Quality Assurance and Sampling Plan - Amazon S3...Matanuska-Susitna Stormwater Assessment Quality Assurance and Sampling Plan (Version 2.0) The Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute

Matanuska-Susitna Stormwater Assessment Quality Assurance and Sampling Plan

(Version 2.0)

The Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute

P.O. Box 923, Talkeetna AK, 99676 [email protected] 907.733.5432

March 2011

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A1. Mat Su Stormwater Assessment

Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute Project Manager: Date: Jeffrey C. Davis Quality Assurance Officer: Date: Gay A. Davis Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Project Manager: Date: Laura Eldred Quality Assurance Officer: Date: Richard Heffern Effective Date:

Mat Su Stormwater Assessment March 2011 Revision 2.0

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A2. Table of Contents

A4. Project/Task Organization ....................................................................................................... 1 A5. Problem Definition/Background ............................................................................................. 2 A6. Project/Task Description ......................................................................................................... 4 A7. Data Quality Objectives and Criteria for Measurement of Data ............................................. 7 A8. Special Training Requirements/Certification Listed ............................................................. 11 A9. Documentation and Records ................................................................................................. 11 B1. Sampling Process Design ...................................................................................................... 13 B2. Sampling Methods Requirements ......................................................................................... 21 B3. Sample Handling and Custody Requirements ....................................................................... 24 B4. Analytical Methods Requirements ........................................................................................ 25 B5. Quality Control Requirements .............................................................................................. 26 B6. Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance Requirements ....................... 26 B7. Instrument Calibration and Frequency .................................................................................. 27 B8. Inspection/Acceptance Requirements for Supplies and Consumables ................................. 27 B9. Data Acquisition Requirements for Non-Direct Measurements ........................................... 27 B10. Data Management ............................................................................................................... 27 C1. Assessments and Response Actions ...................................................................................... 29 C2. Reports to Management ........................................................................................................ 29 D1. Data Review, Validation, and Verification Requirements .................................................... 29 D2. Validation and Verification Methods .................................................................................... 30 D3. Reconciliation with User Requirements ............................................................................... 31 Appendix A. .................................................................................................................................. 34


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A3. Distribution List

Ms. Laura Eldred, Project Manager Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Water, Nonpoint Source Program 1700 E. Bogard Rd., Bldg B, Suite 103 Wasilla, AK 99654 Phone (907) 376-1855 fax: (907) 376-2382 Email: [email protected] Mr. Richard Heffern, Quality Assurance Officer Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Water 410 Willoughby Ave., Suite 303 Juneau, AK 99801-1800 Phone: (907)465-5305 Email: [email protected]

Mr. Jeffrey C. Davis, ARRI Project Manager P.O. Box 923 Talkeetna, AK 99676 Phone: (907)733-5432 Email: [email protected] Ms. Gay A. Davis, ARRI Quality Assurance Officer P.O. Box 923 Talkeetna, AK 99676 Phone: (907) 733-5432 Email: [email protected] Ms. Kathy Fugiel, Analytical Laboratory Manager Am Test, Inc. 13600 NE 126th Pl, Suite C Kirkland, WA 98034 Phone: 425-885-1664 Email: [email protected]


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A4. Project/Task Organization

The ARRI project manager listed below will be responsible for all project components including data collection, entry, analyses, and reports. Relationships among ARRI and DEC personnel are shown in Figure 1. Laura Eldred (DEC) DEC Project Manager. Ms. Eldred will oversee the project for DEC, provide technical support, QAPP review, review of any proposed sampling plan modifications, and the review of all reports. Richard Heffern (DEC) DEC Division of Water QA Officer. Mr. Heffern will be responsible for the review/approval of the QAPP. He will work with the DEC project manager to provide recommendations and requirements to the contracting Project Manager. Jeffrey C. Davis (ARRI) Project Manager. Mr. Davis will make sure that all field data are collected as specified in the QAPP. He will test and maintain all equipment prior to use and perform the review of data entry and analyses. He will be responsible for preparing all reports. Gay A. Davis (ARRI) will act as Quality Assurance Officer. Ms. Davis will be responsible for making sure that all data are collected, replicate samples taken and analyzed, and all data entered and analyzed correctly. AM Test, Inc.—AM Test, Inc. Laboratories, 13600 NE 126th Place, Suite C, Kirkland, WA, 98034. AM Test, Inc. will be responsible for analyzing all collected water samples for, metals, TAH, TAqH, and providing quality control and quality assurance reports relative to parameters tested.


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A5. Problem Definition/Background

During storm events, sediments, oils and grease, salts, and metals are washed from parking areas, roads, yards, and fields into drainage ditches or storm drains that discharge into surface streams. These pollutants can reach concentrations in streams and rivers that can result in health problems from drinking or recreational exposure. Fine sediments flushed into streams can dominate stream beds blocking the flow of oxygen to developing salmon eggs, clog the gills of rearing juvenile salmon or resident fish, disrupt visual feeding activity, and eliminate the living space for aquatic insects. Pollutants can be toxic to fish and aquatic insects particularly during early incubation. Toxins can indirectly affect aquatic organisms by binding with oxygen or increasing the susceptibility to other diseases. Pollutants can alter the odor of streams affecting the ability of migrating salmon to locate spawning areas. The delivery of pollutants to receiving waters and the effect of stormwater on stream hydrology is controlled by the amount of water flowing on the surface compared to water that is filtered through the ground or vegetation. Water flows quickly off of compacted surfaces (i.e. roads, roofs, and parking areas) that are impervious to water flow. Tractive forces, or the ability of water to suspend and transport sediments and other pollutants, increase with water velocity and depth. Alternatively, vegetation intercepts rainfall, decreasing the energy prior to reaching the ground, slows down surface flows, breaks apart soils and provides a pathway along roots into the soil. In addition, physically slowing down the delivery of pollutants, soil microbes and plants can metabolize or

Figure 1. Relationship and lines of communication among personnel and organizations.

ARRI Project Manager

DEC Project Manager

ARRI QA Officer

Contracting Laboratories

ARRI Environmental

Scientist

Field Technicians

DEC QA Officer


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breakdown toxic chemicals. Diversion of storm water into the soil slows down the rate of delivery to surface streams and ameliorates flood flows. The effects of impervious surfaces to storm flow and the organisms in streams and rivers have been well documented. Common constituents of stormwater pollution include suspended sediments, nitrogen and phosphorus, pH, metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr) (, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and fecal coliform bacteria (Bakri et al. 2010, Erikson et al. 2007, Brown and Peake 2006, Han 2006). The concentration and constituents in stormwater varies with land use within the drainage and often increase with impervious surface area and storm events (Mallin et al. 2009). Metals and hydrocarbons often are associated with precipitation events that collected road deposits and particles in the air from combustion of fossil fuels (Hwang and Foster 2005, Hoffman et al. 1985). Biotic indices using fish and aquatic invertebrates have been shown to be an important component of stormwater assessment projects (Walsh 2007, Gresens 2007). The Mat-Su Borough and core areas of Palmer and Wasilla have been the fastest growing regions in Alaska and among the fastest in the nation. As development increases, the concern for storm water runoff pollution increases. Development within Wasilla is adjacent to Wasilla, Cottonwood, and Little Meadow Creeks. Cottonwood Creek, once a premier rainbow trout fishery, still supports coho salmon, sockeye salmon, and resident rainbow trout. Cottonwood Creek and Wasilla Lake also are important areas for water related recreation. Cottonwood Creek is currently listed by DEC as a Category 5, Impaired Waterbody for fecal coliform bacteria (DEC 2010). Fecal coliform sampling and tracking of sources of microbial contamination have been linked to surface flows during storm events (Davis and Davis 2010). Stormwater sampling conducted over 30 years ago detected hydrocarbons and metals in stormwater discharging into Wasilla Lake (DEC 1990). However, since that time water sampling has not been conducted to assess potential hydrocarbon and metal pollution of Cottonwood Creek. Biotic assessment of water quality documented a decrease in water quality from 1998 to 2005 (Davis and Davis 2006). Wasilla Creek and Little Meadow Creek have both been identified as high priority waters by the Alaska Clean Waters Action policy ranking for the assessment of potential water quality impacts (DEC 2010). Human settlement of the Palmer-Wasilla area and the Wasilla Creek drainage began with federal experimental farms in the 1930s. Housing development was accelerated further with construction of the George Parks Highway in the early 1970s. Wasilla Creek water quality was investigated in 2001 (Davis and Muhlberg 2002). At that time, most of the land use in the Wasilla Creek drainage was agriculture based. Water quality sampling showed an increase in nitrogen concentrations downstream, which may have been related to livestock grazing, and a decrease in pollution intolerant invertebrates. However, the number of housing subdivisions and commercial development are rapidly increasing within the drainage. In addition, four main roads linking Palmer and Wasilla cross Wasilla Creek.


