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Last modified 01 December 1999

August, 1998

APPROVALS:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Cook Inlet Keeper (Keeper) adapted portions of this Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) from similar plans developed by The Friends of Casco Bay (Maine) and Texas Watch, and it extends its sincere appreciation to those organizations for their open support and assistance. Keeper also thanks the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for their guidance and cooperation in helping develop and refine this QAPP.

Thanks to the members of Keeper’s volunteer based Technical Advisory Committee and Citizens Advisory Panel for their time and effort in helping to establish our water quality monitoring program. And, of course, Keeper especially appreciates the work of all the volunteer monitors who have endured cold winds and waters to help us understand the complexities of Cook Inlet.

Copyright © 1998 by Cook Inlet Keeper. All rights reserved.

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS

3.  
4. DISTRIBUTION LIST:

Official copies of this QAPP and any subsequent revisions will be provided to:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Region 10 (206)553-2147

Robert Melton, Quality Assurance Officer

Kenai Peninsula Office (907)283-6608

Phil North, Stream Ecologist

U.S. Geological Survey

Bronwen Wang, Hydrologist

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

Division of Air and Water Quality, Juneau (907)465-5300

Division of Air and Water Quality, Anchorage (907)269-7554

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Division of Habitat & Restoration

Southcentral Region (907)267-2335

Lance Trasky, Regional Supervisor

Division of Commercial Fisheries

Ginny Litchfield, Fisheries Biologist

University of Alaska, Anchorage

Environmental and Natural Resources Institute (907)257-2731

Elaine Major, Environmental Scientist

Cook Inlet Keeper Technical Advisory Committee

Jim Hemming, Chairperson (907)235-2535

Committee Members (listed in Appendix I)

Copies of this Quality Assurance Project Plan will be made available free to all volunteer monitors and partner organizations. Other interested parties may review the plan at the Keeper office and/or purchase a copy for the cost of production and shipping by writing Cook Inlet Keeper at P.O. Box 3269, Homer, Alaska 99603, by calling 907/235-4068, or by e-mailing a request to keeper@inletkeeper.org.

In addition to the personnel listed above, Cook Inlet Keeper’s Citizens Environmental Monitoring Program (CEMP) is guided by a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) made up of professionals representing diverse scientific backgrounds and a Citizens Advisory Panel (CAP) consisting of community members concerned about water quality. See Appendix A for a complete list of TAC and CAP members.

Collected data is made available to all interested government agencies and the general public. Primary data users include: the staff and membership of Cook Inlet Keeper and its partner organizations; the citizens of the southcentral Alaska and local citizen based groups concerned with water quality protection; local, state and federal agencies and commissions involved in making resource management decisions affecting the Cook Inlet Basin.

Cook Inlet is a large and dynamic embayment in southcentral Alaska. Although it is still relatively pristine, the Cook Inlet Basin is beginning to show the signs of environmental stress associated with increased population, development and urbanization. Currently this 39,000 square mile catchment basin is home to roughly two thirds of Alaska’s human population. Long-time residents have seen local declines in inter-tidal biological communities and species abundance in Cook Inlet waters, but no one can say for sure whether pollution and human impacts are directly harming the resources of Cook Inlet. While a number of studies have been done by government, universities, and industry, the fact remains that there is not enough baseline data available to determine the effects of point and non-point source pollution on the water quality of the Cook Inlet Basin.

Cook Inlet waters support multi-million dollar sport and commercial fisheries, and provide important subsistence resources for native and other groups. Citizens, industry and resource managers need a comprehensive on-going water quality monitoring program to understand the potential effects of water pollution on Cook Inlet's magnificent but threatened resources in order to make economically and environmentally sound decisions.

Many state and federal agencies lack the resources to conduct continuous water quality monitoring projects at a representative number of sites throughout the basin. Cook Inlet Keeper’s Citizen’s Environmental Monitoring Program can collect accurate baseline data using trained volunteers in a cost effective manner while also raising public awareness of water quality issues and the watershed concept.

6. PROJECT / TASK DESCRIPTION

The Cook Inlet Keeper (Keeper) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Homer, Alaska, dedicated to protecting Cook Inlet waters and the life they sustain. Because citizens are the true owners of public water resources, Keeper strives to involve them in hands-on activities aimed at improving and protecting habitat and water quality, promoting resource stewardship, and establishing an environmental database for the Cook Inlet Basin.

The objectives of Keeper’s Citizens Environmental Monitoring Program are to:

• inventory baseline water quality in the waters of Cook Inlet Basin;
• detect and report significant changes and track water quality trends;
• raise public awareness of the importance of water quality through hands on involvement.

To promote these objectives Keeper has selected water quality parameters that will enhance understanding of overall environmental health (see Section V. of the Volunteer Training Manual for a discussion of the importance of each testing parameter) and testing methods that have proven successful in citizen based programs throughout the United States.

Refinements in methods or additional testing parameters may be incorporated in this project in the future if it is determined that such changes would enhance efforts to achieve project goals and assuming additional funding is available. Any such changes will be submitted for EPA and ADEC approval.

General comparisons will be made between data collected and the water quality index developed by the National Sanitation Foundation as well as state and federal water quality standards as applicable. Data may be used by government agencies, landowners, and other resources managers to enhance understanding of basic water quality status and to identify water quality trends.

To develop and refine an Inlet-wide sampling program, Keeper has initiated a pilot project to monitor surface water quality in the Kachemak Bay region. In 1998, Keeper will expand its water quality monitoring efforts to include sites on Anchor River, Stariski Creek, Deep Creek and Ninilchik River. Keeper is also working with the Kenai Watershed Forum in training volunteers to monitor sites on the lower Kenai River. In the future Keeper will seek to foster monitoring throughout the Cook Inlet Basin, and will begin to incorporate water column and sediment sampling to gain a more comprehensive sense of water quality in Cook Inlet.

Keeper staff train citizens and groups to take surface water samples using water test kits containing a combination of LaMotte, Hach, Hanna and Micrology Laboratories equipment and supplies. Monitor training courses are held quarterly and retraining/Quality Control (QC) sessions are held biannually (see Section 8). Volunteers are instructed to monitor 16 times per year -- once each month from September through April and twice a month from May through August (see Table T-1).

