p a g e | 0 amendment #1
TRANSCRIPT
Texas Stream Team QAPP
Revision Date: 11/13/15 P a g e | 0
Amendment #1
TEXAS STREAM TEAM PROGRAM
Surface Water Quality Monitoring Project
Quality Assurance Project Plan
(QAPP)
Texas State University (TxState) Texas Stream Team Program
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Funding Source:
Nonpoint Source Program CWA §319(h)
Prepared in cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Federal ID # 99614614
EPA QTRAK # 13-126
Project term: 9/29/14 – 11/30/16
Effective Period: Upon date of approval email from Lead NPS QA Specialist
Questions concerning this QAPP should be directed to:
Meredith Miller
Texas Stream Team QAPP
Revision Date: 11/13/15 P a g e | 1
Senior Program Coordinator
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Texas State University
601 University Drive
San Marcos, Texas 78666
(512) 245-6697
Texas Stream Team QAPP
Revision Date: 11/13/15 P a g e | 2
Amendment 1
Summary of Changes:
Pages Section TS Change (TCEQ comment) Reason Response
to TCEQ
3,8,10,1
2, 50
A1,A3,A4
,
A4.1,
Appendix
E
Change Texas Stream Team
Quality Assurance Officer from
Travis Tidwell to Will Butler
Personnel change at
TCEQ
7, 10,
12
A3, A4.1 Remove Data Management and
Analysis Team Leader, Cathy
Anderson
Remove Don Johnson, EPA QA
Officer
No longer involved
with the project. No
SWQMIS data.
No longer necessary to
include EPA QAO.
removed
8 A3 Change Texas Stream Team
Quality Assurance Officer phone
number from 512-245-9148 to 512-
245-7244
Information update
8 A3 Replace URL link with partner list Information update
9 A4 Replace NPS Program Project
Manager task description “Assists
the TCEQ QAS in technical review
of the QAPP” with “Conducts
independent technical review of the
QAPP to ensure compliance with
project needs/requirements.”
[Change not reflected in revised
body of QAPP. Please ensure
change is made in final document.]
TCEQ language
update
Change
appears on
page 9.
25 C1.1 Replace “Monthly” to “Prior to
each sampling event” under
Approximate Schedule column for
Quality Control
Texas Stream Team
Language update
25 C1.1 Add “verification” to the Response
Requirements column for Quality
Control
Texas Stream Team
Language update
29 D3 Replace “Data which do not meet
requirements will not be included in
Texas Stream Team database and
will not be considered appropriate
for the uses noted above.” with
“Data which do not meet
requirements will be flagged in the
Texas Stream Team database and
may not be considered appropriate
Texas Stream Team
Language update
Language
added to
explain
“flagged
data” –TST
Pg. 28
Texas Stream Team QAPP
Revision Date: 11/13/15 P a g e | 3
for the uses noted above.” Explain
what it means to “flag” the data.
How will this be done? Are there
different “flags” that represent
different issues? Will this data be
used in the summary reports? What
is the purpose of “flagging” the
data? Will this data be uploaded to
STORET?
30 Appendix
A
Add SOW and SOD content to
document. Add estimated project
start/end dates.
Information update Done,
added
Project
term pg.
37.
41 Appendix
A
Insert, “Task and deliverable due
dates are estimates.”
TCEQ text update
43 Appendix
B
Remove Dataviewer URL link and
text referring to that link.
See Comment 1) b. of the Quality
Systems Audit Report (WTR-15-
09) regarding the addition of a
monitoring table to establish
baseline for the determination of
data completeness. Please add
monitoring table.
Information update Language
was added
to describe
data
collection
and annual
reports
under
Monitoring
Sites.
Listing
over 400
sites is not
feasible.
Pg. 40
45 Appendix
C
Replace old version of Field Data
Sheet with newest version
Information update
47 Appendix
D
Updated Texas Stream Team Water
Quality Monitoring Manual,
Addendum A, Addendum B.
Inserted Paddlers Protocol
Reference Sheet
Information update
56 Appendix
K
Insert Lower Colorado River
Authority Colorado River Watch
Network Standard Operating
Procedures as pdf
Information update
PDF’s and link
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Some PDFs are included as links because they make the Appendices document too large to send
via email. Here are the links:
TCEQ: Attach pdf files for all appendices and print all appendices for final submission and
approval. TS response: This is not efficient and wastes a lot of paper. The TCEQ PM has an
electronic version of what is on the website.
Appendix D:
1. TST Water Quality Monitoring Manual: Included as PDF attachment
2. TST Water Quality Monitoring Manual Addendum A:
3. TST Water Quality Monitoring Manual Addendum B:
http://gato-docs.its.txstate.edu/the-rivers-institute/MCWE_NEW_SITE/TST/Resources-for-
Citizen-Scientists/AddendumBtotheWaterQualityMonitoringManual.pdf
4. Paddler Protocol Reference Sheet: Included as PDF attachment.
5. LCRA CRWN Standard Operating Procedures: Included as PDF attachment
http://www.lcra.org/water/quality/colorado-river-watch-
network/Documents/CRWN%20Manual_2012final.pdf
Texas Stream Team QAPP
Revision date: 1/6/15
Page 5
Amendment #1
TEXAS STREAM TEAM PROGRAM
Surface Water Quality Monitoring Project
Quality Assurance Project Plan
(QAPP)
Texas State University (TxState) Texas Stream Team Program
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Funding Source:
Nonpoint Source Program CWA §319(h)
Prepared in cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Federal ID # 99614614
EPA QTRAK # 13-126
Project term: 9/29/14 – 11/30/16
Texas Stream Team QAPP
Revision date: 1/6/15
Page 6
Effective Period: Upon date of approval email from Lead NPS QA Specialist
Questions concerning this QAPP should be directed to:
Meredith Miller
Senior Program Coordinator
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
601 University Drive
Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas 78666
(512) 245-6697
Texas Stream Team QAPP
Revision date: 1/6/15
Page 7
A1 APPROVAL PAGE
By signing this document, signatories acknowledge their respective organizations’ awareness of and
commitment to requirements contained in this QAPP in accordance with roles and responsibilities as
described in Section A4 Project/Task Organization.
Texas Stream Team QAPP
Revision date: 1/6/15
Page 8
Texas Stream Team QAPP
Revision date: 1/6/15
Page 9
Texas State University / Texas Stream Team Program
___________________________________ _______________________________________
Texas Stream Team will secure written documentation from additional project participants (e.g.,
subcontractors, laboratories) stating the organization’s awareness of and commitment to
requirements contained in this quality assurance project plan and any amendments or revisions of this
plan. Texas Stream Team will maintain this documentation as part of the project’s quality assurance
records. This documentation will be available for review. Copies of this documentation will also be
submitted as deliverables to the TCEQ NPS Project Manager within 30 days of final TCEQ approval of
the QAPP.
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A2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
A1 Approval Page ............................................................................................................................. 7
A2 Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................... 10
A3 Distribution List ........................................................................................................................ 14
A4 Project/Task Organization ........................................................................................................ 17
Figure A4.1 - Organization Chart ....................................................................................... 21
A5 Problem Definition/Background .............................................................................................. 22
A6 Project/Task Description ......................................................................................................... 24
A7 Quality Objectives and Criteria ................................................................................................. 25
Table A7.1 Measurement Quality Objectives ................................................................... 26
A8 Special Training/Certification ................................................................................................... 30
A9 Documents and Records ........................................................................................................... 30
B1 Sampling Process Design (Experimental Design)...................................................................... 32
B2 Sampling Methods .................................................................................................................... 32
Table B2.1 Sample Storage, Preservation, and Handling Requirements .......................... 32
B3 Sampling Handling and Custody ............................................................................................... 35
B4 Analytical Methods ................................................................................................................... 35
B5 Quality Control.......................................................................................................................... 37
B6 Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection and Maintenance ................................................ 37
B7 Instrument/Equipment Calibration and Frequency ................................................................. 37
B8 Inspection/Acceptance of Supplies and Consumables ............................................................. 38
B9 Non-direct Measurement ......................................................................................................... 38
Table B9.1………………………………………………………………………………..38
B10 Data Management .................................................................................................................. 39
C1 Assessments and Response Actions ......................................................................................... 39
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Table C1.1 Assessments and Response Requirements ..................................................... 40
C2 Reports to Management .......................................................................................................... 44
D1 Data Review, Verification, and Validation................................................................................ 44
D2 Verification and Validation Methods
Table D2.1 Data Verification Procedures .......................................................................... 45
D3 Reconciliation with User Requirements ................................................................................... 46
Appendix A – Scope of work……………………………………………………………………………...47
Appendix B – Sample design rationale…………………………………………………………………....59
Appendix C – Texas Stream Team Field Data Sheet………………………………………………… ....61
Appendix D – Texas Stream Team Volunteer Environmental Monitoring Manual, Addendum A,
Addendum B and Paddlers SOP……………………………………………………………......62
Appendix E – Texas Stream Team Data Management Plan…………………………………………….....63
Appendix F – Field Data Management Checklist……………………………………………………….....66
Appendix G – E.coli Data Management Checklist…………………………………………………….…..67
Appendix H – Corrective Action Status Table……………………………………………………… ….....68
Appendix I – Corrective Action Plan Form……………………………………………………………....69
Appendix J – E. coli Data Form…………………………………………………………………………...71
Appendix K – LCRA CRWN SOP…………………………………………………………………….….72
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LIST OF ACRONYMS
AWRL Ambient Water Reporting Limit
BMP Best Management Practice
CAP Corrective Action Plan
CRWN Colorado River Watch Network
CWA Clean Water Act
DMP Data Management Plan
DQO Data Quality Objective
GIS Geographic Information System
GPS Global Positioning System
LCRA Lower Colorado River Authority
LOD Limit of Detection
LOQ Limit of Quantitation
NPS Nonpoint Source
QA/QC Quality Assurance/Quality Control
QAO Quality Assurance Officer
QAPP Quality Assurance Project Plan
QAS Quality Assurance Specialist
QMP Quality Management Plan
RWA Receiving Water Assessment
SOP Standard Operating Procedure
SWQM Surface Water Quality Monitoring
TBD To be determined
TCEQ Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
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TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load
TNTC Too Numerous To Count
TxState Texas State University
TSWQS Texas Surface Water Quality Standards
WMT Watershed Management Team
USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
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A3 DISTRIBUTION LIST
The Lead NPS QA Specialist will provide original versions of this project plan and any amendments or
revisions of this plan to the TCEQ NPS Project Manager and the Texas State –Texas Stream Team
Project Manager. The TCEQ NPS Project Manager will provide copies to the TCEQ and EPA Project
Officer within two weeks of approval. The TCEQ NPS Project Manager will document receipt of the
plan and maintain this documentation as part of the project’s quality assurance records. This
documentation will be available for review.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6
1445 Ross Avenue, Suite # 1200
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
Anthony Suttice, Project Officer
Water Quality Protection Division
Assistance Program Branch
(214) 665-8590
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The Texas Stream Team will provide copies of this project plan and any amendments or revisions of
this plan to each project participant defined in the list below. The Texas Stream Team will document
receipt of the plan by each participant and maintain this documentation as part of the project’s quality
assurance records. This documentation will be available for review.