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Little Meadow Creek is located north of Wasilla, however, residential development within the Meadow Lakes area has been increasing over recent years. Storm runoff from the commercial district of Wasilla discharges to Lucile Lake. Lucile Creek, the outlet stream from Lucile Lake, is a tributary to Little Meadow Creek. Little Meadow Creek supports a popular coho and sockeye salmon fishery. Little Meadow Creek flows into Big Lake, which is an important recreational area in the region for boating and fishing. Big Lake has been listed as a Category 5 Impaired Waterbody due to hydrocarbon pollution from boat use. Recent work has been done to document physical habitat conditions (Curran and Rice 2009); however, water quality sampling for common stormwater pollutants has not been conducted. Stormwater runoff can have significant and adverse effects to water quality and fish habitat, is related to the degree of impervious surfaces that occur with urban and rural development, development is increasing in the Wasilla area, and this development surrounds streams that support important fisheries and recreation. However, little information is available regarding the concentration of common stormwater pollutants is streams draining the Palmer-Wasilla core area.

A6. Project/Task Description

Project Description This project will develop and implement a stormwater assessment program on three streams within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. We will meet this objective by locating and mapping stormwater discharge points, identifying pollutants of concern, conducting initial test sampling, developing a comprehensive QAPP and sampling plan, implementation of water quality, quantity, sediment, habitat measurement, biological sampling, and data analyses and reporting. Stormwater assessment will be developed and implemented on Cottonwood Creek, Wasilla Creek, and Little Meadow Creek. These streams vary in the degree and types of development but all support important salmon spawning and rearing habitat. We propose to initiate stormwater assessment by locating and mapping stormwater discharge locations. The location and mapping of stormwater discharge will allow us to efficiently develop a monitoring plan that takes into account the watershed or sub-watershed area, degree of development, type of development, and relative location to other discharges. This information along with qualitative information, surface drainage or storm water collection system, presence of non-storm flow (flow absent precipitation) will allow for the selection of sampling sites that can be stratified among development type and the measurement of isolated discharges as well as cumulative effects. Concurrent with mapping discharge locations, we will conduct a literature search and summarize publications addressing stormwater pollution. This task will allow us to better hypothesize the potential water quality and fish habitat impacts. From this summary we hope to refine sampling locations and sample parameters (i.e. metals,


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nutrients, hydrocarbons) for laboratory analyses. We can estimate expected concentrations and select appropriate analytical methods and detection limits. Stormwater assessment will be conducted through the implementation of the water quality monitoring and Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). Sampling will include water sample collection at discharge locations during base and storm flows, measures of flows in surface waters and storm drains, and measures of the biotic community, sediment size distribution and habitat assessment within and outside of areas of concentrated pollutants. Project results will be presented as electronic Arcview maps using GIS locations and linked to site information and sampling results as well as written reports. Data results will be presented at regional conferences as appropriate. Task Descriptions TASK 1: Locate and Map Stormwater Discharge Locations Stormwater discharge locations within Cottonwood Creek, Wasilla Creek, and Little Meadow Creek will be located and mapped. Locations will be identified through stream surveys, review of maps and aerial photographs, and discussions with City, Borough, and State public works staff. Field surveys will document discharge information including latitude and longitude, road location, surface or subsurface drain, width, receiving water, flow, recent weather, and photographs. Stormwater discharge locations will be displayed on digital maps, with links to site data, and municipal storm drainage system maps where available. Maps will include drainage areas measures and types of development. TASK 2: Research stormwater impacts to water quality and identify pollutants of concern The objective of this task is to obtain information on sampling designs, differences in pollutants based on land use, pollutant transportation and breakdown rate, toxicity as a function of concentration, mixing zones, and analytical methods. Review relevant published literature, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance documents, and other grey literature describing results from projects investigating stormwater runoff. All of this information will be summarized in an annotated bibliography. Information will be used to identify sampling sites, modify sampling methods where necessary, and interpret results relative to other studies. TASK 3: Water and sediment sampling Water sampling and flow measures will be conducted to capture spring runoff, summer baseflow and fall storm events of 2011 and 2012. Spring sampling will occur in late May as soon as ice is absent from sampling locations. Summer sampling will occur during baseflow conditions. Fall storm sampling will be initiated after receiving approximately 0.25 inches of rain and measuring an increase in stormwater and receiving water flows. We will note any observed increases in water flow on surface streets and drainage ditches. Water samples will be collected from storm drains and receiving waters. Samples will be collected from four locations on Cottonwood Creek, Wasilla Creek, and Little Meadow Creek (12 stream sampling sites). Stream sampling locations will be located to bracket potential stormwater discharges. Samples also will be collected from


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an estimated 3 outfall locations. Outfall locations will be selected to represent runoff from residential, commercial, and agricultural land uses where possible. Photographs will be taken to document conditions during sampling events. Water samples will be analyzed for nutrients (N, P), metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd), hardness, alkalinity, hydrocarbons (TAH), settleable solids, dissolved carbon, turbidity, pH, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. Sediment samples will be analyzed for metals and hydrocarbons. Stream discharge will be measured at the upstream and downstream sampling sites to quantify stormwater additions.

TASK 4: Biotic Sampling and Habitat Assessment Biotic sampling will include measures of the macroinvertebrate community, juvenile anadromous and resident fish, accompanied by habitat assessments. Macroinvertebrate samples will be collected in the spring (late May or early June) and fish in early September of 2011 and 2012. Macroinvertebrates will be sampled using the Alaska Stream Condition Index (ASCI) methods of collection. ASCI water quality scores will be calculated as well as other invertebrate community metrics. Juvenile anadromous and resident fish will be sampled using baited minnow traps. Habitat will be qualitatively assessed using the ASCI methodology. TASK 5: Data Analyses and Reporting Water quality from all sampling dates will be compared with previous study results and with State Water Quality Standards. Sample results will be evaluated relative to degree of development, type of development, and drainage area. The potential, causes, effects, and identify potential addition studies necessary to address stormwater pollution in area streams will be discussed relative to findings and solutions implemented in other areas. Water quality changes from upstream to downstream during runoff and between baseflow and runoff events. Regression analyses will be used to evaluate changes in water chemical parameters, ASCI scores, and fish catch per unit trap (CPUT), relative to measures of development. Analytical results will be entered into Excel spreadsheets along with site information, sampling methods, analytical methods, and detection levels. These spreadsheets will be formatted as requested by DEC for entry into the state data storage system, AWQMS, and EPA STORET database. Project reporting will include quarterly progress reports, annual reports, and a final report. Quarterly reports will describe the progress made toward completion of project tasks. These reports will describe any problems with data collection or analyses. The interim report will be completed by July 2011. This report will provide a summary of spring sampling results, the annotated bibliography, and stormwater maps. In January of 2012, the first annual report will be produced to report on the first field season data results and analyses. A final report will be submitted upon project completion. This report will describe sampling objectives, methods, results and a discussion of the factors influencing stream water chemistry due to runoff. The report will evaluate the toxicity of metals and influences to the biotic community.


