QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN FOR · 2018-06-27 · Nashua River Watershed Association Quality Assurance Project Plan Revision 1.0 4/30/2019 5 4.0 PROJECT & TASK ORGANIZATION In

QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN FOR

Nashua River Watershed Association Volunteer Water Monitoring Program

Amended Document Date: June 27, 2018

Prepared by: Nashua River Watershed Association

592 Main St, Groton, MA 01450

With funding from: The Fieldstone Foundation,

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation, and member donations

PROJECT MANAGER_________________________________________________________________ Martha Snow Morgan, Water Programs Director Date Nashua River Watershed Association PROJECT COORDINATOR____________________________________________________________ Kathryn Nelson, Water Monitoring Coordinator Date Nashua River Watershed Association PROJECT SUPERVISOR_______________________________________________________________ Elizabeth Ainsley Campbell, Executive Director Date Nashua River Watershed Association MassDEP QA COORDINATOR _______________________________________________________ Richard Chase Date NHDES QA COORDINATOR____________________________________________________________ Ted Walsh Date New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services

Nashua River Watershed Association Quality Assurance Project Plan

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2.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 TITLE AND APPROVAL PAGE…............................................ ............................................................. 1 2.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................. 2 3.0 DISTRIBUTION LIST ..................................................................................................................................... 4 4.0 PROJECT & TASK ORGANIZATION ............................................................................................................ 5

Figure 4-1 Project Organization ......................................................................................... 5 Table 4-1. Project Organization and Responsibilities ....................................................... 6

5.0 PROBLEM DEFINITION / BACKGROUND .................................................................................................... 7 6.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................... 11

Table 6-1: Sampling Parameters and Justification ......................................................... 14 Table 6-2: Sampling Locations proposed for 2018 .......................................................... 15

Table 6-3: Project Timetable ........................................................................................... 18 7.0 DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................. 18

Table 7-1: Data Quality Objectives – Routine Monthly Monitoring conducted by NRWA Staff and Volunteers ............................................................................................ 21

Table 7-2: Special Projects- Data Quality Objectives- Analyses performed-by Nashoba Analytical, LLC .................................................................................................. 22 Table 7-4 Surface Water Quality Criteria for MA and NH ................................................ 24

8.0 TRAINING .................................................................................................................................................... 25 9.0 DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS .......................................................................................................... 26 10.0 SAMPLING PROCESS DESIGN ................................................................................................................ 27 11.0 SAMPLING METHODS REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................ 29

Table 11-1: Sample Collection Requirements: Routine Monthly Monitoring & Special Projects ............................................................................................................................ 30

12.0 SAMPLE HANDLING AND CUSTODY REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................ 31 13.0 ANALYTICAL METHODS REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 31 14.0 QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................... 32 15.0 INSTRUMENT/ EQUIPMENT TESTING .................................................................................................... 33 16.0 INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION AND FREQUENCY ................................................................................... 34 17.0 INSPECTION/ ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUPPLIES .......................................................... 36 18.0 DATA ACQUISITION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................... 36 19.0 DATA MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................... 37 20.0 ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE ACTIONS ............................................................................................ 38 21.0 REPORTS .................................................................................................................................................. 38 22.0 DATA REVIEW, VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS .................................................. 39 23.0 VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION METHODS ........................................................................................ 39 24.0 RECONCILIATION WITH DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES ........................................................................ 40 REFERENCES (in addition to footnoted references provided in text) ................................................................ 41

Safety Considerations ........................................................................................................ 3 2018 SAMPLING DATES .................................................................................................. 4

CONTACTING THE NRWA ............................................................................................... 4 MONITORING DAY SCHEDULE ....................................................................................... 6 DELIVERING SAMPLES ................................................................................................... 6 MONITORING INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................ 7

Filling out Water Monitoring Forms: ................................................................................... 7 Filling out Labels for bottles: .............................................................................................. 8 GENERAL INFORMATION ON COLLECTING SAMPLES ................................................ 8

Bacteria .............................................................................................................................. 8 Water Temperature ............................................................................................................ 9 Dissolved Oxygen (DO) ................................................................................................... 10


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WHAT DOES MONITORING TELL US? ......................................................................... 13 Bacteria (E. coli) ............................................................................................................... 13 Dissolved Oxygen ............................................................................................................ 13

Temperature .................................................................................................................... 14 Conductivity ..................................................................................................................... 15

APPENDIX A: Volunteer Manual APPENDIX B: Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and Lab Data Forms APPENDIX C: NRWA Standard Operating Procedure for Illicit Discharge Detection

and Elimination


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3.0 DISTRIBUTION LIST

Elizabeth Ainsley Campbell…………………………………………………………978-448-0299 Executive Director………………………………………………[email protected] Nashua River Watershed Association 592 Main Street Groton, MA 01450 Richard Chase…………………………………………………… …………………508-767-2859 MADEP Quality Assurance Officer……………………………………………[email protected] Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection 8 New Bond St., Worcester, MA. 01606 Ted Walsh, Quality Assurance Officer…………………………………………….603-271-2083 New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services………………………[email protected] 29 Hazen Drive, P.O. Box 95 Concord, NH 03301-0095 Carmen DeFillipo, Chief Operator…………………………………………………978-433-9859 Pepperell Wastewater Treatment Facility…………………[email protected] 47 Nashua Road P.O. Box 319 Pepperell, MA 01463 Shawn Meunier, SUEZ Project Manager………………………………………….978-772-4250 SUEZ operator of the………………………………………………………[email protected] Devens Wastewater Treatment Facility 85 Walker Road Shirley, MA 01464-2901 External Data Coordinator…………………………………………………[email protected] Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Water Resources, Division of Watershed Management, Watershed Planning Program 8 New Bond St., Worcester, MA. 01606 The QAPP is available online at www.NashuaRiverWatershed.org or upon request

mailto:[email protected]



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4.0 PROJECT & TASK ORGANIZATION In 2017, the Nashua River Watershed Association’s (NRWA) volunteer Water Monitoring Program (WMP) has nearly 60 field and laboratory volunteers sampling and analyzing 43 sites in the Nashua River watershed once each month from April through October. The WMP began in 1993, and NRWA QAPPs were approved in 2001, 2007 & 2012. Two NRWA staff members coordinate and supervise the volunteer activities. Two local wastewater treatment facility laboratories offer their space to allow NRWA staff and laboratory volunteers to analyze the samples. The NRWA’s Executive Director supervises all aspects of the NRWA’s Water Monitoring Programs. The NRWA’s Water Programs Director serves as Project Manager for the Water Monitoring Program (WMP), helps to train and supervise volunteers, secures contract laboratories, and assists the Water Monitoring Coordinator with procuring equipment and funding. NRWA’s Water Monitoring Coordinator serves as the Project Coordinator, and organizes the WMP, including the field and laboratory volunteers and laboratory personnel at the Pepperell and Devens WWTFs. Both the Project Manager and Program Coordinator are present in the laboratories on sampling day. Table 4-1 details the project organization and each person’s role. Figure 4-1 illustrates how the project is organized and managed. Figure 4-1 Project Organization

WWTF Laboratory Personnel

Field Volunteers

NH DES

MA DEP

NRWA Executive Director

Monitoring Project Coordinator

Project Manager

Lab Volunteers


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Table 4-1. Project Organization and Responsibilities

Name(s) Project Title Description of Responsibilities

Martha Morgan Project Manager

Directs project activities for the WMP, helping project coordinator recruit and train volunteers, training of laboratory volunteers for some lab parameters, fiscal management, data uses and program changes. Evaluation and preparation of reports, with the Monitoring Program Coordinator.

Kathryn Nelson

Project Coordinator

Responsible for development of the QAPP, recruitment, training, and coordination of water monitoring volunteers, supervising laboratory volunteers, entering and evaluating water quality data and written reports and submission of data to state agencies.

Kathryn Nelson & Martha Morgan

Lab Coordinators

Present in the lab each water monitoring day to set up laboratory and supervise volunteers. Responsible for calibration of laboratory equipment, checking accuracy readings for samples, ensuring field volunteers have filled out forms accurately, check in samples to the lab, and ensuring proper lab procedures are followed by lab volunteers.

Shawn Meunier or John Cormier, SUEZ: Devens Wastewater Treatment Facility Carmen DeFillipo or Jeff Lee; Pepperell Wastewater Treatment Facility

Laboratory Partners

Present at the wastewater treatment facility on the day of sampling to open the laboratory. Answer questions regarding laboratory operations (e.g., distilled water) when needed. Read E.coli results on the IDEXX quanti-trays between 24 to 28 hours after sample preparation.

Kathryn Nelson Data Management Coordinator

Maintains the data files for the program. Performs/oversees data entry and checks entries for accuracy against field and lab forms.

Volunteers Field and Laboratory Volunteers

Sample, perform field measurements, and assist in laboratory analyses, quality control checks & data entries.

Richard Chase

MassDEP QA Coordinator

Technical Reviews of QAPP, reads QA reports, confers with Project Coordinator on quality control issues that arise during the course of the monitoring program.

Ted Walsh NHDES QA Coordinator

Technical Review of QAPP, manages the NH Volunteer River Assessment Program (VRAP), Coordinates with Project Coordinator to incorporate data into VRAP Annual Reports. Confers on QC issues.


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5.0 PROBLEM DEFINITION / BACKGROUND

Watershed Characteristics The Nashua River watershed encompasses 31 communities in north central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. North Nashua The North Nashua begins at the confluence of the Whitman River and Flag Brook in west Fitchburg, at the former West Fitchburg Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF). Nine dams and extensive flood control retaining walls dominate the North Nashua as it passes through the city of Fitchburg. The river receives discharges from both the East Fitchburg and Leominster WWTFs, and stormwater runoff from the cities of Leominster and Fitchburg. The river flows through Leominster State Forest and agricultural fields before joining with the South Nashua River in Lancaster. South Nashua The South Nashua River begins below the dam at Lancaster Mill Pond in Clinton. Lancaster Mill Pond receives water from the Wachusett Reservoir. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) controls the discharge to the South Nashua. MWRA is mandated under an 1895 act to release just 12 million gallons per week (1.8 million gallons per day) to the South Nashua. Currently, flows are on average higher (up to 100 mgd), though the discharges from the Wachusett by MWRA do not always mimic natural flows (e.g., higher summer flows than spring flows). The river flows through dense residential areas of Clinton, receives discharge from the Clinton WWTF (operated by MWRA), and then flows through Lancaster north to its confluence with the North Nashua, where the two rivers meet to form the Nashua River mainstem. Nashua River Mainstem The Nashua River mainstem forms the core of the Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area and the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge in Lancaster, Bolton, and Harvard. The river winds north through agricultural fields, marshy areas, and undeveloped refuge land. Ice House Dam forms a small impoundment on the river in Ayer and Shirley. The mainstem flows through the center Devens (former Fort Devens Military Reservation), where numerous hazardous waste sites were located close to the river. The Ayer and Groton School WWTFs discharge to the river along this reach, and the Devens WWTF discharges to the groundwater adjacent to the river. The East Pepperell Dam dominates the middle reach of the Nashua River mainstem. This dam, constructed in the 1920s, forms an impoundment approximately three miles long known as Pepperell Pond. Pepperell Pond acts as a sink for all the nutrients from WWTFs, agricultural fields and developed areas upstream of the dam, and experiences algae blooms, and dissolved oxygen fluctuations. A major infestation of aquatic invasive water chestnut and other invasive plants exists in Pepperell Pond. Pepperell WWTF discharges downstream from (north of) the dam. Residential, agricultural and forested lands and two


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golf courses border the river in Pepperell and Hollis, NH, until it reaches the more densely populated area of Nashua, NH. Mill Pond Dam forms another impoundment west of the city of Nashua, and Jackson Dam is the last dam in downtown Nashua before the Nashua River joins the Merrimack River on the east side of Nashua. Squannacook and Nissitissit Rivers The Squannacook and Nissitissit Rivers wind through rural and suburban towns and agricultural fields in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts to their respective confluences with the mainstem of the Nashua River. The Squannacook and Nissitissit Rivers are popular cold-water fisheries. Hollingsworth and Vose paper company holds the only surface water discharge permit to the rivers; it discharges to the Squannacook River.

