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A2 Table of Contents

A Project Management

A1 Title and Approval Page ..........................................................................................................

A2 Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................3

A3 Distribution List .....................................................................................................................8

A4 Project Organization ..............................................................................................................9

A5 Problem Definition & Background ........................................................................................9

A6 Project Description ...............................................................................................................12

A7 Data Quality Objectives (DQOs) and Criteria .....................................................................14

A8 Training ................................................................................................................................20

A9 Documents and Records ......................................................................................................20

B Data Generation and Acquisition

B1 Sampling Process Design .....................................................................................................22

B2 Sampling Methods ...............................................................................................................23

B3 Sample Handling and Custody .............................................................................................28

B4 Analytical Methods ..............................................................................................................28

B5 Quality Control .....................................................................................................................30

B6 Equipment Inspection, Calibration, and Maintenance .........................................................35

B7 Inspection and Acceptance of Supplies and Consumables ..................................................37

B8 Non-Direct Measurements and Data ....................................................................................38

B9 Data Management ................................................................................................................38

C Assessment and Oversight

C1 Assessments and Response Actions .....................................................................................40

C2 Reports to Management .......................................................................................................40

D Data Validation and Usability

D1 Data Review, Verification, and Validation ..........................................................................42

D2 Reconciliation with User Requirements ..............................................................................44

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List of Tables

Table 1: Data Quality Objectives .................................................................................................. 18

Table 2: Sample Collection Requirements ................................................................................... 25

Table 3: Analytical Methods ......................................................................................................... 30

Table 4: QC Samples and Acceptance Criteria............................................................................. 32

Table 5: Equipment Inspection, Calibration, and Maintenance .................................................... 36

Table 6: Inspection of Supplies..................................................................................................... 37

Table 7: Data Quality Failure Contingency Plan .......................................................................... 43

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List of Appendices

Note: Appendices are provided on the CWMN QAPP CD

1. Program Coordination Procedures and Information

a. Routine Sampling Event Procedures

b. Follow-Up Sampling Event Procedures

c. CWMN Site List w Indicator-Subwatershed Status

d. Duplicate Schedule Summary 2013-2015

e. MWRA Lab Analysis Plan

f. Event Database Summary (example)

g. Event Status Summary (example)

h. CWMN Site Elevations

i. Instructions for NepRWA Voice Mail

j. 2013 Sample IDs Duplicates and Split tracking

k. Procedure checklist

l. DO procedure checklist

m. CWMN task schedule

n. Drop-off center procedures

o. Staff sample check procedures

2. Training Procedures and Forms

a. Initial Training SOP

b. Annual Refresher Training SOP

c. Annual Training Abbreviated Sampling Procedure

d. Routine Sampling Trainee Evaluation Form

e. Dissolved Oxygen Training SOP

f. DO Trainee Evaluation Form

g. Volunteer Training Record

h. Feedback sheet 2013

3. NepRWA Sampling and Analysis Procedures

a. CWMN Sampling Manual 2013

b. CWMN Procedural Checklist

c. DO Sampling Manual

d. DO Procedural Checklist

e. YSI 550 Manufacturer Literature

f. EPA pH method from volunteer monitoring handbook

g. Oakton pH Testr 2 instruction manual

h. Specific Conductance - Salinity Measurement SOP

i. YSI85 Manufacturer Literature

j. Bottle Washing SOP

k. CWMN Labeling Procedure

l. Surfactants SOP

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m. Thermometer calibration confirmation SOP

n. DO meter Maintenance SOP

o. Optical Brightener Sampling Manual

p. Qualitative Ammonia Nitrogen Sampling and Analysis SOP

4. NepRWA Sampling and Analysis Forms

a. MWRA Chain of Custody (example)

b. MWRA Sample Labels (example)

c. Purchasing Record (example)

d. Specific Conductance/pH Data Sheet

e. Water Quality Field Data Sheet

f. Dissolved Oxygen Data Sheet

g. Healthy Communities COC

h. Sample Spreadsheet with Formulas

i. DO sign out sheet

j. NepRWA General Purpose COC

k. BMP Survey Form

5. Sampling Site Location Documentation

a. CWMN Site Manual site guide 2010

b. Directions to Drop-Off Sites

c. Directions to Laboratories

d. DO route Driving Directions (See CD)

6. MWRA SOPs

a. Ammonia Nitrogen by Automated Colorimetry

b. Nitrate/Nitrite by Automated Colorimetry

c. Orthophosphate Phosphorus by Automated Colorimetry

d. Total Nitrogen/Phosphorus and Total Dissolved Nitrogen/Phosphorus

e. Total, Volatile, and Fixed Suspended Solids

f. E. Coli by Enzyme Substrate

g. Chlorophyll and Phaeophytin

h. Fecal Coliform

i. Enterococcus by the Defined Substrate Method (Enterolert©)

j. MWRA Quality Control Sample Specifications (DQOs) for Watersheds

k. Procedures for MDLs 5005.4 MWRA SOP

7. UMASS Boston and NepRWA Bacteria SOPs

a. Colilert-Enterolert SOP

b. NepRWA Colilert Lab Data Sheet

c. NepRWA General Purpose COC

d. UMASS Directions and Lab Tips

e. Idexx Technical Documentation

8. G&L Laboratories SOPs and Forms

a. G&L SOP MF Fecal Coliform

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b. G&L SOP MF E. coli

c. G&L SOP TSS

d. Directions to G&L

e. G&L COC

9. Reference Materials

a. EPA Colilert method

b. DEP Colilert/Enterolert Method

c. EPA pH Method 150.1

d. DEP Bottle Basket Sampling Method

e. DEP SOP Optical Brighteners CN 058.0

f. YSI Tech Note DO Values Above 100

10. BMP Surveys

a. Canton BMP Survey

b. Three Town BMP Survey

c. Dedham-Milton BMP Survey

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A3 Distribution List

I. Meghan Rauber, Field Sampling Coordinator,

NepRWA

2173 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021

[email protected]

781-575-0354

781-575-9971 fax

II. Gary Gonyea, 604b Project Coordinator,

MassDEP

One Winter Street, 6th floor, Boston, MA 02108

[email protected]

(617) 556-1152

(617) 292-5850 fax

III. Steve DiMattei, Quality Assurance Officer, EPA,

Region I

11 Technology Drive, N. Chelmsford, MA

01863-2431

[email protected]

617-918-8313

617-918-8397 fax

IV. Richard Chase, DEP-DWM

8 New Bond Street Worcester, MA 01606

[email protected]

508-767-2859

508-508-791-4131 fax

V. Beth Edwatrds, 604b Project Officer,

EPA Region 1

5 Post Office Square, Ste 100 Boston,

MA 02109

[email protected]

617 918-1840

617-918-0840 fax

VI. Michael Delaney, Laboratory Director

MWRA

190 Tafts Ave, Winthrop, MA 02152

[email protected]

617- 660-7801

VII. Edward A. Caruso Jr, Client Services

Coordinator

MWRA, Deer Island Treatment Plant

Dept. of Lab Services

190 Tafts Ave., Winthrop, MA 02152

[email protected]

617- 539-4329

617- 539-4360 fax

VIII. Yong Lao

Project Manager

Department of Laboratory Services

190 Tafts Ave, Winthrop, MA 02152

[email protected]

IX. Steve Rhode, Laboratory Section

Manager

Department of Lab Services

190 Tafts Ave., Winthrop, MA 02152

[email protected]

617-660-7803

X. Tom Faber, EPA Region I

11 Technology Drive, Chelmsford, MA

01863

[email protected]

617- 918-8672

XI. Robert Chen, UMASS Boston

100 Morrissey Boulevard

Boston, MA 02125

[email protected]

617-287-7491

617 287-7474 fax

mailto:[email protected]











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A4 Project Organization

A5 Problem Definition & Background

A5-1 Watershed Description

The Neponset River Watershed covers 117 square miles. The Watershed is home to some

330,000 residents. Its aquifers supply water departments serving some 220,000 customers. It

serves as an important recreational resource and significantly defines the quality of life and

character of its communities. In spite of its large population and long history of development, the

watershed still supports many ecologically significant upland, wetland and aquatic habitats

including two state designated Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.

Historically, water quality in the Neponset Watershed has been poor due to uncontrolled

industrial and domestic wastewater discharges, with resulting impacts to quality of life in

watershed communities. However, conditions have been improving steadily since the late 1960’s

and most of the Neponset now meets Class B water quality standards during dry weather.

Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA)

Citizen's Water Monitoring Network

Environmental Sceintist/Engineer

NepRWA

Project Manager

MADEP

604b Project Coordinator

Executive Director

NepRWA

Project Quality Assurance Officer

Field Services

NepRWA Volunteers Water Quality Samplers

Lab Services

MWRA Project Manager

MWRA

Laboratory Project Officer

UMass Boston Lab Director

MADEP

Quality Assurance Officer

USEPA Quality Assurance Officer

USEPA

Project Officer

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A5-2 Organizational Background

The Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA) is a nonprofit conservation organization

founded in 1967 to protect and restore the natural resources of the Neponset River and its

watershed for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. NepRWA's goals include

restoring fishable-swimmable (Class B) water quality, and ensuring that the public is able to

enjoy local waterways and wildlife.

