Publication Summary

This is the monitoring plan for continuous monitoring for oxygen, temperature, pH, and conductivity in Statewide rivers and streams.

Each study conducted by the Washington State Department of Ecology must have an approved Quality Assurance Monitoring Plan. The plan describes the objectives of the study and the procedures to be followed to achieve those objectives. After completion of the study, a final report describing the study results will be posted to the Internet.

The purpose of this program is to collect diel (24-hour) data for dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and conductivity in rivers and streams statewide. Data will be recorded at 15-minute intervals for several weeks to several months. Data will be collected during summer periods when oxygen concentrations, in particular, are expected to be lowest (as estimated from monthly grab sample data). Data may also be collected from the beginning and end of designated supplemental salmon and trout spawning seasons. Stations will generally be selected from among the Department of Ecology′s statewide ambient monitoring stations.

The data may be used to (1) interpret data collected by monthly grab samples with diel components (primarily oxygen) , (2) support Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies, and (3) determine compliance with current and proposed water quality standards.

Link to EIM data for User Study ID AMS004