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A7. Data Quality Objectives and Criteria for Measurement of Data

Project Data Quality Objectives The overall data quality objective (DQO) for this monitoring project is to accurately determine the concentrations of nutrients, metals and hydrocarbons and evaluate compliance with state Water Quality Standards. Measures of pH, specific conductivity, dissolved carbon, alkalinity, and hardness will be used to evaluate toxicity of metals and changes in water chemistry during runoff events. Measures of the biotic community will be compared statistically among sites and for significant relationships with measures of development. Alpha for all statistical tests will 0.05.

Criteria for freshwater sediments are based upon NOAA reference tables (SQuiRTs) (Buchman 2008). Toxic concentrations in the SQuiRTs are derived from evaluating biological effects. Biological effects are described as threshold effects levels (TEL) and probable effects levels (PEL). TELs are the concentration below which biological effects rarely occur, and PELs are the concentration above which biological effects are likely to occur. TELs and PELs for sample parameters are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Concentrations of metals and PAH (ppb) TELs and PELs for freshwater sediments. NA is not available for freshwater sediments.

Parameter TEL (µg/kg) PEL (µg/kg)

Copper 35,700 197,000

Chromium 37,300 90,000

Lead 35,000 91,300

Zinc 123,000 315,000

Total PAH 264.1 NA

Criteria for Measurement of Data Measurement Quality Objectives (MQOs) are a subset of DQOs. MQOs are derived from the monitoring project’s DQOs. MQOs are designed to evaluate and control various phases (sampling, preparation, and analysis) of the measurement process to ensure that total measurement uncertainty is within the range prescribed by the project’s DQOs. They define the acceptable quality of the field and laboratory data for the project. MQOs are defined in terms of Precision, Bias, Representativeness, Detectability, Completeness and Comparability. The parameters in Table 2 will be measured at the listed performance level. All parameters are critical to meeting project objectives. These critical criteria are to be met to ensure that the project’s data quality objectives are met.


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Table 2. Project Specific Measurement Quality Objectives (MQOs). AWQS is Alaska Water Quality Standard. RL is reporting limit. NC is natural condition. TAH is Total Aromatic Hydrocarbons (the sum of the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and total xylenes [BTEX] results), and TAqH is Total Aqueous Hydrocarbons (the sum of BTEX and 16 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs))

Parameter Method Detectability (MDL/RL)

Expected Range or <AWQS Accuracy% Precision* Completeness

Turbidity (NTU) EPA 180.1 Rev 2.0

Meter

0.1/1.0 1 to 6 85 to 115 20% 90%

Discharge (cfs) Measure 0.1 1 to 40 N/A 10% 90%

Specific Conductivity (µS/cm)

EPA 120.1 Meter

0.1 150 to 300 85 to 115 10% 90%

Settleable Solids (ml/L)

SM 2540 F 0.2 1 to 10 <NC

85 to 115 20% 90%

pH EPA 150.2 Meter

0.1 7.0 to 8.5 85 to 115 20% 90%

Temperature (°C) Thermometric

SM 2550 B 0.02 4 to 25 85 to 115 10% 90%

Total Cu (µg/L) EPA 200.8 or SM 6020B

0.1 <3 to 30**

85to 115 20% 90%

Total Pb (µg/L) EPA 200.8 or SM 6020B

0.05 <0.5 to 19**

85 to 115 20% 90%

Total Zn (µg/L) EPA 200.8 or SM 6020B

0.5 37 to 390**

85 to 115 20% 90%

Total Cd (µg/L) EPA 200.8 or SM 6020B

0.01 <0.1 to 0.7**

85 to 115 20% 90%

Hardness (mg/L)d

EPA 200.7 1.0 10 to 400 85 to 115 20% 90%

Alkalinity (mg CaCO3/L)

SM 2320B 1.0 100 to 300 85 to 115 20% 90%

Dissolved Carbon (mg/L)

SM 5310B 01.0 0 to 40 85 to 115 20% 90%

TAH (µg/L) water

EPA 624 1.0 <10 75 to 125 20% 90%

TAqH (µg/L) water

EPA 625 2.0 <15 85 to 115 20% 90%

PAH (µg/Kg) sediment

EPA 8270D 2.0 <265 85 to 115 20% 90%

Nitrate + Nitrite-N (mg/L)

EPA 353.2 0.010/0.020 0.05 to 0.5 85 to 115 20% 90%

Ammonia-N (mg/L)

EPA 350.1 Rev. 2.0

0.005/0.010 0.01 to 0.05

85 to 115 20% 90%

Total-P (mg/L) SM 4500-P 0.005/0.010 0.001 to 0.005

85 to 115 20% 90%

Dissolved-P (mg/L)

SM 4500-P 0.001/0.005 0.001 to 0.005

85 to 115 20% 90%

* precision is based upon measures of paired replicate samples. ** chronic criteria based on hardness between 25 and 400 mg/L CaCO3


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Quality Assurance Definitions

Detectability Detectability is defined as the lowest value that a method procedure can reliably discern a measured response above background noise.

Accuracy Accuracy is a measure of confidence that describes how close a measurement is to its “true” value. Methods to ensure accuracy of field measurements include instrument calibration and maintenance procedures.

100×=TrueValue

lueMeasuredVaAccuracy

Precision Precision is the degree of agreement among repeated measurements of the same characteristic, or parameter, and gives information about the consistency of methods. Precision is expressed in terms of the relative percent difference between two measurements (A and B).

( )( )( ) 100

2/Pr ×

+−

=BA

BAecision

Representativeness Representativeness is the extent to which measurements actually represent the true condition. Measurements that represent the environmental conditions are related to sample frequency and location relative to spatial and temporal variability of the condition one wishes to describe.

Comparability Comparability is the degree to which data can be compared directly to similar studies. Standardized sampling and analytical methods and units of reporting with comparable sensitivity will be used to ensure comparability.

Completeness Completeness is the comparison between the amounts of usable data collected versus the amounts of data called for.

T – (I+NC) x (100%) = Completeness T


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Where T = Total number of expected measurements. I = Number of invalid results. NC = Number of results not produced (e.g. spilled sample, etc.).

Quality Assurance for Measurement Parameters

Detectability Detectability is defined as the lowest value that a method procedure can reliably discern a measured response above background noise. In other words, detectability is the level below which the instrument cannot reliably discriminate from zero. Because there is always variation in any measurement process (precision uncertainty), the level of detectability depends on how much precision error is in the process. Two aspects of detectability are used to characterize the level at which data is reported with confidence:

• Method detection limit (MDL) • Reporting limit or practical quantitation limit (RL or PQL).

The MDL is the minimum value which the instrument can discern above background. For field measurements the manufacturer’s listed instrument detection limit (IDL) can be used.

The RL or PQL is the minimum value that can be reported with confidence (usually some multiple of the MDL).

Parameter specific detectability limits (MDL and RL) are listed in Table 3.

Accuracy The percent accuracy for the acceptance of data is shown for each parameter in Table 1. Accuracy will be determined for those measurements where actual values are known. For turbidity, measurements of commercially purchased standards within the range of expected values will be used. For dissolved oxygen, 100% saturated air will be used as a standard. Measurements of accuracy will be determined for each sampling event. Contract laboratories will provide the results of accuracy measures along with chemical analytical reports. For discharge, the velocity meter will be spin tested as per manufacturer’s recommendation prior to each use. Accuracy of discharge rating curves will be determined by comparing measured value (as actual) with calculated value.

Precision Table 1 shows the precision value for the acceptance of data. Precision is the repeatability of measures. Duplicate samples will be collected at a minimum of every 11 samples for each parameter. Precision will be calculated from the difference between original and duplicate samples. The laboratory will conduct duplicate analyses on one of


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every ten samples (10%). A discharge measure and measure of turbidity will be repeated at one site on one occasion to determine measurement precision.