A5-3 Sources of Impairment and Pollutants of Concern

Remaining water quality problems in the watershed include poorly maintained and

malfunctioning sewer collection systems in the form of illicit connections, exfiltration,

infiltration and inflow, and sanitary sewer overflows. Many sections of the watershed are heavily

developed, with high percentages of impervious surface. Most of this development predates

stormwater treatment technology and/or requirements and as a result, there are widespread

problems with polluted stormwater runoff. In some areas, failing septic systems may be

problematic, though in most cases, the best water quality in the Neponset Watershed is found in

areas serviced by septic systems rather than sewers. More than 100 antiquated industrial dams

cause significant water quality, hydrologic and aquatic habitat impacts. In addition, water supply,

wastewater management, impervious surface, flood control and impoundment management

activities substantially modify natural instream flow regimes throughout the Neponset

Watershed.

Current pollutants of concern in the Neponset Watershed include pathogens, the combined issues

of nutrients, eutrophication and low dissolved oxygen, sedimentation, temperature modification,

invasive aquatic species and streamflow depletion. Toxics such as heavy metals, PAHs and

PCBs from both stormwater runoff and in-stream sediment re-suspension are also of concern,

though CWMN generally lacks the resources to monitor these constituents.

A5-4 Past Sampling Efforts

The Massachusetts DEP completed a very comprehensive water quality assessment in the

Neponset Watershed in 1994 and a fish/macroinvertebrate assessment in 1999. In addition

MassDEP more recently conducted a comprehensive water quality survey in 2009. Current water

quality data is essential for guiding implementation of remediation efforts, evaluating success

over time and building a constituency for the implementation of water quality improvements.

Unfortunately, current government watershed monitoring programs, on their own, are inadequate

to provide this data. CWMN attempts to fill the resulting gap.

The CWMN program has been working to fill water quality information gaps and facilitate water

quality improvement for more than 10 years. NepRWA works with agencies at all levels of

government and with private donors to assemble the considerable resources needed to conduct an

effective monitoring program and carry our restoration activities. By bringing together the efforts

of many partners, and making use of extensive volunteer labor, the CWMN program is able to

maximize the use of the limited resources available for this important work.

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A5-5 Program Changes Necessitating an Updated QAPP

Ongoing changes in watershed conditions, laboratory support services, technical methods,

financial support, the goals and requirements of partner organizations and updated guidance for

the preparation of QAPPs, necessitate periodic updates of the CWMN QAPP.

Historically some of the major changes in the program necessitating an update to the QAPP

include:

The introduction of a formal tiered system of “indicator’ and “subwatershed” sampling

sites;

Formalization of the process of follow up sampling to identify pollution sources;

CZM Coastal Monitoring grant funds enabling the establishment of facilities for the

analysis of bacterial testing in partnership with UMASS Boston;

Elimination of in-kind analysis of bacteria samples for the routine sampling program by

the EPA Region 1 Laboratory;

Reduction, by 50%, in the dollar value of in-kind laboratory analysis services provided

by the MWRA;

Significant changes to the mix of water quality parameters being analyzed in-kind by the

MWRA.

The term of approval for the 2013-2015 had expired necessitating a revision and resubmittal for

approval of the CWMN QAPP for 2016-2018.

A5-6 Program Goals and Objectives

The Citizens Water Monitoring Network seeks to develop a reliable understanding of water

quality conditions throughout the watershed as a means to spur and guide water quality

restoration efforts.

NepRWA’s CWMN program seeks to accomplish the following during the period 2016-2018:

Regularly collect in-stream water quality samples at a handful of “indicator sites” that

represent overall water quality conditions and trends.

Regularly collect in-stream water quality samples at a larger number of “subwatershed sites”

that target known or suspected problem areas.

Conduct “follow up” and “special study” investigations and sampling as needed to confirm

and further specify suspected problem or opportunity areas identified through the regular

sampling program.

Continue sampling procedures with “Bridge Buddy” sampling device in order to take sterile

surface water samples for bacteria and water quality analyses at all sites.

Collect in-stream samples during rainfall events.

Distribute results promptly to municipal officials, state and federal regulators and the general

public as a means to increase understanding of water pollution issues.

Using fully sterile methods, collect data needed to help implement recommendations of the

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for bacteria.

Generate data to help enhance the effectiveness of municipal, state, federal and private

efforts to improve water quality.

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A6 Project Description

A6-1 Routine Sampling

Forty-one routine sampling sites have been established that represent a mix of site types (see

Appendix 1c). These routine sites include a handful of “indicator sites” which are representative

of overall water quality and are used to track trends over time, and a larger number of

“subwatershed sites” which may change from year to year and which are used to provide

additional detail on particular stream reaches of interest.

Each of the routine sampling sites is sampled on a regular basis, generally six times per year

between May and October. Volunteers take grab-samples at each site location and immediately

preserve them for analysis. The particular suite of parameters tested at each site varies depending

on the site’s status as an indicator or subwatershed site and is discussed further below.

Samples may be analyzed for chemical constituents, including forms of phosphorus and nitrogen,

chlorophyll and microbiological indicators, such as E.coli., fecal coliform bacteria and/or

Enterococcus sp. . In addition, measurements of physical and chemical parameters such as pH,

temperature, specific conductance, total suspended solids, salinity, turbidity, and dissolved

oxygen will be performed in the field, at NepRWA’s facilities, or at participating laboratories.

Finally, qualitative observations of water color, odor, turbidity, flow, and water depth are made

at each site.

Consistent with the overarching goal of ensuring volunteer safety, samples are collected using

sterile, direct-fill methods while wading, from a boat or using a sampling pole. However, at

many of the routine sampling sites, high bridges, fencing and steep riverbanks make direct

sampling infeasible in light of safety concerns. In these situations, samples are taken from the top

of a bridge using a ”Bridge Buddy” sampling device in order to ensure sterile collection of

surface waters to be analyzed for bacteria and other water quality parameters.

A6-2 Follow-Up and Special Study Sampling

When routine sampling indicates the possible or definite presence of a water quality problem but

additional data is needed to determine specific pollution sources or to confirm data collected

using non-regulatory methods, NepRWA may initiate follow-up sampling or special study

sampling to collect additional information.

Site locations and analytical parameters for follow-up sampling will depend on the unique

circumstances of the affected stream reach and the nature of suspected pollution sources. Follow

up sampling will generally take place upstream and downstream of suspected pollution sources

and may include sampling in-stream, at storm drain outfalls and/or within drainage collection

systems.

During follow-up sampling, all critical parameters will be sampled using regulatory quality

sampling, preservation and analytical methods. Follow-up sampling will be performed by

NepRWA staff, with the assistance of especially trusted volunteers, who have experience and

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training with the required techniques. All the data from follow up sampling will be of a quality

that permits its use in regulatory decision making contexts.

A variety of methods and procedures are used to conduct this portion of the CWMN program,

depending on the particular issues being addressed. These methods and procedures are detailed

further in the discussion below and in the appendices.

A6-3 Sampling Schedule

Routine sampling operations are generally scheduled every four weeks, starting in May, and are

typically held early on a Wednesday or Thursday morning. The reason for this sampling

schedule is in an attempt to meet new Mass. Surface Water Quality Standards for bacteria which

stipulate that at least five samples be taken within a six month period in order to make a use

determination.

Follow-up and special study sampling is scheduled on an as-needed basis as indicated by data

gathered in the routine sampling operations, or as issues arise through citizen involvement and

staff observations, etc. and subject to available resources. Follow-up sampling would continue to

be scheduled as needs and resources arise year round even if the routine sampling activities shift

to a seasonal schedule. However, follow-up sampling for bacteria and other season sensitive

parameters will be scheduled during only warm or cold weather as appropriate.

A6-4 Participants

Approximately fifty volunteers participate in each routine sampling event. There are several

types of volunteers: samplers, dissolved oxygen testers, drivers, data entry and quality control

technicians, and drop-off coordinators. In addition to the volunteers, up to five NepRWA staff as

well as seasonal interns are assigned responsibilities ranging from substituting for a volunteer, to

manning a sample drop-off site. Participants in follow-up and special study sampling vary

according to project needs, and consist of NepRWA staff, selected volunteers and in some cases

municipal staff.

A6-5 Coordination

Planning for a routine event begins at least three weeks ahead of the sampling date. All

volunteers are contacted by email and by phone to verify their ability to participate. Absences are

covered by “fill-in” volunteers or by NepRWA staff. A training session is normally held before

the event for new recruits and for those volunteers or staff requiring refresher training. Labs are

contacted to prepare them to receive and analyze samples, and to coordinate and organize the

chains of custody and sample labels.

Because of the broad geographical range of the sample sites, up to four sample drop-off sites are

used. Site drop-off coordinators staff these sites, receive samples from volunteers, maintain

custody under proper conditions, ensure proper completion of paperwork and deliver the samples

to NepRWA headquarters. From there, volunteer drivers or staff deliver the samples to the

designated analytical laboratory.

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Occasionally, due to extremely inclement weather, a sampling event may be postponed. Because

of the degree of scheduling, coordination and preparation involved in each event, this is a rare

occurrence.

Planning and coordination for follow-up and special study sampling generally follows this same

schedule and pattern.

A6-6 BMP Surveys

In addition, stormwater BMP surveys for the Towns of Canton, Dedham, Milton, Sharon,

Stoughton and Walpole have been devised as found in Appendix 10a, Appendix 10b, and

Appendix 10c. Although surveys in these towns have already been completed, there may be

additional surveys following the same format taking place in these or other watershed towns.

