Meeteetse Conservation District

SURFACE WATER SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS PLAN

For

E. coli and Chemical Sampling

 Within the Meeteetse Conservation District

December, 2005

Steve Jones, Resource Management Coordinator

Emily Ewart, Resource Specialist

Meeteetse Conservation District

PO Box 237 , Meeteetse WY   82433-237

307.868.2484         (Fax 307.868.2489)

mcd@tctwest.net

Signature Approval Sheet

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.          Introduction                                                                                   4

            Background, Purpose, Updates, Disclaimer

II.        Personnel                                                                                         7

III.       Sampling Locations and Timing                                                   7

            Designated Primary Sampling Sites, Additional Sampling Sites, Timing                   

IV.       Sampling and Analysis                                                                    8

            Safety & Water Velocity, Sample & Data Collection, E. coli Analysis, Measurement of Physical and Chemical Parameters, Chemical Analysis

V.         Quality Assurance/Quality Control                                         11

            General, Field Log Book, Sample Identification (Modified SOP)^, Chain of Custody, Equipment Calibration, Data Quality Objectives, Corrective Actions

VI.       Data Management                                                                          15

            Data Validation, Data Storage, Data Availability, Reports

VII.      Abbreviations and Acronyms                                                         17

VIII.    References                                                                                       17

IX.       Distribution List                                                                             17

Figures

            Fig. 1 Location map                                                                               4

Tables

            Table 1. Qualifications and Training                                                         6

            Table 2. Surface Water Sampling Sites                                                      8

            Table 3. Sampling Timing Matrix                                                             8

            Table 4. Data Quality Objectives                                                             14        

Appendices

            A. Maps

                        Site GR2 Greybull River At Meeteetse

                        Site GR3 Greybull River at Road 3XQ

                        Site GR5 Greybull River above Wood River

                        Site GR6 Greybull River at Sheets Flat

Site WR1 Wood River Above Confluence With Greybull River

B. SOP’s And Methods

                        Critical DEQ SOP’s

                        Deviations from DEQ SOP, and Reasons for 

                        WDA Analytical Laboratory Methods as of August 30, 2005

C. Standard Forms

                        Colilert® Analysis Log

                        Field Data Sheet

I. Introduction

This Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) is written to meet the Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) requirements of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Water Quality Division (WQD), Watershed Program for the State of Wyoming grants to Conservation Districts for water quality monitoring, to satisfy the requirements of the State of Wyoming Enrolled Act 47, known as the Credible Data Bill, and to meet the DEQ QA/QC requirements for volunteer water quality monitoring under the Credible Data Bill. 

The SAP is intended as a field guide for personnel who will be conducting the water quality monitoring activities for this project, as a QA/QC plan, and as a data management plan.  Supplemental watershed information not essential to field operations may be found in “Greybull River Watershed Information”, variously dated, compiled by the Meeteetse Conservation District (as amended), incorporated by reference in this SAP, and in other documents kept on file in the MCD office. 

Samples are to be collected using the methods, procedures and/or protocols in the Manual of Standard Operating Procedures for Sample Collection and Analysis, WDEQ/WQD, Water Quality Division, 2004 (http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/watershed/Downloads/QA/4-1089.pdf ), and Natural Resources Conservation Service National Handbook of Water Quality Monitoring, USDA, May, 1998,, both incorporated by reference into this SAP.  Variances or deviations from referenced methods, procedures, protocols, and SOP’s are noted by referencing them as “modified” SOP’s, methods, procedures, etc. and by providing an explanation in Appendix B, “SOP’s and Methods, Deviations from DEQ SOP, and Reasons For”.

Within this SAP, the standard definitions of the terms shall, must, should and may, are used:

• shall, must - when the element is required and deviation from the specification will constitute nonconformance with the standard; conformance is measured by completion or implementation of the action specified.

• should - when the element is recommended.

• may - when the element is optional.

Background                                     Figure 1 - Location map

The Meeteetse Conservation District (MCD) encompasses most of the Greybull River watershed within Park County (Fig. 1).  This is approximately the western ¾ of HUC 10080009.  That portion of the Greybull watershed, easterly and downstream of the MCD, within Big Horn County and the South Big Horn Conservation District is referred to as the lower Greybull.  Minor headwaters portions of the watershed lie outside of the MCD.  Minor portions of the Gooseberry Creek and Fifteenmile watersheds (HUC 10080007) lie within the southerly portion of the MCD, and some of the Dry Creek watershed (HUC10080011) lies within the northeasterly portion of the MCD.

The 2004 Wyoming 305(b) State Water Quality Assessment Report states:

 “Headwaters of the Greybull Sub-basin are in the Absaroka Range within the Shoshone National Forest . The foothills portions of the sub-basin are a mix of BLM, state, and private lands, and the basin portions are primarily BLM, with private lands adjacent to streams. The sub-basin has three major irrigation reservoir projects. Summer flows in the [lower] Greybull River at the confluence with the Big Horn River are reportedly almost entirely irrigation return water and at some times there may be minimal to no flow, due to appropriations on the river (RPO, 1979). Livestock grazing and areas of oil and gas extraction are major land uses, with irrigated agriculture nearby and adjacent to the major tributary streams.  The Greybull River is on Table A of the 303(d) List because exceedences of the criteria for fecal coliform bacteria at Greybull indicate it is not meeting its use for contact recreation. Although high fecal bacteria counts have been occasionally recorded as far upstream as Meteetse [sic], samples were collected too infrequently to develop a valid geometric mean to compare with criteria upstream of Greybull. Meeteetse and South Big Horn Conservation Districts have monitored on the Greybull River . Analysis of their data sets indicate that the impairment may not extend above the Sheets Flat bridge, below Meeteetse. High water temperatures recorded during the recent drought raise concerns about the river’s ability to support its use as a cold water fishery during low flows in summer. Future monitoring is required to better understand the temperature regime and to determine sources of fecal bacteria.”