Representativeness The monitoring design site locations, sampling frequency, and timing will ensure that the measurement parameters adequately describe and represent actual stream conditions for the sampling period. Chemical measures should represent spring runoff, baseflow and stormflow conditions.

Comparability and Completeness The use of standard collection and analytical methods will allow for data comparisons with previous or future studies and data from other locations. We expect to collect all of the samples, ensure proper handling, and ensure that they arrive at the laboratory and that analyses are conducted. Our objective is to achieve 90% completeness for all measures. Sample collection will be repeated if problems arise such as equipment malfunction or lost samples.

A8. Special Training Requirements/Certification Listed

Jeffrey C. Davis (Project Manager) has a B.S. degree in Biology from University of Alaska Anchorage and a M.S. degree in Aquatic Ecology from Idaho State University. He has 17 years of experience in stream research. Mr. Davis has experience in all of the assessment techniques outlined in this document. Gay Davis (Quality Assurance Officer) has a B.S. degree In Wildlife Biology from the University of Maine. She has 20 years of experience in stream evaluation and restoration. Ms. Davis has over 10 years of experience in stream ecological field assessment methods and water quality sampling. Chemical analyses will be conducted through AM Test, Inc., in Kirkland, Washington. AM Test, Inc. has been accredited by Washington State Department of Ecology for drinking water, waste water and solid matrix chemical analyses, and for all of the parameters to be analyzed in this study. With the combined experience of these investigators, no additional training will be required to complete this project.

A9. Documentation and Records

Field data including replicates measures for quality assurance will be recorded in Rite-in-the-Rain field books. Upon returning to the laboratory, data books (see appendix) will be photocopied (daily or weekly). The data books and copies will be kept and stored by the project manager and the quality assurance officer will store the photocopies. ARRI will maintain records indefinitely. Any sampling problems will be recorded in the data books


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and included in the field sampling report. Laboratory chain of custody forms will be filled out and shipped with the sample. A copy will be retained and submitted to the DEC project manager upon request. Laboratory reporting and requested laboratory turnaround times of 6 to 10 days are discussed in section B4. Reporting Requirements Stormwater Map. A GIS-based map of storm drainage throughout the Wasilla Creek, Cottonwood Creek, and Little Meadow Creek drainages will be provided in draft form by March 30, 2011. A final map will be submitted by July 15, 2011. Annotated Bibliography. An annotated bibliography of publications that discuss stormwater pollution will be submitted as a draft document by March 31, 2011. A final bibliography will be submitted following project completion by July 15, 2011. Project Photographs Report/Log. Photographs of stream conditions upstream and downstream of the sampling location will be taken on each sampling date. Photographs will be downloaded and saved by sampling site name and date after each field sampling event. A description of all photographs taken will be recorded in an Excel spreadsheet. The photograph log and site photographs will be submitted to the DEC Project Manager with Draft and Final Reports. Electronic copies of photographs will be transferred to computer discs as jpeg files and submitted to DEC, and stored by ARRI for a minimum of 5 years. Quarterly Reports. Quarterly reports will be submitted to the DEC project manager. These reports will summarize current progress toward completing project tasks. Quarterly reports will identify any problems in data collection or analyses, any modifications to the sampling plan, and any recommended changes to sampling methodology. Draft Report. A draft report will be prepared following spring and baseflow sampling events. An electronic and written report will be submitted to DEC on June 30, 2011. The draft report will be approximately 80% complete allowing for additional data and data interpretation. The draft report should include at a minimum: an executive summary, project background, methods, analytical results and discussion, conclusion, data validation, tables, figures, and appendices (a map showing the monitoring locations, raw and QA data sets, field data sheets and log books, photographs, and laboratory analytical reports including laboratory QA performance). First Interim Report (ACWA Final Report). An electronic and written copies of the first annual report will be completed and submitted to the DEC project manager by July 30, 2011. This report will include at a minimum: an executive summary, project background, methods, analytical results and discussion, conclusion, data validation, tables, figures, and appendices (a map showing the monitoring locations, raw and QA data sets, field data sheets and log books, photographs, and laboratory analytical reports).


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First Annual Report (NFHAP Final Report, AKSSF Annual Report). The first annual report will describe the results of data collected during the first field season. This report will describe the first years spring, summer, and fall water chemistry results. It will describe differences in water chemistry within each stream and among the three streams. Comparisons will be made with measures of development. The macroinvertebrate and fish community metrics will be tested for differences among sampling locations and related to changes in water chemistry. All analytical results will be provided as an appendix to the report. A selection of project photographs will be provided as a report appendix. The annual report will include a QA summary report evaluating reliability of reported data. Final Report (AKSSF Final Report). The final report will summarize the two-year project results. The report will provide background information on stormwater pollution and the potential threats to Mat-Su area streams. The report will describe the sources and toxicity of common pollutants as described in other studies. Project results will describe the concentration of pollutants found in area streams and compare these values with state water quality standards. The variability in water chemistry will be evaluated relative to changes in development and stormwater discharges. Measures of the biotic community will be evaluated to determine if water quality or habitat changes caused by runoff are having a biological effect.

B1. Sampling Process Design

Study Design The assessment of water quality following stormwater runoff will be evaluated in three stream systems located near Wasilla, Alaska: Wasilla Creek, Cottonwood Creek, and Little Meadow Creek. Water samples will be collected at multiple locations within each drainage that vary in the degree and type of upstream development. Samples will be collected following spring/storm runoff and base-flow conditions. Water samples also will be collected from storm drain locations that discharge into Cottonwood Creek near the Parks Highway, Wasilla Lake near Crusey Street, and Lucile Lake. Samples will be analyzed for metals, nutrients, settleable solids, and other pollutants common in stormwater runoff (see Table 21 and Appendix A). Macroinvertebrates will be collected at each sampling site during the spring and measures of the fish community in the fall. Longitudinal changes in water quality parameters will be evaluated relative to cumulative changes in land use. Sampling Locations Sampling locations are shown in Figures 2 through 5. Sampling locations are distributed along each stream system and at three known stormwater outfall locations. Sampling sites are located to differentiate between the amount and type of upstream development that could contribute to stormwater inputs. Outfall sites are located at the Parks Highway crossing of Cottonwood Creek, the Wasilla Lake outfall pipes near the swimming area, and the storm drains discharging into Lucile Lake, near the Parks Highway.


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Sampling Frequency Samples will be collected from all stream locations on 8 sampling dates. Samples will be collected once when stream flows increase following snowmelt, once each year during mid-summer baseflow and twice each year following storm events. Sampling during spring runoff will be initiated when water is observed flowing along road surfaces and through coordination with the DEC project manager. Storm sampling will be initiated following 0.25 inches of rainfall accumulating over the previous 24 hours as recorded at the Palmer Airport or at rain gauges placed at the DEC office near Wasilla Lake, and near Little Meadow Creek. Field Data Collection Specific conductivity, pH, and Temperature Specific conductivity, pH, and temperature will be measured in situ at each sampling location and on each sampling date. Specific conductance is used as a surrogate for Total Dissolved Solids and is expected to increase during storm flows. The toxicity of many metals is greater in acidic waters. Discharge Stream flow or discharge is a product of water volume and velocity. Water volumes directly affect the concentration of solutes within the water column. Given similar inputs abundance is inversely proportional to stream flow. Discharge will be measured at the upper and lower sampling locations on each stream on each sampling date and at outfall locations. Water level will be recorded at all discharge sites using a water level logger (Onset Data Corporation). Settleable Solids The amount of sediments that are transported into the stream channels and suspended in the water column during storm flows will be measured as settleable solids using the Imhoff Cone method. Water samples (1 liter) will be collected at each sampling date at each sampling location and returned to the ARRI laboratory for analyses. Particulates in the water column can have negative effects to aquatic ecosystems and are sites of attachment for metals and other pollutants. Turbidity Turbidity is another measure of the amount of inorganic particles in the water column. Turbidity will be measured in the field (LaMotte 3000). Three replicate samples will be analyzed for turbidity at each sampling station and on each sampling date. Total Copper, Zinc, Lead, Cadmium These heavy metals are common constituents in stormwater and can be toxic to aquatic organisms and humans. Water samples will be collected in plastic containers (250 ml), acidified with nitric acid (below pH 2), and placed in a cooler to maintain sample temperature below 4°C. Samples will be shipped by Federal Express overnight to AM Test (Kirkland, WA), for analyses. Sediment samples will be collected below stormwater


