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Virginia Non-Agency Monitoring Program

Learn how VADEQ incorporates citizen volunteer and non-agency data to expand water quality monitoring coverage in Virginia rivers and streams. Explore review processes, data categories, and partnership opportunities.

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Virginia Non-Agency Monitoring Program

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  1. Virginia Non-Agency Monitoring Program Overview of How VADEQ Incorporates Submitted Data

  2. Some Facts To Know • Virginia has over 51,000 miles of rivers and streams • For 2008, VADEQ assessed 15,951 miles (31%)

  3. Non-agency Data • Citizen Volunteer Groups • Federal, non-DEQ State, and Local Agencies • Academia • Private Industry Volunteer stream walk

  4. Since 1998 VADEQ began to actively seek citizen volunteer data • In 2002, the Virginia General Assembly codified the Virginia Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program (§62.1-44.19:11) • In 2004, VADEQ expanded this effort by requesting data from other ‘non-agency’ sources • Non-agency monitoring significantly increases the reach of the VADEQ water quality monitoring program

  5. How VADEQ Reviews Non-agency Data • Data submitters must use approved protocols and file a QAPP • Laboratories must pass QA/QC inspection • Data undergoes QA review to ensure data quality meets VADEQ requirements

  6. Categories Of Non-agency Data • Level III - approved by DEQ- (Approved QAPP, and use VADEQ approved methodologies) • Data used in both 305 (b) assessment and 303(d) list • Level II- partially approved-(Approved QAPP, use similar but not VADEQ or EPA approved methodologies) • Could be used for 305(b) prioritization (Category 3C/3D for insufficient data for assessment) • Not used for 303(d) listing/delisting as alternative methodologies may not be as accurate • Level I- not approved- (no VADEQ approved QAPP or methodologies or parameters do not have a WQS) • Data may be used by VADEQ to identify sites that need follow-up monitoring

  7. Stream Assessment Force Multiplier Tracking Rapid Response Outreach Education 305(b) assessment of stream health and 303(d) listing Help expand water quality monitoring coverage in the state Track water quality improvement during TMDL implementation Early detection of pollution events to help alert DEQ Work with local communities in a positive way Show the importance of water quality to the public Other Uses of Non-agency Data

  8. Ways VADEQ Does Not Use Non-Agency Data • Not used in enforcement actions • Not used solely to develop TMDL Implementation Plans • Data is not assessed if it was collected in permitted mixing zones or at permitted outfalls

  9. Virginia vs. Other States • In 2006, VADEQ asked other states about how they use non-agency data • 17 states replied

  10. 2010 305(b)/303(d) Projections* • DEQ estimates 4,800 stream miles were monitored using non-agency data (Level II and III) • ~3,600 miles from citizen data • ~1,200 miles from non-citizen data • In comparison, for 2008 305(b)/303(d) DEQ monitored 11,800+ miles * Estimated totals, final tally ready by final 2010 IR in late 2010

  11. Current Level II And III Monitoring* CMON Ambient CMON Benthic CMON Ambient/Benthic NONA Ambient NONA Benthic * Map of citizen and other non-agency locations for the 2010 305/303 Report

  12. Other Ways DEQ Work With Non-agency Groups Letter of Agreement between VADEQ and several citizen and non-agency groups

  13. Citizen Nominations • Every year, DEQ solicits nominations from the public for waterbodies to receive agency monitoring • Requests are reviewed by DEQ • If accepted, DEQ will monitor the following year • On average, DEQ receives 10+ nominations and is able to follow up on 70% of requests

  14. Technical Support • Assist with training of volunteer groups • Technical review of methods and QA/QC procedures • 2007 Citizen Monitoring Methods Manual • Online resources relating to water quality DEQ staff training volunteers

  15. Coliscan TMDL Study • Since 2005, DEQ has trained and equipped over 40 volunteer groups • Groups agree to monitor in bacteria impaired TMDL watersheds • Program has been helpful in engaging communities • Data helps DEQ find E. coli ‘hot spots’ (Level II)

  16. Citizen Monitoring Grant Program • Since 1998, DEQ has provided grant money to groups to cover monitoring and training needs • When available, most grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 per group • Some regional or statewide groups receive additional funding • Data is submitted to DEQ and must met QA requirements

  17. Voluntary VPDES Monitoring • Voluntary monitoring by wastewater and industrial permitees • Monitor upstream of their facilities using their own equipment and staff • Opportunity for partnerships between facilities and citizen volunteers • Facility data will contribute to VADEQ monitoring network

  18. Non-agency Database • Online database to store and display non-agency data • Anyone can register, upload, view, or query water quality data • Based on the EASI database used in PA

  19. Helpful DEQ Links • DEQ Citizen Monitoring website and database portal- www.deq.virginia.gov/cmonitor • DEQ Water Quality Monitoring Program- www.deq.virginia.gov/water • Impaired Waters GIS Application- http://gisweb.deq.virginia.gov

  20. Water Quality Data James Beckley Quality Assurance Coordinator (804) 698-4025 james.beckley@deq.virginia.gov Non-Agency Monitoring Stuart Torbeck Water Quality Data Liaison (804)698-4461 charles.torbeck@deq.virginia.gov For More Information Contact:

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