The populace of the MCD is dependent on the Greybull watershed and its water primarily for domestic and industrial purposes, recreation, agricultural production, for intangible values such as those derived from scenic beauty and wildlife, and for its effects on local custom and culture.  In response to concerns of individuals, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), MCD proactively initiated qualitative water quality monitoring in the fall of 1995.  MCD’s continuing water quality monitoring operations evolved from that beginning.

As stated in the MCD Plan of Work, 2005, hereby incorporated by reference, “…MCD remains committed to maintaining and improving the water quality of groundwater, streams, rivers, reservoirs and lakes within the boundaries of the District.” 

Purpose

MCD’s overall objective, as stated in the MCD Plan of Work, 2005, is to continue to provide an effective water quality/watershed management and improvement program.  MCD will continue to use proper science to merge the wise management and use of natural resources with the District’s custom, culture, and socioeconomic needs in order to provide for the integrated and comprehensive management of our natural resources.  MCD’s commitment to this objective is ongoing and will continue in the future.  The water quality/watershed management and improvement program will itself be monitored and revised through time.  The surface water quality monitoring conducted under this SAP will provide credible surface water quality data that will be a key component of our continuing water quality/watershed management and improvement program:

¨        A database of credible data acquired over a long period of time is critical to defining and understanding natural processes and their effects on the surface water quality of the Greybull River watershed.  Acquiring the database is therefore a significant part of the overall objective.

¨        The results of systematic long-term data collection will be used to address the contact recreational use impairment listed on the DEQ 303(d) list.

¨        The results of the surface water monitoring program will be used to develop cost-effective and functional best management practices (BMPs) that can be implemented by all users of the watershed and the water resource, preventing needless regulation and unachievable goal-setting.

¨        MCD seeks to assist DEQ in achieving the goal of all of the statewide Watershed Program monitoring: to produce comparable data of known and documented quality.

¨        The MCD seeks to work cooperatively with other Conservation Districts, on a watershed basis, to address mutual concerns.

This Sampling and Analysis Plan is covered by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, Watershed Program Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), 2001.  This water quality monitoring complies with state law, Wyoming Statute (W.S.) 35-11-103(b) and (c) and W.S. 35-11-302.

Updates

Analytic and sampling methods change frequently. Either entire SOP’s or individual pages may be revised.  Variances or deviations from referenced methods, procedures, protocols, and SOP’s are noted in the body of this SAP by reference in an explanation in Appendix B, SOP’s and Methods, “Deviations from DEQ SOP, And Reasons for”.  Original Document pages are dated December, 2005 on the lower left hand side of the page. Revised pages will say Revised (date). From time to time, there may be a need for additional SOP’s. New SOP’s will have a date different from December, 2005.  The Distribution List herein will be used to coordinate the delivery of any revisions. Both this SAP and the revisions will be available electronically on the MCD’s web site (http://meeteetsecd-wy.gov) and/or revised pages will be printed and distributed. Persons who need to know whether a revision is in progress on an SOP or a new SOP has not yet been released should contact the MCD Resource Management Coordinator (RMC), using the information on the cover page. Persons, groups or organizations which collect data on behalf of the MCD for the WYDEQ-WQD, Watershed Program, under contracts, assistance agreements (cooperative agreements, grants), or interagency agreements, in response to statutory or regulatory requirements are responsible for knowing and applying the information this manual contains, and for maintaining an up to date manual.

Disclaimer

This document has been reviewed, approved and released in compliance with Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, Watershed Program policy. Reference to any specific commercial product, process or service by trade name, trademark or manufacturer does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation or favoring by the Meeteetse Conservation District.  Every reasonable effort is made to accurately describe the actual technical and administrative activities and to check for errors in the descriptions, methods and chemical reagents. However, users should read each SOP carefully and question any possible errors. The Meeteetse Conservation District does not claim that this document is free of mistakes.

II. Personnel

Steve Jones, District Resource Management Coordinator reports to the MCD Board of Supervisors and has primary responsibility for all operations under this SAP.  Emily Ewart, Resource Specialist (RS) for the Meeteetse Conservation District, may perform any task under this SAP unless specified otherwise.  Other personnel or contract services may be utilized as necessary.

III. Sampling Locations and Timing                               

Designated Primary Sampling Sites

The locations shown in Table 2 are the designated primary sampling sites for the Greybull River watershed.  Private property access requires permission from landowners at all sites except GR6.  If for some reason a sample cannot be collected at the designated site, a notation will be made on the data sheet and/or the Field Log Book.  See Appendix A for site maps.