Past Problems/ Current Challenges

The remarkable water quality improvements achieved in the Nashua River from the 1960s to the 1990s are renowned1. Point source pollution is largely under control throughout the watershed, with the exception of combined sewer overflows in the cities of Fitchburg and, to a lesser extent, Nashua, NH. Most of the major WWTFs’ surface water discharge permits were revised to reflect stricter total phosphorus limits (revised downwards from 1 mg/L to 0.2 mg/L at all the WWTFs except the Clinton WWTF, which was revised to 0.15 mg/L. Not all limits have become effective as of March 2018. Weather patterns of both drought and intense rain have a significant impact on the waterways. Heavy development pressure and the resultant change in land use throughout the watershed has resulted in an increase in non-point pollution sources such as over-fertilized lawns, sedimentation and impervious surfaces. Extensive impervious surfaces exist in the urbanized areas of Fitchburg, Leominster and Nashua. These pollution sources promote the runoff of road salt, nutrients, sediments and bacteria to surface waters, and increase temperatures. Agricultural lands are important resource areas. However, land in agricultural use, without adherence to best management practices, has the potential to contribute to pollutant loadings. All of these pollution sources threaten the aquatic life in the streams, including important cold-water fisheries, and decrease the quality of life and recreation for people in communities adjacent to the streams and rivers affected. Catacunemaug Brook, James Brook, Monoosnoc Brook, Mulpus Brook, North Nashua River, South Nashua River, Nissitissitt River, Nonocoicus Brook, Squannacook River, Wekepeke Brook, and the entire mainstem Nashua River from the confluence of the North and South branches to the Massachusetts/ New Hampshire state line are listed on the Proposed Massachusetts Year 2016 Integrated List of Waters under Category 5: impaired or threatened and requiring a TMDL2.

2 Massachusetts Year 2016 Integrated List of Waters, Proposed Listing of the Condition of Massachusetts’ Waters Pursuant to Sections 303(d) and 305(b) of the Clean Water Act. Division of Watershed Management, Watershed Planning Program, Department of Environmental Protection.


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The following provides information on the impairments of each segment: Catecunemaug Brook MA81-74 Headwaters, northwest of Chestnut Street, Lunenburg to inlet Lake Shirley, Harvard.4.5 MILES. Escherichia coli James Brook MA81-20 Headwaters, Groton at mouth of confluence with Nashua River, Ayer/Groton. 3.9 MILES. Escherichia coli. Monoosnuc Brook MA81-13 Headwaters, outlet Simonds Pond, Leominster to mouth at confluence with North Nashua River, Leominster (through former pond segments Pierce Pond MA81101 and Rockwell Pond MA81112).6.1 MILES. Escherichia coli. Mulpus Brook MA81-37 From outlet Hickory Hills Lake, Lunenburg to mouth at confluence with the Nashua River, Shirley (formerly part of segment MA81-22).6.3 MILES. Lack of a coldwater assemblage. Nashua River MA81-05 From confluence of North Nashua River, Lancaster to confluence of Squannacook River, Shirley/Groton/Ayer.14.2 MILES. Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments, Escherichia coli, Phosphorus (Total), Sediment Bioassays, Acute Toxicity Freshwater. Nashua River MA81-06 From confluence of Squannacook River, Shirley/Groton/Ayer to Pepperell Dam (NATID:MA00373) Pepperell (through Pepperell Pond formerly segment MA81167).9.1 MILES. (Non-Native Aquatic Plants*) Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments, Mercury in Fish Tissue, Nutrient/Eutrophication, Biological Indicators. Nashua River MA81-07 From Pepperell Dam (NATID: MA00373), Pepperell to New Hampshire state line, Pepperell/Dunstable. 3.7 MILES. Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments, Phosphorus (Total). Nashua River MA81-09 ("South Branch" Nashua River) From Clinton WWTP discharge (NPDES: MA0100404), Clinton to confluence with North Nashua River, Lancaster. 1.8 MILES. Escherichia coli, Phosphorus (Total). Nissitissit River MA81-21 New Hampshire state line, Pepperell to mouth at confluence with Nashua River, Pepperell.4.6 MILES. Lack of a coldwater assemblage. Nonacoicus Brook MA81-17 Outlet Plow Shop Pond, Ayer to mouth at confluence with Nashua River, Ayer/Shirley. 1.4 MILES. Oxygen, Dissolved North Nashua River MA81-01 Headwaters, outlet Snows Millpond, Fitchburg to Fitchburg Paper Company Dam #1 (NATID: MA00877), Fitchburg. 1.7 MILES. Escherichia coli. North Nashua River MA81-02 From Fitchburg Paper Company Dam #1 (NATID: MA00877), Fitchburg to Fitchburg East WWTP outfall (NPDES: MA0100986), Leominster.6.9 MILES.


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Ambient Bioassays, Chronic Aquatic Toxicity, Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments, Escherichia coli. North Nashua River MA81-03 From Fitchburg East WWTP outfall (NPDES: MA0100986), Leominster to Leominster WWTP outfall (NPDES: MA0100617), Leominster. 1.6 MILES. Escherichia coli North. Nashua River MA81-04 From Leominster WWTP outfall (NPDES: MA0100617), Leominster to mouth at confluence with Nashua River ("South Branch" Nashua River), Lancaster. 10.3 MILES. Escherichia coli, Taste and Odor. Squannacook River MA81-18 Headwaters, confluence Mason and Willard brooks, Townsend to Hollingsworth and Vose Dam (NATID: MA00443), Groton/Shirley (through Harbor Pond formerly segment MA81054).12.6 MILES. Lack of a coldwater assemblage, pH, Low Temperature, water.

Wekepeke Brook MA81-72 Headwaters, outlet Heywood Reservoir, Sterling to mouth at confluence with North Nashua River, Lancaster (includes former segments Bartlett Pond MA81008 and Unnamed Tributary MA81-61). 5.8 MILES. Escherichia coli.

NRWA’s Water Quality Monitoring Program Nashua River Watershed Association’s (NRWA) Water Monitoring Program (WMP) was started in 1993. The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) approved NRWA’s Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) in 2001 and a QAPP was again approved by the MassDEP, USEPA and the NHDES in 2007 and 2012. The number of sampling sites and the number of field and laboratory volunteers fluctuate yearly as volunteers come and go, though the number of monitoring sites generally continues to increase each year. The NRWA’s WMP focuses on three of the four major sub watersheds in the Nashua River watershed: North Nashua, Main Stem Nashua (including the South Nashua from the Wachusett Reservoir outlet), and the Squannacook-Nissitissit sub-watershed. The main tributaries to the Wachusett Reservoir (Stillwater and Quinapoxet Rivers) are sampled extensively by the Department of Conservation and Recreation for drinking water quality evaluation. The primary goals of the NRWA’s ongoing Water Monitoring Program are to:

Foster stewardship in the Nashua River watershed, to promote recognition that the river is an asset to watershed communities;

Improve aesthetics and provide an ecologically sound river system; Evaluate E. coli bacteria for primary and secondary contact recreation; Evaluate temperature and dissolved oxygen for support of aquatic life (especially

cold-water fisheries); Evaluate conductivity for nonpoint source pollution occurrences. Evaluate, for special projects, nutrient levels in the watershed; Collect baseline information and identify long-term water quality trends;


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Identify and resolve “hotspots” for additional testing by NRWA or others; Provide user-friendly data to the public, state, and local officials through

presentations, an annual report, and web-based viewing; Conduct public outreach and education about threats to water quality, Share data with MADEP and NHDES for river assessment purposes. Collaborate with public officials and stakeholders to improve water quality by

promoting best management standards and low-impact development.

Results of the sampling efforts over the years have been shared with the volunteers, local officials, the MassDEP, NHDES, the EPA, local civic groups, and have been posted to the NRWA web site. The New Hampshire DES has used the NRWA’s data to formulate their annual Volunteer River Assessment Program (VRAP) water quality report. MADEP has used NRWA data to develop assessment reports. Water quality results have been used to identify areas requiring additional study by the NRWA and MassDEP.

6.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

NRWA staff and trained volunteers conduct Routine Monthly Monitoring at 17 rivers and streams at approximately 43 sites in the Nashua River watershed, from April through October. Below is a list of rivers and streams monitored. Monitoring takes place on the third Saturday of each month from 7 am to 9:30 am. Each team of monitors receives a kit with monitoring forms, equipment and supplies. Monitors collect conductivity measurements in situ with pocket meters and temperature measurements with pocket meters or thermometers. E. coli samples are collected in sterile plastic bottles. Dissolved oxygen (DO) samples are collected in glass Wheaton bottles and “fixed” in the field. The Monoosnoc team uses a YSI 85 meter at 3 sites in Leominster on Monoosnoc Brook to measure dissolved oxygen, percent saturation, conductivity and temperature in situ. Volunteer monitors also record site characteristics, observations, weather and sometimes take digital photos at the time of sampling. Rivers and Streams Monitored North Nashua River Wekepeke Brook Monoosnoc Brook Nashua River (mainstem) South Nashua River Catacunemug Brook Mulpus Brook Unkety Brook James Brook Flint Brook Nonacoicus Brook Squannacook River Trap Fall Brook Walker Brook Nissitissit River


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Gulf Brook Sucker Brook Volunteer monitors collect E. coli and DO samples early morning on the third Saturday of the month from April through October. Volunteers deliver the samples to the Pepperell or Devens Wastewater Treatment Facilities (WWTF) laboratories by no later than 9:30 am. NRWA trained lab volunteers, with oversight by NRWA staff and WWTF personnel assist with sample analysis. Samples are analyzed for E. coli bacteria in the laboratory using IDEXX Colilert reagents and Quanti-Tray equipment. Dissolved oxygen samples are analyzed in the lab using the Winkler titration method.

NRWA staff conduct Special Projects occasionally as funding is available or as need arises. Special projects typically consist of two types: (1) collecting nutrient samples and delivering them to a certified commercial lab for testing (Nashoba Analytical, LLC in Ayer, MA (MA laboratory ID number M-MA1118) and (2) Illicit Discharge and Detection (IDDE)/ Bacterial Source Tracking conducted by NRWA staff using equipment loaned from EPA. The nutrients analyzed as part of a special project may include total phosphorus, dissolved reactive (ortho) phosphate, total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonia, nitrate and nitrite nitrogen, and total nitrogen. Table 6-1 details the potential sampling parameters for special projects and the justification for those parameters. In addition to nutrient sampling for special projects, the NRWA occasionally receives funding to perform Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE); in primarily urban areas. In previous years, NRWA has applied for and received a loaned EPA stormwater kit. The equipment from EPA includes a YSI EC300 meter for temperature, conductivity and salinity; a Hach® Pocket Colorimeter™ II for total chlorine; Hach® ammonia test strips (0-6.0 mg/L); Hach® DPG Reagent Powder Pillows, 10 mL; and, CHEMetrics K-9400 for surfactants. Appendix C includes an updated IDDE SOP that includes E. coli testing as well as field testing/ screening done with the EPA loaned equipment for surfactants, ammonia and total chlorine, and testing with a YSI EC300 meter for temperature, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen.

Data Processing, Analysis and Reporting Volunteers and NRWA staff record field observations on Field Data Forms. The Water Monitoring Coordinator or a trained volunteer enters information from the forms into an Excel spreadsheet. Lab Data Forms are used to record the test result data generated in the labs. Laboratory results are also entered into the Excel file. A quality control check of the entered data is performed by a trained volunteer and also the Water Monitoring Coordinator. The data are then checked to determine if data quality objectives are met. Questionable data are flagged and follow up is performed to determine if the data should be qualified or censored. Decisions regarding censoring vs. qualification are


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made by review and discussion by the Project Manager and the Project Coordinator based on a thorough review of all information and meta data, including extent of exceedances of project DQO’s. Input from the MassDEP QA and NHDES QA Coordinators is sought if deemed necessary. General qualifier symbols are applied to the data. While qualified data are considered usable, censored data are considered not useable for decision-making. Data are compared to state water quality standards when there is a numerical standard, and to accepted literature standards when there is no numerical standard. There are no numerical state water quality standards for phosphorus and nitrogen. However, in 2000 the Environmental Protection Agency established Ecoregional Nutrient Criteria as part of an effort to reduce excess nutrients in water bodies in specific areas of the country. The Nashua River watershed is located within Ecoregion XIV, Eastern Coastal Plain, Northeastern Coastal Zone. The recommended criteria for this ecoregion is found in Ambient Water Quality Criteria Recommendations, Information Supporting the Development of State and Tribal Nutrient Criteria, Rivers and Streams in Ecoregion XIV.3 Nutrient data collected for this project is compared to the recommended nutrient criteria for the Ecoregion. Sampling results are shared with the volunteers on a monthly basis. A river “Report Card” is developed from E.coli data to help explain water quality results to the public, especially the effects of stormwater. Data are available upon request.


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Table 6-1: Sampling Parameters and Justification

Parameter Justification for Parameter

Routine Monthly Monitoring:

Dissolved Oxygen (concentration and % saturation)

To determine the amount of oxygen available for aquatic life

Temperature

To determine the suitability of habitat for aquatic life

Conductivity

To evaluate the presence of dissolved or suspended materials in the water column that may be affecting aquatic life, habitat, aesthetics, and recreational use

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

To evaluate health risks associated with recreational use of the waterbody

Temperature To determine if waterbody meets or exceeds MA cold or warm water fisheries standard

Appearance To determine if waterbody appearances such as color and odor is affecting aesthetics, recreation, or light penetration. Flag possible pollution releases for further investigation.

Special Projects only:

Total Phosphorus (TP) Phosphorus is a rate-limiting nutrient; only a small amount in the water can cause rapid algae and aquatic plant growth. Total phosphorus is the measure of all the forms of phosphorus present in the water.