A7 Data Quality Objectives (DQOs) and Criteria

A7-1 General Overview

The goal of this project is to generate data that provides a reliable picture of water quality

conditions in the Neponset River Watershed. Ideally all CWMN data would be of a quality that

may be relied upon for regulatory decision making. In practice, resource limitations and

volunteer safety considerations necessitate the use of non-regulatory methods for some

parameters and at some sites. This non regulatory data will still serve a valuable “screening”

function within the program.

In other cases, non-critical parameters such as pH are measured using non-regulatory methods so

that limited resources can be concentrated on critical parameters. Wherever non-regulatory

methods are utilized, the associated data is flagged as “estimated” rather than as actual values.

In situations where enforcement action or other regulatory action may be needed, but regulatory

quality data is not available from routine sampling activities, additional data will be collected

through follow up sampling using sterile and/or regulatory sampling methods.

Using this two tiered approach enables the program to ensure volunteer safety, maximize the

utilization of limited resources, ensure that regulatory quality data is available when needed and

clearly convey data quality information to all data consumers.

The sections below provide additional details on the data quality objectives and indicate for each

parameter sampled whether the parameter is considered “critical” or “non-critical” and when

regulatory and non-regulatory analytical methods will be utilized for that parameter.

A7-2 Data Quality Descriptors

The following terms define aspects of data quality that are integrated into this plan.

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Precision is an expression of the ability of a method to consistently reproduce a measurement. It

is measured through the collection of duplicate samples and/or split samples. Precision is stated

in terms of the relative percent difference or “RPD” between results for a pair of duplicates. RPD

is the difference between two results divided by the average of the results.

The CWMN program evaluates field precision through the collection of “field duplicate”

samples. In practice, where volunteers are utilizing direct fill sampling methods, field QC

samples will be what some organizations might refer to either as simultaneous or sequential field

duplicates. In the interest of simplicity, the CWMN program will refer to all samples whose

primary purpose is to evaluate field precision as “field duplicates.”

In addition, from time to time, NepRWA staff or the lab will divide a single sample into two

aliquots for parallel analysis. The objective of such a sample is to evaluate laboratory precision,

and such sample will be referred to as “splits.”

Accuracy is the degree to which the measured value reflects the actual value. It is best measured

by the analysis of lab fortified blank samples (also known as spike samples), blank samples, lab

fortified matrix samples or by comparing instrument measurement to a known standard.

Accuracy is expressed in terms of “percent recovery” which may be greater than, equal to, or less

than 100%.

Lab blanks are made up of reagent water and should have a pollutant concentration of zero. Lab

fortified blanks, are made up by preparing a blank and adding a known concentration of the

pollutant of interest to the sample. The MWRA lab refers to lab fortified blanks as “lab control

samples” or “LCS samples.”

Some laboratories also utilize a lab fortified matrix samples to evaluate lab accuracy. A lab

fortified matrix sample is a sample of river water which is divided into two aliquots. A known

quantity of pollutant is added to one of the aliquots. Both samples are analyzed, the background

value of the un-spiked aliquot is subtracted from the result for the spiked sample to determine a

percent recovery value. The purpose of lab fortified matrix samples is to identify the relatively

unusual circumstance where unknown contaminants in the river itself interfere with some aspect

of the analytical method. Per MWRA SOPs, lab fortified matrix samples are not analyzed as part

of routine CWMN sampling.

A reporting limit is the lowest value that a laboratory, or instrument in the case of field

measurements, can quantitatively report with confidence.

Representativeness is the extent to which the sampling design and measurements obtained

adequately reflect the true environmental conditions at the location being monitored.

Comparability is the degree to which these data can be compared to past studies at these sites

and to similar studies elsewhere. Standardized sampling and analytical techniques with similar

reporting limits help to ensure comparability.

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Completeness is a comparison of the amount of data project leaders plan to collect versus the

amount actually collected. It is expressed as a percentage.

A7-3 Data Precision

To measure data precision, volunteer monitors will be required to take field duplicate samples on

an every other year schedule. While it would be desirable to collect field duplicates for each

volunteer, each year, this would necessitate a substantial reduction in the geographic scope of the

CWMN program, as 20% of total lab resources would have to be dedicated to the analysis of

field duplicates. Based on NepRWA’s past experience with field duplicate results, such a

substantial commitment is not justified. It is also important to note that most CWMN volunteers

stay with the program for many years, and new volunteers are prioritized for the collection of

field duplicates during their first year. In addition to this field duplicate schedule, a one-time

field duplicate survey of all volunteers will be undertaken. For this survey all volunteers will

collect duplicate samples to be analyzed for specific conductance. For follow up sampling, at

least one field duplicate will be collected for each sampling trip. Follow up sampling duplicates

are based on a rotating basis for volunteers that is consistent with the every other year scheme

described above. For each follow up survey, field duplicates are collected by at least one

volunteer. For additional information on QC sample frequency, refer to Table 4.

A7-4 Data Accuracy

CWMN uses lab blanks and/or lab-fortified blanks to determine accuracy for laboratory analyzed

samples. Per the MWRA Lab SOPs, bacterial accuracy is evaluated with blanks, while nutrient

and chlorophyll accuracy is evaluated with blanks and lab fortified blanks for CWMN routine

sampling activities. Lab fortified matrix samples are not utilized for routine CWMN sampling

activities.

Field instruments are calibrated and/or periodically checked against known standards to establish

their accuracy. Results are also reviewed to ensure that they fall within specified measurement

ranges of the parameter and/or equipment measurement ranges and minimum detectable limits

(MDLs). For additional information on QC sample frequency, refer to Table 4.

A7-5 Data Representativeness

Sampling points will be chosen to represent the water quality within the applicable geographic

area of interest. Staff experienced and knowledgeable in the factors affecting water quality will

choose sample points that will be representative of conditions within the area of concern.

A7-6 Comparability

Comparability is ensured by the utilization of established sampling and monitoring protocols

from Massachusetts DEP, MWRA, Massachusetts Water Watch Partnership, the Boston Water

and Sewer Commission, and NepRWA, and by the use of standard test methods and procedures

as outlined in Appendices 6, 7, and 8.

A7-8 Completeness

In order to obtain the best picture of the watershed, NepRWA expects 90% of the routine

sampling and follow up sampling samples to be collected and analyzed during each scheduled

sampling event. In the routine sampling program uncertainties such as weather, volunteer

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scheduling, and illness sometimes result in unavoidable omissions, but every effort is made to

assign backup samplers when possible.

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Table 1: Data Quality Objectives

Analyte Units Expected

Range Action

Thresholds2

MDL1

and MRL

Resolution Accuracy Precision

Bacteria

E. coli (MF) (G&L, UMASS Boston)

cfu/100 mL 0-5000,

extended w/dilutions

126 5 cfu/100

ml depends

on dilution

TNTC on positive and

<MDL on negative

30% RPD for log 10

transformed data

E. coli (Colilert) (MWRA, UMASS Boston, NepRWA)

MPN cfu/100 mL 0->24,200, extended

w/dilutions 126

1 MPN/100

ml

depends on dilution

>2420 on positive and 0 on negative

30% RPD for log 10

transformed data

Enterococcus (MF) (G&L, UMASS Boston)

cfu/100 mL 0-5000,


33 5 cfu/100

ml depends

on dilution


<MDL on negative

30% RPD for log 10

transformed data

Enterococcus (Enterolert) (MWRA, UMASS Boston, NepRWA)

MPN cfu/100 mL 0->24,200, extended

w/dilutions 33

1 MPN/100

ml

depends on dilution


30% RPD for log 10

transformed data

Fecal Coliform (G&L, UMASS Boston)

cfu/100 mL 0-5000,


200-1000 5 cfu/100

ml depends

on dilution


<MDL on negative

30% RPD for log 10

transformed data

Total Coliform (Colilert) (MWRA, UMASS Boston, NepRWA)

MPN cfu/100 mL 0-2420,


n/a 1

MPN/100 ml

depends on dilution


30% RPD for log 10

transformed data

1Bacteria MDLs assume no dilutions and are adjusted accordingly in the case of dilutions

2Action Thresholds from MA Surface Water Quality Standards (310 CMR 4.00)

table continued…

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Table 1: Data Quality Objectives, Continued

Analyte Units Expected

Range Action

Thresholds3

MDL Resolution Accuracy Precision

Nutrients

Ammonia (MWRA)

Reported by lab in mg/L 0.005 - 0.5 mg/L 0.2-2.0 mg/L 0.00039

mg/L n/a

85% to 115%

25% RPD for values>0.5 mg/L and

50% RPD for values<0.5 mg/L

Nitrate plus Nitrite (MWRA)

Reported by lab mg/L 0.005 - 0.5 mg/L 1.0 mg/L 0.00035

mg/L n/a 85%-115%



Nitrogen, Total (not TKN) (MWRA)

Reported by lab mg/L 0.005 - 0.5 mg/L 1.0 mg/L 0.0226 mg/L

n/a 85% to 115%



Orthophosphate (dissolved reactive phosphorus) (MWRA)

Reported by lab mg/L 0.0025-0.25

mg/L 0.01-0.08 mg/L

0.00032 mg/L

n/a 85% to 115%



Total Phosphorous (MWRA)

Reported by lab mg/L 0.0025-0.25

mg/L 0.1 mg/L

0.0034 mg/L

n/a 85% to 115%



Other

Chlorophyll and phaeophytin (MWRA)

ug/L 0.1-50 2-9 0.1 n/a 85% to 115%

15% RPD

Specific Conductance (NepRWA)

uS/cm 0 to 4,999 500 0.01 .01 - 1.0

depending on range

+/- 0.5% of full scale

5% RPD

Dissolved Oxygen (NepRWA)

mg/L & % saturation 0-14 mg/L &

0-100% 5-6 mg/L &

60% 0 0.01

+/- 0.3 mg/L or +/- 2%

5% RPD

pH (NepRWA)

SU 1 to 14 <6.5 & >8.3 n/a 0.1 0.2 +/- 0.2 SU

Salinity (NepRWA)

ppt 0-80 n/a 0.1 0.1 0.1 ppt or

2% 10% RPD

Temperature (NepRWA)

°C 0-30 20.0-28.3 n/a 0.5 0.5 0.5

TSS (MWRA)

mg/L NA 25 1.74 NA 77% to 129%

29% RPD

Surfactants (NepRWA)

mg/L 0-3 0.25 0.125 0.125

+/- 10% @ 2.25 mg/L; +/- 20% @ 0.75 mg/L

+/- 0.125 mg/L

3Action Thresholds from MA Surface Water Quality Standards (310 CMR 4.00); EPA 440; Dunne and Leopold 1998; Kennedy et al 1995

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A8 Training

To ensure the high quality and usability of the data that is generated by the CWMN program, all

participants receive training appropriate to the tasks for which they will be responsible.

