek.
Update your reach map or sketch map as needed, preferably with a pencil; initial and date
any changes you make; and describe these changes on your field data sheet, along with a note
for staff to recopy the updated reach map for the office file. If the changes in the reach are
substantial, plan a day with your team to redraw the map.
Before leaving your site, check to see that you’ve packed all the equipment. (Did
you get the thermometer that you hung up in that tree?)
Turn in your equipment on time. Remember to:
• Leave notes for staff if equipment needs maintenance, replacement, or calibration.
• Turn in your volunteer hours sheet, completely filled out for each volunteer.
• Check over all field sheets for completeness and clarity before turning them in.
• If possible, leave anything wet out to dry.
• If you have time, please check in your field kits using the inventory sheets on the
clipboards. (Otherwise, our office volunteers can often perform this task.)
Office Etiquette: Please don't come inside the Courthouse wearing muddy boots. If it’s
inconvenient to change, you can just take your boots off and leave them outside the entrance,
then come inside in your stocking feet. Also please don’t prop open the back door; when you
get alcohol, borrow a passkey from a staff person so you can return to the building.
LEGAL AND COURTESY ISSUES
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Trespassing: Be careful not to trespass. We have permission to monitor at all of our regular
monitoring reaches, but that does not give you the right to walk all up and down the stream.
In Clallam County, even some parts of some stream bottoms are privately owned.
Neighborliness: Where we do have permission to access private property, remember that
we are guests and ambassadors for the Streamkeepers program. When you see people out in
the field, wave and say hello. Let them know about the important work you’re doing. Business
cards are in the field kit, and your Volunteer Handbook serves as a rather substantial “greeting
card.” If a property owner asks you to do something or not do something when on their
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TEAM RHYTHM AND STREAM ETIQUETTE
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property, please let staff know so we can enter that information into the database and print it
out for future samplers.
Illicit Discharges: If you see (or smell) anything other than rainwater entering any creek,
ditch or storm water conveyance, report it to Streamkeepers.
CARING FOR THE CRITTERS
All streams support a large array of interconnected communities—from fish to invertebrates to
lower organisms such as algae. Walking in a stream will cause some disruption to these links. The
key is to be aware and minimize any damage. If possible, walk along the banks (this includes
exuberant canine companions!). When you have to walk in the stream channel, be aware of your
travel path.
Virtually any time of year, some type of salmonid spawning activity could be
taking place in a stream. In general, the North Olympic Peninsula spawning
seasons are as follows:
August
September October November
December
January
February
March
pinks
cutthroat
chinook, chum
steelhead
April
May
June
coho
After spawning, eggs will develop at different rates depending on water temperature. Ninety-five
days is the average from egg fertilization to first feeding of fry. Detection of developing eggs
under a blanket of gravel can be a challenge. Chinook and coho build classic redds that look like
pockets (pits) in the gravel with mounds (tailouts) of clean gravel behind them. The eggs are in
the tailouts, which can extend 1 - 2.5 meters downstream. Salmon that spawn en masse, such as
pinks and chums, tend not to build redds that are distinctive other than cleaned gravel. Also, high
flows can smooth out the contours on these sites. Knowledge of substrate size, spawning
location, and spawning characteristics of salmonid species may help minimize potential damage.
Below is a generalized chart describing salmonid redds:
SPECIES
Chum
Pink
Sockeye
SPAWNING
GRAVEL SIZE
Small
Small-Mid
Small
REDD LOCATION
Coho
Cobble (tennis to
basketball size)
Small-Mid
Steelhead
Small-Mid
Typically low in river systems
Typically low in river systems
Along lake shores or adjacent
streams
Mainstem rivers and lower
tributaries
Side channels, tribs, margins
of rivers
Mainstem and tribs
Cutthroat
Small
Tribs and small streams
Chinook
SPAWNING
CHARACTERISTICS
Mass spawning is typical
Mass spawning is common
Mass spawning
Distinct redds
Distinct redds
Distinct redds or nests
(small redds)
Mini redds
Special thanks to Theresa Powell & Camille Speck, biologists with the Washington State
Department of Fish & Wildlife, for their valuable input on this chapter.
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ANTI-CONTAMINATION PROTOCOL
The State is concerned about the spread of exotic invasive plants and animals into our streams
due to people like us mucking around at one site and then visiting another. For that reason,
they’re asking us to take measures to prevent cross-contamination. Until we work out a more
detailed set of instructions for Streamkeepers, here are some general rules to follow (Parsons
2013):
1. Instead of doing multiple sites on a stream from downstream to upstream (our former
procedure), please go from upstream to downstream. However, in some cases it’s OK to go
from downstream to upstream to avoid contaminating samples with your own upstream
movement in the stream:
A. Where sites are very close together (as sometimes is the case for grab sampling).
B. Where the disturbance-level of the stream is clearly uniform (as in a highly-impacted
urban area).
C. If it’s critically important that you not disturb the stream upstream of where you’re
sampling, follow the decontamination protocol closely with your boots and other things
that enter the stream, and you should be safe to go from downstream to upstream.
2. Anything that enters the water at a site (boots, flow meter wands, Surber samplers, etc.)
needs to be treated as follows when leaving the site:
A. Thoroughly inspect whatever has contacted the water and use a brush to remove all
dirt, debris, and organisms.
B. If you’re not sure you’ve removed everything or have felt boot bottoms, spray
thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide, or a cleaning agent with quaternary ammonia
compounds (such as Formula 409 regular or Simple Green Pro 3) and enclose in a
plastic bag for at least 15 minutes (10 minutes for quaternary ammonia products), while
traveling to your next site.
C. If you’ve used a quaternary cleaning agent, you’ll have to rinse those items away from
the stream before sampling at the next site. You can use the tub in the field kit to carry
water from the stream.
D. A decontamination kit consisting of a brush, disinfectant, big plastic bags and ties is in
the Streamkeeper field kit’s “dirty bag”.
3. If you can avoid going into the water, please do (for example, when doing grab sampling).
But check all equipment that entered the water.
4. If possible, take multiple pairs of boots to make the decontamination process go more
smoothly.
For more information, see this web page from the Washington Dept. of Ecology:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/InvasiveSpecies/AIS-PublicVersion.html
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QUALITY ASSURANCE…
…or, How to Get Your Data into the Database & Not the Dustbin!
In order to gather data that others will trust and use, Streamkeepers performs its quarterly
monitoring procedures under a Quality Assurance Project Plan that has been approved by the
Washington State Department of Ecology. In order to get approval on this plan and its
implementation, we need to follow certain procedures to maintain a consistent quality of data.
This chapter outlines some of those procedures.
GROUND RULES FOR MONITORING
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Rule #1: Follow the written protocols. They are the key to data credibility. If you have
questions about the correct procedure or interpretation, ask your team leader or note your
questions on the data sheet or in a separate note to program managers.
Take field notes. Include weather observations, appearance of the reach or water, equipment
problems or substitutions, and any modifications to the written protocols.
Think about your data and whether it seems reasonable. Compare it to your common sense,
past data at that site, data from similar sites, or the typical data ranges given to you on your
data sheet. If you are at all uncertain about the data you’ve taken, try taking the data again.
Note what you did, and your results, on your data sheet.
If you’re getting tired and sloppy, go home—no data is far better than junk data.
HANDLING THE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
Our field kit’s electronic meters require special care to work properly and last a long time:
• Don’t drop them or the bag they’re carried in. Remember to turn them off when you’re
finished, and set them in the bag in such a way that they won’t turn on accidentally.
• Cables are most vulnerable near their junctions. Avoid putting too much stress on them at
these points—for instance, by kinking, pinching, or yanking on them where they meet the
probe or meter, or by storing them in such a way that they are kinked.
• When the temperature is below freezing, you must take extra precautions about storage and
use:
• The YSI meters should not be stored or used in temperatures<23°F (-5°C).
• Don’t let your purified water freeze!
• The turbidity reference vials go bad and have to be replaced if they freeze. If you're out in the
field on a below-freezing day, keep all 3 turbidity vials in your pocket to keep them warm--and
remove anything from your pocket that might scratch them.
RECORDING DATA
•
•
•
•
•
•
When signing in on the top page of a data-sheet packet, all samplers should include their full
initials plus full last names.
For each parameter, one sampler will initial, indicating responsibility for the data. This should
be a person who has been trained by a staff person or attended a training session on that
parameter. If none of the samplers have been trained, note that on the data sheet.
Fill in all blanks on the data sheets. Remember especially the lines at the top of each page
where you enter the name of the site and the date; otherwise, your data could get lost!
If you forget your site name (usually, stream name + stream miles), there should be a list on
your field forms folder. Or write the stream name plus a description of the site location.
Write legibly. Your fellow volunteers have to enter your data into the database!
For any procedure, if you looked for whatever the data sheet asks for (fish, wildlife, weeds,
flow, etc.) and found none, write “NONE” and your initials on the data sheet.
Field Procedures
11
Revised 1/15/2014
QUALITY ASSURANCE
•
Record all times using 24-hour (military) notation, whereby:
•
8:00 a.m. = 0800
•
Noon = 1200
•
12:30 p.m. = 1230
•
1:00 p.m. = 1300
•
8:00 p.m. = 2000
•
Midnight = 0000
STREAMKEEPERS’ NUMBER-ROUNDING CONVENTION
Your protocols and field sheets will tell you how many decimal places to include when you record
numbers. Sometimes, our electronic meters will give you more decimal places than you are
supposed to record. Please record only the number of decimal places asked for in the protocol—if
you record more decimal places, you’ll cause problems for the volunteers who do data-entry.
When rounding a decimal that’s halfway between, we do NOT simply “round up,” because that
would bias the data. Instead, Streamkeepers’ rounding convention is summed up by the phrase,
“If halfway, round to the nearest even.”
Details are below; pay close attention to the “tricky part,” that is #3 & 4:
1. If the figure beyond the last figure to be retained is less than 5, do not change the last figure
to be retained. Example: rounding 34.44 to the nearest tenth gives 34.4.
2. If the figure beyond the last figure to be retained is greater than 5, then increase the last
figure to be retained by 1. Example: rounding 34.46 to the nearest tenth gives 34.5.
3. If the figure beyond the last figure to be retained is 5 (followed by zeroes or with no following
figures)…
a) keep the last figure to be retained if it is even, or
b) increase the last figure to be retained if it is odd.
c) Example: rounding 34.45 to the nearest tenth gives 34.4. Rounding 34.55 to the nearest
tenth gives 34.6.
4. If the figure beyond the last figure to be retained is 5, followed by figures other than zeroes,
regard the “5” as really greater than 5 and use Rule 2 above. Example: rounding 34.451 to the
nearest tenth gives 34.5.
This
number…
43.64
43.66
43.65
43.75
43.85
43.851
43.855
43.855
43.995
Field Procedures
SAMPLES OF STREAMKEEPERS’ ROUNDING CONVENTION:
…when rounded to this many decimal
…rounds to this
places…
number:
.1 (nearest tenth)
43.6
.1 (nearest tenth)
43.7
.1 (nearest tenth)
43.6
.1 (nearest tenth)
43.8
.1 (nearest tenth)
43.8
.1 (nearest tenth)
43.9
.1 (nearest tenth)
43.9
.01 (nearest one-hundredth)
43.86
.01 (nearest one-hundredth)
44.00
12
15th Edition, 2013
COMPASS USE
a bearing. The compass can be used in a
number of different ways, as explained below.
Streamkeeper volunteers use the compass for
two separate operations: either working “from
terrain to map” (taking a compass bearing
from a given line in the field) or working “from
map to terrain” (following a bearing given on a
stream reach map). The first operation is used
when surveying the stream reach map, and the
latter would be used to reestablish your reach
lines during future monitoring visits, or to find
stream reach monuments after a reach has
been established if thick growth or flooding
alters the terrain.
DEFINITIONS
A few definitions are useful for an
understanding of compass use:
Bearing: The direction from one place to
another, measured in degrees of angle with
respect to an accepted reference line. This
reference is the line to true north.
Taking a bearing: To measure the direction
from one point to another, either on a map or
in the field.
THE COMPASS
Following a bearing: To set a certain
bearing on the compass and then to follow
The compass supplied with the field kits has
been set to account for the 20-degree east
declination for the Peninsula, the difference
between the magnetic pole and true north, so
all of our readings will reference to true north.
Remember to keep the compass level and
away from iron and steel objects like belt
buckles, rings, rebar, or clipboards when taking
that bearing along a line in the field.
Boxing the needle: To align the red end of
the magnetic compass needle inside the
orienting arrow of the compass housing.
Triangulation: Taking a bearing to a
monument from two different locations.
Orienting arrow with red
north end
Field Procedures
13
Revised 1/15/2014
COMPASS USE
USING THE COMPASS
FROM MAP TO TERRAIN—To follow a
bearing written on your stream reach
map to establish a point or line in the
field, by setting the bearing on your
compass:
This method is used to reestablish the baseline
or transects in the field, or to find the “zero
point” or other landmark based on triangulation
from other points. You’ll use the reverse of the
procedures described in “From Terrain to Map.”
FROM TERRAIN TO MAP—To take a
compass bearing from the terrain for your
stream map by measuring the direction
from one point to another on the terrain:
Let’s say you need to determine the compass
bearing of your baseline (see Reach Map
protocol).
1. Stand at your “zero point” with your tape
stretched along your baseline, and orient
the body of your compass in exactly the
same direction. There are several ways to
do this:
a) “Lay-along” method (preferred): If you
have a tape or string lined up exactly
along the line you want to measure, you
can lay the compass directly on top of it
or next to it, thus assuring that it is
pointing in the same direction.
b) “Sight-through” method (slow,
accurate): open the compass cover to
about a 50-degree angle so that you can
see the compass dial in the mirror when
held to the eye, as well as the tape
measure through the slit.
c) “Sight-down” method (quick, not
accurate): Hold the compass about
waist level with the lid away from you.
Aim the sighting slit/sighting line on the
compass cover down the baseline.
2. To read the compass, “box the needle” by
rotating the compass housing so the
orienting arrow aligns with the red magnetic
needle (see diagram). Read and record the
bearing at the index line.
Quick Accuracy Reading: Suppose, for
example, that you can’t find a rebar monument
you put in the year before. Your map notes
that the monument is “20 feet at 270 degrees
from the corner fence post.” Simply stand at
the fence post and turn the compass dial to set
270 degrees at the index pointer. Holding the
compass flat open at waist level, box the
needle by ROTATING YOUR ENTIRE BODY until
the red needle aligns with the orienting arrow.
The sighting line will be pointing toward the
monument, and you should be able to zero in
on it now in the brush.
Extreme accuracy reading: Let’s suppose
you still can’t find your monument and will
have to install a new one. You’ll need to be
very accurate in order to get the monument in
the same exact place. To do this:
• Use the “sight-through” method to find your
bearings (see previous section).
• Use triangulation to get as accurate a
location as you possibly can. This involves
locating your spot from two different
reference points. Your reach map should
have two different reference points for each
important monument (see Reach Map
protocol), and if you mark the spots
indicated by both of these reference points,
they should agree with each other. If they
don’t, you’ll have to use your best judgment
as to where to locate the replacement
monument. IF YOU HAVE TO RE-INSTALL
A MONUMENT, BE SURE TO NOTE WHICH
MONUMENT AND EXACTLY HOW YOU
DECIDED WHERE TO PLACE IT.
Index
line
“Boxing the needle” to take a bearing from a line
Field Procedures
14
15th Edition, 2013
WATER CHEMISTRY—GENERAL GUIDELINES
3. At that reach, perform each test a second
time, as soon as possible after the first, redipping the sample bottle for the turbidity
test. You do NOT need to recalibrate
between tests.
4. Record and initial results on the replicate
section of the data sheet.
Overview
Our water chemistry data are submitted to the
State under the federal Clean Water Act, so our
procedures evolve in line with the State’s
updated quality-assurance (QA) standards. For
a general discussion of the role of data in
implementing water cleanup, see
www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/303d/index.html
Replicate deviation & QA: Our QA plan
requires us to take replicates in order to check
the precision (consistency) of our data. If your
replicate for a given parameter differs widely
enough from the original sample, we have to
flag ALL the data for that parameter for your
team for that season as “Estimated” or
“Rejected”. Here are the allowable differences
between sample and replicate:
Where to Sample
When first arriving at a site, you need to think
carefully about where and when to perform
each monitoring procedure. For water
chemistry measurements, you must
sample an area upstream of any
disturbance by your team. Pick an area
where the stream is flowing and appears to be
well mixed.
Parameter
Sampler’s Initials
Turbidity (compare ±1 NTU, or
the averages)
Sum ≥ Difference x 30
Water temperature ± 0.2°C
DO concentration
± 0.3 mg/L
Conductivity
Sum ≥ Difference x 30
pH
± 0.2 pH units
If any of your sample/rep differences are
beyond the acceptable limits, take further
replicates until you have a pair of readings
within the limits. Then label the first of the pair
your “sample” and the second your “replicate.”
On your data sheet, note these extended
replicates, as well as any explanations you may
have as to why multiple replicates were
needed. Depending on the circumstances, we
might still have to flag the data.
For each test that you perform in this protocol,
there is a “Sampler’s Initials” box to the right of
the data boxes. Be sure to put all the initials of
one sampler taking responsibility for the data;
this should be someone who has been properly
trained (see “Quality Assurance” protocol).
Common Sense and Expected Ranges
Please compare your readings with the
expected ranges on the datasheet. If you’re
outside the expected range, consider resampling or troubleshooting with your fellow
samplers.
Field Replicates
Our quality control plan requires that at one of
your team’s sites (or ≥ 10% of your sites if you
have >10 sites), you take a second set of
readings for all tests. Such field replicates give
an indication of how much variability there is in
the equipment, sampling techniques, and
environment. To do this:
Repeating measurements below or near
water-quality standards thresholds: If
your measurements at any site are near or
beyond the exceedance threshold for state
water-quality standards, it’s a good idea to do a
replicate to confirm the possible “red-flag”
reading. These replicates should agree with the
samples within the “Acceptable Differences” in
the table above, but the closer the better.
Below is a table listing generalized water-quality
standards for parameters that have been set by
1. Assign a number to each of your team’s
sites that you’re sure you’ll get to.
2. Roll the die in your field kit “Treasure Box”
until one of those numbers comes up.
Field Procedures
Acceptable
difference
15
Revised 1/15/2014
WATER CHEMISTRY—GENERAL GUIDELINES
the state (ignoring a variety of exceptions and
Alternative water-chemistry procedures
for poor conditions: If the weather is severe
and you wish to minimize your time on the
creek, here are a few ideas. In each case, note
your deviations from standard procedure on
your data sheet.
• Calibrate the YSI-60, YSI-85, and
turbidimeter at home, and just keep them
on throughout your monitoring day, so no
warm-up will be needed at each site. (For
dissolved oxygen, record the pressure at
calibration and at each site.)
• pH meter calibration post-checks can be
done in the car.
• Turbidity samples can be grabbed and taken
to your car for readings; just keep the bottle
wrapped well to minimize warming, and
take readings as soon as possible. Note
both collection and reading times. Extra
bottles and a plastic tub are in the field kit.
• You may also take samples for the other
parameters to the car if it’s not too far
away: first take a temperature reading in
the stream with the YSI-85 (no calibration
necessary). Then fill both the regular
sampling bottle and the plastic tub, filling
completely and closing the lids under water
if possible. In transit, be careful not to
agitate the tub. (These measures will help
to avoid entraining more oxygen into the
water.) Take DO readings within 10 min. or
they will be flagged “estimated”. In the tub,
perform the DO/temp/cond test (moving the
probe back and forth at 1 ft/sec), followed
by the pH test. Then use the sample bottle
for the turbidity tests. In addition to the
usual data, note the alternate sampling
procedure, actual stream temperature, and
both the sample collection and sample
reading times on your data sheet.
• You may also collect samples for turbidity
and pH and take them home; pH should be
tested within 2 hours, and turbidity samples
can be held 48 hours on ice.
• These are contingency measures for poor
conditions; use standard protocols if
possible, because data collected using these
alternative measures may have to be
flagged as “estimated” or “rejected”.
conditions):
Parameters &Water-Quality Exceedances
Temperature: > 16° C
pH: > 8.5 or < 6.5 pH
Turbidity: >5 NTU higher than any upstream
site on the same stream, or 10% higher if the
upstream turbidity is >50.
(As a general rule, take a turbidity replicate if
you’re at a downstream site, the turbidity is
≥10, and you’ll be visiting an upstream site on
the same day. If the upstream value exceeds
the threshold, take a replicate there too.)
Dissolved Oxygen: < 9.5 mg/L
In the case of dissolved oxygen, the field
readings must be corrected for pressure in the
following manner:
DOcorrected = DOfield X Pressure/29.92
At a high-elevation site on a low-pressure day,
the corrected reading could be 10% lower than
the field reading; so if the pressure is low and
the DO field reading is near the threshold,
calculate the corrected reading. (And you can
do the same if the field reading is below the
threshold but the pressure is high.)
If the sample and replicate straddle the
threshold, take a third reading and a mean will
be calculated.
If you’re doing all the water-chemistry
procedures yourself, the following is an
efficient order in which to perform steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Check, turn on, and soak the YSI-85.
Check and warm up the turbidimeter.
Check, turn on, and soak the YSI-60.
Hang the air thermometer.
Put the YSI-85 in the calibration sleeve.
Read the air thermometer.
Take the water sample and do turbidity
readings.
8. Calibrate the YSI-85 for dissolved oxygen
and take readings with it in the stream.
9. Take pH readings with the YSI-60 in the
stream.
10. Do post-check of DO drift &pH calibration.
11. Do replicates if needed.
Field Procedures
16
15th Edition, 2013
AIR TEMPERATURE
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
COMMON SENSE AND EXPECTED RANGES:
Before packing up, make sure that your air
temperature reading conforms to your common
sense. As a guide, here’s a chart comparing
Celsius degrees (the ones on your thermometer)
with Fahrenheit degrees (which Americans are
more familiar with).
Celsius degrees
Fahrenheit degrees
0
32
4
40
10
50
16
60
21
70
27
80
1. pocket stick thermometer
2. data sheet, clipboard, pencil
PROCEDURE
One person can perform this test.
HANGING THE THERMOMETER
Unscrew the protective metal tube and put it
in your pocket. The thermometer will still be
attached to its “hat” in which a string is
looped. Make sure the thermometer is dry,
and then hang it in a shady spot on the bank
with good air circulation, preferably at about
eye height, for several minutes to let it
stabilize. We suggest you hang the
thermometer as soon as you get to your site
and then read it later while you’re waiting for
some of the other equipment to warm up or
stabilize; just don’t leave it hanging in the
woods!
MEASURING AIR-TEMPERATURE
After the thermometer has been hanging for
a few minutes, first make sure the sun hasn’t
been shining on it. Estimate the reading to
the nearest whole degree Celsius (°C) or to
more decimals if you can. Wait 30 seconds
and estimate again. If the reading hasn’t
changed, record it and sampler’s initials on
your data sheet. If the reading has changed,
jot down the second reading, leave the
thermometer hanging, and read it again a
few minutes later. Record the temperature
once readings have stabilized.
Record the time and sampler’s initials.
This should be someone who has been
properly trained.
Screw the metal protective tube back on and
put the thermometer back in the treasure
box. Replicates not needed for air
temperature readings.
Field Procedures
17
Revised 1/15/2014
(This page is intentionally blank for printing.)
Field Procedures
18
15th Edition, 2013
TURBIDIMETER: HF-DRT 15CE
see “If Turbidimeter battery is too low”
instructions at the end of this protocol.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Note: Don’t leave this equipment out in
freezing temperatures unless you’re using
it. If air temperatures are just below
freezing, keep the turbidity standards in
your pocket—you must keep them from
freezing. If the air temperature is below
32°F (0°C), it’s too cold to perform the
turbidity procedures in the field—see
“Alternative Water-Chemistry Procedures
for Poor Conditions”.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
COLLECTING A WATER SAMPLE
1. Don’t sample upstream of where your team
will be taking other water-chemistry
readings. Communication is key.
2. Enter the stream downstream of where you
plan to sample, to avoid contaminating the
sample from your boots or stirred-up
Tarp
HF-DRT 15CE turbidimeter with vials for
“zero” & “ten” solutions, plus empty vial
(instructions for the 15C meter are similar)
watch with second hand or stopwatch
sample collection bottle with screw top
squirt bottle of purified water
small spray bottle of glass-cleaning solution
box of lint-free tissues
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
extra sample bottles or watertight tubs
car cigarette-lighter adapter
A/C transformer/battery charger
sediment. Sample at a point where the
stream is flowing and well mixed. (If there
is no such place in your normal site area,
you may go upstream or downstream, but
don’t pass any inflows or outflows, and note
your location on the tracking sheet.) Get as
far away from the banks as you can.
Choose a spot that appears undisturbed.
(See Figure 1.)
3. Unscrew the bottle cap, avoiding touching
the inside of the cap or the threads. Rinse
both the bottle and cap three times in the
stream, facing upstream, at a place where
your team has not disturbed the bottom-preferably the same spot at which you’re
going to collect the sample. When pouring
off the rinse water, empty the bottle
downstream, so as not to stir up the bottom
in the sampling area.
4. If you’re in water >6” deep, hold the bottle
near its base and plunge it below the water
surface with the opening pointing
downward. Collect the sample midway
between the bottom and the surface, or 812” below the surface if the water is deep.
Turn the bottle underwater into the current
What you’re sampling: The turbidity
(cloudiness) of the water, measured in
Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). High
turbidities indicate high concentrations of
suspended sediment, which can cause problems
for fish and other biota.
Where to sample: In this procedure,
sampling consists of filling a sample bottle and
then performing tests on water from that
bottle. Pick an area where the stream is
flowing and appears to be well mixed. Do not
sample downstream of where your team
has disturbed the bottom.
INITIAL INSTRUMENT PREPARATION
1. The meter is water-resistant but not
waterproof. If it’s raining, close the cover or
cover the unit with your body.
2. Turn the meter on to the lowest range to
begin its 15-minute warm-up. If the screen
reads “BAT,” you must recharge the
instrument or plug it into an outlet to use it;
Field Procedures
19
Revised 1/15/2014
TURBIDIMETER: HF-DRT 15CE
and away from you (see Figure 2). In slowmoving stream reaches, push the bottle
underneath the surface and away from you
in an upstream direction. Collect at least a
pint in the sample bottle, and then cap it
under water if possible. In any case, recap
the bottle carefully, without touching the
inside.
b) If there is a drop-off somewhere, as
from a cascade or culvert, you can
sample from this drop-off so long as the
bottle touches nothing but the falling
water.
TURBIDITY MEASUREMENT
Handling the vials: Inside the meter will be
one sample vial and two reference vials—one
marked on the cap with a number near zero,
and the other at some higher number of NTU.
Figure 2: Collection procedure when
bottle can be submerged
1. Do not ever open the reference vials or
unscrew their caps.
2. Take care not to scratch or get dirt on any
of the vials. Do not put them down
anywhere except inside the meter case.
3. When moving closed vials, hold by the caps
only. When opening, closing, or sampling,
hold the glass portion of the vials in the area
just below the neck, which is outside of their
critical measuring area (see diagram below).
When possible, hold the vial with a lint-free
tissue.
8
5. If the water is <6” deep, you have a couple
of options:
a) Sample in shallow, fast-moving water,
preferably at a point where the water is
forced between a couple of larger rocks.
Hold the bottle facing upstream so as to
catch the moving water in it. Avoid
touching the bottom.
Field Procedures
Taking the readings (with meter still on
after the warm-up period):
1. Last calibration date: The latest fullrange calibration date should be marked on
a sticker on the face of the meter. Record it
on your data sheet only if you’re NOT
submitting your data to Clallam County.
20
15th Edition, 2013
TURBIDIMETER: HF-DRT 15CE
2. Zero the meter: Take the ~zero NTU
sealed reference vial out of the trough,
holding by the cap or upper part only.
Clean the critical measuring area with
cleaning solution and a lint-free tissue.
Place this vial in the meter-well, aligning the
arrow on the cap with the white line in the
6:00 position on the well collar. (The meter
should still be turned to the lowest range.)
Then adjust the REFERENCE ADJUST until
the display reads the same as whatever the
vial cap is marked as.
3. Check calibration: Take the ~10 NTU
sealed reference vial out of the trough,
holding by the cap or upper part only. In
the space marked “Field Calibration Check,”
record the # of NTUs listed on the vial and
its expiration date. Clean the critical
measuring area with cleaning solution and a
lint-free tissue. Place this vial in the meterwell, aligning the arrow on the cap with the
white line in the 6:00 position on the well
collar. Keep the meter set to the 10-range,
even if you see the up-arrow. Record the
meter reading to the nearest 0.01 NTU.
4. Calibration check problems: If the
above reading differs from what’s written on
the vial by more than 5%, try to improve
the reading by cleaning the vial again,
warming it if it keeps fogging up, or drying
the meter-well if it’s wet. If reading is still
more than 5% off, continue with the
following steps—the data you collect may
have to be flagged.
5. Fill the sample vial (remember to hold by
the upper part only):
a) Thoroughly agitate the sample in the
collection bottle—but avoid introducing
bubbles by shaking. Immediately fill the
sample vial 1/4-1/3 full and shake with
the cap on loosely. Empty the sample
vial. Repeat this rinse. Then agitate the
collection bottle and fill the vial to just
below the bottom of the threads.
Retighten the vial’s cap.
b) Holding the sample vial by the cap, spray
cleaning solution on the outside of the
Field Procedures
glass and wipe it dry with a lint-free
tissue.
6. Take the readings:
a) Gently invert the vial several times to
mix—be careful not to create bubbles.
b) Quickly insert the sample vial in the
meter well, aligning the arrow on the
vial’s cap with the white line in the 6:00
position on the well collar. The readings
will change rapidly, then probably slow
down after a few seconds. Watch the
meter for 30 seconds, then record the
whole number (or zero) to which the
readings tend most closely during those
30 seconds. (For example, you would
record “1” if most readings fall between
0.5 and 1.5.)
c) If the meter displays “▲~1 .” or a
number >1.2, move to the next higher
range. If the meter shows a similar
display at its highest range, record
“>200” for the model 15C or “>1000” for
the 15CE.
d) Repeat steps 5 & 6 twice more, for a
total of three readings. If readings vary
greatly, take more readings until you
have three that are close (one unit or
10%, whichever is greater). Record
these three readings, the sampling time,
and the sampler’s initials.
Sampler’s Initials
Be sure to put all the initials of one sampler
taking responsibility for the data; this should
be someone who has been properly trained
(see “Quality Assurance” protocol).
e) If you are collecting replicates at this
site, gather another sample in the
sample bottle and repeat this procedure;
recalibration not needed. Then see the
“Water Chemistry—General” protocol to
see if your pairs of readings are within
the acceptable precision limits, and
resample as needed.
f) If the battery goes dead while you’re
sampling, see the “If the battery is too
low” procedure at the end of this
protocol.
21
15th Edition, 2013
TURBIDIMETER: HF-DRT 15CE
7. Clean and store:
a) Turn off the meter until you get to your
next reach.
b) Holding the sample vial by the portion
just below the neck, rinse it as follows:
i) Pour out the sample water.
ii) Fill ¼full with purified water.
iii) Screw the cap on loosely.
iv) Shake upside down.
v) Empty the vial, twisting so that water
rinses the sides.
vi) Repeat this rinsing one more time.
vii) Empty the vial and recap it.
c) Place the .02 reference vial in the
measuring well, and put the empty
sample vial in the trough on the right
side of the meter, along with the highernumber reference vial.
d) Close the meter.
e) Empty the plastic sample collection
bottle, recap and store.
