Water Chemistry Field Sampling
50
by the project manager and documented in the SOPs (see material presented in
Appendices B and C). Here, we recommend core attributes and standard sampling design and procedural elements applicable across the country. This can
then be used by water quality practitioners to develop the site-specific project
plan that includes the SOP that lists the specific steps to be followed by field personnel. The project plan and SOPs may vary from study to study, but the overall principles of investigation remain constant. General SOPs are provided in
Appendices B and C. They can be modified, as needed, for a particular study.
2.3.1 Pretrip Preparations
A field data sheet should be prepared in advance for each sampling site.
Example Lake- and Stream-Water-Sampling Record data sheets are provided
in Appendix D. The appropriate data sheet should be completed to the extent
possible prior to the sampling trip. For previously established sites, the available site information, site-tag number, and description of the tag tree (where
applicable) should be filled out on each form.
Pretrip preparation should include an evaluation of sample holding time
issues. It is important to determine, in advance, what parameters will be analyzed in the laboratory and then to check the laboratory protocol to determine the
holding time requirements of these measurements. This may have an influence
on sample collection scheduling or in-field sample aliquot preservation decisions.
It is also important to check with the laboratory regarding the timing of
sample delivery. In general, sampling should not be done late in the week or in
advance of a holiday unless arrangements have been made with the laboratory
to receive samples at those times.
The most important issues to consider prior to entering the field can vary
depending on the type of study. A checklist of important issues to consider in
advance of initiating and implementing an inventory or monitoring field effort
is provided in Table 2.5. Additional issues to consider prior to initiating an
LTM (trends) effort are listed in Table 2.6; Table 2.7 provides a list of issues to
consider when conducting a study that will involve critical load or emissions
scenario modeling.
2.3.1.1 Permits and Access
Atmospheric deposition effects sampling often occurs on public lands, including wilderness areas, national parks, national forests, and state parks and
forests. Thus, access permission is generally not required. Nevertheless, motorized access to a trailhead or other access point in close proximity to a sampling
location may necessitate crossing private property. This may require acquiring
access permission from the landowner. Obtaining such permission can sometimes be a lengthy process.
50
by the project manager and documented in the SOPs (see material presented in
Appendices B and C). Here, we recommend core attributes and standard sampling design and procedural elements applicable across the country. This can
then be used by water quality practitioners to develop the site-specific project
plan that includes the SOP that lists the specific steps to be followed by field personnel. The project plan and SOPs may vary from study to study, but the overall principles of investigation remain constant. General SOPs are provided in
Appendices B and C. They can be modified, as needed, for a particular study.
2.3.1 Pretrip Preparations
A field data sheet should be prepared in advance for each sampling site.
Example Lake- and Stream-Water-Sampling Record data sheets are provided
in Appendix D. The appropriate data sheet should be completed to the extent
possible prior to the sampling trip. For previously established sites, the available site information, site-tag number, and description of the tag tree (where
applicable) should be filled out on each form.
Pretrip preparation should include an evaluation of sample holding time
issues. It is important to determine, in advance, what parameters will be analyzed in the laboratory and then to check the laboratory protocol to determine the
holding time requirements of these measurements. This may have an influence
on sample collection scheduling or in-field sample aliquot preservation decisions.
It is also important to check with the laboratory regarding the timing of
sample delivery. In general, sampling should not be done late in the week or in
advance of a holiday unless arrangements have been made with the laboratory
to receive samples at those times.
The most important issues to consider prior to entering the field can vary
depending on the type of study. A checklist of important issues to consider in
advance of initiating and implementing an inventory or monitoring field effort
is provided in Table 2.5. Additional issues to consider prior to initiating an
LTM (trends) effort are listed in Table 2.6; Table 2.7 provides a list of issues to
consider when conducting a study that will involve critical load or emissions
scenario modeling.
2.3.1.1 Permits and Access
Atmospheric deposition effects sampling often occurs on public lands, including wilderness areas, national parks, national forests, and state parks and
forests. Thus, access permission is generally not required. Nevertheless, motorized access to a trailhead or other access point in close proximity to a sampling
location may necessitate crossing private property. This may require acquiring
access permission from the landowner. Obtaining such permission can sometimes be a lengthy process.