WSP12263 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

" ~ 1-.. ~ ~1 ~o determine the effectiveness of nonpoint source improvements, a system of monitoring of BMP's must be established. Monitoring of BMP's is an emerging science. In some cases this monitoring may differ greatly from established water quality monitoring techniques which focus solely on water chemistry. Nonpoint source projects are often times intended to improve or restore a classified use of waters, particularly aquatic life uses. Therefore, biological and habitat monitoring may be an important part of determining BMP effectiveness. This need has been recognized on a national level by many governmental agencies and other organizations. A number of monitoring systems such as GAWS, Rapid Bio-Assessment, the Index for Biotic Integrity, and others, are all proposed to deal with these monitoring needs. The Division and Task Force should track the progress of these mechanisms for their applicability in Colorado. Individual control projects must carefully assess the need for monitoring BMP effectiveness and the type of system whether it is chemical, biological, habitat or some combination of these systems oriented. Consultation with the Division and Task Force is strongly recommended prior to establishing a monitoring system. The colorado Nonpoint Source Program actively seeks cooperative monitoring efforts with other state and federal land use agencies. At present, ongoing or planned monitoring programs are being undertaken with: the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Division, U.S,. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Soil Conservation Service, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Monitoring responsibilities are outlined in Project Implementation Plans and coordinated by the Colorado Nonpoint Source Program. Nonpoint source,impacts in Colorado are primarily generated by inactive mines, agricultural, or urban activities. Although the nature of inputs vary within these categories, in general, resource damage occurs when the dislocation in physical, chemical, or biological components surpasses the natural resilancy of the system. Within a particular watershed, monitoring methodologies are designed to tract key contaminants or processes while assessing impacts to the forementioned levels of system function. Temporally" sampling is designed to target critical periods of the hydrograph when loadings or concentrations of contaminants are expected to be greatest. For watersheds impacted by metal mining, critical sampling intervals are spring high flow periods when the, highest instream concentrations of contaminants may most sever1y stress the ambient biota. In watersheds impacted by agricultural or urban landuse practices, water quality sampling should also be timed to storm events and irrigation schedules with the primary variables being sediment, pesticides, as well as toxics transport. The overall objective of nonpoint source monitoring programs is to document impacts, or assess the effectiveness of BMP'S, on the major physical, chemical, and biological components of the system. This requires an intergrated approached including' chemical water quality analysis, toxicity testing with Ceriodaohnia soo. and fathead minnows' (Pimeohales orome1as)i habitat and biotic assessment in accordance with Raoid Bioassessment Protocols For Use In Streams and Rivers (EPA 1969), and fish population and biomass analysis. Selected individual BMP effectiveness is determined by placing monitoring stations immediately upgradient and downgradient of the treatment area and review of the physical, chemical, and biological data by ,trained professionals at both the state and federal level. Page 22