Dissolved Reactive Phosphate, or (ortho-P)

Dissolved reactive phosphate or orthophosphate is the fraction of TP that is soluble or available to organisms for growth.

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen TKN represents the fraction of Total Nitrogen that is unavailable for growth or bound up in organic form; it also includes NH3.

Nitrate Nitrogen, Nitrite Nitrogen, Ammonia Nitrogen & Total Nitrogen

Nitrate nitrogen (NO3), Nitrite nitrogen (NO2) and Ammonia nitrogen (NH4) represent the bioavailable forms of Nitrogen. Total nitrogen is the sum of Nitrate, Nitrite, Organic Nitrogen, and Ammonia.

Surfactants Presence/ absence of detergents in wash water entering storm drain.

Ammonia To evaluate presence of sewage or septage sources.

Total Chlorine Detection of chlorinated municipal wastewater or tap water.

Total Dissolved Solids To measure the amount of material dissolved in the water.

Total Suspended Solids To measure the particles that are larger than 2 microns found in the water column.


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Table 6-2: Sampling Locations proposed for 2018

Site Number River or Stream

Town Location Description Subwatershed Latitude Longitude

CT0195 Catecunemaug Shirley Behind Umbagog Building, 4 Leominster Road

Nashua Mainstem

42.54425 -71.65764

FT0290 Flint Brook Hollis, NH French Mill Rd Nashua Mainstem

42.72663 -71.55621

GB0312 Gulf Brook Pepperell Upstream of Chestnut Street Nissitissit 42.68402 -71.63156

JB0121 James Brook Ayer Upstream Rte. 111 bridge Nashua Mainstem

42.57944 -71.58829

MN0009 Monoosnoc Brook

Leominster Upstream of bridge over Commercial Street

North Nashua 42.52514 -71.73800


Leominster Near Whitney Carriage off parking lot at the corner of Whitney and Water Streets

North Nashua 42.52733 -71.75442


Leominster West Street & Fairfield Road North Nashua 42.54155 -71.78026

MU0647 Mulpus Brook Lunenburg At Cross Street Nashua Mainstem

42.59689 -71.67368

MU2011 Mulpus Brook Lunenburg Above Hickory Hills Lake behind 23 Valley Road

Nashua Mainstem

42.61760 -71.72037

NB1947 Nonacoicus Ayer At Shirley Street from bridge Nashua Mainstem

42.55958 -71.59670

NM0140 Nashua Mainstem

Nashua, NH Main Street from bridge Nashua Mainstem

42.76359 -71.45470


Nashua NH Nashua Technology Park Nashua Mainstem

42.76339 -71.47676


Nashua NH Mine Falls Park at boat launch

Nashua Mainstem

42.74930 -71.50586


Hollis, NH Upstream from Rte. 111(Runnels) Bridge

Nashua Mainstem

42.71353 -71.54947


Pepperell Upstream side of covered bridge (Groton Street) abutment

Nashua Mainstem

42.66951 -71.57514


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Pepperell South side of Rte. 119 bridge at Canoe launch

Nashua Mainstem

42.62653 -71.59368


Ayer Filter Bed Road East off Bishop Road

Nashua Mainstem

42.56706 -71.60719


Devens Hospital Road Bridge Nashua Mainstem

42.54102 -71.63358


Lancaster At Rte. 117 boat launch. Nashua Mainstem

42.46209 -71.65627


Harvard Still River Depot Road; Oxbow pedestrian bridge

Nashua Mainstem

42.49583 -71.62663

NN1194 North Nashua River

Lancaster Downstream of Rte. 190; access from North Main Street end of cul-de-sac

North Nashua 42.49502 -71.72186


Leominster Behind building at 120 Hamilton Street

North Nashua 42.54118 -71.74589


Fitchburg From bridge at Riverfront Park, Boulder Drive

North Nashua 42.58152 -71.79767


Fitchburg Kimball St. Bridge North Nashua 42.58301 -71.81783


Fitchburg Behind Mill #3 Farm stand off Rte. 12; 85 Westminster Street

North Nashua 42.57438 -71.83647

NT0082 Nissitissit River Pepperell Nissitissit River at Lomar Park. Upstream of confluence with Nashua River. Access behind buildings and cell tower, river left.

Nissitissit 42.67305 -71.56606

NT0418 Nissitissit River Pepperell Nissitissit River downstream of Prescott Street river left.

Nissitissit 42.69263 -71.59111

NT0890 Nissitissit River Brookline, NH

Behind fire station, 4 Bond Street

Nissitissit 42.73234 -71.66351

SB0025 Sucker Brook Pepperell Sucker Brook downstream of Brookline Road bridge. Access across lawn.

Nissitissit 42.69644 -71.61112

SB0295 Sucker Brook Pepperell Sucker Brook downstream of Sartelle Street

Nissitissit 42.67551 -71.60826


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SN0169 South Nashua River

Lancaster Downstream of Mill Street, access from river right

South Nashua 42.43844 -71.68123

SQ0356 Squannacook River

Groton/ Shirley

Squannacook River from Rte. 225 bridge, upriver

Squannacook 42.60298 -71.62759


Townsend Downstream Harbor Pond dam, on Rte. 119, river left

Squannacook 42.65228 -71.67142


Townsend At end of Elm Street, river left

Squannacook 42.66270 -71.70863


Townsend Mason Road, downstream of dam on river right

Squannacook 42.67889 -71.74008

TF0033 Trapfall Brook Ashby Upriver from Rte. 119 crossing, river left

Squannacook 42.67227 -71.77603

UK0675 Unkety Brook Dunstable Upstream off River Street Nashua Mainstem

42.68945 -71.54810

WE0034 Wekepeke Brook

Lancaster U.S. Rt. 117 North Nashua 42.48856 -71.71398

WK0545 Walker Brook Mason, NH Walker Brook, Mason branch off Rt. 31

Squannacook 42.72402 -71.78680

WK0600 Walker Brook Mason, NH Walker Brook- Greenville Branch- off Rt. 31

Squannacook 42.72793 -71.78651


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Schedule The schedule for the implementation of the Routine Monthly water monitoring program is shown in Table 6-3. Table 6-3: Project Timetable

Activity J F M A M J J A S O N D

Equipment and supplies inventory, purchase, inspection, and testing

X X

Recruit volunteers* X X X X

Meet with lab supervisors and set up test stations

X

Lab training sessions* X

Monitor training* X X

Monitoring/Collection days X X X X X X X

Data entry X X X X X X X

Data QC and validation X X X X X X X X X

Data available upon request X X X X X X X X X

Submit data to MADEP External Data Coordinator

X

Submit data to NHDES VRAP Data Coordinator

X

* Recruitment and training of field and laboratory volunteers primarily happens at the beginning of each field season. However, new lab and field volunteers are trained throughout the monitoring season as interest and need arise.

7.0 DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES The intended users of the data are the NRWA, MADEP, NHDES/VRAP, WMP volunteers, USEPA Region 1, and various municipal planning boards, conservation commissions, land trusts, health departments and other local agencies that make decisions about water quality and land use. Data are also used for educational purposes and outreach to the public, and to inform local, state and federal officials about sites on the river or in tributaries that do not appear to meet water quality standards. The data quality objectives outlined below are intended to produce data of sufficient quality to meet the project’s goals, to produce sufficient data to provide a baseline for future research, and to help inform regulatory decisions. Data quality objectives are detailed in Tables 7-1 and 7-2 for each parameter, and include accuracy, precision and completeness.


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Discussion of Completeness, Representativeness, and Comparability

Comparability: Routine monitoring data are compared to data collected by the NRWA in past years for those sites that are historical sampling stations. Methods, protocols, sampling sites, sampling times and dates are documented each month so data can be compared from year to year. Dissolved oxygen is collected in a 60 mL Wheaton bottle, fixed in the field and analyzed in the laboratory by the Winkler method. The Winkler method is checked using the dissolved oxygen known standard purchased from the Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership (MWWP). The Winkler method dissolved oxygen value should be within 10% of the standard sent by MWWP, and the YSI meter values and the sample collected and analyzed by the Winkler method should also agree to within 10%. During routine monthly sampling, Hanna Instruments Conductivity/ Temperature Testers are used by the majority of the volunteers to record these parameters in situ. The temperature and conductivity readings obtained with the Hanna testers are checked with a calibrated YSI meter at the beginning of the season. Finalized water quality data spreadsheets include routine monitoring results, both from the hand-held meter and laboratory-obtained results. Water quality results are compared to Massachusetts and New Hampshire surface water quality standards4, the EPA Ecoregion Nutrient Criteria (if nutrients are analyzed), and past water quality data gathered by the NRWA Water Monitoring Program.

Representativeness: Samples are collected in areas that represent the main flow or column of each water body, to the extent possible without endangering volunteers. Baseline data samples represent the following types of sites:

1. Recreational contact (e.g., swimming, boating); 2. Trend sites, chosen to represent locations where long-term data collection is

desired; 3. Reference sites, located upstream of known impact areas, or a relatively

unimpacted subwatershed. 4. Impact sites, located directly downstream from impacts. In this study impact sites

are the sites where WWTFs, development, and impervious surfaces may be having an impact on water quality, (or in the case of the reference site, are not expected to have an impact); and,

5. Integrator sites, representing conditions at tributary confluences.

4 314 CMR: division of Water pollution control. 314 CMR 4.0: “Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards”. Title 2 Water Management and Protection Chapter 485-A Water Pollution and Waste Disposal. Classification of Waters. Section 485-A:8 Standards for classification of Surface Waters of the State of NH.


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Table 6-2 is a summary of the sites and their locations.

Completeness: For routine monthly monitoring, the goal is to collect data from approximately 35 to 45 sites once per month from April through October in the Nashua River watershed. The actual number of sites varies due to the number of special projects, the number of volunteers that come forward each year, and funding. These variables may increase or decrease the total number of sites. It is anticipated that 40 to 45 sites will be sampled in 2018. Table 6-2 lists the sites that are planned to be monitored in 2018. The NRWA has set as a goal the collection of 85% of the samples per sampling season (6 of 7 of the sampling dates).

Accuracy: Accuracy is determined by how close a reported result is to a true or expected value and the degree to which bias is avoided or minimized. Laboratory accuracy … generally employ(s) estimates of percent recoveries for known internal standards, matrix spikes and performance evaluation samples, and evaluation of blank contamination. Depending on the analyte, specific accuracy objectives can be concentration-based (e.g. +/- 0.010 mg/l @ < .05 mg/l and + /- 20% @ > .05 mg/l), or can be defined in terms of percent recovery percentages (e.g. 80-120 % recovery of matrix spike/PE sample).


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Table 7-1: Data Quality Objectives – Routine Monthly Monitoring conducted by NRWA Staff and Volunteers

Parameter Where

Analyzed

Method or

Instrument

Units Method

Detection

Limit

Accuracy Precision

(RPD)

%

Complete-

ness

Approximate

Range

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Pepperell or Devens WWTF

Standard Methods 4500-OC Winkler Titration with Digital Titrator

mg/L NA +/- 10% +/- 1.0 difference between field duplicates

85 1.0-12.0


In situ Multiparameter probe

mg/L NA +/- 0.5 < 20% between field duplicates samples or readings

85 0-15

Conductivity In situ Multiparameter probe or pocket tester

S/cm 25 +/- 5% of known QC std.

+/- 20% between field duplicates 85 0-3,999

Temperature (T)

In situ Field thermometer

(0 - +50oC)

C NA +/-0.1 +/-1 between field duplicates 85 0.0-30.0C

Pocket tester or Multiparameter

probe

E. coli Pepperell or Devens WWTF

Colilert® 24 Testing System; Standard Methods 9223B

# of col./100

mL

<1 blanks and negatives show no colonies,

positives show colonies

For log10 transformed field duplicate data:

<30%RPD (<50 MPN/ 100 mls) <20% RPD (50-500 MPN)

<10%RPD (500-5000 MPN) <5%RPD (>5000 MPN)

85 <1 – 100,000

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Table 7-2: Special Projects- Data Quality Objectives- Analyses performed-by Nashoba Analytical, LLC

Parameter Where

Analyzed

Method or

Instrument

Units Method

Detection

Limit

Quantita-

tion Limit

Accuracy Precision %

Complete-

ness

Approximate

Range

Surface Water

Quality

Criteria

Total Phosphorus (TP)*

Nashoba Analytical, LLC

SM 4500 P E mg/L P 0.01 0.006 80-120% recovery for

QC std.

</= 30 % RPD

100 0.1-2.0 0.023 mg/L 1

Orthophosphate (dissolved reactive

phosphate)*


SM 4500 P E mg/L P 0.01 0.006 80-120% recovery for

QC std.

</= 30 % RPD

100 0.05-1 MA: “Control cultural

eutrophication” NH: None

unless naturally

occurring2

Ammonia Nitrogen*


EPA Method 350.3

mg/L N 0.03 0.03 80-120% recovery for

QC std.

</= 30 % RPD

100 0.05-2.0

Total Nitrogen* (TKN+NO3+NO2)


EPA Method 300.0

mg/L N 0.04 0.05 80-120% recovery for

QC std.