IF THE TURBIDIMETER BATTERY IS TOO LOW
TO USE IN THE FIELD:
1. You can take your sample to the car, plug the
adapter included in your kit into the car’s
cigarette lighter, and plug the other end into the
turbidimeter’s power port on the left side of the
vials-trough nearest to the front. (Take out or
depress the foam to see it.) Then run your tests.
2. You can collect samples in clean jars, at least
pint-sized. If you’re taking replicates, it’s best to
take 3 sample bottles from that site, in case the
first replicate doesn’t match. (Extra sample
bottles are in the dirty bag.) Using duct tape,
label them with the site and time of collection.
If possible, keep samples on ice and in the dark.
Then at the end of the day, bring samples and
meter home, plug in the meter using the A/C
adapter, and take readings as you would in the
field, while the meter is charging (see charging
directions below). Samples can be held 48
hours if kept below 4°C (40°F) in the dark;
otherwise, the data will be flagged as an
“estimate”. If samples are iced, you can let
them return to room temperature (in air or a
lukewarm bath) to avoid condensation on cold
sample vials. On the data sheet, record
collection and reading times, as well as holding
temperatures and light-exposure. Then
continue to charge the meter so you or some
other team won’t have trouble the next time!
ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE FOR POOR
CONDITIONS: If the weather is severe and you
wish to minimize your time on the creek, you may
warm up the turbidimeter at home and do the
zeroing and calibration check there, and just keep it
on throughout your monitoring day and do a final
calibration check at the end of the day. Or you may
take turbidity samples to your car or home—see
next section.
Field Procedures
TURBIDIMETER BATTERY CHARGERS are in
marked zip-lock bags in the field kit “clean bags”;
the power port is the front hole on the left side of
the vials-trough (take out the vials and foam to see
it). The unit does not need to be fully discharged
before charging. Turn the meter on, then connect
the charger by first plugging it into the meter and
then the wall; you should see a “~” in the upper-left
of the window. Then you can turn the meter off
and let it charge. A full charge takes up to 12 hours
but it is okay to partially recharge it. The fully
charged meter should be good for at least 5 hours
of continuous operation.
22
15th Edition, 2013
TURBIDIMETER: HACH 2100P
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Note: Streamkeepers don’t generally take
this meter into the field, but instead
collect samples and bring them back to
the home/office for analysis. Don’t leave
this equipment out in freezing
temperatures unless you’re using it. If air
temperatures are just below freezing,
keep the turbidity standards in your
pocket—you must keep them from
freezing. If the air temperature is below
32°F (0°C), it’s too cold to perform the
turbidity procedures in the field—see
“Alternative Water-Chemistry Procedures
for Poor Conditions”.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
COLLECTING A WATER SAMPLE
1. Samples can be collected in any clean
container, ≥100 mL.
2. Don’t sample upstream of where your team
will be taking other water-chemistry
readings. Communication is key.
Tarp
Hach turbidimeter with set of 4 field
standards (Blank, low, medium, high), plus
empty vial
sample collection bottle with screw top
squirt bottle of purified water
small spray bottle of glass-cleaning solution
small bottle of cleaning oil
microfiber cloth
lint-free tissues
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
extra sample bottles or watertight tubs
car cigarette-lighter adapter
A/C transformer/battery charger
3. Enter the stream downstream of where you
plan to sample, to avoid contaminating the
sample from your boots or stirred-up
sediment. Sample at a point where the
stream is flowing and well mixed. (If there
is no such place in your normal site area,
you may go upstream or downstream, but
don’t pass any inflows or outflows, and note
your location on the tracking sheet.) Get as
far away from the banks as you can.
Choose a spot that appears undisturbed.
(See Figure 1.)
4. If you’re in water >6” deep, hold the bottle
near its base and plunge it below the water
surface with the opening pointing
downward. Collect the sample midway
between the bottom and the surface, or 812” below the surface if the water is deep.
Turn the bottle underwater into the current
and away from you (see Figure 2). In slowmoving stream reaches, push the bottle
underneath the surface and away from you
in an upstream direction. Collect at least a
pint in the sample bottle, then cap it under
water if possible. In any case, recap the
bottle carefully, without touching the inside.
What you’re sampling: The turbidity
(cloudiness) of the water, measured in
Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). High
turbidities indicate high concentrations of
suspended sediment, which can cause problems
for fish and other biota.
Where to sample: In this procedure,
sampling consists of filling a sample bottle and
then performing tests on water from that
bottle. Pick an area where the stream is
flowing and appears to be well mixed. Do not
sample downstream of where your team
has disturbed the bottom.
Field Procedures
23
Revised 1/15/2014
TURBIDIMETER: HACH 2100P
TAKING READINGS
Figure 2: Collection procedure when
bottle can be submerged
1. If reading samples that were on ice,
minimize condensation on sample vials by:
a) Sampling in as dry a room as possible.
b) Removing turbidity sample jars from
chilled coolers and putting in a room
temperature, covered container such as
a cardboard box, approximately 30
minutes before taking readings.
Alternative method: sample jars can be
placed in a warm-water bath for 10
minutes or until room temperature is
reached.
2. Prepare vials for readings (BOTH Standards
& Sample Vials):
a) Hold vials by top only—don’t touch below
the white diamond mark.
b) Apply a drop of oil and wipe lightly all
around the vial reading area with the
lint-free cloth labeled “OIL”.
c) Wipe the vial dry with the clean lint-free
cloth labeled “CLEANER”.
d) If vial still isn’t spotless, spray glass
cleaner and dab (don’t wipe) the vial dry
with a clean lint-free tissue, then wipe
with the “CLEANER” cloth again.
8
Pre-Sample Field Standards Testing
At the beginning and end of the day in which
sample readings are taken, you must assess
instrument performance by testing the meter
with the set of labeled field standards included
with the meter.
1. Turn meter on.
2. Select AUTO RNG (auto-range) and SIG AVG
(signal average).
3. Record readings for the “Blank” field
standard and all of the Gelex field standard
vials (low, medium, and high):
a) Place vial in sample well. Diamond on
vial lines up with notch on well (facing
you).
b) Close lid. Failure to close lid will require
restarting the meter (turn off and then
turn back on).
5. If the water is <6” deep, you have a couple
of options:
a) Sample in shallow, fast-moving water,
preferably at a point where the water is
forced between a couple of larger rocks.
Hold the bottle facing upstream so as to
catch the moving water in it. Avoid
touching the bottom.
b) If there is a drop-off somewhere, as
from a cascade or culvert, you can
sample from this drop-off so long as the
bottle touches nothing but the falling
water.
6. Samples taken away from the field must be
stored in darkness at ≤ 4°C. Read samples
within 48 hours of their collection time.
Field Procedures
24
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TURBIDIMETER: HACH 2100P
c) Press READ. The meter will display
various things for about 10 seconds
while measuring, and then display the
final averaged reading.
d) Record the final averaged reading for the
field standard vial.
e) Repeat for all field standards.
f) If readings vary from the stated values
on the vials by >5%, try to improve the
readings by cleaning the vials again,
warming them if they’re fogging up, or
drying the meter-well if it’s wet. If
readings continue to vary by >5%,
continue with readings but notify
program managers.
Post-Sample Field Standards Testing
1. Record readings for all of the field standard
vials.
c) Place field standard vial in Hach sample
well – align diamond.
d) Close lid
e) Press READ.
f) Record the final averaged reading for the
field standard vial.
g) Repeat for all field standards.
2. Turn Hach 2100P off.
ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE FOR POOR
CONDITIONS: If the weather is severe and you
wish to minimize your time on the creek, you may
warm up the turbidimeter at home and do the
zeroing and calibration check there, and just keep it
on throughout your monitoring day and do a final
calibration check at the end of the day. Or you may
take turbidity samples to your car or home—see
next section.
Taking Sample Readings
1. Mix the sample bottle thoroughly by gently
inverting and swirling several times (the
“parade wave”) – do not introduce bubbles.
If any bubbles are visible, insert rubber
stopper with syringe and pull a suction until
they are removed.
2. Rinse sample vials 3 times:
a) Fill the Hach sample vial immediately ¼
to ½ full, replace cap, invert/swirl and
discard.
b) Repeat 3 times.
3. Invert/swirl sample bottle again.
4. Fill sample vial immediately to top of
diamond or higher.
5. Dab any water from the outside of the vial
with a lint-free tissue.
6. If vial isn’t spotless, wipe outside of vial with
“CLEANER” cloth.
7. Invert/swirl sample vial & quickly insert it
into the sampling well – align diamond.
8. Close lid.
9. Press READ.
10. Record the final averaged reading for the
sample vial.
11. Repeat 3 times. TAKE THREE (3) SEPARATE
READINGS FROM EACH SAMPLE, pouring
fresh sample into a sample vial each time
and following the instructions above.
Field Procedures
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TURBIDIMETER: HACH 2100P
(This page is intentionally blank for printing.)
Field Procedures
26
Revised 1/15/2014
pH: YSI 60
The pH meter needs to be calibrated at the beginning of each day of sampling. The team leader or
designee should ideally perform this calibration at home; this can be done several hours prior to
leaving for the field. The closer to stream temperature, the better, so you might want to soak or
refrigerate the buffer bottles beforehand. A minimum 2-point calibration is necessary, with the two
points bracketing the pH values of the sites you’ll be sampling. In the vast majority of circumstances
on the North Olympic Peninsula, pH will be between 7 & 10, so these two calibration standards are
generally used. In the unusual circumstance that you’ll be sampling where you suspect pH will be 6.5
or lower, you will need to do a 3-point calibration at pH 4, 7 & 10. We have included instructions for
3-point calibration in brackets; you’ll need to get pH 4 buffer from the office, because it won’t normally
be stocked in the field kit.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
for details). If the probe is in the transport
chamber in the meter, simply remove it
from this chamber. Check and tighten all
connections along the cable, probe, and
guard-piece at the end of the probe.
Examine the probe. The glass bulb should
be intact and clean.
3. Rinse the entire probe with purified water,
then carefully dry it with a lint-free tissue,
saving the tissue for later. (Or rinse it with
some of the extra buffer solution).
4. Place the tall pH 7 buffer bottle in the foam
holder, uncap it, insert the probe about 1”
into the buffer, shake away any bubbles
near the glass sensor, then insert the probe
all the way down into this bottle, making
sure that the temperature sensor is covered
by the solution (see diagram below). If
topping up is needed, keep the probe in the
buffer and pour against the top part of the
probe using the pH 7 refill bottle. Let the
probe sit in this solution to stabilize.
Meanwhile, on the data sheet for the first
site you’ll be visiting later that day, record
the Meter’s kit # or name, time, initials, and
expiration dates on the pH 7 &10 bottles.
Note: Don’t leave this equipment out in
freezing temperatures unless you’re using
it. If the air temperature is below 23°F (5°C), the YSI meter won’t operate
properly and your teammates probably
won’t either!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Tarp
YSI-60 pH meter (probe may be in pH4
buffer solution storage bottle)
pH [4,] 7 and 10 buffering solution in high,
narrow bottles
extra buffer solution for top-up
splash-proof goggles & gloves
(recommended since buffer contact with
skin or eyes can cause irritation)
foam holder for pH test bottles
watch with second hand or stopwatch
bottle of purified water
lint-free tissues
6 extra AA alkaline batteries
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
[plastic tub with tight-fitting lid]
CALIBRATION (BEGINNING OF DAY)
1. Turn the instrument on. The instrument will
activate all segments of the display for a few
seconds, which will be followed by a self
test procedure which will last for several
more seconds. (If “LO BAT” is displayed or
the meter locks up, replace the batteries.)
The meter should display pH and °C. If not,
press “MODE” until you get to the right
display on the screen.
2. If the probe is in the long-term storage
bottle, remove it, cap the bottle, and rinse
the probe with purified water (see last page
Field Procedures
27
Revised 1/15/2014
pH YSI 60
5. Wait for the pH reading to stabilize—not
varying by more than 0.01 for 2 min. If the
meter still isn’t stable after 10 min., see the
“Troubleshooting” section below.
6. Record the “Pre-Cal” temperature (to the
nearest tenth) and pH reading (to the
nearest hundredth) in the “pH7 pre-cal”
section of the data sheet.
7. To enter the calibration menu,
simultaneously press both the “UP ARROW”
and “DOWN ARROW” keys. The display will
show “CAL” at the bottom, “STAND” will be
flashing and the main display will show 7.00
(the pH of the first buffer you are using).
main screen.
“SLOPE” will now
appear on the
display and be
flashing. This
indicates that the slope is ready to be set
using the second pH buffer. Take the
probe out of the pH 7 buffer solution and
cap the bottle.
9. Setting the upper point:
a) Rinse the entire probe with purified
water, then carefully dry the probe.
Place the tall pH 10 buffer bottle in the
foam holder, uncap it, insert the probe
about 1” into the buffer, shake away any
bubbles near the glass sensor, then
insert the probe all the way down into
this bottle, making sure that the
temperature sensor is covered by the
solution (see prior diagram). If topping
up is needed, keep the probe in the
buffer and pour against the top part of
the probe using the pH 10 refill bottle.
Let the probe sit in this solution to
stabilize—not varying by more than 0.01
for 2 min.
b) Press “ENTER.” The screen will now
show “CAL” at the bottom, “SLOPE” will
stop flashing, and the pH value for the
pH 10 buffer is shown with the right
decimal point flashing (see diagram).
[Note: The meter automatically accounts for
the fact that the true pH of the buffers changes
with temperature; therefore, the pH values
displayed during calibration won’t always
display the same values as what’s written on
the buffer bottles. For a table showing how pH
buffer differs with temperature, see the table at
the end of this protocol.]
8. Setting the midpoint:
a) Press the “ENTER” key. The screen will
show “CAL” at the bottom, “STAND” will
stop flashing and the pH calibration
c) When the reading is stable, the decimal
point will stop flashing. Press and hold
“ENTER” until “SAVE” flashes on the
display along with
“SLP” to indicate
the second slope
value has been
saved.
value is shown with the middle decimal
point flashing.
b) When the meter decides the reading is
stable, the decimal point will stop
flashing. Press and hold the “ENTER”
key until “SAVE” along with “OFS” is
displayed and the display returns to the
Field Procedures
28
Revised 1/15/2014
pH YSI 60
f. On your data sheet, record the “post-cal”
temperature (to the nearest tenth) and
pH (to the nearest hundredth).
g. Then record the expected pH reading for
that temperature from the graph on the
back of your data sheet or the
temperature table at end of this protocol,
extrapolating as appropriate.
h. Next, record the absolute value of the
difference between the actual and
expected readings; if this is ≤ 0.10 pH
unit, you can write “Yes” in the final
column, and you’re done. If not, you’ll
have to try recalibrating; otherwise, all of
your pH data from that day may be
flagged as “Estimated” or “Rejected”.
i. Rinse the entire probe with purified
water and replace it in the meter’s
storage chamber (no need to dry).
j. You can now turn off your meter until
you get to your first site.
[The next step is for special low-pH
situations only—see introduction to this
protocol. For normal situations, you’ll
skip this step and go to the next one,
“Completing & testing calibration”.]
10. Setting the lower point:
a) Rinse the entire probe with purified
water, then carefully dry it. Place the tall
pH 4 buffer bottle in the foam holder,
uncap it, insert the probe about 1” into
the buffer, shake away any bubbles near
the glass sensor, then insert the probe
all the way down into this bottle, making
sure that the temperature sensor is
covered by the solution (see prior
diagram). If topping up is needed, keep
the probe in the buffer and pour against
the top part of the probe using the pH 4
refill bottle. Let the probe sit in this
solution to stabilize—not varying by more
than 0.01 for 2 min.
b) Press “ENTER.” The screen will now
show “CAL” at the bottom, “SLOPE” will
stop flashing, and the pH 4 buffer value
is shown with the left decimal point
flashing.
c) When the reading stabilizes, the decimal
point will stop flashing. Press and hold
“ENTER” to save the first slope until
“SAVE” is displayed along with “SLP,”
and you return to a normal screen.
Calibration troubleshooting:
If display reads “undr” or “OVEr” while
calibrating, try letting it sit for a few minutes to
see if the problem goes away. Also make sure
that both the pH and temperature sensors are
fully immersed, and try jiggling or shaking the
probe in the buffer to dislodge any bubbles that
might be sticking to it.
If readings do not stabilize after 20-30
minutes, the probe may need cleaning or
replacing. Let program managers know about
the problem as soon as possible, and if
possible, borrow another meter.
11. Completing & testing calibration:
a. Press the “MODE” button to return to a
normal screen and complete the
calibration process. The meter is now
calibrated at 2 [or 3] points.
b. Take out the probe and cap the buffer
bottle.
c. Rinse the entire probe with purified
water and dry carefully.
d. Re-immerse the probe into the pH 7
buffer bottle, following instructions
above.
e. Wait for the pH reading to stabilize—not
varying by more than 0.01 for 2 min.
Field Procedures
29
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pH YSI 60
TAKING READINGS AT SITES
“MODE” repeatedly until this screen
appears.
2. Place the probe in the water at the spot
where you wish to sample, shaking gently to
remove any bubbles trapped around the pH
sensor. Make sure the pH sensor at the end
of the probe and the temperature sensor
near the top of the probe are both
immersed in a well-mixed part of the stream
where the bottom has not been disturbed.
You can either:
Where to sample: Pick an area where the
stream is flowing and appears to be well mixed.
Do not sample downstream of where your
team has disturbed the bottom.
INITIAL INSTRUMENT PREPARATION:
1. If you haven’t already calibrated the meter
for the day, do that now (see “Calibration”
section at the beginning of this protocol). If
you have calibrated already, indicate “Yes”
at the top of the data sheet and give the
site name of the form on which you
recorded the calibration information (this
will generally be the first site of the day).
2. If the probe is inside a bottle rather than
inside the meter’s chamber, see the
“Removing the Buffer Bottle” section at the
end of this chapter.
3. Turn on the meter. All segments of the
display will be activated for a few seconds.
Eventually, pH and temperature will be
displayed. If “LO BAT” is displayed, you will
need to replace the batteries. If pH and
temperature are not displayed, press
“MODE” until you get to the right display on
the screen.
4. Take the probe out of its chamber. (If it
won’t come straight out, turn it slightly
clockwise as you pull.) Check the glass bulb
and tighten all connections along the cable,
probe, and guard-piece at the end of the
probe. Find a safe place in the stream to
place it for a warm-up. Put it:
• downstream of where you will eventually
sample (see sampling procedure later in
this section);
• in a place where the water isn’t too
turbulent;
• where the bottom isn’t silty or muddy
(between a couple of rocks would work);
and
• where you can safely place the main part
of the meter up on the bank.
Be sure to shake the probe
gently to remove any trapped
air bubbles around the pH
sensor as you insert it in the
water!
Dangle the probe at mid-depth in a wellmoving but non-bubbly part of the
stream; or
•
Find a well-mixed pool and swing the
probe back and forth at mid-depth; or
•
In shallow water, wedge the probe
between rocks in the middle of a riffle or
the tailout of a pool, where the water is
moving well.
3. Read the meter to the nearest hundredth of
a pH unit. (But do not record it yet.)
4. Wait 2 minutes and read the meter again.
a) If the reading has not changed by more
than 0.01 pH unit, record that reading to
the nearest tenth (not hundredth) on
your data sheet. (NOTE: Keep in mind
Streamkeepers’ special rounding
convention—see “Quality Assurance.”)
b) If the reading has changed by more than
0.01 unit, wait another two minutes and
try again. Repeat as needed until you’ve
met the above criterion. (If you have to
pH MEASUREMENT
1. After the YSI-60 pH meter has warmed up
in the water, get a screen that shows pH
and temperature. You may need to press
Field Procedures
•
30
Revised 1/15/2014
pH YSI 60
5.
6.
7.
8.
wait more than 10 min. to get a stable
reading, note that problem on the field
sheet and notify program managers.)
c) Record the time of sampling and
sampler’s initials.
If you are collecting replicates at this site,
follow this procedure to take another pH
reading; recalibration not needed. Then see
the “Water Chemistry—General” protocol to
see if your pairs of readings are within the
acceptable precision limits, and resample as
needed.
If your reading was 6.5 or lower, AND…
• You are NOT reporting your data to
Clallam County, AND…
• You did not perform a 3-point calibration
at the beginning of the day…
…then record on your data sheet the last 3point calibration date, written on a sticker
on the side of the meter. A later check of
the meter will confirm the lower point.
Shake off the probe, rinse with purified
water, and pat it dry with lint-free tissues.
Meter calibration post-check:
d) Once the meter has stabilized, record the
“pH meter post-check” temperature (to
tenths) and pH (to hundredths).
e) Record the expected buffer value from
the temperature-correction graph on the
back of the data sheet or the chart
below. Extrapolate as appropriate from
the values in that chart.
f) Record the absolute value of the
difference between the actual and
expected readings; if this is ≤ 0.10 pH
units, you can write “Yes” in the last
column, and you’re done. If not, you’ll
have to try recalibrating the meter (using
the procedure at the beginning of this
section) and then re-doing the readings;
otherwise, the pH data you just took (as
well as probably all subsequent data you
take that day) will be labeled “Estimated”
or “Rejected”.
9. Rinse with purified water, reinsert into the
chamber, and turn off the meter.
ALTERNATIVE WATER-CHEMISTRY
PROCEDURES FOR POOR CONDITIONS: See
“Water Chemistry—General Guidelines” protocol.
NOTE: It would be adequate to just
perform this post-test at the end of each
day; however, if the meter fails that test, all
data from that day would be invalid. The
only way to assure acceptable data is to
perform the post-test at each site, and then
re-calibrate if the meter fails that test.
Generalized pH Buffer Values at Various
Temperatures (from BDH buffers 2009)
Temperature
pH 4
pH 7
pH 10
0°C
4.00
7.12
10.31
5°C
4.00
7.09
10.23
10°C
4.00
7.06
10.17
15°C
4.00
7.04
10.11
20°C
4.00
7.02
10.05
25°C
4.00
7.00
10.00
30°C
4.01
6.99
9.95
35°C
4.02
6.98
9.91
a) Immerse the dried probe all the way into
the pH 7 buffer test bottle, using the
foam bottle holder to stabilize it. The
temperature sensor (see diagram) must
be immersed in the buffer—top up as
needed from the extra pH 7 bottle. If it’s
raining, cover the buffer bottles with
your body. Also, if possible, have a
second person assist you by holding caps
and screwing them right back on when
finished with them. Keep the lids of
these bottles screwed on tight when not
in use.
b) Record the time and sampler’s initials.
c) Wait for the pH reading to stabilize (not
varying by more than 0.01 for 2 min.).
Field Procedures
(Actual values will vary from product to
product, but these should be close enough to
check instrument calibration.)
31
Revised 1/15/2014
pH YSI 60
Removing the buffer bottle from the pH
6.
7.
8.
9.
Velcro
cap
with
buffer
probe
Don’t unscrew
this end piece!
Velcro
O-ring
under
cap
Switch
these caps
when you
remove
the bottle
from the
both caps, and O-ring are all stored together
in a single “package” (see drawing below).
Wrap this “package” in a small Ziploc bag
and store in the treasure box.
Move the tape that’s covering the probe
chamber to the side of the meter, being
careful not to lose the little sponge that’s
inside.
Add a few drops of purified water to the
little sponge inside the chamber.
If possible, soak the probe in creek water
for 30 minutes before taking your first
reading.
If you know that the meter won’t be used
for a few days, store the probe back in the
buffer-solution bottle (see first diagram),
wrap the Ziploc bag around it, and close it
as far as possible to help keep it intact. Recover the probe chamber hole with the tape
to keep the sponge from falling out.
closed
probe (YSI-60)
We store the pH probe in pH4 buffer solution to
keep it in good shape if it’s not going to be
used for a week or more. Sometimes we may
neglect to take the probe out of this bottle
before we send out the kit. If this happens:
1. Remove the “closed cap” from the Velcro at
the bottom of the bottle.
2. Holding the bottle upright, unscrew it from
the cap with the hole (“open cap”) and
screw the closed cap onto it.
3. Rinse the probe and open cap with purified
water.
4. Slide the open cap toward the cord to
expose the O-ring beneath the cap. Roll off
the O-ring, then slide the open cap off the
end of the probe.
5. Sandwich the O-ring between the Velcro on
the bottom and the Velcro on the open cap,
so that it doesn’t fall out. Thus, the bottle,
Field Procedures
32
Revised 1/15/2014
MULTIMETER: YSI-85
sheet, stuff a lint-free tissue inside, and wet
it with a few drops.
4. Check and tighten all connections along the
cable, probe, and guard-piece at the end of
the probe. Examine the probe. All holes
should be clean of debris, and the gold
cathode on the end should be shiny. The
plastic membrane over the cathode should
not be loose, wrinkled, or damaged, and
there should be no bubbles under it. Rinse
if dirty. Note any unsolvable problems on
your data sheet and continue if possible
with the procedure.
5. Place the probe in the stream. Set the
meter in a safe place on the bank for 15
minutes to let the meter warm up and the
probe stabilize to stream temperature.
6. Record the barometric pressure, to the
nearest 0.01 in Hg (inches of mercury), plus
time and sampler’s initials. If the screen
does not read “BARO” in the upper-left
corner, hit the MODE button until it does. If
it does not say “inHg” in the upper-right
corner, hit the RESET button until it does.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Note: Don’t leave this equipment out in
freezing temperatures unless you’re using
it. If the air temperature is below 23°F (5°C), the YSI meter won’t operate
properly and your teammates probably
won’t either!
•
•
•
•
•
•
YSI-85 multimeter
Open-cell foam probe calibration sleeve
Brunton ADC Summit pocket barometer
watch with second hand or stopwatch
6 extra AA alkaline batteries
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
Where to sample: Pick an area where the
stream is flowing and appears to be well mixed.
Do not sample downstream of where your
team has disturbed the bottom.
INITIAL INSTRUMENT PREPARATION:
1. Turn on the meter. The instrument will
activate all segments of the display for a few
seconds, then go through a self-test
procedure that will last a few more seconds.
A number will be displayed, along with the
letters “CEL.” That number should be
between 4.8-5.2. If not, report the number
on the data sheet and to the office staff.
2. If the unit displays “Err” at this point, and
“Err” does not disappear after a few
seconds, try turning the unit off and back on
again. If it displays “LO BAT,” replace the
batteries and discard the old ones. If it
displays other error messages, you will not
be able to use the instrument—record the
problem and let the staff know about it as
soon as possible. If it displays number
readings, “rcl,” or “ErAS,” the meter is
functioning properly.
3. Remove the probe from the meter’s
chamber. Turn the chamber upside down.
If the sponge inside is dry and falls out, reinsert it and wet it with a few drops of
water, noting that it was dry on your data
sheet. If it’s missing, note that on your data
Field Procedures
If you have to change the barometer battery in
the field, you’ll have to reset the meter’s “Offset”
value before taking readings:
33
•
Press the Mode button until Baro inHG shows at
top of screen
•
If not in inHG mode, press Reset to cycle through
choices until inHG shows.
•
Press and hold the Mode button until Storm Off
shows.
•
Release the Mode button and press it again one
time.
•
Now you should see Offset: and a decimal
number.
•
Press and hold Reset until the decimal number
begins to flash, then release the button.
•
The proper Offset value should be written on a
sticker on the back of the barometer. Press Reset
(increases value) or Set (decreases value) until
this proper Offset value shows.
•
Press Mode once to exit set mode - value stops
flashing.
•
Press and hold Mode button until you only see
Baro inHG and the barometric pressure.
Revised 1/15/2014
MULTIMETER_DO-TEMP-COND-SAL
TAKING MEASUREMENTS FOR DISSOLVED
OXYGEN, TEMPERATURE, CONDUCTIVITY,
AND SALINITY:
use the UP or DOWN ARROW buttons to
make it zero. Then press ENTER.NOTE:
If you don’t have a barometer and won’t
be able to get a pressure reading later
(e.g., from a nearby weather station),
then you should enter the altitude to the
nearest number of hundreds of feet. For
instance, if you’re at 800 feet, you’d
enter “8”. (Elevations of your sites
should be on your forms folder.) On
your data sheet, explain what you’ve
done and why.
BUTTON BUMMERS: The YSI-85’s buttons are
slow to respond, so wait a few seconds after
pressing any button to give the meter time to react.
Otherwise, you may skip over the screen you want.
Also, sometimes the buttons don’t respond at all
and you have to try again. Just be patient.
1. Calibrate the meter for dissolved oxygen:
a) Take the foam calibration sleeve out of
its bag and wet it in the stream, then
gently wring it out. Take the probe out
of the stream where it’s been soaking,
rinse off any dirt, and firmly flick water
off the probe as if you were shaking
down a fever thermometer. Place the
probe into the foam sleeve, pulling the
probe back about ½” from the end to
keep any foam from touching the DO
membrane.
b) Put the meter and probe in a safe spot,
preferably out of the sun. If it’s near
freezing, set the sponge on the tarp – it
will stick to frozen rocks.
c) Erase prior readings from the meter:
• Press the MODE button as many
times as needed for “ErAS” to appear
on the screen.
• Press the DOWN ARROW and ENTER
buttons simultaneously for
approximately 5 seconds.
• When “DONE” flashes on the screen
for 1-2 seconds, the data have been
erased, and the meter will
automatically return to normal
operation (DO % Saturation screen).
d) Wait for stabilization of the probe inside
the calibration sleeve, defined as follows:
STABILIZATION CRITERION:
During a period of 2 minutes, both
DO Sat % and temp (°C) stay within
0.1 of their initial readings.
f) The meter will now show CAL & 100.0 in
the lower part of the display. Confirm
stabilization for another 30 seconds.
TROUBLESHOOTING THE DO METER: If the
meters don’t stabilize within 10 minutes of
observation, try each of these steps in the
following order, trying again to stabilize after
each step:
• Take the probe out of the sleeve, squeeze
out any excess water, and shake off the
probe. Turn the meter off and then on.
• Turn off the meter, take out the batteries,
wipe them and the inside of the battery
cover-plate with a cloth, and re-insert them
in a different order (but according to the
diagram on the inside of the tubes).
• Try the above step again. Yep, again!
• Replace the batteries with the fresh batteries
in the “Treasure Box” of your kit’s Clean
Bag.
If problems persist, note on your data sheet the
variation in readings within your last stabilization
observation period, and proceed.
g) When you have confirmed stabilization,
press ENTER. The display should show
“SAVE” and then a reading near 100%.
The instrument is now calibrated for DO.
2. Take the probe out of the calibration
sleeve. If there are droplets on the
membrane big enough to roll off, shake
them off and recalibrate (or your readings
will not be accurate). If there are no
droplets, you can set the foam sleeve aside.
3. Re-check the barometric pressure, to
the nearest 0.01 in Hg (inches of mercury).
If not the same as the earlier reading,
record this second reading as well.
e) When you believe the probe has
stabilized, press both UP and DOWN
ARROW buttons at the same time. The
screen should then read zero; if needed,
Field Procedures
34
15th Edition, 2013
MULTIMETER_DO-TEMP-COND-SAL
4. Insert the probe in the stream: Standing
downstream or to the side of the probe,
hold it in the current, facing the probe
upstream, in a place with steady flow,
adequate depth, good mixing, and no
surface turbulence. If the current is < 1
ft/sec, hold the probe halfway down in the
water column and stir back and forth so that
water moves over it at the rate of at least 1
ft/sec; but do not create bubbles. Keep the
entire probe below water level—see
following diagram.