(TxState) Texas Stream Team
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment Texas State University
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666
Meredith Miller Will Butler
Project Manager Quality Assurance Officer
(512) 245-4476 (512) 245-7244
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Laura Parchman
Data Manager
(512) 245-3461
Texas Stream Team Partners
For a complete list of partners, visit the Partners List on the Texas Stream Team’s website at
http://www.meadowscenter.txstate.edu/Service/TexasStreamTeam/partners/partnerlist.html.
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A4 PROJECT/TASK ORGANIZATION
TCEQ
Monitoring Division
Sandra S. Arismendez
Lead NPS QA Specialist
Assists the TCEQ Project Manager in QA related issues. Serves on planning team for NPS projects.
Participates in the planning, development, approval, implementation, and maintenance of the QAPP.
Determines conformance with program quality system requirements. Coordinates or performs audits,
as deemed necessary and using a wide variety of assessment guidelines and tools. Concurs with
proposed corrective actions and verifications. Monitors corrective action. Provides technical
expertise and/or consultation on quality services. Provides a point of contact at the TCEQ to resolve
QA issues. Recommends to TCEQ management that work be stopped in order to safe guard project
and programmatic objectives, worker safety, public health, or environmental protection.
Water Quality Planning Division
Kyle Girten, Team Leader
NPS Program
Responsible for management and oversight of the TCEQ NPS Program. Oversees the development of
QA guidance for the NPS program to be sure it is within pertinent frameworks of the TCEQ. Monitors
the effectiveness of the program quality system. Reviews and approves all NPS projects, internal QA
audits, corrective actions, reports, work plans, and contracts. Enforces corrective action, as required.
Ensures NPS personnel are fully trained and adequately staffed.
Faith Hambleton, Project Manager
NPS Program
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Maintains a thorough knowledge of work activities, commitments, deliverables, and time frames
associated with projects. Develops lines of communication and working relationships between the
contractor, the TCEQ, and the EPA. Tracks deliverables to ensure that tasks are completed as specified
in the contract. Responsible for ensuring that the project deliverables are submitted on time and are
of acceptable quality and quantity to achieve project objectives. Serves on planning team for NPS
projects. Participates in the development, approval, implementation, and maintenance of the QAPP.
Assists the TCEQ QAS in technical review of the QAPP. Responsible for verifying that the QAPP is
followed by the contractor. Notifies the TCEQ QAS of particular circumstances which may adversely
affect the quality of data derived from the collection and analysis of samples. Enforces corrective
action.
Jessica Uramkin
NPS Quality Assurance Specialist
NPS Program
Conducts independent technical review of the QAPP to ensure compliance with project
needs/requirements. Serves as liaison between NPS management and Agency QA management.
Responsible for NPS guidance development related to program quality assurance. Serves on planning
team for NPS projects. Participates in the development, approval, implementation, and maintenance
of the QAPP.
Texas State- Texas Stream Team Program
Texas Stream Team QAPP
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Meredith Miller
Texas Stream Team Project Manager
Responsible for ensuring tasks and other requirements in the contract are executed on time and are of
acceptable quality. Monitors and assesses the quality of work. Coordinates attendance at conference
calls, training, meetings, and related project activities with the TCEQ. Responsible for verifying the
QAPP is followed and the project is producing data of known and acceptable quality. Ensures
adequate training and supervision of all monitoring and data collection activities. Complies with
corrective action requirements.
Will Butler
Texas Stream Team QAO
Responsible for coordinating development and implementation of the QA program. Responsible for
writing and maintaining the QAPP. Responsible for maintaining records of QAPP distribution,
including appendices and amendments. Responsible for maintaining written records of sub-tier
commitment to requirements specified in this QAPP. Responsible for identifying, receiving, and
maintaining project quality assurance records. Responsible for coordinating with the TCEQ QAS to
resolve QA- related issues. Notifies the contractor Project Manager and TCEQ Project Manager of
particular circumstances which may adversely affect the quality of data. Responsible for validation
and verification of all data collected according with Table 4 procedures and acquired data procedures
after each task is performed. Coordinates the research and review of technical QA material and data
related to water quality monitoring system design and analytical techniques. Conducts laboratory
inspections. Develops, facilitates, and conducts monitoring systems audits.
Laura Parchman
Texas Stream Team Data Manager
Responsible for the acquisition, verification, and transfer of data to the TCEQ. Oversees data
management for the study. Performs data quality assurances prior to transfer of data to TCEQ.
Ensures data are submitted according to workplan specifications. Provides the point of contact for the
TCEQ Data Manager to resolve issues related to the data.
U.S. EPA Region 6
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Anthony Suttice
EPA Project Officer
Responsible for managing the CWA Section 319 funded grant on the behalf on EPA. Assists the TCEQ
in approving projects that are consistent with the management goals designated under the State's
NPS management plan and meet federal guidance. Coordinates the review of project workplans, draft
deliverables, and works with the State in making these items approvable. Meets with the State at
least semi-annually to evaluate the progress of each project and when conditions permit, participate
in a site visit on the project. Fosters communication within EPA by updating management and others,
both verbally and in writing, on the progress of the State's program and on other issues as they arise.
Assists the regional NPS coordinator in tracking a State’s annual progress in its management of the
NPS program. Assists in grant close-out procedures ensuring all deliverables have been satisfied prior
to closing a grant.
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Figure A4.1. Organization Chart - Lines of Communication
Meredith Miller
Stream Team Project
Manager
Laura Parchman
Stream Team
Data Manager
Travis Tidwell
Will Butler
Stream Team
Sandra S.
Arismendez
TCEQ Lead NPS
QA
Specialist
Faith Hambleton
TCEQ NPS Project
Manager
Kyle Girten
TCEQ NPS
Team Leader
(Acting)
Anthony Suttice
U.S. EPA Region 6
Project Officer
Volunteer Monitors
Stream Team
Lines of Management
Lines of Communication
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A5 PROBLEM DEFINITION/BACKGROUND
Five factors create the need for volunteer environmental monitoring in Texas:
1) Texas has a large number of water bodies (about 11,247 rivers and streams large enough to be
named) with 191,228 miles of rivers and streams;
2) Texas’s population is projected to increase by 59% through the year 2030;
3) Senate Bill 818, the Clean Rivers Program, states there is a lack of sufficient water quality data
for state and local governments to make environmentally sound decisions.
4) Nonpoint source pollution is a leading cause of environmental degradation, and volunteer
environmental monitoring is a proven tool for teaching citizens about NPS pollution and their role
in reducing and preventing it.
5) Many citizens are becoming increasingly concerned about potentially harmful bacteria in
waterways, swimming areas, and drinking water. Biennial TCEQ 305(b) reports assess as much
as sixty-five percent of Texas’ surface waters (TCEQ 2003 or 2004 NPS REPORT). Up to thirty-
three percent of assessed surface waters have been identified as impaired by TCEQ and may not
be achieving designated use standards.
A growing population and expanding economy have increased the levels of nonpoint source pollution
entering Texas waters. Professional monitoring resources increasingly are drawn to water bodies with
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the most severe problems, straining the field resources responsible for ambient monitoring. Texas
Stream Team provides, at an affordable cost, an expanded capacity to collect ambient water quality data
and, consequently, the ability to identify potential environmental impacts associated with nonpoint
source pollution. Volunteer monitoring, in effect, can help “free up” professional monitoring resources
to address the most severe water quality problems without sacrificing ambient water quality monitoring
of less impacted water bodies. The volunteer monitoring data can serve as a means of problem
identification; or direct professional monitors to water quality degradation that is happening at a more
advanced rate. More uses of volunteer monitoring data are explained below.
The purpose of the QAPP is to clearly delineate Texas Stream Team QA policy, management structure,
and policies that will be used to implement the QA requirements necessary to document the reliability
and validity of environmental data. The QAPP is reviewed by the TCEQ to ensure that data generated
for the purposes described above are appropriate for its intended uses. This process will ensure that all
data submitted to Texas Stream Team database have been collected and analyzed in a way that assures
its reliability and therefore can be used for educational purposes, local decision-making, research,
screening, best management practice (BMP) effectiveness, problem identification, and other uses
deemed appropriate by resource managers and the TCEQ. Data collected within this plan are not
intended for use in enforcement proceedings. Volunteers interested in collecting data, which is used in
enforcement proceedings, will be directed to the applicable TCEQ protocols.
Texas Stream Team is implemented through a partnership between TxState, TCEQ, and the USEPA to
support volunteer monitors in the collection of valid, quality assured water quality data. The project is
funded through an inter-local Contract between TCEQ and TxState. The source of funds is Federal
Clean Water Act Section 319, Nonpoint Source Pollution Program.
Texas Stream Team QAPP is an umbrella document covering all participating volunteer monitoring
programs. This QAPP will support all VOLUNTEER WATER QUALITY MONITOR (VWQM)
groups and individuals who have completed the approved certification process.
Texas Stream Team will utilize the established network of volunteer monitors and partners to contribute
to education, research, screening and problem identification, and coordinated planning processes
through the Clean Rivers Program Coordinated Monitoring and Watershed Planning process. TxState
Texas Stream Team will coordinate these activities with local partners who will ensure monitoring, QC,
equipment, and data management conform to Texas Stream Team QAPP. TxState Texas Stream Team
will recruit volunteers and partner organizations, and initiate trainings statewide as resources permit.
The LCRA Colorado River Watch Network (CRWN) is a partner program of Texas Stream Team.
CRWN has their own set of procedures and quality system for their citizen monitoring program. The
CRWN procedures have been incorporated in this QAPP as Appendix K. As an independent entity
which does not receive funding from the TCEQ or Texas State University, CRWN manages volunteers,
conducts trainings, manages data, and supplies equipment for volunteers within the Colorado River
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Watershed. However, TxState Texas Stream Team has chosen to include CRWN information in this
QAPP based on the following points: CRWN is considered as part of the Texas Stream Team volunteer
monitoring network, CRWN data is included in the Texas Stream Team database and CRWN
volunteers and state-funded staff are counted as match for the Texas Stream Team 319 grant project.