Individual citizens and citizen teams test surface water samples primarily for water temperature, turbidity (clarity), pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. Current monitoring also includes tests for water color, conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and screening tests for nutrients (nitrate-nitrogen & ortho-phosphate), and bacteria (E. coli & total coliform). In the future additional test parameters may be incorporated including macroinvertebrates, heavy metals and hydrocarbons, as well as boat based programs for sediment and water column testing. These elements will be addressed in a future addendum to, or edition of this QAPP as they are implemented.

Citizens are also encouraged to record narrative environmental data, and to photograph each site. These visual and other observations complement the quantitative physical and chemical data collected at each established monitoring site.

Data collected by volunteers is turned in to the Keeper office where it is entered in the CEMP data system. Test results can then be evaluated using the water quality index developed by the National Sanitation Foundation and compared to state and federal water quality standards as applicable. As understanding of Cook Inlet water quality conditions increases, Keeper will work with other interested parties to develop a Cook Inlet-specific water quality index. This data will be made available on Keeper’s web site and a data analysis and summary report will be published annually.

Keeper’s water quality monitoring program is an on-going project designed to continue as long as funding allows.

7. DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES FOR MEASUREMENT DATA

Table T-2 shows objectives for precision and accuracy for each parameter tested. In each case the sampling matrix is water. Objectives for precision, accuracy, representativeness, comparability and completeness are also summarized below. These Data Quality Objectives (DQOs) have been established to ensure that the CEMP meets its overall objectives as described in Section 6, above – establishing a basic water quality inventory and detecting significant changes and trends. Project DQOs may be revised in the future if funding becomes available for additional training and equipment or if the Technical Advisory Committee determines that different objectives would be more effective in meeting program objectives. Any changes in DQOs will be submitted to USEPA and ADEC for approval before implementation.

Table T-2: DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES

1. Determined by the increments measurable with the stated method reflecting estimation where allowed.
2. Data taken from the Quality Assurance Project Plan for Friends of Casco Bay, 1995, p. 21; based on data taken from EPA Volunteer Water Monitoring: A Guide for State Managers, 1990, EPA 440/4-90-010, p. 39; and the Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Chesapeake Bay Citizen Monitoring Program, Section 5, p. 2.
3. Data taken from the manufacturer’s instruction manuals.

Precision

Precision is the degree of agreement among repeated measurements of the same characteristic, or parameter, and gives information about the consistency of methods. Replicate sample analyses will be performed by each volunteer monitor during all monitor training sessions and biannual quality control (QC) sessions. Variation of duplicate values for each parameter must not exceed the range of precision specified in Table T-2.

Replicate testing is performed routinely for the parameters of dissolved oxygen and bacteria. Monitors are instructed to collect and titrate three replicate dissolved oxygen (DO) samples during each sampling event. The average of the three DO values is recorded and a value of percent saturation at the fixed temperature is determined. Monitors are instructed to do an additional titration if any one sample collected shows a reading differing from the others by greater than 0.4mg/L (upper warning limit). If any one bottle titration shows a value differing from the others by greater than 0.9 mg/L (upper control limit), the results are not entered into the CEMP data system; the average of the remaining, closer values is instead recorded. If a volunteer reports DO values differing by greater than 0.6mg/L for two consecutive sampling events at a particular site, the volunteer is contacted to determine the cause of the problem. A site visit may be necessary if equipment and/or procedure questions persist.

In the case of coliform bacteria screening tests, 1ml, 3ml and 5ml samples are analyzed by volunteers and results are compared for consistency. If all three samples test high for coliforms CEMP staff may return to the sampling site to perform additional testing and/or split a sample for replicate analysis by an outside, EPA approved laboratory.

Accuracy

Accuracy is a measure of confidence that describes how close a measurement is to its "true" value. In this program, accuracy is measured by comparative sampling. Volunteer monitor values are compared against values generated by the Project QA Officer or a Certified Monitor Trainer at QC sessions and during random site visits (see Section 14). Monitor values must fall within the specific range for each parameter as indicated in Table T-2. Accuracy of procedures and equipment used in the CEMP will be verified using standard testing materials for each specific test. A detailed description of calibration procedures is given in Table T-2 and in section 16 of this document.

Representativeness

Representativeness is the extent to which measurements actually represent the true environmental condition. Representativeness of data collected by the CEMP is considered in project design and sampling site selection. Representativeness will not be routinely monitored throughout the project, but is incorporated when necessary in interpreting the data. It is obvious that water flowing past a given location on land or in the water column, particularly in Cook Inlet, is constantly changing in response to dynamic inflow, tidal cycle, weather, etc. Regular periodic collection of data from any given location can help develop a better understanding of the variance associated with time series measurements of selected environmental variables. Such data collection can also provide increased resolution and sensitivity to localized and short-term effects of events within individual hydrologic units, along tributary margins and within specific embayments, lagoons, and estuaries. Representiveness for any given location, area, and region within the Cook Inlet Basin will be more defined as historical water data is collected and compared at each site over time.

Comparability

Comparability is the degree to which data can be compared directly to similar studies. Using standardized sampling, analytical methods and units of reporting with comparable sensitivity helps ensure comparability. Keeper has selected testing methods that are EPA-approved and/or currently being employed by other water quality monitoring programs throughout the country. All volunteer monitors are trained to follow the same standard protocol for each parameter. As the program expands, site selection will favor locations where previous water quality monitoring has taken place. Efforts will be made to duplicate the effort of past studies where possible. For greater comparability, conductance measurements will be converted to 25°C when entered into the data system.

Completeness

Completeness is the comparison between the amount of usable data collected versus the amount of data called for in the sampling plan. In the CEMP, completeness is measured as the percentage of total samples collected and analyzed as a whole and for individual parameters and sites as compared to the goals set out by the project design. Monitors are asked to collect data throughout the year. Monitoring is currently being performed bimonthly from May through August and monthly from September through April, totaling 16 samples per site per calendar year at all sites. However, it is assumed that some months may be missed due to vacations, illness, and severe weather. A complete data set has been initially set at 12 sampling events per year or 75% of the target number. At no time should two consecutive scheduled sampling events be missed for any one site. In this way the project can assure reasonable representativeness of conditions through seasonal and other variations over time. If less than 12 samples are taken from a site in a given year data from that site will be qualified when considering trend analysis in annual reports.

8. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS / CERTIFICATION

Volunteer monitor training for the CEMP involves five phases. Monitors receive a certificate upon completion of phases I through III. (Appendix B). Volunteers are re-certified upon successful completion of phase IV and Monitor Trainers are certified after completing phase V. Training sessions are conducted by the CEMP Environmental Monitoring Coordinator or a Certified Monitor Trainer. Volunteer performance is evaluated during training and QC sessions. Trainers make note of each volunteers precision and accuracy for all testing methods and comment on overall understanding of monitoring procedures and the watershed concept. Each volunteer’s training history is recorded on CEMP Monitor Training Record forms (Appendix C) and kept on file at the Keeper office.

Phase I: In two, three to four (3-4) hour sessions new volunteers are introduced to water quality testing kits and the watershed concept. Monitors are given extensive instructions on protocols for collecting samples and testing for each of the CEMP’s primary and secondary parameters. These sessions also include an explanation of logistical, safety and other factors associated with citizen involvement in the CEMP. Lectures, hand-outs, demonstrations and hands-on activities by participants are the primary tools used to train citizens in a laboratory setting. The Environmental Monitoring Coordinator or a Certified Monitor Trainer evaluates volunteer performance and offers additional instruction as necessary to ensure that each volunteer is capable of performing all testing protocols. Open discussions are encouraged during all training sessions.

Phase II: This phase entails hands-on training to ensure that each volunteer monitor is capable of conducting the relevant sampling and testing protocols whether working alone or in a monitoring group in a typical field environment. Volunteers practice sampling, testing, and safety procedures in a field setting. Trainers emphasize the importance of safety, standardization of testing procedures, and chain-of-custody protocols throughout this participatory session. The average time for Phase II (Field) training is three to four (3-4) hours.

Phase III: Trainers work with each citizen volunteer and monitoring group to establish and maintain individual monitoring stations and to ensure accurate site location and documentation. In addition, this training session provides assurance that all required testing protocols are met for each designated monitoring site. The average time spent with volunteers in Phase III (Site) training is two to three (2-3) hours.

Additional on-site training sessions may be necessary before some individual monitors are allowed to proceed. Only fully oriented, trained and competent volunteers are encouraged to participate in monitoring site activities. The Project QA Officer or a Certified Monitor Trainer conducts periodic and regular oversight reviews of each monitoring station to ensure that citizens are comfortable with properly implementing all components of the CEMP.

Phase IV: Once a trainee has successfully completed Phase I through Phase III and participated in gathering water quality data he/she is required to attend at least one quality control and re-certification session per year.

These follow-up workshops are scheduled twice per year, and include replicate testing for each parameter to compare volunteer test results to those obtained by the Project QA Officer or a Certified Monitor Trainer as well as sharing of experiences, suggestions for improvement of the CEMP, a laboratory practicum, and analysis of data collected by volunteers. The average time for the Phase IV Yearly Re-certification and Quality Control workshop is five to eight (5-8) hours.

Phase V: Experienced monitors, who have completed Phase I - Phase IV training sessions, may have the skills and desire to become a Certified Monitor Trainer. An advanced level ‘trainer of water quality volunteer monitors’ workshop is offered for these individuals. This two day workshop teaches experienced monitors, and leaders of local organizations to design and run their own volunteer water monitoring programs coordinated with the Cook Inlet Keeper CEMP. Sessions include techniques in conducting Phase I - Phase III volunteer monitor training sessions, data collection, review, management and reporting, quality assurance and quality control, water quality program promotion for their watershed(s), and coordination of data collection and public outreach with the Keeper program.

As part of the CEMP training program, Keeper provides all citizen volunteers with a copy of Cook Inlet Keeper's Volunteer Training Manual (Appendix D). This manual describes the monitoring process and outlines in detail test procedures, proper care and handling of equipment, safety precautions, and data reporting procedures. The CEMP Training Manual is the definitive reference guide for volunteers to properly implement the CEMP. Copies of other informative references, including LaMotte's The Monitors Handbook and EPA's Volunteer Estuary /River/ Stream/Lake Monitoring: Methods Manual series are available for review by volunteer monitors. An extensive water quality, hydrology and watershed education reference library is being established in the Cook Inlet Keeper office and specific information is available to volunteers to expand their knowledge of various aspects of water quality and the watershed concept.

9. DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS

All data gathered by Keeper staff and volunteers is recorded on site at the time sampling occurs using the Cook Inlet Keeper Monitor Data Sheet (Appendix E). Monitors are instructed to fill out Monitor Data Sheets legibly and completely and to use the decimal points provided when entering numeric information. (See Volunteer Training Manual, Section V, Sub-section F.) Monitors are also instructed to use the comment section of the data sheet to report any problems or abnormalities with sampling procedures or equipment. (See Volunteer Training Manual, Section VI, Sub-section C under "Comments & Observations"). This form is then returned to the Keeper office where the Project QA Officer and the Program Director check the data as described in Section 19 of this plan. Data are then entered by Keeper staff into the CEMP Data System for future analysis. Original copies of all data sheets are kept on file at the Keeper office indefinitely. Volunteers are asked to make a copy of their data forms to be filed in a field notebook that is maintained by each monitoring team.

Volunteers are instructed to send their data forms immediately after the date of collection so any data collection concerns can be addressed as quickly as possible. Volunteers are notified via a postcard if their data has not been received at the Keeper office within thirty (30) days of the scheduled monitoring date. If problems are found with any information on the data form, a telephone call, letter or personal meeting is arranged with the Environmental Monitoring Coordinator to clarify or rectify the concern.

A CEMP Monitor Training Record is maintained for each volunteer monitor (Appendix C). These forms are used to record training attendance and volunteer performance. Original copies are kept on file at the Keeper office indefinitely. Upon successful completion of training phases I through III volunteers receive a Certificate of Achievement (Appendix B).

Monitoring equipment and supplies are inspected upon receipt and again during QC sessions, and a Water Quality Kit Inspection Form (Appendix F) is kept up to date for each kit.

Sample Site Selection

In order to obtain useful baseline inventory and monitoring information as described in Section 6, it is critical to select sampling sites which are representative of the various hydrologic, geographic, biologic, land use, and other conditions within the watershed. Because of the variability and distribution of human population densities in the Cook Inlet region, site selection should ensure a balance between more impacted and less impacted areas. In the challenging transitional and sub-arctic climate of Southcentral Alaska, it is also necessary to select sites which are safely and reasonably accessible. Finally, to maintain volunteer involvement, it is important to select monitoring sites in which volunteer team members have a personal interest.