</= 30 % RPD

100 0.05-2.0 NO2 + NO3 = 0.31 mg/L1

Total Kjeldahl *Nitrogen


EPA Method 351.2

mg/L N 0.05 0.05 80-120% TKN recovery for

QC std.

</= 30 % RPD

100 0.25-20 0.30 mg/L 1

Total Suspended Solids* (TSS)


SM 2540D

mg/L 1 1 75%-125%

recovery for QC std.

+/- 1.0 or 25% RPD whichever is higher

100 0.0-500 MA: 25 mg/L maximum for protection of aquatic life NH: none 2

*All or some of these parameters may be analyzed for special projects. 1 USEPA “Ambient Water Quality Criteria Recommendations – Rivers and Streams in Nutrient Ecoregion XIV” Dec. 2000 EPA 822-B-00-022. Data based on 25th percentile for all seasons’ data, Ecoregion XIV, subregion 59 streams. 2 See Table 7-4 references, footnotes 1and 2. NA: Not Applicable.


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Table 7-3: Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination Parameters – (Tests done by NRWA staff using EPA Screening Kits)

Parameter Where

Analyzed

Method or

Instrument

Units Threshold

Levels/

Single Sample

Reporting

Limit

Approximate

Range

Accuracy Precision Resolution

Ammonia (NH3)

In situ Ammonia Test Strips (Hach Brand)

mg/L >0.5mg/L 0.5 mg/L 0-6 +/-0.2 <30% Field dup. RPD

0.5 with Interpolation

Chlorine

In situ Field Meter (Hach Pocket Colorimeter II)

mg/L Reporting Limit 0.02 mg/L 0-2 +/- 0.1 <30% Field dup. RPD


Surfactants

In situ Methylene blue active substances (MBAS) Test Kit (CHEMetrics K-9400)

mg/L >0.25mg/L 0.25 mg/L 0-3 +/- 0.5@>1 +/- 0.25@<1

<30% Field dup. RPD


1 Reporting Limit is the first quantifiable value.

mailto:0.5@%3E1

mailto:0.25@%3C1


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Table 7-4 Surface Water Quality Criteria for MA and NH Parameter MassDEP NHDES NEW HAMPSHIRE CODE OF ADMINISTRATIVE

RULES 13 Env-Wq 1700

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Cold water fisheries: Not less than 6 mg/L or 75% saturation Warm water fisheries: Not less than 5 mg/L or 60% saturation

Class A: at least 75% saturation, based on a daily average, and an instantaneous minimum of at least 6 mg/l at any place or time except as naturally occurs. Class B: (1) At least 75% of saturation, based on a daily average; and (2) An instantaneous minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of at least 5 mg/l. *See below for areas with cold water fish

Temperature (T) Cold water fisheries: <20 °C

Warm water fisheries: <28°C No numeric standard

E.coli Not to exceed 235 colonies/100mL in a single sample {or a geometric mean of 126 from 5 samples in a season (in MA bathing beaches)}

Class A: Unless naturally occurring, shall contain not more than either a geometric mean of 47 E. coli cts/100 mL based on at least three samples obtained over a sixty-day period, or greater than 153 E. coli cts/100 mL in any one sample. Class B: Unless naturally occurring, shall contain not more than either a geometric mean of 126 E.coli cts/100 mL based on at least three samples obtained over a sixty-day period, or greater than 406 E.coli cts/100 mL in any one sample.

*In areas identified by the New Hampshire Fish and Game department (NHF&G) as cold water fish spawning areas of species whose early life stages are buried in the gravel on the bed of the surface water, the 7-day mean dissolved oxygen concentration shall be at least 9.5 mg/l, and the instantaneous minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall be at least 8 mg/l for the period from October 1 of one year to May 14 of the next year, provided that the time period shall be extended to June 30 for a specific discharge to a specific waterbody if modeling done in consultation with the NHF&G determines the extended period is necessary to protect spring spawners or late hatches of fall spawners, or both. Unless naturally occurring, or subject to above, surface waters within the top 25 percent of depth of thermally unstratified lakes, ponds, impoundments, and reservoirs or within the epilimnion shall contain a dissolved oxygen content of at least 75 percent saturation, based on a daily average and an instantaneous minimum dissolved oxygen content of at least 5 mg/l. Unless naturally occurring, the dissolved oxygen content below those depths shall be consistent with that necessary to maintain and protect existing and designated uses. As specified in RSA 485-A:8, III, waters in a temporary partial use area established under RSA 485-A:8, II as a surface water that is receiving a combined sewer overflow discharge shall contain not less than 5 parts per million of dissolved oxygen for the duration of the discharge and up to 3 days following cessation of the discharge.


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8.0 TRAINING

Routine Monthly Monitoring New volunteers are required to attend two levels of training. Level 1 training is an indoor evening training session held at the NRWA River Resource Center in Groton, conducted by NRWA staff (Water Programs Director and Water Monitoring Coordinator). The Volunteer Water Monitoring Manual is presented to the attendees with each step of monitoring demonstrated and discussed. Safety is emphasized as the highest priority. The training sessions include a description of the goals of the project, a demonstration of proper sampling techniques, proper Field Data Sheet preparation, chain-of-custody requirements, and Quality Assurance procedures. A Volunteer Monitoring Manual is given to all volunteers at the full training session (included in Appendix A). The manual details specific steps for properly collecting the stream samples (including fixing dissolved oxygen), safety precautions, and the proper way to label the samples and fill out field data sheets. An online video demonstrating monitoring procedures is available to view. Level 2 training consists of new volunteers shadowing a trained & experienced team of monitors on a monitoring day. This is streamside training and introduces new volunteers to the practical aspects of monitoring and gives them hands-on experience while being overseen by experienced volunteer monitors. After completing Level 1 and Level 2 training, a new volunteer will be invited to join a team or be a back-up for when a team member is not available. If providing back-up, new volunteers are always paired with experienced volunteers. Experienced returning volunteers attend a Refresher (i.e., with less introductory information) version of the full training program. An online version of the Refresher Training is also available. The goal of both the new volunteer and refresher training sessions is to assure volunteer monitors are following all the standard operating procedures(SOP’s) and QA/QC practices and to stress the importance of safety. All monitors must acknowledge they have read the Volunteer Water Monitoring Manual and submit a signed liability waiver form. All volunteer training materials and forms are available for downloading on the NRWA website. The NRWA Water Monitoring Coordinator assures that each volunteer is trained and has adequate supplies for monitoring. She is available to answer any questions that come up and troubleshoot any issues.

Portable Meters

The Monoosnoc Team leader applied for and received a long-term loan from EPA for a YSI 85 meter. The NRWA staff ensures that the Monoosnoc Brook team leader and other team volunteer monitors using the meters are knowledgeable in calibration procedures and care and maintenance information in the manufacturer’s manuals for the YSI 85. The Monoosnoc Brook team leader is responsible for the care, maintenance and calibration of the equipment throughout the monitoring


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season. NRWA staff follows up with the team leader each month to assess adherence to QC procedures and help with any questions or issues arising with the use of the meter. NRWA supplies the team leader with any needed calibration supplies.

Laboratory Training Separate training sessions are held for those volunteers working in the WWTF laboratories running tests for dissolved oxygen, and E. coli bacteria samples. Laboratory supervisors and NRWA staff is present for the training, and guide the volunteers through the proper laboratory Quality Assurance procedures and protocols. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are posted in a water-proof covering at each sampling workstation as well as in a binder that is kept at each lab. Protocols are also outlined for following the Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership (MWWP) quality control procedures for dissolved oxygen.5 Many of the laboratory volunteers have been working in the laboratory for years for the NRWA program; some work or have worked in laboratories themselves as professionals. Both a NRWA staff person and a WWTF lab staff person is present in the lab on each sampling day to supervise the volunteers.

9.0 DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS

Routine Monitoring Monitoring teams are responsible for completing a Field Data Form for each sampling location, and delivering the form with the samples to the WWTF laboratory on the Saturday morning of monitoring. The Field Data forms are checked by NRWA staff at the lab for completeness and legibility. NRWA staff has the responsibility for collecting the forms and returning them to the Water Monitoring Coordinator (WMC). Field Data forms are the responsibility of the WMC. Volunteers are provided with pre-printed labels with site ID and a brief site description to adhere to the sample containers. Wet weather and dry weather data are flagged with color codes to delineate it. Wet weather sampling is defined by NRWA as sampling that occurs after ¼ inch of rain within 48 hours following at least three days of dry weather. NRWA is responsible for maintaining field and laboratory data forms and incorporating the data into a spreadsheet (Excel). All data forms are kept at the NRWA office in a three-ring binder. The Excel file is stored on the NRWA’s network server and backed up on a regular basis by the network manager.

5 Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership. Water Resources Research Center, University of Massachusetts at

Amherst Environmental Institute. Environmental Analysis Lab(EAL) QC Program.


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The Field Data Form requires proper sample identification: sample collector, sample name, sample type, time of sample collection and date. A sample Field Data Form is included with the Volunteer Manual in Appendix A.

Special Projects

Laboratory reports from Nashoba Analytical, LLC will be sent to the NRWA electronically. The Monitoring Coordinator will review all of the data for completeness and compliance with DQOs. The data will then be reviewed by the Project Manager for evaluation of DQO compliance. Data will be flagged if it falls outside of stated objectives.

10.0 SAMPLING PROCESS DESIGN

Routine Monitoring Routine water quality monitoring is conducted by volunteers the third Saturday of each month from April through October. Monitoring with hand-held portable meters is addressed in the next section. The locations where water quality samples are to be collected, and the justification for their locations, are listed in Table 6-2. Samples are collected by NRWA monitoring volunteers beginning early Saturday morning. Volunteers are encouraged to begin sampling as early as possible, before plants start respiring and the water begins to warm for the day, affecting dissolved oxygen levels. However, volunteer safety limits the collection of samples to daylight hours only. Volunteers do not collect samples before sunrise. Volunteers collect samples for dissolved oxygen (fixed in the field) and E. coli, which are analyzed by volunteers and NRWA staff at the Pepperell and/or Devens Wastewater Treatment Facilities (WWTF). Volunteers are required to deliver samples to the laboratories by no later than 9:30 a.m. Volunteer teams are also given a Hanna Instruments Conductivity/ Temperature tester. Thermometers are also given to some teams, as not every meter has the ability to record temperature as well as conductivity. The Volunteer Manual (Appendix A) specifies to collect samples from a flowing portion of the stream, and also specifies where to stand when taking the samples. For safety reasons, volunteers are cautioned to not wade into the water above the knee. Volunteers measure water temperature in situ. Water temperature is taken immediately before or after the dissolved oxygen samples are collected, to determine percent saturation. Volunteers are required to fill out a Field Data form that includes a checklist of river conditions the day of sampling. Monitoring sites are given a unique Site ID and are identified by Geographic Positioning System (GPS), or are interpolated from a computerized map using Google Earth or another map service to record their lat./long. Some sites are marked


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with brightly colored flagging tape where appropriate so the volunteers can identify the precise sampling location each time they sample. Routine monitoring is performed in all weather conditions except when dangerous flooding or weather conditions endanger the safety of the volunteer samplers. NRWA staff notify the volunteers by the Friday before a monitoring day to cancel if conditions are too dangerous. Volunteers are instructed to sample in teams, follow safety precautions and to contact NRWA staff in the event that they or members of the sampling team cannot sample a site due to either severe weather conditions, site access issues or personal reasons. NRWA staff make every effort to find a back-up for a volunteer. The Pepperell WWTF and Devens WWTF (operated by SUEZ) have laboratory facilities with chemical sinks, distilled water, and essential lab equipment for performing the dissolved oxygen analyses. NRWA purchases equipment, (i.e., digital titrators, cartridges, etc.), as needed to perform the analyses. The NRWA has two IDEXX Colilert® testing systems for E. coli analyses. These are stored at the WWTF laboratories.

YSI Meter Sampling by Volunteers The Monoosnoc team uses a YSI 85 hand-held multiparameter meter to take temperature, conductivity and dissolved oxygen readings. Team members have been trained in proper calibration procedures, and calibrate the instruments before and after sampling. Data are transferred to a Monitoring Form designed for the meter’s data. The Monoosnoc team also collects samples for E. coli analysis, and deliver the samples to the laboratory by 9:30 a.m.

Special Projects - Nutrient and TSS Sample Collection For Special Projects when funding is available, NRWA staff will collect some or all of the following samples each month, or on appointed days for analysis: total phosphorous, dissolved reactive phosphate, total kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia, nitrate and nitrite nitrogen, (or total nitrogen), and total suspended solids (TSS). The samples will be analyzed at Nashoba Analytical, LLC in Ayer, MA (MA laboratory ID number M-MA1118). Sample bottles will be supplied by the lab. Sulfuric acid will be added to the bottles by the lab to preserve TP, TKN and ammonia N. Samples will have an accompanying chain-of-custody form provided by the laboratory. NRWA staff will again sign the chain-of-custody form and the laboratory representative will sign the form when the samples are delivered to the laboratory. The last page of the chain-of-custody form will be retained for NRWA records. The remaining two pages of the form will be kept with the samples.