Other ways in which TxState Texas Stream Team partners exclusively with CRWN is through the 1)
sharing of water quality data and 2) planning events.
This QAPP is reviewed by the TCEQ to help ensure that data generated for the purposes described
above are scientifically valid and legally defensible.
A6 PROJECT/TASK DESCRIPTION
Through this project, Texas Stream Team will conduct volunteer water quality monitoring statewide
according to approved certification and data collection protocols. Monitors in the CRWN program will
follow CRWN protocols provided in Appendix K.
Monitoring sites information, within Texas Stream Team Database, is reviewed and updated in the
beginning of the project year based on current monitoring activities. This review will take place in
conjunction with annual QAPP revisions. VWQMs are instructed to sample monthly, or as defined in
their Monitoring Plan. All sites data are tracked, stored, and maintained within Texas Stream Team
Database.
See Appendix A for the project related work plan tasks and schedule of deliverables for a description of
work defined in this QAPP. Volunteer data collection and public education/outreach efforts are focused
into six targeted watersheds as directed by TCEQ, specifically where there are currently TMDLs or
watershed protection projects underway. The projects supported are the: Oso Creek/Oso Bay TMDL,
Gilleland Creek TMDL, Upper Guadalupe River TMDL, Arroyo Colorado WPP, Upper Cibolo Creek
WPP, and Plum Creek WPP.
Amendments
Amendments to the QAPP may be necessary to reflect changes in project organization, tasks,
schedules, objectives, and methods; address deficiencies and nonconformances; improve operational
efficiency; and/or accommodate unique or unanticipated circumstances. Requests for amendments
are directed from the contractor Project Manager to the TCEQ Project Manager in writing using the
QAPP Amendment shell. The changes are effective immediately upon approval by the TCEQ NPS
Project Manager and Quality Assurance Specialist, or their designees, and the EPA Project Officer (if
necessary).
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Amendments to the QAPP and the reasons for the changes will be documented, and full copies of
amendments will be forwarded to all persons on the QAPP distribution list by the Contractor QAO.
Amendments shall be reviewed, approved, and incorporated into a revised QAPP during the annual
revision process or within 120 days of the initial approval in cases of significant changes.
Annual QAPP Reviews and Revisions
This QAPP shall be reviewed annually by the Texas Stream Team Project Manager. A letter certifying
this annual review must be submitted to the TCEQ Project Manager no later than 90 days prior to the
QAPP anniversary date. Amendments approved since QAPP approval (or most recent annual review, if
applicable) should be included along with the letter as an attachment. Also, if any organizational
changes have occurred, these should be conveyed within the certification letter. If changes (beyond
organizational changes) are necessary, a QAPP amendment must be approved before the annual review
may be certified. The TCEQ Project Manager is required to provide certification of annual reviews to
the TCEQ QA Manager and EPA Region 6 Project Officer no later than 30 days before QAPP
anniversary dates. If the QAPP expires, work described within this document must be halted.
If extensive changes are required (as determined by the TCEQ Project Manager, in consultation with
the TCEQ Lead QA Specialist), or if the project will extend beyond the third QAPP anniversary date, a
full QAPP revision is required. This is accomplished by submitting a cover letter, a document detailing
changes made, and a three full copies of the fully updated QAPP (including three sets of signature
pages).
A7 QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND CRITERIA
This project will collect surface water quality data. LCRA CRWN procedures and protocols are
provided in Appendix K.
The measurement performance criteria to support the project objectives are specified in Table A7.1
Table A7.1 - Measurement Quality Objectives
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PARAMETER UNITS MATRIX METHOD PARAME
TER
CODE
AWRL Limit of
Quantitation
(LOQ)
RECOVERY AT
LOQs (%)
PRECISION
(RPD of
LCS/LCS)
BIAS
(%Rec. of
LCS)
Completen
ess (%)
Field Parameters
Conductivity µS/cm water EPA 120.1 and
Texas Stream
Team SOP
00094 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Air Temperature
° C
air
Texas Stream Team SOP
00020 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Water
Temperature
°C water EPA 170.1 and
TCEQ SOP V1
00010 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Dissolved Oxygen mg/L water EPA 360.2 and
Texas Stream
Team SOP
00300 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
pH
su
water
Texas Stream Team SOP
NA NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Secchi Depth meters water TCEQ SOP V1 00078 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Total water depth meters water TCEQ SOP V2 82903 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Flow severity
1-no flow,
2-low,
3-normal,
4-flood,
5-high,
6-dry
water
TCEQ SOP V1 01351 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Flow cfs water TCEQ SOP V1 00061 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Flow
measurement
method
1-gage
2-electric
3-mechanical
4-weir/flume
5-doppler
water TCEQ SOP V1 89835 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Flow estimate cfs water TCEQ SOP V1 74069 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Salinity ppt, marine
only
water Texas Stream
Team SOP
NA NA* NA NA NA NA 90
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PARAMETER UNITS MATRIX METHOD PARAME
TER
CODE
AWRL Limit of
Quantitation
(LOQ)
RECOVERY AT
LOQs (%)
PRECISION
(RPD of
LCS/LCS)
BIAS
(%Rec. of
LCS)
Completen
ess (%)
Algae Cover 1-absent
2-rare
3-common
4-abundant
5-dominant
water Texas Stream
Team SOP NA NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Water Color 1-no color
2-light green
3-dark green
4-tan
5-red
6-green/brn
7-black
water Texas Stream
Team SOP NA NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Water Clarity 1-clear
2-cloudy
3-turbid
water Texas Stream
Team SOP NA NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Water Surface 1-clear
2-scum
3-foam
4-debris
5-sheen
water Texas Stream
Team SOP NA NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Water Conditions 1-calm
2-ripples
3-waves
4-white caps
water Texas Stream
Team SOP 89968 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Water Odor 1-none
2-oil
3-acrid
4-sewage
5-rotten eggs
6-fishy
7-musky
water Texas Stream
Team SOP NA NA* NA NA NA NA 90
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PARAMETER UNITS MATRIX METHOD PARAME
TER
CODE
AWRL Limit of
Quantitation
(LOQ)
RECOVERY AT
LOQs (%)
PRECISION
(RPD of
LCS/LCS)
BIAS
(%Rec. of
LCS)
Completen
ess (%)
Present Weather 1-clear
2-cloudy
3-overcast
4-rain
air Texas Stream
Team SOP 89966 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Days since last
significant rainfall
days NA TCEQ SOP V1 72053 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Rainfall
Accumulation
(last 3 days)
Inches NA Texas Stream
Team SOP NA NA* NA NA NA NA 90
Tidal Stage 1-low
2-falling
3-slack
4-rising
5-high
water Texas Stream
Team SOP 89972 NA* NA NA NA NA 90
E.coli
Colony forming units (cfu) per 100
mL
water
Texas Stream Team SOP
NA
1 cfu per 100
mL
1 cfu per 100 mL
NA
NA NA 90
Transparency
Tube
Meters
water
Texas Stream Team SOP
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA NA 90
Nitrate Nitrogen
Mg/L
water
Texas Stream Team SOP
00618
0.1 mg/L
NA
NA
NA NA 90
Orthophosphate Phosphorous
Mg/L
water
Texas Stream Team SOP
00671
0.02 - 50 mg/L
NA
NA
NA NA 90
Chemical Turbidity
Jackson Turbidity
Units (JTUs)
water
Texas Stream
Team SOP
00070
5 JTU’s
NA
NA
NA NA 90
Stream Flow estimate
Cubic feet per second (cfs)
water
Texas Stream Team SOP
00061
NA
NA
NA
NA NA 90
* Reporting to be consistent with Texas Stream Team or SWQM guidance and based on measurement capability.
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References for Table A7.1:
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) “Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and
Wastes,” Manual #EPA-600/4-79-020.
American Public Health Association (APHA), American Water Works Association (AWWA), and Water
Environment Federation (WEF), “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,”
20th Edition, 1998. (Note: The 21st edition may be cited if it becomes available.).
TCEQ SOP V1 - TCEQ Surface Water Quality Monitoring Procedures, Volume 1: Physical and Chemical
Monitoring Methods for Water, Sediment, and Tissue, 2003 - 2012 (RG-415).
TCEQ SOP V2 - TCEQ Surface Water Quality Monitoring Procedures, Volume 2: Methods for Collecting
and Analyzing Biological Community and Habitat.
Data, 2005 - 2007 (RG-416)
Texas Stream Team SOP - Texas Stream Team Environmental Monitoring Manual, 2002
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Annual Book of Standards, Vol. 11.02
Representativeness
For Routine Sampling
Site selection, the appropriate sampling regime, the sampling of all pertinent media according to TCEQ
SOPs, and use of only approved analytical methods will assure that the measurement data represents
the conditions at the site. Routine data collected for water quality assessment are considered to be
spatially and temporally representative of routine water quality conditions. Water Quality data are
collected on a routine frequency and are separated by approximately even time intervals. At a
minimum, samples are collected over at least two seasons (to include inter-seasonal variation) and
over two years (to include inter-year variation) and include some data collected during an index
period (March 15- October 15). Although data may be collected during varying regimes of weather
and flow, the data sets will not be biased toward unusual conditions of flow, runoff, or season. The
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goal for meeting total representation of the water body will be tempered by the potential funding for
complete representativeness
Completeness
The completeness of the data is basically a relationship of how much of the data is available for use
compared to the total potential data. Ideally, 100% of the data should be available. However, the
possibility of unavailable data due to accidents, insufficient sample volume, broken or lost samples,
etc. is to be expected. Therefore, it will be a general goal of the project(s) that 90% data completion is
achieved.
Comparability
Confidence in the comparability of routine data sets for this project and for water quality assessments
is based on the commitment of project staff to use only approved sampling and analysis methods and
QA/QC protocols in accordance with quality system requirements and as described in this QAPP and in
TCEQ SOPs. Comparability is also guaranteed by reporting data in standard units, by using accepted
rules for rounding figures, and by reporting data in a standard format as specified in Section B10.
A8 SPECIAL TRAINING/CERTIFICATION
TxState Texas Stream Team and Partners provide training on field techniques, quality assurance, data
management, etc. The training procedures and requirements for certification of Texas Stream Team
Volunteer Monitors are described in the Texas Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Manual. Although
the three phase format is the same, the LCRA CRWN monitor training differs from the Texas Stream
Team training because the monitoring procedures are slightly different. These differences involve one
less step in the DO titration and a different waiting period for air temperature measurement. Procedures
and requirements for Texas Stream Team Trainers are outlined in the Texas Stream Team Trainer’s
Manual. Finally, procedures for certification as a Texas Stream Team Quality Assurance Officer are
described in Texas Stream Team Quality Assurance Officer’s Manual.