NepRWA staff that are involved in the program are professionals with extensive training in

water quality, chemistry, biology, and field sampling. NepRWA has established a program of

training for volunteers that includes initial training, follow-up, and refresher classes. These

classes are given by NepRWA staff that are qualified not only in the technical matter covered,

but in training and education.

The initial training for volunteer monitors is primarily instruction and demonstration by the

trainer, with repetition by the volunteer. This training includes an overview of the entire project

and detailed instruction in sampling procedures. All monitors receive and review a copy of

NepRWA’s Water Monitoring and Sampling Manual (see Appendix 3a).

After their initial training, all volunteers participate in a mandatory annual group and/or

individual training session. These sessions are designed to update the volunteers on changes in

the program, further train them in equipment calibration and field-testing procedures and

evaluate each volunteer’s performance.

The performance of each volunteer is further evaluated during the sampling season through

review of field duplicate samples. If analytical results from field duplicate samples do not meet

acceptance criteria, a NepRWA staff member will perform a field evaluation during a regularly

scheduled sample event, and a refresher training session will be conducted when necessary. The

same measures will be implemented if the volunteer exhibits discrepancies in their field

observations such as failing to take a temperature measurement, or failing to properly record

calibration information. Persistent performance problems will result in the volunteer’s dismissal

from the program.

At each training event or field evaluation, volunteers must demonstrate their ability to properly

perform procedures to a member of the training team. The proficiency of volunteers is

documented on one of several “training evaluation forms” for each volunteer (see appendices 2c,

2e and 2f). In addition to training on proper sampling technique volunteers also receive safety

training and periodic safety reminders throughout the sampling season. All records from

trainings, including lecture notes, are kept by the Project Manager.

A9 Documents and Records

This section briefly describes the documents, forms and records utilized by the program and

procedures for handling and storing program records. All program data and documents are

subjected to QA/QC review before being disseminated to end users. Procedures for reviewing,

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validating and where necessary qualifying or excluding the information contained in program

records are discussed further in sections C and D below.

A9-1 Data Sheets

Field data sheets include information about the site location (NepRWA ID number), which

specific equipment was used to make measurements (thermometer number), the sampling

method used (direct fill, pole, or Bridge Buddy) and equipment calibration results. The field data

sheets are also used to record temperature, velocity, depth, color, odor, and turbidity information

(Appendix 4e). A separate field data sheet is used by dissolved oxygen monitors (Appendix 4f).

Both data sheets will be completed and relinquished to the site coordinator at the drop-off site.

Field data sheets are archived by sampling season in a permanent file. Field data are also entered

into an event spreadsheet and retained by NepRWA in hard and digital form.

NepRWA lab data sheets for specific conductance and pH are kept by the data manager and

entered into an Excel spreadsheet that is saved and printed for review and permanent archiving

(Appendix 4d).

Outside lab data sheets are sent in electronic format from the MWRA, UMASS and any other

outside labs to the NepRWA Data Manager. Sheets are saved on NepRWA’s hard drive, entered

into an excel spreadsheet that contains all other site information, and printed for review and

permanent archiving.

See Appendix 4 for copies of the various data sheets used in the CWMN program.

A9-2 Chain of Custody Forms

Chain of custody forms are completed for each sample. Forms are provided by the lab supplying

analytical services. Copies of these forms will be archived in the NepRWA office. The original

chain of custody forms will be retained and archived by the appropriate laboratory. See

Appendix 4, 6 or 8 for sample chains of custody.

A9-3 Sample Labeling

All samples are labeled with NepRWA site ID#, lab site ID # (if different), monitor’s initials,

date, time of collection, and parameters to be analyzed. See Appendix 3k for full labeling

procedure.

A9-4 Equipment Custody Form

Equipment custody forms will be completed by volunteers upon receipt of the sampling kit. This

checklist lists all of the equipment that was given to the volunteer and inventory numbers of the

individual instruments. This allows NepRWA to keep a constant record of equipment possession.

Equipment custody forms are stored indefinitely. New forms will be completed following each

annual equipment inspection.

A9-5 Training and Evaluation Form

Volunteer monitors are evaluated at the time of initial training, upon annual renewal training, and

again if questions arise about performance. Volunteer training and evaluation forms are archived

with other project documents. See Appendix 2 for the various training and evaluation forms.

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B Data Generation and Acquisition

B1 Sampling Process Design

The CWMN program is designed to develop and maintain a record of general water quality

throughout the watershed. Project goals include both evaluation of long-term changes over time

across the watershed as a whole and the identification of pollution hotspots at a low order

subwatershed scale.

Routine sampling activities consist of collecting in-stream samples. As discussed above, routine

sampling sites are divided among “indicator” sites and “subwatershed sites” in order to meet the

dual objectives of the program. Indicator sites are selected to be representative of overall water

quality and are relatively unchanging over time to allow comparison to past and future

investigations. Sites have generally been selected at the downstream ends or key segmentation

points of major subwatersheds and at or near locations where there is a longstanding data record.

Subwatershed sites are selected to provide higher spatial resolution along individual streams in

an effort to bracket pollution sources and facilitate their identification and remediation.

Subwatershed sites make up roughly 60% of the overall number of sites, and are more likely to

change from year to year. Subwatershed sites may be rotated through different watersheds over

the course of several sampling seasons to provide detailed data on different subwatersheds over a

period of years. Specific sites are selected by the project manager on the basis of known or

suspected problems or opportunities, or to fill in a lack of detailed data in a specific area.

In addition to the routine sampling activities, CWMN also encompasses follow up and special

study sampling activities. These are generally “one-time” investigations intended to zero in on

pollution sources in a known or suspected problem area. The stream reach for follow up

sampling will be determined in response to recent data from the routine sampling program, or

anecdotal pollution observations. Follow up samples are generally collected both in-stream and

at outfalls. Specific sampling stations may be planned in advance, or may be chosen

opportunistically by samplers while in the field.

The mix of parameters sampled at each site depends on its status as an indicator, subwatershed or

follow up station, the relative location of the station in the watershed, and the specific

pollutant(s) of concern at that specific location. Indicator sites are tested for bacteria, nutrients,

ammonia and field measured parameters. In upstream areas where phosphorous is the limiting

nutrient, indicator stations may not be tested for nitrogen in order to minimize laboratory costs.

Subwatershed sites are generally tested for bacteria, total phosphorus and field measured

parameters. At some subwatershed sites where there is a known dominant pollutant, fewer or

alternate parameters may be tested. Follow up sampling stations will generally be tested for a

very narrow set of parameters based on the specific pollutant of concern. A listing of current

routine sampling stations and the parameters sampled is provided in the Appendix 1e.

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Routine sampling stations are generally sampled six times per year, roughly every four weeks

across three seasons (Spring-Autumn). Follow up sampling occurs intermittently on an as needed

basis at sites to be determined by the coordinator.

Based on past results, some parameters measured in the routine sampling program, such as pH,

are considered non-critical, and nonstandard methods may be used to obtain estimates of such

parameters as a cost savings measure. In other situations, limitations imposed by the donors of

in-kind laboratory analysis may necessitate the use of non-regulatory sample preservation

methods (e.g. freezing rather than acidification) for nutrient samples collected as part of the

routine sampling program. More detailed information on specific parameters is provided below.

In most cases, critical parameters collected during follow up sampling will be analyzed using

fully sterile or otherwise regulatory quality sampling, preservation and analytical methods when

possible.

Sample types include grab samples and direct measurement. Water quality characteristics that

are measured and/or observed directly include: temperature, color, odor, turbidity, velocity,

depth, specific conductance, and dissolved oxygen. Laboratory-measured indicators may include

fecal coliform, E. coli and/or Enterococcus, along with total nitrogen, ammonia, nitrate/nitrite,

total phosphorus, ortho-phosphate, pH, salinity, specific conductance, surfactants and total

suspended solids. Bacteria samples analyzed using the Colilert method may also include results

for total coliform. This total coliform data is used only as a QC control in the Colilert analysis

process and is not used for the direct assessment of water quality. Additional indicators may be

evaluated during follow-up and special study sampling as needed.

