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QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN FOR StreamWatch: OAR’s Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring Program

Original Document Date: May 2008

Revision #1: July 9, 2009 (Supersedes RFA#s 03296 and 03327)

Prepared by: Suzanne Flint, Staff Scientist

Organization for the Assabet River 9 Damonmill Square Suite 1E, Concord, MA 01742

Tel: 978-369-3956; Fax 978-318-0094 Email: [email protected]

With funding from:

Stearns Foundation, Town of Acton, Town of Maynard, Town of Concord,

Town of Westford, and member donations

Project Manager ______________________________________7/22/09 Suzanne Flint, Staff Scientist Date Organization for the Assabet River Project Supervisor ___________________________________________ Alison Field-Juma, Acting Executive Director Date

Organization for the Assabet River Investigative Organization’s QA/QC Officer ___________________________________________ Cindy Delpapa, Stream Ecologist Date

Riverways Program, Division of Ecological Restoration Massachusetts DEP QA Officer ___________________________________________ Richard Chase , QA Officer, MA DEP Date Technical Reviewer ____________________________________________ Arthur Clark, US EPA Date Technical Reviewer ____________________________________________ Arthur Screpetis, Massachusetts DEP Date

Title: Assabet WQ Monitoring Program QAPP Revision #: Revision 1

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TABLE OF CONTENTS A3 DISTRIBUTION LIST ............................................................................................................. 5

A5 PROBLEM DEFINITION / BACKGROUND........................................................................ 8

A6 PROJECT / TASK DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................ 9

Previous QAPP Documentation................................................................................................. 9 Project Goals of the Combined Program ................................................................................... 9 Special Personnel or Equipment Requirements ....................................................................... 14 Assessment Techniques ........................................................................................................... 14 Schedule ................................................................................................................................... 15 Project and Quality Records and Reports ................................................................................ 15

A7 QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND CRITERIA ......................................................................... 15

Data Users ................................................................................................................................ 15 Data Usage ............................................................................................................................... 15 Data Type Needed.................................................................................................................... 15 Data Quality ............................................................................................................................. 15 Amount of Data Needed........................................................................................................... 15 Data Collection ........................................................................................................................ 15 Records and Reports ................................................................................................................ 16 Measurement Performance Criteria ......................................................................................... 16

Precision:........................................................................................................................... 17 Accuracy/Bias:.................................................................................................................. 17 Representativeness and comparability:............................................................................. 17 Data Completeness: .......................................................................................................... 18

A8 SPECIAL TRAINING/CERTIFICATION............................................................................. 19

A9 DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS ................................................................................ 19

Field data.................................................................................................................................. 19 Reports and Database............................................................................................................... 20

B1 SAMPLING PROCESS DESIGN .......................................................................................... 21

Scheduled Ongoing Data Collection Activities ....................................................................... 21 Design of the Sampling Network (Mainstem and Tributary Sites).......................................... 23 Analyte Selection Rationale..................................................................................................... 24

B2 SAMPLING METHODS ........................................................................................................ 24

B3 SAMPLE HANDLING AND CUSTODY ............................................................................. 25

B4 ANALYTICAL METHODS................................................................................................... 26


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B5 QUALITY CONTROL ........................................................................................................... 28

Field QC Checks ...................................................................................................................... 28 Laboratory QC Checks............................................................................................................. 29 Completeness ........................................................................................................................... 29 Acceptance Criteria.................................................................................................................. 29 QC Calculations ....................................................................................................................... 30 Corrective Actions ................................................................................................................... 30 Documenting QC Results......................................................................................................... 30

B6 INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENT TESTING, INSPECTION, AND MAINTENANCE........... 32

YSI 6000-series Water Monitoring Meters.............................................................................. 32 Current Meters ......................................................................................................................... 32 Alcohol Thermometers............................................................................................................. 32

B7 INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION AND FREQUENCY ........................................................ 32

B8 INSPECTION/ACCEPTANCE OF SUPPLIES AND CONSUMABLES............................. 33

B9 NON-DIRECT MEASUREMENTS....................................................................................... 34

B10 DATA MANAGEMENT...................................................................................................... 34

Data Recording ........................................................................................................................ 34 Data Transformation/Data Reductions/Data Analysis ............................................................. 35 Data Tracking, Storage, and Retrieval ..................................................................................... 35 Data Delivery ........................................................................................................................... 35

C1 ASSESSMENTS AND RESPONSE ACTIONS ................................................................... 35

Assessment of Subsidiary Organizations ................................................................................. 36 Assessment of Project Activities.............................................................................................. 36 Reporting and Resolution of Issues ......................................................................................... 36

C2 REPORTS TO MANAGEMENT .......................................................................................... 37

D1 DATA REVIEW, VALIDATION, AND VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.................. 37

Sampling Design/Sample Collection/Sample Handling .......................................................... 37 Analytical Procedures and QC for Water Quality Parameters................................................. 37

D2 VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION METHODS............................................................. 38

D3 RECONCILIATION WITH DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES........................................... 39

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 39


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LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1: Organizational Table ........................................................................................................ 6 Table 2: Monitoring Sites and Stream Characteristics ................................................................. 13 Table 3: Massachusetts DEP Class B Water Quality Standards................................................... 14 Table 4: EPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria Recommendations .............................................. 14 Table 5: Expected Sample Completeness ..................................................................................... 18 Table 6: Program documents ........................................................................................................ 20 Table 7: Project Time Line (ongoing) .......................................................................................... 22 Table 8: USGS real-time streamflow & groundwater level data.................................................. 23 Table 9: Project Sampling SOP Reference ................................................................................... 25 Table 10: Sampling and Analytical Methods Requirements ........................................................ 27 Table 11: Frequency of Replicate, Blank, and Spiked Samples ................................................... 28 Table 12: Data Measurement Range and Accuracy...................................................................... 31 Table 13: Instrument Inspection and Calibration Specifications.................................................. 33 Table 14: Planned Project Assessments........................................................................................ 35 Table 15: QA Management Reports ............................................................................................. 37 Table 16: Data Qualifiers.............................................................................................................. 38 Figure 1: Assabet River Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring Program Organization ............ 7 Figure 2: Sampling Sites in the Assabet and Concord River Watershed..................................... 12

APPENDICES Appendix A: Assabet & Concord River StreamWatch Manual 2009 Appendix B: Site Maps Appendix C: Organization for the Assabet River – Field and Calibration Sheets Appendix D: Nashoba Analytical LLC. - Quality Assurance/Quality Control Manual 2009 Appendix E: Nashoba Analytical LLC – SOPs Appendix F: Premier Laboratory – Laboratory QAPP Appendix G: Premier Laboratory – SOP for TKN Appendix H: MASS DEP-DWM Sample Collection Rod Directions


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A3 DISTRIBUTION LIST Executive Director 978-369-3956 Organization for the Assabet River 978-318-0094 fax 9 Damonmill Square, Suite 1E [email protected] Concord, MA 01742 Arthur Clark, Technical Reviewer 781-860-4374 EPA Region I - Quality Assurance Office 781-860-4397 fax 11 Technology Drive [email protected] North Chelmsford, MA 01863 Arthur Screpetis, Technical Reviewer 508-767-2875 Department of Environmental Protection 508-791-4131 fax 627 Main Street [email protected] Worcester, MA 01608 Richard Chase, Quality Assurance Officer 508-767-2859 MassDEP-DWM [email protected] 627 Main St. Worcester, MA. 01608 Warren Kimball 508-767-2879 Department of Environmental Protection, Central Region 508-792-7621 fax 627 Main Street [email protected] Worcester, MA 01608 Cindy Delpapa, Riverways Program 617-626-1545 Division of Ecological Restoration, Dpt. Fish and Game 617-626-1505 fax 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400 [email protected] Boston, MA 02114 Roy Socolow, U.S. Geological Survey 508-490-5059 10 Bearfoot Road 508-490-5068 fax Northborough, MA 01532 [email protected] Margaret Kearns, Riverways Program 617-626-1545 Division of Ecological Restoration, Dpt. Fish and Game 617-626-1505 fax 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400 [email protected] Boston, MA 02114 David Knowlton, Manager (978) 486-3316 Nashoba Analytical LLC [email protected] 29 King Streeet Littleton, MA 01460

mailto:[email protected]






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A4 PROJECT/TASK ORGANIZATION The Organization for the Assabet River’s (OAR) ongoing Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring Program is administered by OAR’s Staff Scientist, Suzanne Flint, with the oversight of OAR's Executive Director and OAR’s Board of Directors. The monitoring program, established in 1992, involves about 30 trained volunteers annually monitoring water quality and reading staff gages. OAR’s Staff Scientist is responsible for recruitment and training of all volunteers as well as data management, interpretation, and reporting, and documenting and maintaining the Quality Assurance Program Plan. Cindy Delpapa, of the Riverways Program under the Division of Ecological Restoration, is the program QA/QC officer and is responsible for reviewing the project data and final report for compliance with the data quality objectives set in this QAPP. Roy Socolow of the U.S. Geological Survey Massachusetts-Rhode Island Water Science Center and Margaret Kearns of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife provide technical assistance for maintenance of OAR’s streamflow gages and stage/discharge rating curves. The primary data users for this program are the Organization for the Assabet River, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, EPA Region 1, town officials, and school groups. The overall management plan is shown in Table 1 and Figure 1.