Additional Sampling Sites

The MCD’s sampling program would best be described as using a reconnaissance-based sampling methodology and may be modified based on interpretation of the acquired data.  MCD may conduct additional sampling in cooperation with other Conservation Districts and/or as requested by Cooperators within the District.  Single and replicate samples may be collected throughout the watershed to provide additional information as needed.

For addition or deletion of primary sampling sites refer to “QA/QC - Corrective Actions”.

Timing

Samples may be taken in months shown in Table 3.  Blanked months indicate sampling is not currently planned:

§       E. coli and turbidity samples – Three multiple-sample sets (a minimum of five water samples taken in separate 24 hr periods within 30 days) suitable for determination of the geometric mean (Reference DEQ-SOP) should be taken within the primary sampling season. Two of those sets should be taken within the contact recreation season.  Additional samples or sample sets may be collected throughout the watershed as needed at any time.

§       Physical and chemical measurements (Temperature, pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen) – Should be made whenever E. coli or chemical samples are taken, and at a minimum should be made six (6) times per year, including five (5) times in the primary sampling season and four (4) times in the contact recreation season.

§       Chemical samples - Should be taken quarterly, once each in spring, summer, and fall.  A winter sample should be taken if time and conditions permit.

IV. Sampling and Analysis

Safety & Water Velocity

Watershed Program safety precautions define any stream depth greater than 2.5 feet AND with a current velocity greater than 3.3 feet per second as NOT wadeable.  Pools, if the current velocity is less than or equal to 0.6 feet per second, are defined as wadeable to chest height. In any other circumstances, wadeable conditions are at the discretion of the individual sampler, but in no case are samplers to enter any waters, which in their best professional judgment may present a hazard to human health and/or safety. Samplers are required to observe all safety precautions.

If a stream is determined to be not wadeable at its mid-channel, then, based on the sampler’s safety and only if the sampler believes that the sample will properly represent the stream, a sample may be collected “from well-mixed sections of the channel below the water surface” (DEQ SOP “Coliform Bacteria Sampling Procedure”).  Field notes should document and describe that this protocol was used and that the sample was not collected at mid-channel.

MCD maintains a file containing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the chemicals, materials, and/or substances used under this SAP.  The MSDS file is always available to personnel.

Sample and Data Collection

General:

§       The field log book will be maintained according to Modified SOP.

§       Field data sheets shall be maintained and reviewed according to Modified SOP.

§       Photographic documentation shall be maintained according to Modified SOP.

E. coli  Samples:

Samples (DEQ SOP: “Coliform Bacteria Sampling Procedure”) will be taken from as nearly as possible to the middle of the moving stream or its primary channel just below the water surface.

Samples should be collected as follows using sterile Whirl-Pakä bags, labeled in the field at the sampling location with, date time, unique sample I.D., parameter, and the sampler’s official three initials documented in the field log as described in Section V, “Sample Identification” (if transfer to an incubation vessel is to be made immediately upon leaving the stream, the Whirl-Pakä bag may be considered a sterile transfer container and complete labeling shall not be required):

§       Using the aseptic technique, tear off top of plastic bag at perforation and pull tape tabs outward to open bag. Bag is held by ends of wire closure with both hands to collect sample.

§       Sample shall be collected immediately after breaking the sterile seal of the Whirl-Pakä bags.

§       Facing upstream, dip bag into water as far out in front of sampler as possible with both hands holding wire ends, quickly plunge opened bag below water surface. Sample should be collected in one swift motion to prevent loss of thiosulfate tablet (if required).

§       Avoid contact with stream bed or bank to prevent fouling water. In streams with slow currents, sampler may have to wait for suspended sediment disturbed from channel bottom to clear from sampling location.

§       If water level in bag is above fill line, dispense water from bag until appropriate sample volume is contained. An ample amount of airspace is needed to facilitate mixing by shaking once bag is closed.

§       Pull wire ends to close bag. Holding wire ends firmly with both hands, whirl or spin bag three (3) revolutions. Bend ends of wire closure inward and opposite of bag fold. Twist wire ends together to secure.

Samples shall be:

§       Decanted into the incubation vessels as soon as possible (using aseptic technique) and labeled at the time of transfer - maintaining the original sampling date and time - with date, time, unique sample I.D.,  parameter, and the sampler’s official three initials documented in the field log as described in Section V, “Sample Identification”.

§       Immediately packed carefully into iced cooler.  Samples must be iced immediately and kept at a temperature of 1-4°C until initiation of analyses and sample containers cannot be immersed in water (e.g. melted ice water) during transit or storage.

§       Transported to the MCD office (or an entity authorized under this SAP) for processing.

§       Processed within 6 hours of collection.  (DEQ SOP “Escherichia coli & Total Coliform Bacteria”).

Relevant sample information data must be recorded on the sample Field Data Sheet (FDS).  Appropriate site information shall be entered into the Field Log Book prior to leaving the site. (“Field Log Book” Modified SOP).  Site Photos must be taken.

A trip blank must be used and a minimum of one duplicate will be collected per sampling trip.  Additional duplicates will be taken as necessary to provide at least one duplicate for every ten samples collected.

Water sample remaining in the Whirl-Pakä after the E. coli sample is decanted may be retained for other testing purposes based on the presence or absence of Na-thiosulfate.