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outfalls during storm events. Sediment samples will be kept at temperatures < 4°C and shipped to AM Test for analyses. Hardness Hardness is a measure of calcium and magnesium ions in water. The toxicity of metals vary with hardness. Water samples (250 ml) will be collected from one location in each stream on each sampling date and placed within a cooler and shipped to AM Test for analyses. Alkalinity This is a measure of the buffering capacity of water and can influence the pH and toxicity of metals. The alkalinity will be determined from samples collected at one location in each stream on each sampling date. Water samples will be collected in 250 ml bottles and sent to AM Test for analyses. Dissolved Organic Carbon Organic carbons can form ligands with metals reducing their toxicity. Water samples will be collected from one sampling station in each stream on each sampling date. The water sample will be sent to AM Test for DOC analyses. Nitrogen and Phosphorus Nutrients often increase in stormwater and can cause algal blooms that can alter the biotic community and reduce water quality. Water samples will be collected in two 250 ml plastic bottles, one bottle will be preserved with sulfuric acid, and both bottles will be placed in a cooler with frozen gel-paks and kept at < 6°C. Water samples will be shipped to AM Test for analyses for ammonia-N, nitrate and nitrite-N, total phosphorus, and total dissolved phosphorus. Total Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Total Aqueous Hydrocarbons (PAH) Hydrocarbons are a common pollutant in stormwater. Total aromatic hydrocarbons (TAH) as the sum of benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, and xylene will be determined from the analyses of water samples collected at one sampling location on each sampling date. Sampling locations that are most likely to have the highest concentrations of hydrocarbons have been selected. On all three streams, these sites are located downstream from the Parks Highway. Water samples will be collected using a volatile organic carbon sampler developed by the U.S. Geological Survey or by modified grab samples. Water samples for TAH will preserved with HCl and held at temperatures < 6°C and shipped to AM Test for analyses. Sediment samples will be collected at stormwater outfall locations during two storm events and analyzed for PAH. Sediments will be placed within 250 ml bottles, kept at temperatures below 4° C and shipped to AM Test for extraction (within 7 days) and analyses.


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Laboratory Analyses The analytical methods used to determine the characteristics and concentrations of metals in water samples are provided in tables 2 and 3. Samples will be analyzed using established standard methodology. Data Analysis Regression analyses will be used to test for statistically significant relationships between stormwater pollutants and measures of upstream development. Analyses will be conducted for all stream locations and for each stream individually. Relationships will be evaluated for spring snow melt, base flow, and storm runoff. Concentrations of pollutants will be evaluated relative to state water quality standards.


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Figure 2. Map showing general sampling location within southcentral Alaska.


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Figure 3. Cottonwood Creek sampling locations.


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Figure 4. Sampling location in the Meadow Creek drainage.


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Figure 5. Sampling locations in the Wasilla Creek drainage.


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External Data Weather data will be downloaded or purchased through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) web site (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html). Sample Timing To minimize diel variability, water sample collection will be standardized to the time between 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

B2. Sampling Methods Requirements

Field Data Collection Field data collection will be conducted by ARRI staff. Latitude, longitude and altitude of sampling locations will be recorded using a GPS receiver on each sampling date. Upstream and downstream photographs will be used to further identify locations and conditions during field sampling. Measures of turbidity, specific conductivity, pH, and discharge will be collected in the field. For other parameters, water samples will be collected and submitted to an analytical laboratory for analyses. Water Sample Collection and Handling Depth-integrated water samples will be collected by first rinsing the sample bottles three times, and then submerging the inverted sample bottle to near the stream bottom and then slowly turning it upright and bringing the bottle toward the water surface. The water sampler will wear exam gloves and care will be taken not to touch the inside of the sample bottle or bottle cap. Samples that are to be shipped to the laboratory will be kept in a cooler at 4°C or less until shipping. Samples will be shipped within 24 hours of collection. A temperature blank will be shipped with the samples and water temperature of the blank will be measured of the equilibrated cooler contents will be measured before shipment and upon receipt by the analytical laboratory. Water sample bottles for ammonia-N, and total and dissolved phosphorus arrive from the laboratory with H2SO4. To ensure that a pH of < 2 is achieved, a sample bottle that contains acid will be filled with stream water and the pH will be measured and the sample discarded. If a pH of <2 is not achieved, sulfuric acid from two bottles will be combined and pH measured a second time. This process will be repeated until the proper pH is achieved. For metal samples, a 250 ml bottle will be filled with stream water. Nitric acid will be added with a dropper and pH measured to determine the number of drops required to reach a pH of <2. For TAH and dissolved organic carbon samples, 2 drops of HCl will be added to each 40 ml sample bottle. Sediment Sample Collection and Handling Sediment samples will be collected at the three stormwater outfall locations and analyzed for metals and PAHs. Sediments will be collected using a Ponar sampler. The sampler will be released into the water column from the bank within 1 meter of the outfall. The sampler will submerge into bottom sediments under the force of gravity. Once the sampler has settled into the bottom sediments, the messenger will be released to trip the spring mechanism and close the


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dredge. The sampler will be retrieved and checked to ensure that no rocks or other debris prevented complete closure. The sampler will be opened to expose the sample and the contents observed for a hydrocarbon sheen or odor. A new stainless steel spoon will be used to collected sediment from the top 5 cm of the sample. The sediment sample will be placed into a 40 ml plastic bottle (metals) and a 250 ml glass bottle for PAH. Samples will be placed within a cooler with frozen gel-paks to maintain temperatures below ≤ 4°C and shipped to the analytical laboratory. Specific Conductivity, pH, Temperature Stream water specific conductivity, pH, and temperature will be measured using a YSI 63 meter and probe. Stream water pH is a measure of hydrogen ion activity and will be measured concurrently with specific conductivity. Water temperature will be recorded by the YSI meter and using temperature loggers (Onset ProV2) that will record water temperature every 30 minutes. All meters will be tested for accuracy and calibrated prior to field sampling. Temperature loggers will be tested for accuracy at 0° and 20°C prior to field deployment against an in-certification NIST traceable thermometer. Probes will be submerged to approximately 0.5 times water depth within the flowing channel avoiding areas of stagnant water. Probes will be allowed to equilibrate for 2 minutes prior to recording results. Alkalinity, Nitrate + Nitrite-N Depth-integrated water samples will be collected from a well-mixed area at each sampling site. Samples will be collected in a 250 ml plastic bottle. Sample bottles will be labeled prior to sample collection. Samples will be placed within a cooler with frozen gel paks to maintain a temperature of <6°C. A temperature blank will be stored in the cooler with the samples. Samples will be shipped to the analytical laboratory for analyses using overnight shipping provided by Federal Express. Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Zink (Zn), and Cadmium (Cd) Depth-integrated water samples will be collected in 250 ml plastic bottles. Samples will be acidified to a pH of <2 with HNO3. Water samples will be held in a cooler and shipped to the analytical laboratory for analyses. Ammonia-N, Total and Dissolved Phosphorus, Hardness, Dissolved Organic Carbon Depth-integrated water samples will be collected in two 250 ml plastic bottles. Samples will be analyzed for total phosphorus, total dissolved phosphorus, nitrate+nitrite nitrogen, and ammonia nitrogen. One of the sample bottles will be acidified with H2SO4. Samples will be placed in a cooler and shipped to the analytical laboratory. Water samples for dissolved phosphorus will be filtered (0.45 μm filter) in the field within 15 minutes of sample collection, preserved and shipped to the analytical laboratory.