Table 1: Organizational Table

Project Oversight Fiscal management of the program, project objectives, data uses, project changes

OAR Executive Director OAR Board of Directors

Project Management Directs all project activities Suzanne Flint, OAR Staff Scientist

Quality Assurance Review

Reviews project data and QC reports to ensure that project follows QA measures

Cindy Delpapa, Project QC/QC Officer Riverways Program

Streamflow Technical Assistance

Provides technical assistance and oversight for streamflow gaging and rating curve development/maintenance

Roy Socolow, USGS Margaret Kearns, Riverways Program

Data Manager and Interpretation

Responsible for data management and interpretation

Suzanne Flint, OAR Staff Scientist

Laboratory Analysis Responsible for laboratory analysis and QA/QC

David Knowlton, Nashoba Analytical LLC

Sample Collection Collect samples and make field measurements; read staff gages Volunteers

Discharge measurements

Make discharge measurements to create and maintain stage/discharge rating curves

Suzanne Flint, OAR Staff Scientist

Data Users Data use

OAR, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, EPA, towns in the watershed


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Data Reduction

Figure 1: Assabet River Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring Program Organization

Data Reduction

Data C

ollection & Q

CD

ata Storage and Retrieval

Data D

elivery

Streamflow Measurements:

Staff gage readings (OAR staff and

volunteers)

Water Quality Measurements (OAR staff and

volunteers)

Sample Analysis (Nashoba Analytical

LLC and Premier Laboratory )

QA/ QC

QA/QC

QA/ QC

Project Database: raw and meta- data

(OAR staff)

Streamflow, Water Quality, and Stream

Health Index calculations (OAR staff)

OAR Web Page: Stream Health

Indices, water quality and streamflow data, annual data reports

(OAR staff)

Publications: annual data reports, project & grant reports (OAR staff)

End users: local public;

local, state, and federal officials/agencies;

schools; OAR staff and volunteers

QA/ QC

Rating curve and staff gage maintenance (OAR staff , USGS,

Riverways)


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A5 PROBLEM DEFINITION / BACKGROUND The Assabet and Concord Rivers, parts of which are federally designated Wild and Scenic, flow for 47 miles from the Assabet’s headwaters in Westborough to the confluence with the Merrimack River in Lowell, joined along the way by the Sudbury River. Beloved of Hawthorne and Thoreau, the Assabet and Concord are lovely, scenic rivers, and their popularity among recreational boaters continues to grow. The rivers should be a tremendous asset to their region. Unfortunately, both rivers, but particularly the Assabet, are heavily eutrophied and demands on water resources in the basin are increasing. The primary cause of the eutrophication in the mainstem Assabet and Concord Rivers is nutrient-rich sewage effluent discharged to the river by five wastewater treatment facilities serving the communities of Westborough/Shrewsbury, Marlborough, Northborough, Hudson, Maynard, and Billerica. All sections of the Assabet and Concord Rivers remain listed on the Proposed Massachusetts Year 2008 Integrated List of Waters as Category 5 Waters, “Waters requiring a TMDL,” for pollutants including: nutrients, organic enrichment/low DO, pathogens, metals, thermal modifications, suspended solids, and noxious aquatic plants (MA DEP, 2008). Starting in 1999, a nutrient TMDL study of the Assabet River was conducted by ENSR International (ENSR, 2001) under contract to the US Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The DEP issued the final total phosphorus TMDL for the Assabet River in 2004 (MA DEP, 2004), proposing to achieve water quality goals in the Assabet River through an innovative adaptive management strategy. (A TMDL Assessment Study of the Concord River was completed in 2003 (ENSR, 2003), but the final TMDL has not yet been issued for the Concord.) Based on modeling, best professional judgment, and weight of evidence, the state determined that a combination of stringent point source phosphorus controls and sediment remediation is necessary to reduce eutrophication and restore designated uses in the Assabet River. In a two phased approach, the four municipal WWTPs that discharge to the Assabet River are required to meet a limit of 0.1 mg/L total phosphorus by the end of the NPDES permit period (2005 - 2011). During the permit period the feasibility of remediating sediments to reduce phosphorus flux by 90% is being investigated. In the spring of 2009, DEP and EPA will jointly develop the second phase implementation strategy to decide if, when, and to what level additional WWTP upgrades will be needed based on the results and recommendations of the sediment evaluation. If sediment remediation is not feasible, the WWTPs may be required to further reduce phosphorus discharges. Prior to the facility upgrades in 2010/2011, the WWTPs will continue to meet the 2000 interim NPDES permit limits for total phosphorus of 0.75 mg/L during the summer, and have been required to meet winter limits of 1.0 mg/L starting on November 1, 2007. In addition to water quality problems on the mainstem rivers, the major tributaries of the watershed face problems of both streamflow depletion and non-point source pollution. Local water supplies are under the combined strain of the increasing demand of a rapidly growing population (MTC/MAPC, 1998), and water management practices that result in the net transfer of water out of the sub-basins and decreased baseflow in the mainstem (ENSR 2001). Water use


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projections for the years 2000 to 2030 (MAPC, 2005) show increases of 10-20% in some towns (Westborough, Hudson, Maynard, Acton) and more than 20% in others (Shrewsbury, Northborough, and Littleton). To address these problems we need (1) a better understanding of water budgets and water quality in the sub-watersheds, and (2) a public constituency willing to change their personal water consumption habits and to allocate the resources needed to change water management infrastructures. In the coming years, OAR, the towns of the watershed, and the regulatory agencies (MA DEP, US EPA) will face the scientific, political, and practical challenges of implementing new, stricter wastewater treatment plant permits, working together on a sediment remediation study, measuring the effectiveness of an innovative adaptive management approach to restoring the Assabet River, and working to address non-point source pollution through the NPDES Stormwater Phase II program. To meet the challenges facing the river, changes in current thinking about water resources and water management practices and cooperation across town and regional boundaries will be needed. The information collected in this project will continue building a long-term database of water quality and quantity in the watershed, against which future changes (hopefully for the better) can be measured. A6 PROJECT / TASK DESCRIPTION Previous QAPP Documentation OAR’s ongoing monitoring program was developed in two parts: the baseline water quality monitoring program, started in 1992, and the Assabet River StreamWatch project, started in 2002. The baseline program, monitoring the mainstem Assabet, is documented in a QAPP originally approved in 2000 and updated in 2003 [OAR, 2000 (MA RFA # 03296)]. The Assabet River StreamWatch project, monitoring water quality, streamflow and habitat availability in the main tributaries of the Assabet basin, is documented in a QAPP approved in 2003 [OAR, 2003 (MA RFA # 03327)]. An extension request for these QAPPs was sent in January 2007. In 2009, the two programs are being combined as “StreamWatch: OAR’s Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring Program;” this QAPP covers the water quality and streamflow measurements of the combined program. The format of this QAPP follows EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans (EPA QA/R-5, March 2001). Additional guidance documents used include: EPA Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans, QA/G-5, December, 2002; EPA’s Volunteer Monitor’s Guide to Quality Assurance Project Plans, September 1996; MWWP and DEP’s The Massachusetts Volunteer Monitor’s Guidebook to Quality Assurance Project Plans, October 2001, and MA EOEEA’s Massachusetts Inland Volunteer Monitoring General Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) Version 1.0, December 2008 Project Goals of the Combined Program OAR’s overall monitoring strategy, guided in part by the goals of the Assabet River TMDL, includes: water quality monitoring on the mainstem Assabet and Concord Rivers and their major tributaries, streamflow monitoring on the major tributary streams of the basin, and total and floating aquatic plant biomass monitoring on the major impoundments of the mainstem rivers. This document addresses water quality and streamflow monitoring.


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The main goals of OAR Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring program are:

• Assessing whether the rivers meet Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards for Class-B waters

• Assess long-term trends in water quality and streamflow • Assessing the effect of changes in the management of point and non-point pollution

sources as the state’s TMDL recommendations are implemented. • Identifying problem spots for further investigations. • Communicating the data and findings at several levels of detail to the lay public, local

decision makers, and scientists to build the capacity across the watershed for making short- and long-term management decisions.

• Through volunteer participation, increasing the personal connection of the volunteers to the rivers and fostering better river stewardship.

Program Overview Because two major concerns in the Assabet and Concord River watersheds are the eutrophication evident during the summer growing season and annual nutrient loadings, OAR’s summer-time monitoring program will be extended to include sampling at gaged mainstem and tributary locations throughout the year. To be able to assess long-term trends, sampling and analysis methods have been kept the same, as much as possible since 1999. The core of OAR’s mainstem Assabet sampling sites, the ten sites originally selected in 1992, have also been kept constant. About 30 – 35 volunteers participate in the program each summer, taking water quality readings and samples and reading staff gages. Monitoring will be conducted one Sunday each month in June, July, and August, regardless of weather conditions, at all 25 sampling locations and once a month in October, February, and April at 11 gaged locations (see Table 2). Water quality parameters measured include: dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature, conductivity, total phosphorus, ortho-phosphorus, nitrates, ammonia, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total suspended solids, and streamflow. Sampling sites include 12 mainstem sites on the Assabet River, three mainstem sites on the Concord River, and at ten sites on main tributaries in each town (Table 2; maps with specific site locations are in Appendix B). Concurrent with the water quality monitoring, staff gage readings will be taken at six sampling sites where rated staff gages have been installed. Streamflow readings will be downloaded from the NWIS webpage for USGS real-time gages for an additional five sites. OAR staff is responsible for overall organization, coordination and training of volunteers, equipment calibration and maintenance, data management and QA/QC, and maintaining the stage/discharge rating curves and checking the gage positions (relative to a surveyed reference point) every two years. Staff gages were installed in 2002 by USGS at six tributary sampling sites. USGS and OAR staff established the stage/discharge rating curves for these locations in accordance with USGS standard operating procedures. OAR staff is responsible for maintaining the rating curves with technical assistance from USGS and Massachusetts Riverways Program. OAR staff will make discharge measurements once a year at each gage location according to the USGS protocol for


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measurement of stream discharge by the current meter method (Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982a; Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982b; and Smoot and Novak, 1968). These protocols are consistent with the data quality objectives based on DEP’s SOP for flow measurement (CN 68.0; 11/2005). All measurements will be made in safely wadeable streams using a velocity meter. The height of each gage relative to a local benchmark was surveyed at the installation. The height will be re-surveyed by OAR and Mass Riverways staff to check for movement once every two years or more frequently in the case of gages installed directly into the streambed. The equipment needed to make discharge measurements includes a velocity meter (Pygmy or Price AA), a wading rod for stabilizing the meter and measuring water depth, a staff gage for recording the corresponding water depth at a single reference point, a tape measure for measuring stream width and locating velocity measurement points, a data logger (AquaCalc), and a digital camera to record conditions at the time of measurement. To assess the stream conditions, the water quality data will be used to calculate a “Water Quality Index” according to the methods developed by OAR for the Assabet River StreamWatch project to compare measured conditions with idea conditions for native fish (A full description of the Stream Health Index is available on the OAR webpage at www.assabetriver.org. ) Water quality findings will also be compared with Massachusetts Water Quality Standards (MA DEP 2007 downloaded from http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/regulations/314cmr04.pdf) for dissolved oxygen, pH, nutrients, and temperature. Because the Massachusetts water quality standards for nutrients are narrative, total phosphorus and total nitrogen will also be compared with EPA ambient water quality criteria recommendations for rivers and streams in nutrient Ecoregion XIV (EPA 2000). See Table 3 and Table 4. Streamflow conditions will be compared with recommendations developed as part of the StreamWatch project and used to calculate a “Streamflow Index.” Water quality and streamflow indices are combined into an overall “Stream Health Index” to communicate the results to the public. The following data will be posted on the project webpage as soon as it is available: provisional streamflow and water quality data; streamflow, water quality, and stream heath information as calculated indices; and the QC’ed data in a final data report for the year (also available in hardcopy). A full Quality Control Report will be available upon request.

http://www.assabetriver.org/


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Figure 2: Sampling Sites in the Assabet and Concord River Watershed


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Table 2: Monitoring Sites and Stream Characteristics