Water level should be
at least up to the
cable connection—
but be careful not to
kink the wire at this
stress point!
any steady rise or fall; and during a 30
second observation, they don’t vary by
more than 0.5% DO and 0.1°C. Then
press ENTER and hold for 2 seconds. The
meter will flash SAVE on the display along
with a data-point number (which should be
01 if you erased previous readings). You
have now saved readings for all parameters.
6. If you’re taking replicates at this site:
Remove probe from stream, shake off
water, replace in stream, and collect a
second reading (same as above). At “Save,”
the data-point number should show as 02.
Also take a replicate barometer reading
and record it with the replicate data.
water level
7. Shake off the probe, rinse with purified
water if the stream water is dirty, and
replace the probe in its sleeve. Put the
unit in the shade if possible.
8. Record the number or name written on
the meter (e.g., “1” or “OPI”). And if
you are not submitting the data to Clallam
County, record the latest calibration dates
for DO (“Winkler”), conductivity, and
temperature, which should be written on
stickers on the meter.
9. Record the sampling time on your data
sheet, to the nearest minute.
10. Record the readings: Press MODE
repeatedly until “rcl” (recall) is displayed on
the screen. The number below “rcl” is the
data-point number the meter gave when it
saved your data. Use the Up/Down arrows
as needed to get to the number you want.
(01 should be your sample and 02 your
replicate, if you did one.) Then press
ENTER successively to record the following
readings, in the following order, using our
rounding convention as necessary (see
Quality Assurance protocol):
IN LOW OR SLOW WATER CONDITIONS…
• The surface water may be traveling at 1
ft/sec, but just below the surface it may be
considerably slower due to the friction of the
bottom sediment. Therefore, do not simply
take a reading just below the surface in very
shallow water. Try to find a little pool in which
to stir the probe back and forth without
disturbing the bottom.
• You can also look for a little riffle in which the
water cascades between a couple of rocks,
wedging the probe between the rocks with the
water flowing over it. If the Flow team is
available and the water is deep enough to
immerse the propeller, have them come over
and measure the velocity at the spot where
the DO membrane will be; or hold the probe
down in there and try to feel the force of the
water. If it seems satisfactory, wedge the
probe into the rocks with the conductivitysensor holes facing up and the tip of the
probe upstream of any place you’ve touched
the rocks.
• The best method would be to test for DO
using both methods and record the readings
with the higher values.
a) Temperature: to nearest 0.1°C.
b) DO % Saturation: to nearest 0.1%.
c) DO Concentration: to nearest 0.1
mg/L.
d) Conductivity: You will see a screen
with a figure in “µS” or “mS” and the
“°C” symbol not flashing. Go to the
5. Stabilize and save the readings: Wait
for stabilization according to the following
criteria: Both readings have stopped
Field Procedures
35
15th Edition, 2013
MULTIMETER_DO-TEMP-COND-SAL
next screen, where the “°C” symbol is
flashing, indicating that the parameter
being measured is temperaturecompensated conductivity. Record to
the nearest whole number of
µS(microSiemens). (If you go too far,
work your way around again.) If the
reading is in mS (milliSiemens), multiply
by 1000 (i.e., move the decimal place 3
places to the right) to convert to µS, and
record to the nearest whole number.
e) Salinity: Record the next screen, which
shows a “ppt” symbol, to the nearest
tenth. This is the salinity in parts per
thousand.
11. If you have replicates to transcribe, use the
DOWN arrow to get to the proper “rcl” datapoint number (probably 02), then continue
as above to record readings. Next, check the
“Water Chemistry—General” protocol to see
if your pairs of readings are within the
acceptable precision limits, and resample as
needed.
12. Record the sampler’s initials for both sample
and replicate.
COMMON SENSE AND EXPECTED RANGES:
Please compare your readings with the
expected ranges on the datasheet. If you’re
outside the expected range, consider resampling or troubleshooting with your fellow
samplers.
Conductivity readings in particular have
a nasty habit of being wacky. Stream
conductivity is rarely lower than 25 µS. If your
readings are lower than this, you’ll need to
troubleshoot:
-- If the reading is 0.0 or 0.1, you might be
reading the salinity (“ppt”) screen rather than
the proper conductivity screen; if so, scroll
through the screens again (by pressing ENTER)
until you get to the right one.
-- You might not have held the probe
completely underwater. Try taking another set
of readings.
-- The readings might be in mS rather than µS
(see above).
Sampler’s Initials
Be sure to put all the initials of one sampler
taking responsibility for the data; this should be
someone who has been properly trained (see
“Quality Assurance” protocol).
13. Perform a DO drift check: Hit the MODE
button twice to get back to the real-time DO
%Sat screen. Re-wet the calibration sponge
in the stream, wring it out gently, and reinsert the probe as before. Keep the meter
and probe in the shade, if possible, and
allow the probe to stabilize as before:
ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS?
If the YSI meters stop showing all the decimals,
show wacky readings, or don’t respond when
you press buttons, try the battery tricks
described above. They’ll probably work! If not,
note what happened on your data sheet and
notify program staff.
data will be flagged as “estimated” or
“rejected”.
14. If the stabilized DO % Saturation reading is
satisfactory, record it to the nearest 0.1%.
15. Record the time and sampler’s initials.
16. Turn off the meter, put the probe into the
meter’s chamber, and put the calibration
sponge back into its bag.
STABILIZATION CRITERION: During a
period of 2 minutes, both DO Sat % and
temp (°C) stay within 0.1 of their initial
readings.
Do NOT hit any buttons on the meter.
When stabilization is reached, you’ll want
the DO % Saturation reading to be between
98-102%; if not, you’ll need to re-calibrate
the meter and re-take the readings, or your
Field Procedures
MEASURED VS. CORRECTED READINGS:
The data for DO saturation and concentration
will get adjusted once entered into the
database, according to the pressure,
temperature, and salinity you recorded. This
formula avoids a built-in error in the YSI-85,
which assumes “normal” atmospheric pressure
for a given altitude, when actually that pressure
can vary from normal by 5% or more.
36
15th Edition, 2013
MULTIMETER_DO-TEMP-COND-SAL
ALTERNATIVE MULTIMETER PROCEDURE FOR
POOR CONDITIONS: If the weather is severe and
you wish to minimize your time on the creek, you
may collect a sample and conduct testing in your
car within 10 minutes (see Water Chem—General
chapter & Standard Methods 4500-O):
• Calibrate the YSI-85 at home, with the soaking
sponge as close to stream temperature as
possible; note both water temperature and
Field Procedures
•
•
37
barometric pressure.
At each site, be sure to warm up the meter for
15’ before taking readings (or just keep it on all
day); note barometric pressure at each site.
Explain the deviance from normal procedures on
your data sheet. Staff will have to adjust your
data because of pressure differences between
calibration and sampling sites.
15th Edition, 2013
HYDROLAB QUANTA
This page is intentionally blank for printing.
Field Procedures
38
15th Edition, 2013
MULTIMETER: HYDROLAB QUANTA
DO Calibration and Operation
NOTE: These instructions presume that the instrument has had the following calibrations/checks
performed, preferably the day before—see calibration/check sheets at the end of this protocol:
• Calibration for conductivity, pH, and turbidity, per the Hydrolab manual.
• Validation of the DO sensor with a side-by-side Winkler titration or other means (see
Winkler titration instructions on Streamkeepers’ website under “Quality Assurance”).
Overview
The control keys are on the device handle; see
figure below.
Handle the instrument very carefully, as bumps
or large temperature changes can change the
tension on the membrane and get the
instrument out of calibration. You will be doing:
1. pre-sampling calibration,
2. the sampling itself and
3. a post-sampling quality check.
The Hydrolab measures the following
parameters:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Temperature
Dissolved oxygen
Specific conductivity (25°C)
pH
Salinity
Turbidity
Hydrolab Display & Controls
The display shows readings of 5 parameters at
once, on two screens. A menu bar is located at
the bottom of the screen. A figure of the first
data screen is shown below.
PRE-SAMPLING DISSOLVED OXYGEN
CALIBRATION—perform at beginning of
sampling day
Turn on meter. It will take about 30 seconds for
the meter to run through self-checks, then the
screen will change to one with ‘Temp’ at the
upper left and ‘Screen’ flashing in the middle of
the bottom menu bar (see diagram at left).
1. Data Sheet
Fill out top part of the Pre/Post Calibration
Check data sheet, left-hand column, with
date, time and samplers, if it has not
already been filled in. (See sample data
sheet following this protocol.)
Field Procedures
39
15th Edition, 2013
HYDROLAB QUANTA
2. Battery check
Hit the Enter key. Check and record the
voltage.
Generally you should replace the batteries
if:
• the voltage reads < 3.5V
• the display shows dashes instead of
digits; or
• parts of the display are missing.
3. Remove storage cup
Carefully remove the plastic storage cup so
it retains the water, and set aside.
4. Check DO membrane
Place the black rubber calibration cup cover
[concave up] loosely over the top of the
calibration cup. Prop the instrument up in a
secure spot, without kinking the cable.
Hit the Enter key; this will take you to the
screen with DO mg/L [Screen 1] and wait
for this stabilization criterion to be met:
Stabilization has been achieved when the
DO mg/L value does not change more
than +/- 0.01 mg/L for 2 minutes.
When stabilization is achieved, record the
pre-calibration DO mg/L reading on the lefthand column of the data sheet, in the DO
Calibration section.
Also record the temperature reading at
stabilization, on the data sheet.
6. Record barometric pressure
Record the barometric pressure on your
data sheet, from a barometer measuring in
mmHg. If your barometer reads in inHg, you
must convert to mmHg by multiplying inHg
by 25.4. If your barometer reads in mbar,
convert to mmHg by multiplying mBar by
0.75.
Also record info about the barometer used.
7. Set calibration
Navigate to the ‘Calib’ screen, on the menu
bar, by using the Left/Right arrow key.
Hit Enter.
Select DO% with Down arrow, then hit
Enter.
On the Hydrolab DO calibration screen,
adjust barometric pressure, which is
flashing, to the value you recorded in mmHg
in the section above, by using the
Up/Down arrows, then press Enter.
Now, hit Esc to return to Screen 1 and
record the post-calibration DO mg/L reading
on your data sheet.
8. Check calibration
Record the ‘expected’ DO mg/L
reading from the DO Solubility Chart
[see Solubility Chart following this
protocol]. Your post-calibration DO
should be within 2% of the expected
Carefully rotate the black turbidity sensor
ring out so you can see the sensors
beneath. The DO membrane is the stretched
plastic membrane with the black O-ring
around the sides. Gently shake all droplets
off this membrane. Check the DO sensor’s
membrane for wrinkles or bubbles
underneath and note on data sheet. Rotate
the black turbidity ring back to center.
5. Saturated-air DO reading
Attach the plastic cup with an opening at
the narrow-end; this is the calibration cup.
With the open narrow-end pointing upward,
fill with water from the storage cup and top
off as needed with room-temp de-ionized
water or tap water. Bring the water level up
to just below the O-ring, at the base of the
DO membrane. It should NOT cover it.
Re-check for any droplets on the membrane
and remove with tissue or by blowing.
Field Procedures
40
15th Edition, 2013
HYDROLAB QUANTA
4. Record or save data
Either record data immediately, or: Press the
Right arrow one time to navigate to ‘Store’ on
the menu bar. Press Enter. The screen will
show your data reference number at the
bottom. To exit Store mode, press Enter.
reading from the Solubility Chart. If
not, try re-calibrating.
9. Store probe and meter
Turn off the Hydrolab and replace the
storage cup in anticipation of
sampling. Storage cup should hold
approx. 1” of deionized water.
5. Retrieve stored data
To recall saved data, use arrow keys to
navigate to ‘Review’ on menu bar. Press Enter.
Use the arrow keys to recall your data
reference number, and record data on data
sheet. Note: The screen cycles between two
data screens, and you’ll need to pull some of
the data you need from each screen. Do not
record DO%, as that may not be accurate,
depending on barometric pressure.
HYDROLAB SAMPLING OPERATION
Turn on meter. It will take about 30 seconds for
the meter to run through self-checks, then the
screen will change to one with ‘Temp’ at the
upper left and ‘Screen’ flashing at the bottom
center in the menu bar.
Hit the Enter key. Check and record the
voltage.
Generally you should replace the batteries if the
voltage reads <3.5V.
1. Install sampling cup
Carefully remove the plastic storage cup so it
retains the water, and set aside. Replace with
the sampling cup—the one with side slots.
2. Warm up / Cool down
Place the Hydrolab probe in a safe, clean part
of the stream for a 10-minute warm-up/cooldown soak.
3. Sampling
Deploy the probe for readings by either:
a. Placing the probe in a place with > 1 ft/sec
velocity across the membrane1;
b. Turning on the Sample Circulator; or
c. Waving the sensor back and forth at > 1
ft/sec.
6. Erase data
Press Enter. ‘Clear’ and ‘Clear All’ will appear at
the bottom of the screen. Use arrow keys to
select either. Press Enter to clear the memory.
If you want to keep the data press Esc.
7. Store probe and meter
Turn off the meter by pressing On/Off button
till countdown reaches 0. Remove the sampling
cap and replace with the storage cup between
sites, keeping the water inside it.
POST-SAMPLING CHECK
Use the same data sheet you used with the presampling calibration, but fill in the right hand
side now.
1. Repeat pre-sampling steps
Repeat the pre-sampling steps above, except
the “Set Calibration” step, as you are doing a
drift check and not re-calibrating.
2. Drift check pass?
Determine whether the drift check passed by
checking DO mg/L values versus the Solubility
Chart DO mg/L values. [See Solubility Chart
following this protocol]. Drift check passes if
there is ≤ 2% deviation between compared
values.
Wait for stabilization criteria to be met; during a
30 second observation:
•
•
•
Temp should not change by > 0.1° C
DO should not change by > 0.05 mg/L
pH should not change by > 0.01
1
There must be >1 ft/sec flow across the DO membrane
for an accurate reading. One way to test if the flow is
adequate is to first note the DO mg/L reading with the
probe sitting in the water, and then trying either method
(b) or (c) and seeing if the reading increases.
Field Procedures
41
15th Edition, 2013
HYDROLAB QUANTA
Field Procedures
42
Revised 1/15/2014
HYDROLAB QUANTA
Field Procedures
43
15th Edition, 2013
HYDROLAB QUANTA
Pressure Conversion Table
Millibars
In. Hg.
Mm Hg.
Millibars
In. Hg.
Mm Hg.
Millibars
In. Hg.
Mm Hg.
900
901
902
903
904
905
906
907
908
909
910
911
912
913
914
915
916
917
918
919
920
921
922
923
924
925
926
927
928
929
930
931
932
933
934
935
936
937
938
939
940
941
942
943
944
945
946
947
948
949
26.58
26.61
26.64
26.67
26.70
26.72
26.75
26.78
26.81
26.84
26.87
26.90
26.93
26.96
26.99
27.02
27.05
27.08
27.11
27.14
27.17
27.20
27.23
27.26
27.29
27.32
27.34
27.37
27.40
27.43
27.46
27.49
27.52
27.55
27.58
27.61
27.64
27.67
27.70
27.73
27.76
27.79
27.82
27.85
27.88
27.91
27.94
27.96
27.99
28.02
675.1
675.8
676.6
677.3
678.1
678.8
679.6
680.3
681.1
681.8
682.6
683.3
684.1
684.8
685.6
686.3
687.1
687.8
688.6
689.3
690.1
690.8
691.6
692.3
693.1
693.8
694.6
695.3
696.1
696.8
697.6
698.3
699.1
699.8
700.6
701.3
702.1
702.8
703.6
704.3
705.1
705.8
706.6
707.3
708.1
708.8
709.6
710.3
711.1
711.8
950
951
952
953
954
955
956
957
958
959
960
961
962
963
964
965
966
967
968
969
970
971
972
973
974
975
976
977
978
979
980
981
982
983
984
985
986
987
988
989
990
991
992
993
994
995
996
997
998
999
28.05
28.08
28.11
28.14
28.17
28.20
28.23
28.26
28.29
28.32
28.35
28.38
28.41
28.44
28.47
28.50
28.53
28.56
28.59
28.61
28.64
28.67
28.70
28.73
28.76
28.79
28.82
28.85
28.88
28.91
28.94
28.97
29.00
29.03
29.06
29.09
29.12
29.15
29.18
29.21
29.23
29.26
29.29
29.32
29.35
29.38
29.41
29.44
29.47
29.50
712.6
713.3
714.1
714.8
715.6
716.3
717.1
717.8
718.6
719.3
720.1
720.8
721.6
722.3
723.1
723.8
724.6
725.3
726.1
726.8
727.6
728.3
729.1
729.8
730.6
731.3
732.1
732.8
733.6
734.3
735.1
735.8
736.6
737.3
738.1
738.8
739.6
740.3
741.1
741.8
742.6
743.3
744.1
744.8
745.6
746.3
747.1
747.8
748.6
749.3
1000
1001
1002
1003
1004
1005
1006
1007
1008
1009
1010
1011
1012
1013
1014
1015
1016
1017
1018
1019
1020
1021
1022
1023
1024
1025
1026
1027
1028
1029
1030
1031
1032
1033
1034
1035
1036
1037
1038
1039
1040
1041
1042
1043
1044
1045
1046
1047
1048
1049
1050
29.53
29.56
29.59
29.62
29.65
29.68
29.71
29.74
29.77
29.80
29.83
29.85
29.88
29.91
29.94
29.97
30.00
30.03
30.06
30.09
30.12
30.15
30.18
30.21
30.24
30.27
30.30
30.33
30.36
30.39
30.42
30.45
30.47
30.50
30.53
30.56
30.59
30.62
30.65
30.68
30.71
30.74
30.77
30.80
30.83
30.86
30.89
30.92
30.95
30.98
31.01
750.1
750.8
751.6
752.3
753.1
753.8
754.6
755.3
756.1
756.8
757.6
758.3
759.1
759.8
760.6
761.3
762.1
762.8
763.6
764.3
765.1
765.8
766.6
767.3
768.1
768.8
769.6
770.3
771.1
771.8
772.6
773.3
774.1
774.8
775.6
776.3
777.1
777.8
778.6
779.3
780.1
780.8
781.6
782.3
783.1
783.8
784.6
785.3
786.1
786.8
787.6
Field Procedures
44
15th Edition, 2013
HYDROLAB QUANTA
Solubility of Oxygen in Fresh Water at Various Temperatures and Pressures
[Solubility shown in milligrams per liter. Values based on published equations by Benson and Krause (1980 and 1984)
°C
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.0
10.5
11.0
11.5
12.0
12.5
13.0
13.5
14.0
14.5
15.0
15.5
16.0
16.5
17.0
17.5
18.0
18.5
19.0
19.5
20.0
20.5
21.0
21.5
22.0
22.5
23.0
23.5
24.0
24.5
25.0
25.5
26.0
26.5
27.0
27.5
28.0
28.5
29.0
29.5
30.0
600
11.5
11.4
11.2
11.1
10.9
10.8
10.6
10.5
10.3
10.2
10.1
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.4
7.3
7.2
7.1
7.1
7.0
6.9
6.9
6.8
6.7
6.7
6.6
6.5
6.5
6.4
6.3
6.3
6.2
6.2
6.1
6.1
6.0
6.0
5.9
605
11.6
11.5
11.3
11.1
11.0
10.8
10.7
10.6
10.4
10.3
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.6
8.5
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.3
7.2
7.1
7.1
7.0
6.9
6.8
6.8
6.7
6.7
6.6
6.5
6.5
6.4
6.3
6.3
6.2
6.2
6.1
6.1
6.0
6.0
Field Procedures
610
11.7
11.6
11.4
11.2
11.1
10.9
10.8
10.6
10.5
10.4
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.3
7.2
7.1
7.0
7.0
6.9
6.8
6.8
6.7
6.6
6.6
6.5
6.5
6.4
6.3
6.3
6.2
6.2
6.1
6.1
6.0
615
11.8
11.7
11.5
11.3
11.2
11.0
10.9
10.7
10.6
10.5
10.3
10.2
10.1
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.2
7.2
7.1
7.0
7.0
6.9
6.8
6.8
6.7
6.6
6.6
6.5
6.5
6.4
6.3
6.3
6.2
6.2
6.1
6.1
620
11.9
11.7
11.6
11.4
11.3
11.1
11.0
10.8
10.7
10.5
10.4
10.3
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.2
7.2
7.1
7.0
7.0
6.9
6.8
6.8
6.7
6.6
6.6
6.5
6.4
6.4
6.3
6.3
6.2
6.2
6.1
625
12.0
11.8
11.7
11.5
11.4
11.2
11.1
10.9
10.8
10.6
10.5
10.3
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.4
7.3
7.2
7.1
7.1
7.0
6.9
6.9
6.8
6.7
6.7
6.6
6.6
6.5
6.4
6.4
6.3
6.3
6.2
6.2
630
12.1
11.9
11.8
11.6
11.4
11.3
11.1
11.0
10.8
10.7
10.6
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.2
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.4
7.3
7.2
7.1
7.1
7.0
6.9
6.9
6.8
6.7
6.7
6.6
6.6
6.5
6.4
6.4
6.3
6.3
6.2
Barometric Pressure (mm Hg)
635 640 645 650 655 660
12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7
12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5
11.9 12.0 12.1 12.1 12.2 12.3
11.7 11.8 11.9 12.0 12.1 12.2
11.5 11.6 11.7 11.8 11.9 12.0
11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 11.7 11.8
11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7
11.1 11.2 11.3 11.3 11.4 11.5
10.9 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4
10.8 10.9 11.0 11.1 11.1 11.2
10.7 10.7 10.8 10.9 11.0 11.1
10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9 10.9
10.4 10.5 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8
10.3 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7
10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.4 10.5
10.0 10.1 10.2 10.2 10.3 10.4
9.9 10.0 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3
9.8 9.8 9.9 10.0 10.1 10.1
9.6 9.7 9.8 9.9 9.9 10.0
9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 9.8 9.9
9.4 9.5 9.6 9.6 9.7 9.8
9.3 9.4 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7
9.2 9.3 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6
9.1 9.2 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.4
9.0 9.1 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.3
8.9 8.9 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.2
8.8 8.8 8.9 9.0 9.1 9.1
8.7 8.8 8.8 8.9 9.0 9.0
8.6 8.7 8.7 8.8 8.9 8.9
8.5 8.6 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.8
8.4 8.5 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.7
8.3 8.4 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.6
8.2 8.3 8.4 8.4 8.5 8.5
8.1 8.2 8.3 8.3 8.4 8.5
8.0 8.1 8.2 8.2 8.3 8.4
8.0 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.2 8.3
7.9 7.9 8.0 8.1 8.1 8.2
7.8 7.9 7.9 8.0 8.0 8.1
7.7 7.8 7.8 7.9 8.0 8.0
7.6 7.7 7.8 7.8 7.9 7.9
7.6 7.6 7.7 7.7 7.8 7.9
7.5 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.7 7.8
7.4 7.5 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.7
7.3 7.4 7.5 7.5 7.6 7.6
7.3 7.3 7.4 7.4 7.5 7.6
7.2 7.3 7.3 7.4 7.4 7.5
7.1 7.2 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.4
7.1 7.1 7.2 7.2 7.3 7.3
7.0 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.2 7.3
6.9 7.0 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.2
6.9 6.9 7.0 7.0 7.1 7.1
6.8 6.9 6.9 7.0 7.0 7.1
6.7 6.8 6.8 6.9 7.0 7.0
6.7 6.7 6.8 6.8 6.9 6.9
6.6 6.7 6.7 6.8 6.8 6.9
6.6 6.6 6.7 6.7 6.8 6.8
6.5 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.7 6.8
6.4 6.5 6.5 6.6 6.6 6.7
6.4 6.4 6.5 6.5 6.6 6.6
6.3 6.4 6.4 6.5 6.5 6.6
6.3 6.3 6.4 6.4 6.5 6.5
45
665
12.8
12.6
12.4
12.3
12.1
11.9
11.8
11.6
11.5
11.3
11.2
11.0
10.9
10.7
10.6
10.5
10.3
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.3
7.2
7.1
7.1
7.0
6.9
6.9
6.8
6.8
6.7
6.6
6.6
670
12.9
12.7
12.5
12.4
12.2
12.0
11.9
11.7
11.5
11.4
11.2
11.1
11.0
10.8
10.7
10.6
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.1
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.2
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.3
7.2
7.1
7.1
7.0
6.9
6.9
6.8
6.7
6.7
6.6
675
13.0
12.8
12.6
12.4
12.3
12.1
11.9
11.8
11.6
11.5
11.3
11.2
11.0
10.9
10.8
10.6
10.5
10.4
10.3
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.4
7.3
7.2
7.2
7.1
7.0
7.0
6.9
6.9
6.8
6.7
6.7
680
13.1
12.9
12.7
12.5
12.4
12.2
12.0
11.9
11.7
11.6
11.4
11.3
11.1
11.0
10.8
10.7
10.6
10.5
10.3
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.4
7.3
7.2
7.2
7.1
7.0
7.0
6.9
6.8
6.8
6.7
685
13.2
13.0
12.8
12.6
12.5
12.3
12.1
12.0
11.8
11.7
11.5
11.4
11.2
11.1
10.9
10.8
10.7
10.5
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.4
7.3
7.2
7.2
7.1
7.0
7.0
6.9
6.8
6.8
690
13.3
13.1
12.9
12.7
12.5
12.4
12.2
12.1
11.9
11.7
11.6
11.4
11.3
11.1
11.0
10.9
10.7
10.6
10.5
10.4
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.2
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.3
7.2
7.1
7.1
7.0
7.0
6.9
6.8
695
13.4
13.2
13.0
12.8
12.6
12.5
12.3
12.1
12.0
11.8
11.7
11.5
11.4
11.2
11.1
11.0
10.8
10.7
10.6
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.3
7.2
7.1
7.1
7.0
6.9
6.9
15th Edition, 2013
HYDROLAB QUANTA
°C
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.0
10.5
11.0
11.5
12.0
12.5
13.0
13.5
14.0
14.5
15.0
15.5
16.0
16.5
17.0
17.5
18.0
18.5
19.0
19.5
20.0
20.5
21.0
21.5
22.0
22.5
23.0
23.5
24.0
24.5
25.0
25.5
26.0
26.5
27.0
27.5
28.0
28.5
29.0
29.5
30.0
700
13.5
13.3
13.1
12.9
12.7
12.6
12.4
12.2
12.1
11.9
11.8
11.6
11.5
11.3
11.2
11.0
10.9
10.8
10.6
10.5
10.4
10.3
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.3
7.2
7.1
7.1
7.0
6.9
705
13.6
13.4
13.2
13.0
12.8
12.6
12.5
12.3
12.2
12.0
11.8
11.7
11.5
11.4
11.3
11.1
11.0
10.8
10.7
10.6
10.5
10.3
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.4
7.3
7.2
7.2
7.1
7.0
7.0
710
13.7
13.5
13.3
13.1
12.9
12.7
12.6
12.4
12.2
12.1
11.9
11.8
11.6
11.5
11.3
11.2
11.1
10.9
10.8
10.7
10.5
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.1
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.2
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.4
7.3
7.2
7.2
7.1
7.0
715
13.8
13.6
13.4
13.2
13.0
12.8
12.7
12.5
12.3
12.2
12.0
11.9
11.7
11.6
11.4
11.3
11.1
11.0
10.9
10.7
10.6
10.5
10.4
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.3
7.2
7.2
7.1
720
13.8
13.7
13.5
13.3
13.1
12.9
12.7
12.6
12.4
12.3
12.1
11.9
11.8
11.6
11.5
11.4
11.2
11.1
10.9
10.8
10.7
10.6
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.3
7.2
7.1
725
13.9
13.7
13.6
13.4
13.2
13.0
12.8
12.7
12.5
12.3
12.2
12.0
11.9
11.7
11.6
11.4
11.3
11.2
11.0
10.9
10.8
10.6
10.5
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.3
7.2
730
14.0
13.8
13.7
13.5
13.3
13.1
12.9
12.8
12.6
12.4
12.3
12.1
12.0
11.8
11.7
11.5
11.4
11.2
11.1
11.0
10.8
10.7
10.6
10.5
10.3
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.2
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.4
7.3
7.2
Barometric Pressure (mm Hg)
735 740 745 750 755 760
14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6
13.9 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4
13.7 13.8 13.9 14.0 14.1 14.2
13.6 13.6 13.7 13.8 13.9 14.0
13.4 13.5 13.6 13.6 13.7 13.8
13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.6
13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5
12.8 12.9 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3
12.7 12.8 12.8 12.9 13.0 13.1
12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8 12.9 12.9
12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8
12.2 12.3 12.4 12.4 12.5 12.6
12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.4
11.9 12.0 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3
11.7 11.8 11.9 12.0 12.1 12.1
11.6 11.7 11.8 11.8 11.9 12.0
11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 11.8 11.8
11.3 11.4 11.5 11.5 11.6 11.7
11.2 11.3 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6
11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.3 11.4
10.9 11.0 11.1 11.1 11.2 11.3
10.8 10.9 10.9 11.0 11.1 11.2
10.7 10.7 10.8 10.9 11.0 11.0
10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.8 10.9
10.4 10.5 10.6 10.6 10.7 10.8
10.3 10.4 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7
10.2 10.3 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.5
10.1 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.4
10.0 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.2 10.3
9.9 9.9 10.0 10.1 10.1 10.2
9.7 9.8 9.9 9.9 10.0 10.1
9.6 9.7 9.8 9.8 9.9 10.0
9.5 9.6 9.7 9.7 9.8 9.9
9.4 9.5 9.6 9.6 9.7 9.8
9.3 9.4 9.5 9.5 9.6 9.7
9.2 9.3 9.4 9.4 9.5 9.6
9.1 9.2 9.3 9.3 9.4 9.5
9.1 9.1 9.2 9.2 9.3 9.4
9.0 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.2 9.3
8.9 8.9 9.0 9.1 9.1 9.2
8.8 8.8 8.9 9.0 9.0 9.1
8.7 8.8 8.8 8.9 8.9 9.0
8.6 8.7 8.7 8.8 8.9 8.9
8.5 8.6 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.8
8.4 8.5 8.6 8.6 8.7 8.7
8.4 8.4 8.5 8.5 8.6 8.7
8.3 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.5 8.6
8.2 8.3 8.3 8.4 8.4 8.5
8.1 8.2 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.4
8.1 8.1 8.2 8.2 8.3 8.3
8.0 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.2 8.3
7.9 8.0 8.0 8.1 8.1 8.2
7.8 7.9 7.9 8.0 8.1 8.1
7.8 7.8 7.9 7.9 8.0 8.0
7.7 7.8 7.8 7.9 7.9 8.0
7.6 7.7 7.7 7.8 7.8 7.9
7.6 7.6 7.7 7.7 7.8 7.8
7.5 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.7 7.8
7.4 7.5 7.5 7.6 7.6 7.7
7.4 7.4 7.5 7.5 7.6 7.6
7.3 7.4 7.4 7.5 7.5 7.6
765
14.7
14.5
14.3
14.1
13.9
13.7
13.6
13.4
13.2
13.0
12.9
12.7
12.5
12.4
12.2
12.1
11.9
11.8
11.6
11.5
11.4
11.2
11.1
11.0
10.8
10.7
10.6
10.5
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.2
8.1
8.0
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.7
7.6
770
14.8
14.6
14.4
14.2
14.0
13.8
13.6
13.5
13.3
13.1
12.9
12.8
12.6
12.5
12.3
12.1
12.0
11.9
11.7
11.6
11.4
11.3
11.2
11.0
10.9
10.8
10.7
10.6
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.7
775
14.9
14.7
14.5
14.3
14.1
13.9
13.7
13.5
13.4
13.2
13.0
12.9
12.7
12.5
12.4
12.2
12.1
11.9
11.8
11.7
11.5
11.4
11.2
11.1
11.0
10.9
10.7
10.6
10.5
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.8
7.7
780
15.0
14.8
14.6
14.4
14.2
14.0
13.8
13.6
13.5
13.3
13.1
12.9
12.8
12.6
12.5
12.3
12.2
12.0
11.9
11.7
11.6
11.5
11.3
11.2
11.1
10.9
10.8
10.7
10.6
10.5
10.4
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.0
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.8
785
15.1
14.9
14.7
14.5
14.3
14.1
13.9
13.7
13.5
13.4
13.2
13.0
12.9
12.7
12.5
12.4
12.2
12.1
11.9
11.8
11.7
11.5
11.4
11.3
11.1
11.0
10.9
10.8
10.6
10.5
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.2
8.1
8.0
8.0
7.9
7.8
790
15.2
15.0
14.8
14.6
14.4
14.2
14.0
13.8
13.6
13.5
13.3
13.1
12.9
12.8
12.6
12.5
12.3
12.2
12.0
11.9
11.7
11.6
11.5
11.3
11.2
11.1
11.0
10.8
10.7
10.6
10.5
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.1
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.8
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.4
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.1
8.0
7.9
7.9
795
15.3
15.1
14.9
14.7
14.5
14.3
14.1
13.9
13.7
13.5
13.4
13.2
13.0
12.9
12.7
12.5
12.4
12.2
12.1
12.0
11.8
11.7
11.5
11.4
11.3
11.2
11.0
10.9
10.8
10.7
10.6
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.1
10.0
9.9
9.8
9.7
9.6
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.2
9.1
9.0
8.9
8.8
8.7
8.7
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.3
8.3
8.2
8.1
8.1
8.0
7.9
Results from DOTABLES program at http://water.usgs.gov/software/DOTABLES/
Table generated Thursday 16-Feb-2012 11:34 EST
Field Procedures
46
15th Edition, 2013
FLOW
The main procedure described here primarily follows the discharge measurement procedure
described in the 1994 TFW Ambient Monitoring Program (Schuett-Hames et al., 1994). Some
modifications were suggested by the Washington State Department of Ecology or based on
Ecology’s protocol (Kardouni 2011). The later 1999 TFW protocol calls for more cells and longer
velocity averages, but Streamkeepers’ technical advisors consider the 1994 TFW protocols to have
adequate accuracy for our program purposes.