Turbidity and Settleable Solids Depth-integrated water samples will be collected in 500 ml sample bottles. The sample bottles will be filled and emptied 3 times before a sample is retained. Turbidity will be measured in situ using appropriate meters and manuals (LaMotte TC-3000e.) Support equipment will include extra batteries and sample bottles. Clean sample bottles will be used. All meters will be tested


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and calibrated prior to use. Settleable solids will be determined using the Imhoff cone method at the ARRI laboratory. TAH and TAqH TAH samples will be collected from the stream thalweg at mid-water depth using a VOC sampler or modified grab samples. The VOC sampler will be thoroughly rinsed in stream water. Two 40-ml amber bottles will be placed in the sampler and the top closed. The sampler will be suspended in the water column so that the sampler opening is at 0.5 times stream depth. Once air is no longer coming out of the vent tube, the sampler will be removed from the water. The 40 ml bottles will be removed retaining the meniscus, two drops of HCl will be added and the bottle sealed with a Teflon septum cap. If water depth does not allow for use of the VOC sampler, TAH samples will be collected using modified grab samples. A 250 sample bottle will be submerged to 0.5 times stream depth. Once submerged, the lid will be removed. The bottle will be allowed to fill and flush form approximately 30 seconds and then recapped. A 40 ml amber bottle will be filled to overflowing with sample collected at 0.5 depth, acidified with HCl, capped and placed in a cooler, kept at <4°C and sent to AM Test for analyses. Water samples for TAqH will be collected in a 1 L amber glass bottles. Water samples will be collected within the thalweg at 0.5 times stream depth. The sample bottle will be submerged to depth before the cap is removed. The sample bottle will be allowed to flush for approximately 30 seconds before it is recapped, removed from the water, and placed in a cooler for shipping.

Weather Conditions Weather conditions for the 24 hours previous to sampling will be obtained through direct observations and from on-line National Weather Service Website. Rain gauges will be placed at the DEC office (1700 E. Bogard Rd.) near Wasilla Lake and near Little Meadow Creek to monitor storm events.

Site Locations and Photographs Latitude, longitude and altitude of sampling locations will be recorded using a GPS receiver. Photographs will be used to further identify locations and changing seasonal riparian and stream conditions during field sampling.

Discharge Discharge will be measured using the methods of Rantz et al. (1982). A meter tape will be suspended across the stream. Water velocity will be measured at multiple intervals across the stream using a Price AA or Swoffer 3000 velocity meter. The meter will be spin tested prior to use. Meters are calibrated by recording the time to walk along a shoreline a known distance and comparing to the meter reading. The process is repeated 5 times. A top-setting wading rod will be used to ensure velocity is measured at 0.6 depth. Water level loggers will be secured at each discharge sampling points and a rating curve developed to calculate discharge when direct measurements are not possible. Discharge will be measured or estimated from the rating curve on each sampling date.


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Macroinvertebrates The larval stage of aquatic insects and other invertebrates are a diverse group of organisms. The abundance, diversity, feeding habits, and relative density of the many different aquatic organisms have been used to assess changes in water quality and habitat. Macroinvertebrates have been used because of their relative immobility, and differential responses to stream conditions. Macroinvertebrates will be collected, processed, and analyzed using the standard operating procedures for the Alaska Stream Condition Index (ASCI). Composite invertebrate samples will be placed within pre-labeled whirl-pak bags. Paper labels will be placed into the bags with the sample and the sample preserved with formalin. Labels will include date, time, location, and investigators. Stream invertebrate collections will be returned to the ARRI laboratory, sorted, and identified to genus (except for Chironomidae, Simuliidae, and Oligochaeta). Stream habitat will be evaluated using the habitat assessment methods of ASCI, or EMAP habitat assessment methodology. Sample collection will be conducted in the fall. Dependent variables will include multiple different invertebrate metrics as well as the ASCI score. Juvenile Fish Similar to aquatic insects, egg incubation and juvenile salmon survival depends upon a consistent source of water. Changes in water temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, volume, turbidity, pH, and food abundance can all affect the distribution and development of resident and anadromous juvenile fish. Juvenile fish will be collected in baited minnow traps in the spring and fall. We will use a minimum of 20 traps for each site. Traps will be fished for approximately 24 hours. Fish will be identified to species and fork-length measured. The catch for each trap will be determined independently to obtain catch/trap/hour. Fish will be inspected for any deformities, eroded fins, lesions, or tumors (DELT anomalies). Dependent variables will be the total number of juvenile fish by species and the relative amount of different species collected per sample effort.

B3. Sample Handling and Custody Requirements

Water samples will be labeled in the field. Sample labels will record the date, time, location, preservation, unique sample identification (based on site and date) and initials of collector. Chain of custody forms will be initiated in the field and completed each time samples are transferred to a laboratory, or other carrier. Field samples that are to be transferred to the contract laboratory will be placed within a cooler, along with a temperature blank and frozen gel-paks (sample blank will be measured after equilibration in cooler and prior to shipment), and the cooler sealed closed using plastic packing tape. Samples will be transported to the laboratory where they will be placed in a secure location until analyses are initiated. Coolers will be opened upon receipt and the laboratory will record the temperature of the sample blank using a NIST traceable thermometer with current certification. Sample preservation and holding is shown in Table 3. Copies of all completed chain of custody forms will be available to the DEC project manager upon request and stored for a minimum of 5 years.


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B4. Analytical Methods Requirements

Sample analytical methods are shown in Table 3. Field samples will be collected by ARRI staff and either delivered to the commercial laboratory for subsequent analyses by the identified standard method. The laboratory methods are defined within by their standard operating procedures and quality assurance plan. Copies of these documents are on file with the State Quality Assurance Officer. Corrective Action ARRI will be responsible for ensuring that all samples are collected and delivered to the laboratory. The QA officer will make sure all samples are labeled and stored correctly and that all equipment has been calibrated and accuracy tests completed as needed. The project manager will be informed of any errors and will be responsible for corrective action including repeating sample collection or analyses (for metered measures). If any samples are lost or are determined to be contaminated by the laboratory or if there are any laboratory problems, the project manager will be responsible for collecting new samples and delivering them to the laboratory.

Table 3: Preservation and Holding Times for Sample Analysis Analyte/ Method Method Matrix Container Necessary

Volume Preservative Holding Time

Turbidity (NTU) EPA 180.1 Meter Surface Water None

In situ

measurement N/A N/A

Discharge USGS Sum

of Components

Surface Water None

In situ measurement

N/A N/A

pH EPA 150.1 Surface Water None In situ measurement N/A N/A

Specific Conductivity

(µS/cm)

EPA 120.1 Meter Surface Water None In situ

measurement N/A N/A

Settleable Solids (ml/L) SM 2540 F Surface Water P 500 ml cool ≤6°C,

do not freeze 48 Hours

Temperature (°C) SM 2550 B Surface Water None In situ

measurement N/A N/A

Total Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd (µg/L)

EPA 200.8 or 6020B Surface Water P 50 ml

Field filtration pH <2 with

HNO3, 6 months

Total Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd (µg/g)

EPA 200.8 or 6020 B Sediment G, FP lined cap 40 ml <4°C 6 months

Hardness (mg/L)d EPA 130.2 Surface Water P 25 ml pH <2 with

H2SO4 6 months

Alkalinity (mg CaCO3/L) SM 2320B Surface Water P 25 ml Cool ≤4°C,

do not freeze 14 days

Dissolved Carbon (mg/L) SM 5310 B Surface Water P 40 ml

Field filtration (0.45μm

filter) Cool ≤4°C, do not freeze pH <2

with HCl

28 days

TAH (µg/L) EPA 624 Surface Water Amber G, FP lined septum 40 ml

Cool ≤6°C, do not

freeze, , pH<2 with

HCl

14 days


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Analyte/ Method Method Matrix Container Necessary