Sampling for E. coli to provide credible data will consist of collecting a minimum of five samples within a 30-day period.  The sampling objective is to provide a minimum of five samples from the sampling period passing QA/QC protocols and providing validated data suitable for deriving a geometric mean for the period.

Turbidity Grab Samples:

§       Should be collected any time an E. coli or chemical sample is taken, or that physical and chemical measurements are made.

§       Should be preferentially collected as closely as possible in time to the E. coli sample and at the same point and depth in the stream.

§       May utilize water remaining in the Whirl-Pakä bag after decanting the E. coli sample.  

Physical and Chemical Measurements:  

§       Equipment used must be calibrated per this SAP and in proper operating condition.

§       Air temperature should be measured at each site using the conductivity probe and recorded on the FDS prior to making subsequent field measurements.

§       Conductivity, pH, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen measurements should be made at each of the sampling locations as nearly as possible to the middle of the stream or main channel and recorded on the Field Data Sheet.

§       Measurements should be made at the same location that E. coli samples are collected.

Chemical Analysis Grab Samples:

Laboratory personnel will have prepared and shipped the appropriate sample containers. These bottles, vials and/or Whirl-Paks contain the correct preservatives. DO NOT RINSE THESE BOTTLES PRIOR TO FILLING. Depending on the parameters to be determined, the number of bottles supplied will vary. If more than one site is to be sampled, it will be necessary to separate the bottles into sets. The label on each bottle will identify the set and the preservative (e.g. Site No. 1, Plain; Site No. 1, HNO3; Site No. 1, H2SO4; Site No. 2, Plain; Site No. 2, HNO3; etc.)

§       Samples should be taken as nearly as possible to the middle of the stream or main channel with a clean transfer container at a depth of 0.6 times the total water depth.  

§       Remove the caps from the bottles, one at a time, fill, recap, fill out the label, cool to 4 °C (40 °F) as soon after collection as possible, and return the samples to the laboratory for analysis.

§       In order to conform to E.P.A. sampling practices the collected samples should be returned to the laboratory in the same cooler in which the bottles were shipped. Before shipping the samples to the lab, it will be necessary to freeze the ice packs that were shipped with the sample bottles.

§       Samples in the sealed cooler will be shipped to Analytical Services, Wyoming Dept. of Agriculture or other approved laboratory in time to meet SOP holding time requirements.  UPS Next Day Air from Cody, Monday through Wednesday, is currently recommended.

§       Duplicate samples shall be collected at an interval not fewer than one in ten sites consecutively sampled.

§       Duplicate samples should be collected at random times during the day, week, and sampling season to provide a meaningful evaluation of sampling precision.

E. coli Analysis:

Samples will be analyzed for E. coli using the Colilert® method (Reference DEQ SOP “Escherichia coli & Total Coliform Bacteria”). 

§       The analysis will be performed by the RMC and/or the RS according to Modified SOP specific to the Colilert® method.

§       A laboratory blank must be run for each processing session.

§       Allow 24 hours for incubator temperature to stabilize prior to use.

§       Incubation will be at 35°C± 0.5°C for 26 ± 2 hours in a calibrated and monitored incubator.

§       Samples will be analyzed immediately upon removal from incubator.  

Measurement of Physical and Chemical Parameters:

The MCD currently uses the Hach sension™156 Multiparameter Meter to measure dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, and temperature. 

§       Its environmental requirements are: 0-50 °C (32-122 °F) at 85% non-condensing relative humidity.

§       The meter must be kept within its 0-50 °C operational range during winter operation.

§       The meter is waterproof (meets IP67), chemical-resistant, dust proof, and will float.

§       Calibration is addressed in Section V of this SAP. 

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) will be measured using a Hach sension™156 Meter and DO probe (or equivalent).  The meter will be calibrated daily prior to sampling.  Calibration will be field-checked during the sampling period at intervals not exceeding 4 hours and at the end of the sampling day. (Water-saturated air with re-calibration performed if water-saturated air reading is not within 97%-103%.) Water flow across the probe must be 20 cm/sec (0.66 ft/sec) or greater.  

pH will be measured using a Hach sension™156 Meter and pH probe (or equivalent).  The meter will be calibrated daily prior to sampling.

Specific Conductivity will be measured using a Hach sension™156 Meter and conductivity probe (or equivalent).  The calibration will be checked using a standard calibration solution in the range of 1000 to 1500 mS daily prior to sampling.  The meter will be recalibrated with a known standard if the check readings are not within 5% of the check standard.

Streamflow data from the USGS “GREYBULL RIVER AT MEETEETSE, WY” station 06279500 and other sources may be used where appropriate.  The USGS Meeteetse data is available at: http://wy.water.usgs.gov/data.htm#Streamflow and http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wy/nwis/uv/?site_no=06276500.

Water velocity should be measured in conjunction with samples and measurements taken under this SAP.  If a current meter is not used, then the travel time for a floating object to traverse a measured distance of at least ten feet in the area in which the samples or measurements are taken, and representing the velocity of the water sampled, should be used to calculate the water velocity (Modified SOP “Current Velocity, Measuring for Monitoring”).  Highly buoyant objects such as ping-pong balls will not be used.  The distance and time will be recorded in the field notes.

Temperature of water will be measured using a Hach sension™156 Meter and conductivity probe (or equivalent) in conjunction with the conductivity measurement(s). The probe does not require thermal calibration but will be checked for thermal accuracy against a reference thermometer on at least an annual basis.

