NRRI > Event-based Stream Sampling in Northeastern Minnesota
Last Update Wed Mar 13 15:46:00 CDT 2013
Determine pollutant concentrations and annual loads of nutrients and suspended sediments by intensively sampling streams during different hydrologic regimes (base flow, storm events, spring runoff). We are preparing for the 2013 field season. We met with MPCA staff in early March 2013 to review proposed changes to the program and to provide input.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Major Watershed Load Monitoring Program requested assistance from local partners to collect samples and field data at designated stream monitoring sites for the purpose of assessing water quality and calculating annual pollutant loads. This project will generate water quality data for ten stream locations MPCA designated for their 2012 and 2013 open-water sampling seasons (eight by NRRI-UMD and two via subcontract to the North St. Louis Soil and Water Conservation District). The overall project goal is to collect event-based physical and chemical data sets for ten agency-prioritized stream sampling sites in northeast Minnesota for calculating pollutant loads and for incorporation into the overall state database for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency assessment purposes.
Field personnel training was done by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency event-based stream sampling staff (coordinated by Stacia Grayson)in sampling procedures and the quality assurance project plan developed by NRRI. Sampling has occurred throughout spring and summer. Water samples have been analyzed for depth, temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific electrical conductivity, pH, and secchi tube depth; and in the Lab for TSS, TSVS, lab turbidity, TP, OP, TKN, NO3/NO2-N. Results were submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on a regular basis.
Start Date 03/21/2012
End Date 06/30/2014
Richard Axler Former PI