Environmental Science Portfolio: Stream Quality Monitoring

Started: June 2017
Ended: Active
Total Hours: 89

The Stream Quality Monitoring (SQM) is a program through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The objective is to monitor the health of selected rivers and streams by assessing the macroinvertebrate diversity found in each location.

I monitor the Big Darby Creek three times during the summer and conduct three samples at each visit.

I use the United States Geological Service water alert program to monitor Big Darby Creek water discharge rate. After I select the Big Darby Creek in Darbyville, Ohio, I select to monitor the discharge rate at 300 cubic feet per second. Each day I get a text message on the discharge rate when it is 300 cfs or higher. If the discharge rate is too high than I know that it may not be a safe day for sampling. Very helpful service. The USGS also provides me additional information on their National Water Information System page.

Summary of Stream Quality Monitoring Program

Accurately asses benthic aquatic macroinvertebrate diversities in communities
Conduct visual observation of stream using the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) adopted by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are also sampled at each site using the Ohio sediment stick which was developed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Lake Soil and Water Conservation District.

Sampling Techniques

Three (3) separate samples are conducted from a 3' by 3.5" area of stream bottom. The three (3) samples are drawn from same monitoring area but different spots within that monitoring area.
Samples are taken from the stream which includes stone washing and kick sampling within the sample area to include any life on the rocks and river bottom.
Macroinvertebrates are identified using field identification sheets.
Photos are taken of any macroinvertebrates that could not be identified.
The numbers and types of macroinvertebrates are recorded on the assessment sheets.

Turbidity Measurements