NOTE: Zero flows are important data; if you can’t measure flow, indicate one of the following:
• No water visible.
• Water in pockets only.
• Water in channel, but no apparent flow.
• Water flowing in channel, but level and/or velocity are too low to measure—in this case, record
the wetted width and deepest depth that the flow rod can get to.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
but in other cases they are separate
monuments. (Check your reach maps, team
leader, or program staff for more information.)
If your site has such monuments, use them. If
it does not, you should pick the best spot on
that day:
• The ideal site would be at least 5’ across, at
least 3” deep, and have water that is flowing
straight and not turbulently at ≥ 1 ft/sec.
• If you can’t find an ideal site (as is likely to
happen with smaller streams in the
summer), find or create a site where the
water is at least 3” deep and moving at ≥
0.5 ft/sec. (I.e., compromise on width if
you have to.) You can “create” such a site
by making temporary “peninsulas” on the
sides of the creek to concentrate the flow,
using rocks/gravel/sand, or the sandbags in
your field kit.
• Look for variations in the amount of water
you see flowing along the length of your
reach, and measure at a spot where the
flow is maximized and not running
underground.
• A suitable site should not have sidechannels, undercut banks, or flow
obstructions such as boulders, logs, or
aquatic vegetation. If a few large rocks are
in the way, you can move them about six
feet downstream.
• You may walk outside your reach IF no
water leaves or enters the stream in
between.
Velocity meter and staff (main instructions are
for Swoffer 2100; special instructions for MarshMcBirney 2000 are at the end of this section)
flexible measuring tape in 0.1’ increments
2 stakes
pocket calculator
timepiece
sand-bags and ties, small shovel
extra batteries (Swoffer: 9V; M-M: 2 D’s)
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
In this procedure, you will measure depth and
velocity at 15-20 points across your stream.
Back at the office, we will use your
measurements to calculate the amount of water
that the stream is discharging, recorded in
cubic feet per second (“cfs”). For informational
purposes, to better understand how discharge
is calculated, see the illustration on the last
page of this protocol. This procedure is best
performed by two people: one taking
measurements and the other recording.
When to measure: Generally, you’ll measure
flow each time you monitor each reach. If
possible, wait until a day or two after major
storms, to give the stream time to return to its
baseflow. Also keep safety in mind—think twice
about going into water above your knees.
Where to measure: Streamkeepers has
established permanent flow monitoring markers
at some of its monitoring reaches. In many
cases they are the cross-section monuments,
Field Procedures
47
15th Edition, 2013
FLOW
2. Take the “PRIMARY” rotor/propeller bag from
the “treasure box” in your kit. Record the
rotor number, calibration number, and
calibration date on your data sheet.
SWOFFER 2100 STAFF:
(2) For 6/10 depth
setting, bring this 0.5
ft. mark…
down to top of slide
fitting…
(1) Read depth
here (in this
case, 0.50 ft.)
.
PREPARING THE METER AND STAFF
1. While still on dry land, remove the velocity
meter staff from its plastic-pipe case (see
picture). Move the moveable rod up slightly.
(Loosen or tighten the black knob on the slide
fitting at the top, so that the sliding rod moves
snugly.) At the bottom of the moveable rod is a
boom that swivels. Swivel the boom to the 90°
position. Take the orange protective cap from
the boom and put it in your pocket.
Field Procedures
48
3. Take the rotor/prop unit out of the bag. Make
sure the number etched into the side of the unit
is the same as that on the bag. If not, check
the other bag, or write down the numbers on
both the bag and the unit. Make sure the
knurled nut on the end is snug. Then perform a
hand-spin test: Hold the unit vertically by the
steel rotor shaft with the prop facing up, and
give a super-fast spin to the nut on top of the
prop by “snapping” your fingers. If you hear a
buzz, the rotor needs to be replaced—switch to
the “SPARE” and return to Step 2. IF ANY
ROTOR FAILS THE HAND-SPIN TEST, NOTE IT
ON THE DATA SHEET AND INFORM THE
PROGRAM MANAGERS UPON RETURNING THE
EQUIPMENT. On your data sheet, mark the
results of the test for the rotor you used.
4. Insert the rotor/prop assembly into the sensor
boom on the staff. Use the 1/16” Allen wrench
from the same bag as the rotor/prop to tighten
the tiny set screw at the tip of the boom, just
enough so that the rotor/prop assembly cannot
be pulled off of the boom, plus a tiny bit extra.
The prop should spin freely. Put the Allen
wrench in your pocket.
5. Connect the cables on the meter and staff. The
connector is “keyed” and only mates one way,
so be very careful that you are aligning the
connector ends properly. Push the
connector ends together, and then twist
clockwise until the connector clicks into the lock
position.
6. Switch to the “CALIBRATE” position. The
display should read the same calibration number
as that given for the primary rotor/prop
assembly. If the number is not the same but is
within 10%, proceed—the computer will
compensate for the difference. If the difference
is >10%, try a fresh battery (see “Meter
Troubleshooting” at the end of this section), and
if that doesn’t work, start over with the spare
rotor/prop. Record the meter calibration
number on your data sheet.
7. Perform a count test: Rotate the switch to the
“COUNT” position. Turn the prop slowly and
confirm that the count increases by one for
every quarter-turn of the prop. If not, try a
fresh battery. On your data sheet, mark the
results of the count test.
15th Edition, 2013
FLOW
8. Perform a blow-spin test: Hold the rotor/prop
assembly with the prop facing up, and blow a
strong, steady, sustained breath of air to give
the 3” prop a chance to overcome inertia. (If
you are using an older 2” prop, use a short hard
puff.) Right after you stop blowing, hit the
“RESET” button on the meter and allow the
rotor to coast to a stop. If the count is less than
300 consistently or if the prop stops abruptly
instead of coasting slowly to a halt, try to:
• Back off slightly on the set-screw, or
• Take apart the rotor, rinse it in clean water
and try again, or
• Switch to the “SPARE” and return to Step 2.
On your data sheet, record the results of the
blow-spin test for the rotor you use. IF ANY
ROTOR FAILS THE BLOW-SPIN TEST, INFORM
THE PROGRAM MANAGERS UPON RETURNING
THE EQUIPMENT.
9. When satisfied that the flow meter is operating
correctly, turn the switch “OFF”.
MEASURING FLOW
1. Record on your data sheet:
a) the time, and
b) the bank you’ll be starting at (NOTE: left
and right are always facing downstream).
2. Determine the nominal interval for your
measurements:
a) At the point where you have decided to
measure flow, stretch a tape across and
above the wetted portion of the stream
channel perpendicular to the direction of
flow. (This may not be exactly perpendicular
to the stream banks.) Use spring clamps to
secure the tape around vegetation, large
rocks, or stakes.
b) On your data sheet, note the tape readings
for the wetted edges to the nearest 0.1’.
Calculate and record the wetted width of the
stream by subtracting one wetted edge from
the other. Divide the wetted width by 10 to
find the MAXIMIUM INTERVAL and record it
on the data sheet. Do not exceed the
MAXIMIUM INTERVAL between
measurements even outside of the “propturning” portion (see below).
c) Determine the area along this line where the
prop turns—i.e., don’t include portions
where the stream is too shallow or the water
isn’t moving. (This must be at least 0.1 inch
inside of the wetted edges you have
Field Procedures
49
recorded.) On your data sheet, note the
distances on the tape corresponding to the
edges of the “prop-turning” portion.
Calculate and record the “prop-turning”
width on the data sheet by subtracting one
from the other.
d) On your data sheet, divide this “prop-turning
distance” by 20, then round UP any decimals
to the nearest tenth of a foot. This will give
you an average interval that will yield 15-20
measuring-point cells across the “propturning” area.
(For example, if the area is 12.2’ wide,
12.2’/20 = 0.61’. If you round UP to 0.7’,
you will have about 12.2/0.7 or 17 cells.)
NOTE: The MINIMIUM INTERVAL distance
is 0.3’, regardless of what you rounded up
to. So in a creek smaller than 4.5’ across,
you’ll have fewer than 15 cells.
3. Zero readings at wetted edges: At both
wetted edges (see above), you’ll need to record
the tape reading in the first and last blank in the
flow data table; the depth and velocity (both
zero) have already been recorded on the data
sheet for you. If the bank is undercut (try to
avoid this!), you’ll have to estimate how far back
the water goes. (You can do this by putting a
stick into the undercut and then measuring this
distance on the stick.)
4. Proper stance: Put the velocity meter’s strap
around your neck and enter the stream
downstream of the tape. When taking
measurements, stand with the wading rod at
arm’s length and your feet upstream and
downstream of each other, off to the side of
where the water flows past the rod. You will be
facing upstream at about a 45° angle. Hold the
rod so the propeller faces into the flow.
5. Intervals for measurements: Your nominal
interval will be the one you calculated on your
data sheet. However, your actual intervals
should be:
•
larger in non-prop-turning areas or places
where water depth or velocity are relatively
small or uniform
smaller in places where water depth or
velocity are relatively large or are changing
rapidly
Intervals should be:
• no greater than 1/10 the wetted width of the
stream (MAXIMIUM INTERVAL)
•
15th Edition, 2013
FLOW
of the prop (see sketch).
• no smaller than 0.3’ (MINIMIUM INTERVAL)
You need to take readings even in non-propturning areas, where you’ll just record distance,
depth, and in the velocity field either: “insf/d”
for insufficient depth, “insf/v” for insufficient
If it does not, then rotate the rod to one side
or the other, until the prop faces directly into
the current with the tell-tail straight out
behind it (see sketch below). Take your
measurement with the prop turned into the
current at this angle.
velocity or “insf/dv” for both (see “LowVelocity Conditions” below).
BE SURE TO TAKE READINGS 0.3’ TO
EITHER SIDE OF “PROP-TURNING” EDGES,
unless those edges are right next to the
wetted edges.
6. Taking readings—general procedure for
water between 0.3 and 2 feet deep:
a. Set the rod on the stream bottom and record
the tape reading on your data sheet, to the
nearest tenth of a foot.
b. Adjust the moveable rod as needed to set
the tip of the prop at water level. The staff
should be vertical, which you can determine
by briefly letting go of it. Read the stream
depth from the large scale on the moveable
rod, at the point where it enters the top of
the slide fitting. (See picture earlier in this
section.) Note that the scale reads
downward, intervals are in tenths of a foot,
and foot-marks are triple lines. Record the
water depth from the staff, to the nearest
hundredth of a foot. (You will have to
estimate between the 0.1’ markings on the
staff.)
Estimate, to the nearest 10°, the angle you
rotated the rod, and record it on the data
sheet. (It doesn’t matter whether you
rotated the rod left or right—just record the
number of degrees you had to rotate it.) If
you did not need to rotate it at all, write 0.
(If the stream flow were completely reversed
at your point of measurement, i.e. flowing
back upstream, and you had to turn the rod
completely around, you would record an
angle of 180°.)
c. Place the prop at 6/10 the distance from the
water surface to the stream bottom. You
can do this easily by lowering the moveable
rod until the top of the slide fitting matches
the marking for your stream depth on the
smaller rod. For example, if your depth is
0.4 feet, slide the rod down to the fourth
notch on the smaller rod. (Exception: do
not go so far that the prop hits the stream
bottom.)
NOTE: If the water is turbid and you can’t
see the tell-tail, you should be able to feel
the “sweet spot” where the current isn’t
trying to push the rod to either the left or
right. Then compare the angle you see on
the double-rod to the angle of the overall
current.
d. The tell-tail
(piece of colored
twine attached
to the back of
the prop/rotor
fitting) will
ordinarily point
downstream in
line with the axis
Field Procedures
e. Turn the meter switch to “DISPLAY
AVERAGING” (between the Min and Max
settings). Press and release the RESET
button to zero the display. After
approximately 25 seconds, the meter will
display a velocity. Record this reading in the
“velocity” column on your data sheet.
f.
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Proceed across the stream, taking your
readings, ending at the far wetted edge.
15th Edition, 2013
FLOW
g. If any velocity reading is different by a factor
of 2 than the previous one, the recorder
should ask the sampler to confirm that
reading.
h. COMMON SENSE & FLOW READINGS: Use
your common sense to consider whether the
velocity on the meter jibes with how fast the
water seems to be moving. Certain
conditions can cause the meter to mis-read.
If you doubt a reading, take another, then a
third to confirm. If possible, record all of
these data points along with an explanation
of which ones you think should be ignored,
and why. If problems persist, see the
“Troubleshooting” section later in this
protocol.
i. In the “Sampler’s Initials” box to the right of
the data boxes, put all the initials of one
sampler taking responsibility for the data,
which will generally be the person with the
most experience or knowledge.
j. Recheck the meter calibration number
(switch to “CALIBRATE”). If the number has
changed, record the new number alongside
the first number on your data sheet.
k. Turn the meter off when finished taking
readings, and see storage and transport
instructions at the end of this section.
7. Procedure for water >2 feet deep: First,
seriously consider whether it’s safe for you to be
in the stream! If you’re sure it is (you’ll need
chest waders), you will need to take two velocity
and angle measurements, at 2/10 & 8/10 of
total depth. To do this:
a. Put slashes across the velocity and angle
boxes, to make room for the two readings
you will take.
b. For the 2/10-of-depth reading, take the
depth you measured and multiply it by 0.2,
then lower the rotor assembly by this
amount on the larger rod. An easy way to
calculate this in your head is to double the
depth number and move the decimal one
place to the left. For example, if your depth
shows 2.8, doubled is 5.6, and moving the
decimal left makes it 0.56. You would drop
the rotor assembly by this amount on the
larger rod scale to 2.24 (i.e., 2.8 minus .56).
Record velocity and angle at this point, as
described above.
c. For the 8/10-of-depth reading, drop the
rotor to 0.2 of the water’s depth, the same
Field Procedures
number you calculated above. Move the slide
fitting to that point on the large rod. In the
example above, the rotor would drop to 0.56
feet. Record velocity and angle at this point,
as described above.
8. Procedures for low-velocity conditions:
a. If at a given measuring point, the water isn’t
moving fast enough to turn the prop, write
“insf/v” (“insufficient velocity”) on the data
sheet.
b. If the prop turns, but erratically, measure
the velocity a second time. If the difference
is <20%, keep the first reading. If the
difference is >20%, take a third reading,
and record the average of all three.
9. Procedure for water <0.3 feet deep: For
very shallow water, don’t worry about the depth
at which you set the prop—put it at any depth
where the prop will turn. Record distance,
water depth, and velocity as usual. (Note if the
prop is partway out of the water.) However, if
the shallowness is clearly impacting your
velocity measurements, try one of the
alternative low flow methods on the next page
suggested by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
(Perry, 2003).
10. Gunk on the prop: If there is a lot of organic
matter in the stream (particularly filamentous
algae and particulates), you may find the prop
becoming impeded and turning erratically or not
at all. The rotor/prop unit may have become
dirty inside. Take off the rotor/prop unit using
the 1/16” Allen wrench and try rinsing it in clean
water or squirting clean water up the rotor
shaft. If that doesn’t help, unscrew the knurled
knob, remove the rotor shaft, and gently clean
both it and the bore hole in clean water. You
may have to do this several times in certain
conditions.
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ALTERNATE LOW-FLOW PROCEDURES
determination can be made in the office as
whether to apply a correction factor.)
BUCKET METHOD: If you can capture the
flow (from a culvert or waterfall) in a bucket or
other container, simply time how many seconds
it takes to fill it. Record 3 reps, and then record
the average. Measure the volume of the
container and convert to cu. ft. (128 oz. = 1
gal. = 0.134 cu. ft.). Record the results with
every step labeled clearly so office staff can
verify the results.
STREAM GAGES: Your stream may have a
water-level gage installed on it, or we may be
able to install one if you’re willing to do the legwork. Over the course of time, dual readings
from both the flow meter and gage yield a
formula that enables us to estimate discharge
simply by reading the gage. (We also have to
calibrate the gage by periodically making dual
readings and measuring the channel cross
section.)
ONE-POINT “HYDRAULIC” METHOD: Find
or create a small ditch that confines the water,
using rocks or sandbags as needed, creating a
section as rectangular in cross-section as
possible, a few feet long if possible, and deep
enough to submerge the prop of the meter.
(Also ensure you’re measuring at a spot where
significant amounts of water aren’t flowing
under the gravel; you may have to walk several
hundred yards to determine this.) Then:
If you have a gage at your site, simply record
the water height and units on your flow field
sheet. Read the gage both before and after
measuring flow, if possible.
Please see Streamkeepers staff if you think a
gage is or can be installed near your reach.
FLOATING-OBJECT METHOD: This method
will produce an estimate of flow when other
methods aren’t available (Murdoch et al. 1996):
1. Find one good spot for a velocity reading:
a) halfway between the upstream and
downstream ends of your ditch;
b) at a place where the tell-tail points
straight back; and
c) at halfway depth.
If the prop does not turn freely at this point,
try to find a spot at which it does.
2. Take a velocity measurement at that point:
set the meter to "Velocity/Max,” take 3
readings, record and average them. (If you
still can’t get the prop to work, estimate the
velocity by marking off the length of your
ditch and floating a small twig down its
length ten times. Divide the number of feet
by the average number of seconds to get
the velocity [all to the nearest tenth].)
3. Measure and record the channel depth and
width at the spot you measured.
4. Multiply Velocity x Depth x Width and round
to the nearest tenth or else to the first digit
with an actual number (e.g., .04 or .003).
This is your flow measure. (Note: this
method is a way to estimate flow under
poor conditions and does not account for
friction so it may result in an overstated flow
value. Provide all relevant information so a
Field Procedures
1. Find a place with the most even flow and
flat bottom.
2. Mark off a 10-ft course.
3. Throwing twigs in above the starting
line, then time them from start to finish.
4. Throw them in at multiple places across
the creek to get an average time.
5. Divide ten by the average time to get the
average velocity in ft/sec.
6. Estimate average depth & width to get a
cross-sectional area.
7. Multiply the above by a 0.9 friction
coefficient for a smooth-bottomed
stream or 0.8 for bottoms with rocks or
plants.
8. Round to two significant figures
(probably one decimal place).
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MONITORING FLOW BETWEEN SESSIONS
b) Examine the cords and connectors for
wetness, bad connections, or any other
obvious problems, taking corrective action
where possible.
c) Try taking the battery out from the back
panel, checking for wetness or corrosion,
and putting it back in if it looks okay.
Sometimes this simple step can reset the
circuits. If this doesn’t work, try replacing
the battery.
d) Try the blow test again. If it fails, you can
either take apart the rotor and rinse all the
parts, or switch to the spare rotor.
e) IF YOU CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE
DIFFICULTIES, NOTE THE NATURE OF
THE PROBLEMS ON THE DATA SHEET AND
DISCONTINUE FLOW MONITORING.
INFORM PROGRAM STAFF UPON
RETURNING THE EQUIPMENT.
You might want to measure flow between
quarterly monitoring sessions, to learn more
about extreme high and low flows in a stream,
or about how flow changes during a storm.
Therefore, if…
you want to perform additional flow
sampling,
•
a field kit is available,
•
it is SAFE to monitor, and
•
you have a team of at least two,
…you are welcome to borrow a field kit and
data sheet at any time.
•
METER TROUBLESHOOTING
1. If the meter falls in the water, open the
battery compartment on the back as soon as
possible by twisting the set screws loose by
hand. Dry the battery terminals and cable
connections, and let the compartment air dry
as much as possible before replacing the
cover. Hand-tighten the set screws.
2. If the prop isn’t spinning freely:
a) You may be at a spot in the stream with
no current (or almost none). A sign of this
would be that the tell-tail is drooping. If
the tell-tail is pointing to the side, you may
need to rotate the staff to face into the
current.
b) If the tell-tail indicates current and the
prop isn’t spinning, try the “Gunk on the
prop” cleaning procedure described earlier.
c) Try the hand-spin and blow-spin tests
again. If a test fails, switch to the spare
prop and start the flow measurement
procedure over again from the beginning.
Note problems and how you dealt with
them on your data sheet.
3. If the velocity readings appear inconsistent or
illogical as you’re proceeding across the
stream, try the following fixes and test them
by turning the meter to “Count” and letting
the prop turn in the stream; the numbers
shouldn’t skip or stop (unless the current is
very slow).
a) Try turning the meter on and off again.
Sometimes this will reset the circuits.
Field Procedures
TIPS FOR DATA RECORDING
1. Write legibly and be sure to record the data in
the units and number of decimal places called
for on the data sheet.
2. The data recorder should repeat
measurements back out loud to the flow
sampler to avoid mistakes.
3. The data recorder should be alert for
inconsistencies in the progression of the
numbers and bring any suspect sudden
changes to the attention of the flow sampler
for verification and resampling if necessary.
4. Use common sense when recording readings.
If the water appears to be moving faster or
slower than the meter is reading, consider
going over the METER TROUBLESHOOTING
steps in the prior section.
5. Zero Flow – describe conditions carefully.
Refer to grab sample protocol
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METER STORAGE AND TRANSPORT
1. When swiveling the boom mechanism, always
hold it by its base and not by the rotor
assembly.
2. NEVER transport the staff with the rotor/prop
attached. Take off the rotor assembly, and
replace the orange protective cap between
sites. Return rotor/prop unit and Allen wrench
to the treasure box. If you are going to
another monitoring reach that day, you can
keep the rotor/prop and Allen wrench in your
pocket.
3. DO NOT wrap the cord around the wand
before storing in the plastic tube to avoid
causing shorts in the electrical cables. The
preferred method of storage is to place the
wand in the tube “head” first and drop the
cord down inside when the wand is about
halfway in, then insert the rest of the wand
with the “foot” part at the top and the tell-tail
tucked under so it does not get frayed.
4. At the end of each monitoring day, always be
sure to remove the rotor/prop assembly and
store staff, meter, rotor/prop assembly,
protective cap and Allen wrench in their
proper places. If possible, dry these parts
with the rags in your field kit before storing.
MEASURING RIVER/STREAM STAGE
At sites with stage-gages (rulers mounted in the
stream to a post or pier), record the stage, both
before and after measuring flow, below the flowcell data on the data sheet. In some cases, stage
is measured by simply measuring the water level
at some monumented point, or by measuring topdown from a set point (such as the top inside
diameter of a culvert), in which case the value
would be a negative number. Check the site
description to see how to measure stage there.
Indicate the method used on the data sheet.
Field Procedures
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Measuring Velocity
Marsh-McBirney® Model 2000
(adapted from WA Dept. of Ecology—Kardouni 2011)
NOTE: Ecology’s Stream Hydrology Unit (SHU)
does not use Marsh-McBirney meters nor
recommend their use. Ferrous metals can corrupt
the electromagnetic field within which the meter
measures velocity, and it is extremely difficult if
not impossible to determine when, where, and to
what extent the field is altered. (Casey Clishe,
SHU, personal communication May 2013). Given
this situation, it might be particularly problematic
using the M-M meter to measure the flow in or
near a steel culvert.
The Marsh-McBirney® 2000 consists of a
transducer probe, cable, and signal processor.
The probe emits an electromagnetic frequency
used to measure velocity. The Marsh-McBirney®
wading rod has an adapter capable of holding the
transducer probe.
•
Attach transducer probe to wading rod.
•
Turn meter on.
•
If units indicated are not FT/S, toggle
between to FT/S by pressing the On and Off
keys simultaneously.
•
Meter is already set to Fixed Point averaging
(FPA) of 30 seconds.
•
The wading rod should be set to the
appropriate depth—see the “Taking Readings”
section earlier in this protocol.
•
Place the probe in the stream with the round
end of the sensor facing upstream.
•
The time bar provides an indication as to the
amount of time left until the display is
updated. Wait for the appropriate time delay
and then record the stream velocity.
Handling: The transducer probe’s
instrumentation is fragile; protect the probe from
bumping.
Factory calibration: The meter should be sent
to the factory for calibration at least once a year.
The factory calibration report will indicate meter
bias prior to calibration, which can be used to
qualify data as needed.
Questions? Refer to the manual, in the same
bag with the meter.
Zeroing the meter: To ensure accurate
measurements, zero the meter at least once a
week during use; however, it is preferable to zero
it at the beginning and end of each day of use.
First clean the sensor, because a thin film of oil
on the electrodes can cause noisy readings. Then
place the sensor in a five gallon plastic bucket of
water, keeping it at least three inches away from
the sides and bottom of the bucket. To make sure
the water is not moving, wait 10 or 15 minutes
after you have positioned the sensor before
taking any zero readings. Use a filter value of 5
seconds. Zero stability is ± 0.05 ft/sec.
•
To initiate the zero start sequence, press the
STO and RCL keys at the same time. You will
see the number 3 on the display.
•
Decrement to zero with the 6 key.
•
The number 32 will be displayed.
•
The unit will decrement itself to zero and turn
off. The unit is now zeroed.
Field Procedures
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How Flow is Calculated using TFW protocols
Streamkeepers flow abbreviation definitions
LBWE = Left Bank wetted edge of dry land.
RBWE = Right Bank wetted edge of dry land.
WW = Wetted width; the difference between wetted edges.
Max∆ = MAXIMUM INTERVAL; 1/10th the wetted width.
LBPT = Tape measurement at LB "prop-turning" edge.
RBPT = Tape measurement at RB "prop-turning" edge.
PTW = "Prop-turning" width; the difference between "prop-turning" edges.
Nom∆ = NOMINAL INTERVAL; the "prop-turning" width divided by 20.
Insf/d = Insufficient depth, water too shallow for prop to turn.
Insf/v = Insufficient velocity, water too slow for prop to turn.
Field Procedures
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PHOTOS
SUMMER PHOTOS
EQUIPMENT NEEDED—BASIC
•
•
•
•
(See sample photo log below)
camera with SD card and charged battery
photo log on data sheet or in camera case
knowledge of position of “zero-point”
(central monitoring point) or cross-section
transect for your reach, from your handdrawn map, written description, or verbal
instructions
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
1. Make sure the date is right on the camera—
if not, fix it (see “Camera Use”).
2. If you aren’t doing physical habitat
measurements at this site, take photos
upstream and downstream from your site’s
“zero point” (central monitoring point), from
mid-channel.
3. If you are doing physical habitat
measurements at the site, do the following:
EXTRA EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR
PHYSICAL HABITAT SUITE
(Optional as of 2005):
•
•
•
•
a) Leave the Cross Section tape, string, and
bankfull flagging still attached.
Cross Section tape and string still stretched
across stream
2nd 100-foot tape, to stretch along baseline
flagging tape, stakes
Large Woody Debris and Erosion/Revetment
protocols
b) Stretch a tape along your baseline.
Refer to your hand-drawn reach map or
written description of zero-point location
and compass bearing if necessary.
c) Photograph:
Photos provide a visual record of stream and
riparian features which are archived in the
Clallam County Water Resources database.
Streamkeepers’ protocols call for different types
of photos during the different quarterly
monitoring sessions. Volunteers are also
welcome to take additional photos at any time.
i) The entire width of the cross-section
transect, with three pieces of flagging
tape hanging from the string, taken
from downstream at mid-channel
(this may require more than one
photo). On the photo log, indicate
how many feet the photographer is
standing down-stream of the crosssection line.
The camera is fully automatic, including
exposure, focus, and fill-in flash. In rainy
weather, keep the camera in your shirt pocket
or close to your body to minimize fogging. For
more camera instructions, see the “Camera
Use” section.
ii) Photos of where lbfull and rbfull were
located, showing the entire bank with
a flagged stake at the bankfull point.
iii) Views upstream and downstream
from the cross-section line, from midchannel.
Fill out the Photo Log on the data sheet and
include all relevant information as you take
photos (see samples below). Abbreviations that
you can use are printed below.
iv) Photos of the string & tape where
they attach to the lbm and rbm.
Try to have a person or other familiar object in
each photo as a size reference—but be sure not
to block whatever the photo is supposed to
show! Also, if possible, try to include a
landmark—a culvert, bridge, fence, big rock, or
other structure—that may help locate the
photo’s location.
Field Procedures
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PHOTOS
WINTER PHOTOS
1. Make sure the date is right on the camera—
if not, fix it (see “Camera Use”).
4. Also take photos of the following features.
For each feature, indicate on your photo log
the distance from your zero-point, and the
direction (u/s or d/s).
2. Take 4 photos from along the cross-section
transect or zero-point of your site (see
diagram on next page):
a) Each piece of large woody debris (LWD),
with a large enough field of view to see
the surrounding channel and riparian
area. (If you aren’t doing the Large
Woody Debris protocol, take photos of
any large wood that seems either to
provide fish refuge or help shape the
channel at some flow level.)
a) Stand along the cross-section transect on
one bank. Take a photo facing across
the creek angling upstream, showing the
opposite bank and riparian area.