Measurements

Waterbody Sites Town OAR Site # SARIS # Lat/Long (d/m/s) Water Quality

Gage reading/stream

flow* Concord River Rogers Street Lowell CND-009 46500 42°38' 11"/ 71°18' 05" √ (USGS Gage)Concord River Route 4 Billerica CND-093 46500 42°32' 05"/ 71°17' 58" √ Concord River Lowell Rd. Bridge Concord CND-161 46500 42°27' 58"/ 71°21' 21" √ Sudbury River Rte 62 (Boat House) Concord SUD-005 47650 42°27' 30"/ 71°21' 57" √ Assabet River Lowell Road Concord ABT-010 46500 42°28' 13"/ 71°21' 45" √ Assabet River Route 2 Concord ABT-026 46775 42°27' 56"/ 71°23' 28" √ Assabet River Route 62 (Pump Stn.) W. Concord ABT-033 46775 42°28' 34"/ 71°23' 02" √ Assabet River Route 62 (Damonmill) W. Concord ABT-044 46775 42°27' 11"/ 71°24' 34" in-situ QC only Assabet River Route 62 (Acton Ford) Acton ABT-063 46775 42°26' 27"/ 71°25' 46" √ Assabet River USGS Maynard Gage Maynard ABT-077 46775 42°25' 56"/ 71°26' 58" √ (USGS Gage)Assabet River Route 62 (Gleasondale) Stow ABT-144 46775 42°24' 18"/ 71°31' 35" √ Assabet River Cox Street Hudson ABT-162 46775 42°24' 12"/ 71°32' 06" √ Assabet River Robin Hill Road Marlborough ABT-238 46775 42°20' 44"/ 71°36' 50" √ Assabet River Boundary Street Marlborough ABT-242 46775 42°20' 29"/ 71°36' 58" √ Assabet River School Street Northborough ABT-280 46775 42°18' 17"/ 71°37' 42" √ Assabet River Route 9 Westborough ABT-301 46775 42°16' 59"/ 71°38' 18" √ Assabet River Maynard Street Westborough ABT-311 46775 42°16' 26"/ 71°37' 56" √ √ River Meadow Thorndike Street Lowell RVM-005 46525 42°37' 54"/ 71°18' 31" √ River Meadow Route 129 Chelmsford RVM-038 46525 42°35' 55"/ 71°20' 20" √ √ Nashoba Brook (outlet of Warner’s Pond) Commonwealth Ave. Concord NSH-002 unnamed

tributary 42°27' 32"/ 71°23' 49" √ √

Nashoba Brook Wheeler Lane Acton NSH-047 46875 42°30' 37"/ 71°24' 24" √ (USGS gage)Elizabeth Brook (aka Assabet Brook) White Pond Road Stow ELZ-004 47125 42°25' 21"/ 71°28' 38" √ √

Danforth Brook Rte 85 Hudson DAN-013 47275 42°23' 59"/ 71°33' 57" √ √ North Brook Pleasant St. Berlin NTH-009 47375 42°21' 16"/ 71°37' 36" √ √ Cold Harbor Brook Church Street Northborough CLD-012 47550 42°18' 54"/ 71°39' 30" √ √ Hop Brook Otis Street Northborough HOP-011 47600 42°17' 31"/ 71°39' 27" √ √ * (USGS Gage) indicates that data is collected from USGS real-time gaging stations via the USGS NWS website. Check mark indicates gage readings by OAR volunteers at staff gages maintained by OAR as described in this document.


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Table 3: Massachusetts DEP Class B Water Quality Standards

Parameter Standard*

Dissolved oxygen ≥ 5.0 mg/l for warm water fisheries ≥ 6.0 m/l for cold water fisheries

pH 6.5 – 8.3 for inland waters Nutrients “control cultural eutrophication”

Temperature ≤ 28.3° C and Δ < 2.8° C for warm water fisheries ≤ 20.0 ° C and Δ < 1.7° C for cold water fisheries

Solids

These waters shall be free from floating, suspended and settleable solids in concentrations and combinations that would impair any use assigned to this Class, that would cause aesthetically objectionable conditions, or that would impair the benthic biota or degrade the chemical composition of the bottom.

* MASS DEP. 2007. Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards - 314 CMR 4.00 2007

Table 4: EPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria Recommendations

Nutrient Parameter Aggregate Nutrient Ecoregion XIV (subregion 59)

Reference Conditions (25th percentile of June - September data)

Total Phosphorus * 25 μg/L Total Nitrogen * 0.44 mg/L NO2 + NO3 0.34 mg/L TKN 0.30 mg/L

* EPA, 2000 Special Personnel or Equipment Requirements No special personnel or additional equipment are required for this project. The Organization for the Assabet River owns the Pygmy and Price AA current meters, wading rods, AquaCalc data recorders, and ancillary equipment needed to take instantaneous discharge measurements. OAR owns two YSI-6000-series multi-parameter water meters, and rents YSI 6000-series meters as needed for water quality measurements. Assessment Techniques OAR will be responsible for QA/QC activities related to water quality measurements, staff gage readings, and instantaneous discharge measurements. All data posted will be labeled as provisional until it has been reviewed for compliance with quality objectives, and, in the case of streamflow readings, until their respective rating curves have been verified. Data from the instantaneous flow measurements taken to verify the stage discharge rating curves will be submitted to Roy Socolow, USGS, for review. Overall project success may be gauged by the delivery of timely, accurate environmental information and the ability to detect long-term trends. Success of the information delivery system will be judged by tracking use of the web page: timing, source, and frequency of web page visitors. Success may also be demonstrated through the active collaboration with members of the


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Assabet River watershed communities, presentation of OAR’s projects at scientific conferences, and utilization of the data for advocacy and regulatory purposes.

Schedule This is an ongoing program; the general schedule is shown in Table 7, below. Project and Quality Records and Reports See section A9 below. A7 QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND CRITERIA Data Users The primary data user will be the Organization for the Assabet River. Secondary data users may include the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), U.S. EPA, Region 1 EPA, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, municipal officials, and citizens of the Assabet and Concord River watershed towns. Data Usage The data will be used to evaluate the long-term health of the Assabet and Concord Rivers, and to assess the effectiveness of the state-mandated TMDL restoration of the Assabet River to meet water quality standards. The data informs OAR’s advocacy for the river, must be of sufficient quality be used by OAR in appealing regulatory decisions affecting the river. The data may be used by local, state, and federal agencies for regulatory purposes and be included in the state’s Integrated List of Waters reports to the EPA and water quality assessments. A secondary, and less stringent, use of the data is for education and outreach to the towns and citizens of the Assabet River watershed. Data Type Needed See Table 10: Sampling and Analytical Methods Requirements for a list of parameters. Data Quality The data quality objectives for water quality sampling, instantaneous flow measurements, and staff gage readings are listed below in Table 12: Data Measurement Range and Accuracy. Amount of Data Needed See Table 5: Expected Sample Completeness. Over the past seven years, sample completeness per parameter over the season has been >90% for all parameters except for laboratory analysis of nutrients and suspended solids in August of 2002. In August 2002, TKN, NO3, NH3, TP, and TSS data were flagged for failure to meet QC objectives for the analysis of blanks, giving the season an overall completeness of 75% for those parameters. Data Collection Water quality parameters: See Table 10: Sampling and Analytical Methods Requirements. Water quality sampling and staff gage reading methods are also detailed in the Assabet and Concord


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River StreamWatch Manual (Appendix A). Discharge measurements will be made according to the USGS protocol for measurement of stream discharge by the current meter method (Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982a; Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982b; and Smoot and Novak, 1968). Streamflow: Streamflow will be calculated from stage measurements by using established stage-discharge ratings (stored in tabluar format). Stage-discharge ratings were originally established by USGS at the six gaged sites in accordance with standard USGS methods (Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982a; Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982b; and Smoot and Novak, 1968) based on at least six instantaneous flow measurements over a range of summertime flows. Any new rating curves will be established using the same methods. OAR staff will be responsible for instantaneous discharge measurements taken to confirm the accuracy of established stage-discharge curves and/or establish new curves as needed. For a new curve, once a sufficient number of discharge surveys have been performed, the data will be forwarded to USGS’s Roy Socolow, where the curve is developed by USGS staff. For very low flows, where precise velocity measurements are more difficult using the wade-in velocity meter method, OAR will use the UGSG protocol for assigning a data quality (good, fair, poor) to each discharge estimate to indicate its precision. The technical feasibility of making discharge measurements at each site will be judged based on the following criteria: laminar flow, straight channel segment, sufficient water depths for velocity meter to function properly (at least 0.1 ft for the Pygmy current meter, 0.5 feet for the Price AA current meter), safely wadeable and accessible river segment. A stage-discharge rating curve will be considered acceptable if all measured points used to establish the curve fall within 10% of the curve or within the estimated error bars for “poor” quality low flow discharge estimates. This method is consistent with USGS and Massachusetts Riverways Program’s RIFL’s protocols. Once complete, USGS forwards the final data, rating curve, and rating table back to OAR staff. Stage-discharge rating curves may be extended to include the normal range of winter flows (excluding flood flows) based on at least three additional instantaneous flow measurements over a range of winter flows. OAR Staff Scientist (trained by USGS as described in Section A8, below) will take instantaneous flow measurements at least once a year to check the accuracy of the rating curves; data will be submitted to Roy Socolow for review. Additional discharge measurements will be taken to check the rating curve if changes to the staff gage position, channel morphology near the gage, or the gage control are observed. Digital pictures will be taken of the gaging sites when discharge measurements are taken to help with data interpretation. All streamflow data will be considered “provisional” until discharge measurements confirming the accuracy of the rating curves have been made and all data has undergone QC. Records and Reports See section A9 below. Measurement Performance Criteria The data quality objectives chosen to support the following data uses: (1) document the long-term water quality and streamflow conditions of the Assabet and Concord Rivers, and their tributaries with sufficient sensitivity to detect changes due to changes in management over natural variation, (2) be used in regulatory decisions, (3) inform OAR’s advocacy for the rivers,