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11.0 SAMPLING METHODS REQUIREMENTS

Routine Monthly Monitoring – by NRWA Staff and Volunteers Volunteers collect samples routinely for dissolved oxygen (fixed in the field) and E. coli for analysis at the WWTF laboratories. NRWA staff is stationed in the lab on monitoring day to supervise the volunteers and oversee sample testing for bacteria and dissolved oxygen. Conductivity and temperature are read directly from a Hanna Instrument pocket tester (thermometers are used if there are not enough meters for all sampling teams, or if the meter does not have the capability to record temperature). The NRWA’s Volunteer Manual for water quality monitors (Appendix A) outlines the step-by-step process for the correct sampling procedure for collecting each kind of sample, and for using the Hanna tester. Volunteers place all samples on ice, and deliver the samples to the WWTF (Pepperell or Devens) by 9:30 a.m. on the Saturday of sampling. NRWA staff is responsible for logging in all sample bottles, and ensuring that all Monitoring Forms are filled out correctly and completely. The volunteers note air temperature, and record water temperature in situ. The volunteers make observations regarding weather, water clarity, odors, wildlife, etc. on the Monitoring Forms. Trained volunteers, laboratory staff or NRWA staff conduct testing for dissolved oxygen and E. coli at the two designated laboratories. Table 11-1 details the sampling collection requirements for the routine, monthly water monitoring program performed by volunteers.


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Table 11-1: Sample Collection Requirements: Routine Monthly Monitoring & Special Projects Parameter Type of

Sample

Container or device used Quantity of

sample to be

collected

Method of sample

preservation

Maximum

holding

time Routine Monthly Monitoring:

E. Coli Grab 120 mL sterile, shrink banded plastic IDEXX bottle with sodium

thiosulfate

~120 mL Cool to less than 10 ºC on ice

6 hours

Dissolved Oxygen

Grab 60 mL glass BOD bottle (Wheaton type)

60mL Fixed in the field, Cooled to 4ºC on ice

8 hours

Conductivity in situ Hanna Conductivity Tester N/A N/A N/A

Temperature in situ field thermometer or Hanna Temperature Tester

(0 - +50oC)

Direct measurement in stream

N/A N/A

Special Projects:

Total Phosphorus (TP)

Grab 250 mL plastic bottle 100mL Cooled to 4ºC on ice, H2SO4 to <pH 2

28 days

Dissolved reactive phosphate

Grab 250 mL plastic bottle 100mL Filtered in field with 0.45 micron filter, Cooled to 4ºC

on ice

48 hours

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen

Grab 250 mL plastic bottle 100mL Cooled to 4ºC on ice, H2SO4 to <pH 2

28 days

Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3-N)

Grab 500 mL plastic bottle 100mL Cooled to 4ºC on ice

48 hours

Ammonia Nitrogen Grab 250 mL plastic bottle 100mL Cooled to 4ºC on ice H2SO4 to <pH 2

28 days

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

Grab 500 mL plastic bottle 500mL Cooled to 4ºC on ice

7 days

N/A Not applicable.


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12.0 SAMPLE HANDLING AND CUSTODY

REQUIREMENTS

Routine Monthly Monitoring

Volunteers label all E. coli and dissolved oxygen sampling containers with NRWA site number, location, and date and time of collection. Dissolved oxygen is fixed in the field according to the method described in the Volunteer Manual (Appendix A). Samples are placed on ice in a cooler and transported to the WWTF.

Special Projects NRWA staff occasionally collects samples for nutrient testing when funding is available. The nutrient and TSS bottles are prepared by the Nashoba Analytical, LLC, and picked up by NRWA prior to the sampling day. Bottle labels are filled out for each site (except the time). The bottle used for the collection of total phosphorus, total kjeldahl nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen (500mL) is prepared with a sulfuric acid preservative at the laboratory. Nutrient sampling instructions explain that the bottle with preservative is not to be immersed in the water, to prevent spilling of the acid. One of the clean, acid-free bottles is used to collect the water for the collection of the sample containing the acid preservative. Field Data Forms and chain-of-custody forms for the nutrient and TSS samples (supplied by the lab) are completed in the field and delivered and signed by NRWA staff and the laboratory representative when the samples are relinquished by NRWA staff to the laboratory.

13.0 ANALYTICAL METHODS REQUIREMENTS Tables 7-1, 7-2 and 7-3 (Section 7.0 Data Quality Objectives), summarize analytical methods, method descriptions, and reporting units for water quality analyses. Laboratory procedures are outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures for dissolved oxygen and E. coli, included in Appendix B. Volunteers and NRWA staff follow protocols outlined by MWWP for dissolved oxygen, also found in Appendix B. The NRWA has two IDEXX Colilert® testing systems for E. coli analyses that are kept at the two WWTF laboratories. E. coli analyses are performed on the Colilert® testing system using Standard Methods 9223B. NRWA will request and keep on file Nashoba Analytical, LLC’s SOPs, method descriptions, and laboratory certification.


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14.0 QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

Routine Monthly Sampling – by NRWA staff and Volunteers The goal of the water monitoring program is to maximize the completeness of the data. Each site is sampled seven times (once each month on the third Saturday) during the sampling season, which runs April through October. Most sampling sites are selected to be representative of the river or stream or if a hot spot, of the pollution source of interest. Precision is evaluated in the field by volunteer monitors collecting duplicate samples or taking duplicate measurements for at least 10% of samples. These duplicates provide a check on field sampling procedures. A field duplicate schedule is sent out to all of the volunteer monitors at the beginning of the season to determine when and where they are to collect duplicate samples. Volunteers who have been assigned to collect a field duplicate will be given an extra set of sample bottles. The Volunteer Manual details how the duplicate samples are to be collected. Duplicate readings with the Hanna Conductivity/ Temperature tester, YSI 85 or field thermometer are also taken. Accuracy procedures include robust volunteer training, using field and lab blank results, and known QC samples. Field blanks are tested to represent a minimum of 10% of the total samples collected per sampling day. Volunteers are given an extra set of sample bottles that they fill with distilled water. These samples are tested in the same way as the regular samples in the lab. One laboratory blank is run for each batch of coliform bacteria samples processed to ensure contamination of equipment has not occurred. The comparability of the data collected is assured by using known protocols and documenting methods, analysis, sampling sites, times and dates, sample storage and transfer. Known QC dissolved oxygen samples are purchased from the UMass Amherst Environmental Analysis Lab for the Winkler Method. These QC samples are tested prior to the regular samples being tested each monitoring day in the lab and again when all the samples have been tested. To “pass” a QC sample, volunteer labs need to obtain accuracy that is within10% of the expected value for dissolved oxygen. Laboratory repeat samples (splits) are performed on 10% of the samples in the WWTF laboratories to check laboratory precision. Repeat samples are assigned the sample number, but are numbered “2” to distinguish them from the first run of the sample.


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Special Projects For nutrient and TSS samples, field blanks are collected from each of the sites on a rotating basis to check for contamination in the bottles and/ or from the collection methods. At least one blank is collected each sampling day. NRWA staff use a separate set of sample bottles that are prepared in the same way the sample bottles are prepared at the laboratory. Distilled water to is poured into each of the blank sample bottles. For nutrient and TSS samples, field duplicates of one sample are collected each sampling day. QC samples are designated with “–QC” at the end of the sample number.

Quality Assessment The NRWA conducts data validation to review analytical results and documentation against established criteria. Omissions from data forms places the analysis in question.

Poor Performance The NRWA Water Monitoring Coordinator reviews the data from field and laboratory duplicates, blanks, repeats etc. The following actions are applied to those data that fall outside of acceptable ranges: 1) Re-sampling of questionable sample, if possible; 2) Use of the data “flagged” with comments about the issue in the results; 3) Rejection/Censor of data and exclusion from report with written explanation; 4) Rejection of entire sample/site location with recommendation of relocation of

sample site or reconsideration of results sought.

Quality Assurance for Data Management

Data management QC includes measures to assure that the data are properly recorded on field and lab forms, and accurately transferred to the computer file. One person enters data into the computer, if possible. A second person checks the data entered against the raw data from the field and lab forms to assure that it has been entered correctly.

15.0 INSTRUMENT/ EQUIPMENT TESTING NRWA staff and the Devens and Pepperell Wastewater Treatment Facility partner lab supervisors are responsible for the care, inspection and maintenance of the laboratory equipment. Laboratory volunteers are asked to notify NRWA staff or


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laboratory supervisors if equipment (i.e., IDEXX Colilert apparatus, digital titrators, etc.) appears damaged. NRWA staff is responsible for the care and maintenance of the IDEXX Colilert testing system. Copies of the manufacturers’ instructions for the operation and maintenance of the instruments are kept at both labs. Inspections of field equipment occur before each use. Volunteers are asked to inspect all equipment (thermometers, Hanna Instrument testers, dissolved oxygen bottles, and sterile, shrink-wrapped bottles) prior to sampling to ensure all are in good condition and that the seal on the shrink-wrapped bottle is not missing. The volunteers are to notify NRWA staff if new equipment is needed. The Monoosnoc Brook team that uses the YSI 85 are responsible for ensuring the meter is working properly and is calibrated before each sampling day. NRWA staff helps with any problems the team is having with the meters. Calibration fluids and new probe membranes are purchased by NRWA and provided to the team as needed. The meter is sent to the manufacturer for repair or maintenance, if needed.

16.0 INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION AND FREQUENCY Calibration of equipment prior to each use is required for the YSI Model 85 meter for dissolved oxygen

YSI 85 Meter The YSI Model 85 oxygen/conductivity/temperature field meter is calibrated for dissolved oxygen by volunteers prior to each use. The manufacturer’s dissolved oxygen calibration procedures for the YSI Model 85 are included in the manufacturer’s Operations Manual, which is available in the field. The YSI Model 85 needs re-calibrating for dissolved oxygen every time the meter is turned off. New batteries are placed in the meter when the low battery indicator indicates they are needed. If the batteries need to be changed, the meter will be recalibrated. A post calibration is performed at the end of the sampling day. The following procedure, taken from the YSI Operations Manual, is used to calibrate the YSI meter.

Calibration of YSI 85 Meter:

To accurately calibrate the YSI Model 85 you need to know the approximate altitude of the region in which you are located. (NRWA note: This information will be taken from USGS topographic maps).


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1. Ensure that the sponge inside the instrument's calibration chamber is wet. Insert the probe into the calibration chamber. 2. Turn the instrument on by pressing the ON/OFF button on the front of the instrument. Press the MODE button until dissolved oxygen is displayed in mg/L or %. Wait for the dissolved oxygen and temperature readings to stabilize (usually 15 minutes is required). 3. Use two fingers to press and release both the UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW buttons at the same time. 4. The LCD will prompt you to enter the local altitude in hundreds of feet. Use the arrow keys to increase or decrease the altitude. When the proper altitude appears on the LCD, press the ENTER button once. 5. The Model 85 should now display CAL in the lower left of the display, the calibration value should be displayed in the lower right of the display and the current % reading (before calibration) should be on the main display. Make sure that the current % reading (large display) is stable, then press the ENTER

button. The display should read SAVE then should return to the Normal Operation Mode.

6. The YSI 85 meter does not allow for calibrating to two calibration standards for D.O. However, the expected range of readings for D.O. will be bracketed by calibrating using the above method, and then testing for the lower limit of the probe using a yeast solution. The manufacturer suggests using a solution of 5 mg activated yeast to 300 mL water, and allowing the solution to sit for 5 minutes for the yeast to activate. The meter should read zero D.O. in this solution in 5 minutes, after the yeast has consumed the oxygen in the solution.

According to the YSI Model 85 manual, system calibration for conductivity is rarely required because of the factory calibration. The instrument does not need to be re-calibrated for conductivity after power down or battery changes. The calibration procedure for conductivity is included in the YSI Operations Manual. The YSI 85 meter does not allow for calibrating to two calibration standards for conductivity. However, in addition to the calibration procedure outlined in the manual, which specifies a one-point calibration (1 mS/cm for fresh water), the NRWA will bracket the expected range of readings by using distilled water to check for zero conductivity.

Field Thermometers

Field thermometers are placed in a water bath with an NIST-calibrated thermometer at the beginning and end of each sampling season to ensure acceptable readings are obtained prior to and after use. Temperature is a laboratory-calibrated parameter and does not require additional calibration.


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Hanna Instruments Tester

The Hanna Conductivity/ Temperature testers are calibrated each month by NRWA staff in the lab. The tester is immersed in a known 1413 micro Siemens/cm (µS/cm) calibration solution. Conductivity is used as a screening tool for this sampling program.

More rigorous calibration of the instrument (i.e., pre and post sampling) will be performed before the data will be considered “critical” (special projects).