NOTE: Aim these shots so that the
cross-section transect or centerline of
the site is in the frame, but near the
edge. (Either get the opposite-bank
monument in view, or imagine where it
would be.)
b) Any eroded or revetted areas, if you
have not already photographed them
during a recent Streamwalk (see
separate chapter). Here you may need
to pause and perform the
Erosion/Revetment protocol (or at least
read the definitions therein).
b) From the same position, take a similar
photo facing across the creek angling
downstream.
c) Now cross the creek if possible (in
winter time this may not always be
possible to do safely!), stand along the
cross-section transect on the opposite
bank, and take a photo across to the
other side and angling upstream.
c) Any interesting or problem areas:
i) wildlife signs: redds, tracks, scat, etc.
ii) fish passage problems
iii) anything causing habitat problems
iv) new human-made structures
5. Also take shots of volunteers at work or play
that we might be able to use as mementos
or promotional materials. Be sure to record
everyone’s initials.
d) From the same position, take a photo
facing across the creek and angling
downstream.
Take photos of anything else of interest,
explaining the reason for the photo on your
photo log. (See Summer Photos above for
examples.)
6. Check “Yes” in the “Photos taken” box on
your data sheet, and write the initials of the
person who completed the photo log. If you
didn’t take photos at this site, check “No” in
this box.
3. Check “Yes” in the “Photos taken” box on
your data sheet, and write the initials of the
person who completed the photo log. If you
didn’t take photos at this site, check “No” in
this box.
SPRING PHOTOS:
None required, but see 3c & 4 under “Summer
Photos.”
FALL PHOTOS:
These are described in the “Benthic
Macroinvertebrate” protocol.
Field Procedures
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PHOTOS
WINTER PHOTOS
flow
Photo #1: Field of view incorporates
center-transect at right edge and
shows as much of the opposite bank
as possible (use wide angle)
Cross-section transect
or centerline of reach
Photo #2: Similar to Photo
#1, with center-transect at
left edge of photo
Photo vantage point from
one bank, for Photos 1 & 2.
(Photos 3 & 4 will be taken
from the opposite bank, if
it’s accessible.)
Stream banks
ABBREVIATIONS TO USE WITH PHOTO LOG
(pasted on the inside back cover of the photo log)
u/s, d/s = upstream, downstream
LB, RB = left bank, right bank
(when facing downstream)
[#]’ = number of feet (along baseline from zeropoint, unless otherwise indicated)
@ = at
ch = channel
X = cross, across
X-Sec = cross
section
trans = transect
pt = point
STREAMKEEPERS OF CLALLAM COUNTY -- PHOTO LOG
Site Name:
Date:
Morse 1.1
Photos taken at this site on this date?
Yes
X
No
8 / 8 /08
Camera:
3
Samplers Initials:
BDD
FOR SUMMER & WINTER PHOTOS: AT SITES WITHOUT ESTABLISHED CROSSSECTION, USE CENTRAL SAMPLING POINT (A.K.A. "ZERO POINT") AS CENTRAL POINT FOR PHOTOS.
Photo Log: fill in the log below completely for each picture including where it was taken from
Frame #
Subject
Vantage Point
100-0023
x-sec tape
20’ d/s at mid-ch
100-0024
Facing u/s
x-sec line, mid ch
100-0025
“
d/s
“
100-0026
LWD @ 35” u/s of zero-pt
LB
100-0027
Logjam @ 80’ u/s of zero-pt.
30’ d/s of jam
100-0028
Erosion on RB 80-95’ u/s of zero-pt.
LB
100-0029
Poison Hemlock @ 100’, LB
10’ away
Field Procedures
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PHOTOS
ANYTIME PHOTOS
1. Photos taken outside of regular monitoring when no data sheet is used must be recorded on
the Photo Log inside the camera case. See example in camera case Photo Log below.
2. Whenever you change the date, location, or sampler, you need to make a “breakout” line in
the log that makes this change absolutely clear (see example below).
STREAMKEEPERS OF CLALLAM COUNTY
*** LOG FOR PHOTOS ONLY IF NOT PART OF
A REGULAR MONITORING VISIT ***
Camera #: 4
Location: Home
Frame #
100-0030
---Morse
---Morse
100-0031
--8/9/08
--8/9/08
100-0032
Date: 8/8/08
Initials: BDD
Subject
Carol Dunlap calibrating pH
Creek ~30’ d/s of Discovery
Trail Bridge-------------Bridge-------------Poison Hemlock on RB
Ennis u/s of Ennis Creek Rd
Unknown pipe input on LB
THE SCOOP ON YOUR PHOTO LOGS & PHOTO DATA SHEETS
A picture can be worth 1000 data points - that’s why we include photos in our monitoring
program. When you return your camera, the photos are down-loaded and then “processed” by
lightening or darkening parts as needed, attaching information from your photo logs to the photos,
organizing and storing the photos in a systematic way, and copying these files into the Clallam
County Water Resources database, right along with the rest of your data.
But to get this all right, we need your help! Please note the following:
• All entries in the photo log need to clearly indicate who, what, when, & where.
• Correctly entering the camera # and frame # is essential for matching the photos to
your photo log entries.
Field Procedures
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PHOTOS
CAMERA USE
Instructions for the Fuji XP10 Digital Camera
The Fuji XP10 is flexible and easy to use. The camera has been set for
automatic operation which should provide good pictures in all field conditions.
Please do not change any of the settings other than those described
below. Please insert your hand through the camera strap for safekeeping.
Turning the Camera On and Off
Press the small button on top and
hold it down until an image appears
on the screen, and the blue light
comes on. Press the small button again to turn the camera off.
Framing the Picture
Position the main subject in the focus area and use the zoom
buttons to frame the picture in the screen. Press W to zoom out or
T to zoom in.
Focusing and Shooting
The camera will focus on whatever you see in the center of
the screen. Press the shutter button (large button on top of
the camera) halfway down to activate the auto-focus. When
focus is obtained, two beeps will be heard. Press the button
down the rest of the way to take the picture. Make sure you
hold the button down until you hear the shutter click. In low
light, the shutter will be slightly delayed while the scene is
illuminated by the automatic flash. In the unlikely event focus
is not obtained, a red message “AF!” will appear on the
screen. In that case, find another object at the same distance
from you, press the button half-way down to obtain a focus
on that object, then, while keeping the button pressed halfway, move the camera to again view the picture you wish to
take.
Double
Beep
Press
Halfway
Click
Press the rest of
the way down
Checking the Picture
In order to check the picture, press the review arrow button on the
back of the camera. If the picture is satisfactory, note all required
information in the photo log sheet. If not, delete the picture and retake it.
While in this mode, you can move back and forth between the stored pictures
using the right and left sides of the Menu/OK button on the back of the
camera. You can also zoom in on a picture you are viewing by using the
zoom lever on the upper-right back of the camera.
Press the shutter button to return to shooting mode.
Field Procedures
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PHOTOS
Deleting Pictures
To delete a picture being viewed, push the top of the Menu/OK
button. A message will appear on the screen asking if you wish to
erase the picture. To do so, again push the top of the Menu/OK
button to select “OK” on the screen, then press the OK button. To
exit without erasing, press the bottom of the Menu/OK button to
select “Cancel” and press OK.
Entering Data on Log Sheet
When in the viewing mode, data for that picture is displayed on the screen. The frame number for
that picture appears at the upper-right corner in the format XXX-XXXX. It is critical that this be
entered on the log sheet, along with the descriptive information for the photo (see Photo
protocol), the camera number, the site name, the date, and the initials of the photographer.
If you get lost in the Menus, don’t start randomly hitting buttons! Get out by hitting the
“DISP/BACK” button at the bottom of the back side.
Charging the Battery
In viewing mode, a battery icon appears at the lower right side of the screen, showing the battery
state. If this is blinking or solid red, the battery needs to be recharged. The charger is in the
“treasure box” of the “clean bag” of the Streamkeeper field kit.
Turn camera off before removing the battery. With the
camera in the position shown, locate a small slider
button marked “OPEN” in the center of the bottom.
Slide this away from you and then to the right, and the
cover will release. Raise it as shown in the figure. The
Lock Lever
battery is held in place by an orange tab. Push this to
the left and the battery will pop up. Insert the battery
into the charger with the orange stripe on the left and
the terminals facing down. The charging indicator
will glow yellow when the battery is charging and green when it is fully charged. If it blinks yellow,
remove the battery – there is a charging problem. Insert the battery with the orange stripe on the
battery next to the orange tab on the camera. Push it in and it will snap into place. Lower the
cover and push to the left to latch. Be sure that it is securely closed and snaps into place.
Monopod Mount
A monopod is supplied in your kit, which can be used to steady the camera in very low light
situations. This can be screwed into a socket on the bottom of the camera.
Field Procedures
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15th Edition, 2013
PHOTOS
SETTING MENUS FOR THE FUJI XP10 DIGITAL CAMERA
Under normal circumstances, when the camera is turned on it will have already appropriate
settings. However, should the settings be changed, the following instructions show how to go
through the setting menus and select the proper options.
DATE/TIME will appear just for a few seconds when you first turn on the camera. Confirm that
these are correct. If not, see instructions below.
INITIAL SCREEN: After the date disappears, the screen should show a view of whatever the
lens is looking at, with various types of information on the screen and no grid. If there is no
information on the screen, or there’s a grid, double-click the DISP/BACK button until the grid is
gone and the information shows. (There are three possible views: information with grid,
information only, and no information.)
About the DISP/BACK button: This button, located at the bottom underneath MENU/OK
button and the playback arrow, is easily pushed by mistake.
AVOID “SILENT” MODE: If the display shows the SILENT mode symbol at top center:
get out of it by pressing and holding the DISP/BACK button until that symbol goes away.
,
STREAMKEEPERS’ PREFERRED MENU
CHOICES: This procedure makes use of
selection buttons on the back of the camera as
illustrated on the right.
(continued on next page)
Field Procedures
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15th Edition, 2013
PHOTOS
Press MENU/OK to display the Shooting Menu.
1. The menu opens with “SHOOTING MODE” highlighted. Press the right selector button to
show options. Press the up or down buttons until “SR AUTO” is highlighted. Press OK.
2. Press the down selector button to highlight ISO. Press the right selector button to display
options. Press the up or down buttons to select AUTO. Press OK.
3. Continue in this way to access all the items in the shooting menu, changing the various items if
needed to those in the following list:
Shooting Menu:
Shooting Mode
ISO
Image Size
Image Quality
Fine Pix Color
White Balance
Continuous
Face Detection
AF Mode
Movie Quality
SR Auto
Auto
12M
N
STD
N/A
Off
On
N/A
N/A
While viewing the Shooting Menu, press in sequence the left, down and right selector buttons to
bring up the Setup Menu. As above, press the right button to access the options, and set the
menu items. Press OK when done.
Setup Menu:
Date/Time
Time Difference
Language
Silent Mode
Reset
Format
Image Display
Frame No.
Use right, left, up, down buttons to set date and time.
Home
English
Off
DO NOT CHANGE. This resets all settings to factory defaults.
DO NOT CHANGE. This erases all data from the memory card.
3 SEC
Cont.
----Now skip down to the following items, and ignore the others:
LCD Mode
Auto Power Off
Digital IS
Red Eye Removal
Save Org Image
On
2 MIN
Off
On
Off
WHEN FINISHED, PRESS THE DISP/BACK BUTTON (below the small arrow) TO LEAVE
THE MENUS.
Field Procedures
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15th Edition, 2013
FISH AND WILDLIFE SIGNS
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
WILDLIFE
The visual observation approach
the five senses
field guides if you have them & are inclined to recommended below can yield
valuable information on the presence and
use them
absence of wildlife and their relative
• data sheet, clipboard, pencil
abundances in different survey areas. For
identification, there are many publications and
Anytime you visit your reach, you will note any
keys available to help you. The animal-tracks
signs of fish or wildlife. You’ll be most likely to
key in your field kit will help since most wildlife
observe animal signs when you first arrive at
do not appreciate human observers and hide
your site, but be open to observations that may
from view. Or you may wish to bring a
occur at any time. How detailed and technical
knowledgeable partner (such as an Audubon
you wish to get is up to you, but even such
member) to help you.
information as “about six little brown birds,” “a
BIRDS
few fish fry about 2” long,” or “tracks-raccoon?” can be useful to biologists. The UW
Birds may be the easiest creatures to spot.
Nature Mapping project will accept observations Look and listen for them as you walk into your
identified to species level only, so if you do
reach. Take into consideration that different
know the specific or Latin name for the creature species inhabit different layers of the
you observe, be sure to list it.
vegetation, from the dense, shrubby
•
•
undergrowth to the top of the canopy.
Note: Only write what you know—if you’re
taking a guess, indicate that it’s a guess and
why you’ve guessed it.
Note the locations where you see and hear
birds both spatially and vertically. Record the
species that you are able to identify by sight or
sound. Also document any evidence you see
that birds are present, such as nests, egg
shells, feathers, or tracks.
FISH
Your best bet is to quietly walk up to a pool,
preferably not casting a shadow on it. If you’re
lucky, you may see some fish-like shapes
holding still or darting around. Other possible
sightings include spawners in riffles or pool
tailouts, carcasses, or redds (salmon and trout
nests), which are elongated oval mounds in the
streambed that are algae-free, often with a
depression on the upstream side.
HERPS
Herps (reptiles and amphibians) are more
secretive than birds. The best places to look for
them are under rocks and logs in damp spots,
especially along the stream's wetted edges.
Take care not to create too much disturbance
on the fragile stream banks, and make sure you
return all logs and rocks to their original
positions.
There is a juvenile salmonid ID book in your
field kit, but these are almost impossible to
identify without catching them; “salmonid spp.”
would cover any salmon or trout that you might
find. If you investigate your watershed and
consult your local fisheries biologist or
Streamkeeper staff, you will be able to make a
pretty good guess as to what species of fish
you might find in the stream at a given time of
the year.
Field Procedures
In the spring, look for amphibian egg masses in
slow-moving backwater areas, side channels,
and other wetlands associated with the stream
and in your reach area. If you can, take a trip
to your stream reach on a spring evening to
listen for breeding frogs.
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FISH AND WILDLIFE SIGNS
MAMMALS
ANIMAL SCAT:
Mammals may be the most challenging to spot,
but they often leave behind evidence of their
presence. Note any signs of mammals that you
see in addition to actual sightings. Signs may
be in the form of nibbled plant matter, scat,
bones, fur, tracks, trails, nests, burrows or
dens. You can use the scat and tracks keys
here and in your field kit to help identify these
signs. We also have a more detailed animal
tracks guidebook in the Streamkeepers office
that you can consult.
DOGS
Note any sign of dogs in or near the creek, and
take photos of them if you can. Dogs can eat
spawning salmon and should not be left loose
to do so. If notified, the Dept. of Fish &
Wildlife can investigate and contact the
appropriate landowner.
RECORDING WHAT YOU FIND
Record what you see in the space provided on
your data sheet:
1. You can document the species you see, or
use broad categories to record your wildlife
sightings. For example, birds are categorized
into types such as gulls, ducks, sandpipers,
passerines (perching birds), raptors, etc.
Herps can be easily distinguished as frogs,
salamanders, snakes, turtles, etc.
2. Include information on number, size, and
activity. Feel free to estimate, using the “~”
symbol in front of a number to denote
“approximately.”
3. If no fish or wildlife are observed, write
“None” in the data boxes.
4. In the “Sampler’s Initials” box to the right of
the data boxes, put all the initials of one
sampler taking responsibility for the data. If
more than one person worked on this data,
put the initials of the person with the most
experience or knowledge.
Field Procedures
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FISH AND WILDLIFE SIGNS
FOOTPRINTS (TRACKS)—(note: no turtles on the Olympic Peninsula!)
Field Procedures
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FISH AND WILDLIFE SIGNS
Field Procedures
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NOXIOUS WEEDS
changed since your last report (new,
advancing, or declining weeds), fill out a
Noxious Weed Report form (in your team’s
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
•
•
•
•
•
•
Picture booklet: “Selected Noxious Weeds
of Clallam County”
Plant identification guidebook
Ziplock bag, permanent marker
Small shovel, pruners
Camera, photo log
Noxious Weed Report sheet, clipboard,
pencil
forms folder).
4. On the Noxious Weed Report, fill out the
date, your name, and the site name and
brief description. Circle a choice from 1-9
indicating property ownership. Fill in the
landowner’s name, when known.
5. Record the width of the reach area
surveyed, including the stream area, and
the length of reach surveyed along the
stream.
Noxious weeds are introduced plant species
that are aggressive, invasive, and once
established, difficult to control. Noxious
weeds tend to crowd out native plants,
causing environmental damage, economic
losses, and even public health and safety
problems. State law mandates control of
some species.
6. Imagine you were looking down at your
reach from the sky; how much of what
you see is covered by noxious weeds?
(These could be at ground, bush, or tree
level.) Indicate category of weed cover:
0-5%; 6-50%; or 51-100%.
Complete a Noxious Weed Report at each site
that you visit during summer quarterly
monitoring, as well as whenever there are
new data to report (new, advancing, or
declining weeds). Turn in reports along with
your other data sheets. This report will go to
the Clallam County Noxious Weed Control
Board Coordinator.
7. Check the box indicating whether noxious
weeds were detected. If the answer is
no, skip down to the comment section as
desired.
8. If the answer is yes, complete the chart
for each weed that you find. For each
weed species, first imagine drawing a
dotted line encompassing the entire
infestation zone of that weed within your
survey reach. Estimate the size of that
infestation zone (width and length)—if the
weed is ubiquitous, the infestation zone
may be the same size as your survey
reach.
Feel free to turn in additional Noxious Weed
Reports for any other infestations that you
notice in your daily travels.
1. Survey your reach area for noxious weeds.
It may help to review the identification
booklet before going out in the field, or to
ask the Noxious Weed Coordinator (as of
June 2012, Cathy Lucero at 360-4172442) what weeds you might find at your
sites. If you don’t find the plant in your
Noxious Weed booklet, you may find it in
the plant identification book.
9. Within that weed’s infestation zone, group
together all of that weed’s plants in your
mind, then decide on cover class based on
the following categories of coverage
within that zone:
2. On your Streamkeepers data sheet,
indicate whether you’re completing a
Report, or if you didn’t check for noxious
weeds. Put your complete initials in the
“Sampler’s initials” box.
1 – 1-20%
2 – 21-40%
3 – 41-60%
4 – 61-80%
3. If your visit is part of summer quarterly
monitoring, or if the weed situation has
Field Procedures
5 – 81-100%
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NOXIOUS WEEDS
possible.) Keep the sample in as good a
condition as possible (refrigerating it if
you store it temporarily at home, or even
putting it in water), and when you return
your field kit, turn the bag in to the
Noxious Weed Control Office or
Cooperative Extension. If you would
Estimate as best you can without getting
obsessed; if in doubt, consult with your
fellow samplers. Remember, your main
goal is to report the situation to the
Noxious Weed Coordinator.
10. If you find a plant that you would like
identified, use the “OTHER” line at the
bottom of the survey sheet, and write
“Sample #__.” Use a marker to write the
date, location, and Sample # on a ziplock
bag. Place a complete sample of the
unknown plant in the bag, and seal it.
(Include leaves, flowers, and roots if
like to be notified of the results,
include a note with your name and
phone number.
11. Take photos if possible, especially if the
weeds have advanced or are in bloom.
Complete the photo log for each picture.
Cover Class General Descriptions
Cover Class
Definition
Imagine drawing a dotted line encompassing the entire infestation zone of that weed
species within your survey reach. Within that infestation zone, group together all of
that species in your mind, then decide on cover class based on the following categories.
1
1%-20% Present, but less than ¼ of infestation zone covered by that species
2
21%-40% More than ¼ but less than ½ infestation zone covered by that species
3
41-60% About ½ of the infestation zone covered by that species
4
61%-80% More than ½ but less than ¾ of the infestation zone covered by that species
5
81%-100% Between ¾ and 100% of the infestation zone covered by that species
Rough Sketches of Cover Classes
Field Procedures
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BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLING
Benthic macroinvertebrates are animals without backbones, such as insects, worms, scuds, and mollusks,
which live at the bottom of streams. Our stream teams collect them, and professional labs identify them.
However, volunteers are welcome to examine the invertebrates before or after preserving them—see last
part of this protocol—and can volunteer to help sort samples. (The June 2012 revision of this protocol is
based on new protocols developed by collaboration between the WA Dept. of Ecology and local
governments in the Puget Sound region—see Wilhelm, Lester, and Fore, 2011.)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED (Items with an * are in
the regular bags rather than the “bug bag”):
• 95% denatured ethanol (remember to get
WHY SAMPLE MACROINVERTEBRATES?
The best way to assess the health of a
watershed for living things is to look at those
living things. Undisturbed watersheds in the
Pacific Northwest contain a marvelous variety of
benthic macroinvertebrates, representing a
smorgasbord of shapes, sizes, survival
strategies, and adaptations. Human activities
that interfere with natural processes in a
watershed have a definite and predictable
impact on the types and numbers of
invertebrates that live there.
Many invertebrates are just as sensitive to
changes in their environment as salmon. We
tend to be more interested in fish than
invertebrates, but there are several good
reasons to sample invertebrates rather than or
in addition to fish:
• It is easier and less intrusive to the
environment to sample invertebrates.
• Whereas anadromous fish are impacted by a
variety of factors such as ocean conditions
and fishing pressure, stream invertebrates
are primarily impacted by activities within
their watershed.
• Invertebrates have a wide geographic
distribution, making it fairly easy to predict
which types should be present where.
• Since invertebrates are an important food
source for fish (and other wildlife), sampling
them measures an environmental
component with a direct impact on fish.
• Undisturbed streams have such a great
variety of invertebrates that sampling can
reveal subtle disturbances over space and
time.
this from the storage cabinet outside the
office before taking the field kit home)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1 complete Surber sampler
2 buckets, marked “clean” and “dirty”
2 500-micron sieves, also “clean” and “dirty”
4 rubber dishpans
strong weeding fork to disturb substrate
“Clean water” decanter with handle
2 angled-spout wash bottles (one for water,
one for alcohol)
2 spray bottles (one water, one alcohol)
macroinvertebrate handling tools:
o plastic spatula
o flexible forceps (tweezers)
o one rigid forceps
o magnifying glasses
o lighted magnifier
o head magnifier
o spoons
wide-mouth sample jars with tight lids
foam holder for sample jars
electrical tape
pre-printed labels—outer & inner
ziplock bags—small and large
4 weights with flagging tape attached
permanent marker
macroinvertebrate ID field keys
*stick thermometer
*reach map or site sketch for each reach
*100’ tape
*timepiece with second hand
*camera
*rubber gloves
*tarp
*data sheet, clipboard, pencil
OPTIONAL: extra buckets for sitting
OPTIONAL: beach umbrella with stake &
sledgehammer for rain
Field Procedures
NOTE: Please also measure gradient
if it has never been measured at your
site (see separate protocol).
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BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLING
HOW DO MACROINVERTEBRATES
PROVIDE A “BLOOD TEST” OF A
WATERSHED’S HEALTH?
invertebrate populations into a generalization
about stream health. It is a powerful analytical
tool.
A wealth of information about the B-IBI is
available on the Streamkeepers web site at
http://www.clallam.net/streamkeepers/html/bio
logical_monitoring.html.
We can assess the biological health of a stream
by looking at the types of invertebrates that
either thrive or do not thrive in it. If only a few
types of invertebrates live there, or if the
invertebrates are primarily ones that adapt well
to disturbed streams, there is some kind of
problem present.
A group of teachers and students at the
University of Washington (later spun off as the
nonprofit group SalmonWeb) developed a
means to sample invertebrates in a uniform
way, identify and count them, and then perform
calculations to assess stream health. The
calculations measure such things as:
• The total variety and balance of life forms
present (a.k.a. biodiversity)
• The variety of types of mayflies, stoneflies,
and caddisflies—invertebrates that form an
important part of the diet of salmon and
trout, and that respond in complex ways to
different human disturbances
• The variety or number of invertebrates that
are known to adapt very well or very poorly
to streams that are unnaturally warm,
cloudy, or de-oxygenated
• The variety of invertebrates that need clear
spaces between rocks or stable habitat for a
long time span.
By sampling at many sites, both disturbed and
undisturbed, these scientists were able to
develop a set of calculations that give a good
indication of the biological health of streams
and their surrounding watersheds. These
metrics are known as the Benthic Index of
Biological Integrity (B-IBI) for the Puget Sound
Lowlands.
The macroinvertebrate samples you collect will
be professionally identified, and the counts will
be entered into a database that calculates the
B-IBI for each sampled reach. The B-IBI yields
a single number on a scale (much like a test
score), along with a description of that number,
ranging from Healthy to Critically Impaired
(much like a grade on a report card). Thus, the
B-IBI enables us to transform information about
Field Procedures
WHEN TO SAMPLE
The Puget Sound local governments have
decided that the target sampling window can
cover at least August-September. In some
circumstances, it may be acceptable to sample
a bit after the end of the sampling window if
there hasn’t been a big rainfall event; check
with staff. Also, check weather reports
beforehand: if riffles are more than a foot
deep, you can’t see under the water, or
conditions are unsafe, don’t collect bugs that
day—but you might be able to do your regular
water-quality monitoring instead. Generally,
you’re less likely to get rained out earlier in the
sampling window, so try to schedule early if
possible. If you do sample when water levels
are up, avoid sampling a riffle that would have
been dry before the rain.
WHERE TO SAMPLE
•
•
•
•
72
The B-IBI we currently use is only calibrated
for streams up to a certain size. Consult
with staff if you intend to sample a site
where bankfull width is >60’.
Try to sample at least 165’ upstream or 660’
downstream of a bridge or other large
human-made structure (unless you are
trying to measure the structure’s impacts).
The sample reach will ideally include four
distinct riffle habitats (fast, turbulent water
moving over gravel or cobble substrate),
with two digs from each riffle for a total of 8
digs. If you cannot find four riffles, you
can distribute your digs evenly in the
available riffles. If there are no riffles
anywhere in the vicinity, sample in areas
with fast-moving water where the stream is
straight and fairly uniform, the water is 412” deep, and the substrate is appropriate
(see below).
The best substrate would be 2-4” rocks,
with smaller pebbles underneath. Avoid
15th Edition, 2013
BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLING
sampling in rocks larger than 12” on the
surface-layer or larger than 4” below that.
• Look for the best overhead canopy and
riparian vegetation.
• If possible, avoid sites with filamentous
algae on the rocks.
To try to meet the above conditions, you can
range fairly widely from your normal waterquality monitoring location, as long as you:
a) Avoid disturbing vegetation overhead or
upstream of your sampling site.
b) Inspect the Surber sampler netting and
collection cup for tears, holes, or critters.
Apply duct tape if needed and note
problems on data sheet.
c) Once in the riffle, place the device
quickly to avoid scaring bugs away.
Frame out your Surber sampler, and
place it on the selected spot with the
opening of the nylon net facing upstream
and the collection cup stretched out
behind. Find a spot where the frame
rests as flush as possible with the stream
bottom. The current should move
directly into the net. If the current is
very slow or the water very shallow, take
extra precautions to make sure the water
is moving all the way down the net and
into the cup. You may need to remove
rocks or even excavate a little channel
downstream of the frame.
d) Larger rocks resting within or beneath
the frame need to be brushed off
carefully, with hands or a brush, to let
any bugs on them wash into the net.
Stay in an area that has similar gradient,
valley shape, and riparian land-cover.
• Don’t cross any inputs to or outflows from
the stream.
• Document your location (explained below).
Note that in many cases, you are being asked
to sample a site because of its disturbances, so
there may, for example, be no true riffles or
only fine sediment. In that case, your job is to
find the best sampling spot you can there.
•
NOTE: If your site is less than ideal or
simply not appropriate for collecting a
sample, explain the situation in the
“Comments” section of your data sheet,
and take photos illustrating your points.
FIELD PROCEDURE
Only brush off the part of the rock
resting within the sample frame.
1. Overview: Beginning downstream and
moving upstream, you will collect eight 1-ft2
digs with the Surber sampler, ideally with
two digs in each of four riffles—see diagram
below. Sample within the stream’s main
flow and avoid the sides and downstream
edges of riffles. Within a riffle, you may
place the digs side-to-side or back-to-front.
Then set the rock aside in the stream, or
if the entire rock was within the frame,
you can put it in a dishpan for later
examination. Once these rocks have
been removed, the frame should be
squarely on the stream bottom. If you
2. Collect a sample:
Field Procedures
can’t pry a big rock out, brush it off in
place, concentrating on any cracks or
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BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLING
3. Transfer the sample to collection jars:
indentations, and move the frame as
needed to get the back flush with the
bottom. Note any problems on your
data sheet. At this point, note the
water depth in inches on your data
sheet, using the marked notches in the
Surber’s frame.
a) Put a little alcohol in a sample collection
jar and put the jar in the foam holder,
near the dishpan.
b) Examine any large rocks collected in the
dishpan, using a magnifying glass. Using
a brush or forceps, gently move any
organisms found into the sample jar.
After examining each rock, spray it with
alcohol over the pan or double-check it
carefully, then set it on the bank. Clean
water can also be used for rinsing rocks
and hands.
e) Once the larger rocks are removed,
disturb the substrate vigorously with the
weeding fork for 60 seconds, to a depth
of about 4”. (You should dig vigorously
enough to be breathing hard).
Organisms and detritus should wash into
the net. As you dig, watch to keep
material from going around the sides.
TO MAKE “CLEAN” WATER FOR
RINSING: Pour it from the “dirty”
bucket, through the “dirty” sieve, into
the “clean” bucket.
c) When all rocks have been cleaned, pour
the water from the dishpan through the
clean sieve. Rinse the pan, agitate and
pour again. This should filter out any
invertebrates that washed off of the
rocks. Then return the rocks to the
stream in the area of the sampling site.
f) If you hit more big rocks while digging,
take a “time out” from the 60 seconds to
pry them out. Brush off the portion that
was within the sample frame and set
aside in the stream, or if the entire rock
was within the frame, you can put it in a
dishpan for later examination. If you
can’t pry a big rock out, brush it off in
place as above, and note it on your data
sheet.
STRINGY ALGAE ON THE ROCKS?
Scrape off as much as you can with
something sharp and collect it all. You
may have to get spaghetti jars from
home—don’t fill any jar over halfway.
d) Meanwhile, the other samplers should
attend to the Surber sampler. Wash all
objects caught on the inside of the net
into the collection cup:
g) At 60 seconds, lift the sampler out of the
water, keeping the open end pointing
upstream and tilting it up out of the
water, to help wash organisms into the
collection cup.
h) Without emptying the cup, repeat the
sampling procedure at the next digging
spot. Remember to record the water
depth with each dig. When you finish
digging in a riffle, mark the area of this
riffle’s digs with one of the flagged
weights, near the center of the dig area.
•
water so that most of the objects
inside wash into the cup.
• Finish rinsing the contents of the net
into the cup. You may use the “dirty”
bucket to pour unfiltered water into
the net from the outside, or you may
pour filtered (“clean”) water down
the sides of the net from the inside.
e) When the net is clean, empty the
contents of the collection cup into the
2nd dishpan. Clean the neck and collar
of the sampler over the dishpan to
i) If you can collect all 8 digs without
overfilling the Surber’s collection cup, do
so. Otherwise, when the collection cup
gets nearly full, you’ll need to take a
break in sampling and empty it.