Applying the above criteria, the Keeper has established twenty-two, (22) fresh water, near-shore and shore-based sampling stations in the Kachemak Bay watershed to conduct its pilot project. These sites include stations at or near: Anchor Point, Bluff Point/Diamond Creek, Bishops Beach, Bidarka Creek, Beluga Slough, Mud Bay, Homer Boat Harbor, McNeil Creek, Fritz Creek, East End Road, Fox River Flats, Bear Cove, Halibut Cove, Peterson Bay, Eldred Passage, Kasitna-Jakolof Bay, Barbara Creek, Seldovia Boat Harbor, Seldovia Bay, English Bay and Port Graham Bay (see Appendix G for Sampling Station Map). Sixteen (16) additional sites have been proposed for future testing. Data collected from established pilot project sites prior to approval of this QAPP is included in the CEMP data system and will be identified as such in annual reports.

Each site is given a name and identified by a site number and a location description, as well as by its latitude, longitude and elevation as determined using USGS 1:63,360 scale topographical maps and on site GPS readings. Site selection for future monitoring within the basin will be based on similar factors.

Sampling Parameters & Collection Frequency

As described in Section 6, testing parameters are selected based on their usefulness in inventorying water quality and projecting the general "health" of the water bodies in question. Due to cost concerns, only the more affordable sampling parameters have been selected to ensure the viability of long term monitoring. Primary sampling parameters in the CEMP's surface water testing include: water temperature, turbidity (clarity), pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen; secondary parameters include: color, conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential, and screening test for nutrients (nitrate-nitrogen and ortho-phosphate), and bacteria (fecal and total coliform).

Surface water samples are taken at all monitoring stations monthly between September and April, and twice monthly from May through August for a total of 16 sampling events per site per year. The sampling period is designated as the last Sunday of each month (as well as the second Sunday of each month from May through August), plus or minus two days (i.e. Friday through Tuesday). The recommended time for sampling is 2:00 PM, and the time allowance range is from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The initial sampling design is not tide dependent, although tide stage will be specifically recorded during field sampling and considered during data analysis.

Monitors are assigned to teams of two or more volunteers with one volunteer monitor identified as the team leader. If volunteers cannot conduct a scheduled sampling, they are instructed to contact their team leader or the Environmental Monitoring Coordinator as soon as possible, so that an alternate monitor can be found

The impact of rain events on water quality is a factor to be considered in the Keeper program. Monitors are asked to maintain a regular monitoring schedule regardless of precipitation and to document past and present weather conditions at the time of sampling. Given the climate of Southcentral Alaska it is likely that some sites may not be reasonably accessible on the appointed sampling date. Keeper staff will make efforts to reschedule samplings as weather allows, but since this may not always be possible, a total of 12 sampling events per year at any one site will be considered to be a complete set of data for that site. Table T-2 summarizes the water quality parameters currently monitored by the CEMP.

Site Safety Plans

Sampling sites are selected, in part, because they are safely accessible. Keeper personnel make an effort to visit each selected site before sampling begins to locate safe access routes and identify any potential hazards. If sites, or access routes to sites, are located on private property, written permission from landowners is obtained prior to the first sampling event. Monitors are instructed to use safe access routes and warned of site-specific hazards.

Whenever possible, monitors are to conduct samplings as a team. In winter months, monitors are instructed to exercise caution in sampling sites with no direct road or winter trail access and not to sample when weather conditions are extreme. Monitors may, at times, be required to chop and maintain holes in ice covered fresh water sites, but they are instructed not to monitor if ice may be too thin to support them safely.

Volunteers are provided with rubber gloves and told to wear them, as well as goggles or eye glasses at all times during sampling and analysis. Monitors who must sample their sites by wading in from shore are instructed to wear rubber boots, and all monitors are advised to dress appropriately and be prepared for variable weather conditions which may include wearing extra layers of warm clothing and waterproof outer gear during all seasons.

Volunteer safety is an integral part of monitor training and is covered in greater detail in Section IV of the Volunteer Training Manual (Appendix D).

General Surface Water Procedures

Regular volunteer sampling in the CEMP program involves ambient measurements collected and processed in the field with the following possible exceptions: 1) the titration phase of the dissolved oxygen test (when necessary, DO samples may be collected and fixed on-site, then titrated within six hours after collection); 2) the bacteria screening test (coliscan plating and incubation is done off site up to 6 hours after collection, and the Total Coliform and E. coli counting phases must be done 24 to 48 hours after plating), and 3) determination of nutrients (colorimetric tests for nitrates & phosphates may be performed up to 6 hours after collection). In the case of each of these parameters, samples temperature is maintained between +4°C to +10°C during storage and data from samples with a holding times of greater than 6 hours will not be compared with data from samples held for less than 6 hours.

Some stations will be sampled from Keeper or volunteers’ boats. These site will be routinely located using GPS equipment. Most monitors will sample near shore stations or freshwater sites that have been established using GPS equipment and/or USGS 1:63,360 scale topographical maps. These sites are routinely located using recognizable natural features or to nearby fixed structures. Preferably sites are located at easily identifiable features such as stream confluences or natural bends, bridges, piers, bulkheads, floats, jetties, docks, etc. where there is at least 3 meters of water at low tide. This preferred minimum water depth requirement allows a Secchi disk reading to be taken at almost any tidal stage. Unfortunately, requiring a strict minimum depth is not always feasible in the dynamic Cook Inlet waters. Because of the limited number of accessible spots, and because consistency is also related to convenience, a number of near shore stations have been, and will continue to be sampled by wading-in from shore. The disadvantages are that Secchi disk readings cannot be taken (turbidity tubes are used in shallower water); and that these typically shallower inter-tidal areas can be more dynamic than sub-littoral areas and thus harder to characterize until large amounts of data can be collected over considerable time. The advantage is that in freshwater and near shore stations, both shallow and inter-tidal and sub-littoral areas, can be close to important habitat zones and food sources for adult freshwater and marine organisms.

Surface water samples are collected using a 2 1/2 -gallon plastic bucket with an attached cord if necessary. Section VI, Sub-section D of the Volunteer Training Manual outlines sample collection procedures.