B2 Sampling Methods

B2-1 General Collection Methods

The specific procedures for collecting samples are detailed in Appendix 3a-l with additional

information on collection procedures for samples processed by the MWRA provided in

Appendix 6a-h. A brief overview of sample collection procedures is provided here.

Ensuring the safety of all participants is a primary objective of the CWMN program. Some of the

safety procedures employed by the CWMN program include making sure volunteers are aware

of the expected level and nature of pollution sources at their site, the use of gloves whenever

handling samples, use of appropriate clothing such as reflective vests or life jacket when working

on busy streets, in the dark, when wading or when sampling from a boat, and the use of the

buddy system in many situations. Safety procedures are spelled out in greater detail in the

CWMN sampling manual which can be found in Appendix 3A.

Surface grab samples of in-stream water are taken from the center of the stream facing upstream.

If at a bridge this preferably takes place on the downstream side of the bridge. Actual field

conditions, including physical access conditions at the site, the intent of the sampling, and/or

other conditions lead to a variety of methods which are detailed in Appendix 3a, the CWMN

Water Monitoring and Sampling Manual.

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At the site, the samplers fill out the field data sheet, noting the weather conditions, including the

air temperature and recent precipitation. Beginning with the most easily contaminated parameter

the volunteer collects a grab sample from the stream using the direct fill method, a sampling pole

or a bridge buddy. Note that bucket sampling techniques were discontinued in the CWMN

program for all sampling events beginning in 2007. Each bottle is filled, proper pre-labeling is

confirmed, then the bottle is recapped and iced immediately before the process repeats for the

next bottle to be filled. Sampling procedures are described in greater detail in Appendix 3a.

Volunteers receive a second set of bottles for field duplicate samples at least once every two

years (see Appendix 1d for a schedule of field duplicates). The volunteers are reminded by email

or a letter to take duplicates for that event.

After all bottles are filled, capped, labeled, and preserved, the temperature of the water is taken

and recorded. Then the depth and estimated flow is measured and recorded. Finally, a visual and

odor check is done and noted on the data sheet. After all information has been gathered the

equipment is packed up, and samples are taken to the drop-off site

The table below summarizes sample requirements for each water quality test performed.

B2-2 Visual Observations

The color, odor, and turbidity of the sample is observed and recorded on the CWMN data sheet.

The sampler also takes measurements of instream flow and depth. These measurements are

estimates, and are used for general comparative purposes.

B2-3 Fecal Coliform, E. coli, and Enterococcus

Bacteria samples are collected using sterile sampling methods. Bucket sampling methods were

eliminated from the CWMN program as of December 2006. Any older bacteria data collected

using bucket sampling methods is flagged as “estimated” in reports. Bottles are labeled with site

ID#, date, sampler’s initials, and time. Samples are put on ice to maintain a temperature of 4

degrees Celsius and limited to a six-hour hold time. The CWMN program has largely shifted to

the use of E. coli and Enterococcus as primary bacterial indicators for routine sampling due to

changes in the Mass Surface Water Quality Standards and to take advantage of the Colilert and

Enterolert methods.

B2-4 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

Based on past sampling results, it is evident that most sedimentation in the Neponset Watershed

occurs during very short but severe episodes during which rainfall intensity and therefore

stormwater runoff/stream velocity reaches critical levels. As past monitoring has shown, the

probability that these conditions will randomly occur during regularly scheduled sampling is

quite low. Therefore TSS has been eliminated from the routine sampling program. However,

TSS sampling may still be conducted during follow up sampling where sedimentation is a

primary pollutant of concern.

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Table 2: Sample Collection Requirements

Analyte Type Minimum Quantity

(mL) Bottle Type Preservative Maximum hold time

Bacteria

E. Coli Grab 100 Sterile sealed plastic, 125-250

mL

Cool to 4 ° C 6 hours delivery plus 2 hours lab

Enterococcus Grab 100 Sterile sealed plastic, 125-250 mL


Fecal coliform Grab 100 Sterile sealed plastic, 125-250 mL


Total Coliform Grab 100 Sterile sealed plastic, 125-250 mL


Nutrients*

Ammonia non-reg preserve

Grab 50 HDPE 1000 mL Cool to 4 ° C filter within 6 hrs and freeze up to 3 months

Ammonia reg preserve

Grab 50 HDPE 1000 mL Cool to 4 ° C or h2so4 to pH<2 and

cool to 4 ° C

48 hours (no acid) or 28 days (acid)

Nitrate plus nitrite non-reg preserve

Grab 50 HDPE 1000 mL Cool to 4 ° C filter within 6 hrs and freeze up to 3 months

Nitrate plus nitrite reg preserve

Grab 50 HDPE 1000 mL Cool to 4 ° C or h2so4 to pH<2 and

cool to 4 ° C

48 hours (no acid) or 28 days (acid)

Nitrogen, Total (not TKN) non-reg preserve

Grab 100 HDPE 1000 mL Cool to 4 ° C Freeze within 24 hours for up to 28

days

Total Phosphorus non-reg preserve

Grab 100 HDPE 1000 mL Cool to 4 ° C Freeze within 24 hours for up to 28

days

Orthophosphate non-reg preserve

Grab 50 HDPE 1000 mL Cool to 4° C filter within 6 hours and freeze up to 3

months

Orthophosphate EPA reg preserve

Grab 50 HDPE 1000 mL Field Filter immediately Cool to 4° C

analyze within 48 hours

Nutrient preservation methods in bold are those used for CWMN routine sampling activities

Non bold are for follow up and special studies sampling (critical parameters)

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Table 2: Sample Collection Requirements, continued Other

Chlorophyll and phaeophytin

grab 100 Dark HDPE 1000 mL

Cool to 4° C filter within 6 hours, then freeze 21 days

Specific conductance Instream or grab

n/a / 250 HDPE 500 mL n/a / Cool to 4 ° C n/a / 24 hours

Dissolved Oxygen Instream n/a n/a n/a n/a

pH Instream or grab

n/a / 250 HDPE 500 mL n/a / zero headspace and

cool to 4° C

6 hours

Salinity Instream or grab

n/a / 250 HDPE 500 mL n/a / Cool to 4 ° C 24 hours

Surfactants Grab 50 HDPE 500 mL Cool to 4 ° C 6 hours

Temperature Instream or grab

n/a / 250 HDPE 500 mL n/a Analyze immediately

Total Suspended Solids Grab 200 HDPE 500 mL Cool to 4° C 7 days

B2-5 Nutrients

Nutrient sampling occurs at indicator sites only, unless nutrients are a particular pollutant of

concern at a subwatershed or follow up sampling station. The collection of both nutrient and

chlorophyll samples at selected sites will help develop the relationship between these parameters

in the Neponset Watershed. To minimize laboratory costs, nutrient samples may be analyzed for

nitrogen at stations located in the downstream portions of the watershed near the estuary where

nitrogen is the limiting nutrient, and not in upstream areas.

There are no enforceable, quantitative, nutrient criteria in the Massachusetts Surface Water

Quality Standards, nor is there a nutrient TMDL for the Neponset Watershed. Nutrient analysis is

donated by the MWRA Lab.

At this time, MWRA budget constraints require the use of MWRA’s non-regulatory preservation

methods for watershed association samples for all 5 nutrient parameters. Therefore, all nutrient

samples for the routine monitoring program must be considered estimates and will be indicated

as such on all reports. The various combinations of MWRA and EPA regulatory or non-

regulatory preservation methods are summarized in Table 2.

The sample is collected in a pre-cleaned 1-liter sample bottle provided by the lab. As with the

above samples, bottles are labeled with site ID#, date, time, and sampler’s initials and put on ice

to maintain a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius. Samples are delivered to the labs within 6 hours

of sampling. The 1- Liter bottle is split by the MWRA to test for total nitrogen, total phosphorus,

nitrate plus nitrite, orthophosphate (dissolved reactive phosphorus), ammonia and chlorophyll a.

B2-6 Specific Conductance, and Salinity

For follow up sampling, either grab-samples or direct measurement may be used for specific

conductance and/or conductivity. Salinity testing is not included in the routine sampling program

but may be included in follow up or special study sampling activities. Samples are collected in a

cleaned and rinsed bottle for later analysis by NepRWA staff. Specific procedures are detailed in

Appendix 3h-i. Samples that are to be analyzed for specific conductance must be tested within 24

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hours of collection and they must be kept on ice or refrigerated. Conductivity measurements (as

opposed to specific conductance) must be made in the field.

B2-7 Temperature

After all discrete samples for fecal coliform, TSS, nutrients, and specific conductance are taken,

a thermometer is submerged in the river or separate grab-sample until a constant reading is

attained (2 to 3 minutes). Temperature is recorded to the nearest 1/2 degree Celsius. The program

uses Enviro-Safe armor case thermometers which have a biodegradable citrus based fluid are

NIST certified to ensure reliability and minimize safety and environmental concerns. For special

study projects, temperature may be taken on a continuous basis using data logging temperature

sensors to provide a better picture of diurnal and seasonal fluctuations.

B2-8 pH

More than seven years of past sampling data has indicated very few incidents where pH has been

outside Mass Surface Water Quality Standards criteria. As a result, pH is now considered a non-

critical parameter for the routine sampling program. Therefore, during routine sampling

operations, grab-samples are collected for pH and measured at the NepRWA office with a

handheld pH meter. Grab-samples are kept on ice with zero head space to minimize dissolution

or degassing of carbon dioxide. The meters are three-point calibrated against commercial buffer

solution immediately before testing, and checked against the pH 4,7, and 10 standards after every

25 samples and at the end of testing. The meter must read 7.0 +/- 0.2 SU, otherwise all samples

since the last calibration or check must be flagged or excluded, and the meter must be re-

calibrated. Where pH is a critical parameter for follow up sampling, it is measured directly in the

field.