Field Procedures
With the opening out of the
water, rotate the net around in the
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BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLING
mud stuck to it; the mud will later
escape through the sieve.
collect any critters that may remain
inside. Examine the net carefully and
pick out any remaining invertebrates,
then set it aside. Rinse the cup and
empty again, continuing until you have
emptied it completely. (To rinse, you
may pour clean water inside the cup; or
you may dip the cup into the stream,
holding it upright, and let the stream
water filter in through the mesh on the
side of the cup.)
i) Put a bit of water back in the dishpan
and comb over it with the lighted
magnifier (which will get critters to
move) and rigid forceps (which will pick
them up efficiently). Keep a keen eye
out for caddisflies, which in their cases
look very much like small rocks, and
chironomid tubes, which look like globs
of dirt or sand. If you are sure that only
rocks and sand are left in the dishpan,
discard the contents; if not...
f) Large taxa: Pick out any bigger,
predatory-looking insects and put
them in the sample jar to protect the
other ones! Freshwater mussels ,
which look like ocean mussels with their
oblong, fragile-looking shells and are
usually of some size, should be pulled
out of the sample, counted, noted,
photographed, and returned to the
stream. In contrast, little “seed” clams
no bigger than a pea, crayfish and
snails should be included in the sample.
Critters still crawling in the sand?
Try an “alcohol float”: Decant the
water out of the dishpan, then put in
enough alcohol to cover. Swirl and see if
critters start releasing from the sand
particles. If so, decant them into the
sieve, catching the alcohol in another
dishpan. If there are critters in that
waste alcohol too, save that as well,
marking it “Thru sieve from alcoholfloat.” If this doesn’t work, collect both
sand and critters.
g) Pick out non-decayed large debris
(sticks that you can’t break easily and
leaves that you can hold upright from
the stem) from the material in the
dishpan. Using a magnifying glass and
squirt bottle or tools, remove any
organisms to the dishpan or sample jar
before discarding these debris pieces.
Decayed debris should be collected in
the sample because it might hide
organisms inside (e.g., if a leaf is limp,
damaged, or “skeletonized”).
j) Transfer the remaining contents of the
clean sieve into the sample jar, which
the rock-pickers should have finished
with by now. Your job is to get
everything that’s now in the sieve into
the sample jar, a.s.a.p. Get the contents
down at one end to make them easier to
remove, by agitating the sieve at an
angle in shallow clean water in one of
the dishpans (like panning for gold). Use
gentle forceps, a spatula, and/or a squirt
bottle to move the remaining contents of
the clean sieve into the sample jar. (One
technique is to squirt alcohol from the
back, washing the material along with
the alcohol into the cup.) Fill the jar no
more than halfway with “stream stuff,”
then fill to near the top with alcohol.
h) Pour some clean water into the dishpan
and swirl the sample around in it. While
the water is still agitated, pour it off into
the clean sieve. Most of the organic
matter should enter the sieve with the
water, while the rocks stay at the
bottom. Repeat this decanting
procedure until the water is completely
clear and there are no invertebrates still
crawling around in the debris in the
dishpan. If you’ve collected a mat of
algae, shake this mat to loosen up any
Field Procedures
k) Now turn the sieve over in a clean
dishpan and spray with clean water from
the backside to collect any bugs that
remain on the sieve. Examine the sieve
carefully to make sure there are no
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BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLING
critters left; any still hanging onto or
wrapped around the mesh can be
removed with a bit of alcohol and the
rigid forceps.
c) Indicate whether this “riffle” was
turbulent or non-turbulent.
d) Record this riffle’s width and length to
the nearest foot.
l) Use a pencil to fill out one of the preprinted internal labels, with the agent,
project, site, date, samplers’ initials, jar
__ of __, and # of SqFt. Place inside the
jar, ideally so that the writing can be
seen from the outside. Close the jar
tightly (users of “pop-top” jars pay close
attention here!) and wrap several times,
starting on the lid and then working your
way down, concentrating on closing the
gap between the lid and the jar. Leave a
½” pull-tab at the end.
e) Repeat this procedure for the other
riffles.
6. With the flagging and measuring tape still in
place, photograph each riffle. A set of
photos consists of:
m) Use a pencil to fill out one of the preprinted external labels, with the agent,
site, jar __ of __, date, # of SqFt , and
chief sampler’s initials. Tape to the
outside of the jar.
•
The riffle area itself, ideally showing the
measuring tape and some of the
substrate. (Find the angle where the
light gives the best view.)
•
The riparian corridor taken up- and
downstream from the riffle.
Complete the photo log section of your
datasheet (see sample below).
n) Place all the jars
from the site in a
single sealed bag,
using another
external label, this
time indicating the
total number of
jars. (Larger bags
are included in the
field kit.)
4. If you are not performing Water Chemistry
monitoring during this visit, take the air and
water temperature, following the protocols
outlined in this Handbook.
7. Collect your flagging & measuring tape.
8. In the “Sampler’s Initials” box on the data
sheet, put the full initials of the chief
sampler taking responsibility for this sample.
5. You now have flagging at each of your
riffles. Starting with Riffle #1:
9. If you have been asked to take a replicate
sample at this site, take a lunch break first,
and rest your eyes and back! Then move
upstream in the same reach and repeat the
above procedure, indicating “R” after the
site name. If you were not given an extra
data sheet, hand-write the data on the back
of the original data sheet.
a) Measure its direction (upstream or
downstream) and distance from the
zero-transect or reference point of your
reach (see Reach Map or Sketch Map
protocols), and record that on the data
sheet under Dig #1.
b) On your data sheet, indicate which other
digs were part of this riffle by recording
the same Riffle # for them.
Field Procedures
10. Clean and store the equipment. Make sure
the net and sieves are clean—use the brush
in the kit to clean them if needed.
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GRAB SAMPLING FOR LAB ANALYSIS (BACTERIA, NUTRIENTS, ETC.)
NOTE: Grab sampling is generally accomplished not by regular stream teams, but by a special
team that collects a large number of samples in a single day, in what’s known as a “tour” in the
Clallam County Water Resources database. The following instructions are based on the WA Dept.
Ecology's general sampling SOP (Joy 2006).
similar procedures can be used for many other
EQUIPMENT NEEDED--GENERAL
types of lab analysis.
• Field manual
Microorganisms, nutrients, metals, etc. are
• Data sheets—see “Data Sheets” section
naturally present in streams, but humans can
• Clipboard, pencils, waterproof marking pen
change both the quantity and nature of these
• Directions to collection sites
• Sterile bottles, one for each site & lab bottle, inputs in a way that upsets nature’s balance:
plus replicates/blanks/extras
Pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms
• Timepiece
that humans or domestic animals introduce to
• Exam gloves
water—including varieties of bacteria, viruses,
• Thermometer or multimeter
and protozoa—can cause diseases in humans
• Salinity meter (optional—see below)
and animals alike, including salmonella,
• Sampling wand to attach bottles to
hepatitis, and giardia.
• Large cooler to keep in car
One way to test for the presence of human• Portable cooler to carry to sites
introduced pathogenic microorganisms is to
• Gel ice packs or ice
focus on fecal coliform bacteria, which primarily
• Hand disinfectant
live in the digestive systems of warm-blooded
• Anti-contamination supplies (see separate
animals, aiding digestion. These bacteria,
protocol)
though not pathogenic themselves, are good
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT/INSTRUCTIONS:
indicators of human or animal waste
The above equipment is standard for fecal
contamination, which often carries other more
coliform grab samples, the most common type
harmful organisms that are harder to test for.
collected by Streamkeepers. There are many
Hence, Washington State water quality
other possible lab analytes; in addition to the
standards use fecal coliforms as the indicator of
instructions provided here, follow any special
potential pathogenic conditions in streams.
instructions provided by the lab or project
manager. Some items often needed:
•
•
Similarly, excessive inputs of nutrients (forms of
nitrogen and phosphorus, delivered to water
bodies through fertilizers, livestock, or leaking
septic tanks) can lead to Blue Baby Syndrome,
reduced livestock vitality, “brown blood disease”
in fish, and eutrophication--a massive build-up
and die-off of vegetative matter that takes up
the available dissolved oxygen in the water and
suffocates fish and the macroinvertebrates they
depend on. Nutrient loading can be particularly
devastating to nearshore marine areas.
Field collection bottle, used to fill the lab
bottles. Acid-wash before sampling day:
rinse with 1 N HCl, then rinse 3X with
distilled water and let dry. This bottle can
then be used at multiple sites simply by
rinsing twice before sampling; however, if a
site is particularly contaminated, the
collection bottle should be “retired” for the
day and a fresh bottle used.
Face mask if caustic chemicals are used.
When elevated levels of pathogens, nutrients,
or other constituents are present, water quality
may be at risk, and State Water Quality
Standards recognize unacceptable levels of
many of these constituents (Washington
Administrative Code, Chapter 173-201A).
WHY GRAB SAMPLES?
Many types of water analysis are exclusively or
optimally performed in a laboratory. This
protocol describes sampling for bacteria, but
Field Procedures
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GRAB SAMPLING
WHEN TO SAMPLE
note that on the tracking sheet and plan
your next sample day to avoid such
situations!
Periodicity:
For routine ambient monitoring, Streamkeepers
samples quarterly as follows:
•
• Winter: January
• Spring: April or May
• Summer: August 1 – September 15
• Fall: October 5 – 31
Special projects may require different
scheduling, such as monthly sampling (required
for certain State Water Quality Reporting
purposes) or storm-based sampling.
If there’s no flow: Zero flows can be
important data, so if no water is flowing, it’s
important to record that fact on your data
sheet. Indicate one of the following:
ANY proposed sampling date must be
confirmed well in advance with the processing
laboratory (in Streamkeepers’ case, usually the
Clallam County Environmental Health Lab, 360417-2334. NOTE: The lab does not take
samples on Fridays.) The lab will generally
provide bottles and other required sampling
equipment; be sure you also have access to the
other equipment listed above.
•
Creek bed completely dry throughout reach.
•
Water present in pools, but no apparent
flow.
•
Water present between rocks, but no
apparent flow.
•
Water present, but level and/or velocity are
too low to measure with a meter.
FIELD REPLICATES:
Our quality control plan requires that for 10%
of samples, a second sample be collected for a
replicate test. Field replicates give an indication
of how much variability there is in the equipment, sampling techniques, and environment.
Time of day: Ordinarily, bacterial samples must
be delivered by 2 p.m. and within 6 hours of
the first sample, but some projects may differ;
for example, stormwater projects often accept a
24-hour holding time to increase the flexibility
of sampling. Stay in close touch with lab
managers about expected delivery dates/times.
To perform and record field replicates:
•
Streamkeepers staff or the team leader will
determine how many replicate samples need
to be collected, select sites for replicates,
and then notify team members where they’ll
need to collect replicates.
•
At the replicate site(s), the team will grab a
second sample, as soon as possible after the
first, and in the same spot.
•
On the Streamkeepers Sample Tracking
Sheet, write “FR” in the “Field Rep?” column
on the line for the replicate sample (see
sample field sheet at the end of this
section).
Tidal sites: If you’re supposed to be testing the
freshwater runoff of a stream, you need to
avoid tidal interference:
•
•
•
•
Check tide tables (available online) before
planning the collection day.
Samples taken near the mouths of streams
should be taken on an outgoing tide. In
general, you can sample ½ hour after mean
high tide, defined as the point halfway
between the high-low tide and low-high tide
for the day.
If a salinity meter is available, take it along
and sample salinity. Note the reading on
the tracking sheet.
FIELD BLANKS may also be required: follow
the same collection procedure as a regular
sample, using distilled water instead of sample
water.
Be sure that the water is flowing
downstream when you sample. If the tide
has turned and you notice upsurge effects,
Field Procedures
Sites that are well above the stream mouth
should have no problem with tidal
interference.
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GRAB SAMPLING
FIELD PROCEDURE
d. If you’re in water >6” deep, hold the
bottle near its base and plunge it below
the water surface with the opening
pointing downward. Collect the sample
8-12” below the surface, or midway
between the bottom and the surface if
the water is shallower. Turn the bottle
underwater into the current, moving it
slightly upstream as you turn it up, and
take the bottle out of the water when it
is filled up to the shoulder—see figure
below.
1. Fill the car cooler with ice or ice packs; the
latter are less messy and keep colder longer.
2. Take the portable cooler with you to each
site, with enough ice to chill the sample(s)
until you get them back to the car cooler.
3. Bottles should be labeled before collecting
samples. Fecal coliform collection bottles, if
reusable, should be pre-numbered. If there
is no number on the bottle, mark it per lab
instructions. You may also have to affix
tags to the bottles after sampling.
4. Collecting the sample:
a. Enter the stream downstream of where
you plan to sample, to avoid
contaminating the sample from your
boots or stirred-up sediment. Sample at
a point where the stream is flowing, well
mixed, and preferably at least 6” deep.
(If there is no such place at your regular
site, you may have to go outside it; if so,
note your location on the tracking
sheet.) Get as far away from the banks
as you can. Choose a spot that appears
undisturbed and has little or no sediment
stirred up in the water, if possible. It is
preferable to use a sampling wand,
as this stirs up the bottom far less than
walking in the creek, and also avoids
decontamination problems; see AntiContamination Protocol.
b. For a bacterial bottle: uncap the bottle2
and do not let anything touch the inside
of the cap. Do not rinse the bottle or
cap. If the bottle becomes contaminated
(e.g., if you touch the threads or hit it on
the stream bottom), discard it.
c. For a field-grab bottle: rinse it twice
with stream water (as well as its cap)
before sampling.
2
If the site has a noticeable layer of “gunk” on top, either
take all samples at the site by removing the cap under
water, or remark upon the surface layer at that site on the
data sheet.
Field Procedures
79
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GRAB SAMPLING
•
If the bottle comes out with the
water level below the shoulder, pour
out the water and try again.
•
If the bottle comes out full, quickly
flick the bottle until the water level
decreases to the shoulder. If more
than a few seconds have passed, cap
and shake the bottle before flicking.
at end of section). The “Sampler in
Charge” is the person ultimately responsible
for the data at those sites on that day. Be
sure to include all initials.
11. At each site, enter on the tracking sheet:
a. The bottle number, if there is one.
b. The site name; if you do not know its
name, describe it well enough that its
location is clear.
e. If the water is <6” deep, you have a
couple of options:
•
•
c. “R” for field replicate or “B” for blank
(see discussion above).
Sample in shallow, fast-moving
water, preferably at a point where
the water is forced between a couple
of larger rocks. Hold the bottle facing
upstream so as to catch the moving
water in it. Avoid hitting the bottom.
d. The time of sampling.
e. Sample collector’s initials.
f. Other water-quality measures (e.g.,
temperature) as instructed.
If there is a drop-off somewhere, as
from a cascade or culvert, you can
sample from this drop-off so long as
the bottle touches nothing but the
falling water.
g. Any noteworthy remarks—e.g., a flock of
ducks on the water, abundant leaf litter,
strange debris, high turbidity, unusual
smells—or problems sampling.
12. If using a field-grab bottle to fill other
bottles, rinse this bottle & its cap with
distilled water when finished at site.
5. Recap the bottle carefully, without touching
the inside.
6. If there is a number on the bottle, record
that number on the data sheet. Otherwise,
follow instructions for that project.
13. Transfer sample bottles to the car cooler.
14. When finished sampling, bring all samples
and forms directly to the laboratory or
shipping site. On your data sheet, enter the
time that you turned the samples in, and
have someone from the laboratory or
shipper initial the time that they’ve received
the samples. Submit the data sheets that
the lab requires, and make copies for the
Streamkeepers office. Don’t forget to turn
in a Tour Cover sheet and Volunteer Hours
sheet for your team.
7. Put the bottle in the cooler, or, if you’re
using this bottle as a field-grab bottle to fill
laboratory bottles, be sure that anytime
you’re pouring or extracting sample from
the field-grab bottle, you cap and invert it
several times to mix.
8. Follow any additional instructions from the
lab, such as filtering or adding fixatives.
Gloves and mask may be needed.
9. If this is a site where you are to take a
replicate or blank, repeat the sampling
procedure. Indicate R or B as instructed on
the tracking sheet.
15. The lab will process the samples and submit
results to Streamkeepers staff, who will
enter the information into the Clallam
County Water Resources database and then
issue a report.
10. At your first sampling site, fill out the
headers on the Tracking Sheet (see example
Field Procedures
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BANK STABILITY ASSESSMENT
To help evaluate the severity of the erosion and revetment you documented in the
Erosion/Revetment protocol, this protocol provides a simple rating scale, based on some easilyrecognizable factors. It was developed at the University of Washington [Henshaw and Booth,
2000], and has been found to provide reliable results when the assessments are performed by
different observers (R2 = 0.71 indicates a strong correlation between scores given by different
observers [Sossa and Booth, 2004]).
FIELD PROCEDURE
1. Assess the entire vicinity of your reach, if possible, not just the part within the “official” reach
boundaries. By “vicinity,” we mean the entire stretch of stream that has similar characteristics
(gradient, valley/channel shape, and riparian vegetation) to your “official” reach.
2. Use the scale below to assess the degree of stability/instability, and check it off on your data
sheet.
Categories of bank stability, from Henshaw and Booth (2000), adapted by Sossa
and Booth (2004), further adapted with assistance from Booth 2004.
Class
Description
4
STABLE
Herbaceous vegetation other than just grasses down to the ordinary low-water
line (us. the bottom or “toe” of the bank slope)
No raw or undercut banks
No recently exposed roots
No recent tree falls
3
SLIGHTLY UNSTABLE
Vegetation to water line in most places
Some scalloping of banks
Minor erosion and/or bank undercutting
Recently exposed tree roots rare but present
2
MODERATELY UNSTABLE
Vegetation to water line spare (mainly scoured or stripped by lateral erosion)
Bank held mainly by hard points (trees & boulders), and eroded bank elsewhere
Extensive erosion and bank undercutting
Recently exposed tree roots and fine root hairs common
1
COMPLETELY UNSTABLE
No vegetation (other than grasses) at water line
Bank held only by hard points
Severe erosion of banks on outside bends and both banks on straight stretches
Recently exposed tree roots common
Tree falls and/or severely undercut trees common
1
ARMORED BANKS
Banks held by placed structures such as riprap, retaining walls, etc.
Field Procedures
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BANK STABILITY
A slightly unstable bank (Class 3):
Jimmycomelately 0.6
A moderately unstable bank (Class 2):
Jimmycomelately 0.2 prior to channel restoration
A completely unstable bank (Class 1):
Valley 0.4; note the failed revetment.
Field Procedures
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15th Edition, 2013
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
GRADIENT
•
•
•
•
Sight level (“peashooter”--in leather case)
100’ tape
stadia rod
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
Using this procedure, known as the “peashooter”
method, you will measure the downhill slope
(gradient) of the water surface. Two people are
required: a sighter and a rod-holder. The sighter
should ideally be someone with a steady hand and a
good eye. A tip: the sight level fogs up in rainy
weather, so carry it in your shirt pocket (close to
your body) to minimize fogging.
1.45 ft.
is at the
tip of
this line.
WHERE TO MEASURE: The ideal place:
Reminder
that this is
still the onefood range
(in red)
•
•
•
•
•
is fairly straight and in a single channel, with a
good sight line, and with no downstream
constrictions that may cause backwater effects
during high flows
is representative of the section of the creek your
reach is in
has 2 identical habitat units (e.g., the tops or
bottoms of 2 pools or riffles) for endpoints
is at least 50-100 feet long
is upstream of your cross-section line (if your
reach has one)
Do the best you can to meet these conditions; you
may go outside your reach if necessary.
(NOTE: Placement will be different if you are
measuring gradient for a stream gage—consult with
staff if this is the case.)
Tenths (in
black)
HOW TO MEASURE: Try to have more than one
set of samplers perform this procedure (or switch
roles) to increase your precision.
1. Decide where the sighter and rod holder will
stand. (Who stands u/s & who stands d/s is
purely a matter of convenience of reading the
height on the rod.) The sighter then takes
position in or alongside the stream and sights
through the peashooter to where the rod-holder
will eventually be, leveling it by getting the
bubble in the middle of the 3 lines. Meanwhile,
the rod-holder extends the stadia rod from the
bottom section until the button clicks, so that
the rod reads above 7’, and sets it down next to
the end of the peashooter, leveling it by holding
it with two fingers from above like a plumb-bob.
The rod-holder then measures the “Pupil
Reading” on the rod to the middle of the leveled
peashooter, to the nearest hundredth of a foot.
(See stadia rod picture.)
Feet (in
red)
STADIA ROD
The markings are unusual: feet are written in red
and tenths in black; each bar is 0.01 ft. thick; the
halfway point between tenths is the pointed tip of
the longer line in between.
Field Procedures
83
15th Edition, 2013
GRADIENT
•
If you measure with the bottom of the rod
right at water level, you can enter a zero for
“Correction Factor.”
•
If the rod is resting below or above the
water level (e.g., in the water or on a rock),
you need to record the Correction Factor
that would need to get added to the Pupil
Reading to get the height above the water:
o
If the rod is resting below the water
level, this will be a negative number.
o
If the rod is resting above the water
level, this will be a positive number.
centered on the sight level’s center mark. The
sighter then determines where the center mark
crosses the stadia rod, either by reading the
numbers on the rod her/himself, or by giving
signals or verbal directions to the rod-holder to
move a dark, straight object (such as the sightlevel case) in front of the rod until its top aligns
with the center mark. The rod-holder notes that
“Sight Reading” to the nearest hundredth of a
foot, then measures the Correction Factor if the
rod is resting below or above the water level
(see previous section), and enters both values
on the data sheet.
5.
2. The sighter holds the tape reel while the rodholder takes the rod, the clipboard and pencil,
and the end of the tape, and walks to the predetermined point. You may have to do some
minor pruning of overhanging branches or walk
outside of your reach to get a good sight-line.
Run the tape between you along the water.
The two then stretch the tape between them,
along the contour of the water, and record the
“Distance” on the data sheet, to the nearest
tenth of a foot.
3. The rod-holder holds the stadia rod at any
convenient point (given the criteria stated
above), making sure it is straight up by using
the “plumb-bob” technique described earlier.
6. If there is no adequate straight stretch, you may
have to take multiple straight-segment readings
as you go around a bend at the deepest point of
the water. If you take an “additive” gradient in
this manner, record values for each segment
separately and note that the values must be
added together, which can be done in the office.
4. The sighter, standing in the same position and
posture as in step 1, sights through the sight
level (with the label at the top) toward the
stadia rod, and adjusts it so that the bubble is
7. In the “Sampler’s Initials” box, put the sighter’s
initials next to each set of measurements;
record any comments relevant to the quality of
each set.
Sample gradient data sheet
Pupil reading
Pupil height correction
factor (- if below water
level, + if above)
5.21
0
Sight reading
Sight height correction
factor (- if below water
level, + if above)
Distance
5.16
-0.24
91.4
Pupil/Sight heights above water = Pupil/Sight readings + correction factors
Gradient = “rise/run” = ABS[(pupil height above water)-(sight height above water)]/distance
Field Procedures
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ESTABLISHING CROSS SECTION MONUMENTS
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CHOOSING A LOCATION FOR THE LINE
In most reaches, you will establish a single
cross-section line, preferably across a fairly
straight and even stretch of stream in a riffle,
run, or glide (not in a pool or cascade), where
there are no islands with woody vegetation.
Midway between bends is ideal. (If your reach
has two pool/riffle sequences, you may want to
establish two cross-section lines, one in each of
the riffles.) Do not put the line across a place
where the streambed or banks are bedrock
(i.e., you want an “alluvial” rather than a
“confined” reach). In exceptional
circumstances, you might have to place the line
outside of your reach--but it should be near
enough to mark on your reach map.
reach map from prior monitoring
100’ measuring tape
100’ of string
6” - 8” galvanized nails
small sledge hammer
hand pruner
lengths of 1/2” rebar 2 - 4 feet long
rebar caps
hardhat
safety glasses
first aid kit
flagging tape
line level
compass
stadia rod
clipboard, pencil
Consider the following points when establishing
your line:
In this procedure, you will establish a
permanent monument on each bank of the
stream from which to measure its crosssectional profile. You will perform this
procedure only once: before your first August
monitoring session. (If the monuments are
removed or disturbed, you will have to
reestablish them.) By stretching a string and a
measuring tape between the two monuments
(using the Cross Section Survey field
procedure), teams can take annual
measurements that will accurately show
changes from year to year. Large changes
indicate possible problems in the watershed.
• You’ll want a place easy to find again and to
put in monuments.
• When possible, find two trees (preferably
fir) >8” diameter that are on opposite sides
of the stream and show no sign of
imminently falling. In that case, you can
establish monuments simply by driving nails
in low on the trunks of the two trees.
Where trees are not available, you will have
to drive rebar into the ground, ideally
leaving about 4” obtruding from ground
level. Often one monument will be in a tree
and the opposite will be located with rebar.
• Attachment points should be well above the
level of bankfull flow (see definition in
“Bankfull” chapter)—a few feet above is
ideal. HOWEVER, the line should be low
enough that the stadia rod (14.5 feet as of
July 1999) can measure up to it from the
lowest point in the channel, and you can
accurately read it.
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ESTABLISHING CROSS SECTION MARKERS
INSTALLING THE MARKERS
• The cross-section line should be as
perpendicular as possible to the bankfull
channel (see definition in “Bankfull”
chapter).
1. To decide exactly where to drive nails or
rebar, have two people stretch a string
between the proposed points, with the line
level attached in the middle. BE CAREFUL
NOT TO FLIP THE LINE LEVEL OFF THE
STRING. Adjust as necessary to make the
line level and perpendicular to the channel.
• The two monuments need to be easily
accessible without damaging the banks.
(Otherwise, changes in the channel’s crosssection will be due to the stream teams
themselves!)
•
There must be NO interference with the
string. Use the hand pruner to remove
branches that are in the way.
•
If the monument will be a nail in a tree,
try to locate the nail on the upstream or
downstream side of the tree so that the
nail itself is parallel to the channel;
however, the most important concern is
to make the line perpendicular to the
channel. Locate the nail as low in the
tree as is practical.
•
If the monument will be rebar driven into
the ground, hold the string about 2
inches above ground level. The person
on the other bank should adjust height
as necessary.
•
If there are no trees, put rebar on both
banks.
• Avoid placing rebar in high-traffic areas, for
both safety and the integrity of the markers.
• If you place your cross-section line in a
good place to measure stream flow, you
may be able to combine measurements for
both protocols. (Program managers will
help you determine if your cross-section line
is a good spot to also designate flow
measurements.) However, in that case your
line must be perpendicular to the stream
channel.
LOCATING THE MONUMENTS
Monuments should ideally be directly across the
stream from each other, marking a line that is
more-or-less perpendicular to the channel. To
determine perpendicularity, first choose a point
on either bank where you wish to place your
first monument. Stand in the middle of the
channel facing this chosen point. Hold your
arms out to your sides and shift your feet until
your arms line up with the flow. Then bring
your hands flat together in front of you. Your
hands should be pointing at the chosen marker.
If they are not, move your body up- or
downstream until they are. Now double check
your position by again holding your hands out
from your sides and bringing them together in
front of you. You will be pointing to the marker
along a line that is roughly perpendicular to the
flow. Then turn 180 degrees keeping your
body in the same place, and repeat the
movement with your arms. You will be pointing
along the same perpendicular line towards the
other bank at the best spot for your second
monument. Use this procedure to determine if
two trees will work or if you’ll have to place
rebar on one or both banks.
Field Procedures
2. Before driving nails, make a number of
pleats in flagging tape, leaving a 6” tail on
the end. Then hammer the nail through the
pleats. (This will assure that some flagging
will remain if the tail is pulled off.) Try to
leave at least 3” of nail protruding. If the
nail is not parallel to the channel, bend it
with hammer blows near the base until it is,
but do not bend the nail head closer than 1”
to the tree trunk. The attachment point will
be the head of the nail.
3. If driving rebar, use hardhat and safety
glasses. Leave at least 4” protruding. Use
the two-foot lengths of rebar if possible. If
the ground is hard, you can use a piece that
has a point ground into it. If the ground is
soft, use a longer piece. You can also
pound fist-sized rocks into the ground
around the rebar to stabilize it. If you
cannot drive the rebar any further and it is
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ESTABLISHING CROSS SECTION MONUMENTS
MARKING THE MONUMENTS
secure, you can cut it off at 4” height with
the hacksaw. The attachment point will be
just below the rebar cap, once installed.
If available, label the monuments themselves
with metal tags. Include:
4. Test your two attachment points with the
string and line level to see if they are secure
and level with each other, and adjust if
necessary.
5. Install a safety cap on the top of rebar
pieces, then use the hacksaw to score the
rebar just below the bottom of the cap, thus
making a permanent mark for the
attachment point for the string.
•
Site name
•
LBM or RBM
•
Distance & azimuth to another landmark at
the site (e.g., the other cross-section
monument, reach marker, or other
landmark)
•
Instructions as to where to attach the string
to the rebar or spike.
MEASURING THE DISTANCE
RECORDING THE MONUMENTS
Use the steel measuring tape to take an
accurate measurement of the distance between
your monuments, to the nearest 0.1 foot. Get
the tape as taut as you can; you may need one
or two people pulling on each end. Measure
between the designated measuring points on
the monuments:
Measure the distance from your reach’s zero
point to the cross-section line, and record this
information on your reach map. Also on your
map, indicate the placement of the markers:
•
For nails in trees, record the approximate
position and height on the tree.
•
For rebar: just below the rebar cap.
•
For rebar, indicate the approximate position.
•
For a nail: at the head of the nail.
•
Also give the distance and true bearings
from two prominent landmarks nearby (one
of which can be your monument on the
other bank). (See “Compass Use” section
for instructions on taking a bearings.) That
way, if the tree or rebar “disappears”
(whether through vandalism, blowdown, or
a year’s worth of brush growth), you can
relocate or reestablish it.
FLAGGING THE MONUMENTS
Make it as easy as you can for volunteers to
find the markers in future years. You may wish
to:
•
tie flagging around the trunk of the tree at
eye level
•
tie flagging in the brush above your rebar
•
tie flagging to overhanging vegetation at
eye-level in mid-channel near the crosssection line
SEE The SAMPLE MAP AT THE END OF THE
REACH MAP PROTOCOL – Page 101.
However, if the site is frequented by the public,
flagging may serve as both a visual nuisance
and an invitation to disturb the markers. Use
your best judgment.
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Field Procedures
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BANKFULL: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO LOCATE IT
WHY BANKFULL?
edge, and you should consider all that are
present at a given site:
Several procedures in this manual require you
to locate what is known as the “bankfull
channel edge,” or more simply as “bankfull.”
This is an important concept in understanding
the workings of a stream.
1. Bank slope: In stream channels with
natural (undiked) riparian areas and a low,
flat floodplain, the bankfull edge is located
at the edge of this plain. Often the
floodplain will slope down very gradually
and then more abruptly. This abrupt slopebreak is usually a good indicator. However,
you may find such a slope-break on only
one bank, or none at all, for instance if the
channel has cut down into the streambed.
Or the slope-break may be impossible to
find on a bank that is slumping or undercut.
