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VADEQ Biological Monitoring Self Assessment

VADEQ Biological Monitoring Self Assessment. NPS/TMDL/WQM/WQS Region 3 Program Annual Meeting MAY 2009. Self Assessment Defined. An in depth review of one agency program, where it sees itself in 5-10 years from now, and what it needs to do to reach those goals. Like a mini strategic plan.

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VADEQ Biological Monitoring Self Assessment

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  1. VADEQ Biological MonitoringSelf Assessment NPS/TMDL/WQM/WQS Region 3 Program Annual Meeting MAY 2009

  2. Self Assessment Defined An in depth review of one agency program, where it sees itself in 5-10 years from now, and what it needs to do to reach those goals. Like a mini strategic plan. Purpose To provide focus and direction to the Biomonitoring program over the next 5-10 years.

  3. Self-Assessment Report Format • Issue • Background • Risks/Opportunities • Proposed Solution • Resources Needed • Tasks • Task Assignment

  4. Process • Kick off meeting February 2008 • First group meeting June 2008 • Second group meeting August 2008 • Interim sub-group meetings between group meetings • Draft September 2008 • Final draft December 2008 • Final February 2009

  5. Genus Level Identification and Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) Atherix sp. • Genus-Level ID will provide the foundation for establishment of a Biological Condition Gradient (BCG). • A BCG will enable VADEQ to establish tiered aquatic life use and perform as an early indicator of degradation to high quality streams, and set interim restoration goals.

  6. BCG/Genus Initial Tasks 2009-2010 • 2009 • Biologists should begin compiling genus-level reference collections in 2009. The Biological Monitoring Coordinator will check these for accuracy. Three to five organisms per genus-level required • VADEQ will schedule genus-level training for biologists with for August 2009 • Have biologists identify 300 count macroinvertebrate samples to Genus-Level at all 2009 ProbMon sites • 2010 • Biologists will identify all macroinvertebrate samples to genus-level beginning Spring 2010 • VCU Genus level certification by August 2010 • Once Genus-Level ID training has begun, have biologists choose five different reference sites per year, to be monitored both spring and fall beginning 2010-2014 in support of Genus-Level VSCI development

  7. Fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) Development • Development of a fish IBI will add a relevant biological assessment tool. The fish IBI will complement the macroinvertebrate VSCI. • Fish community data are expected to be particularly useful for the assessment of larger, non-wadeable streams and rivers. Crescent shiner, Luxilus cerasinus

  8. Fish IBI Initial Tasks 2009-2010 • 2009 • Create fish forms/queries/metrics in EDAS (biological monitoring database) by June 2009 • Continue assisting/performing fish collection for IBI in the 2009-2010 ProbMon season and Phase 3 (2011-2015) probmon for validation • Assemble a workgroup of fish experts from academic and professional community to review fish community data and assist in developing draft fish IBI June 2009- June 2011 • 2010 • 1. Perform literature review of fish IBI use in stressor identification by February 2010.

  9. Validation of Coastal Plain Macroinvertebrate Index (CPMI) • Virginia is using a simplified family-level version of the original genus-level index of the CPMI. • The CPMI needs to be recalibrated and revalidated in VA, at genus level to determine if appropriate for assessment purposes of coastal streams.

  10. Validation of CPMI Schedule 2009-2010 2009 1. Spring/Fall 2009 and 2010 PRO, NRO, and TRO biologists begin sorting 200 organisms from all coastal low gradient/swampy sites for genus level identification; begin collecting chemical samples at all sites 2010 1. Meet with Freshwater Probabilistic Monitoring Coordinator (FPMC) in January 2010 and begin data review for CPMI validation; determine number of additional sites from which data will need to be collected

  11. Develop a TMDL workgroup • The importance of precision regarding stressor identification is critical due to the amount of resources required to monitor and restore stream segments. • This workgroup will collaborate to gain a better understanding of data needs, when data should be collected, and how the data best describes the biological community in an impaired watershed. 

  12. TMDL workgroup Schedule 2009-2010 • 2009 • Create a list of Biologists, TMDL Coordinators, and other staff willing to commit to the development of the reports and to serve on the standing Benthic/TMDL Workgroup March 2009 • Schedule and conduct quarterly meetings to develop the document, first meeting June 2009 • Review existing guidance and Stressor Analysis documents such as CADDIS and make recommendations on how to incorporate some of these tools into TMDL development December 2009 • 2010 • 1. Schedule and conduct quarterly meetings to develop the document

  13. Training • Due to the small number of VADEQ biologists, training needs are often not addressed by the typical classes offered to the entire agency. VADEQ regional biologists have program specific training needs.

  14. Training Schedule 2009-2010 • 2009 • Develop training topic priorities, instructors, and preparation of courses throughout the year. Requested training opportunities are due to Biomonitoring Coordinator by February 1st (beginning 2009) to facilitate inclusion in the Agency Training Plan each year or development of specialized training not included in the Agency training plan • Gain access to the VADEQ Knowledge Center as an authorized uploader of information to facilitate the exchange of training materials and information to the biologist group and the entire agency August 2009 • Initiate an agency wide, multimedia survey to discover hidden skills and knowledge to utilize for in-house training opportunities. The survey could be administered during EDP development November 2009 • Attend meetings and/or conference calls held in June and December (beginning 2009) every year to discuss developing training opportunities, contracting instructors, and scheduling training events • 2010 • 1. Organize the Biologist Exchange Initiative, selection of regional destinations for each biologist, so it can be implemented in March 2010

  15. Algal IBI • Should be developed as a means to accurately and more cost effectively monitor streams and rivers for nutrient impairments, sedimentation, acidity, and metals. • Algae are primary producers and respond directly to changes in water nutrient concentrations

  16. Algae IBI Schedule 2011 • 2011 • Create a VADEQ algae (diatom) taxonomic database January 2011 • Contact Academy of Natural Sciences to renew contract for increased diatom identification samples January 2011 • Identify sites in ambient monitoring network where chemical data has already been collected and begin collecting algae there (approximately 20 sites per year) 2011 - 2012

  17. Thank you QUESTIONS???

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