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and (3) be used for outreach and education. Quality control measures and data quality objectives are list in Table 11 and Table 12. Precision: Water quality sampling: Precision is the degree of agreement among repeated measurements of the same analyte under the same condition, indicating how constant and reproducible the field sampling or analytical procedures have been. Precision will be measured by analyzing results from field duplicate sampling for water quality samples (Table 11: Frequency of Replicate, Blank, and Spiked Samples). Laboratory precision will be measured by analyzing results from laboratory duplicate samples. Comparing overall project precision and laboratory precision will help to identify sources of imprecision during the sampling and analysis of the samples. Stage measurements: Staff gage readings (stage measurements) will be made to the nearest 0.01 ft (± 0.02 ft). The precision of staff gage readings will be measured by having volunteers take independent replicate readings at 10% of the sites. Stage-discharge rating curves: A stage-discharge rating curve will be considered acceptable if all measured points used to establish the curve fall within 10% of the curve or within the estimated error bars for “poor” quality low flow discharge estimates. Instantaneous discharge measurements: Discharge measurements will be reported to 0.01 cfs. Precision of the discharge measurements will be assessed by making a duplicate discharge measurement immediately following one original measurement for every 10 field measurements. Field precision will be considered acceptable if the measurements fall within 10% of each other. Accuracy/Bias: Accuracy, a measure of confidence in a measurement, will be determined quantitatively with the analysis of matrix spiked samples for laboratory analyzed constituents in Table 12: Data Measurement Range and Accuracy. Stage-discharge rating curves: Accuracy of established rating curves will be checked at least once a year by OAR Staff Scientist. Additional discharge measurements will be taken to check the rating curve if changes to the staff gage position, channel morphology near the gage, or the gage control are observed. Acceptable measurements are used only to confirm the rating curve and are not added to an existing rating curve. If more than 2 consecutive discharge measurements or 3 non-consecutive measurements fall outside the acceptable range (within 10% of the curve or within the estimated error bars for streamflows less than 0.01cfs), the rating curve and gage site will be reviewed by USGS and, if necessary, the rating curve will be re-done or the staff gage moved and a new rating curve established (as described above). During the discharge measurement, stream width and depth will be measured to the nearest 0.01 ft ( ± 0.02 ft) unless otherwise noted. Representativeness and comparability: Data must be representative of condition existing at the time of sample collection and must be comparable with measurements of the same parameters taken in other years and/or by other organizations. To assess in-stream nutrient concentrations and loadings trends pre- and post-


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TMDL, OAR aims to keep sampling and analysis methods as consistent as possible and to keep a core of mainstem sampling sites the same; this will be particularly important in assessing total and ortho-phosphorus concentrations on the Assabet River. Standard collection and analysis methods are used for all parameters, so that the data should be comparable with data from other studies. For water quality parameters it is assumed that the bulk flow of the river is representative of conditions at the whole site. To ensure that the sample is representative of the bulk flow of the stream and is not contaminated by surface debris or bottom sediments, all grab samples for nutrient and suspended solids analysis are taken from the main flow of the river or stream, 6 – 12 inches below the surface (or in midflow where the depth is less than 6 inches), upstream of where the sampler is standing. Winter and high-flow samples may be taken using a sample collection rod (constructed and used according to instructions; Appendices A and H) from the bank or with a bucket from a bridge (according to instruction; Appendix A) to avoid wading in unsafe conditions. (Note: direct sampling is the preferred method, followed by using the collection pole, and only bucket sampling if no other method works safely. OAR is preparing equipment and directions for a basket-type sampler to replace the use of buckets as soon as possible.) Samples must be preserved immediately in accordance with protocol (Table 10: Sampling and Analytical Methods Requirements). Field and laboratory conditions that may affect sample integrity are to be documented on the field collection forms or laboratory logs. In-situ monitoring is also done in the main flow of the stream, at about half depth. Standard USGS methods are used for measuring streamflow to ensure that the data collected will be comparable with that collected by other organizations. Data Completeness: To ensure that samples and field data were properly collected, all field information will be reviewed by OAR. If data does not meet the data completeness objectives appropriate corrective actions will be determined, for example, re-sampling if feasible. (Table 5: Expected Sample Completeness.)

Table 5: Expected Sample Completeness Parameter Valid Samples Anticipated Valid Samples Needed Percent Completeness

stage reading 6 / month 5/ month >80% temperature 25/ month 23/ month >90% pH 25/ month 23/ month >90% DO 25/ month 23/ month >90% conductivity 25/ month 23/ month >90% TSS 25/ month 23/ month >90% TP 25/ month 23/ month >90% ortho – P 25/ month 23/ month >90% TKN 25/ month 23/ month >90% NO3 25/ month 23/ month >90% NH3 25/ month 23/ month >90% Streamflow 6 / year 6 / year 100%


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A8 SPECIAL TRAINING/CERTIFICATION OAR’s staff scientist, Suzanne Flint, has been trained by USGS staff to take instantaneous flow measurements, according to USGS standard current-meter methods for wadeable streams. Ms. Flint will participate in the yearly re-training for current-meter methods for wadeable streams offered jointly by USGS and Massachusetts Riverways Program’s RIFLs project. OAR staff will provide training for and oversee volunteers taking staff gage readings and water quality measurements as a part of OAR’s ongoing monitoring program. Both new and returning volunteers are required to participate in an annual training session at the beginning of the monitoring season. Each volunteer's most recent training date is recorded in the project database. Training consists of instruction, demonstration, and hands-on experience with the sampling techniques. Each volunteer receives a copy of OAR’s Monitoring Manual (updated yearly) and the trainers review the contents of the manual thoroughly. The trainers demonstrate the sampling techniques and, finally, the volunteers practice the sampling techniques in the river. Samples and field forms will be checked as they are collected at the OAR office and obvious problems will be brought to the volunteer’s attention and corrected on the spot if possible. For example, if a field blank appears to be a riverwater sample (or vice versa) the sample will be repeated. Relative percent differences (RPDs) of greater than 30% between field duplicates for water quality samples or greater than 0.02 ft for staff gage readings could indicate a problem in the volunteers’ sampling techniques. If a problem is detected, OAR staff will meet with the volunteer in the field on a sampling day to check their procedures and correct any problems. If necessary, refresher training will be conducted. In addition, once per sampling season an OAR staff member will perform an on-site evaluation of each sampling team’s technique and re-train as needed (a sample of the performance evaluation form is included in Appendix C). Volunteers’ training and evaluation records will be archived in the OAR office. OAR staff scientist Suzanne Flint will oversee all the training sessions. Ms. Flint holds a MS in Environmental Science and has coordinated OAR’s water quality and quantity monitoring program and QAPP compliance since 1999. A9 DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS Field data Standardized field forms will be used to record all field data (see Table 6). All field records will contain at a minimum the following information, (1) project name, (2) site name, (3) site number, (4) date and time of work, (5) site condition, and (6) persons performing work, (7) pre- and post-field instrument performance checks where applicable. Field notes will be completed on-site at the time measurements occur. Field records will be recorded using permanent pen; for any corrections needed, the error will be crossed out with a single line and the change initialed by the responsible person. All forms will be reviewed annually and updated as needed; the date of the most recent revision will be in the form’s footnote. All field and instrument calibration/performance documents will be archived indefinitely at the OAR office in West Concord, MA, and are available on request.


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Table 6: Program documents Document Generated by Purpose Archived

Water Quality and Streamflow Monitoring Manual (SOPs)

OAR Document sampling site descriptions, maps, sampling methods/instructions

OAR office, copies off-site

Sample labels Nashoba Analytical LLC, OAR

Identify field samples; includes laboratory address, analyses, preservative, sample number, date, time, samplers initials

N/A

River Observation Sheets OAR

Record time, date, site number & name, sample number, site observations, sampling method, samplers, qc samples


In-situ reading sheets OAR Record in-situ water quality readings OAR office, copies off-site

Chain of Custody Forms

OAR/Nashoba Analytical LLC Record sample chain of custody

OAR office; copies off-site, Nashoba Analytical LLC

Equipment checklist OAR List of field equipment OAR office, copies off-site

Procedure checklist OAR List of sampling procedures OAR office, copies off-site

Calibration forms OAR Record instrument calibration and performance; record calibration solution expiration dates/inspection


Volunteer training record and evaluation forms

OAR Record sampling team evaluations and any corrective actions taken


Sample analysis and QC reports

Nashoba Analytical LLC.

Summaries of sample analysis results and QC

OAR office; copies off-site, Nashoba Analytical LLC.

Discharge measurement field sheets

OAR Record field notes for instantaneous discharge measurements


QA/QC data package OAR Review all field data and QC data; reviewed by project QC officer


Final Monitoring Report OAR Report data and findings for the season OAR office, copies off-

site, webpage Reports and Database Laboratory data: All analysis and quality control documents for the laboratory analysis of nutrient and suspended solids samples will be recorded and archived by Nashoba Analytical LLC., according to their QAPP (Appendix D). Summaries of nutrient and suspended solids sample analyses and quality control measures for those samples (laboratory duplicates, laboratory blanks, and laboratory media spikes) will be sent to OAR and archived indefinitely at the OAR office in West Concord, MA, and are available upon request. (Table 6) Database: All streamflow and water quality data will be collected in a Microsoft Access database maintained by OAR staff. The database is designed to handle field data, laboratory data,


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instrument calibration/performance records, quality control data, water quality criteria, flow recommendations, and meta-data for each site on each sampling date. Each data point is uniquely identified by the combined sampling location and date. Data quality: Data quality (field and lab blank cleanliness; field and lab duplicate RPDs) is checked automatically as the original data and QC data is entered into the water quality database. Printouts from the database will be error checked manually by OAR’s Staff Scientist after each data entry session. Data will be further checked using graphical analysis each year as the data is prepared for publication. Data points falling outside the specified quality objectives will be discarded or flagged as questionable. Streamflow, water quality, and habitat indices will be calculated and indices and provisional data will be posted on the project web page. Backups: Backup copies of all computer data, are made weekly, or as needed, on automatic on-line backup system (SOS Online Backup 4.0.8.5). Periodically backup copies of all data are made on CD and maintained off-site. Reports: Raw data and quality control reports will be submitted annual to the project’s Quality Control Officer, Cindy Delpapa, for review. Reports will include a summary of field sample results, field quality control results, laboratory quality control results, and instrument calibration check results for each sampling date. Instantaneous streamflow measurement data taken to confirm the validity of stage/discharge rating curves will be submitted to Roy Socolow of USGS for review. Final water quality and streamflow data, after QC check, will be reported in a Final Monitoring Report for the season and may be included in the reports on other projects. All reports are archived indefinitely at the OAR office in West Concord, MA, and are available upon request. Final Monitoring Reports are also available on OAR’s webpage at www.assabetriver.org/wq/. QAPP: The Quality Assurance Program Plan will be reviewed annually and updated if there are significant changes. The document will be identified by title, date, and version number listed on the header of each page. All persons listed in the distribution list will receive updated copies. B1 SAMPLING PROCESS DESIGN Scheduled Ongoing Data Collection Activities Overall project activities are shown in Table 7. Data collection analytes, frequency of collection, number of sites sampled, and sampling matrices are summarized in Table 10 and below.

http://www.assabetriver.org/wq/


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Table 7: Project Time Line (ongoing)

Tasks Janu

ary

– M

arch

Apr

il –

Ju

ne

July

–

Sept

embe

r

Oct

ober

- D

ecem

ber

Write/review/revise data collection QAPP(s) Check stage/discharge rating curves at gage sites Recruit and train water quality monitoring volunteers Full water quality & streamflow monitoring Partial water quality & streamflow monitoring (gaged sites only) Update data (provisional) on webpage weekly Assess program / Write annual data report Attend regional conference