2. Vegetation: The bankfull edge is often
indicated by a demarcation line between
lower areas that are either bare or have
aquatic and annual vegetation, and higher
areas with perennial vegetation such as
ferns, shrubs, and trees. (Keep in mind,
though, that the vegetation line is always in
transition, retreating during wetter periods
and advancing during dryer ones. So except
for ferns, you should rely most heavily on
perennial vegetation that is more than 6 feet
high.) One particular confusion arises from
willow or alder trees growing within the
bankfull channel, because the channel has
migrated into them, or they fell into the
stream and managed to reestablish
themselves. Therefore, when you look at
vegetation, you should also look at soils…
3. Soils: Look for a transition as you move up
the bank, from cobble/gravel to sand/silt to
soil. Above bankfull level, you should find
old leaf litter forming into soil with organic
matter. (Beware: this may be covered by
flood deposits, so you may have to dig
down.)
4. Point bars and bank undercuts: Often
on the inside of meander bends, the stream
will build up a bar of sediment from the
eddy current created by the bend; the top of
such a bar is the minimum height of
bankfull. Similarly, on the outside of such
bends, the stream will often undercut the
bank and expose root mats. If you reach up
HOW DOES A “BANKFULL” GET CREATED?
Most lower portions of streams in our area are
alluvial, meaning that they create their own
channels by moving sediment from the
surrounding hillslopes and from the stream
channel itself. Major episodes of such
movement occur during floods and are called
“channel-forming events.” These events
determine the size of the channel needed to
convey the water. In a period of relatively
stable climate and land-cover, a stream system
will develop equilibrium between its flows and
the size of the channel, whereby the channel is
large enough to contain the stream under most
flow conditions. When flows are greater than
this capacity, the stream overflows its banks
and flooding occurs.
In such streams, the channel is usually big
enough to contain a high-flow event that recurs
on an average of every 1.5 years (which we call
the “1.5-year flood”). Such a frequency of
inundation is frequent enough that perennial
vegetation can’t grow there, either because its
roots are too wet or its seedlings get swept
away. So usually, what you’ll see if you look at
the cross-section of a stream channel is a sort
of “bowl” that contains the stream most of the
time, inside which no perennial vegetation
grows, and a place over the top of this bowl
where the water can flow during a high-water
event greater than a 1.5-year flood. This
“floodplain” may be on one or both banks,
depending on the site.
WHAT ARE INDICATORS OF BANKFULL?
Most stream systems are in a continual cycle of
change, and every site is unique; thus, no
single indicator of bankfull can always get you
the “right answer.” There are several indicators
that can help to identify the bankfull channel
Field Procedures
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BANKFULL
beneath this mat, you can estimate the
upper extent of the undercut. This would
also be the minimum height of bankfull.
5. Lines on boulders/bedrock: If you’re in
a steep channel with no clear floodplain,
look for the highest mineral-stain line or the
lowest line of lichen or moss on stable rock.
6. Adjacent indicators: If the indicators are
unclear where you’re looking, try looking upor downstream to see if there is a clear
bankfull line from which you can
extrapolate.
no longer 100% sure that you’re below
bankfull, mark that level with a flag or
stick.
b) Then walk up to what is clearly dry land,
and walk around, observing indicators
and moving back toward the bankfull
edge. When you’re no longer 100%
confident that you’re above bankfull,
mark that point.
c) Reassess the indicators and your
confidence levels, and consult with your
fellow samplers, and make adjustments
as needed.
d) The bankfull channel edge is at the
elevation point midway between these
two points.
2. Now follow the same procedure on the other
bank. If it is not possible to accurately
identify the bankfull level on that bank
(which often happens on the outside bank
of a meander bend), locate it using a level
line from the bankfull point on the first
bank.
HOW SHOULD I LOCATE BANKFULL?
The following method was found by the TFW
program to maximize data precision and
minimize bias toward over- or under-estimation
of bankfull elevation:
1. Start on the bank with the best bankfull
indicators.
a) Move up the bank from the channel,
observing the indicators listed above.
When you reach a point at which you’re
Typical bankfull ID situation, adapted from Pleus and Schuett-Hames, 1998.
(Also referenced for this section: Harrelson et al., 1994.)
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CROSS SECTION SURVEY
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
to make sure your attachment points are at
the same elevation. Tie the string in such a
way that you can easily untie it without
cutting it. It is crucial that the string not
touch anything in between the monuments.
If necessary, pull or prune away any brush
that interferes. Hang a line level at midpoint on the string to confirm that the string
is horizontal, but take it off before
proceeding.
string
line level
flexible measuring tape marked in tenths of
a foot
spring clamp(s)
stadia rod
compass
hand pruner
“Photos—Summer” protocol
directions to the cross-section monuments
(hand-drawn reach map, verbal directions,
someone who knows)
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
4. Starting at either bank, stretch a measuring
tape marked in tenths of a foot across the
stream between the two monuments. Keep
the tape away from the string by attaching it
as closely as possible to the tree (if the
monument is a nail) or the ground (if the
monument is rebar). You can use the piece
of wire at the end of the tape to secure the
end-hook such that the tape’s zero point is
at the head of the nail or the bottom of the
rebar cap, or you can wrap the tape around
the monument and then clamp it to itself
using the spring clamp. (The tape doesn’t
have to start at zero.) The tape should be
fairly tight, but it will sag below the string,
which can be stretched more tightly. Make
sure that the tape does not touch the string
at any point.
In this procedure, you will survey the stream
channel cross section with a series of
measurements along a permanently-established
line. The data you gather will be entered into a
computer database that can generate a graph
of the cross section and calculate the degree of
change in the cross-section “footprint” over
time.
Survey the cross section at the place in your
reach where permanent monuments have been
established. Generally there will be one set of
two monuments in each reach. The location of
these monuments should be indicated on your
reach map. See the “Establishing Cross Section
Monuments” procedure for further details.
5. Begin readings from either monument (lbm
or rbm). You don’t have to begin at zero,
and you can start at either end of the tape—
the database will make all necessary
conversions. One person records on the
data sheet while the other measures with
the stadia rod.
1. Avoid trampling down the banks, or your
own team will be the cause of changes in
the cross section!
2. Locate and verify your monuments, and
complete the lines on your data sheet
describing your monuments and any
changes to the site.
6. Assure that the rod is straight up by holding
it loosely and finding the point at which it
balances itself. Read from the side of the
rod that is actually touching the ground (the
up-bank side). Be sure to have your eye on
level with the string.
3. Tie a string tightly between the attachment
points on the two permanent monuments.
For a nail in a tree, the attachment point is
directly next to the head of the nail. For a
piece of rebar in the ground, the attachment
point is the scored line in the rebar just
below the rebar cap (or just below where
the rebar cap would be if the cap is
missing). When in doubt, use the line level
Field Procedures
7. At the starting point, on your data sheet:
•
91
In the “Descr” column, circle whether
you’re starting at the lbm or rbm.
15th Edition, 2013
CROSS SECTION SURVEY
•
In the “d” column, record the reading on
the tape (which won’t necessarily be
zero), to the nearest tenth of a foot (DO
NOT GIVE MEASUREMENTS IN INCHES).
•
In the “ht” column, record the height on
the stadia rod from the ground to the
string’s attachment point to the
monument—to the nearest tenth of a
foot.
event that you’d expect to see every couple
of years. Generally, if you can kick the rock
out of the way, do so, or just skip over the
rock if it’s too big for you (but not the
water!) to move. However, if the boulder or
tree looks like it wouldn’t move during a
bankfull flood, count it as part of the
channel bed.
12. Undercut bank: If the wetted edge is
beneath an undercut bank (or protruding
log), act as if the wetted edge were at the
edge of the overhang. (See diagram on
next page.) When your stadia rod butts up
against the overhang, record that distance
as your wetted edge. Your vertical
measurement should be from the stream
bottom to the string, as usual. On your data
sheet, record “undercut” next to your
wetted-edge designation. You can also
record the water depth at that point. (See
sample field sheet on next page.) Make
measurements 0.1’ on either side of the
undercut edge.
8. You do not have to measure at uniform
horizontal intervals; in fact, you should not
use uniform intervals. Instead, use longer
intervals where the slope or terrain is
regular, and shorter intervals where it is
irregular (such as at the steep drop-off at
the edge of the bank). In general, intervals
should be 0.2 – 2 ft. when measuring above
bankfull (see definition below) and 0.2 – 1.5
ft. when measuring below that line. The
person with the stadia rod moves along the
cross-section line, measuring from the
ground to the string. Two numbers are
given at each point: the horizontal reading
on the tape measure, and the vertical
distance from the ground to the string, both
in tenths of a foot.
13. If you wish to provide a double-check on the
water level, you can measure the water
depth at mid-channel, or at more frequent
points if the water-level is not uniform
across the channel due to small pools or
cascades. Enter these measurements in the
“wtr” column.
9. Be sure to stop and measure at the bankfull
points (lbfull & rbfull). (See separate
“Bankfull” chapter for how to determine
these points). Flag these points for the
photo-taker, by either a flagged stake or
flagging hanging from the tape.
14. Proceed as described above all the way to
the monument on the other side.
10. Also stop at the left- and right-bank wetted
edges (lbwe & rbwe). If the water level is
fairly uniform across your line (which it
should be if the monuments were wellplaced), these two vertical measurements
should be equal and should reflect the level
of the water across the channel.
15. In the space provided on your data sheet,
calculate the bankfull width, which you will
need to perform the Erosion/Revetment and
Pools monitoring protocols.
16. Before taking the tape and string
down, perform the “Photos—Summer”
protocol. You may also be able to perform
the Flow protocol using this tape, if it is not
too high for the flow meter’s staff and is at a
good point to measure flow (see “Where to
Measure” in the Flow protocol).
11. Once you get into the water, ignore any
rocks or wood sitting in the bankfull channel
that look like they could be moved in a
“two-year flood”—the sort of high-flow
Field Procedures
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CROSS SECTION SURVEY
Next measurement will
be 0.1’ further along,
at top of bank
Field Procedures
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CROSS SECTION SURVEY
Cross-sections, Bear 5.1, 2000-2003
0.00
0.00
distance from rbm
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
-0.50
-1.00
ground ht. from monuments
-1.50
-2.00
-2.50
bankfull
Thalweg shifted between 2001 &
2002
-3.00
-3.50
-4.00
-4.50
Major erosional event in
the winter of 2001-
2000/130
2001/233
2002/1052
2003/3645
-5.00
d from RBM
Field Procedures
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LARGE WOODY DEBRIS
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
•
•
•
•
•
•
100’ tape, stretched along your baseline
retractable tape
ruler
camera, photo log
“Photos—Summer” protocol
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
WHAT’S BANKFULL, ANYWAY?
See the separate chapter on “Bankfull” for
details. However, in addition to that
chapter, consider this: LWD within the
bankfull channel will affect the flow of
water at flood stage, so another sign that
the LWD is within the bankfull channel is
that you’ll see signs of erosion or
deposition near the LWD.
In this procedure, you will tally, classify, and
photograph large pieces of wood that intrude
into the stream’s channel along your stream
reach.
Large woody debris (LWD) enters the stream
from the adjacent riparian zone and plays a
crucial role in shaping fish habitat. It:
•
•
•
•
•
2. A living log is a piece of wood that:
creates diverse pool/riffle habitat
provides cover for fish
traps sediment and smaller organic debris
such as logs and twigs
prevents spawning areas from being
inundated with large sediment loads
retains organic matter long enough for it
to break down and become more
appetizing to aquatic invertebrates
a) will not die within a year (roots still in
contact with soil), but is fallen or
tipping;
b) is longer than 10 feet and has a
diameter of at least 10 inches at the
thickest point; AND
c) intrudes into the bankfull channel (see
definition), even if it’s only the rootwad
portion.
Definitions
3. A rootwad is a piece of wood that:
We define 4 categories of LWD:
a) does not qualify as a log;
1. A dead/dying log is a piece of wood
that:
b) has a root system at least 3 feet in
diameter;
a) is dead or will die within a year;
b) is no longer supported by its own
roots;
c) has a diameter of at least 10 inches at
the base of the stem where it meets
the roots;
c) is longer than 10 feet and has a
diameter of at least 10 inches at the
thickest point; AND
d) has roots that are detached from their
original position; AND
e) intrudes into the bankfull channel.
d) intrudes into the bankfull channel (see
sidebar).
Field Procedures
4. A logjam is an accumulation of 5
qualifying logs or rootwads that are in
contact with one another or associated
with the same structure, intruding into the
bankfull channel by at least 4 inches. If
you count a logjam, do not tally the
individual logs/rootwads.
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LARGE WOODY DEBRIS
However, there are exceptions to the above
guidelines. For example, a log or a rootwad
may be partially buried in the bank, so you
may not be able to see its full size. If simple
attempts to jostle it are unsuccessful, and if it
appears to be functioning to trap sediment
and debris, or to create pools or bars, then it
qualifies as a log or a rootwad even if the
dimension criteria aren’t apparent. As a local
habitat guru once said: “If it’s performing the
functions of LWD, it probably is LWD!”
3. After tallying, write out and circle the total
number in each box. Remember to write
zeroes if none is observed. Don’t leave
any box blank!
4. If there are any pieces that don’t meet the
criteria above but nevertheless seem to be
serving channel-forming or habitatcreating functions, note them on your
data sheet. (One example would be
undercut tree roots that overhang the
creek, thus creating cover and acting as a
hydraulic control during floods.)
FIELD PROCEDURE
1. For each LWD piece of any type, tally on
your data sheet the number of pieces by
category and zone of lowest intrusion.
The zones are defined as:
5. Take photos of the LWD pieces, using the
“Photos—Summer” protocol.
6. In the “Sampler’s Initials” box to the right
of the data boxes, put all the initials of
one sampler taking responsibility for the
data, even if you wrote zeroes in all the
boxes. If more than one person worked
on this data, put the initials of the person
with the most experience or knowledge.
a) The wetted channel (the wet part of
the stream!) on the day you are
monitoring.
b) The bankfull channel (see previous
sidebar), if the LWD does not intrude
into the water.
2. If you can tell that some of the LWD has
been installed as part of a restoration
project, rather than having been recruited
naturally, make tallies in 2 separate subcolumns: “natural” and “artificial.”
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EROSION/REVETMENT SURVEY
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
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Revetment refers to any action taken by
humans to make a streambank more resistant
to erosion. A typical revetment consists of a
blanket of large “riprap” rocks, but revetment
may also consist of wooden or concrete
bulkheads, log cribbing, cabled trees,
revegetation, and a number of other
technologies. Both erosion and revetment are
signs of bank instability and can present a
number of problems to fish (see inset below).
100’ tape, stretched along your baseline
bankfull width calculation from CrossSection data sheet
“Summer Photos” protocol
camera, photo log
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
Erosion is the wearing-away of the land surface
by water or wind. Here we refer specifically to
the erosion of stream banks.
WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT EROSION & REVETMENT?
A diverse mix of mature riparian vegetation growing on the banks of a stream indicates
that the banks are relatively stable. An undercut bank, if well-vegetated, can still be
stable and provide excellent protective habitat for fish. A certain amount of scouring or
erosion generally occurs on the outside bend of stream meanders, where water velocity is
greatest. In this survey, you are looking for signs of unstable banks, erosion beyond that
caused by natural forces, and human intervention to stabilize the banks.
A stream bank with little or no vegetation usually indicates that excessive bank erosion is
occurring. Signs of erosion include rills and gullies cut by runoff flowing down the banks
into the stream channel. Sloughing or collapsing banks are another obvious sign of
erosion. Unstable bank undercuts threaten fish habitat, as they are highly prone to
sloughing.
Armoring banks with rock or concrete may remedy emergency erosion problems.
However, artificial bank stabilization tends to deflect and concentrate the force of stream
flow downstream to unprotected areas. Thus, forcing a stream into an unnatural humanpreferred course may accelerate erosion downstream. It also limits the stream’s ability to
create a natural diversity of habitats. For this reason, you need to look for and note any
signs of artificial bank stabilization.
(Adapted from Murdoch et al., 1996.)
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EROSION/REVETMENT SURVEY
FIELD PROCEDURE
4. For revetted areas, indicate:
1. Walk your reach, looking carefully for places
where the bank has either eroded or been
revetted.
a) the approximate length (in feet) of the
revetment which lies within the
monitoring reach
2. Only record eroded areas that reach bankfull
height and are at least two bankfull-widths
long. (See your cross-section data for your
bankfull width.)
b) the type of revetment (check all that
apply):
i) continuous blanket -- layer of rock,
tires, etc. on the stream bank
3. For eroded areas, indicate:
ii) bulkhead -- retaining wall made of
wood, steel, or concrete
a) the approximate length (in feet) of the
eroded area which lies within the
monitoring reach
iii) spur dike -- structure that juts out
into the stream
b) the highest height of the eroded area, in
feet
iv) check dam -- low structure crossing
the stream
c) the probable cause of the erosion (check
all that seem to apply):
v) large woody debris placement – trees
placed, cabled, or dug into the banks
or streambed
i) slope failure from above
ii) bank undercutting by the stream
channel, i.e., where the sides of the
bank have been dug out by the force
of the water and the bank collapsed
above the undercut
vi) bioengineering -- vegetation planted
to protect the bank
vii) other - old car bodies, etc. Describe
on the data sheet.
5. Take photos of eroded and revetted areas,
following the “Photos—Summer” protocol.
iii) channel scour, i.e., where the
channel has dug the bed of the
stream down lower and lower, until
the bank has collapsed because its
abutment is gone
6. If there are no eroded or revetted
areas, write “None” on the data sheet.
7. In the “Sampler’s Initials” box to the right of
the data boxes, put all the initials of one
sampler taking responsibility for the data,
even if all you wrote was “None.” If more
than one person worked on this data, put
the initials of the person with the most
experience or knowledge.
iv) new-fallen large woody debris
v) human-made bank alteration
upstream or on opposite bank
vi) other (indicate)
Field Procedures
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15th Edition, 2013
POOLS SURVEY
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
•
•
•
at which the calm water begins to
accelerate. Look for a narrowing tongue
of calm pool water that runs down the
middle or side of the stream on the
downstream end of the pool. The apex
of that tongue should be the deepest
part of the outlet.
stadia rod
bankfull width calculation from cross-section
data sheet
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
1. During your Cross Section Survey, you
determined the bankfull width of your reach.
Find your bankfull width on the following
chart to determine the minimum residual
pool depth for your reach (from SchuettHames et al., TFW 1994):
BANKFULL
WIDTH
MINIMUM
RESIDUAL POOL
DEPTH
0-8.2’ (ft.)
0.3’ (ft.)
8.2-16.4’
0.7’
16.4-32.8’
0.8’
32.8-49.2’
1.0’
49.2-65.6’
1.2’
>65.6’
1.3’
The pool’s residual depth is the difference
between these two depths.
4. If the pool qualifies according to the above
criteria, write its residual depth to the
nearest tenth of a foot on your data sheet.
5. For each pool, record pool-forming factors.
Keep in mind that pools form in two ways:
a. Obstructions can dam the stream and
form a pool upstream of the dam.
b. Objects or channel features can direct
the water flow in such a way that it
scours out the stream bottom in a
certain place. Such scour pools are
formed and maintained during highwater events, when the stream has a
great deal of energy to move sediment.
If you visualize these high-water events,
you’ll often be able to surmise what
created a scour pool.
2. Walk along your reach with the stadia rod,
looking for possible pools. These will be
areas with deeper water and slower current.
(Pools partially within your reach will still
count.)
6. On your data sheet, check off as many of
these pool-forming factors as apply:
3. If you find a possible pool, determine
whether it has the minimum residual pool
depth that you determined above. Residual
depth is the level of water that would be in
the pool if the water level were so low that
water wasn’t running out of it any more. To
measure it, you need two measurements
(see accompanying diagrams):
a. Instream wood: A piece of wood can
dam the water upstream of it; cause
turbulence downstream that digs out a
pool; or do both.
b. Instream rocks or exposed bedrock:
Same as instream wood.
c. Roots of standing trees or stumps: Can
cause the stream to dig out an area
underneath or downstream.
a. the maximum depth, which won’t
necessarily be in the middle of the pool
(estimate the maximum depth if the pool
is too deep to fully access); and
d. Outside of bend: Greater hydraulic
energy at the outsides of bends can dig
pools out of the bank.
b. the pool’s outlet depth, taken at deepest
point of the crest or obstruction that
forms the pool’s downstream outlet. The
downstream end of the pool is the point
Field Procedures
e. Resistant banks upstream (may be rock,
clay or armored): Can “bounce” high99
15th Edition, 2013
POOLS SURVEY
current energy downstream to dig out a
pool elsewhere.
f. Beaver dam: Uncommon, but obvious
when they occur.
g. Other/Unknown: Describe possible poolforming factors if you can.
7. If there are no pools, write ”None” on the
data sheet.
8. In the “Sampler’s Initials” box to the right of
the data boxes, put all the initials of one
sampler taking responsibility for the data,
even if all you wrote was “None.” If more
than one person worked on this data, put
the initials of the person with the most
experience or knowledge.
Field Procedures
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15th Edition, 2013
PEBBLE COUNT
(From Kondolf 1997, Wolman 1954, and Schuett-Hames et al. 1994)
dry when you do your sampling; that just
makes it easier to count!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
•
•
•
•
Rulers marked in “half-phi” classes (see
below), with 1/8” welding rods projecting 8”
beyond the end of the ruler
latex disposable gloves, to protect against
sharp objects in the water
marked boot tips
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
3. Walk heel-to-toe straight across this
channel. With each step, insert the weldingrod straight down to the stream-bottom
along the line drawn at the tip of your
boots.
In this procedure, you will measure the particle
size distribution of the surface sediment of your
stream, which provides valuable information
about its habitat and hydrology.
4. Don’t count bedrock, garbage, construction
debris, or organic materials. If you come to
an area of the channel that is bedrock only,
skip over that area and move to an area
with sediment (see #1 above).
5. Otherwise, measure whatever you first
touch with the welding rod, be it silt,
gravel, or a boulder.
It is best for two people to perform this
procedure: one to pick and measure rocks
exclusively; and the other to record. A second
counter cuts the time in half, but the counters
must coordinate their crossings (see below).
6. If you hit fine sediment that covers a rock
completely (not sporadically), count the
fines, not the rock. You can tell if you’ve hit
fines, because the rod will make a “scrunch”
(sand/silt) or “squish” (mud”) sound rather
than a “thunk” (rock) or “thud” (rock
covered by algae). You can confirm this fact
in a couple of ways:
1. If possible, do your sampling in the area of
your cross-section transect. However, the
site needs to be a channel-spanning riffle or
run3, at a point where the flow and streambottom appear relatively homogeneous
(e.g., no eddies or backwaters). If the
cross-section transect is not appropriate,
find a place that is. You may go outside
your reach to find the best place possible if
there is no appropriate area within it. (If
you see broken glass or other dangerous
trash in this area, take precautions, remove
the trash, or find another area.) On your
data sheet, indicate your sampling location.
a) Look for a plume of dirt that flows
downstream after you lift up the rod.
b) If you’re not sure whether what covers
the rock is silt or algae, jiggle the rock,
and if the covering easily washes away,
it is fine sediment, not algae.
2. The counter(s) will be walking back and
forth within this riffle/run across the entire
channel bottom where the stream runs
during normal flows, from the foot (a.k.a.
“toe”) of one bank to the foot of the other.
Often there is a non-woody vegetation line
at this toe. Part of this area will probably be
7. If you’ve hit fine sediment, you don’t need
to pick it up. Just call out “fines,” and the
recorder will enter a tally in the “<4 mm”
row.
3
Riffle = shallow area where water flows swiftly over
gravel and rock, creating surface turbulence; run = area
with little surface turbulence but relatively high velocity.
Don’t sample at pools or “glides” (places of deep,
uniform-depth, slow-moving water).
Field Procedures
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15th Edition, 2013
PEBBLE COUNT
Otherwise, pick up the first piece you hit, and
measure its diameter along its intermediate
axis, which is perpendicular to the other two.
To find this, first find the longest axis; then find
the smallest axis that is perpendicular to the
longest axis. There is now one more axis that
is perpendicular to both the longest and
shortest axes--that is the intermediate axis.
See diagram below.
B=
Intermediate
Axis—this is
the axis to
measure!
they increase by the square root of two
and mimic data collected by putting
sediment through successively finer
sieves.)
b) one in the “Total tally” row, to keep track
of how many pieces you’ve counted.
The recorder should verbally repeat each
measurement back to the caller for error
checking before placing the tally mark.
10. Repeat this procedure, walking heel-to-toe
and crossing back and forth across the riffle.
(It will go fast once you get into the
rhythm!) Don’t walk back along the same
line you’ve walked before! (See diagram
below.)
flo
w
shadow
(From Schuett-Hames et al., 1994)
8. If you can’t easily remove the rock from the
bed, excavate around it and measure it in
place. (You may have to “let the dust clear”
for a few seconds.) The intermediate axis
will be the smaller of the two exposed axes.
(If it’s a big rock, don’t give yourself a
hernia! Estimate whether it’s embedded or
not—i.e., does it look like just the “tip of the
iceberg”?) You will tally these pieces in the
“Embedded” column on your data sheet (see
below).
9. For each piece of sediment measured, make
two tallies on your data sheet:
a) one in the appropriate row for the
piece’s size class, in either the “Loose”
or “Embedded” column (not both!). The
classes are: < 4 mm; 4-5.7 mm; 5.7-8
mm; 8-11.3 mm; 11.3-16 mm; 16-22.6
mm; 22.6-32 mm; 32-45.3 mm; 45.3-64
mm; 64-90.5 mm; 90.5-128 mm; 128181 mm; 181-256 mm; 256-362 mm;
362-512 mm; >512 mm. (These
increments are called “half-phi” classes;
Field Procedures
102
General transect scheme for pebble
11. Ifcount
you are on a big boulder and the next
step is still on the same rock, tally that rock
again.
12. If your foot falls on a rock that you can’t
stand on, put your foot on top of it and keep
your weight on the other foot while you
reach down with the rod. If you have to
move your forward foot for whatever
reason, try to make your next step start
from wherever your forward foot would
have been.
13. When 100 tallies are reached, all
samplers must complete their crossing
to the other side of the channel. So if
you have a 100-ft. channel and two
counters, one should start on each side, and
they should meet in the middle!
14. In the “Sampler’s Initials” box to the right of
the data boxes, put all the initials of one
sampler taking responsibility for the data. If
more than one person worked on this data,
put the initials of the person with the most
experience or knowledge.
15th Edition, 2013
CANOPY CLOSURE (SINGLE POINT)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
•
•
•
you and at elbow height. Identify a rock
in the channel directly below the
densiometer. Throughout this entire
procedure, the densiometer should remain
above this rock! The top of your forehead
should be visible in the mirror but not the
grid area. Close one eye and get your
sighting eye in line with the grid
centerline. Make sure the densiometer is
level by getting the bubble inside of the
circle. You will have a “fish-eye” view of
the riparian canopy cover. Maintain this
spherical densiometer (in small wooden
box)
knowledge of cross-section transect for
your reach (from reach map, written
instructions, or verbal directions)
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
Perform this procedure in January and
August. Comparing the two annual readings
will give some idea of the amount of cover
that is provided by conifers, since the
deciduous trees will lose their leaves by
January. Do not perform this procedure in
January if flows are too high for you to be
safe.
position while you count.
4. There are four dots in each square of the
grid. Count either the dots that are more
than half shaded or less than half shaded,
depending on which is easier to count.
(See sample diagram.) Count
systematically, from top row to bottom
row, left to right. Anything in the upper
canopy that shades the dots counts as
1. Generally, you’ll take this reading along
your cross-section transect (or, if there is
no cross section at your site, the site’s
central monitoring point), in the middle of
the bankfull channel (see “Bankfull”
chapter). However, you want your
reading to be representative of your
reach, so if that spot is not representative,
move to another spot and note where you
moved to on your data sheet. (E.g., if the
reach is treeless except for one tree that
happens to be directly above your crosssection transect, move at least partially
away from that spot.)
2. Your goal is to measure the upper-story
tree canopy, not bushy streamside
vegetation. If the latter gets in your way
of viewing upper-story canopy cover
through the densiometer, you may:
•
Sample spherical densiometer reading.
try to ignore the understory blockages
when you take your readings; or
•
cut away a small amount of brush; or
•
move your location by up to six feet,
as long as you remain in the wetted
channel.
The above example shows 48 shaded
points.
shade, including
tree stems and branches.
5. Record the number of shaded dots on
your data sheet in the box marked ”Dn”.
If you counted unshaded dots,
subtract that number from 96.
If you ignored brush or moved location,
note that on your data sheet.
6. Interference factors:
3. Face downstream & open the
densiometer. Hold it about 12” in front of
Field Procedures
a) Sun glare: Block the reflection using
a finger on your free hand.
103
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CANOPY CLOSURE (SINGLE-POINT)
b) Wind in the branches: Try to make
your count between gusts. If this is
not possible, use your best judgment.
readings again, and average them on your
data sheet.
9. In the “Sampler’s Initials” box to the right
of the data boxes, put all the initials of
one sampler taking responsibility for the
data. If more than one person worked on
this data, put the initials of the person
with the most experience or knowledge.
7. Repeat this procedure facing toward the
right bank, upstream, and left bank,
turning 90° each time, keeping the
densiometer in the same spot and rotating
your body around it—remember the rock
you identified. (“Left bank” and “right
bank” are your left and right while facing
downstream.) Record the number of
shaded dots for each direction in the
boxes marked “RB”, “Up”, and “LB”.
10. The database will calculate the % shade,
but if you want to calculate it yourself,
add the four numbers and multiply by
0.26.
8. If possible, have someone else or the
same person take the canopy closure
Field Procedures
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15th Edition, 2013
CANOPY TYPE PERCENTAGES (REACH-WIDE)
(Source: Freudenthal, 1999)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
•
•
reach map
data sheet, clipboard, pencil
In this procedure you’ll estimate how much of
your reach is under the cover of trees, both
coniferous and deciduous. This is done in
August, when the deciduous trees have leafed
out.
1. Visualize your entire reach, consulting your
reach map. (It may help to be in the middle
of the reach or to walk the channel.) Look
at the overstory canopy cover (the highest
level of tree branches) in this area, and
imagine that you were looking down on this
canopy from an airplane. You would
possibly see sections of conifer canopy,
sections of deciduous canopy, and sections
of no canopy (where you can see right down
to the ground or bushes).
Field Procedures
105
2. Imagining this view from the sky (see
sample drawings on next page). Estimate
the percentage of your entire reach area
over which the canopy is covered by conifer
trees, in one of the following three classes:
0-5%; 6-50%; 51-100%. Mark the
appropriate class on the “Conifer” line on
your data sheet.
3. Do the same for deciduous trees, marking
the appropriate class on the “Deciduous”
line on your data sheet.
4. If there is a portion of your reach that is not
under tree cover, your percentages will not
add up to 100%. See the examples below
for guidance.
5. If in doubt, consult your fellow team
members. Have them make their own
estimates before sharing yours.
6. In the “Sampler’s Initials” box to the right of
the data boxes, put all the initials of one
sampler taking responsibility for the data. If
more than one person worked on this data,
put the initials of the person with the most
experience or knowledge.
15th Edition, 2013
CANOPY TYPE PERCENTAGES (REACH-WIDE)
reach
length
reach width
reach
length
reach width
Field Procedures
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15th Edition, 2013
CONIFER STEM COUNT
(Source: Freudenthal 1999)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
• reach map to determine reach boundaries
• 3 measuring tapes
• string
• flagging
• stakes
• data sheet, clipboard, pencil
stakes, to clearly indicate the “bottom” end
of the reach. (You may have to secure the
tape on either bank of the stream to keep it
from getting dragged in the water.) Repeat
this procedure at the far end of the baseline
to establish the “top” end of the reach.