Section VI, Sub-section E of the Volunteer Training Manual describes equipment and testing procedures for each parameter in complete detail. Sampling equipment is also outlined in Table T-2 and listed both in the Water Quality Test Kit Inspection Form (Appendix F) and in Section V, Sub-section E of the Volunteer Training Manual.

12. SAMPLE HANDLING AND CUSTODY REQUIREMENTS

At this time, CEMP monitoring and testing procedures are generally conducted by Keeper staff and volunteer monitors in the field. If a sample is, at any time, deemed to require laboratory testing it will be handled using the following chain of custody procedure:

• Samples will be labeled (see Figure F-2) and logged in a monitor notebook upon collection.
• In the field, samples will be the responsibility of, and will stay with Keeper staff or the volunteer team leader.
• Once samples have been collected they are returned to the Keeper office and logged in for temporary storage.
• Samples are refrigerated to maintain a temperature between 4 C and 10 C.
• The Environmental Monitoring Coordinator is then responsible for transporting samples to an ADEC or EPA certified laboratory for analysis.
• Laboratory personnel will record the date and time the sample arrives at the lab.
• After samples are analyzed, laboratory information is added to the label.
• The Sample Custody Form (see Appendix H) will be used to record all transport and storage information.
• When samples are to be delivered to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), an official State of Alaska ADEC sample collection form will be used as the ‘chain of custody’ document.

The CEMP commitment includes the investigation of additional testing. As other tests are identified which require different sample custody procedures, they will be specifically developed and added to this section.

Figure F-2: SAMPLE CONTAINER LABEL

13. ANALYTICAL METHODS REQUIREMENTS

Documentation of methods used, along with precision and accuracy information is provided in Table T-2. Section V of the Volunteer Training Manual details the analytical methods and equipment used in monitoring each parameter.

Primary parameters [water temperature, turbidity, pH, salinity, & dissolved oxygen] are measured using standard EPA approved procedures and/or methods which are in use by established citizens volunteer monitoring programs (e.g., Friends of Casco Bay’s Citizen’s Water Quality Monitoring Program and Texas Watch’s Volunteer Environmental Monitoring Program).

Each of these procedures, as well as those used in measuring secondary parameters, is taken from the Volunteer Estuary/Lake/River/Stream Monitoring: A Method’s Manual series published by USEPA. All methods used are consistent with those recommended by the test kit manufactures (LaMotte, Hanna, Hach and Micrology Laboratories).

Water Temperature

Water temperature is tested using two separate instruments:

Turbidity

Water clarity is tested by one or both of the following means:

1. Shallower water is tested using turbidity columns (Jackson Turbidity Tube with 25ml/50ml levels noted); range 0 JTU to 200+ JTU in 5 JTU increments; accuracy ± 3 Jackson Turbidity Units (JTU’s) -- LaMotte Chemical Products Cat No. 7519 and Standard Turbidity Reagents; Cat No. 7520

pH

pH is tested and verified in both of the following ways:

Salinity (marine & estuarine sites only)

Specific gravity/salinity is tested using a LaMotte hydrometer with 500-ml hydrometer jar; range l.0000 to 1.0700 specific gravity in 0.0005 increments (0 to 42ppt salinity) -- LaMotte Chemical Products; Cat. Nos. 3-0011 (hydrometer) and 3-0024 (jar). LaMotte 1.000/1.070.

Dissolved Oxygen

Volunteers use precision dissolved oxygen two phase (fixation and titration) test kits; azide modification of Winkler titration method; range 0 to 20 mg/l in 0.1 mg/l increments; reagents sufficient for 25 tests at 0 to 20 mg/l range -- LaMotte Chemical Products; Cat. No. 5856/XDO.

Color

Water color is monitored by describing the apparent color of sample water and comparing the color to numbered color chips in the Borger Color System booklet – LaMotte Chemical Products; Cat. No. 1580

Conductivity

Hanna "4-in-1" Water Test Meter; range from 0 to 1999 micro-seimens/cm in 1 micro-seimens/cm increments; accuracy ± 2% full scale units -- Hanna Instruments EN 50081-1.

Oxidation-Reduction Potential

Hanna "4-in-1" Water Test Meter; wide range -1000 mV to +1000 mV in 1 mV increments; accuracy ± 5 mV -- Hanna Instruments EN50081-1.

Nitrate-Nitrogen

Volunteers use a two tablet reagent Octa-Color Slide system to screen for nitrate-nitrogen from 0 to 15ppm (0 to 66ppm as nitrate) – LaMotte Chemical Products; Cat. No.3354.

Ortho-Phosphate

Monitors use ascorbic acid reduction and an Octet Comparator to screen for ortho-phosphate from 0 to 2.0ppm – LaMotte Chemical Products; Cat. No. 3121.

Fecal and Total Coliform Bacteria

Analysis is conducted using the Coliscan screening technique developed by Micrology Laboratories. . This method is currently in use by a number of volunteer monitoring organizations (e.g., Washington State Dept. of Ecology, Lower Colorado River Authority-River Watch, Global River Environmental Education Network, Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources-River Watch).

Method References

Table T-3 references the methods used for each testing parameter. Most methods used in this program are traceable to EPA-approved or EPA recommended methods. For parameters where EPA-approved methods are not in use, efforts will be made to obtain approval through use of EPA accepted comparability testing procedures. A complete discussion of sampling methods is found in the Volunteer Training Manual (Appendix D).