B2-9 Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen is a critical parameter and is measured directly instream using a meter. During

routine sampling activities, a separate team of DO volunteers is used to take DO measurements.

Measurements are taken in both mg/L and % saturation. Temperature measurements are always

taken in concert with DO measurements. Procedures are outlined in Appendix 3c-e and follow

the manufacturer’s recommendations. Ideally, DO measurements would be taken just prior to

dawn to be representative of worst-case conditions. However, the logistics of mobilizing

volunteers so early in the morning make it infeasible to incorporate pre-dawn DO sampling into

the routine sampling program. Routine DO samples are taken between 6 AM and 8 AM. From

time to time, additional follow-up or special study sampling for DO may be scheduled during

pre-dawn hours.

B2-10 Surfactants

Surfactants are generally not analyzed as part of routine sampling activities. They are, however,

measured, where indicated, during follow up sampling, particularly at outfalls where sewage

contamination is suspected. Grab-samples are taken and analyzed either immediately in the field

or, more often, later at the NepRWA office, using the ChemMetrics R-9400 test kit.

B2-11 Depth and Flow

Crude qualitative estimates of depth and flow are made using a plumb bob to gauge depth and

three repetitions of a float velocity test timed across a known distance. At some stations staff

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gauges are available and are substituted for the plumb bob. As discussed further below, data

from the six automated USGS gauges is used to supplement the estimated flow data.

B2-12 Optical Brighteners

Optical brightener sampling will be used to further investigate pollution sources throughout the

watershed. Optical brightener testing will be used as a qualitative measure during follow up

sampling in order to better pinpoint pollution sources or identify areas where illicit cross

connections to stormwater discharges are of concern. Optical brighteners will be sampled and

analyzed as describe in Appendix 3o.

B2-13 Qualitative Ammonia Nitrogen

Another qualitative tool for assessing potential pollution sources may be an evaluation of

Ammonia Nitrogen. Ammonia nitrogen is currently a parameter that is analyzed at “indicator”

sites throughout the watershed during normal sampling routines. This form of ammonia nitrogen

sampling will be conducted during follow up sampling as another qualitative indicator aiding in

pinpointing potential pollution sources. Sampling and analysis of qualitative ammonia nitrogen

samples will be conducted in accordance with Appendix 3p.

B3 Sample Handling and Custody

All samples collected for lab analysis are pre-labeled with the NepRWA site ID#. Before filling

the bottles, volunteers verify that the site ID# on the bottles is correct and make any changes if

needed. Samples are collected by the volunteer and put on ice. Volunteers then bring their

samples and field data sheets to the drop-off location, sign the chain of custody and relinquish

them to the drop off site coordinator. Samples are kept on ice for transport to the NepRWA

office, where the site coordinators sign the chain of custody and relinquish them to the event

manager. At the NepRWA office, the event manager verifies that all information on the chain of

custody, field data sheet and sample bottle match, making corrections or referring questions to

the applicable site coordinator or volunteer as needed. The MWRA laboratory requires that pre-

printed, bar-coded labels be affixed to each sample bottle. Once the event manager has

confirmed all the information on the COC, datasheet and bottle, he or she affixes the preprinted

lab label to the bottle. The event manager then sorts the samples into coolers, prepares splits if

any, and relinquishes the samples to the lab runner. Finally the lab runner relinquishes the

samples to the appropriate laboratory personnel.

B4 Analytical Methods

Analytical methods are summarized in the table below

Laboratory analysis may be conducted at five or more facilities. The Massachusetts Water

Resources Authority Central Laboratory on Deer Island, Boston conducts the bulk of the analysis

for routine sampling activities including E. coli, chlorophyll and nutrient analyses. The MWRA

laboratory leader is Nancy McSweeney, and the MWRA Client Services Coordinator is Ed

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Caruso at 617-539-4329 (or Lisa Wong in Mr. Caruso’s absence, 617-539-4331). In addition the

MWRA laboratory has the capability to conduct a wide variety of other types of analysis for

follow-up sampling events if needed. Standard operating procedures for the MWRA are attached

in Appendix 6.

Analysis for E. coli and/or Enterococcus samples may be performed at NepRWA’s office, or at

the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMASS) Water Quality Laboratory, using the Colilert

or Enterolert methods of analysis. The bulk of follow-up sampling analysis for bacteria occurs at

one of the institutions. Analysis at these facilities is conducted by or overseen by NepRWA staff.

The Standard Operating Procedure for Colilert and Enterolert analysis at NepRWA and UMASS

is contained in Appendix 7a.

Occasionally G&L Laboratories or Alpha Analytical may be used for the analysis of fecal

coliform or other parameters during follow-up or special study sampling. However, since the

Mass Surface Water Quality Standards have been changed, fecal coliform analysis will generally

no longer be utilized.

Grab-samples for specific conductance, pH and surfactants will be analyzed in the NepRWA

office by a trained staff member or volunteers. Standard Operating Procedures for field sampling

and dissolved oxygen and specific conductance measurement are attached in Appendix 3.

Follow up sampling endeavors may also include analysis of optical brightener samples and

qualitative ammonia nitrogen analysis. Both parameters will be analyzed in the NepRWA office

by trained staff members or volunteers. Standard Operating Procedures for field sampling and

analysis are included in the attached documents in Appendix 3.

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Table 3: Analytical Methods

Analyte Units Method Lab

Bacteria

E. coli MPN cfu/100 mL or cfu/100 mL

SM 9223B (Colilert) or SM 9222D or MWRA

1167.4*

MWRA Umass NepRWA

Enterococcus MPN cfu/100 mL or cfu/100 mL

SM 9223 (Enterolert) or SM 9230C or MWRA

1217.3* MWRA

Fecal Coliform cfu/100 mL SM 9222D** MWRA

Total Coliform (Colilert) MPN cfu/100 mL SM 9222 (Colilert)*** MWRA

Nutrients

Ammonia Reported by lab in uM, converted to mg/L MWRA 1005.9 MWRA NepRWA

Nitrate plus Nitrite Reported by lab as uM, converted to mg/L MWRA 1007.7 MWRA

Nitrogen, Total Reported by lab as uM, converted to mg/L MWRA 1072.4 MWRA

Orthophosphate Reported by lab as uM, converted to mg/L MWRA 1006.7 MWRA

Total Phosphorous Reported by lab as uM, converted to mg/L MWRA 1072.4 MWRA

Other

Chlorophyll and phaeophytin ug/L MWRA 1108.4 MWRA

Specific conductance uS/cm EPA 120.1 NepRWA

Dissolved Oxygen mg/L SM 4500-O D NepRWA

pH SU EPA VMH 5.4 or

EPA Method 150.1 NepRWA

Salinity ppt SM 2520B NepRWA

Surfactants mg/L

EPA 425.1

NepRWA (by CHEMets R-9400)

Temperature °C SM 2550B NepRWA

TSS mg/L MWRA 1012.1 MWRA

Optical Brighteners Positive, Negative, or Retest NepRWA Sampling and

Analysis SOP NepRWA

Qualitative Ammonia mg/L

CHEMetrics V-2000

NepRWA CHEMetrics K-1403

EPA = "Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes," Publication EPA-600/4-87-017, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Cincinnati, March 1983

SM = "Standard Methods for the Examination of water and waste water." 18th ed., American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, Water Pollution Control Federation, Washington, DC, 1992

EPA VMH = "Volunteer Stream Monitoring: A Methods Manual." USEPA, EPA reference: EPA 841-B-97-003, November 1997 * Method varies with lab, method associated with each lab is provided in Appendix 6, 7 or 8. MWRA lab performs analysis for routine

sampling, UMASS/NepRWA lab performs most follow-up analysis, others used for occasional follow-up analysis.

** Fecal Coliform analysis is available from several of the labs but is not part of routine sampling and is now seldom used for follow-up sampling.

*** Total Coliform results are a byproduct of Colilert/Enterolert analysis and are needed as part of the Colilert/Enterolert QA process. Total

coliform results are not used for watershed assessment and are generally not reported to outside users.

B5 Quality Control

The following table describes the measures that NepRWA will take to ensure that the CWMN

samples are accurate and precise. Subjective visual observations such as color, odor, depth,

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velocity and turbidity do not have any formal QC requirements. During training volunteers are

given guidelines for their visual observations to ensure consistency between observations.