Then, if possible, connect the corners in the
lengthwise direction using another
measuring tape, a string line, etc. That way
you will have your reach borders clearly
marked out.
You will count conifer stems, no matter what
size or species. (You can generally stop
counting at 61 stems.4) Perform this count in
January (because the brush is down then!),
once every 5 years or whenever there are
significant changes in your reach. Three to six
people can conduct this count most efficiently.
At some reaches where the stream is not safe
to cross in the winter, only the “near” bank will
be designated for a conifer stem count; this
should be clearly indicated on the reach map.
1. Establish the boundaries of your 100’ x 100’
reach, using your reach map to guide you
(see Reach Map protocol). If these corners
don’t have permanent markers, you will
want to temporarily mark them with flagging
or stakes. To do this, have one person
stand at the zero-point of your baseline with
a compass and the reach map. Sight in a
direction perpendicular to your baseline, and
send two people off in either direction along
this “zero transect,” with flagging tape,
stakes, and either end of a measuring tape.
Direct them as they walk out to their
corners, where they will place flags. (See
diagram.) If possible, leave the tape along
the ground and wrap the ends around the
dogleg corners
(Count
here as
well)
baseline
3. If you don’t have the outside boundaries laid
out with a tape or string, flag them by
having two people start at adjacent corners
and call out or signal while walking toward
each other, flagging along the way.
4
If your reach is larger than a 100’ X 100’ square,
your “top-count” number will need to increase
proportionately. For example, if your reach is 200’
X 200’, your top-count number will be 241 (because
your reach is 4 times larger than the standard
reach, and 60 X 4 = 240). However, if you are
monitoring a stream with a wide channel that takes
up a large portion of the reach, you may have to
adjust your top-count accordingly. When in doubt,
consult Streamkeepers staff or just count them all!
Field Procedures
2. If your reach is not square, you will need to
mark the dogleg corners as well. This gets
a bit tricky, as the following diagram
indicates:
(see next page)
4. Have two people stand at either corner on
one side of the stream.
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15th Edition, 2013
CONIFER STEM COUNT
5. Walk toward each other, zig-zagging as
needed to cover the area between the
stream and your outside boundary line.
Count all the living conifers in this area, no
matter what size or species, until you meet
and have counted all the conifers on one
side of the stream (unless there are more
than 60 stems—see below).
Person 1
starts here
stream
Persons 1 & 2
finish here
6. Repeat this procedure on the other side of
the stream (unless you only count conifers
on one bank at that reach, or you have
counted more than 60 conifers already—see
below). Or, with four people, you can cover
both sides of the stream at the same time.
(same on
this side)
Person 2
starts here
7. Once you reach 61 stems, you can stop
counting.1
8. Total your count and enter the number (or
“>60” if there are more than 60 stems5) on
your data sheet. If there are no conifer
stems, enter a zero.
9. In the “Sampler’s Initials” box to the right of
the data boxes, put all the initials of one
sampler taking responsibility for the data,
even if all you wrote was a zero. If more
than one person worked on this data, put
the initials of the person with the most
experience or knowledge.
5
If your top-count is greater than 61, change what
you write on the data sheet accordingly. In the
example from Footnote 2, if you reached 241 trees,
you’d write “>241” on the data sheet.
Field Procedures
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15th Edition, 2013
a. A description of your proposed
stream/sites/projects and the benefits
of carrying out your proposal;
SAMPLING PLAN DESIGN
HOW TO PROPOSE A NEW STREAM,
REACH, OR PROJECT
b. List of prospective team members
(name, address, phone);
Streamkeepers has a regular quarterly
monitoring plan that has been devised in
consultation with our technical advisors and
volunteers. That plan provides a general
framework for the ambient monitoring of a
stream, meaning that it’s designed to
establish baseline conditions, compare
conditions between sites and streams, and
track trends. Beyond our regular quarterly
monitoring, we also perform special projects
at the request of partner agencies,
volunteers, or other area residents. Each fall,
Streamkeepers staff, volunteers and technical
advisors work together to determine the
streams, monitoring reaches, and projects to
be monitored the following year. If you are
interested in a stream, site, or project that is
not on this year’s work plan, we suggest you
do the following:
c. If your proposal involves anything
other than the regular Streamkeepers
quarterly monitoring plan, you’ll need
to compose a more detailed sampling
plan. We can provide you with
reference materials for designing such
a plan (e.g., Murdoch et al. 1996 and
Yates 1988).
d. Contact information for any
professionals with whom you’ve
consulted (name, agency, address, email and phone number);
e. Rationale for your choice of sites, and
maps showing those sites.
5. Participate in the Volunteer Advisory
Committee and Steering Committee in the
fall, and advocate for your
stream/reaches. You will advocate most
effectively if you are prepared with the
aforementioned proposal!
1. Join an existing stream team for the time
being. This way you will receive the
training and learn our protocols. You can
tell Streamkeepers staff which of the
existing teams you’d like to join, or staff
can assign you to a team.
2. Do the homework necessary to determine
the value of monitoring the new stream or
reaches, and to locate where the
monitoring reaches should be (see “New
Reach Establishment” section). You’ll
probably want to convene a meeting
and/or field trip for local experts to advise
you. We can help you get in touch with
these experts.
3. Round up a team of volunteers, if
possible. Recruit your friends and
neighbors!
4. Write an informal proposal showing the
results of the above efforts. This doesn’t
have to be formal or fancy, but it should
include:
Field Procedures
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15th Edition, 2013
SAMPLING PLAN DESIGN
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING MONITORING SITES ALONG A STREAM
Streamkeepers generally monitors small- to
medium-sized wadeable streams, most of which
arise in the foothills and are of relatively short
length—often just a few miles. In streams we
monitor, we generally try to establish three or
more reaches: ideally, one at or near the
mouth, one or more in developed areas, and
one above most/all of the developed areas.
This arrangement allows some comparison
between stream characteristics at different
elevations and levels of human impact.
The exact location of a monitoring reach will
depend on characteristics specific to each creek
(including access, owner permission, creek
history, etc.) Resources that can help you
identify the most effective and accessible places
to establish new reaches include USGS quad
maps, driving/walking tours (but don’t
trespass), your personal knowledge of the area,
and especially the suggestions of local natural
resource specialists (Clallam County; Tribes;
Clallam Conservation District; State
Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Natural
Resources, and Ecology; US Forest Service,
National Park Service, Natural Resources
Conservation Service; etc.).
7. Containing both pools and riffles, if
possible.
8. Above saltwater and tidal influence.
9. Generally located at least one half mile
apart.
10. If you’re trying to establish a “reference
site” which approximates pristine
conditions, find a site with little/no
adjacent land use, good riparian cover
and channel complexity (including pools
and riffles), and that’s neither totally
incised nor a Devil’s Club swamp!
Once you’ve determined where your sites
should be and have gotten approval for the
new project and sites, you’ll need to
establish the new sites by following our
“New Site/Reach Establishment”
protocol (next section in the Volunteer
Handbook)
Criteria for selecting reaches to monitor on a
given creek include:
1. Reasonable and safe access by volunteers.
2. Publicly owned land or permission of
landowner to access and mark sites.
3. A good spot to gather data, either because:
4. It provides a representative view of the
stream at that point in its watershed, or
5. There’s a particular land-use impact that
you’re trying to track, in which case you’ll
want sites both upstream and downstream
of that land use.
6. At least 165’ upstream or 660’ downstream
of bank alterations such as bridges, riprap,
etc., if possible. (Unless your purpose is to
measure the effects of these bank
alterations!)
Field Procedures
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15th Edition, 2013
NEW SITE/REACH ESTABLISHMENT
Here are some steps to go through if you’re establishing a new monitoring site or reach. A “site”
is a fairly-contained spot, whereas a “reach” is a specified length of stream; generally, a “site” will
suffice unless you’ll be doing physical-habitat measurements, in which case you’ll need to establish
a “reach.” For the purposes of this section, we’ll use the words interchangeably.
1. Identify prospective monitoring
reaches
you think it’s a good idea to diverge
from the standard suite.
a. Using the resources and criteria
described in “Monitoring Program
Design,” select prospective monitoring
reaches and mark them on a map.
b. Use the County Assessor’s maps to
identify the parcel number and look up
the owner’s name (either at the
Assessor’s office or online at
http://www.clallam.net/Maps).
c. Confirm accessibility of the site
through a visit or a drive-by. If private
property, contact the owner regarding
access. Streamkeepers staff can
supply you with a permission form for
establishing a monitoring site and a
standard letter asking for permission,
which you can bring to the owner; or
we can mail these items to them at
your request.
d. Write a brief text (1-2 paragraphs)
describing the reach, its location, how
to access it, and why you’ve chosen it.
If you consulted with anyone, be sure
to list his or her name, title and
contact information. Also, if you want
to do something other than monitor
the regular suite of parameters (e.g.
you think you should monitor only
chemical water quality, or only riparian
vegetation, etc.), list the parameters
you want to monitor and (briefly) why
Field Procedures
2. Confirm selection of monitoring
reach(es) with Streamkeepers staff
3. Document and mark the reach
a. Complete as much of the “New Site
Questionnaire” (see following pages)
as you can prior to going into the field.
You can get this form from our office
or our website.
b. Go to the site(s) and:
i) Finish the “New Site Questionnaire”
ii) Perform the “Sampling Site Sketch
Map” or “Reach Map” protocol,
depending on directions from
program staff.
iii) Install monuments and flagging as
needed at your reach(es), per the
above protocols.
c. Draw your map(s), per the above
protocols.
d. Determine the Washington Department
of Fish & Wildlife stream number for
each reach; you’ll need the state Water
Resources Inventory Area (WRIA)
catalog, available from Streamkeepers
staff.
e. Have staff create a field-forms folder
and hanging file for the stream-team,
and an office binder for the stream if
new. In the binder, include
photocopies of maps with the
monitoring site(s) clearly marked.
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NEW SITE/REACH ESTABLISHMENT
STREAMKEEPERS OF CLALLAM COUNTY—NEW SITE QUESTIONNAIRE
Dear Streamkeeper advisor/partner/volunteer: You have suggested a new Streamkeepers monitoring site.
(For more information, see
http://www.clallam.net/streamkeepers/assets/applets/SamplingPlanDesign.pdf&http://www.clallam.net/streamkeepers/
assets/applets/NewReachEst.pdf.) In order to facilitate our addition of this site into our database system, please
answer the following questions about each new site you wish to see monitored, using a separate form for each site.
You may submit responses electronically or by hard-copy.
1. Your name (and agency if applicable):
2. Brief descriptive name of this site, and stream-mile to the nearest tenth if you can calculate it from a map:
3. Would you like this site sampled quarterly, or only in certain seasons? For what parameters and duration?
4. Where, exactly, would you like this site to be? (Describe in terms of landmarks and rough distances and directions
from them.) Please note: Streamkeepers’ macroinvertebrate-sampling protocol specifies that collection sites are
to be at least 660’ downstream or at least 165’ upstream of any human-made structure in the bankfull channel,
such as a culvert or bridge, UNLESS your goal is to sample the impacts of the structure. So if you think
macroinvertebrate samples will someday be taken at this location, follow the above guidelines.
5. Supply good written directions as to how to access this site:
6. Every new site needs to be visited by SK staff or a technical advisor prior to any monitoring. Has this site been
visited, and if so, by whom and when? If not, who will be visiting this site, and when?
7. The technical advisor should help decide if flow will be measured at this site, and if so, if it should be measured
along a transect between permanent monuments. If so, have the monuments been installed, or is there a plan to
install them? (If so, the installation should be indicated and referenced on the Site Sketch Map.)
8. Is it safe to measure flow at or near that site in all conditions?
9. Who owns the site and the access route to it? What are the parcel numbers? (See below for map link.)
10. Have you obtained permission to access these parcels? If so, when, and who did you talk to (incl. phone #)? If
not, can you help us make the necessary contacts?
11. Would there be any special access instructions, such as gated access points or the need to contact the landowner
prior to each site visit?
12. Is past data available at that site? If so, who/what/when/where & how can we access it?
13. How soon would you ideally like Streamkeepers to start monitoring? (The quicker & better the information you
provide, the sooner we can start.)
(See next two pages )
Field Procedures
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15th Edition, 2013
NEW SITE/REACH ESTABLISHMENT
LOCATION INFORMATION
We need to record accurate information about the locations of all of our sites. Please help us with the following
information, to the best of your ability.
14. Horizontal location information:
a. Put a dot for this site on an attached map (preferably 1:3000 or larger scale; easy-to-use interactive County
maps are available at http://10.5.10.73/aimsiwebsite/arcims_start.htm), OR give a lat/long, preferably in
decimal degrees (i.e., set your GPS to read out in this form).
b. We also need to know how you placed your dot or took your GPS reading, so please answer the questions
below. We need this information in order to share our data with the State and other agencies. Some of the
notes in italics should help you with your answers.
Horizontal collection method (select one):
address match--block face conversion from STR
address match--house #
digital or manual raw photo extraction
address match--unknown
digitized--CTR screen/digital data [if located
on a computer map without the aid of an air
or orthophoto]
digitized--paper map
air photo--rectified
GPS carrier/geodetic
air photo--unknown
air photo--unrectified
cadastral survey
GPS code/geodetic
GPS kinematic
GPS unknown [if you used a GPS and can’t
place it in one of the above 3 categories]
hand measured--paper map interpolation
[e.g., County road maps or USGS 7.5’
quads]
LIDAR [e.g., if you used LIDAR hillshade to
determine where the stream & site were]
address match--street
centerline
census block 1990
centroid
census block group 1990
centroid
LORAN-C
orthophoto—digital
[e.g., Clallam County GIS]
orthophoto--paper
satellite imagery--Landsat MSS (multispectral scan)
satellite imagery--Landsat TM
(thematic mapper)
satellite imagery--other
satellite imagery--SPOT panchromatic
satellite imagery--SPOT multi-spectral
zip code centroid
unknown
Horizontal datum (select one):
N. American Datum 1927 (NAD27) [e.g., USGS 7.5’quads or NOAA charts]
N. American Datum 1983 (NAD83 or 91 Adj.)[e.g., Clallam County GIS]
HARN
GPS WGS84 (GPS NAVS88)
unknown
Horizontal accuracy (use your best judgment and select one):
<0.01m
=>0.1m <1m
+-20ft(6m)
+-100ft(35m)
+-250ft
=>0.01m <0.1m +-10ft(3m)
+-40ft(12m)
+-180ft(55m)
+-500ft
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111
+-1000ft
+-2000ft
>2000ft
unknown
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NEW SITE/REACH ESTABLISHMENT
15. Vertical location information:
a. Provide an elevation in feet: ___________________
b. Provide the appropriate metadata for your answer to the above question, in each table below. Some of the
notes in italics should help you with your answers.
Vertical collection method (select one):
bathymetric sounding
GPS (code/geodetic)
cadastral survey
GPS (carrier/geodetic)
digital elevation model[e.g., GPS (kinematic)
DEM from Clallam Cty GIS]
GPS (unknown)
hand measured, paper
other engineering survey
map[e.g., USGS 7.5’ quads]
LIDAR [e.g., using LIDAR 50’ photogrammetry
contours]
map-derived
Unknown
Vertical reference (select one):
mean sea level
mean high high level mean low low
highest tide
level[DEM from
Clallam County GIS, or
USGS 7.5’ quads]
mean high level
mean low level
local tide datum
mean (half) tide
Vertical datum (select one):
N. American Vertical datum of 1988 (NAVD88)
N. American Geodedic Vertical datum of 1929
(NGVD29)[DEM from Clallam County GIS, or USGS 7.5’
quads]
unknown[incl. LIDAR]
GPS WGS84 (GPS NAVD88)[e.g., LIDAR]
unknown
Vertical accuracy (use your best judgment and select one):
<0.01m
=>0.1m <1m
+-20ft(6m)
+-100ft(35m)
+-250ft
=>0.01m <0.1m +-10ft(3m)
+-40ft(12m)
+-180ft(55m)
+-500ft
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lowest tide
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+-1000ft
+-2000ft
>2000ft
unknown
15th Edition, 2013
SAMPLING SITE SKETCH MAP
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
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pencils with erasers
paper (pref. Rite-in-the-Rain; in a pinch,
you can use the back of a data sheet)
clipboard
tape measure
sighting compass
flagging tape
permanent marker
If you’re installing permanent monuments,
you’ll need the Reach Establishment Kit
including: rebar & caps, spikes,
sledgehammer, hacksaw, helmet, and
goggles.
This procedure will guide you in drawing a
simple sketch map which will help you
document the location of a “point” sampling
site (where, for instance, only water
chemistry and flow are measured). This map
will allow you and others to be consistent in
sampling the same spot.
Once you’ve created this sketch, a copy will
be filed in your stream’s binder in the
Streamkeepers office, and another copy will
stay in your team’s forms folder, so you’ll be
able to refer to it or make revisions as
necessary each time you visit your reach. (If
you do make revisions, please let staff know
so they can change the copy in the office’s
stream binder.)
This sketch is easy!: Your goal here is just to
get the information down, so straight lines,
scale, and “compass trueness” are not
important in the sketch, as long as you get
the proper information across.
NOTE: In the instructions that follow,
measurements follow the “lay of the land.”
So if you’re measuring up a hill, you extend
the tape going up the hill rather than on a
level.
1. Decide roughly where your sampling site
will be; see “Identify Prospective
Monitoring Reaches” in the New Reach
Establishment protocol. If possible, make
the sampling site a place that will be easy
for you and others to find and access.
Field Procedures
2. Complete as much of the “New Site
Questionnaire” as you can before going out
in the field.
3. At your site, decide on a “zero-point,” an
easily identified point near where your
monitoring will occur, and to which exact
sampling locations can be referenced (such
as when you collect macroinvertebrates).
Ideally this will be a prominent landmark
which you can flag and draw on your map,
such as a big conifer, boulder, bridge, fence
post, or end of a path. Otherwise, you can
install a piece of capped rebar.
4. At the top of your sketch, include:
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Site name, which in general is the name
of the stream plus the stream-miles to
the nearest tenth (but see staff regarding
exceptions)
Date you surveyed for the map
First initials and last names of all map
sketchers
An approximate North arrow
Approximate elevation in feet, which you
should already have determined while
completing the New Site Questionnaire
(see New Reach Establishment protocol)
5. Draw a rough map or write directions
explaining where to park, and then how to
walk to the site from the parking place.
Include approximate distances and compass
directions as needed.
6. If not prohibited, place some kind of marker
near the sampling site. Capped and flagged
rebar is best (materials available at the
office), or else flagging hanging from a
nearby tree or bush. Mark the flagging with
your site name and give instructions for
getting from the flagging to the central
sampling point, if it’s not directly across from
the flagging. Try to minimize the visual
pollution from the flagging, and yet make
sure it’s visible. Usually you can find a
branch nearby to hang it from.
7. On your sketch map, reference the samplingpoint to two prominent nearby landmarks, as
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SAMPLING SITE SKETCH MAP
well as your monument/ flagging.
Distances and directions (even
approximate) are helpful.
explain where the monument is in relation to
the flagging. Include on your map:
a) The flow-monitoring monuments,
indicated as “flow lbm” or “flow rbm”,
and as “rebar” or “nail in tree.”
b) Distances and azimuths (see “Compass
Use” protocol) to each monument from
the landmarks described above in #6.
8. Draw the stream on your sketch and
indicate the direction of its flow.
9. If all measurements (e.g., flow and water
chemistry) are being taken within 50 feet
of the identified sampling point, that’s
exact enough. If they’re further apart
than that (for instance, if the best spot to
measure flow is more than 100 feet
downstream of the best spot to measure
water chemistry), mark each sampling
point separately.
11. Sketch any other information you deem
useful about the stream and riparian areas.
Include observations about such features as
vegetation types and locations,
10. Install permanent flow-monitoring
monuments if you have been instructed
toto so (see New Site Questionnaire and
Flow protocol). These will be either rebar
driven solidly into the ground above
bankfull and sawed off as necessary, or
spikes driven into trees. Label these
monuments with flagging marked “flow
lbm/rbm” to help distinguish them from
the brush. If you can’t put the flagging on
the monument itself, hang it nearby and
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15th Edition, 2013
REACH MAP
(Note: You only need to draw this map if you are monitoring physical habitat parameters at your
site. As of 2005, these parameters are optional, pending further research and discussion among
Streamkeepers staff, technical advisors, and volunteers.)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
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years thereafter, or as needed (for instance, if
there is a major change in the reach). Once
you have created a map, the original will be
filed in your stream’s binder in the
Streamkeepers office, and you will be given a
duplicate on which to document any changes
that have occurred, each time you visit your
reach.
pencils with erasers
graph paper
ruler
protractor
clipboard
marker with permanent ink
3 tape measures, 100-200’, marked in
tenths of a foot
sighting compass
flagging tape
stakes
big nails
rebar
rebar caps (required on rebar)
small sledge hammer
hardhat and safety glasses (to use with
sledge hammer)
first aid kit
Scale: Ideally, use a scale that will fit your
entire reach on one sheet of 8.5 x 11 inch
graph paper, leaving a ½” margin on all sides.
One inch to twelve or fifteen feet usually works
well. Draw out a scale bar on the map with
increment distances marked, so that the scale
can still be measured if the map changes size in
duplication. For an example of this scale
bar as well as other map features, see the
sample map that follows.
NOTE: In the instructions that follow,
measurements follow the “lay of the land.” So
if you’re measuring up a hill, you extend the
tape going up the hill rather than on a level.
Therefore, if your reach is hilly, your reach map
will not truly reflect the plan (overhead) view of
the reach. At this stage, full-blown surveying is
a luxury we can’t afford!
This procedure will guide you in drawing a
stream reach map, which will help you
document the location and path of the stream
channel, various features of the channel and
riparian area (area on either side of the
stream), and important sampling information.
The reach map will help you to replicate
sampling procedures and track changes in the
stream and riparian area.
OPTION: LARGER REACH DIMENSIONS
It is also an essential component in continuity
of knowledge about your monitoring reach; as
you compose this map, keep in mind that all
those things you have up in your head won’t do
Streamkeepers any good if you get run over by
the proverbial bus!
A Streamkeepers monitoring reach is typically
a 100 x 100 foot square area roughly straddling
the stream (with exceptions that we will deal
with later.) The central spine of this 100’
square reach is a 100’-long baseline extending
along the stream.
The instructions below are written as if all
reaches are 100’ by 100’, but you may wish to
make your reach longer or wider than 100’. For
instance, a broad stream may require a 150’
wide reach to even minimally reflect its riparian
area, and a reach that is 200’ long might do a
better job of reflecting the habitat diversity
along the stream. Any reach size is okay as
long as it is mapped accurately. Feel free to
consult on this issue with Streamkeepers staff
or local biologists. Obviously, larger reaches
take longer to map and survey; consider the
extra time required when making a decision.
You will make a reach map when first
establishing your reach and then every 3-5
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15th Edition, 2013
REACH MAP
1. Decide where your reach will be; see
“Identify Prospective Monitoring Reaches” in
the Reach Establishment protocol.
2. Next, decide where your baseline will run.
Typically, this will be a 100’ straight line that
stays close to the stream. If possible, locate
both ends or at least the beginning-point at
or near some fairly stable and prominent
landscape feature, such as a big tree,
stump, or signpost.
3. The beginning-point (“zero-point”) of the
baseline should be the end easiest for other
people to find, following only your map and
written instructions. This may be either the
upstream or downstream end. If both ends
are easy to find, choose the end easiest to
access. If safe and permitted to do so,
place a flagged stake, rebar (which must be
capped), or else just flagging, at the zeropoint. Mark the flagging, “zero point.” In
areas that receive foot traffic, keep in mind
that:
a) Stakes are liable to get pulled out.
b) Stakes and rebar might present a safety
hazard.
c) Markers can mar the beauty of a natural
area.
d) Weigh these factors in as best you can.
4. Run a measuring tape from the zero-point in
the direction you want your baseline to go.
Try to keep it close to the stream. It is okay
to cross the stream one or more times. If
there is a fairly straight trail or road that
parallels the stream, you can use it to set up
your baseline. This will make mapping
easier.
5. If the stream bends such that no straight
line can stay within 20 feet of it, make a
dogleg in the baseline. Mark that point
with a flag and/or stake if appropriate.
Then dogleg the tape until you reach the
100-foot point.
6. Draw your baseline on your map as a
vertical line, using the scale you have
predetermined. Standing at your zero-point,
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116
take a bearing to the endpoint or dogleg
(see “Compass Use” directions following this
protocol), and record the true azimuth
(“true azimuth” = the compass bearing
corrected to true north, on a 0-360° scale)
to the nearest degree on your map
alongside your baseline. (If your baseline
doglegs, you will have to record more than
one azimuth and use the compass to draw
the dogleg at the proper angle on your
graph paper. You may need to produce a
cleaned-up version at home, using a
protractor. To make scaling easier, it may
be easier to tape a second piece of graph
paper onto the first at the appropriate
angle.) Clearly mark on your map the zeropoint, the number of feet along the baseline
at which doglegs occur (to the nearest tenth
of a foot), the 100’ point, and true azimuths
of all lines.
7. Reference the zero-point of your baseline to
two prominent nearby landmarks. Draw and
describe the landmarks on your map, and
record both the distance and true azimuth
from the landmark to the zero-point. If the
zero-point is at one of the landmarks (much
preferred!), simply indicate what the
landmark is on your map. For example, you
may want to draw and write “stake for zeropoint at edge of 6-foot diameter cedar
stump, at 20° true from center of stump.”
8. From the zero-point, extend another 100’
measuring tape perpendicular to your
baseline. Use the compass to orient this
tape correctly. (Simply add 90° to your
baseline’s azimuth.) Such a line,
perpendicular to the baseline, is called a
transect. Normally, you will put the middle
of the 100’ transect at the baseline, so that
the baseline bisects the 100’ x 100’ outline
of your reach. However, feel free to offset
the placement of the baseline within the
square if that would make the reach more
evenly straddle both sides of the stream.
For example, if your baseline runs about 20’
to the right of the stream, you could have
the transects cross the baseline at the 70’
rather than the 50’ mark. If possible,
15th Edition, 2013
REACH MAP
monument or flag the two ends of this
transect, which constitute two of the corners
of the reach. Mark the flagging as
appropriate.
9. Along this transect, measure the distance
from the baseline to each wetted edge of
the stream (the points where the water
surface hits the banks). Record these
distances on your map, and mark an "X" on
the map at the locations where the transect
crosses a wetted edge.
dogleg corners
10. Do the same as above with bankfull width
(see definition in the Large Woody Debris
protocol).
baseline
11. Sketch as much information as you can
about the stream and riparian areas in the
vicinity of this transect. Include
observations about such features as
vegetation types and locations, pools and
riffles, gravel bars, downed logs, and human
alterations. Indicate whether these features
are measured to scale for location and size.
12. Now move the transect-tape up the baseline
at 10- or 20-foot intervals, keeping its
intersection with the baseline perpendicular
and at the same number of feet that it was
for the zero-foot transect. If appropriate,
use stakes or flag vegetation to mark the
location of the transect lines along the
baseline, and mark the flagging as “10’
transect,” etc. If these markers are not
visible from the creek, place additional
markers on the bank along the transect
line—these markers will prove helpful in
subsequent monitoring sessions. Mark
distances and wetted edges on your map as
above, and draw in any landmarks or
prominent vegetation that occur near the
ends of your transect lines.
13. If your reach doglegs, your reach shape
will not be a nice square. Instead, it will
have two or more rectangles that overlap
each other. On one side, there will be a
wedge-shaped piece of gap between the
rectangles. If possible, close this gap by
extending the outside lines of the two
rectangles until they intersect, and make
Field Procedures
this a single outside corner (see diagram).
On the other side, there will be a wedgeshaped overlap between the two rectangles.
Eliminate this overlap by establishing a
single inside corner where the two outside
lines intersect (see diagram).
117
Monument or flag any inside or outside
corners if possible—it will enable you to
much more easily determine the boundaries
of your reach while in the field. And make
very clear on your map exactly what the
outside lines of your reach are.
14. When you have done the above for all
transects, draw the wetted stream by
making a curve of the wetted-edge "Xs,"
and draw the bankfull channel by doing the
same with the bankfull “Xs.” Draw the
boundaries of the reach by connecting the
corners with straight dotted lines. Label all
of these lines clearly.
15. You’ll probably want to use the rough map
you drew in the field to draw a more precise
map at home, with straight lines, proper
angles, legible handwriting, etc. For this,
you’ll need more graph paper, a protractor,
and a ruler, preferably with a strip of the
graph paper pasted to it so you can
measure distance-increments easily.
15th Edition, 2013
REACH MAP
BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE THE
FOLLOWING ITEMS ON YOUR MAPS:
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Site name (stream name plus the number of
stream-miles to the zero-point of your
reach, to the nearest tenth)
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Date you surveyed for the map
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First initials and last names of all map
authors
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Exact outside boundaries of the reach,
drawn in straight dotted lines
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Baseline clearly drawn and marked as such
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Zero-point of baseline marked and labeled
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References to zero-point from two
landmarks; these references consist of both
a distance and a true azimuth from the
landmark to the zero-point. The landmarks
should be drawn in and described.
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If the baseline doglegs, the distance(s)
along the baseline at which the dogleg(s)
occur, plus the true azimuths of the
doglegged lines. The angles between the
doglegged lines must be accurate on your
reach map; use a protractor or compass to
get the angles right.
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A legend, consisting of:
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A scale, ticked off like a ruler with map
dimensions. Do not put in text such as
“One inch equals 20 feet,” because
dimensions may change when pages get
photocopied!
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A true north arrow, clearly marked.
The elevation to the nearest 100’, or more
precisely if you can.
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The cross-section monuments, indicated as
“lbm” or “rbm” (left- and right-bank
monuments—see protocol on establishing
monuments), and as “rebar” or “nail in
tree.”
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References to each monument from one or
preferably two landmarks—same procedure
as for landmarking the zero-point, see
above.
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The cross-section line as a dotted line, with
the true azimuth clearly indicated.
IF PERMANENT FLOW-MONITORING
MARKERS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT
YOUR REACH (see “Flow”), ALSO
INCLUDE ON YOUR MAP:
Wetted edges of the stream drawn in as
curvy lines.
Arrow marked “Flow.”
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AFTER INSTALLING CROSS-SECTION
MONUMENTS AT YOUR REACH (see
“Establishing Cross-Section Monuments”),
ALSO INCLUDE ON YOUR MAP:
True azimuth of baseline, written alongside
the baseline as “__° true.”
•
AFTER COMPLETING THE “REACH
ESTABLISHMENT” PROCEDURE (previous
section in this manual), ALSO INCLUDE
ON YOUR MAP:
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The flow-monitoring monuments, indicated
as “flow lbm” or “flow rbm”, and as “rebar”
or “nail in tree.”
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References to each monument from one or
preferably two landmarks—same procedure
as for landmarking the zero-point, see
above.
Features of the stream and riparian areas in
your reach: vegetation types and locations,
pools and riffles, gravel bars, downed logs,
human alterations, etc.
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REACH MAP
SAMPLE REACH MAP
(The original will be filed in your stream’s binder in the office, and you will
receive a copy on waterproof paper to take into the field with you.)
Flow lbm, rebar, 18’ @
97° from end-point rebar
Flow rbm, rebar, 42’
@ 235° from big cedar
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