Streamflow data collection Concurrent with water quality samplings, volunteers or OAR staff, will take stage readings at six tributary sampling locations. Staff gages were installed by USGS (Massachusetts-Rhode Island Water Science Center, Northborough) or Massachusetts Riverways Program (River Instream Flow Stewards project) at six tributary stream sampling sites. Staff gage readings of stage will be taken according to USGS standard procedures and OAR SOP’s (Appendix A). Stage readings will be converted to discharge measurements using a stage/discharge rating curve developed for each site. OAR staff will take duplicate staff gage readings for quality control purposes. OAR staff will be responsible for instantaneous discharge measurements taken to confirm the accuracy of established stage-discharge curves and/or establish new curves as needed (as described above in Section A7: Data Collection). Digital pictures will be taken of the gaging sites when discharge measurements are taken to help with data interpretation. The streamflow data collected will be compared with recommended flows to calculate the “Stream Flow Index” and (together with water quality data) the “Stream Health Index.” Water quality data collection Once each month in February, April, June, July, August, and October, volunteers and/or OAR staff will test water quality at the 25 monitoring sites, both tributary and mainstem sites. In February, April, and October sampling will be conducted at just the gaged locations to assess nutrient loadings in the non-growing season. Dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, and temperature will be measured on site using an YSI multi-function probe. Bottle samples will be taken to be analyzed for nutrients (total phosphorus, ortho-phosphorus, nitrates, ammonia) and suspended solids at Nashoba Analytical LLC or Premier Laboratories (total Kjeldahl nitrogen). Data collection and analysis is summarized below in Table 9 and Table 10. Data collected from other sources USGS real-time discharge readings will be downloaded from the USGS NWIS website for five sampling locations (


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Table 8) concurrent with water quality samplings. Discharge reading will be confirmed when the USGS Water Year report is published with final data. Groundwater levels at the USGS groundwater monitoring well in Acton, MA, (USGS 422812071244401) will be recorded from the relevant USGS webpage and confirmed when the USGS Water Year report is published with final data.

Table 8: USGS real-time streamflow & groundwater level data

Waterbody OAR Site # Location USGS Gage Identification

Assabet River near ABT-311

Mill Road, Westborough, MA 010965995

Assabet River ABT-077 Rte 27 Maynard, MA 01097000 Nashoba Brook NSH-047 Wheeler Lane, Acton, MA 01097300 Nashoba Brook NSH-002 Commonwealth Ave., West Concord, MA 01097380 Concord River CND-009 below River Meadow Brook, at Lowell, MA 01099500 Groundwater n/a MA-ACW 158 Acton, MA 422812071244401 Design of the Sampling Network (Mainstem and Tributary Sites) Mainstem sampling sites were selected over the years to assess to impact of wastewater treatment plant discharges and to get a synoptic view of water quality and streamflow in the watershed. OAR’s longest-standing sites are the ten Assabet River mainstem sites originally selected in 1992; these sites are above and below the wastewater treatment plants that discharge to the river. In 2009, the program’s sampling sites will include 13 mainstem Assabet River sites (including the original ten sites), 3 mainstem Concord River sites, one mainstem Sudbury River site, and 9 sites on tributary streams. The mainstem Concord River sites were selected to give a representative picture of conditions in the Concord at the top (just below the confluence of the Assabet and Sudbury Rivers), middle (in Billerica), and bottom of the river (upstream of the confluence of the Concord with the Merrimack River). The Sudbury River site, just above the Sudbury’s confluence with the Concord, will provide information on its influence on the Concord River. The goals of the streamflow measurements are to raise awareness of the tributaries of the basin, to assess habitat conditions for native fish over the expected low flow summer period, and to assess instantaneous nutrient loading from the tributary streams. The tributary sub-basins were chosen represent the main tributaries in the towns of Lowell, Concord, Acton, Maynard, Stow, Hudson, Marlborough, Berlin, Northborough, Shrewsbury, and Westborough. The tributaries chosen represent the range of hydraulic conditions of tributaries in the basin, from the steeper streams in the upper watershed (3.5 - 5.0% slope and 24-29% area stratified drift) to the flatter streams of the lower watershed (1.3 - 1.7% slope and 58 -78% area stratified drift). Stream statitstics were calculated using USGS’s StreamStats online program (http://streamstatsags.cr.usgs.gov/ma_ss/default.aspx?stabbr=MA&dt=1243013254562). The tributary sites were selected, where possible, in the lower part of the drainage to capture water quality conditions entering the mainstem, but were constrained to locations where a staff gage likely to have a stable rating curve could be installed. Stream gaging site requirements are described in Rantz and others (1982a); in general the gage site must provide an adequate-size gaging pool and a stable control to be able to develop a relatively stable stage/discharge curve.

http://streamstatsags.cr.usgs.gov/ma_ss/default.aspx?stabbr=MA&dt=1243013254562


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Sites for water quality sampling and staff gage readings to be taken by volunteers must provide safe parking nearby, must be near road, must be either on a public right-of-way or on private property for which permission for access can be obtained, and must be safely wadeable under summer flow conditions. Sampling sites and gage locations are listed in Table 2 above. Driving directions to sampling locations and maps of the locations will be contained in OAR’s Water Quality and Streamflow Monitoring Manuals given out to all volunteer samplers. Analyte Selection Rationale The sampling parameters selected are relevant to the high-priority water quality issues identified for the Assabet River, specifically, nutrient saturation and low base-flow. Sampling parameters were also chosen to provide information on habitat conditions for native fish in the tributaries, and to provide information on the condition of the tributaries with respect to Massachusetts water quality standards for dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature and EPA regional guidance on nutrient concentrations in rivers. Observations taken at each sampling site include: date and time of sampling, samplers, weather observations, air temperature, water color and odor, gage height (if a gage is present) and estimated “channel flow status” (based on the EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocol, an estimate of the amount of the channel bed covered with water). Parameters measured with YSI 6000-series meters are water temperature, pH, DO, and conductivity. The water samples analyzed by the contract lab, Nashoba Analytical LLC. (Massachusetts State Certified Testing Laboratory # MA1118), include: total suspended solids (TSS), , total phosphorus (TP), orthophosphate (ortho-P), nitrate (NO3), and ammonia (NH3). Total Kjeldahl nitrogen analysis is subcontracted by Nashoba Analytical to Premier Laboratory (Massachusetts State Certified Testing Laboratory #M-CT008). Sampling and calibration procedures are detailed in OAR’s water quality monitoring manual (Appendix A). B2 SAMPLING METHODS OAR volunteers will be organized into three-person teams, each led by an experienced volunteer. Teams will monitor at sampling 6 – 8 stations each along the upper, middle, or lower section of the Assabet watershed, or in the Concord River watershed. Teams will record observations and take in-situ measurements using an YSI 6000-series multi-function meter and take grab samples for analysis of nutrients and suspended solids. Sampling sites are listed in Table 2. Water quality sampling methods are detailed in the attached Assabet and Concord River StreamWatch Manual (Appendix A) and YSI 6-Series Environmental Monitoring Systems Operations Manual and YSI 650 MDS Operation Manual (available on line at https://www.ysi.com/DocumentServer/DocumentServer?docID=X_OBS_6SERIES_REVC_MANUAL and https://www.ysi.com/DocumentServer/DocumentServer?docID=EMS_650MDS_MANUAL. Detailed instructions for backup plans in case of equipment failure or loss are included in the Monitoring Manual. Volunteers will be supplied with backup sampling bottles, batteries for the YSI data loggers, and instructions to call the OAR office in case of problems with the YSI meters. OAR staff will always be available during a sampling event to trouble-shoot any problems. Table 10

https://www.ysi.com/DocumentServer/DocumentServer?docID=X_OBS_6SERIES_REVC_MANUAL


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“Sampling and Analytical Methods Requirements” provides a summary of the sampling requirements, sample volumes, preservation methods, analytical methods, and holding times.

Table 9: Project Sampling SOP Reference Reference / Appendix Originating Organization Procedure Modified

for Project Work

Appendix A OAR Water quality sampling N Appendix A OAR YSI-6000 water monitoring

meter operations summary N

Appendix D Nashoba Analytical LLC Laboratory QAPP N Appendix E Nashoba Analytical LLC SOPs for NH3, NO3, TP,

ortho-P, TSS

Appendix F Premier Laboratory Laboratory QAPP N Appendix G Premier Laboratory SOP for TNK N Appendix H MA DEP/ DWM Sample Collection Rod N

Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982a. Rantz, S.E. and others, 1982b. Smoot, G.F., and C.E. Novak, 1968.

USGS Pygmy Current Meter operation/maintenance

N

Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982a. USGS Staff gage installation N Available on-line at:

https://www.ysi.com/ysi/Support YSI YSI-6000 water monitoring

meter operations N

Available on-line at: https://www.ysi.com/ysi/Support

YSI YSI-650 data logger operations manual

N

B3 SAMPLE HANDLING AND CUSTODY Only the bottle samples for nutrient and suspended solids analysis require handling. Sample sizes, containers, preservation, and holding times are summarized in Table 10. Sample containers are supplied by Nashoba Analytical LLC, and are new. For all samples requiring preservative, Nashoba Analytical LLC. supplies sample bottles with 2 ml of 18 N H2SO4 in each 250-ml bottle to ensure that the samples are acidified immediately upon collection. Sample preservation is later checked in the laboratory and adjusted with 18 N H2SO4 to pH < 2.0 if necessary. Laboratory staff will notify OAR if samples were not adequately preserved in the field. All water quality sampling by volunteers will be coordinated by OAR staff. All sample containers will be labeled before delivery to the volunteer samplers with the OAR site ID# (denotes sampling location and is used as the sample ID#), replicate identification, the tests to be performed, any preservative used, and the date. In the field, the samplers check the pre-labeled information against the chain of custody form, add their initials and time of collection to the bottle label, and record the time of collection on the chain of custody form. Samples are put immediately on ice in a cooler (i.e. at 4°c in the dark). Each cooler is supplied with a “temperature blank,” a sample bottle with distilled water that is placed in the cooler at the start of the sampling. A temperature reading from the blank is checked on arrival at the OAR office. Using a temperature blank avoids the possibility of thermometer breakage from being placed directly in the cooler or the possibility of sample contamination by checking the temperature of an actual sample. Samples are transported to the OAR office by a designated member of the sampling team and are surrendered to an OAR staff member or another designated check-in person. In the office, the temperature inside the cooler is recorded; samples are checked and

https://www.ysi.com/ysi/Support

https://www.ysi.com/ysi/Support


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sorted into coolers for transport to the laboratories. All samples for Nashoba Analytical are kept on ice in a large cooler and are delivered to the lab for analysis within 24 hours of collection by OAR staff or designated volunteer. At the lab, samples are surrendered to Nashoba Analytical staff. Chain of custody forms will be used to record time of collection and all transport and storage information. Completed Chain of Custody forms are permanently archived at the OAR office. Samples are identified by OAR site number: three letter designation for the stream and three digit number designating river miles of the site above stream confluence with the Assabet River mainstem. For example: the sampling site on Elizabeth Brook, 0.4 mi upstream from the confluence with the Assabet River, will be ELZ-004. Field replicate and field blank sample sites are chosen randomly for each sampling date and are designated by QC-xx (e.g. QC-01 for the first quality control sample). The record of sample identification, QC type (field duplicate or field blank) and sites where the QC samples were collected will be kept at the OAR office with the list of samples for each sampling date and entered in the database accordingly. A total of 10% replicate field samples are done for each analyte on each sampling date. Sample bottles are new and are not reused; no decontamination or disposal of materials in the field is necessary. Field blanks are taken to ensure that the bottles are free of contamination. No by-products are produced in the sampling process. B4 ANALYTICAL METHODS Analytical methods, and sampling equipment required are listed in Table 10 “Sampling and Analytical Methods Requirements” below.