A9 DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS
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The documents that describe, specify, report, or certify activities are listed. Electronic records are
backed up every 24 hours, and are kept on multiple computers, as well as two virtual servers provided
by Texas State University.
Document/Record Location Retention(yrs) Form
Complete original data sets (physical
submission)
TxState Texas Stream Team 7 Paper
Complete original data sets (electronic
submission Texas Stream Team SQL
Database
TxState Texas Stream Team 7 Electronic
LCRA CRWN data sets TxState Texas Stream Team 7 Electronic
Corrective Action Documentation TxState Texas Stream Team 7 Electronic
Field equipment calibration (Included on
the field data sheet)
TxState Texas Stream Team 7 Electronic
Field SOPs TxState Texas Stream Team 7 Electronic
QAPP, amendments, appendices TCEQ/TxState Texas Stream Team 7 Electronic
QAPP distribution documentation TxState Texas Stream Team 7 Electronic
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B1 SAMPLING PROCESS DESIGN (EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN)
See Appendix B for sampling process design information and monitoring tables associated with data
collected under this QAPP. See Appendix K for such information pertaining to LCRA CRWN.
B2 SAMPLING METHODS
Field Sampling Procedures
The field sampling procedures are documented in Texas Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Manual
and its appendices, or the TCEQ Surface Water Quality Monitoring Procedures Manual, Volume 1
(October 2008). LCRA CRWN procedures and protocols are provided in Appendix K.
Table B2.1 Sample Storage, Preservation and Handling Requirements
Parameter
Matrix
Container
Sample
Volume
Preservation
Holding Time
E. coli
water
SPS
100
Refrigerate @ 40C*
6 Hours
Nitrate
Nitrogen
water Plastic Test
Tube 10 mL
Refrigerate @ 40C*
48 Hours
Orthophosph
ate
Phosphorous
water Glass Mixing
Bottle 25 mL
Refrigerate @ 40C*
48 Hours
Chemical
Turbidity
water
Plastic
Turbidity
Column
50 mL
Refrigerate @ 40C*
48 Hours
* Preservation performed immediately upon collection (within 15 minutes)
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Container Key: SPS = Sterile Polystyrene
Sample Containers
All sample containers will meet the requirements as outlined in Table B2.1. Sterile Polystyrene (100ml)
or are used for bacteriological samples and are disposable.
Processes to Prevent Contamination
Procedures documented in Texas Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Manual and its appendices, or
the TCEQ Surface Water Quality Monitoring Procedures Manual, Volume 1 (October 2008) outline the
necessary steps to prevent contamination of samples. These include: direct collection into sample
containers, when possible. Field QC samples (identified in Appendix G) are collected to verify that
contamination has not occurred.
Documentation of Field Sampling Activities
Field sampling activities are documented on the field data sheet as presented in Appendix C. For all field
sampling events, station ID, location, sampling time, date, and depth, sample collector’s name/signature,
group identification number, conductivity meter calibration information, and reagent expiration dates
are checked and recorded if expired. For all E.coli sampling events, station ID, location, sampling time,
date, and depth, sample collector’s name/signature, group identification number, incubation
temperature, incubation duration, E.coli colony counts, dilution aliquot, field blanks, and media
expiration dates are checked and recorded if expired. Values for all measured parameters are recorded.
If reagents or media are expired, it is noted and communicated to Texas Stream Team. Sampling is still
encouraged with expired reagents and bacteria media; however, the corresponding values will be
flagged in the database (explained thoroughly in section D2). Detailed observational data are recorded
including water appearance, weather, field observations such as biological activity and stream uses,
algae cover, unusual odors, days since last significant rainfall, and flow severity.
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Comments related to field measurements, number of participants, total time spent sampling, and total
round trip distance traveled to the sampling site are also recorded.
Recording Data
For the purposes of this section and subsequent sections, all personnel follow the basic rules for
recording information as documented below:
1. Legible writing in ink. Correct errors with a single line through writing, followed by initial and date.
2. Submission via the Texas Stream Team iPhone application. 3. Submission via the Texas Stream Team online data entry system.
Failures in Sampling Methods Requirements and/or Deviations from Sample Design and Corrective
Action
Examples of failures in sampling methods and/or deviations from sample design requirements include
but are not limited to such things as equipment problems, sample site considerations, etc. Failures or
deviations from the QAPP are documented on the field data sheet. The TxState Texas Stream Team Data
Manager in consultation with Texas Stream Team QAO will determine if the deviation from the QAPP
compromises the validity of the resulting data. For a comprehensive understanding of TST’s data
validation checks, look to section D2 of this QAPP document.
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B3 SAMPLE HANDLING AND CUSTODY
The field sampling procedures are documented in Texas Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Manual
and its addendums. Core variables are collected as field measurements except for E. coli bacteria. Water
samples which are collected for analysis of nitrate-nitrogen, orthophosphate, and turbidity (chemical
method) may be transported on ice in extreme situations, but this is not recommended. Once samples
have been transported to the destination, they should be processed immediately. LCRA CRWN
procedures and protocols are provided in Appendix K.
B4 ANALYTICAL METHODS
The analytical methods are listed in Table A7.1 of Section A7. The analyses cited in the table are EPA
approved methods as cited in 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 136. Part B. Data reporting
analytical methods are displayed in Appendix E. LCRA CRWN procedures and protocols are provided in
Appendix K.
Standards Traceability
All conductivity standards are produced or purchased by Texas Stream Team, Partners, or VWQM groups
as needed. All conductivity standards purchased are traceable to certified reference materials. If
conductivity standards are produced by Texas Stream Team, Partners, or VWQM groups, the following
procedures are implemented:
1. Weigh a specific amount of potassium chloride per liter based on the concentration of the standard
being prepared.
2. Verify standard concentration with calibrated conductivity meter.
3. The conductivity standard has a one-year shelf life from date made.
Failures or Deviations in Analytical Method Requirements and Corrective Actions
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Failures in field measurement systems involve, but are not limited to such things as, instrument
malfunctions and failures in calibration. In many cases, the VWQM or QAO will be able to correct the
problem. If the problem is resolvable by the VWQM or QAO, then they will document the problem on
the field data sheet and complete the analysis. If the problem is not resolvable by the VWQM or QAO,
the parties will consult with the local partner or Texas Stream Team to determine a solution.
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B5 QUALITY CONTROL
Sampling Quality Control Requirements and Acceptability Criteria
The minimum Field QC Requirements are outlined in Texas Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring
Manual and its appendices. See Appendix D. LCRA CRWN procedures and protocols are provided in
Appendix K.
Failures in Field Quality Control and Corrective Action
Best professional judgments will be relied upon in evaluating results. Field values falling outside the
acceptability criteria may invalidate the sample. Notations of field duplicate excursions are noted on the
data sheet for inclusion in the comments section of Texas Stream Team database. For a comprehensive
understanding of TST’s data validation checks, look to section D2 of this QAPP document.
B6 INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENT TESTING, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
All sampling equipment testing and maintenance requirements are detailed in Texas Stream Team Water
Quality Monitoring Manual. Equipment records are kept on all field equipment and TxState Texas
Stream Team, the VWQM, or Partner maintains a supply of critical spare parts.
All equipment testing and maintenance requirements are contained within Texas Stream Team Water
Quality Monitoring Manual and its addendums. LCRA CRWN procedures and protocols are provided in
Appendix K.
B7 INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION AND FREQUENCY
Field equipment calibration requirements are contained in Texas Stream Team Water Quality
Monitoring Manual. Post calibration error limits and the disposition resulting from error are adhered to.
Data not meeting post-error limit requirements will be “flagged” in Texas Stream Team database for
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further review by Texas Stream Team staff. LCRA CRWN procedures and protocols are provided in
Appendix K.
B8 INSPECTION/ACCEPTANCE OF SUPPLIES AND CONSUMABLES
See B4 for standards requirements. Sampling reagents are used until they surpass the expiration dates
prescribed by the manufacturer. At each sampling event, monitors will note on the field data sheet all
expired reagents. All expired reagents are replaced with fresh reagents when a volunteer requests a
replacement due to reagent expiration, damage or loss.
B9 NON-DIRECT MEASUREMENTS
The Texas Stream Team online data viewer utilizes map overlays from Google Maps Version 3 as well as
data layers from the following sources. Maps published by the Texas Stream Team also utilize data layers
from the following sources.
Table B9.1 – Data Sources
Data Source Link
TCEQ 2010 Stream Segments Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality
http://www.tceq.texas.gov/gis/hydro.ht
ml
Permitted Wastewater
Outfalls
Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality
http://www.tceq.texas.gov/gis/sites.htm
l
Surface Water Quality
Monitoring Stations
Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality
http://www.tceq.texas.gov/gis/sites.htm
l
StratMap Boundaries Texas Natural Resource
Information System
http://www.tnris.org/get-data
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TxDOT Roadways Texas Natural Resource
Information System
http://www.tnris.org/get-data
StratMap Transportation Texas Natural Resource
Information System
http://www.tnris.org/get-data
Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) Texas Natural Resource
Information System
http://www.tnris.org/get-data
12 Digit Watershed Boundary
Dataset
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Geospatial Data Gateway
http://datagateway.nrcs.usda.gov/
B10 DATA MANAGEMENT
See Appendix E for the Data Review Checklist and Summary. LCRA CRWN procedures and protocols are
provided in Appendix K. Data from LCRA CRWN is provided via MS Excel spreadsheets on a quarterly
basis and is subsequently added into the TxState Texas Stream Team Database.
C1 ASSESSMENTS AND RESPONSE ACTIONS
The following table presents the types of assessments and response action for data collection activities
applicable to the QAPP. LCRA CRWN procedures and protocols are provided in Appendix K.
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Table C1.1 – Assessments and Response Requirements
Assessment
Activity
Approximate
Schedule
Responsible
Party
Scope
Response
Requirements
Status
Monitoring
Oversight, etc.