Temperature of air at the sample site may be measured using the Hach sension™156 Meter and conductivity probe prior to the water measurements.

Turbidity will be measured using a HACH Portable 2100P Turbidimeter either in the field or at the MCD office.  Its environmental requirements are: 0-50 °C (32-122 °FC). The meter must be kept within its 0-50 °C operational range during winter operation.  The calibration will be checked daily prior to testing using Gelex® secondary standards or Hach StablCal® Stabilized Formazin turbidity standards.  The meter will be recalibrated according to manufacturer’s instructions if standard readings vary from known values by more than 5%.

Chemical Analysis:

Chemical analysis under this SAP will be performed by Analytical Services, Wyoming Dept. of Agriculture, Laramie , Wyoming , according to the Modified SOP “Chemical Analytical Methods”.  Analysis basics are referenced in Appendix B3 “Inorganic Water Chemistry Methods used by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture Analytical Services Laboratory”.

Analytes are: Ca, Mg, Na, K, Se, TDS (ROE 180), TSS, pH, Conductivity, Turbidity, COD, TOC, Carbonate, Bicarbonate, Fluoride, Chloride, Nitrate as N, Nitrite as N, Ortho Phosphate, sulfate, Total Phosphate, Ammonia as N, and Hardness as CaCO3.     A QA balance check will be performed.

The suite of analytes may be modified to suit the needs of the MCD program and other analytical laboratories may be used as referenced in the Corrective Actions section.

V. Quality Assurance/Quality Control

General:

§       Quality assurance will be achieved by following the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Manual of Standard Operating Procedures for Sample Collection and Analysis that are applicable to this Plan.

§       Deviations from referenced methods, procedures, protocols, and SOP’s are noted in the body of this SAP by the use of the term “Modified SOP”.  An explanation is provided in Appendix B, “SOP’s and Methods, Deviations from DEQ SOP, And Reasons for”. 

§       A copy of this SAP will be taken to the field. 

§       This SAP and a copy of the DEQ Manual of Standard Operating Procedures for Sample Collection and Analysis will be maintained in the district office for reference.

§       Calibration of equipment will be according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

§       Calibrations will be recorded in the calibration logbook.

§       Calibration materials and standards will be used in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.

§       Samples for outside lab analysis will be collected following the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Manual of Standard Operating Procedures for Sample Collection and Analysis, as modified in this SAP.

§       Analytical Laboratory instructions for storage and transportation will be followed.

§       Blank and replicate samples will be used as referenced in this SAP and the incorporated SOP’s to provide data validation.

The Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts provides training for district personnel in water quality monitoring.

§       The MCD will emphasize continuing education and support DEQ and WACD educational efforts.

§       The MCD will provide as much education and training for its personnel as is reasonably possible. 

Field Log Book

A Field Log Book will be kept by sampling personnel.  Field conditions, field observations, sampling location information and narrative information concerning any special circumstances or corrective action will be recorded in the Field Log Book, signed and initialed according to Modified SOP. The senior MCD staff member present shall determine who is responsible for data entry. 

The Field Log Book will remain in the District’s office when not in use. 

A copy of the Field Log Book will be made and kept updated within one working day.

Sample Identification (Modified SOP)

The sample identification will be recorded on the sample container, on the Chain of Custody form, on the lab’s analytical report, and in the Field Log Book. 

Sample labeling must identify seven elements in this order:

1. Sample Date in the format yyyy-mm-dd
2. Time of sample 24 hr. clock format hh:mm
3. Code for normal (NL), duplicate (Dn), replicate (Rn), split (Sn), spike (SK), combined (CO), or blank sample (BK) where n is an integer or letter unique to that sample.
4. Sample Site I.D. code
5. 4-character Parameter Code. (chem, coli, turb, othr), defined in SAP and in the Field Log Book, and where othr may be any relevant four character (maximum) code. 
6. The sampler’s three initials documented in the Field Log Book on the inside front cover
7. The name or chemical formula of any preservative or additive used (“NaT” may be used as an abbreviation for sodium thiosulfate), blank if none.

Items 1 through 5 make up the unique Sample I.D. used by MCD, to be entered in the Sample ID Code field on the Chain of Custody form, and which should agree with the Sample I.D in the Field Log Book.

Example:  2005-10-15-13:24-R3-GR2-coli-JBD is the 3^rd replicate E. coli sample taken October 15, 2005 , at 1:24 PM from the Greybull River at Meeteetse by John B. Doe.  No preservative or additive was used.  This sample would become 2005-10-15-13:24-R3-GR2-coli-JBD-NaT when transferred to the 120 ml. incubation vessel (IDEXX) containing sodium thiosufate.

Chain of Custody

Forms provided by the WDA Analytical Services Laboratory serve as chain of custody forms.  The forms include sample ID, date, time and the signature of the sampler.  Employees of the lab record the date and time when the sample is received and assign the sample a lab ID.  Analysts at the lab record the time at which procedures are started and the time when the sample is read.  The laboratory manager signs off on the completed data sheet.  Hard copies of these records remain in the laboratory office and a copy is sent electronically to the MCD office.  Two hard copies will be kept on file and electronic copies will be maintained as specified in the Data Management section of this SAP.

