Laserfiche WebLink
Water Chazacteristics: <br />Field measurements, including temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and pH were taken <br />at each macroinvertebrate sampling station prior to macroinvertebrate sample collection on <br />March 16 and October 14. A Beckman Phi 11 field pH meter and electrode was used to <br />measure pH. The pH electrode was calibrated with pH 7 and 10 buffers using atwo-point <br />calibration method integral to the operation of the Beckman meter. A Yellow Springs <br />Instrument Model 58 dissolved oxygen meter and probe were used to obtain dissolved oxygen <br />measurements. The dissolved oxygen probe was outfitted with a new membrane prior to being <br />taken in the field, and was field calibrated prior to each reading using a saturated air <br />technique. Conductivity was measured using a Yellow Springs Instrument Model 33 SCT <br />meter and probe. <br />Three water samples were collected at each station and of the discharge for laboratory <br />analysis. Two samples were collected in clean 1-liter Nalgene bottles for analysis of major <br />ions. The bottles were rinsed twice in the stream water at the site prior to being filled with the <br />sample. The third sample was collected in a similar trtanner in a 250 ml Nalgene bottle and <br />acidified to a pH of 2 with ultrapure nitric acid for total metals analysis. Samples were <br />analyzed at the Colorado State University Soils Laboratory in Fort Collins. <br />Stream bank and Riparian Condition: <br />The riparian reconnaissance was conducted by walking along both river banks to characterize <br />the immediate land use and condition of ripazian vegetation above and below the dischazge <br />point. Riparian plant communities were categorized and mapped on both sides of the river <br />from the farthest upstream to the farthest downstream location. Observations as to riverbank <br />structure and stability were included in this activity.' <br />RESULTS <br />Macroinvertebrates: <br />Macroinvertebrate samples yielded five orders of aquatic insecu, as well as water mites. The <br />insect orders included Plecoptera (stoneflies), Trichoptera (caddisflies), Ephemeroptera <br />(mayflies), Diptera (true flies; most specimens recorded were in the Family Chironomidae, <br />midges), and Coleoptera (beetles). Table 2 lists the members of each order that were identified <br />in the samples. A total of 14 insect families were identified. In general, macroinvertebrate <br />populations appear to be healthy. The cobbles and boulders afford good habitat, and there is a <br />more or less uniform and healthy growth of periphyton throughout the study area. <br />8 <br />