Volume Preservative Holding Time

TAqH (µg/L) EPA 625 Surface Water Amber G, FP lined cap

250 ml (30 to 40 g)

Cool ≤6°C, store in dark

7 days until

extraction, 40 days

after extraction

PAH EPA 8270D Sediment Amber G, FP lined septum 250 ml Cool <4°C

7 days until

extraction, 40 days

after extraction

Nitrate+ Nitrite-N (mg/L) EPA 353.2 Surface Water P 20 ml Cool 4°C 28 days

Ammonia-N (mg/L) EPA 350.1 Surface Water P 20 ml pH < 2 with

H2SO4, 4°C 28 days

Total-P (mg/L) SM 4500-P Surface Water P 20 ml pH < 2 with H2SO4, 4°C 28 days

Dissolved-P (mg/L) SM 4500-P Surface Water P 20 ml

Field filtration,

pH < 2 with H2SO4, 4°C

28 days

P = polyethylene FP = flouropolymer G = glass

B5. Quality Control Requirements

The precision of field and laboratory measures will be calculated using the equation in section A7 (See section A7 for discussion on calculation of precision and accuracy) . Accuracy will be measured using the equation in A7 for known standards. If accuracy and precision are not met for analyses ARRI is conducting, the meters will be recalibrated and measures will be repeated or meters or probes will be replaced. Data measurements that do not meet the limits described in A7 may or may not be used in the final report depending on degree to which limits are not met. However, the report will clearly state if there are any questions regarding used data. For laboratory analyses, contract laboratories will submit quality control results along with sample analytical results. Laboratory quality control will include duplicates, matrix spikes, reference standards, and blanks. Laboratory accuracy and precision criteria must be equal to or greater than project criteria provided in Section A7. Duplicate laboratory analyses will be conducted on 1 of every 10 samples analyzed (10%). One duplicate field sample will be collected or measured on each sampling date for each parameter (9%). Accuracy of meters will be tested following meter calibration before each sampling date.

B6. Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance Requirements

Instruments and meters will be tested for proper operation as outlined in respective operating manuals. Inspections and calibration will occur prior to use at each site. Equipment that does not calibrate or is not operating correctly will not be used. Duplicate instruments and meters are available for discharge and turbidity measures. In the case of complete equipment failure, new equipment will be purchased. The project manager will be responsible for calibrating and testing and storing equipment and completing log sheets. All calibrating, testing and storage will follow


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the manufacturer’s recommendations. The quality assurance officer will inspect the log sheets. Spare batteries and repair equipment will be taken during field sampling events.

B7. Instrument Calibration and Frequency

The turbidimeter (LaMotte TC-3000e), pH/specific conductivity (YSI 63), and dissolved oxygen meter (YSI 550A) and velocity meter (Swoffer 3000) will be calibrated in accordance to instructions in the manufacturer’s operations manual by the project manager prior to each use and a log will be maintained documenting calibration within a data book secured kept with all meters. Calibration standards will be used to calibrate the turbidimeter at 0 NTU, 10 NTU, 20 NTU and 100 NTU. The pH meter will be calibrated using 3 points, 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0. The specific conductivity meter generally does not require calibration but will be checked for accuracy against know standard at approximately 100 µS/cm. The dissolved oxygen meter will be calibrated using 100% water saturated air. Calibration standards will be purchased at the beginning of the field season and will be discarded following fall sampling.

B8. Inspection/Acceptance Requirements for Supplies and Consumables

Precleaned sample containers will be obtained from the lab with appropriate preservation method included (except dissolved phosphorous, H2SO4 aliquot to be added after field filtration) in shipment from laboratory conducting the analyses. Any needed standards for equipment calibration, and filters will be purchased directly from the equipment manufacturer if possible or from a well established chemical company. The QA officer will be responsible for ensuring that standards are not outdated and for the purchase of replacements. The date and source of all purchased materials will be recorded within a separate file for each piece of equipment and kept on file by ARRI along with equipment calibration records.

B9. Data Acquisition Requirements for Non-Direct Measurements

Weather data downloaded or purchased through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) web site (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html) also will be used and assumed accurate.

B10. Data Management

Field data will be entered into field data sheets. The quality assurance officer will copy the field data sheets and review the data to ensure that it is complete and check for any errors. Field and laboratory data sheets will be given to the project manager. The project manager will enter data into Excel spreadsheets. The quality assurance officer will compare approximately 10% of the field and laboratory data sheets with the Excel files. If any errors are found they will be corrected and the project manager will check all of the field and laboratory data sheets with the Excel files. The quality assurance officer will then verify correct entry by comparing another 10% of the sheets. This process will be repeated until all errors are eliminated (Figure 6). The quality control officer will review any statistics or other comparisons. The project manager will


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write the final report, which will be proofed by the quality assurance officer and the DEC project manager. The final report will contain a section that discusses how data management was conducted and any errors found and corrections made. The quality assurance officer will check the results in the report and associated statistical error (i.e. standard deviation and confidence interval) against those calculated with computer programs. Any errors found will be corrected by the project manager. Along with the final report tables and graphs of water quality data, the information will also be provided to DEC in a modernized STORET compatible format. Data will be formatted into AWQMS and STORET compatible files as directed by DEC.

Figure 6. Data management flowchart.


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C1. Assessments and Response Actions

Project assessment will primarily be conducted through the preparation of field sampling event reports for DEC by the project manager. Section A6 contains more information on the type and date of each required report. At that time the project manager will review all of the tasks accomplished against the project sample plan to ensure that all tasks are being completed. The project manager will review all data sheets and entered data to make sure that data collection is complete. If necessary, data collection processes or data entry will be modified as necessary. Any modifications of the data collection methods will be reviewed against the processes described within the QAPP to determine whether the document needs to be updated. The project manager and QA officer will check on field sampling and contractor’s laboratory practices to ensure that samples are handled correctly and consistently (see Data Management Section B10 and Figure 6). The final report will contain an appendix that will detail all of the QA procedures showing precision, accuracy, representativeness, and completeness. Data quality and comparability will be discussed in the body of the report as applicable. Any QA problems will be outlined and discussed relative to the validity of the conclusions in the report. Any corrective actions will be discussed as well as any actions that were not correctable, if any. The QA officer will report to ARRI project manager any consistent problems in data collection, analyses, or entry identified either internally or through a 3rd party audit. ARRI management will be responsible for developing and implementing a course of action to correct these problems. Where consistent problems may have affected project validity, these will be identified and reported to the DEC project manager directly and included in project reports as directed.

C2. Reports to Management

Reports will be prepared by the ARRI project manager and distributed to the DEC project manager. Reports will update the status of the project relative to the schedule and tasks of the work plan. Reports include quarterly reports, draft interim report, first annual report, and a final report. Any field QA problems will be identified and reported in the quarterly reports or more often if necessary. The project manager will prepare all of the reports. Reports will be reviewed by the quality assurance officer for errors. The final report also will be submitted in electronic format along with the data tables and photo log. Any potential problems with data due to QA will be identified and reported in all submitted reports. D. Data Validation and Usability D1. Data Review, Validation, and Verification Requirements

Analytical results will be reviewed and validated in accordance with United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) documents, including the USEPA Guidance on Environmental Data Verification and Validation (EPA QA/G-8), 2002b.


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The project manager and the quality assurance officer will conduct data review and validation. Data errors can occur during collection, laboratory analyses, data entry, and reporting. The QA officer will review all field data sheets to ensure that field measures and sample collection followed the QAPP and sampling plan procedures. The QA officer will ensure that all field replicate samples and measures were collected. The QA officer will review and store copies of all chain of custody forms to ensure proper sample handling and delivery. The QA officer will be responsible for reviewing data received from contract laboratories. The review will include an evaluation of the laboratory quality control measures including laboratory controls, duplicates, and spikes and ensure method/analyte—specific QC criteria limits were met to ensure validity of both laboratory analytical method QC requirements as well as project data precision and accuracy criteria (see Table 21). The review will check to make sure the proper analytical methods were used. Site names and dates will be compared to field notes. For samples analyzed by ARRI, the QA officer will check to make sure that all meters are calibrated and operating correctly and that the calibration and measures of standards is being recorded. The QA officer will conduct reviews of data entry, analyses, and reporting to ensure that there are no errors in data entry and reporting. Data that are obtained using equipment that has been stored and calibrated correctly and that meets the accuracy and precision limits will be used. Data that does not meet the accuracy and precision limits may be used; however, we will clearly identify these data and clearly indicate the limitations.