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Table 10: Sampling and Analytical Methods Requirements

Matrix Parameter Sample Type

Sample Frequency

Sampling Method

Sampling Equipment

Sample Volume

Sample Container

Sample Preservative

Analytical Method #

Holding Time

River water stage in-situ 6 per year Appendix A staff gage none

required none required none required ---- ----

River water

instantaneous discharge in-situ 1x per year

(minimum) Appendix A Pygmy / Price AA flow meter

none required none required none required --- ---

Air temperature in-situ 6 per year Appendix A alcohol thermometer

none required none required none required ---- ----

River water temperature in-situ 6 per year Appendix A YSI 6000

series none required none required none required ---- ----

River water pH in-situ 6 per year Appendix A YSI 6000


River water DO in-situ 6 per year Appendix A YSI 6000


River water conductivity in-situ 6 per year Appendix A YSI 6000


River water TSS grab 6 per year Appendix A bottle 500-ml plastic, 500-ml 4°C in dark SM 2540D 7 days

River water TP grab 6 per year Appendix A bottle 250-ml plastic, 250-ml H2SO4 to pH <

2.0, 4°C, dark SM-4500-P-E 28 days

River water

total reactive ortho– P grab 6 per year Appendix A bottle 500-ml plastic, 500-ml 4°C, dark SM-4500-P-E 48 hours

River water TKN grab 6 per year Appendix A bottle 250-ml plastic, 250-ml H2SO4 to pH <

2.0, 4°C, dark EPA 351.1 28 days

River water NO3 grab 6 per year Appendix A bottle 500-ml plastic, 500-ml 4°C in dark EPA 300.0 48 hours

River water NH3 grab 6 per year Appendix A bottle 250-ml plastic, 250-ml H2SO4 to pH <

2.0, 4°C, dark SM4500-NH3-D 28 days

a EPA 1983. “Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes,” EPA-600/4-87-017, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Cincinnati, March 1983.


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B5 QUALITY CONTROL Field QC Checks Table 11 “Frequency of Replicate, Blank, and Spiked Samples” lists the frequency of QC checks. Replicate sampling provides data to assess the precision of the method, the volunteer, and the lab analyst. Field blanks check for contamination from the sample bottles and from field sampling techniques. Volunteers will take ten percent replicate field samples and ten percent field blanks (distilled water) at sites selected randomly for: total phosphorus, ortho-phosphate, nitrate, ammonia, TSS, and TKN. An effort will be made to ensure that QC samples are distributed evenly among the sites and sampling teams throughout the year. Replicate readings for in-situ measurements (DO, pH, conductivity, ORP, and temperature) will be taken using all available YSI meters at two sampling locations or multiple readings with one instrument at 10% of the sites during each sampling event to assess the precision of the measurements. The results of field replicate and blank samples will be maintained with the season’s data. Air temperature measurements with the alcohol thermometers will be duplicated at two randomly selected sampling locations during each sampling event. Readings will be taken by two different volunteers using the same thermometer to assess the precision of the volunteer’s readings. Replicate staff gage readings will be taken by having two volunteers take independent readings at 10% of the gage locations. To evaluate discharge measurements and the repeatability of cross-section measurements, discharge surveys shall include one duplicate discharge measurement taken immediately after the original measurement for every 10 measurements. The relative percent difference (%RPD) between the two calculated flow estimates will measure the overall precision of the flow data (including “error” due to natural temporal and sampling variability). The absolute difference between cross-section measurements will provide an estimate of the precision of that measurement.

Table 11: Frequency of Replicate, Blank, and Spiked Samples

Parameter Field Duplicates

Field Blanks

Lab Duplicates Lab Blanks Lab Spikes

Staff gage readings 10% - - - - Discharge measurements 10% - - - - Air temperature 10% - - - - Water temperature 10%a - - - - pH 10% a - - - 10% DO 10% a - - - - Conductivity 10% a - - - - TP 10% 10% 5 - 10 % 5 - 10 % 5 - 10 % Ortho-P 10% 10% 5 - 10 % 5 - 10 % 5 - 10 % Nitrate 10% 10% 5 - 10 % 5 - 10 % 5 - 10 % Ammonia 10% 10% 5 - 10 % 5 - 10 % 5 - 10 % TKN 10% 10% 5 - 10 % 5 - 10 % 5 - 10 % TSS 10% 10% 5 - 10 % 5 - 10 % 5 - 10 %


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a YSI 6000-series measurements for temperature, pH, DO, conductivity are replicated at two sampling sites using all available instruments, or at 10% of the sites by taking multiple readings with the same instrument if only one instrument is being used. Laboratory QC Checks Attached as appendices is Nashoba Analytical LLC’s QAPP and SOPs (Appendix D). Laboratory QC samples are defined in the laboratory QAPP and SOPs. Laboratory QC results will be reported to OAR and archived with the season’s sampling data. Completeness Completeness is the number of measurements that have been judged valid compared to the number of samples expected. OAR expects >80% of the staff gage readings, and >90% of in-situ and nutrient samples to be completed. Several steps are taken to ensure sampling accuracy and completeness. (1) Volunteer sampling teams are supplied with a set of pre-labeled bottles for each sampling site

and, with their equipment, a complete set of spare bottles. (2) The bottle sets for each sampling are assembled by OAR staff before the sampling event and

are re-checked before the bottles are delivered to the volunteers. (3) Chain of custody forms, pre-printed with the samples required for each site, are used as an

extra check that all required samples are taken. (4) The YSI meters go into the field with their manuals and a repair kit. (5) OAR staff is available during every sampling event to trouble-shoot problems. (6) Current meters and data loggers for discharge measurements go into the field with spare parts

and batteries. A spare set of equipment for discharge measurements is available in the office: Pygmy meter, wading rod, tape measure, data logger.

Acceptance Criteria Field replicates should be within ± 30% of each other and laboratory duplicates should be within ± 20% of each other, unless the measurement less than 5 times the method detection level (in which case the acceptance level for each parameter is specified in Table 12). Lab and field blanks should not exceed the method’s minimum detection levels. Lab spikes should show between 85 – 115% recoveries. If the QC samples do not meet acceptance criteria the data will be checked with the laboratory for transcription errors, flagged as questionable or censored (based on the severity of the non-conformity and best professional judgement). QA steps will be taken (e.g. re-training, equipment checks) to assure acceptable results. The YSI 6000-series instruments will be calibrated before and after each sampling event to ensure that the instrument has remained calibrated during the day and has not drifted from the original calibration. The following limits are proposed as verification of drift as less than 5-10% (depending on parameter) of the range of values expected to be measured: temperature ± 1.0 ο C, pH ± 0.20 S.U., dissolved oxygen ± 10% saturation or 1.0 mg/L, conductivity ± 50 μS/cm, and ORP ± 100 mV. If drift exceeds these limits the data will be flagged as questionable and the instrument will be checked and serviced if needed. Duplicate stage readings must be ± 0.01 ft or within the margin of fluctuation of the readings (in cases where the reading must be estimated because the water surface is moving). Instantaneous


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discharge readings must be within ± 15% of the established rating curve or within the estimated error bars for discharge measurements less than 0.1 cfs. QC Calculations Relative percent difference between field duplicate samples or laboratory duplicate samples will be calculated as follows: RPD = | original measurement - duplicate measurement | x 100 0.5 (original measurement + duplicate measurement) The percent recovery (%R) for media spike samples will be determined according to the following equation: % R = Measured concentration in spiked sample - amount in sample x 100 Known amount added Completeness is the ratio of the number of valid sample results to the total number of samples analyzed with a specific matrix and/or analysis. Following completion of the analytical testing, the percent completeness will be calculated by the following equation: Completeness = number of valid measurements x 100 number of planned measurements Corrective Actions If measurements are determined to be out of QC acceptance range those measurements will be flagged and may be excluded from reports. Corrective actions may include: repeat sampling when feasible, recalibration of instruments, retraining of volunteer gage readers and water quality samplers. All flow data will be posted as “provisional” until the next discharge measurement confirms the stability of the rating curve used to calculate flow from stage readings. Discharge measurements outside of QC acceptance range will be repeated. If more than two consecutive or three non-consecutive discharge measurement are outside the acceptance range the rating curve will be reviewed to determine corrective actions, which may include: re-doing the rating curve, re-surveying the gage height, re-checking the point-of-zero-flow (PZF), moving the staff gage to a better location, or abandoning the gaging site. Documenting QC Results All QC results for water quality measurements will be recorded in the project database. Rating curve and discharge measurement QC results and instrument calibration records will be recorded stored in Excel spreadsheets.