Forms used by MCD for reporting Colilert® analysis serve as chain of custody forms.  The forms include sample ID, date, time and the signature of the sampler and record the date and time when the sample arrives at the MCD office.  The sample I.D is used as the analysis I.D. The MCD analyst(s) records the time at which procedures are started and the time when the sample is read.  The RMC or RS shall sign the completed data sheet.  The original handwritten and at least one copy shall be kept on file in the MCD office

Equipment Calibration

The following equipment used and maintained by the MCD requires calibration:

            Cole Parmer 39060-10 Incubator.

HACH sension™156  Portable Multiparameter Meter.

            HACH Portable 2100P Turbidimeter.

All equipment will be calibrated according to the manufacturers’ recommendations.  A calibration log will be kept with the equipment to record calibrations completed.  The log will include the dates of calibration, calibration solutions, expiration dates, other pertinent information, and initials of the person performing the calibrations.

Dissolved Oxygen will be measured using a HACH sension™156 Meter and dissolved oxygen probe.  Calibration will be performed in water-saturated air daily prior to sampling. The internal barometer should be checked against the MCD weather station barometer when calibrating at the MCD office.  The meter will be field-checked (water-saturated air) during the sampling period at intervals not exceeding 4 hours and re-calibrated if the reading is not within 97%-103%. 

Incubation temperature of the Cole Parmer Model 39060-10 incubator will be checked prior to and during use with a certified thermometer to insure incubation at ± 0.5 °C for Colilert® E. coli and Total Coliform Analysis.  The Incubator digital controller will be recalibrated to keep thermal variation centered on the 35°C setpoint.

pH meter will be calibrated daily (two point-method) with standard pH 6.8 or 7.0 and pH 10.0 buffers prior to sampling. If sample pH values lower than 6.8 are anticipated then three-point calibration will be used with an additional buffer of pH 4.0.  Note: the HACH sension™156  Meter has automatic calibration temperature compensation from 0 to 60 °C .  

Specific Conductivity will be measured using a HACH sension™156 Meter and conductivity probe (or equivalent).  The calibration will be checked using a standard calibration solution in the range of 1000 to 1500 mS daily prior to sampling.  The meter will be recalibrated with a known standard if the check readings are not within 5% of the check standard.

Turbidity will be measured using a HACH Portable 2100P Turbidimeter either in the field or at the MCD office.  The calibration will be checked daily prior to testing using Gelex® secondary standards or Hach StablCal® Stabilized Formazin turbidity standards.  Recalibration will be performed using Hach StablCal® Stabilized Formazin turbidity standards if standard readings vary from known values by more than 5%.

Data Quality Objectives

Data quality objectives in terms of accuracy, precision and completeness are outlined in Table 4. 

*Relative % difference between two different samples.

**Duplicate counts of the number of positive wells identified from a Quanti-Tray® sample for the same analyst should agree within 5% and those between two different analysts within 10%. 

Corrective Actions

In order to identify any problem(s), the MCD Resource Management Coordinator will conduct an assessment of the data sampling and analysis at least once per year.  If a major problem exists, corrective action will be taken immediately and documented. In those situations where independent expertise is needed to assess a certain aspect of the project, the district should request technical assistance from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, or other appropriate entity.

Analytical Laboratories.   This SAP may be amended to include additional analytical laboratories.

Audits.  The Wyoming DEQ Project Officer may at any time request a technical audit in order to evaluate compliance with this SAP. One week or more advance notice shall be given, as is appropriate for the circumstances.

A technical audit can consist of site visits to evaluate sample collection and/or laboratory activities, a technical review, and/or an evaluation of performance. This includes assessments of any contractor or sub-contractor performing sampling, analysis, or any other activity directly related to the program.  If any major problems are identified, MCD should request technical assistance from an appropriate source.

E. coli data.  The MCD Resource Management Coordinator or Resource Specialist will verify that:

¨        Holding times do not exceed 6 hours and

¨        All data fields are completed on all forms used.

¨        Blanks and replicate samples were properly used and identified. 

Chemical data. The MCD personnel will work cooperatively with the analytical laboratory to verify that all requirements are met.  If chemical data is questionable or values seem odd, the cause will be investigated and appropriate remedial measures employed.

The MCD may modify the list of analytes to suit the purposes of the monitoring program. 

Primary Sampling Sites may be added or deleted under this SAP.  A log of those changes will be maintained in Section III “Sampling Locations and Timing, Designated Primary Sampling Sites”.

VI. Data Management

Data Validation

The Resource Management Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining the data inventory, the data sheets, Field Log Book, and laboratory notebooks.  The Resource Specialist and Resource Management Coordinator will crosscheck each other’s work, checking for errors in identification, decimal placement, dates, times, units reported, and comments.

Once data are generated, they will be compiled in a digital file, and a paper copy will be kept as well.

Transferred data will be reviewed and verified in accordance with data quality objectives.

Digital data will be printed out in lists and/or as graphs with lists and checked against original data sheets. The Resource Specialist will be responsible for correcting data entry errors.  It is the responsibility of the Resource Specialist to evaluate the raw data generated by the contract laboratory for appropriate numeric reduction, data quality, and accuracy. All data will be reviewed and reported in units specified at the detection level of the analytical methods used.