Table T-3: Methods Reference

1. U.S. EPA. 1979 (revised 1983). Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes. EPA-600/4-79-020. Method 170.1. Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH. In The Friends of Casco Bay. 1995 Quality Assurance Project Plan. Pg. 15. Friends of Casco Bay, South Portland, ME.
2. Hanna Instruments. 1996. The Water Analysis Handbook. Hanna Instruments, Woonsocket, RI. And manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Campbell, G. & Wildberger, S. 1992. The Monitor’s Handbook. LaMotte, Chestertown, MD.
4. Eaton, A., Clesceri, L., & Greenberg, A. (Editors). 1995. Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater, (19^th Edition). American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C. Method 2580-B.
5. Eaton, A., Clesceri, L., & Greenberg, A. (Editors). 1995. Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater, (19^th Edition). American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C. Method 4500-0C. And, Campbell, G. & Wildberger, S. 1992. The Monitor’s Handbook. LaMotte, Chestertown, MD.
6. Eaton, A., Clesceri, L., & Greenberg, A. (Editors). 1995. Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater, (19^th Edition). American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C. Method 4500-0G. And, Campbell, G. & Wildberger, S. 1992. The Monitor’s Handbook. LaMotte, Chestertown, MD. And manufacturer’s instructions.
7. U.S. EPA. 1993. Volunteer Estuary Monitoring: A Methods Manual. EPA-842-B-93-004. USEPA, Washington, D.C. And, Campbell, G. & Wildberger, S. 1992. The Monitor’s Handbook. LaMotte, Chestertown, MD.
8. U.S. EPA. 1991. Volunteer Lake Monitoring: A Methods Manual. EPA-440/4-91-002. USEPA, Washington, D.C. And, Campbell, G. & Wildberger, S. 1992. The Monitor’s Handbook. LaMotte, Chestertown, MD.
9. Eaton, A., Clesceri, L., & Greenberg, A. (Editors). 1995. Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater, (19^th Edition). American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C. Method 2130-B. And, Campbell, G. & Wildberger, S. 1992. The Monitor’s Handbook. LaMotte, Chestertown, MD. And manufacturer’s instructions.
10. U.S. EPA. 1997. Volunteer Stream Monitoring: A Methods Manual. EPA-841-B-97-004. USEPA, Washington, D.C. And, Campbell, G. & Wildberger, S. 1992. The Monitor’s Handbook. LaMotte, Chestertown, MD. And manufacturer’s instructions.
11. Micrology Laboratories, LLC. 1996. Coliscan® for Coliform and Fecal Coliform Testing. Micrology Laboratories, Goshen, IN.

14. QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

Replicate sample analysis is performed by all monitors for each parameter during initial training and at annual QC sessions. The Project QA Officer or a Certified Monitor Trainer will perform replicate analysis at 10 to 20 percent of all sites (randomly selected) during each sampling period. Volunteer monitor accuracy for each parameter is determined by standard comparative analysis with results obtained by a Certified Monitor Trainer or the Project QA Officer. Variation of duplicate values for each parameter must not exceed the range of precision and accuracy specified in Table T-2. Any problems found with data collected by volunteer monitors are noted on the Monitor Data Sheet. Any changes to data are initialed by the Project QA Officer or Certified Monitor Trainer. Data that do not meet project accuracy and precision objectives are not entered in the CEMP data system and will not be used in annual water quality analysis reports. The Project QA Officer is responsible for contacting monitors to determine the cause of data errors and arranging for monitor re-training if necessary.

As described in Section 7:

• Monitors fix and titrate three replicate samples for dissolved oxygen analyses during each sampling event and only those values which fall within the specified range for precision are entered into the CEMP data system.
• If the Project QA Officer determines that results of coliform bacteria screening tests are higher than expected for a particular site the Project QA Officer will arrange to re-sample that site. These samples will be split and replicate analysis will be performed by the Project QA Officer or an outside, EPA approved laboratory.

15. INSTRUMENT / EQUIPMENT TESTING, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Keeper’s Volunteer Training Manual (Appendix D) describes the proper handling and maintenance of equipment. Proper equipment handling and maintenance is also emphasized during all training and QC sessions. Monitors are asked to contact the Project QA Officer if any equipment fails to operate properly.

All equipment, meters, and kits are checked upon receipt by the Project QA Officer to ensure that operations are within technical specifications before use. Each reagent bottle is dated with the expiration date prior to being issued. A Water Quality Test Kit Inspection Form (Appendix F) which includes reagent expiration dates is completed for each kit and kept on file at the Keeper office. This form is updated each time a kit receives new or replacement equipment or reagents. Hanna "4-in-1" Water Test Meters are inspected quarterly by the Project QA Officer and maintenance logs are kept on each meter.

Before each sampling event volunteers are asked to inspect all equipment. Thermometers (air and water), bottles and test tubes, color comparators, hydrometer, droppers, and other related testing equipment are checked for cracks, breaks, or malfunctions. Chemicals are checked for expiration date, sufficient quantity and discoloration. All testing equipment is to be clean and in good working order before it is used for monitoring. If any equipment or chemical reagent is found to be defective in any way, monitors are instructed to contact the Project QA Officer for immediate replacement.

Equipment is also evaluated at annual QC sessions. Any faulty equipment or reagent is replaced and a new kit inspection form is created

The Environmental Monitoring Coordinator maintains a supply of replacement equipment and reagents at the Keeper office. This supply includes: three to five complete, assembled kits; all equipment and reagents needed to supply at least six additional kits; extras of commonly lost or broken equipment; enough reagents to re-supply all monitors for at least three months.

Requested replacements are picked up, hand delivered or sent by return mail in a timely manner. The quantity of reagent needed for most tests is anticipated to assure that replacements are received by monitors before their supplies become exhausted, usually every 3 to 4 months. Reagent stocks are rotated out every four to six months or according to manufacturer’s recommendation.

16. INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION PROCEDURES

The Project QA Officer checks the calibration of the following instruments when they are received: thermometers, Hanna "4-in-1" Water Test Meters, Secchi disk lines, and hydrometers. Thereafter Hanna Meters are calibrated quarterly by the Project QA Officer or a Certified Trainer. Calibration of all monitoring equipment is checked in the course of training and biannual quality control sessions. Calibration of all instruments will be documented in an instrument calibration/maintenance log. If, at any time, there are data quality concerns which might be related to equipment error, monitors are asked to bring the equipment in question to the Keeper lab to be re-calibrated. Calibration procedures for each of the primary and secondary parameters are as follows:

Temperature

Thermometer calibration is checked against a thermometer that is certified against equipment whose calibration is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This calibrating thermometer is supplied with a certificate of calibration with correction to the nearest 0.1^oC; range -1^oC to +51^oC in 0.1^oC increments – VWR Scientific, catalog #61054-503. Comparisons are made with the NIST thermometer for two different temperature solutions within the -1^oC to +51^oC range.

Turbidity

The accuracy of turbidity measurements taken using Jackson Turbidity Tubes is checked during training and QC sessions and during random site visits by comparison with an electronic Turbidimeter; range 0.00 NTU to 1100 NTU in 1.0 NTU increments; accuracy ±2% for readings below 100 NTU and ±3% for reading above 100 NTU -- LaMotte Chemical Products; Model No. 202, Cat. No.1799. JTU’s correlate directly to Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU’s).