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Table 12: Data Measurement Range and Accuracy

Data Quality Objectives Instrument/ Laboratory Parameter Critical/No

n-critical Limit of Detection/ Measurement Range Accuracy Field Precision Lab

Precision Field Blank Cleanliness

Staff Gage stage Critical 0 - 6 feet ± 0.01 ft < 10% RPD na na

Pygmy current meter instantaneous flow Critical 0.1 to 5 ft/s velocity a

0.1 to 4.9 ft depth ± 15 % of rating curve or within estimated error bars for measurements <0.01cfs 2%a na

Price AA current meter instantaneous flow Critical 0.1 to 25 ft/s velocity

0.5 to 5 ft depth ± 15 % of rating curve or within estimated error bars for measurements <0.01cfs 2%a na

Ambient air temperature Non-critical 0 to 45° C ± 2 °C < 10% RPD na na YSI 6000-series Thermistor probe temperature Critical -5 to 45° C ± 1 °C < 10% RPD < 2010%

RPD na

YSI 6000-series Glass Electrode pH Critical 0 to 14 units ± 0.2 S.U. at pH

7.00 < 20% RPD < 20% RPD na

YSI 6000-series Rapid Pulse DO Critical 0 to 50 mg/L ± 10% at 100% DO

sat < 20% RPD < 20% RPD na

YSI 6000-series 4-electrode cell Conductivity

Non-critical 0 to 100 mS/cm ± 50 μS at

0 and 1000 μS/cm < 30% RPD < 20% RPD na

Nashoba Analytical LLC TSS Critical 1.0 mg/L - 100 mg/L 85-115% recovery

of lab fortified blank < 30% RPD < 20% RPD BLD

Nashoba Analytical LLC TP Critical 0.01 mg/L -

1.0 mg/L b 85-115% recovery of lab fortified blank

< 20% RPD or ± 0.01 mg/L if <0.030 mg/L < 20% RPD BLD

Nashoba Analytical LLC ortho – P Critical 0.01 mg/L -

1.0 mg/L a 85-115% recovery of lab fortified blank

< 20% RPD or ± 0.01 mg/L if <0.030 mg/L < 20% RPD BLD

Premier Laboratory Inc. TKN Critical 0.5 mg/L - 100mg/L a 85-115% recovery of lab fortified blank < 30% RPD < 20% RPD BLD

Nashoba Analytical LLC NO3 Critical 0.05 mg/L - 10mg/L a 85-115% recovery


Nashoba Analytical LLC NH3 Critical 0.1 mg/L - 10mg/L a 85-115% recovery


a Instrument range of measurement and precision based on manufacturer’s information: www.gpi-hydro.com/meters.htm; total expected measurement range is site-dependent, varying with depth, velocity, and total stream width. b if sample exceeds detection range an appropriate dilution is done and the test is repeated


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B6 INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENT TESTING, INSPECTION, AND MAINTENANCE YSI 6000-series Water Monitoring Meters YSI water monitoring meters used during this project will be visually inspected prior to use and stored and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Standard spare parts are supplied by the manufacturer with the instrument’s repair kit; other spare parts are readily available from YSI Inc. The manufacturer’s manual, spare data logger battery, repair directions, and a DO sensor membrane repair kit accompany the meter into the field at all times. If an instrument fails in the field the operator is instructed to contact OAR staff for corrective action. Corrective actions may include: doing simple repairs in the field or completing the sampling using the different instrument. If the DO membrane is replaced in the field the sensor must be operated in “Run Mode” for 15 to 30 minutes to break in the membrane (YSI operations manual Section 2.9.2) and then the sensor must be recalibrated against 100% water-saturated air. OAR’s two YSI meters will be maintained by OAR; three YSI meters will be rented each sampling weekend from US Environmental Rental Corporation, 166 Riverview Avenue, Waltham, MA. The contact is Todd Roberts (781-899-6969). US Environmental Rental Corp. maintains their instruments in good working order and pre-calibrates them. Current Meters Current meters and wading rods will be inspected prior to use and tested by conducting a “free spin” test to ensure that the rotation current meter cups are free of obstruction and move freely during operation. Current meters will be inspected annually by USGS and maintained according to Smoot and Novak (1968). Spare parts are readily available from the manufacturer through Ricky Hydrological Co. Major repairs will be done by Rickly Hydrological Co. Alcohol Thermometers Once a year (usually in May), the sampling kits given to volunteers will be inspected and refurbished as needed by OAR staff. Kits include alcohol thermometers (or other non-mercury thermometers), manuals, maps, clipboard, gage cleaning sponge, and spare sampling bottles. Alcohol thermometers, each identified with an inventory code, will be inspected visually for any breaks in the glass or separations in the column and checked for accuracy against an NIST-traceable certified thermometer. A correction factor is calculated if needed, and the results of the check and any correction factors are recorded in the project database. Using the correction factors, air temperatures readings are modified and the corrected value recorded in the water quality database. At the start of each sampling event thermometers are checked for cracks or separations in their fluid column. B7 INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION AND FREQUENCY YSI water monitoring meters will be calibrated according to the manufacturer’s recommended procedures immediately prior to and after each sampling session. Instrument drift over the sampling period should be less than the acceptance criteria listed in Table 12. Before each field use the YSI meters are calibrated against commercially available standard solutions according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After each use, the meters are re-checked against the standard solutions and any drift in the readings is recorded. All calibration and repair records are kept at


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the OAR office. Standard solutions cannot be reused; the solutions are replaced annually or as needed before their expiration date and are stored tightly capped at room temperature. Current meters and wading rods will be visually checked before each field use for any damage to the cups, wear on the pin, or damage to the wading rod. A spin test will be conducted before and after each field use to ensure that the meter is spinning freely.

Table 13: Instrument Inspection and Calibration Specifications

Parameter Equipment Type

Inspection Activity

Calibration Frequency

Standard or Calibration Instrument

Acceptance Criteria

Corrective Action

SOP in Appx.

Flow Pygmy current meter

Spin test Before and after each use

0.5 - 1.5 minutes free spin

+/- 5% Lubricate all bearings with instrument oil

Flow Price AA current meter

Spin test Before and after each use

>2.0 minutes free spin

Lubricate all bearings with instrument oil

Air temperature

Alcohol thermometer Visual

Before and after each field season

thermometer, NIST traceable

± 2.0 °C

Assign correction factor; replace instrument

A

Water temperature

YSI temperature probe

Operation

Checked before and after each field use

thermometer, NIST traceable

± 1.0 °C Clean probe or service as necessary

A

Dissolved Oxygen

YSI DO probe Operation

Before and after use in the field

water-saturated air (100%) ; sodium sulfite solution (0%)

± 10 % saturation, or ± 1.0 mg/L

Replace membrane or service as necessary and recalibrate

A

pH YSI pH probe Operation

Before and after use in the field

Calitech pH standards: pH 4.00, 7.00 and 10.00

± 0.20 S.U.

Clean probe or service as necessary and recalibrate

A

Conduct-ivity

YSI conductivity probe

Operation Before and after use in the field

Calitech Conductivity Standard: 1,000μS/cm Distilled/ deionized water: 0 μS/cm

± 50 μS /cm

Clean probe or service as necessary and recalibrate

A

B8 INSPECTION/ACCEPTANCE OF SUPPLIES AND CONSUMABLES New, unused sample bottles for nutrient and suspended solids sampling are supplied by Nashoba Analytical LLC. All sample bottles are inspected visually by OAR staff before use and must be


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clean and free of cracks; sample bottles with preservative are inspected visually for the presence of preservative. Sample bottles must be correctly labeled. YSI meters from US Environmental Rental Co. are checked visually by OAR staff and must meet all calibration criteria previously outlined in this document. Calibration solutions are inspected for proper labeling, expiration dates and appropriate grade. Solutions will be labeled with date received/inspected and will be replaced annually or before they exceed the manufacturer’s recommended shelf life, whichever comes first. Solution lot numbers will be recorded in the instrument calibration sheet. Appropriate corrective actions will be taken for supplies and consumables not meeting acceptance criteria, e.g., replacement, return to vendor. B9 NON-DIRECT MEASUREMENTS USGS real-time discharge readings will be downloaded from the USGS NWIS website for five sampling locations ( Table 8 on page 22) concurrent with water quality samplings. Discharge reading will be confirmed when the USGS Water Year report is published with final data. Groundwater levels at the USGS groundwater monitoring well in Acton, MA, (USGS 422812071244401) will be recorded from the relevant USGS webpage and confirmed when the USGS Water Year report is published with final data. B10 DATA MANAGEMENT Data Recording Field observations, channel geometry, and stage and discharge measurements will be recorded using permanent marker, on appropriate data sheets or logbooks for each sampling site. In-situ water quality readings will be recorded on a data sheet in the field and logged with the YSI data logger. Corrections on original field sheets or logs will be made by crossing out the error and writing in the correct value; all corrections are initialed. All instrument calibration information will be recorded on calibration sheets. River observation field sheets taken by OAR volunteers will be reviewed by OAR staff for legibility, errors, and questionable values; any questions are referred to the collector for clarification. Stage measurements, instrument calibration information, and analytical sampling results will be entered from field sheets or lab reports, respectively, into the OAR Access database for storage and into Excel spreadsheets for analysis. Data from the YSI data logger will be uploaded directly to an Ecowatch (YSI) spreadsheet and then transferred to OAR’s project database for storage and Excel spreadsheets for analysis. Discharge measurements will be downloaded from the AquaCalc data loggers to spreadsheets using “AquaCalc Data Link” software supplied by the manufacturer. For all water quality data the following DQI’s will be calculated and recorded with the associated data in the project database: relative percent difference (RPD) between field duplicates, RPDs between laboratory duplicates, % recovery from laboratory media spikes, % recovery from field and laboratory blanks, instrument drift, absolute difference between stage readings, and % completeness.


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Data Transformation/Data Reductions/Data Analysis The data transformations needed before raw data is entered in the project database will be: application of thermometer correction factors to air temperature measurements, and calculating total nitrogen as a sum of total Kjeldahl nitrogen and nitrate-N. For reporting, streamflow, water quality and habitat indices will be calculated from water quality and streamflow data using a customized Access database. All calculations made during data transformation will be checked 100% prior to dissemination of the transformed information. Data Tracking, Storage, and Retrieval The Organization for the Assabet River will be responsible for data storage, management, and retrieval. Data will be stored in a central project file and stored and managed using an open access database, Microsoft Access, held on a Compaq Presario with a Pentium(r)II processor (128.0 MB of RAM; 11.2 GB hard drive) networked with three similar desktop computers. The database will be designed to handle field data, quality control data, water quality criteria, flow recommendations, and meta-data for each site on each sampling date. The database is tailored to calculate the flow, habitat availability, water quality, and overall stream health indices. The database will be backed up once a week using an automated on-line backup service (SOS Online) and to CD for offsite storage once a month. Data Delivery Data will be delivered on the OAR webpage and in annual written reports. Full Quality Control Reports will be available upon request. After routine error checking by OAR staff, the processed data and calculated indices will be loaded to the web. Data uploading to the web page is password protected. The web interface itself uses industry standard components (HTML, Java, JavaScripts) and dynamic components via CGI (common gateway interface). The web page will be run on a commercial server provided by an ISP such as Domain Host International (which currently hosts the OAR web page). C1 ASSESSMENTS AND RESPONSE ACTIONS

Table 14: Planned Project Assessments

Assessment Type Frequency Internal/ External Organization Person(s)

Responsible Project surveillance Ongoing Internal OAR Suzanne Flint Field audit of volunteers Annually or as needed Internal OAR Suzanne Flint

Laboratory Technical systems Annually External Nashoba

Analytical LLC. David Knowlton

Laboratory Technical systems Annually External Premier

Laboratory Inc. Robert Stevenson

Technical review of streamflow gaging Annually External USGS Roy Socolow

Data Validation Annually External Massachusetts DFWELE

Cindy Delpapa

Peer review of project Annually External DEP Warren Kimball


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Data Quality Assessment Annually Internal OAR Suzanne Flint