Annual
TxState Texas
Stream Team
Monitoring of the project status
and records to ensure
requirements are being fulfilled
Report to TCEQ
Project Manager
Monitoring /
Quality
Assurance
Systems Audit
As needed
TxState Texas
Stream Team
Random site visits may be
conducted and would include
audits of field sampling, handling
and measurement and related
quality assurance oversight; or
facility review, data
management, and related quality
assurance oversight. However,
the primary form of quality
assurance is for monitors to
utilize quality assurance
modules. These modules include
instructional videos that review
common mistakes and instruct
monitors on proper quality
assurance procedures. Monitors
view the videos and complete
quizzes to assess their
knowledge. The results are
communicated to Texas Stream
Team staff, and partner
organizations for review and
follow up where quality
assurance issues are present.
Feedback of
evaluation provided
to VWQM or Partner
Training
Systems Audit
In conjunction
with training
sessions
Texas Stream
Team Trainer
Texas Stream Team Volunteer
Monitor and Trainer certification
Training records
submitted to TxState
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Texas Stream Team
or Partner
Quality Control
Prior to each
sampling event
VWQM
Field sampling, handling and
measurement, recording data,
and equipment and reagent
check
Submit completed
Monitoring Forms
with completed QC
information for
verification
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Corrective Action
Records of audit findings and corrective actions are maintained by TxState Texas Stream Team or Partner
as necessary. Audit findings, corrective action, and other activities addressing audit findings will be
documented.
C2 REPORTS TO MANAGEMENT
Reports to TCEQ Management
All reports detailed in this section are contract deliverables and are transferred to the TCEQ in
accordance with contract requirements.
Corrective Action Report – Summarizes Texas Stream Team’s non-conformance to the QAPP and lists
the ensuing corrective action taken by Texas Stream Team
Data Management Report (Draft and Final) - Details activities conducted under Task 6, Data
Management, for the entire contract period.
Data Summary Reports – Summarize data for a monitoring site, water body, watershed, or region.
Final Report (Draft and Final) – Summarizes Texas Stream Team activities over the grant contract period;
tends to consolidate information provided throughout the contract in the Task Reports.
Partner Coordination and Development Report (Draft and Final) - Details activities conducted under
Task 3, Partner Coordination and Development, for the entire contract period.
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Project Planning Report (Draft and Final) - Details activities conducted under Task 4, Project Planning,
for the entire contract period.
Publications Report (Draft and Final) – Details activities conducted under Task 2, Publications, for the
entire contract period.
Quarterly Progress Reports – Quarterly Progress Reports contain a level of detail sufficient to document
the activities that occurred under each task during the quarter and contain a comprehensive tracking
of deliverable status under each task.
Statewide Citizen Environmental Monitoring Support and Activities Report (Draft and Final) - Details
activities conducted under Task 7, Statewide Citizen Environmental Monitoring Support and Activities,
for the entire contract period.
Statewide Citizen Monitoring and NPS Education Events (Draft and Final) - Details activities conducted
under Task 9, Statewide Citizen Monitoring and NPS Education Events, for the entire contract period.
Statewide Education Activities Report (Draft and Final) - Details activities conducted under Task 8,
Statewide Education Activities, for the entire contract period.
Targeted Watershed Monitoring and Outreach Projects Report (Draft and Final) - Details activities
conducted under Task 10, Targeted Watershed Monitoring and Outreach Projects, for the entire
contract period.
Reports to the Texas Stream Team
Partner Activity Reports – TST partner agencies submit quarterly reports regarding number of trainings,
distance traveled, and time spent conducting program. Information included in these reports is used
for in kind contribution reporting.
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Reports by TCEQ Project Management
Contractor Evaluation - TxState Texas Stream Team participates in a Contractor Evaluation by the TCEQ
annually for compliance with administrative and programmatic standards.
D1 DATA REVIEW, VERIFICATION, AND VALIDATION
All data obtained from field measurements will be reviewed for integrity and continuity,
reasonableness, and conformance to project requirements, and then validated against the data quality
objectives that are listed in Section A7. The procedures for verification and validation of data are
described in Section D2, below. The TxState Texas Stream Team Data Manager is responsible for
ensuring field data are properly reviewed, verified, and submitted in the required format to the
database. The TxState Texas Stream Team QAO is responsible for validating that all data collected meet
the data quality objectives of the project.
D2 VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION METHODS
All data will be reviewed to ensure they are representative of the samples analyzed and locations where
measurements were made, and that the data and associated quality control data conform to specified
monitoring procedures and project specifications. The respective field, data management, and QAO
data verification responsibilities are listed by task in Table D.1.
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Data review and verification will be performed using data management checklist and self-assessments,
as appropriate to the project task, followed by automated database functions that will validate data as
the information is entered into the database. The data to be verified and evaluated against project
specifications and are checked for errors, especially errors in transcription, calculations, and data input.
Potential errors are identified by examination of documentation and by manual and computer assisted
examination of corollary or unreasonable data. If a question arises or a potential error or anomaly is
identified, the VWQM or Partner of the monitor responsible for generating the data is contacted to
resolve the issue. Issues that can be corrected are corrected and documented. If there are errors in the
calibration log, expired reagents used to generate the sampling data, or any other deviations from the
Field or E. Coli data review checklist (Appendices F and G), the corresponding data is flagged in the
database.
LCRA CRWN procedures and protocols are provided in Appendix K.
Table D2.1 – Data Verification Table
Data to be Verified
Field
Task
Database
Task
QAO
Task
Collection and analysis techniques
consistent with SOPs and QAPP
X
Sample documentation complete
X
X
X
QC samples within acceptance limits
X
Sample preservation and handling
X
X
Holding times
X
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Instrument calibration data
X
X
X
Measurement results
X
X
X
Calculations
X
X
X
Data entered in required format
X
X
X
Absence of transcription error
X
X
X
Reasonableness of data
X
X
X
Electronic submittal errors
X
X
10% verification check of proper data
verification procedures being followed
X
D3 RECONCILIATION WITH USER REQUIREMENTS
Data produced during this project will adhere to procedures outlined in Section D2 and Table D.1. TxState
Texas Stream Team will employ these procedures to ensure that all data included in Texas Stream Team
database can be used for educational purposes, local decision-making, research, screening, BMP
effectiveness, problem identification, and other uses deemed appropriate by the end users. The online
data viewer allows anyone to access this water quality data and use it for the above mentioned purposes
as well as a general understanding of where Texas Stream Team monitors are currently monitoring and
have been in the past. Texas Stream Team may choose to communicate data findings at targeted
watershed stakeholder forums (one per watershed per year) as well as at Clean Rivers Program annual
basin-wide steering committee meetings. Reference section A5 for more extensive information on data
uses. Data which do not meet requirements will be flagged in the Texas Stream Team database and may
not be considered appropriate for the uses noted above.
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The purpose of flagged data is to note inconsistencies or what may be invalid data. The dataviewer was
built to recognize and automatically “flag” any water quality parameter data that does not meet the
Quality Assurance checklist. Data may be flagged because of an erroneous numerical value, expired
reagents, or a missing value related to the data collection process. Data is not flagged for being outside
of a range of values, as these values could be accurate and significant indicators of water quality. Flagged
data is removed from data reports and STORET submissions. The following data, presented in section
B9, are used to create maps and supplement Stream Team monitoring data for comprehensive reports.
TCEQ 2010 Stream Segments
Permitted Wastewater Outfalls
Surface Water Quality Monitoring Stations
StratMap Boundaries
TxDOT Roadways
StratMap Transportation
Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC)
12 Digit Watershed Boundary Dataset
In addition to the data shown above, the Texas Stream Team’s online data viewer utilizes
Google Maps.
Appendix A
SCOPE OF WORK
Updates to the Texas Stream Team Scope of Work are approved by TCEQ on a different schedule than updates to
this QAPP. SOW and SOD added to this document. All task and deliverable due dates are estimates. Project
term is 9/29/14 through 8/31/16
Task 1: Project Administration
Objective: To effectively administer, coordinate and monitor all work performed under this project including
technical and financial supervision and preparation of status reports.
Subtask 1.1: Project Oversight - The Performing Party will provide technical and fiscal oversight of the staff
and/or subgrantee(s)/ subcontractor(s) to ensure Tasks and Deliverables are acceptable and completed as scheduled
and within budget. With the TCEQ Project Manager's authorization, the Performing Party may secure the services
of subgrantee(s)/subcontractor(s). Project oversight status will be provided to TCEQ with the Quarterly Progress
Reports (QPRs).
Subtask 1.2: QPRs -The Performing Party will submit QPRs to the TCEQ Project Manager by the15th of the
month following each state fiscal quarter for review by the TCEQ Project Manager and incorporation into EPA's
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Grant Reporting and Tracking System. A template for the QPR will be provided to the Performing Party by the
TCEQ Project Manager.
Subtask 1.3: Reimbursement Forms - The Performing Party will submit reimbursement forms as specified in the
Special Terms and Conditions.
Subtask 1.4: Contract Communication - The Performing Party will participate in a post-award orientation
meeting with TCEQ within 30 days of Contract execution. The TST will maintain regular telephone and/or e-mail
communication with the TCEQ Project Manager regarding the status and progress of the project. This will include
a call or meeting each state fiscal quarter following the submittal of the quarter's QPR. Project task status, financial
status and any other matters that require attention will be discussed during the call or meeting. The TCEQ Project
Manager may request additional information from the Performing Party prior to the call or meeting.
The Performing Party will provide a Contract Closeout Strategy within the first quarter of the last year of the
Contract. The template for the Contract Closeout Strategy will be provided by the TCEQ Project Manager.
Matters that must be communicated to the TCEQ Project Manager include, but are not limited to:
Notification a minimum of 14 days before that TST has scheduled public meetings or events, initiation of
construction, or other major Task activities; and
Notification within 48 hours regarding events or circumstances that may require changes to the budget,
Scope of Work or Schedule of Deliverables.
Meeting notes for Contract communication meetings will be prepared by the Performing Party and submitted to the
TCEQ Project Manager.
Subtask 1.5: Coordination Meeting with EPA- The Performing Party will attend a project update and
coordination meeting with EPA upon request by TCEQ and EPA to share progress on goals, measures of success,
challenges and opportunities.
Subtask 1.6: Annual Report Article - The Performing Party will provide an article for the NPS Annual Report
upon request by TCEQ. The article will include a brief summary of the project and describe the activities of the past
fiscal year.
Deliverables:
QPRs
Reimbursement Forms
Contract Communication Meeting Notes
Contract Closeout Strategy
Annual Report Article
Task 2: Quality Assurance
Objective: To refine, document and implement data quality objectives (DQOs) and quality assurance/control
(QA/QC) activities that ensure data of known and acceptable quality are generated by this project.