Sample results will be evaluated individually by performing appropriate mathematical analysis for precision or accuracy for each sample, where appropriate.

Data will be reported in standard units, customary for the specific parameters and those units will be stated.  For example, Colilert® E. coli data will be reported in units specific to that method, such as Most Probable Number (MPN), conductivity will be reported in mS/cm or mmhos/cm, turbidity will be reported in NTU, and most concentrations as mg/l or percent.  Scientific notation will be used if necessary.  Significant figures should correlate with detection levels. Tables, graphs, charts, and narrative discussion, may be used where appropriate.

Data from quality assurance and quality control samples will be compared to established data quality objectives. Sampling data that does not meet data quality objectives will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if the data may be useful for watershed planning or may provide useful provisional information relative to water quality objectives.  Unqualified or provisional data may, or may not, be released by the MCD at the discretion of the MCD Board of Supervisors as specified in section “Data Availability”. 

The Resource Specialist and RMC will evaluate completeness, accuracy, precision, and comparability. If the data quality objectives have not or cannot be met, the problem will be addressed either by correcting errors in the system, or by adjusting the objectives.

Data Storage

Data will be maintained and kept on file at Meeteetse Conservation District, 2103 State Street , Meeteetse , WY . 

§       The primary electronic copies of raw data sheets, geometric means and compiled data will be kept on the MCD computer. 

§       A backup copy shall be made on portable digital media and stored in a safe deposit box at a local bank or as otherwise directed by the MCD Board of Supervisors.

Data Availability

§       The Resource Management Coordinator and Resource Specialist Shall have access to data.  

§       MCD shall provide copies of validated, credible data to the DEQ after completion of all QA/QC review and review by the MCD Board of Supervisors.

§       All data submitted to DEQ will be accompanied by MCD quality control information.

§       Data submitted to DEQ may be submitted to WACD.

§       Data will be released to MCD cooperators according to relevant agreements or contracts.

§       Authorization by the MCD Board of Supervisors is required for release of any data. 

§       A letter of transmittal signed by the MCD Resource Management Coordinator will be used to verify authenticity of data released as part of the QA/QC  of this SAP.

Reports

“Reporting” under this SAP means “the transfer of data to the DEQ”.

§       When duplicate or replicate samples are taken, the individual values of those samples will be preserved in the raw data set. 

§       Data reporting will include calculation of geometric means for E. coli data according to the DEQ SOP “Geometric Means”.

§       An appropriate statistical representation of a set of duplicate or replicate samples, such as the arithmetic mean, may be used as the reported data point for that sample set.

§       A means of qualifying out of range data, including analysis values less than or equal to detection limits, will be adopted if necessary.  Methods used to properly represent out of range data i.e. “censored data” or “nondetects” are currently being evaluated.  ( U.S. Geological Survey, Statistical Methods in Water Resources)

§       Data will be organized in spreadsheet format. Charts and/or graphs may be generated for illustrative purposes.

The Resource Management Coordinator will be allowed to submit data and/or reports as specified in “Data Availability”, subject to MCD Board of Supervisors’ approval.  Interim reports may be written and provisional data may be cited with the approval of the MCD Board of Supervisors.

The Meeteetse Conservation District may use water quality data acquired under this SAP in any of its plans, projects, or reports.  As stated in the Introduction, the data will be a key component of continuing water quality and watershed management or improvement.  It is anticipated that water quality data will strongly influence the Annual Plan of Work and Long Range Plan submitted to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and to The Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts. 

VII. Abbreviations and Acronyms

DEQ               Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality

FDS                 Field Data Sheet

MCD               Meeteetse Conservation District

NIR                 Near infrared

QAPP              Quality Analysis Project Plan

QC/QA           Quality Control/Quality Analysis

RMC                Resource Management Coordinator

RS                    Resource Specialist

SAP                 Sampling and Analysis Plan

SOP                 Standard Operating Procedure

NaT                 Sodium Thiosulfate

USDA              United States Department of Agriculture

WDEQ            Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality

WYDEQ         Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality

WACD                        Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts

VIII. REFERENCES

HACH, Dissolved Oxygen Probe Instruction Sheet

HACH, Model 51910 Platinum Series pH Electrode Instruction Manual

HACH, Portable Turbidimeter Model 2100P Instrument and Procedure Manual

HACH, Quick Reference Guide, sension™156 Portable Multiparameter Meter

HACH, sension™156 Portable Multiparameter Meter Manual

Helsel, D.R., and Hirsch, R.M., 1992, Statistical methods in water resources: New York , Elsevier

Meeteetse Conservation District, 2005, Meeteetse Conservation District Long Range Plan

Meeteetse Conservation District, 2005, Meeteetse Conservation District Plan of Work

Meeteetse Conservation District, variously dated, unpublished, “Greybull River Watershed Information”

U.S. Geological Survey, Statistical Methods in Water Resources, Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations Book 4, Chapter A3, by D.R. Helsel and R.M. Hirsch, http://pubs.usgs.gov/twri/twri4a3/html/pdf_new.html

U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, National field manual for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chaps. A1-A9, available online at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A.

USDA, 1998, Natural Resources Conservation Service National Handbook of Water Quality Monitoring.

WDEQ/WQD. 2004. Manual of Standard Operating Procedures for Sample Collection and Analysis. Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, Watershed Program, Cheyenne , WY .

Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming State Analytical Laboratory,  Laramie, WY, 2005, Manual of Standard Operating Procedures.

IX. Distribution List

South Big Horn Conservation District.

Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts.

Wyoming Dept. of Agriculture, Analytical Services Laboratory

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, Watershed Program. 

 Appendices

A.    Maps

B. SOP,s and Methods

Many DEQ SOP’s refer to “Each Field Office” DEQ job titles, and to resources available to the DEQ and not available to the MCD.  Therefore, as used by the MCD, the term “Each Field Office” or other WDEQ offices in DEQ SOP shall be generally interpreted to mean the MCD, and the MCD may substitute alternative or equivalent resources to meet the intent of the DEQ SOP.

Critical DEQ SOP’s from the Manual of Standard Operating Procedures for Sample Collection and Analysis (* indicates Modified SOP):

PART 2 - BIOLOGICAL SAMPLING

Coliform Bacteria Sampling Procedure

*Escherichia coli & Total Coliform Bacteria

Geometric Mean, Calculating and Using

Chemical Monitoring, Dissolved Oxygen

Chemical Monitoring, pH

Chemical Monitoring, Specific Conductance

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

pH

Turbidity

PART 3 - PHYSICAL SAMPLING

*Current Velocity, Measuring for Monitoring

PART 5 - QUALITY CONTROL, CUSTODY AND REPORTING

Aseptic Technique

Blanks

Monitoring Electronic Data Entry

Chain of Custody

Completeness

Data Archiving

Data Validation

Data Verification

Duplicates

*Field Log Books

Instrument Calibration and Calibration Logs

*Photographic Documentation

Precision

Qualified Monitoring Data Codes

Quality Control Measures, Summary of

Quality Control Report, Field

Safety and Safety Equipment

*Sample Collection

*Sample Labeling

Temperature Blank

Deviations from DEQ SOP, and reasons for:

Sample Collection - Samples may not always be taken from mid-channel: High water and reservoir releases may necessitate sampling when the stream is technically not wadable.  Stream gradients are generally high with seasonal flow velocity commonly exceeding 3.3 ft/sec and depth at mid-channel in excess of 2.5 ft., precluding sampling at the stream channel midpoint.  When the mid-channel is not wadable, the sample “should be collected from well-mixed sections of the channel below the water surface”. (DEQ SOP “Coliform Bacteria Sampling Procedure”.)

Current Velocity, Measuring for Monitoring not calculated over a 10 ft. reach: Stream velocities in excess of 4 ft/sec make accurate timing using a floating object difficult on a 10 ft. reach.  Timing through a 20 to 40 ft. reach should be more accurate.

Sample Labeling as defined in body of this SAP: The MCD sample I.D. system provides that the date code is part of the unique sample I.D., requiring less space for writing on the sample container and providing for use in Excel spreadsheets

Photographic Documentation: A minimum of three individual photographs of the sampling reach will be taken: looking upstream from the base of the reach, downstream from the top of the reach, and a photo taken at approximately the middle and perpendicular to the reach.  A multi-photo panoramic set of photographs may be needed to properly capture details of the perpendicular view.  Besides archiving as Photographic Documentation sheets, digital photos should be digitally archived in an unedited form.

Chemical Analytical Methods,All: will be those used by the Analytical Services Laboratory, WDA, Laramie, Wyoming, or other approved analytical laboratory.  See below.

Escherichia coli & Total Coliform Bacteria: To eliminate biohazard risk by locally available means, used IDEXX Quanti-Tray® and Quanti-Tray®/2000 will be sanitized by one of the following methods prior to disposal:

§       Immersion for 1 hour in a chlorine bleach solution of 1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water.  All wells must be opened and exposed to the bleach solution.

§       Exposure of the transparent side of the trays to UV light (strong sunlight or commercially available fluorescent U.V. source) for 2 hours.

§       Immersion in a water bath having a minimum temperature of 60°C (140°F) for 30 minutes.

Field Log Book: This modified SOP ensures that information is in one location and in chronological order.  A Field Log Book shall be maintained for all sampling done under this SAP.

The Field Log Book may differ from DEQ SOP in that:

§       “Meeteetse Conservation District” and the District’s current physical address and phone number shall be written on the outside front cover in the place of an individual sampler’s name.

§       Written or printed sampler’s initials may be used.

§       Field data recorded on a Field Data Sheet need not be entered into the Field Log Book.

This modified SOP may be used so long as (1) sampling is not funded by or performed on behalf of USEPA and (2) sampling is conducted in a linear chronological manner.  At such time as criteria (1) or (2) cannot be met, then sampling personnel shall maintain individual Field Log Books under their name according to DEQ SOP.

WDA Analytical Services Laboratory Methods as of August 30, 2005

Analytical Methods, Practical Detection Limits (PDL), Containers, Preservation, and Holding Times for Selected Analytes

The analytes listed in this table are frequently requested by Wyoming 's Conservation Districts in their effort to determine whether or not surface water is impacted by agriculture or other activities in the drainage. The analytes requested depend on the water's beneficial uses and the type of activities potentially effecting its quality. This list is not all-inclusive; therefore the laboratory should be contacted during the design phases of a monitoring program.

C. Standard Forms (on following pages)

Office Review Initials: ____________________