D2. Validation and Verification Methods

Data Validation Data validation is the sample-specific process that extends the evaluation of data beyond method, procedural, or contractual compliance to determine the analytical quality of the specific data set to ensure that the reported data values meet the quality goals of the project. The QA officer will be responsible for quality control from all contract laboratories. This will include review of sample labeling, analytical method used, turnaround time, and whether all required method/analyte—specific laboratory quality control criteria have been met. The QA officer will work with the contract laboratory to correct or clarify any errors. Analytical results that are below the method detection limit will be reported as such with no numeric value. Data that is below the PQL but above the method detection limit will be reported as estimated (usually flagged with a J) and identified as being below the PQL. The QA officer will review data values for accuracy and precision. For laboratory data, the QA officer will review field duplicates, laboratory duplicates, matrix spikes, and standard values and using equations in section A-7 determine if laboratory analyses met quality assurance goals for accuracy and precision. If not, the QA officer will request that the laboratory repeat the analyses. Data that repeatedly does not meet QA goals, will not be used in the project analyses


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or report unless strong justification substantiates its proposed use and it supports the project’s overall data quality goals. Data Verification Data verification is the process of evaluating the completeness, correctness, and conformance of the specific data set against the method requirements. The project manager will be responsible for field physical and biotic measures and water sampling and handling. The project manager will review methods to ensure that field data collection is conducted as described in the approved sampling plan and QAPP. Any variation in methods or problems in data collection will be reported to the DEC project manager. The project manager will ensure that the samples for laboratory analyses are identified by the correct site location name, date, and sampling personnel. The project manager will ensure proper sample storage and handling and will fill out and sign all chain of custody forms. Copies of chain of custody forms will be turned over to the QA officer. A log of sampling locations, personnel, labeling, and handling will be kept within the field data book. The project manager will be responsible for final review of data and calculating completeness of data collection. Data Review The project manager will enter all data from laboratory and field data sheets into Excel worksheets. The project manager will double-check all entries to ensure that they are correct. The quality assurance officer will compare 10% of the laboratory and field data sheets with the Excel worksheets. The project manager will enter all formulas for calculation of parameters and basic statistics. All of these formulas will be checked by the quality assurance officer. If any errors are found, the project manager will correct the errors and then check all entries. The quality assurance officer will then repeat a check of 10% of the data entry and all of the formulas and statistics. This process will be repeated until any errors are eliminated. The project manager will organize and write the final report. The quality assurance officer will check the results in the report and associated statistical error (i.e. standard deviation and confidence interval) against those calculated with computer programs. Any errors found will be corrected by the project manager. The project manager will review and respond or incorporate all comments received from the DEC project manager and other reviewers. The QA officer will check the final report to ensure that all review comments were addressed.

D3. Reconciliation with User Requirements

The project results and associated variability, accuracy, precision, and completeness will be compared with project objectives. If results do not meet criteria established at the beginning of the project, this will be explicitly stated in the final report. Based upon data precision and accuracy some data may be discarded. If so the problems associated with data collection and analysis, or completeness, reasons data were discarded, and potential ways to correct sampling problems will be reported. In some cases accuracy project criteria may be modified. In this case, approval is required by both the DEC project manager and DEC Water QA Officer and the justification for modification, problems associated with collecting and analyzing data, as well as potential solutions will be reported in the project final report.


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References

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. 1990. Wasilla storm drains investigations, Wasilla, Alaska, Field Work Conducted September 1988 and May 1999. Anchorage, Alaska.

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. 2010. Alaska’s Final 2010 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report. Juneau, Alaska.

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. 2003. Alaska Water Quality Criteria Manual for Toxic and Other Deleterious Organic and Inorganic Substances, as amended through May 15, 2003. Juneau, Alaska.

Bakri, Dhia Al, Sadequr Rahman, and Lee Bowling. 2008. Sources and Management of Urban Stormwater Pollution in Rural Catchments, Australia. Journal of Hydrology 356.3-4 (2008): 299-311.

Brown, J., and B. Peake. 2006. Sources of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban stormwater runoff. The Science of the Total Environment 359 (1-3) (-04-15): 145-55.

Buchman, M.F. 2008. Screening Quick Reference Tables, NOAA OR&R Report 08-1, Seattle WA, Office of Response and Restoriation Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 34 pages.

Curran, J., and W. Rice. 2009. Baseline channel geometry and aquatic habitat data for selected streams in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009—5084, 24p.

Davis, J. C., and G. A. Muhlberg. 2002. Wasilla Creek Stream Condition Evaluation. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Habitat and Restoration Division, Technical Report No. 02-05. Anchorage, Alaska. 20p.

Davis, J.C. and G.A. Davis. 2010. Fecal coliform bacteria source assessment in the waters of Cottonwood Creek, Wasilla, and Little Campbell Creek, Anchorage. Final Report for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Contract No. 18-2011-21-7. Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute. Talkeetna, Alaska.

Davis, J.C., G.A. Davis, and L. Eldred. 2006. Cottonwood Creek Ecological Assessment. Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute. Final Report for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. ACWA 06-02. Talkeetna, Alaska.

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Mallin, M. 2009. Comparative impacts of stormwater runoff on water quality of an urban, a suburban, and a rural stream. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 159 (1-4) (-12-01): 475.

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34

Appendix A.

Table. Table showing the times each sample parameter will be measured at each sample location for each year. Outfall will be sampled during 2 storm events each year and will include water and sediment samples. CW is Cottonwood Creek, WA is Wasilla Creek, and LM is Little Meadow Creek. Sp is spring, Su is summer, St is storm, OF is outfall. Sample Parameters CW01 CW02 CW03 CW04 WA01 WA02 WA03 WA04 LM01 LM02 LM03 OF01 OF02 OF03pH Sp, Su,

St, St Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

St, St St, St St, St

Specific Conductivity Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Temperature Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Dissolved Oxygen Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Turbidity Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Settleable Solids Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Alkalinity Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Hardness Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Dissolved Carbon Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Copper (Cu) Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Zinc (Zn) Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Lead (Pb) Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Cadmium (Cd) Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Nitrate+Nitrite-N Sp, Su, F

Sp, Su, F

Sp, Su, F

Sp, Su, F

Sp, Su, F

Sp, Su, F

Sp, Su, F

Sp, Su, F

Sp, Su, F

Sp, Su, F

Sp, Su, F


Ammonia-N Sp, Su, Sp, Su, Sp, Su, Sp, Su, Sp, Su, Sp, Su, Sp, Su, Sp, Su, Sp, Su, Sp,Su, Sp,Su, St, St St, St St, St


35

Sample Parameters CW01 CW02 CW03 CW04 WA01 WA02 WA03 WA04 LM01 LM02 LM03 OF01 OF02 OF03St, St St, St St, St St, St St, St St, St St, St St, St St, St St, St St, St

Total-Phosphorus Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Total Dissolved Phosphorus

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Total Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Total Aqueous Hydrocarbons

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Discharge (with water level Logger)

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp, Su, St, St

Sp,Su, St, St


Macroinvertebrates Sp Sp Sp Sp Sp Sp Sp Sp Sp Sp Sp Fish F F F F F F F F F F F Habitat Su Su Su Su Su Su Su Su Su Su Su

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Quality Assurance and Sampling Plan - Amazon S3...Matanuska-Susitna Stormwater Assessment Quality Assurance and Sampling Plan (Version 2.0) The Aquatic Restoration and Research Institute