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Subtask 2.1: QAPP Planning Meetings - The Performing Party will schedule a QAPP planning meeting with the
TCEQ Project Manager, QA staff, technical staff and contractors, to implement a systematic planning process based
on the elements in the TCEQ NPS QAPP Shell. The information developed during this meeting will be incorporated
into a QAPP. The storage location of data records and how data should be coded will also be determined during
these meetings. The Performing Party may conduct additional meetings to determine whether changes to an existing
QAPP are needed.
Subtask 2.2: QAPPs (new and revisions) -The Performing Party will develop and submit to TCEQ a QAPP with
project-specific DQOs and other components consistent with the following documents:
EPA Requirements for QAPPs (QA/Rs);
EPA Guidance for Geospatial Data QAPPs (QA/G-sG);
EPA QAPP Requirements for Secondary Data Research Projects;
TCEQ Surface Water Quality Monitoring (SWQM) Procedures; and
TCEQ NPS QAPP Shell(s).
The Performing Party will develop the QAPP in consultation with the TCEQ Project Manager, QA staff and
contractors. The Performing Party will submit the QAPP to TCEQ120 days or more prior to the scheduled initiation
of environmental data operations. The QAPP must be signed/fully approved by TCEQ and, if necessary, EPA,
before any environmental data operations begin.
List of all Tasks covered by this QAPP:
Task 3: Water Quality Data Collection for TST Dataviewer;
Task 4: Citizen Science: Manage, expand and strengthen established statewide volunteer water quality,
citizen science networks; and
Tasks: Statewide Watershed Services (if applicable).
Tasks NOT covered under this QAPP:
Task 1: Project Administration;
Task 6: Watershed Education & Outreach: Engage Texans in Place-based and Online Watershed and Water
Quality Education and Outreach; and
Task 7: Final Report.
Subtask 2.3: QAPP Annual Reviews and Revisions - The Performing Party will submit documentation certifying
its annual review of QAPPs no less than 90 days prior to the QAPP anniversary date. Amendments approved since
the initial QAPP approval or a subsequent certified annual review (if applicable) must be submitted along with the
certification. If extensive changes to a QAPP are necessary, a full revision is required. Once TCEQ certifies the
annual review or approves the full revision, the QAPP effective period is extended an additional year. No work
described in a QAPP shall be conducted outside the effective period for the QAPP.
Subtask 2.4: QAPP Amendments - The Performing Party will submit Amendments when changes to QAPPs are
necessary. Amendments should be submitted 90 days prior to the scheduled initiation of changes. A justification,
summary of changes and detail of changes must be provided with the Amendment. The Performing Party will ensure
that changes conveyed within Amendments are not implemented until the Amendment is fully approved by TCEQ
and, if necessary, EPA
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Deliverables:
QAPP Planning Meeting Notes
Draft and Final QAPP
QAPP Annual Reviews and Revisions
Draft and Final QAPP Amendments
Task 3: Water Quality Data Collection
Objective: All submitted data collected under the QAPP is entered into the TST Database and is included in the
TST Dataviewer. Data are assessed in data summary reports that inform on the status of water quality at reported
monitoring sites.
Subtask 3.1: Database/Dataviewer - The Performing Party will manage and maintain the TST Database which
populates the TST Dataviewer within 6o days of data submission by citizen scientists. All data submitted to TST
under the QAPP will be entered into the TST Database. The Performing Party will submit to TCEQ monthly
Database/Dataviewer Activity Reports that will communicate the number of citizen scientists trained, number of
citizen scientists monitoring and number of monitoring events.
Subtask 3.2: Data Submittals - The Performing Party will review, verify and validate water quality monitoring
data before it is submitted to TCEQ. The Performing Party will format and submit data in coordination with the
TCEQ to the EPA STOrage and RETrieval (STORET) Data Warehouse annually. The Performing Pa11:y will
submit data reports and presentations for review and approval at least two weeks prior to the scheduled public
release.
Subtask 3.3: Data Summary Reports - The Performing Party will compile and distribute by basin, a series of
citizen science Data Summary Reports. The reports will use the data collected under the QAPP for
sites/segments/basins agreed upon by the Performing Party, TCEQ, citizen scientist stakeholders, partners and the
Clean Rivers Program (CRP) Planning Agencies. The Data Summary Reports will also contain GIS Maps that
illustrate the citizen scientists water quality data collected for each respective watershed. The Performing Party will
prioritize activities under this Task to coordinate with similar efforts toward increasing public awareness and/or
recruiting partners and stakeholder support in identified priority watersheds. The Performing Party will publish a
minimum of four Data Summary Reports annually.
Deliverables:
Monthly Database/Dataviewer Activity Reports
Annual submissions of data to TCEQ/EPA STORET
A minimum of four Data Summary Reports with watershed maps annually.
Task 4: Citizen Science: Manage, expand and strengthen established statewide water quality citizen science
network
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Objective: Engage a statewide network of a minimum of 350 citizen scientists annually in activities related to water
quality. The citizen scientists will monitor at least 250 sites across Texas.
Subtask 4.1:Support Existing and New Citizen Scientists - The Performing Party will maintain a stock of water
quality monitoring kits and supplies for use by TST staff for special monitoring events, trainings and quality control
sessions. TST will maintain a reasonable supply of kits and replacement reagents to equip citizen scientists who do
not currently have partner support or where partner funding is unavailable.
Subtask 4·2: Create New Groups and Partners - Create one new partner network that engages a new or non-
traditional audience. Create one citizen scientist group and/or partner in geographic priority areas with watershed
protection planning activities.
Subtask 4.3: Partner Meeting - One statewide partner meeting will be held each year with the primary objective
of gathering input and feedback toward TST's advancement of program objectives and improvement of volunteer
and support efforts.
Subtask 4.4: Citizen Scientist Water Quality Monitoring Trainings - The Performing Party-supported water
quality monitoring training will cover core parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, Secchi disk,
transparency tube, field observations, field comments) and the NPS pollution suite (E. coli, nitrates,
orthophosphates, flow, turbidity), parameters and methods addressed in the TCEQ approved TST QAPP. Trainings
will emphasize watershed awareness through discussion and demonstration of the relationship between monitoring
tests and field observations to corresponding NPS pollution issues.
Core Trainings: TST staff or TST certified trainers will schedule and conduct a minimum of five
certification or technical trainings per year;
Advanced NPS Suite: TST staff or TST certified trainers will schedule and conduct a minimum of three
certification or technical trainings per year; and
Trainer Trainings: TST staff or TST certified trainers will train a minimum of two certified TST Citizen
Scientists to become TST Trainers in either the Core trainings, the Advanced NPS Suite Trainings, or both.
Subtask 4.5: Regional Citizen Scientists/Stakeholder Outreach Meetings -The Performing Party will coordinate
two regional citizen scientists/stakeholder meetings annually. These events will directly support citizen scientists,
partners and TMDL/WPP collaborators and will enhance attendees' water quality knowledge and ability to better
understand watershed functions. Topics for the meetings will include priority issues for the TMDL and WPP areas.
Networking and other open sessions will generate discussion between TMDL and WPP projects.
Deliverables:
One annual report highlighting Task activities and outcomes to include:
o Review and assessment of citizen science census, activities and outcomes
o Status on existing partner community
o Status on new citizen scientist groups and/or partners in geographic priority areas with watershed
protection planning activities
o Status on new partner network that engages a new or non-traditional audience
o Updates showing progress toward the goal of engaging 350 citizen scientists
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o One new citizen scientist/partner group created
One statewide partner meeting held per year
Five core water quality trainings per year
Three Advanced NPS Suite trainings per year
Two new certified TST Trainers per year
Two regional citizen scientists/stakeholder outreach meetings per year
Tasks: Statewide Watershed Services: Promote and provide professional services that contribute to the
creation and implementation of watershed plans and assist in development of nine-element Watershed-Based
Plans.
Objective: Promote and provide general services to 10 localities in watersheds across Texas. The Performing Party
will achieve this by identifying potential watersheds, engaging stakeholders and assessing watershed needs. The
Performing Party will work with the given localities and TCEQ to identify resources to support the work.
The Performing Party will promote services to the communities that have:
Complete and approved WPPs and TMDLs;
WPPs and TMDLs under development; and
Interest in building a WPP and/or TMDL.
Services that the Performing Party will offer include:
Serving as a liaison between communities, localities, TCEQ and others;
QAPP development;
Monitoring plans & implementation;
Modeling;
Watershed tours and watershed characterization;
Data collection;
GIS and other mapping;
Stakeholder engagement planning and practice;
Activities associated with contract administration and reporting;
Needs assessments, proposal writing, planning and implementation;
Project assessment, lessons learned, best practices, models, or adaptive management strategies; and
Creating a coordinating body for communities and organizations engaged in watershed planning.
Subtask 5.1:Tool/Resource Development - Develop a "Watershed Planning Opportunities and Services"
tool/resource to present stakeholders a clear picture of watershed planning opportunities, funding resow·ces and
relevant TST watershed services to demonstrate the need for watershed planning, the benefits thereof and the
opportunities in their respective communities.The resource will be visually engaging, simple and built as a
worksheet to maximize utility for communities interested in watershed planning. This tool will help localities match
their own needs with TST services and it will give them clear action steps. The resource will be designed such that
it can be shared via email, website, social media, and in person, becoming a cornerstone to engage and compel
stakeholders.
Subtask 5.2: Assessment of Watershed Planning Status and Needs - The unique nature of each TMDL or WPP
project requires specific actions and timelines to address and solve water quality impairments. TST provides a suite
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of watershed services for TMDL and WPP project managers and stakeholders. The Performing Party will assess
how to best engage each community. The Performing Party will provide an assessment of watershed planning
activity status and needs for three community categories: those with complete and approved WPPs and TMDLs;
those with WPPs and TMDLs under development; and those with interest in building WPPs and TMDLs.
Subtask 5.3: Action Plan Development - Develop an action plan reflecting the opportunities and services the
Performing Party can provide to specific targeted communities, based upon the assessment in subtask 5.2. This plan
will include promoting watershed services to communities with completed and/or approved WPPs and TMDLs,
such as a) Arroyo Colorado, b) Dickinson Bayou, c) Hickory Creek, d) Lake Granbury, e) Upper Cibolo Creek, f)
Westfield Estates and g) others.
Promote watershed services to communities with WPPs and TMDLs under development, such as a) Armand Bayou,
b) Bastrop Bayou, c) Brady Creek, d) Cypress Creek, e) Highland Bayou, f) Upper San Antonio River, g) Upper
San Marcos and h) others. Special attention will be given to the communities of New Braunfels, Seguin, Granbury,
Boerne and San Antonio.
