Water Quality Monitoring

It is vital that researchers know the condition of the ecosystem that they are working with at both baseline (before the implementation of any projects), and post-construction levels. Water quality data is collected by many people throughout the watershed. The majority of the sampling has been conducted by Ohio University and Vinton County Soil and Water Conservation District Staff, assisted by students, ODNR Division of Mineral Resources employees, and volunteer monitors. These individuals collect water quality data at many sites throughout the watershed. At each site, flow (the amount of water moving through the channel), field data, and water samples are taken. Flow is measured in a variety of ways; by constricting the water through a gauged metal flume, by measuring discharge from a pipe or culvert per unit of time, and by using assorted flow meters. Field data, including pH, conductivity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen, is gathered through data sondes and chemistry kits used at the site. Water samples are carefully taken from the stream and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The lab measures many chemical parameters of the water including pH, acidity, alkalinity, conductivity, metals, and more. These results are used to track changes in water quality over time.

The following sites provide water quality and flow data, as well as AMD project details.  Click on the title of the source for more information.

USGS Gauging Stations
“Real-time data typically are recorded at 15-60 minute intervals, stored onsite, and then transmitted to USGS offices every 1 to 4 hours. Recording and transmission times may be more frequent during critical events. Data from real-time sites are relayed to USGS offices via satellite, telephone, and/or radio and are available for viewing within minutes of arrival.”
USGS Ohio Gauge Data

NPS Report

The 2006 Comprehensive Non-point Source (NPS) monitoring report details data trends from the baseline conditions of the four main AMD impacted watersheds in the area; Raccoon Creek, Monday Creek, Sunday Creek, and Huff run. The report also details completed, as well as proposed projects in the watersheds and their projected impacts.
Annual NPS Reports

Online Water Quality Database

The Raccoon Creek Partners have been collecting water quality information throughout the Raccoon Creek Watershed over the past decade. That data has been organized and stored in a master database which is now accessible to the public online. The database is linked with a map viewer so the user can easily find water quality information for the specific area of interest. The online database also allows remote entry of data for Raccoon Creek Partners to allow for more up-to-date data availability and access.

Raccoon Creek Watershed data

Meadow Run Water Quality and Bacteria Investigation

Sediment Total Maximum Daily Load for the Upper Basin of Raccoon Creek

 

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