17.0 INSPECTION/ ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS

FOR SUPPLIES Sampling containers for routine monitoring are inspected each month for damage. Damaged containers are discarded. Dissolved oxygen reagents used to fix D.O. in the field are inspected at the beginning of each sampling season to ensure expiration dates have not passed. Sodium thiosulfate cartridges used in digital titrators for D.O. analyses are inspected for expiration dates each month, Each thermometer is inspected by volunteers monthly and NRWA staff before each season for breakage in the mercury.

Reagents for the Colilert system are handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. NRWA staff pays particular attention to inventory management of the Colilert reagents. Reagents are ordered only when needed, and NRWA asks to get the latest possible manufactured lot to ensure the expiration dates are not exceeded. Permeable membranes used in the portable YSI meter are replaced when the membrane is loose, wrinkled, damaged, fouled or if it has a large bubble beneath it, according to the YSI equipment manuals. Erratic readings or membrane damage will trigger membrane and KCL solution replacement. Directions for membrane replacement, and dissolved oxygen probe precautions are included in the YSI owner’s manuals.

18.0 DATA ACQUISITION REQUIREMENTS Information regarding sampling locations is taken from 1. On line maps; 2. U.S. Geological Survey topographical maps; 3. Global Positioning System (GPS) data; 4. Volunteers with knowledge about popular recreational spots; 5. Historical NRWA water quality report information;


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6. Nashua River 305b Assessment Reports (Massachusetts DEP, New Hampshire DES); and,

7. Proposed Massachusetts Year 2016 Integrated List of Waters (303d list) An NRWA volunteer completed a GIS master’s thesis at Clark University using their Idrisi GIS raster program to determine a hierarchical listing of potential sampling sites (Lowry, 2002).6 Criteria used included access to sites, known impacts, historical NRWA and DEP sites, location of confluences, etc. Other information sources will be used as they become available (e.g., more recent 305b assessments and TMDLs).

19.0 DATA MANAGEMENT Volunteer water quality monitors are required to complete a Field Data Form and attach a label to each sample bottle for each site monitored. The volunteer monitors deliver the forms and the samples they have collected to one of the two partner laboratories by no later than 9:30am. At the lab, NRWA staff or laboratory supervisors check the field data forms for completeness and legibility. Laboratory data forms are also checked for completeness and legibility. The field and laboratory data sheets are brought back to the NRWA office for data entry. Originals are placed in a three-ring binder. Chain-of-custody forms are required for special project nutrient and TSS sampling. A copy of the chain-of-custody form is kept for NRWA files. Data are entered into an Excel spreadsheet by the Water Monitoring Coordinator. For Special Projects that involve nutrient sampling, laboratory reports are sent to the NRWA by Email. Sample collection that is conducted during wet weather is color-coded to distinguish it from samples collected during dry weather. After the data has been entered into the Excel file, a second individual checks the data entry for quality control purposes. Data are checked monthly. Volunteers are notified and instructed how to remedy problems if data are flagged for potential field QC errors. NRWA’s server, on which the data are stored, is backed up daily to the cloud.

6 M.L. Lowry, Site Selection for the Nashua River Watershed Association’s Volunteer Water Quality

Monitoring Program, Clark University, August 2002.


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20.0 ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE ACTIONS Field and laboratory volunteers are surveyed to determine how well they are adhering to quality control procedures. The survey evaluates if the proper techniques are being followed with regard to:

The correct way to enter the stream (approach the sampling location from

downstream); The required sampling sequence (the order to be followed is: E. coli sampling

first, conductivity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen, and finally, nutrients and TSS (if sampled);

Sampling for E. coli with sterile bottle (keeping fingers out of the bottle and cap, avoiding scum on the water);

Filling the dissolved oxygen bottle (to avoid air bubbles), and fixing dissolved oxygen in the field with the correct sequence of reagents, bottle agitation, etc.;

Bottle rinsing (three times, except for bottles with preservative); Proper sample collection with nutrient sample bottles containing

preservative; Taking water temperature; Legible, correctly filled-out Field and Lab Data Form; Sample preservation (e.g., adequate ice in cooler).

NRWA staff also conduct assessments when the volunteers deliver samples to the laboratory. Checks are made to ensure that volunteers have the following items each time they bring the samples to the laboratory:

Field Data Form properly completed; Bottles properly labeled; adequate ice for the samples; adequate cooler or other conveyance for samples; and, proper handling of trash generated during monitoring.

Corrections to or clarification of the forms and bottle labels are made in the laboratory while the volunteer is present. If the samples have not been cooled properly, it is noted on the field data sheet, and the data from the sample are flagged. The Water Programs Director and the Water Monitoring Director review all laboratory protocols at least once yearly. Refresher training sessions for volunteers are held if needed.

21.0 REPORTS A tabular summary of sampling results presented in a color-coded river “Report Card,” is sent to the volunteers each month with a descriptive summary of the results.


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Data results are presented to volunteers at an evening volunteer appreciation event. This is an opportunity for volunteers and project staff to talk about issues and concerns regarding monitoring, and possible revisions that might be needed to the program. Data are published to NRWA’s website, in local papers, and presentations are given to area conservation commissions, boards of health, civic organizations (e.g., Rotary Clubs), fisheries groups such as Trout Unlimited, and other public and private organizations as there is interest and as staff time is available. The connections between actions on the local level and water quality are stressed during these presentations.

22.0 DATA REVIEW, VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS The data collected during the field season are reviewed by the laboratory supervisors, the Monitoring Program Coordinator (who inputs the data into an Excel spreadsheet), and the Project Manager. The Program Coordinator performs data validation. Discrepancies in the data are flagged, and are discussed with the laboratory supervisor and the volunteer, if needed. The Project Manager and Monitoring Coordinator make decisions regarding the acceptance or rejection of the data. The MassDEP, Division of Watershed Management, Watershed Planning Program (WPP) data qualifier symbols are used to denote qualified and censored data.

23.0 VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION METHODS Field and laboratory data forms are reviewed for discrepancies, errors and omissions. All quality control data are reviewed to ensure data fall within acceptable ranges. After the Monitoring Program Coordinator has entered the data into the Excel file, a second person checks the spreadsheet and lab data forms to ensure the data was entered correctly. Any errors are corrected. The Project Manager then reviews the data. Quality control data points falling outside of acceptable ranges are noted. A decision to accept, reject or qualify data is made by the Program Coordinator and the Project Manager. Field information is reviewed by the Program Coordinator and Project Manager to determine if there are any issues that are occurring in the field practices that might have affected the quality of the data collected. The Program Coordinator attempts to address and correct the problems. If data seems like it may have been compromised, the data are flagged in the database, and a discussion of the problem is included in the final data summary. The UMass Environmental Analysis Lab (EAL) mails blind dissolved oxygen QC samples to the NRWA. NRWA staff analyzes these samples and then checks the results against the EAL blind sample known results. If the QC check “fails”, the


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laboratory equipment is checked and recalibrated and the samples run another time. This sequence continues until an acceptable “pass” result is obtained. Laboratory volunteers re-run the EAL samples to ensure they get a “pass” result. Lab volunteers are not told the correct numbers before they run the analysis (although NRWA staff know the results). The same sequence is followed as outlined above until the volunteer obtains a “passing” QC result. Field samples are held until the QC checks are within acceptable ranges. If the acceptable range cannot be met, the samples are run, but the data is flagged to reflect that the laboratory accuracy check was not met. The QC known is checked again at the end of the day. If the result is not within the acceptable range, the data previously collected are flagged. A discussion about quality control problems, omissions of data, inconsistencies and errors is included in the final data summary.

24.0 RECONCILIATION WITH DATA QUALITY

OBJECTIVES Precision, accuracy and completeness of the data are evaluated by the Water Monitoring Coordinator as soon after the sampling event as possible. Corrective actions to rectify problems are implemented as needed. Field data are reviewed to determine if any actions in the field would affect the quality of the data. If the data do not fall into acceptable ranges, or if field practices might have affected the quality of the data, the data are flagged, and may be censored. The NRWA will try to determine the cause of the unacceptable data. Any problems in the field with the volunteer monitors or in the laboratory with the equipment or lab volunteers is corrected prior to the next sampling event. Any problems encountered during the project and limitations on data use are detailed in the final data summary.

Nashua River Watershed Association Volunteer Monitor Manual

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REFERENCES (in addition to footnoted references

provided in text) Adams, V. Dean. 1990. Water and Wastewater Examination Manual. Lewis Publishers.

American Water Works Association 20th ed., 1998 Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. American Public Health Association, Water Pollution Control Federation, Washington, DC. U.S.

CDM, 2002. Hydrologic Assessment, Nashua River Watershed. DEM- Office of Water Resources, EOEA, Nashua River Basin Team. 166 pgs. Center for Watershed Protection, Rapid Watershed Planning Handbook, October, 1998. Environmental Protection Agency, 1996. The Volunteer Monitor’s Guide to Quality Assurance Project Plans. EPA 841-B-96-003. Massachusetts Volunteer Monitor’s Guidebook to Quality Assurance Project Plans,

2001. Godfrey, Paul J., Schoen, Jerome, Dates, Geoff, for The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Div. Of Watershed Management.

Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership, 1994. Manual for Volunteer Water Quality

Monitors. Pelto, Karen I., editor, Amherst, MA. Massachusetts Year 2016 Integrated List of Waters, Proposed Listing of the Condition of Massachusetts’ Waters Pursuant to Sections 303(d) and 305(b) of the Clean Water Act. Division of Watershed Management, Watershed Planning Program, Department of Environmental Protection. September, 2017, 347 pgs. New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Volunteer River Assessment

Program Water Monitoring Program Sampling Protocols: https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wmb/vrap/documents/vrap-protocols.pdf

New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules, Chapter Env-Wq 1700 Surface Water Quality Regulations.

https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wmb/vrap/documents/vrap-protocols.pdf

https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wmb/vrap/documents/vrap-protocols.pdf


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APPENDIX A

VOLUNTEER WATER MONITORING MANUAL Including:

✓ VOLUNTEER MANUAL AKNOWLEGEMENT FORM ✓ LIABILITY WAIVER FORM ✓ FIELD DATA FORMS ✓ NHDES VRAP DATA SUBMITTAL FORM


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Water Monitoring Program

Volunteer Manual


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Safety Considerations ........................................................................................................ 3 2018 Sampling Dates ......................................................................................................... 4 Contacting the NRWA ........................................................................................................ 4

MONITORING KITS/SUPPLIES......................................................................................... 4 Monitoring Day Schedule ................................................................................................... 6 DELIVERING SAMPLES .................................................................................................... 6 Monitoring Instructions ....................................................................................................... 7 Filling out Water Monitoring Forms: ................................................................................... 7

Filling out Labels for bottles: ............................................................................................... 8 General Information on Collecting Samples ....................................................................... 8 Bacteria .............................................................................................................................. 8 Water Temperature ............................................................................................................ 9

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) .................................................................................................... 10 Conductivity ...................................................................................................................... 11

WHAT Does Monitoring TELL US? .................................................................................. 13 Bacteria (E. coli) ............................................................................................................... 13 Dissolved Oxygen ............................................................................................................. 13

Temperature ..................................................................................................................... 14 Conductivity ...................................................................................................................... 15

Color and Clarity ............................................................................................................... 15 Odor ................................................................................................................................. 15

NRWA Water Monitoring FORM ............................................................................. 17

Welcome Volunteer Monitors!

2018 marks the twenty-sixth season dedicated people like you have been monitoring stream health throughout our watershed communities. Thanks for joining us! The participation and commitment you show to the well-being of the Nashua River watershed is an inspiration and an example to everyone who cares about our natural environment. The data and observations obtained from monitoring have provided vital information on the ongoing health of the Nashua River area. NRWA data has been used to develop a report card that can be found on our web site NashuaRiverWatershed.org and was included in the Massachusetts DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) and the New Hampshire DES (Department of Environmental Services) water quality assessment reports. The data are used to conduct more detailed tracking of pollution sources and to inform the public about local water quality. Your efforts help improve the health of river ecosystems and ultimately the quality of life within the watershed communities. We look forward to another great season. Thanks to all of you. -NRWA Staff


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Safety Considerations

ALWAYS make safety your top priority! NEVER MONITOR IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF

CONDITIONS.

All volunteer monitors must Read, Sign, & Return to NRWA the following two forms

(These forms will be sent to you via email with return instructions)

1. Liability Waiver

2. Acknowledgment that you have read the Safety Considerations in the

Volunteer Water Manual

1. ALWAYS sample with at least one partner.

2. Sample in daylight.

3. Wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) if sampling near flowing or deep water. NRWA may have PFDs to borrow. Please ask if you need one.

4. Before you leave home, please let someone know where you are going and when

you expect to be back. Keep your cell phone handy. 5. Park in a safe location away from traffic. Avoid crossing roads, always park on the

same side of the road as your monitoring site. Put on vehicle flashes if needed. Wear bright clothes and use a high visibility vest when walking near roadways. NRWA may have vests for you to borrow.

6. Use caution while walking to your site, only use designated or visibly worn pathways

and be aware that paths can have uneven surfaces and be slippery after rain. Avoid walking in areas with overgrown vegetation or where you cannot see the surface. Hidden potholes can result in falls. Never walk in areas with black ice, deep puddles, jagged rocks, slippery rocks or mud.