Deliverables:
• One annual report highlighting Task activities and outcomes
• One watershed planning options and resources worksheet for communities
• One assessment of watershed needs
• Provide action plan(s) to TCEQ
• Implementation of one action plan
• One annual status update per year for each associated subtask
Note: Each of the aforementioned deliverables will also be shared via the TST's website.
Task 6: Watershed Education & Outreach: Engage Texans in Place-based and Online Watershed and Water
Quality Education and Outreach
Objective: Provide watershed education to 4,000 people annually on NPS and other water quality issues.
Subtask 6.1: Incorporate TST Curriculum into Spring Lake Education Program - Incorporate existing TST
activities into the Meadows Center's existing Spring Lake outdoor education program to reach a targeted portion of
the 125,000 visitors per year. The Performing Party will use the Spring Lake program to promote and offer one
teacher workshop, watershed-focused learning and citizen science training that support water conservation and
management per year.
Subtask 6.2: Build Beta-Version Online Community Forum - Build a beta-version online community of practice
forum for those working in areas related to water and/or citizen science in Texas and those interested therein. The
platform will allow discussions to be organized into topic areas and subgroups can be created based on specific
interest areas or regions. The community of practice forum will be designed to allow dynamic interaction among
community members through member profiles, shared calendars, discussion forums, file sharing and other such
tools.
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Subtask 6.3: Incorporate TST program into Partner Education Programs - Incorporate TST activities or
curriculum into two existing partner programs. Develop three TST Newsletters per year.
Subtask 6.4: Translate Materials to Spanish - Translate selected TST materials into Spanish to share via partners,
TST website and other means to reach the underserved Spanish-speaking population. Materials to be translated
include:
Select pages of the TST website;
Water Quality Manual;
Trainer's Manual;
QA Officer's Manual;
Field Reference Sheet;
Water Quality Monitoring Datasheets;
Brochures describing the program's mission of protecting water resources in the state; and
Training Videos.
Subtask 6.5: Develop Educational Videos - Develop a minimum of two educational videos in English and
translated into Spanish, that can be posted on the web, shared via social media and used at the Spring Lake
educational center and elsewhere. These videos will cover three topics, with English and Spanish versions of each.
The videos will complement existing videos and will address:
Understanding NPS;
Understanding the watershed (using the watershed model activity); and
Introduction to water quality monitoring
Deliverables:
One annual report highlighting Task activities and outcomes to include:
Status number of individuals receiving TST education
Pre-and Post-test analysis of educational programs
Incorporation of TST activities/curriculum into partner education programs
Translate selected documents from subtask 6-4 and curricula into Spanish;
One watershed planning options and resources worksheet for communities
One Beta online community of practice forum;
Three TST Newsletters per year
Provide one teacher workshop, watershed-focused learning and citizen science training that support water
conservation and management per year
TST activities or curriculum integrated into two existing pa1tner programs
Two educational videos per year in both English and Spanish
Note: As applicable, these deliverables will also be shared via the TST's website.
Task 7: Final Report
Objective: The Performing Party will produce a Final Report that summarizes all activities completed and
conclusions reached during the project. The Final Report must describe project activities and identify and discuss
the extent to which project goals and purposes have been achieved and the amount of funds actually spent on the
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project. The report should emphasize successes, failures, lessons learned and should include specific water quality
data demonstrating water quality improvements if applicable. The Final Report must summarize all the Task
Reports in either the text or as appendixes.
Subtask 7.1: Draft Final Report - The Performing Party will provide a Draft Final Report summarizing all project
activities, findings and the contents of all previous Deliverables, referencing and/or attaching them as web links or
appendices. This comprehensive, technical report will provide analysis of all activities and Deliverables under this
Scope of Work. The report should be structured per the following outline:
Title;
Table of Contents;
Executive Summary;
Introduction;
Project Significance and Background;
Methods;
Results and Observations;
Discussion;
Summary;
References; and
Appendices.
Subtask 7.2: Final Report - The Performing Party will revise the Draft Final Report to address comments provided
by the TCEQ Project Manager and EPA. The Performing Party will submit the Final Report to the TCEQ Project
Manager, who will subsequently submit it to EPA.
Deliverables:
Draft Final Report
Final Report SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES
All task and deliverable due dates are estimates. Project term is 9/29/ 14 through 8/31/16.
Task
No.
Deliverable
Due Date
1. Project Administration
1.2 QPRs The 15th of the month following each state fiscal
quarter 1.3
Reimbursement Forms
Within 30 days following each state fiscal quarter. For the last quarter of the project, reimbursement forms are required on a monthly basis 7/15, 8/15 and 10/15
1.4 Post-Award Orientation Meeting Within 30 days of Contract execution
1.4 Quarterly call or meeting and notes Quarterly, following QPR submittal
1.4 Contract Closeout Strategy Quarter 5
1.5 EPA Coordination Meeting TBD
1.6 Annual Report Article Upon Request
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2. Quality Assurance
2.1 QAPP Planning Meeting Within 30 days of Contract execution
2.2
Draft QAPP (new QAPPs and revisions)
Within 30 days of determining new QAPP is required (new QAPPs), or 120 days prior to due expiration of QAPP (revisions)
2.2
Final QAPP (new QAPPs and revisions) Within 90 days of determining new QAPP is
required, or
30 days prior to the expiration of a QAPP (revisions)
2.3 Annual Review Certification 90 days prior to the QAPP annual anniversary date
2.4
Draft QAPP Amendments 90 days prior to the scheduled initiation of changes or additions to activities listed in the current QAPP
2.4 Final QAPP Amendments Within 30 days of receipt of TCEQ comments
3. Water Quality Data Collection
3.1 Database/Dataviewer activity reports Quarterly
3.2 Data submittals to EPA STORET Quarters 4 and 8 (submission to TCEQ two weeks
prior to public release)
3.3 Data Summary Reports with maps (four annually) to TCEQ
Quarters 4 and 8
4. Citizen Science Activities
4.2 New citizen scientist group and/or partners created (two)
Quarter 6
4.3 Annual statewide partner meeting (two) Quarters 4 and 8
4.4 Citizen Scientist Core Water quality trainings
(five per year)
Months 4, 6, 8, 10,12, 14, 16,18, 20 and 22
4.4 Advanced NPS Suite Trainings (three per year) Months 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24
4.4 New certified trainers two per year Quarters 4 and 8
4.5 Regional Citizen Scientist/Stakeholder Outreach
Meetings (two per year)
Quarters 2,4, 6 and 8
4.1 – 4.5 Annual report highlighting subtask activities Quarters 4 and 8
5. Watershed Education and Outreach
5.1 Watershed Planning Opportunities and Services
Tool/Resource Worksheet
Quarter 3
5.2 Assessment of watershed needs Quarter 3
5.3 Action Plan for watershed needs Quarter 4
5.1 – 5.3 Annual report highlight subtask activities Quarters 4 and 8
6. Watershed Education and Outreach
6.1 Incorporate TST activities/curriculum into partner
education programs
Quarter 3
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6.1 Provide one teacher workshop, watershed-focused
learning and citizen science training that support
water conservation and management per year
Quarter 4 and 8
6.2 Build Beta online community forum Quarter 8
6.3 Incorporate Texas Stream Team activities
or curriculum into two existing partner programs
Quarter 4 and 8
6.4 Translate selected documents and curricula
into Spanish
Quarter 8
6.5 Newsletters (three per year) Quarters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
7. Final Report
7.1 Draft Final Report July 1, 2016
7.2 Final report August 15, 2016
Appendix B
Sample Design Rationale
The sample design follows the intent of the EPA, TCEQ Texas Stream Team Project Manager, and Texas Stream
Team to use the data collected within the QAPP for education, local decision-making, research, baseline data,
screening, BMP effectiveness, and problem identification. Texas Stream Team actively promotes water quality and
NPS pollution education and awareness through volunteer water quality monitoring activities. Additionally, data
collected within the QAPP will provide participants the opportunity to access interdisciplinary science-based data
collection methods, which combine language arts, earth sciences, geography, mathematics, and chemistry. Efforts
are made to identify and/or establish water quality monitoring projects in areas where NPS pollution or other water
quality problems are known or suspected. Texas Stream Team, its VWQMs, and Partners collect data to educate
Texans about water quality, land use, and associated nonpoint source impacts; and the role people play in
contributing to these impacts. Information collected can also identify water quality trends to characterize water
quality conditions and can assist in resource allocation or the planning processes within the basin management
schedule.
Site Selection Criteria
Some general guidelines are followed when selecting sampling sites, as identified below.
Fixed station and systematic monitoring sites are chosen based on safety and accessibility.
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Fixed station and systematic monitoring sites are located preferentially according to local interests and
concerns and are selected in conjunction with guidelines provided in Texas Stream Team Volunteer
Environmental Monitoring Manual (section 2.0) and in coordination with Texas Stream Team Partner
where applicable. Texas Stream Team will attempt to identify sites that maximize stream or basin
coverage.
Perennial streams are preferred to intermittent streams.
A site map or latitude and longitude coordinates will be utilized to determine the site location.
Upon receipt of data, a site number will be assigned to the referenced location and the data will be entered
into Texas Stream Team Database.
Monitoring Sites
Monitoring sites information submitted to Texas Stream Team is kept in Texas Stream Team Database. This
information is reviewed and updated in the beginning of the project year based on current monitoring activities.
This review will take place in conjunction with annual QAPP revisions. All sites data are tracked and maintained
within Texas Stream Team Database and are available for review on the Texas Stream Team Data Viewer.
There are currently over 400 active monitoring sites in the Texas Stream Team program. Sites are designated as
“active” if monitoring has taken place at the site within the past year. Based on the voluntary nature of the program,
the exact number of monitoring sites actually being monitored is unknown at the beginning of each year. This
information is submitted to TCEQ in the annual report and is available for review on the Texas Stream Data Viewer
within 45 days of submission from the volunteer.
Critical vs. non-critical measurements
All data collected in this project and entered into Texas Stream Team database and are considered critical to
achievement of the objectives of the QAPP.
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Appendix C Texas Stream Team Field Data Sheet
Replaced with updated page 1
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OLD FORM
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Appendix D
Texas Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Manual
Updates to the Texas Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Manual are initiated by Texas Stream Team and reviewed
by TCEQ on a different schedule than updates to this QAPP. This manual is revised yearly, or as needed. Manual
updates are reviewed and approved by TCEQ as needed).
Updated Texas Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Manual, and Addendum A, B, C.