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Table 4: QC Samples and Acceptance Criteria

Analyte Number of

QC Samples Acceptance Criteria

Bacteria: E. coli

Field Duplicates 10% <=30% RPD Log10 transformed

Lab Splits 1 per batch1 <=30% RPD Log10 transformed

Lab Blanks 1 per batch Not exceeding lab MDLs

Positive Control 1 per day Too numerous to count (MF) or fluorescence (Colilert)

Bacteria: Enterococcus


Lab Splits 1 per batch <=30% RPD Log10 transformed

Lab Blanks 1 per day Not exceeding lab MDLs

Positive Control 1 per day Too numerous to count (MF) or fluorescence (Colilert)

Bacteria: Fecal Coliform


Lab Splits 10% or 1 per batch <=30% RPD Log10 transformed

Lab Blanks 1 per day Not exceeding lab MDLs

Positive Control 1 per day Too numerous to count

Bacteria: Total Coliform


Lab Splits 1 per batch <=30% RPD Log10 transformed

Lab Blanks 1 per batch Not exceeding lab MDLs

Positive Control 1 per day All cells yellow

Nitrogen: Ammonia (Quantitative and Qualitateive)

Field Duplicates 10% RPD < 25% for values > 0.5 mg/L, RPD < 50% for values < 0.5 mg/L

Lab Splits 5% RPD < 25% for values > 0.5 mg/L, RPD < 50% for values < 0.5 mg/L

Lab Blanks 1 per batch Not exceeding 5x lab MDLs

Lab Fortified Blank (MWRA LCS) 1 per 20 samples 85% to 115% Recovery

Nitrogen: Nitrate plus nitrite

Field Duplicates 10% RPD < 25% for values > 0.5 mg/L, RPD < 50% for values < 0.5 mg/L

Lab Splits 5% RPD < 25% for values > 0.5 mg/L, RPD < 50% for values < 0.5 mg/L


Lab Fortified Blank (MWRA LCS) 1 per batch 85%-115% recovery

Nitrogen: Total Nitrogen

Field Duplicates 10% RPD < 25% for values > 0.5 mg/L, RPD < 50% for values <0.5 mg/L

Lab Splits 5% RPD < 25% for values > 0.5 mg/L, RPD < 50% for values <0.5 mg/L


Lab Fortified Blank (MWRA LCS) 1 per batch 85%-115% recovery 1A batch is defined as a group of 20 or fewer samples.

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Table 4: QC Samples and Acceptance Criteria, Continued

Analyte Number of


Phosphorous: Orthophosphate

Field Duplicates 10%

RPD < 25% for values > 0.5 mg/L, RPD < 50% for values < 0.5 mg/L

Lab Splits 5%

RPD < 25% for values > 0.5 mg/L, RPD < 50% for values < 0.5 mg/L


Lab Fortified Blank (MWRA LCS) 1 per batch 85% to 115% recovery

Phosphorous: Total Phosphorous

Field Duplicates 10%

RPD < 25% for values > 5 x MDL; RPD < 50% for values < 5 x MDL

Lab Splits 5%

RPD < 25% for values > 5 x MDL; RPD < 50% for values < 5 x MDL


Lab Fortified Blank (MWRA LCS) 1 per batch 85% to 115%

Chlorophyll and phaeophytin

Field Duplicates 10% <=20% RPD

Lab Split 1 per batch <=20% RPD

Lab Blank 1 per batch Not exceeding 5x lab MDLs

Specific Conductance

Field Duplicates 10% +/- 1% full scale

Dissolved Oxygen

Field Duplicates 10% +/- 0.5 mg/L

pH

Field Duplicates 10% +/- 0.2 SU

Salinity

Field Duplicates 10% RPD< 4% full scale or +/- 0.2 ppt

Temperature

Field Duplicates 10% +/- 0.5°C

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Analyte Number of


Total Suspended Solids

Field Duplicates 10% of samples RPD <= 29%

Lab Splits 10% of samples RPD <= 29%

Lab Blanks 1 per batch <5.0 mg/L

Lab Fortified Blank (MWRA LCS) 1 per batch 77% to 129% recovery

Surfactants

Field Duplicates 10% +/- 1 increment on color comparator

Lab Blanks 1 per batch 0 mg/L

Optical Brighteners

Field Duplicates 5% Total

Agreement

Lab Blanks 1 per batch Negative

Result

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B6 Equipment Inspection, Calibration, and Maintenance

The project manager must inspect all equipment used in the program; outside equipment will not

be allowed. All new equipment is checked when received to verify good condition, and any

issues are referred back the vendor. All new equipment is identified with a unique equipment ID

number that is used to track instruments throughout its lifetime.

Maintenance and calibration activities take place as indicated in the table below. An inventory

sheet and maintenance log is maintained for all equipment. Calibration information and any mid-

sampling calibration confirmations are recorded on field data sheets for field instruments and on

lab data sheets for lab instruments. In addition, volunteers are provided with a checklist of

equipment and are instructed to review this list before every event. The following table shows

the schedule and methods for equipment inspection, calibration, and maintenance.

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Table 5: Equipment Inspection, Calibration, and Maintenance

Equipment Type, Make and Model

Inspection Frequency

Type of Inspection

Calibration Frequency

Post Check Criteria

Available Parts

Maintenance Record keeping

Thermometer, Enviro-Safe "Easy Read" Armor Case Thermometers

Each monitoring event

Visually check for separations in column

Annually against triple point of water Annually against traceable thermometer

n/a Spare thermometer

Annually or as needed

Logbook notation

pH meter, Oakton Waterproof pHTestr 2


Battery life, electrolyte, probe integrity

3 point calibration at beginning of each sampling day, reconfirm after every 25 samples and at end

pH standard 7 solution reads 7.0 +/_ 0.2 SU

Spare batteries, electrolyte, and electrodes


Logbook notation

Specific Conductance meter, YSI 85


Battery life at beginning of each sampling day, reconfirm after every 25 samples and at end

Standard 1000 uS/cm solution reads 1000 +/_ 1%

Spare batteries


Logbook notation

Dissolved oxygen meter, YSI 550 or YSI 85


Battery life, electrical connections, membrane condition

Saturated air and zero-DO (< 0.5 mg/L) checks at beginning of day, reconfirm after every 25 samples and at end *

± 0.5 mg/L of sat. value, < 0.5 mg/L for zero std

Spare membranes, batteries


Logbook notation

Depth Gauge (plumb bob)

Each Monitoring Event

Visual for knot and tangle problems

None None Sting, replacement bob


None

Qualitative Ammonia photometer, CHEMetrics V-2000

Each Monitoring Event

Visual inspection of unit and battery life

Calibrated by CHEMetrics Checked with Ammonia standards prior to field season

Blanks tested before every set of analysis

Replacement sample cell adapters


Logbook notation

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Equipment Type, Make and Model

Inspection Frequency

Type of Inspection

Calibration Frequency

Post Check Criteria

Available Parts

Maintenance Record keeping

UV viewing cabinet

Each use Visual Inspect ion Light and housing

None None Rplaceable UV lightbulbs (365 nm Long Wave UV)


None

VWR digital traceable data logging thermometer

Data Log checked once a week

Inspection of data logged by unit

Annually against triple point of water

n/a

Replacement temperature probe


Logbook notation

* DO meters are calibrated to saturated air and zero DO by NepRWA’s Environmental Scientist

prior to be handed out to volunteers. Volunteers then follow the DO Meter SOP (Appendix 3c)

with calibrations to saturated air in the field with a confirmation of that calibration upon

completion of sampling.

B7 Inspection and Acceptance of Supplies and Consumables

The table below provides a list of supplies that will be used during the sampling season. The

project manager inspects all supplies upon receipt and any issues are referred back the vendor.

Outside supplies are not allowed. An inventory sheet is attached and is maintained by NepRWA

staff (Appendix 4c). In addition, volunteers are provided with a checklist of supplies (Appendix

3b) and equipment and are instructed to review this list before every event. Note that distilled

water is purchased from local merchants in gallon jugs. Distilled water is stored in its original

packaging and may be dispensed into triple rinsed 1L bottles for convenient field use.

Table 6: Inspection of Supplies

Supplies Inspection Frequency

Type of Inspection Available Parts Maintenance

Reagents (pH, nutrient spikes, specific conductance, qualitative ammonia and DO standards)

Before each sampling event

Visual inspection of quantity and expiration date

Spare, fresh reagents

Replacement upon expiration

Field and lab sample sheets


Visual Additional copies NA

Sample bottles Before each sampling event

Visual inspection of cleanliness and seal. Inspect seal for reused and cleaned bottles

One set of spare bottles

NA

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Supplies Inspection Frequency

Type of Inspection Available Parts Maintenance

Cooler Before each sampling event

Cleanliness, Ice packs NA Annually or as needed

Liquinox Detergent


Visual inspection of quantity and quality Spare fresh detergent


Distilled Water Before each sampling event

Visual inspection of quantity and quality Spare fresh distilled water


Depth line with attached weight


Visual inspection of line and weight Spare line and weight


Bridge Buddy Before each sampling event

Visual inspection of buckles and rope Buckles and rope Annually or as needed

Sampling Pole Before each sampling event

Visual inspection NA Annually or as needed

Optical Brightener sampling devices


Visual inspection and inspection under UV light

Additional sampling devices


B8 Non-Direct Measurements and Data

Geographical information used to locate sites and identify land use activities is obtained using a

handheld GPS, MassGIS data layers and USGS topographic maps at 1:25,000 scale of Boston

South, Norwood, Foxboro, and Brockton. Stations for the routine sampling locations are pre-

located by NepRWA staff using GPS. Station locations for follow-up or special study sampling

may either be pre-located with GPS or may be located with GPS as sampling occurs, depending

on the circumstances.

Historical CWMN data for each of our sampling sites, National Weather Service data, and USGS

Stream Gage Data are used to provide qualitative information about stream conditions during

each sampling event. This information provides the context through which water quality data is

evaluated (e.g.: seasonal high flow, abnormally high flow, seasonal low flow, abnormally low

flow).

Background information and previous research was taken from many sources which are

referenced in the References section.

B9 Data Management

The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing all data management activities. Refer also to

section D below for additional discussion of data review, verification and validation practices.