7. Use extra caution when sampling from a bridge. ONLY sample if there is an

adequate sidewalk on the bridge to keep you safe from traffic. Do not lean over the railing.

8. Be aware of the presence of others nearby - Never go to a remote section of the

river or stream. 9. Listen to both local and regional weather reports and check river conditions.

Monitoring may be cancelled if high water or flood conditions are present anywhere in the watershed. Even if your site(s) seem OK, in the case of heavy rains, be sure to check your e-mail on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning of monitoring day to see if monitoring has been cancelled. Be aware of your own physical limitations and the difficulty collecting water at certain locations under certain conditions. High


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flows can turn even the most placid water into a raging torrent. Avoid unsafe situations. If road, path or access to a sampling site appears to be difficult or unsafe

under any conditions, DO NOT SAMPLE! 10. Do not wade into the water above the knee, even with waders. Be aware that stream

bottoms and rocks may be slippery. Wear sturdy, appropriate footwear. 11. Carefully make your way to the river. Watch for uneven surfaces, steep banks,

overgrown vegetation, poison ivy, and CHECK YOUR BODY FOR TICKS! 12. Carry a first aid kit with you and let your partner(s) know of any allergies or medical

conditions you may have.

2018 SAMPLING DATES

All sampling dates are scheduled for the 3rd Saturday morning of the month from April

through October. Samples are delivered to the labs by monitors for testing by no later

than 9:30am.

April

21

May

19

June

16

July

21

August

18

September

15

October

20

If for any reason you are unable to monitor, please contact Kathryn Nelson or Martha Morgan as soon as possible so we can try to find a trained back up monitor to assist your team.

CONTACTING THE NRWA

The NRWA office is located at 592 Main Street, Groton, MA. The office is

open from 8:30-4:30. In July and August, the office is usually not open on

Fridays. The best way to contact Kath or Martha is via text or email. (see

below for contact info) Monitoring program information and forms can be

found at: NashuaRiverWatershed.org If you need supplies, contact us by

the Monday before monitoring.

Kathryn Nelson, Water Monitoring Coordinator

[email protected]

(603) 883-3011(cell)

Martha Morgan, Water Programs Director

[email protected]

(978) 660-9599(cell)

MONITORING KITS/SUPPLIES

You will be notified when monitoring kits are available for pick up at NRWA in early April prior to the first monitoring day of the season. Each monitoring team receives one

monitoring kit. Please coordinate with team members for kit pick up. Kits remain

with the monitors during the season. You will need to hand off your kit to a team



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member if you are not available to monitor. Bottles, supplies, labels and monitoring forms to refill your kit for the following month will

be available at the lab when you deliver samples on monitoring day. Be sure to check

your kit the week before monitoring day and notify us immediately if you need supplies. Be aware that we have a limited amount of extra glass bottles, conductivity meters and thermometers. Monitoring supplies consist of: Sample Containers.

➢ E. coli 100 ml small plastic bottle with cap. If necessary, any clean container

can be used to collect the bacteria sample. However, it is important to collect 100ml (about 3.5 ounces) or more of river water to run the test.

➢ Dissolved oxygen glass bottle and stopper. Do not store stopper in bottle or it will get stuck. Store carefully, they chip easily and are expensive.

Labels for bottles. A sheet of pre-printed labels will be provided. Remove any old labels or cover over with the new ones. Keep some blank labels in your kit as spares. If you fill out a blank label, record Site ID and a brief site description.

Water Monitoring Forms, Clip board.

Reagents foil packets #1 & #2 and plastic pillow #3 for dissolved oxygen sample fixing. Keep an extra set in your kit in case you need to retake sample due to sampling error or bubble. Packets can deteriorate and get cakey over time, keep them dry. Renew your kit from supplies provided in the lab as needed.

Conductivity Tester. There are 2 different models of testers. The ones with the on/ off switch at the top do not record temperature and do not automatically shut off. Be sure to shut them off after use. Both models are best kept dry for prolonged life of the button batteries. Report low battery or other malfunctions to staff.

Cooler with ice to keep samples cool. There should be enough ice to cover the bottom of the cooler and partially bury the samples. It is very important to use a

cooler or ice in a bag since samples should be stored in a cool, dark place.

Thermometer. Use the conductivity tester if you have a model that records temperature or use the water temperature thermometer that has been provided.

Small scissors or clippers to open reagent packets. Sturdy footwear that can get wet. Do not enter stream above knee.

Rubber gloves if sampling in waters suspected to be polluted. Washing hands

after sampling is suggested.


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First aid kit/Personal Flotation Device(PFD)

Plastic Bucket with rope if taking samples from a bridge. NRWA will supply a

bucket with rope.

MONITORING DAY SCHEDULE

7:00am-9:30am Teams monitor at one or more streamside sites. Samples and forms are delivered early Saturday morning by monitors to either the Pepperell Wastewater treatment plant or the Devens wastewater treatment plant depending on which location is closer to the

monitoring site. Samples should be delivered to the laboratory no later than 9:30 am.

Samples can be delivered as early as 7:30am. For those delivering samples before 7:30am, arrangements must be made ahead of time to drop off your cooler at the lab. The lab stations are closed at 9:30am, your samples will not be able to be tested if received late.

DIRECTIONS TO THE LABS

Pepperell Waste Water Treatment Plant

▪ In Pepperell, take Rt. 111 North/Hollis Street.

▪ Turn at sign "Lomar Park".

▪ Proceed into Lomar Park continuing as road bears left until you see the treatment plant

entrance on your right at stop sign and chain link fence.

▪ Take right at stop sign- go through chain link fence and up driveway to parking lot.

▪ Lab is in building to your left as you enter the parking lot. Enter through door marked

"Lab".

SUEZ Wastewater Treatment Plant at Devens

▪ From Walker Road turn onto dirt road at “National Wildlife Refuge” sign, #85 is on the

mailbox. Ignore the sign that says “No Trespassing.”

▪ Follow dirt road through open meadow area and into woods.

▪ Follow road as it bears LEFT (through yellow gate) and you'll go straight up hill (on

asphalt now) to the farthest brick building- around back to the door leading to the

laboratory. DELIVERING SAMPLES Each month you will deliver your samples to either the Pepperell or Devens Wastewater Treatment Plant by 9:30am. Staff will meet you in the lab, check in samples, make sure labels are legible, collect the monitoring form and calibrate the conductivity tester. Any problems or special issues should be reported when you deliver you samples as well as recorded on the monitoring form. Bottles and supplies for the following month of monitoring should be picked up at the


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lab when you drop off your samples. Please check the list posted at the lab to see if you have been assigned to collect a duplicate sample for quality control purposes for the following month. You will need to take extra supplies. A reminder will be sent to monitors each month listing the names of those who will need

to collect one extra bacteria and dissolved oxygen sample called a sample duplicate. You will be notified to take extra bacteria and dissolved oxygen (DO) bottle and DO foil packets # 1, 2 & 3 from the lab the month before you are asked to collect the sample duplicate. For instance, if you monitor 1 site and have been notified to collect a duplicate for that site in June, you will need to take 2 plastic bottles for bacteria samples and 2 glass bottles for collecting DO samples from the lab in May when you drop off your samples. Each month there will be a list posted in the lab of volunteers who need to take extra bottles for the following month. Please check this list and take extra bottles and supplies before leaving the lab.

MONITORING INSTRUCTIONS Filling out Water Monitoring Forms: Use one Water Monitoring Form for each site. A separate form does not need to be filled out for duplicate samples collected at the same site. When collecting a duplicate sample, circle YES on the “Field Duplicate Collected” line. Site ID: Record the site ID. A site list with ID’s is available on the NRWA web page. It is very important to record the correct site ID. Site Description: Brief description of sampling location. Refer to sites list for site descriptions. Descriptions can be abbreviated when filling out form and labels. Weather Conditions: Record the current weather and estimate if it has rained at least ¼ inch in the previous 3 days. If rain has occurred, circle best description.

Water Temperature: Record water temp using the conductivity tester or the thermometer provided in the kit. Record in Celsius to nearest degree.

Water Level: Refers to the depth of water above the stream or river bottom. Can be recorded in estimated feet or inches or by a description such as very low, low, average, high or very high. When possible locate a benchmark to measure, i.e. a stain on a rock, exposed tree roots or a marker on a bridge abutment. The amount of water flowing in a stream affects water quality, it is especially important to record when flows are low or exceptionally high. Water Color: Use the small clear plastic container used to collect E. coli for determining water color observed in sample container. Clarity: Looking in the stream does the water seem cloudy? Suspended materials?


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Compare that to the water in the E. coli bottle. Observations: Note everything you notice that might affect stream health or that is unusual or special about the site. Low water flows can concentrate pollution; describe

conditions when the amount of water in the stream is low or in flood. Digital photos are useful, please send them as an email attachment and note when and where they were taken. If your site experiences low flow it is helpful to take a picture of the water and stream bank from the same spot each month showing seasonal changes. Filling out Labels for bottles: Pre printed labels with Site ID and description will be provided. If you do not have a preprinted label, please use a mailing label to record site ID and description and attach to sample bottle.

Example: Steeves/Black

SB0295

Sartelle St

GENERAL INFORMATION ON COLLECTING SAMPLES Volunteers are sent a reminder of upcoming monitoring days each month. The reminder will include a list of volunteers who will collect extra samples (sample duplicates) at a particular site.

It is important to notify both NRWA staff and your team members if you are not available.

Where to collect sample:

You must be highly visible and safe at all times.

In general, sample away from the stream bank in moving current if possible. Never sample stagnant water. In shallow stretches, carefully wade into the current to collect

the sample. For safety reasons, do not wade deeper than up to your knees. Collect

samples about 6 inches below the water if the water is deep enough. Avoid surface

scum. If scum is unavoidable, gently sweep it away before you submerge the sampling bottle and then again before you bring the bottle to the surface.

Collect the samples in the following order:

1. Bacteria (use small plastic bottle) 2. Conductivity (if you received a Hannah conductivity tester) 3. Water temperature (use conductivity tester or thermometer)

4. Dissolved Oxygen (use glass bottle) Bacteria

To collect bacteria samples, use the 100ml plastic bottle with the IDEXX name on it.

Always rinse the bottle with river water before filling. Be sure to fill the bottle up to the


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top or at least the shoulder. Care must be taken to not touch the inside of this bottle. You can use a clean jar or plastic bag to collect the sample if you don’t have a collection bottle. We will transfer it into a collection bottle at the lab. You must collect the same amount of water that the collection bottle holds-100ml which is about 3.5 ounces.

1. Collect bacteria sample before any other samples. Volunteers must take several precautions to ensure good samples: avoid agitating the bottom sediments and stay clear of algae, surface debris, oil slicks, and congregations of waterfowl. Mark down on your monitoring form if any of the above is present. If needed, swish away any surface scum before taking the sample or keep the cap on, and then uncap underwater to collect the sample.

2. Put on your gloves if sampling near wastewater discharge pipes or if you suspect high bacteria levels from runoff or animal activity. Wash hands after collecting sample.

3. Remove the cap of the 100ml bottle. Avoid touching the inside of the bottle or cap.

4. Wading. Try to disturb as little bottom sediment as possible. In any case, be

careful not to collect water that contains bottom sediment. Stand facing

upstream. Stand still for few seconds to allow any stirred up sediment to be

carried away by the current.

5. Collect the water sample in front of you.

6. Lower the bottle into the stream with the opening facing downstream. Representative samples are best collected 6-12” below the surface or at ½ depth, if the river is shallower than 6”.

7. Fill the bottle to the top or at a minimum to the shoulder.

8. Replace cap, affix label and place in cooler on ice.

Water Temperature

1. Take water temperature before or immediately after collecting dissolved oxygen sample.

2. Take the temperature using the conductivity tester if you have been provided one that measures temperature or with the regular thermometer. If using digital tester, dip electrode in stream aiming for 6 inches into flowing water. Wait for reading to stabilize, although some fluctuation is expected. Regular thermometer can be read after 30 seconds in water.

3. Record temperature to nearest whole degree Celsius on your monitoring form.


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To collect DO samples, use the glass Wheaton bottles with stopper. Avoid areas with surface scum if possible.

1. Take dissolved oxygen sample immediately before or after measuring temperature.

2. Rinse DO bottle with river water away from the collection area.

3. Wade into stream carefully, avoiding stirring up bottom sediments.

4. Stand downstream of the bottle and face one of the banks. Sample is collected prior to the stream washing over your legs which may introduce oxygen.

5. Remove the glass stopper.

6. Slowly lower the bottle into the water until the lip is just submerged while pointing the

bottle downstream.

7. Allow the water to fill the bottle very slowly, avoiding any turbulence that could add oxygen to the sample. Fully submerge the bottle, and allow it to overflow to ensure that air bubbles are not trapped in bottle.

8. While the bottle is still underwater, tap the bottle to dislodge air bubbles from the sides of the bottle. If surface scum is present, gently swish away scum while bottle is submerged. Avoid agitating the water.