TST Water Quality Monitoring Manual: http://www.lcra.org/water/quality/colorado-river-watch-
network/Documents/CRWN%20Manual_2012final.pdf
TST Water Quality Monitoring Manual Addendum A:
http://gato-docs.its.txstate.edu/the-rivers-institute/MCWE_NEW_SITE/TST/Resources-for-Citizen-
Scientists/AddendumAWaterQualityMonitoringManual.pdf
TST Water Quality Monitoring Manual Addendum B:
http://gato-docs.its.txstate.edu/the-rivers-institute/MCWE_NEW_SITE/TST/Resources-for-Citizen-
Scientists/AddendumBtotheWaterQualityMonitoringManual.pdf
TST Water Quality Monitoring Manual Addendum C: Paddlers Sampling Procedure
Attached as separate pdf
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Appendix E
Texas Stream Team Data Management Plan
Personnel
Meredith Miller, TxState Texas Stream Team Project Manager - Establishes data management objectives and ensures
Quality Assurance system conforms to TCEQ requirements. Makes recommendations for improving current data
management system and works to provide resources to the Data Manager and Quality Assurance Officer to execute and
improve upon the data management system.
Laura Parchman , TxState Texas Stream Team Data Manager - Receives and reviews data sheets. Validates
information using the data validation checklist. Maintains and updates Texas Stream Team database to eliminate
duplication, data entry errors, and information gaps. Submits recommendations to improve the Texas Stream Team
database. Communicates with Texas Stream Team QA Officer and the Program Manager regarding the status of database
problems and progress in completing data entry.
Will Butler, TxState Texas Stream Team Quality Assurance Officer - Reviews data validation checklist and error log
to ensure data are properly validated and that errors have been corrected or flagged in the database.
Volunteer Monitors- Documents field data on approved data sheet or approved electronic channel. Enters data into
online entry form for submission to Texas Stream Team database or sends physical datasheet to Texas Stream Team or
Partner/Group for online entry into Texas Stream Team database.
Systems Design
Hosting database and data-viewer – Minimum Requirements
Web server to host database and data-viewer
Remote SQL Server back end database
Google Maps
Texas Stream Team local access database & data-viewer – Minimum Requirements
MS Access to run local queries on SQL Server data
Database Visualizer to edit and run advanced queries on SQL Server
MS Excel to accept batch submission of partner/group data
Web browser with internet connection
Email client
Texas Stream Team GIS applications – Minimum Requirements
ESRI ArcView IMS
MS Access
Partner/Group access to database & data-viewer – Minimum Requirements
Web browser with internet connection to validate monitor submissions
Web browser with internet connection to enter monitor submissions
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Data Dictionary - Terminology and field descriptions associated with Texas Stream Team data base are included in
Texas Stream Team Data Dictionary located at the TxState Texas Stream Team offices.
Data Management Plan Implementation
Texas Stream Team data management system receives electronic and physical data from Partners and VWQMs. Physical
data is entered into the database Texas Stream Team staff or Partner/Group data-managers and is then validated by a
Group Leader, Partner or Texas Stream Team staff member. Electronic data is entered by the monitor or group leader and
then is validated by a Group Leader, Partner or Texas Stream Team staff member. Texas Stream Team will make
validated data available to the public through internet based Texas Stream Team data viewer.
Data Validation and Entry
Texas Stream Team certified Data Managers (Texas Stream Team staff and certified volunteers) enter Phase III
Certification Trainings once a monitor account has been created. Data managers validate data entered by volunteers into
electronic database. If volunteers cannot enter data into the online system, data managers enter monitoring data from their
copy of the physical datasheet.
Procedures for processing field data
The volunteer monitor collects field data and reports the measurement results on Texas Stream Team approved physical or
electronic datasheet. The electronic datasheet is accessible in the online dataviewer.
When Texas Stream Team Quality Assurance Officer receives the physical data sheets, they are date stamped and
validated using the data validation checklist (attached). Any errors are noted in an error log and the errors are flagged in
Texas Stream Team database. All information is entered into Texas Stream Team database within 45 business days of
receipt. All physical data sheets are stored in a hard copy filing system at the TxState Texas Stream Team offices or
Partner facility for seven years.
When a monitor enters data electronically, the system will automatically flag data outside of the data limits and the
monitor will be prompted to correct the mistake or the error will be logged in the database records. The certified Data
Manager will further review any flagged errors before selecting to validate the data. Only after validation will the data
formally enter the database and can be accessible through the online dataviewer.
Errors, which may compromise the programs ability to fulfill the completeness criteria prescribed in the QAPP, will be
reported to the Texas Stream Team Program Manager. If repeated errors occur, the monitor and/or the group leader will
be notified via e-mail or telephone.
Procedures for processing certification training records
Monitor Certification is documented on a certification training packet which includes training date, time, location, and test
water quality values. Upon successfully completing the training, the training packet is returned to the Texas Stream Team
for review and entry into the database. The data validation checklist includes verification that the monitor is certified.
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Document Control System
All data sheets and other documents associated with this data collection and quality control system are stored
electronically on two separate hard drives at TxState Texas Stream Team offices in San Marcos, TX for a period of time
identified in Section A9 of this QAPP. All physically submitted datasheets are at the TxState Texas Stream Team offices
in San Marcos, TX for a period of time identified in Section A9 of this QAPP.
Data Reporting
Data are analyzed with Microsoft Excel, Minitab, SPSS, and SYSTAT and are presented in data summary reports, which
cover data for monitoring sites, water bodies, watersheds, or regions. These reports include tables showing the number of
sampling events, percentage complete, minimum, mean, maximum, and standard deviation. Data are compared to the
Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, and the number and percentage of exceeded values are displayed. Data are
displayed on graphs created in Microsoft Excel on which water quality standards are displayed as a reference. The
resulting reports are reviewed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the relevant TCEQ Clean Rivers
Program Partner prior to being posted on the TxState Texas Stream Team website and distributed to the public via e-mail.
Quality Assurance/Control - See Section D of this QAPP.
Migration/Transfer/Conversion
The TxState Texas Stream Team Data Manager will receive all data transfers. All electronic data received for submission
to Texas Stream Team database will conform to the format describe above (see Data Dictionary).
Backup/Disaster Recovery
The Texas Stream Team database will be hosted by the Texas State University’s SQL cluster and is backed up nightly.
Monthly backups are retained for one year.
In the event of a catastrophic system failure, which renders the electronic database unusable, Texas Stream Team will
utilize other campus computers to access the database and keep data entry and QC records updated.
All electronic files beyond the database will be stored on a Texas Stream Team shared drive located in the center of Texas
State Campus and backed up on external hard drives located at the Texas Stream Team Office.
Archives/Data Retention - Complete original data sets (physically and electronically submitted) are archived on by the
TxState Texas Stream Team for a period of time identified in Section A9 of this QAPP.
Information Dissemination - Data viewer users will be able to access the information by accessing the data viewer
through Texas Stream Team web site or a direct link. The user selects either the site identification number or the county
in which the site is located. The data viewer presents the user with a Google map showing the selected site or the county
in which the sampling sites are located. To access the data, the user selects the icon indicating the location of the site on
the Google map. The data viewer presents the water quality data in tabular format, providing options to view numeric or
graphed data summaries. Data summaries can be printed or downloaded by the user.
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Appendix F
Field Data Management Checklist
Field Data Validation (DV) Checklist
The following information should be documented on each data sheet and must be correct and legible:
Site Description
Volunteer Group number
VWQM name
Sample Date
Sample Time
Sample Depth
Quality Assurance Officer ensures the following Data Validation procedures:
1. VWQM follows procedures as instructed in monitoring manual
2. VWQM completes a minimum of nine sampling events per year
3. VWQM confirms all reagents and calibration standards are within the expiration date
4. Calibration log reflects that Data Quality Objectives (DQO) are followed
a. Calibration within 24 hours of monitoring event
b. Meter adjusted to standard value
c. Post calibration within specified DQO’s
5. Conductivity meter (EC Testr Low or EC Testr High) is identified
6. Air Temperature and Water Temperature recorded in centigrade readings
7. Secchi Disk and Total Depth recorded in meters
8. Dissolved oxygen titrations are within .5 mg/L of each other
9. VWQM signature is present
If any of the following requirements are not confirmed, the variable affected will be entered into Texas Stream
Team database comments section and flagged. Each flagged data point will reference a notation that indicates the
associated problem.
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Appendix G
E.coli Data Management Checklist
E.coli Data Validation (DV) Checklist
The following information should be documented on each data sheet and must be correct and legible:
Site Description
Volunteer Group number
VWQM name
Sample Date
Sample Time
Sample Depth
Quality Assurance Officer ensures the following Data Validation procedures:
1. VWQM follows procedures as instructed in monitoring manual and appendices
2. Monitor is certified
3. VWQM confirms all media are within the expiration date
4. Sample is refrigerated at 4° C for no more than 6 hours
5. Incubation temperature is 33° C (+/- 3 ° C)
6. Incubation time is 28 -31 hours (with 28 hours being optimum)
7. Optimal colony number is achieved (<200)
8. Dilution aliquot and number of colonies per 100mL calculation is correct
9. No E.coli colony growth on field blanks
10. Data form is complete
11. VWQM signature is present
If any of the following requirements are not confirmed, the variable affected will be entered into Texas Stream
Team database comments section and flagged. Each flagged data point will reference a notation that indicates the
associated problem.
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Appendix H
Corrective Action Status Table
Corrective
Action #
Date
Issued
Description of Deficiency Action Taken Date
Closed
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Appendix I
Corrective Action Plan Form
Corrective Action Plan
Issued by:__________________ Date Issued__________________ Report No._____________________
Description of deficiency
Root Cause of deficiency
Programmatic Impact of deficiency
Does the seriousness of the deficiency require immediate reporting to the TCEQ? If so, when was it?
Corrective Action to address the deficiency and prevent its recurrence
Proposed Completion Date for Each Action
Individual(s) Responsible for Each Action
Method of Verification
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Date Corrective Action Plan Closed?
Appendix J
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NOTE: This form is no longer distributed by Texas Stream Team. The Environmental Monitoring Form should be
used for all data submittal, including E. coli data. However, the Texas Stream Team will continue to accept this form
while notifying monitors to utilize the latest data submittal form.
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Appendix K
Lower Colorado River Authority
Colorado River Watch Network
Standard Operating Procedures
Lower Colorado River Authority Colorado River Watch Network Standard Operating Procedures, 9th
edition, 96 pages.
http://www.lcra.org/water/quality/colorado-river-watch-
network/Documents/CRWN%20Manual_2012final.pdf