Assessment of Subsidiary Organizations Nashoba Analytical LLC. and Premier Laboratory Inc., as part of their internal QA Programs, will conduct laboratory performance and system audits. As a state-certified laboratories, Nashoba Analytical LLC (M-MA1118) and Premier Laboratory Inc. (M-CT008) undergo the state inspection and audits needed to maintain their certification. An assessment of the reported laboratory QC sample results will be conducted when data from each sampling is received. Assessment of Project Activities Project surveillance and periodic review of the monitoring/sampling activities will be the responsibility of the project manager, Suzanne Flint. For water quality sampling, each volunteer team’s performance will be evaluated (for completeness of sampling, quality of samples, completeness of data recorded, completeness of chain of custody forms) by OAR staff when the day’s samples are checked in. In addition, once a year the OAR staff will perform a field audit of each volunteer team’s technique and re-train as needed (a sample of the performance evaluation form is included in Appendix C). Replicate samples are used to check volunteers’ performance and laboratory performance. If errors in sampling technique are detected, on-site retraining is conducted during the next sampling event. Equipment performance, data entry, and data management are evaluated on an ongoing basis. When results from QC samples fall outside acceptable ranges, OAR staff will review the available data. Some or all of the following actions may be applied: review of the system in question, re-sampling, schedule replicate sampling of the site during the next sampling event, reconsideration of acceptable limits, rejection of the data and exclusion from the report, rejection or relocation of the sampling site. Field and laboratory activities may be reviewed by state and EPA quality assurance officers as requested. Reporting and Resolution of Issues If it is found through planned project assessments that there are QAPP deviations or project deficiencies, appropriate response to address non-conformances will be chosen in consultation with the project QC officer and external reviewers. Appropriate corrective action responses to ensure that the data quality is adequate for its intended use can include: (1) system audit for the analyte in question, (2) determination of matrix interference, (3) reconstruction of acceptable limits with statements explaining the results of the action/rationale, (4) rejection of data and exclusion from the report with written explanation, (5) rejection of the entire site location with recommendation of relocation of the sample site, (6) revision of SOPs, (7) checking staff gage rating, height, and/or PZF, (8) move staff gage or abandon gaging site. The corrective actions decided upon will be implemented and directed by the project manager. Because many of these actions involve modification of the original QAPP, all modifications will be documented and submitted for approval in the same manner as the original QAPP. All amendments/changes to the original QAPP will be incorporated in the annual revision of the QAPP. Only after the modification has been approved can the change be implemented.


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C2 REPORTS TO MANAGEMENT

Table 15: QA Management Reports

Type of Report Frequency Delivery Date Person(s) Responsible

Report Recipient

Written QC reports Annually Annually Suzanne Flint QA Officer, Mass DEP

Final report Annually, completion of data collection and reviews Annually Suzanne Flint

MA DEP, general public, towns

The written QC report will include: development of project quality objects, summary of major/critical problems encountered and their resolution, raw QC data and QC data summary, reconciliation of project data with project quality objectives, conclusions. D1 DATA REVIEW, VALIDATION, AND VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Sampling Design/Sample Collection/Sample Handling Sample collection manuals will be used in the field during the water quality sample collection events, and staff gage readings. The OAR staff will update the Water Quality and Streamflow Monitoring Manual annually. The manual includes detailed maps of the sample locations, and the types of samples to be collected, and detailed directions for collecting each sample type or in-situ monitoring of water quality parameters. Deviations in sampling procedures (alternate locations, high sediment loads, etc.) or suspect calibration information will be documented on field sheets at the time of sampling. OAR staff will verify that appropriate methodology was used, instruments were functioning properly, samples were analyzed within holding times, and that measurements were within the calibration ranges. Sample handling will be documented on field sheets and Chain-of-Custody sheets; information will include sampling equipment, sampler’s initials, time of collection, preservation methods, and time of transfer. Analytical Procedures and QC for Water Quality Parameters Data quality indicators for stage readings and water quality samples (RPDs between field and laboratory duplicates, percent recovery for spiked samples and blanks, % completeness) will be computed after each sampling event to ensure that QC analyses were performed at the proper frequency and DQOs were met. Nashoba Analytical LLC and Premier Laboratory Inc.will conduct internal quality control according to their respective laboratory QA/QC Manuals. The analytical data from QC samples generated by each lab (media spikes, blanks, and laboratory duplicates) for OAR’s sample run will be independently reviewed by OAR staff for compliance with DQO’s. After the review of DQI’s is complete, water quality data will be analyzed graphically for outlying data points, questionable values, or unusual data trends and compared with historical data. The project manager will assign data qualifiers as needed. A summary of deviations from DQO’s and actions taken will be included in the project database and archived with the data.


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D2 VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION METHODS The goal of data verification is to ensure that the data are what they purport to be, that is, that the reported results reflect what was actually done, and to document that the data fulfill applicable requirements. The goal of data validation is to identify and evaluate the impact of any technical non-compliance or quality control non-conformances on the complete data set. Data verification and validation for all water quality and stage measurement data will be the combined responsibility of the project manager, Suzanne Flint, and the project QA/QC officer, Cindy Delpapa. Flow measurements for developing and maintaining stage/discharge rating curves will be subject to review by USGS. Verification and validation measures and will be the responsibility of the project manager. For water quality and stage measurements, the project manager will conduct the initial verification and validation checks and generate the initial data package including field sheets, raw data and data summaries, chain-of-custody forms, analytical results, and DQI calculations for review by the program QA/QC officer. The procedures used to verify and validate field data will include: checking field procedures and sampling locations; evaluating the field documents for consistency; ensuring that holding times were met; ensuring that field measurement equipment was properly calibrated and performance checks were within acceptable ranges; checking for transcription errors and outliers; calculating data quality indicators (DQI’s) and comparing the results with DQO’s; and comparing the data to historic data or checking its “reasonableness.” The following DQI’s will be calculated and recorded with the associated data in the project database: relative percent difference (RPD) between field duplicates, RPDs between laboratory duplicates, % recovery from laboratory media spikes, % recovery from field and laboratory blanks, instrument drift, absolute difference between stage readings, relative percent difference between discharge measurements and established rating curves, and % completeness. The project QA/QC officer, Cindy Delpapa, will review the verified data packages following the steps recommended in EPA QA/G-8, “Guidance on Environmental Data Verification and Validation”: review QC information, summarize deviations and determine impact on data quality, summarize samples collected, and prepare field data validation report. The project manager will review the field data validation report, determine corrective actions, assign data qualifiers as necessary (Table 16: Data Qualifiers), and assemble the final data package. Samples that are collected by bucket sampling will be noted in the project database and in the QC report.

Table 16: Data Qualifiers

Data qualifiers Descripton NA not sampled P provisional data (QA/QC not yet performed) Q data met most but not all QA/QC requriements --- data censored Completeness checks will be administered on all data to determine whether data packages specified in the QAPP are present. At a minimum data packages will include field sheets, raw data and data summaries, chain-of-custody forms, analytical results, QC summaries and narrative


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summary of QC corrective actions. If verification and validation checks identify a corrective action situation, it is the project manager’s responsibility to approve the implementation of corrective action, including re-sampling, during data assessment. All corrective actions of this type will be documented by the project manager. D3 RECONCILIATION WITH DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES As soon as possible after each sampling event, calculations and determinations will be made for precision, completeness, and accuracy. As indicated in section D2 above, the project manager and project QA/QC officer will review the data to determine if the data quality objectives have been met. If the DQO’s are not met the cause of the failure will be evaluated and the following actions may be applied: review of the system in question; re-sampling; schedule replicate sampling of the site during the next sampling event; rejection of the data and exclusion from the report; rejection or relocation of the sampling site; or, if other measures fail, reconsideration of DQO’s. Deviations from SOPs, failure to meet DQO’s, questionable data, and any limitations to the use of the data will be noted in the QC sheet for each data package. Limitations to the use of the data will be noted in the project web page and final reports. All weekly streamflow and water quality data presented on the project web page will be marked as “provisional” until the data has undergone verification and validation and the stage/discharge rating curves being used are verified. Any revisions to the QAPP DQO’s will be submitted to MA DEP for review. REFERENCES ENSR, 2001. SuAsCo Watershed Assabet River TMDL Study Phase One: Assessment Final Report. Document # 9000-259-100. ENSR International. November 2001. ENSR, 2003. SuAsCo Watershed Concord River TMDL Study Assessment Final Report. ENSR International, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Document # 9000-280. February 2003. EPA, 1983. Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes. EPA-600/4-87-017, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Cincinnati, March 1983. EPA, 1986. Quality Criteria for Water 1986. EPA 440/5-86-001. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Regulations and Standards, Washington, D.C., May 1986. EPA, 2000. Ambient Water Quality Criteria Recommendations, Information Supporting the Development and State and Tribal Nutrient Criteria for Rivers and Streams in Nutrient Ecoregion XIV. EPA 822-B-00-022. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Office of Science and Technology, Health and Ecological Criteria Division, Washington D.C. December 2000. (available online at www.epa.gov/OST/standards/nutrient.html)


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MA DEP, 2007. Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, 314 CMR 4.00. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Pollution Control, 2007. Downloaded from http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/regulations/314cmr04.pdf on July 9, 2009 MA DEP, 2004. Assabet River Total Maximum Daily Load for Total Phosphorus, Report # MA82B-01-2004-01. MA DEP, 2008. Massachusetts Year 2008 Integrated List of Waters. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Resource Protection, Division of Watershed Management. April 2008. CN: 281.0 MWWP/DEP, 2001. The Massachusetts Volunteer Monitor’s Guidebook to Quality Assurance Project Plans. October 2001. DWM-CN 61.0 Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982a. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 2175, Measurement and Computation of Streamflow: Volume 1 “Measurement of Stage and Discharge.” U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 1982. Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982b. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 2175, Measurement and Computation of Streamflow: Volume 2 “Computation of Discharge.” U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 1982. Smoot, G.F., and C.E. Novak, 1968. Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations of the United States Geological Survey Book 8: Instrumentation. Chapter B2 “Calibration and Maintenance of Vertical-Axis Type Current Meters.” U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Water Pollution Control Federation, 1995. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 19th Edition American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, Water Pollution Control Federation, Washington D.C., 1995. YSI, 1998. YSI 6-Series Environmental Monitoring Systems Operations Manual, Revision A. YSI Incorporated. Yellow Springs, OH, August 1998.

http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/regulations/314cmr04.pdf

APPENDIX A: ASSABET & CONCORD RIVER STREAMWATCH MANUAL 2009

APPENDIX B: SITE MAPS

APPENDIX C: ORGANIZATION FOR THE ASSABET RIVER – FIELD AND CALIBRATION SHEETS

APPENDIX D: NASHOBA ANALYTICAL LLC. - QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL MANUAL 2009

APPENDIX E: NASHOBA ANALYTICAL LLC – SOPS

APPENDIX F: PREMIER LABORATORY – LABORATORY QAPP

APPENDIX G: PREMIER LABORATORY – SOP FOR TKN

APPENDIX H: MASS DEP-DWM SAMPLE COLLECTION ROD DIRECTIONS

Documents

QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN FOR - · PDF fileQUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN FOR ... metals, thermal modifications, suspended solids, and noxious aquatic plants (MA DEP, ... (MA