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B9-1 Raw Data

Field data sheets are collected with the samples. The sheets are turned into the NepRWA office

by the site coordinators. The forms are then reviewed for illegible answers, errors or questionable

values, and checked for consistency with the COC and bottle labels as described in Appendix 3k.

Any questions are referred to the volunteer for clarification. NepRWA staff makes corrections by

crossing out the errors and writing in the correct answer. All corrections must be initialed.

B9-2 Data Entry and Validation

Once the information has undergone a preliminary check, it is entered into an Excel database.

The software has been customized to the data sheet. Fields within the worksheet have been set-

up with limits based on expected results. This helps to minimize entry errors. Refer to Appendix

4h for a sample excel spreadsheet including formulas. Entered data is then checked against the

data sheets by another volunteer or staff person.

B9-3 Data Storage

The original data sheets are filed into an event file and stored in NepRWA’s permanent files.

Electronic copies of data are stored on the Project Manager’s hard drive within a specified

CWMN folder. Data files are kept in perpetuity, along with hard copies of volunteer data sheets.

All electronic data is backed-up daily on to a password-protected hard drive.

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C Assessment and Oversight

C1 Assessments and Response Actions

Review of the monitoring/sampling activities is the responsibility of the Project Manager and the

Quality Assurance Officer. Volunteers must attend annual refresher seminars. The Project

Manager or Assistant will train and evaluate each monitor annually, and an evaluation form will

be completed. Any performance problems are recorded and consistent problems will result in on-

site retraining. Additionally, volunteers may be observed periodically in the field throughout the

sampling season.

Data quality is assessed during each event, when samples are initially received, when analyzed at

each of the labs, after the results have been entered, and again during the reporting process

before results are disseminated to end users. The QA officer at each of the respective labs and the

NepRWA Data Manager are responsible for this process. The Project Manager at NepRWA

reviews the data quality during the data entry, analysis, and reporting steps. The Project Manager

is responsible for reporting all of the data to the volunteers and appropriate officials. NepRWA’s

Outreach Coordinator is responsible for posting current and historical data results to the

organization’s web site. Data will be checked for consistency with quality control criteria

described in Table 4 before it is posted online. Data that does not meet quality control criteria

will be posted as “flagged” for not meeting quality control checks.

All field and laboratory activities may be reviewed by DEP and EPA project quality assurance

officers as requested. The Project Manager remains in close touch with the Project Managers at

the labs.

The overall progress and function of the program and its components is reviewed on an ongoing

basis by project staff and partners, through quarterly reports to the NepRWA Board of Directors

and through the periodic preparation or updating of the QAPP.

C2 Reports to Management

After all aspects of the data have been subjected to QA/QC review as described above in sections

B9 and C1 above, results will be reported to volunteers, local officials, regulatory staff and other

interested parties after each event by email or postal mail with a brief interpretation of results.

Any samples measured using non-regulatory collection, preservation and/or analysis methods

will be flagged in all reports as further discussed in section D1 below.

Descriptive statistics and graphs may be included to aid in interpretation. All results will be

converted from lab reported units (µmol/L in the case of nutrients) to conventional units. All

reports will also include information on weather conditions as these are critical to interpreting the

data. The standard interim report includes the weather category at the tip of the sheet and the

definition of the weather categories at the bottom. Larger compilation reports will generally

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include an extended discussion of weather conditions associated with each sampling round.

Results may also be mapped using NepRWA’s GIS.

Reports to management will include a qualitative and quantitative summary of the field and

laboratory results, as well as a summary of the quality control results, and a letter of discussion,

explanation and interpretation. Quality Assurance problems, or the lack thereof, will be

highlighted in the data and described in the letter. These event reports will also be published to

NepRWA’s website (www.neponset.org). NepRWA makes every effort to provide a quick

turnaround of data and information to stakeholders and volunteers.

Where significant pollution sources are found, results will be presented to potential responsible

parties by meeting in person. A final Compilation Report will also be prepared periodically and

will be distributed to all stakeholders. Furthermore, the Project Manager will make quarterly

progress reports to the NepRWA Board of Directors and, when appropriate, other funders.

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D Data Validation and Usability

D1 Data Review, Verification, and Validation

The project manager and CWMN assistant will review all field and laboratory data to determine

if the data meet the requirements of the QAPP. Decisions to reject or qualify data are made by

the project manager and the QA officer. Rejected data will be highlighted in the Excel

spreadsheet and documented. Spreadsheets have formulas built in to spot-check all calculations

and conversions. All data will be reviewed immediately upon receipt, entered when staff time is

available and reported to interested parties prior to the next sampling event.

Field data sheets are designed to lead the volunteers through the proper procedures for both

recording information, and taking samples properly. Field data sheets, specific conductance data

sheets, and dissolved oxygen data sheets are reviewed by drop-off coordinators, the CWMN

assistant, or the project manager the day of the sampling event. Sheets are checked for

completeness, legibility and indications that procedures were followed. Any questions are

immediately referred to the sample site volunteer. Problems that are not correctable are flagged

by highlighting suspect data with magenta fill. Issues that arise in these reviews are recorded in a

spreadsheet that is maintained throughout the sampling season, and addressed by the project

manager during annual re-training. The project manager will also review all chain of custody

forms at the end of the sampling day. Hold times will be verified and any problems will be

flagged and recorded.

When the analyzed results are compiled into a common Excel workbook the project manager

will go through the QC process confirming that the number of QC tests performed is equivalent

to the number that is required by the QAPP. QC checks include field duplicate and lab split

samples, as well as blanks, and in the case of bacterial analysis, positive and negative controls.

The acceptance criteria found in Table 4 above, are built into the spreadsheets, for an immediate

flag as soon as data are entered. If necessary, equipment may be checked and/or calculations re-

run. Any uncorrectable problems will be flagged and recorded for further action.

Quality control requirements and acceptance criteria for the MWRA laboratory data are found in

Table 2. MWRA quality control results are reported to NepRWA and stored in our permanent

database. Results that are not validated by these quality control checks are flagged.

In addition to the QC checks, the Project Manager will confirm that all data has been transferred

from the data sheet to the permanent database accurately. The data will be reviewed for any

outliers or blanks. Errors will be corrected with any irreconcilable issues recorded for additional

action. Furthermore, interim and final reports will be reviewed by two separate individuals to

ensure that they are complete, clear, and that all data that should be flagged due to nonstandard

preservation or collection methods or other QC problems, is appropriately flagged. The Project

QA Officer will oversee all data entry, validation, and reporting procedures to ensure that all

procedures follow the QAPP.

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The following table details the actions that will be taken should data fail to attain quality

objectives.

Table 7: Data Quality Failure Contingency Plan

Parameter Corrective action planned if accuracy/precision objective not met

Planned response if completeness objective not met

Bacteria, E. coli If data discrepancy contact appropriate lab for explanation

If hold time not met or sample not taken – remind volunteer, if a continued problem train back-up samplers

Bacteria, Enterococcus If data discrepancy contact appropriate lab for explanation


Bacteria, Fecal coliform If data discrepancy contact appropriate lab for explanation.


Bacteria, Total Coliform Check positive and negative controls. Review handling procedures


Chlorophyll If data discrepancy contact appropriate lab for explanation


Specific conductance Check and recalibrate meter If sample was not collected – remind volunteer. If continued problem train back-up samplers. If hold time not met, provide additional help.

Dissolved Oxygen Check and recalibrate meter. Replace membrane and/or batteries

Train back-up samplers.

Nitrogen, Ammonia If data discrepancy contact appropriate lab for explanation


Nitrogen, Nitrite plus nitrate

If data discrepancy contact appropriate lab for explanation


Nitrogen, Total If data discrepancy contact appropriate lab for explanation


pH (standard units) Check and recalibrate meter. Replace batteries and/or electrode

If sample was not collected – remind volunteer. If continued problem train back-up samplers. If hold time not met, provide additional help.

Phosphorus, Total If data discrepancy contact appropriate lab for explanation


Phosphorous, Orthophosphate

If data discrepancy contact appropriate lab for explanation


Salinity Check and recalibrate meter. Replace batteries and/or probe

If sample was not collected – remind volunteer. If continued problem train back-up samplers.

Surfactants Contact analyst to evaluate causes. Retrain analyst if needed. Replace reagent lot and or comparator.

If sample was not collected – remind volunteer. If continued problem train back-up samplers.

Temperature (C) Replace thermometer Remind volunteer, if a continued problem train back-up samplers

TSS (mg/L) If data discrepancy contact appropriate lab for explanation


Qualitative Ammonia Nitrogen

Check instrument, send out for recalibration

Remind volunteer, if a continued problem train back-up samplers

Optical Brighteners Check negative control and UV lamp Remind volunteer, if a continued problem train back-up samplers

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D2 Reconciliation with User Requirements

Following each sampling event, and prior to the subsequent event, calculations and

determinations for precision, completeness, and accuracy will be made. Any corrective action

will be implemented, noted, and initialized by the project manager. If data quality indicators do

not meet the project’s specifications then data may be discarded, may be flagged or re-sampling

may occur. Investigation of problems will take place and corrections will be documented. If

equipment failure is found to be the cause, calibration and maintenance techniques will be

reassessed. Field duplicate testing may occur during the next sampling event to ensure

confidence in the results. Any limitations on the data will be noted. Any revisions to the project

will be submitted to EPA and DEP quality assurance officers for approval.

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