The 2020 Turbidimeter is calibrated before each sampling event using standard turbidity solutions.

The accuracy of the depth markings on Secchi disk lines is checked before initial use and during QC sessions thereafter using a standard tape measure. Comparison between values of JTU, Secchi Depth, and NTU, and cross-correlation relationships for representative water samples are ongoing and checked during QC sessions.

pH

Calibration of pH test kits is checked during training and QC sessions and at random site visits by comparative measurements against an electrometric pH meter. Hach, EC10pH/mV/Temp Meter, model 5005, range –2.00 to 19.99 pH units in 0.01 unit increments; accurate to ±0.05 units. In the field, monitors are asked to double check any samples that appear to match the lowest or highest readings on the narrow-range comparator by measuring a second sample against the wide-range comparator.

Hach 5005 pH meter is calibrated before each sampling event against standard pH buffer solutions (typical range 0.00 to 14.00 pH units in 0.01 unit increments; accuracy ±0.02 pH at 25 C/77 F) and pH buffer reference standards (4.01, 7.01, and 10.01 pH units) as applicable.

Salinity

Hydrometer calibration is checked using three different saline solutions within the 0 to 35ppt range. Calibration checks will be performed before initial use, during QC sessions and during random site visits.

Dissolved Oxygen

Results obtained using precision dissolved oxygen test kits are compared to readings taken with a dissolved oxygen meter during annual QC sessions and random site visits – LaMotte Chemical Products; model DO 4000, Cat. No. 1903; range 0 to 19.99 mg/l in 0.1 mg/l increments; accurate to ±0.1 mg/l.

LaMotte DO 4000 meter will be calibrated before each sampling event with water-saturated air.

Hanna "4-in-1" Water Test Meter

Hanna Meters are numbered upon receipt with a water proof marker and a calibration/ maintenance log is kept for each meter showing date of purchase and verifying condition and calibration prior to first use and at quarterly inspections thereafter.

Apparent Color

Colors identified by monitors using the Borger Color System will be compared to readings taken with a spectrophotometer during QC sessions. Hach, model DR/2010.

The Hach Spectrophotometer will be calibrated by performing lamp calibration adjustments and sample cell matching as outlined in manufacturer’s instructions.

Nitrate/Nitrogen

Colorimetric test kit readings are checked during training and QC sessions and during random site visits using standard nitrate-nitrogen solutions. (nitrate-nitrogen concentrations of 1.0mg/l and 10.0mg/l)

Ortho-Phosphate

Results obtained with colorimetric test kits are checked during training and QC sessions and during random site visits using standard phosphorus solution. (ortho-phosphate concentration of 0.2mg/l)

Total & Fecal Coliform Screening

The accuracy of coliscan testing kits is verified when samples are split and sent to an outside, EPA approved laboratory for replicate analysis. Split samples will be sent for outside replicate analysis at the discretion of the QA Officer whenever coliform readings for a particular site are higher than expected levels.

17. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUPPLIES

Monitoring equipment and supplies are ordered from LaMotte Chemical Co., Hanna Instruments, Inc., the Hach Co. and Micrology Laboratories, and are inspected upon arrival by the Project QA Officer. A Water Quality Test Kit Inspection Form, (Appendix F) which includes reagent expiration dates is completed for each kit and kept on file at the Keeper office. Broken bottles, incomplete kits and reagents or instruments that do not meet Keeper standards are shipped back to the manufacturer for replacement.

 

 

 

18. DATA ACQUISITION REQUIREMENTS

Required longitude and latitude information for monitoring sites is derived by using USGS topographic maps at 1:63,360 or by using GPS coordinates taken at the site by Keeper personnel. Sites are plotted and spatially checked using a Geographic Information System (GIS) computer mapping program (ArcView). This information is used by the Citizens Environmental Monitoring Program to identify monitoring sites and assign site names and numbers for entry into the CEMP data system.

Data gathered from sources other than CEMP monitors are used for information only and not for data entry into the CEMP data system or for decision making. Therefore, quality assurance of acquired data is not considered in this QAPP. Standards for evaluating water quality have been taken from the water quality index developed by the National Sanitation Foundation and state and federal water quality standards as applicable.

19. DATA MANAGEMENT

Volunteer monitors collect and report data on the Cook Inlet Keeper Monitor Data Sheets (Appendix E) provided by the Citizens’ Environmental Monitoring Program. All observational data, water quality data and field measurements are recorded at the time of sampling and analysis. Data sheets are signed by all monitoring team members. Monitor teams are instructed to retain a copy of their data sheets in an organized file and send the original data sheet to the Environmental Monitoring Coordinator at the Keeper office immediately after each sampling event. The purpose of these volunteer team data files is to prevent potential loss of data and to facilitate discussion of any questions that should arise regarding reported data. Volunteer data files are collected and reviewed for completeness during biannual QC sessions

Data sheets are reviewed by the Project QA Officer and the Program Director for decimal point errors, precision, completeness, anomalous data, and general problems. Monitors are contacted by phone to answer questions about data that appear to be in error or don’t fall within the expected range. Contact with the volunteers regarding data problems is the responsibility of the Project QA Officer.

The Project QA Officer may adjust pH data measured using the narrow-range, cresol red indicator to compensate for known errors resulting from interferences with cresol red at medium to high salinity. The raw data will be decreased by factors ranging from 0.21 units at 14ppt salinity to 0.27 units at 32ppt salinity. A chart of the correction factors is supplied with the pH comparator.

The only manipulation of data performed by the volunteer monitor is the conversion of specific gravity to salinity. A table for determining salinity from specific gravity and temperature is provided in the LaMotte 60 /60 F Hydrometer Instructions included in each kit.

After adjustment and review, the Program Director is responsible to see that data are accurately entered into the CEMP data system. This system is accessed by a network of PC’s in the Keeper office and consists of a relational database in MS Access (see Appendix I for example of Access data entry form). As an additional quality control, the database is designed to flag values which do not fall within the normal expected range for each parameter.