9. Holding the bottle vertically, remove it from the river, leaving water around the flared mouth of the bottle.

10. Insert the stopper by dropping it into the mouth of the bottle from about 1/4 inch

above the bottle. DO NOT TRAP ANY AIR BUBBLES. If a bubble is present, discard water and start over.


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11. Use the scissors to open one Dissolved Oxygen #1 reagent silver foil packet and

one Dissolved Oxygen #2 reagent silver foil packet. Remove the stopper. Add the contents of each of the packets to the water sample.

12. Immediately insert the stopper by dropping it into the mouth of the bottle from about

1/4 inch above the bottle. Turn the stopper to make it seal. If a bubble is present,

discard water on land and start over.

13. Shake the bottle to mix the chemicals. A small amount of powdered reagent may remain in the neck of the bottle. This will not affect results. Place the bottle on a level surface.

14. An orange-brown flocculate will form if oxygen is present. Wait until the flocculate

settles to the lower half of the bottle, and then shake the bottle again several times.

Wait until the flocculate has settled again to the lower half of the bottle a second time.

15. Use the scissors to open one Dissolved Oxygen #3 powder plastic pillow. Remove the stopper and add the contents of reagent #3. Immediately replace the stopper as described above. Shake the bottle to mix the chemicals. The sample is now “fixed” which means no new oxygen can be introduced so a bubble is not a problem.

16. Store the bottle upright, on ice, with stopper firmly in place.

17. Keep sample in the dark and on ice in a cooler and deliver to lab.

REMEMBER: Rinse your hands if you get any chemicals on them. The powders

will not harm the river water but could irritate your eyes.

Conductivity (Use the Hanna conductivity tester provided.) Be careful to only submerge the bottom of the tester in water, the units are not water proof. Recordings on the digital display may jump around when the unit is first placed in the water. Wait about 30 seconds for the reading to settle down, if still jumping, record the middle value. Tell NRWA staff if the tester is acting erratically. Operation: There are 2 different models of testers. One has a simple on/off switch on the top. Once turned on, immerse bottom in water and record reading from the digital display. This model does not record temperature. Remember to shut it off after recording reading. The other model is operated with 2 buttons, O/MODE and SET/HOLD. Turn the meter on by firmly pressing the O/MODE button. The % battery level will be briefly displayed first. Monitor the battery level decline and report to the NRWA staff on monitor day if battery is low. Ask for the batteries to be replaced when the level drops below 20%. A warning icon will display when the level drops to 5%. The unit is ready to measure. The top line will indicate uS (conductivity) or ppm (total


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dissolved solids). Be sure the µS option is showing. If ppm reading is on by mistake, switch by pressing the SET/HOLD button until uS is showing. Remove the cover from the bottom of the meter (pull firmly), secure the cover and avoid touching the probes with your hands. Immerse the probe end of the meter in the water and note the measurement and temperature. To freeze the conductivity measurement, display, press the SET/HOLD button (HOLD will appear on the bottom line). Only the conductivity reading will be frozen, the temperature reading will not freeze. Pressing either button will return to the measurement mode. Turn the meter off by pressing the O/MODE button until OFF appears and replace the probe cover on the lower end. If possible, wait for the probe to dry before putting the cover on. Calibration: NRWA staff will calibrate the testers in the lab each month. Trouble-shooting: Avoid getting the middle part of the tester wet or putting it in your kit where it stays wet. This will shorten the battery life. Cold weather can affect the readings and the batteries. Keep the unit warm in your pocket while monitoring in cold temps. Do not keep in the cooler with ice! Avoid temperature extremes such as car dashboards. Low battery: indicator turns on, or reading display is faint. Inform NRWA staff, spare batteries can be picked up in lab. Experiencing excessive drift: calibrate in lab., report to staff, ask for new batteries.

Sample Collection from a Bridge

If you are collecting samples from a bridge, use the bucket with rope provided. Follow the steps below: 1. Throw bucket over bridge railing.

2. Swing bucket back and forth like a pendulum about 2 feet above the water.

3. At apex of arc, drop bucket into water.

4. Pull bucket up - it should be about 1/2 full with water.

5. Swish water around to rinse the inside of the bucket.

6. Pour water out either on the road, or downstream of sampling spot

7. Repeat steps 2-5 Collect samples from the water in the bucket and measure and record the conductivity and temperature of the bucket water.


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WHAT DOES MONITORING TELL US? Bacteria (E. coli)

E. coli bacteria are a normal component in the large intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals, and can be excreted in their fecal material. Organisms causing infections or disease (pathogens) are often secreted in the fecal material of humans and other warm blooded animals. Elevated levels of E. coli in rivers can occur following any rains that wash pollutants from land, roads and parking lots into rivers or during large rain storms when municipal wastewater treatment plants aren’t able to treat all the incoming wastewater and overflows are sent directly to rivers or when plumbing pipes are incorrectly connected from home toilets, car washes or other sources to municipal storm drain pipes that discharge directly to rivers. Other possible sources include faulty septic systems, domestic, wild animal and bird waste. In addition to the possible health risk associated with the presence of elevated levels of fecal bacteria, they can also cause cloudy water, unpleasant odors, and an increased oxygen demand.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the swimming standard for E. coli is the geometric mean of all E. coli samples taken within

the most recent six months shall not exceed 126 colonies per 100 ml typically based

on a minimum of five samples and no single sample shall exceed 235 colonies per

100 ml.

According to the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES): Unless naturally

occurring, shall contain not more than either a geometric mean of 126 E. coli cts/100

mL based on at least three samples obtained over a sixty-day period, or greater than

406 E. coli cts/100 mL in any one sample.

Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved oxygen (DO) level is one of the best indicators of the health of a body of water. Oxygen is dissolved into the water from the atmosphere, aided by wind and wave action or by rocky, steep, or uneven stream beds. The presence of dissolved oxygen is vital to bottom dwelling organisms as well as fish and amphibians. Aquatic plants and algae produce oxygen in the waters during the day, and consume oxygen during the night. DO is measured in concentration in milligrams per liter (mg/L) and percent saturation (%). Concentration is a measure of the amount of oxygen in the water; saturation is a measurement of the amount of oxygen in the water compared to the amount of oxygen the water can actually hold at full saturation. As dissolved oxygen

levels drop below 5.0 mg/L, aquatic life is put under stress. As dissolved oxygen levels decrease, pollution intolerant organisms are replaced by pollution tolerant worms and fly larvae. A decrease in dissolved oxygen levels is typically associated with an organic pollutant. Slow moving waters, such as water behind a dam or in a flat wetland, have the greatest risk of becoming hypoxic (when DO levels fall below 3mg/l) and or anoxic (when DO levels fall below 0.5mg/l).


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It is important to measure dissolved oxygen in the morning near to the lowest levels that occur which is around dawn.

Massachusetts dissolved oxygen standards: Not less than 6.0mg/L in cold water

fisheries and not less than 5.0mg/L in warm water fisheries. Natural seasonal and daily variations that are necessary to protect existing and designated uses shall be

maintained. NH dissolved oxygen standards: 5 mg/L at any place or time or 75%

minimum daily average - unless naturally occurring) Temperature Temperature can affect the ability of water to hold oxygen as well as the ability of organisms to resist certain pollutants. The rates of biological and chemical processes depend on temperature. Aquatic organisms from microbes to fish are dependent on certain temperature ranges for their optimal health. If temperatures are outside this optimal range for a prolonged period of time, organisms are stressed and can die. Temperature affects the oxygen content of the water (oxygen levels become lower as temperature increases); the rate of photosynthesis by aquatic plants; the metabolic rates of aquatic organisms; and the sensitivity of organisms to toxic wastes, parasites, and diseases. Causes of temperature change include weather, removal of shading stream bank vegetation, impoundments (a body of water confined by a barrier, such as a dam), discharge of cooling water, urban storm water, and groundwater inflows to the stream.

Massachusetts temperature standards for Class B waters:

Not to exceed 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) in cold water fisheries. Where a reproducing cold water aquatic community exists at a naturally occurring higher temperature, the temperature necessary to protect the community shall not be exceeded and the natural daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations necessary to protect the community shall be maintained.

Not to exceed or 28.3 degrees Celsius (83 degrees Fahrenheit) in warm water

fisheries. The rise in temperature due to a discharge shall not exceed 3°F (1.7°0C) in rivers and streams designated as cold water fisheries nor 5°F (2.8°C) in rivers and streams designated as warm water fisheries (based on the minimum expected flow for the month); Massachusetts identifies a Cold Water Fish Resource as waters in which the mean of the maximum daily temperature over a seven-day period generally does not exceed 68°F (20°C) and, when other ecological factors are favorable (such as habitat), are capable of supporting a year-round population of cold water stenothermal aquatic life such as trout (Salmonidae)7.

7 https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/11/nv/314cmr04.pdf

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/wildlife-habitat-conservation/coldwater-fish-resources-map.html

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/11/nv/314cmr04.pdf


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Several of the tributary streams monitored by NRWA are classified as cold water fish resources. This includes but is not limited to the Nissitissit and Squannacook rivers. Conductivity Conductivity is the measurement of a solution’s ability to conduct an electrical current. It is the substances (or salts) dissolved in the water, which determine how conductive the solution will be. High conductivity values may indicate pollution from sources such as road salting, septic systems, wastewater treatment plants, or urban/agricultural runoff. It can also be related to geology and groundwater. The following are very general guidelines associated with conductivity levels. Specific Conductance(uS/cm)

Category

0-100 Normal

101-200 Low Impact

201-500 Moderate Impact

>501 High Impact

>850 Likely exceeding chronic chloride standard

Organic compounds like oil, phenol, alcohol, and sugar do not conduct electrical current very well and therefore have a low conductivity when in water. Conductivity is also affected by temperature: the warmer the water, the higher the conductivity. Conductivity is measured in units called microsiemens per centimeter (µS/cm). Color and Clarity

Turbidity is the amount of particulate matter that is suspended in water. Turbidity makes the water cloudy or opaque. Material that causes water to be turbid include: clay, silt, organic matter, plankton, microscopic organisms. During periods of low flow (base flow), many rivers are a clear green color, and turbidities are low. During a rainstorm, particles from the surrounding land are washed into the river making the water a muddy brown color, indicating water that has higher turbidity values. Also, during high flows, water velocities are faster and water volumes are higher, which can more easily stir up and suspend material from the stream bed, causing higher turbidities. Standards: Waters shall be free from color and turbidity (cloudiness) in concentrations or combinations that are aesthetically objectionable or would impair any use assigned to this Class. Odor

Earthy or musty tastes and odors occur in river water, most often in July, August and September. The odor is produced by algae when their growth increases because of warmer weather and sunlight. While most odors from algae pose no risk, freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs) can occur anytime water use is impaired due to excessive


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accumulations of algae. In freshwater, the majority of HABs are caused by cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae). Standards: None in such concentrations or combinations that are aesthetically objectionable, that would impair any use assigned to this Class, or that would cause tainting or undesirable flavors in the edible portions of aquatic life.

NRWA WATER MONITORING FORM

A form must accompany all samples. A separate form is not need for Sample Duplicates. Submit form to NRWA staff. SITE NUMBER: ___________________ COLLECTION DATE (mo/dy/yr)_____/_____/_____ COLLECTION TIME_______________

SITE DESCRIPTION: _______________________________MONITOR Initials(S): _________ DELIVERY TIME__________

Sample DUPLICATE COLLECTED? (circle) YES NO (Refer to Schedule to see if duplicate is required)

Current WEATHER (Circle): Clear Partly Cloudy Overcast Drizzle Light Rain Downpour Off/On Rain/Drizzle Other____

¼ inch (estimate) of rain since Thursday morning? (Circle): NO YES, mostly: Steady Hard Off/On Hard Steady Light Off/On

Light

WATER TEMPERATURE: #1_______#2______ Conductivity µS #1________#2________ (IF PROVIDED WITH A HANNAH TESTER)

RELATIVE FLOW (refers to the level of water above the stream or river bottom): _____ feet OR Very Low Low Normal High Very High SPEED OF WATER: (circle) Quick Moderate Slow Almost Still Still Other____________________________________________ WATER CLARITY: (circle) Clear Slightly Murky Moderately Murky Highly Murky Other_______________________________ WATER COLOR IN E. COLI (clear) BOTTLE: (circle) Clear Grayish Tea Mud Puddle Other__________________________________ Observations: (circle all that apply and elaborate below) (1) Birds (2) Land Wildlife: Sightings/ Tracks (3) Aquatic Insects (4) Aquatic Plants (5) Algae (6) Fish (7) Beaver activity/ chewed twigs (7) Erosion (8) Debris or Trash in water or land (9) Odors (10) Vegetation Removal (11) Invasive Plants (land or aquatic)

Please elaborate on observations and provide digital photos via email whenever possible: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Documents

QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN FOR · 2018-06-27 · Nashua River Watershed Association Quality Assurance Project Plan Revision 1.0 4/30/2019 5 4.0 PROJECT & TASK ORGANIZATION In