Data are reviewed quarterly by the Project QA Officer and the Program Director, and will be presented each January in an annual report (see Section 21). In the future, data will also be made available on the Cook Inlet Keeper web site, which will include interactive ArcView software so that site information can be visually related to site location. Computer data records as well as original data sheets are maintained at the Keeper office indefinitely.

20. ASSESSMENTS AND RESPONSE ACTIONS

Volunteer monitors are required to attend the CEMP training program (see Section 8) and complete minimum training requirements before monitoring. Each volunteer’s training history, including comments on performance during training sessions, is recorded on a CEMP Monitor Training Record (Appendix C) and kept on file at the Keeper office.

As described in Section 14, the Project QA Officer or a Certified Monitor Trainer performs replicate analysis at randomly selected sites during each sampling period. If problems are found with data collected by volunteer monitors, the Project QA Officer contacts them to ensure that proper procedures are being adhered to and/or makes arrangements for monitor retraining.

The activities included in QC sessions constitute performance and system audits. Two QC sessions are conducted each year by the Project QA Officer. Monitors are required to attend at least one QC session annually and are encouraged to attend both sessions if possible. Results of QC exercises conducted at these sessions provide a measure of how well monitors perform individually and as a group. Data collected at QC sessions is used to assess the accuracy and precision of the data collected in this program. If accuracy and precision goals are not being met, QC sessions will be scheduled more frequently.

As described in Section 19, all monitor data sheets are reviewed by the Project QA Officer and the Program Director before data are entered into the CEMP data system. The database program is designed to detect anomalous values and quarterly data reviews are performed by the Project QA Officer and Program Director to detect deficiencies. If problems are discovered with data quality or management, it is the responsibility of the Project QA Officer to address them in a timely manner.

Procedures for inspection, acceptance, calibration and maintenance of equipment and supplies are described in detail in Sections 15, 16 and 17. If problems with data quality are traceable to equipment failure, inspection, calibration and maintenance will be scheduled more frequently.

The Technical Advisory Committee will review this QAPP and the overall project design annually and may suggest procedural refinements or additional testing procedures. This may include new parameters to be measured (such as macroinvertibrates, heavy metals, hydrocarbons and sediments) or changes to procedures currently in use. Any such changes will be subject to EPA and ADEC approval. The project is open to EPA or ADEC system audits at their discretion.

21. REPORTS

Annual reports will be produced in January of each year and will describe activities during the previous calendar year. These reports will consist of data results, interpretation of data, information on project status, volunteer highlights, results of QC audits and internal assessments.

The Project Officer is responsible for report production and distribution. Annual reports will be forwarded to ADEC, the regional office of EPA and all other parties listed in Section 3 of this document as well as to the Cook Inlet Keeper Board of Directors and the Citizen Advisory Panel. Summaries of all reports, highlighting the assessment results, project status and volunteer achievements will be distributed to all volunteers and Cook Inlet Keeper members.

In the future the Cook Inlet Keeper web site will include continually updated monitoring data displayed in conjunction with interactive ArcView software. Data users will have quick access to current water quality information. They will be able to locate monitoring sites and relate them to possible sources of pollution.

22. DATA REVIEW, VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

All data collected by the Citizens Environmental Monitoring Program is subject to review by the Project QA Officer and the Program Director to determine if the data meet QAPP objectives. Decisions to reject or qualify data are made by the Program Director and/or the Project QA Officer.

Monitor data sheets must be filled out completely and signed by all monitors present at the time of sampling and analysis. The Project QA Officer and the Program Director check each data sheet for precision, missing or illegible information, errors in calculation and values outside of the expected range. If questions arise, monitors are contacted for clarification. The Project QA Officer is responsible for ensuring that maintenance and calibration records show all monitoring equipment in use to be in compliance with the requirements of this QAPP (see Sections 15, 16, & 17). The Program Director ensures that all monitors listed on the data sheet have completed required training for the parameters tested and have attended at least one QC session within the past year (see section 8). When review is complete and any questions have been resolved, each data sheet is signed and dated by the Project QA Officer and the Program Director. If data quality questions can not be adequately resolved, data will not be entered into the CEMP data system and the Project QA Officer will arrange for corrective measures (i.e. monitor re-training, equipment re-calibration, etc.). Any changes made to data are initialed, and any action taken as a result of the data review is specifically recorded on the data sheet below the reviewers’ signatures.

Data is then entered into the CEMP data system which is designed to flag any values which fall outside of the expected range for each parameter. On a quarterly basis the Project QA Officer prints out the data and proof reads it against original data sheets. Errors in data entry are corrected and inconsistencies are flagged for further review. Data will be presented annually using graph and report formats to document baseline water quality, identify trends and detect deficiencies in data collection or program design.

Annual reports will include discussion of any data quality problems and will be distributed to all data users (see Section 20). Members of the Citizens Advisory Panel and the Technical Advisory Committee will be asked to review these reports and offer suggestions for improving the Citizens’ Environmental Monitoring Program.

24. RECONCILIATION WITH DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES

Calculations and determinations for precision and completeness are made by the Project QA Officer and Program Director during the initial data sheet review process (see Sections 19, 22 & 23) and at biannual QC sessions. Calculations of data accuracy are made during random site visits and at biannual QC sessions; as described in Sections 8, 14 & 20, replicate analysis is performed at these times and values recorded by volunteer monitors are compared with those obtained by the Project QA Officer or a Certified Monitor Trainer. Results of precision, accuracy and completeness calculations are recorded on monitor data sheets and will be included in annual reports.

If data quality indicators do not meet program specifications (see Table T-2) data will not be entered in the CEMP data system and will not be used in annual reports. The cause of failure will be evaluated. If the cause is found to be equipment failure, calibration and maintenance procedures will be reassessed and improved. If the problem is found to be monitor error, monitors will be retrained. If accuracy and precision goals are frequently not being met QC sessions will be scheduled more often.

If failure to meet program specifications is found to be unrelated to equipment, methods, or monitor error, specifications may be revised. Revisions to this QAPP will be submitted to the designated state ADEC and federal EPA, Region 10 quality assurance officers for approval.

COOK INLET KEEPER

Citizens Advisory Panel

COOK INLET KEEPER

TRAINING CERTIFICATE

COOK INLET KEEPER

Citizens Environmental Monitoring Program

COOK INLET KEEPER

MONITOR DATA SHEET

COOK INLET KEEPER

INSPECTION FORM