The key water monitoring parameters, like flow rate, pH, nitrates, macros, etc, have been identified for water quality purposes from earlier DEP and EASI direction. Thus, accurate and precise information is the goal for the CCPaSEC quality control (QC) program. Consistent water processing and complete water information is the QC objective here. The CCPaSEC data needs to be backed by a level of confidence so as to be useful for possible studies and decision making. The procedure is to measure, analyze, and record the data for Centre County and to support the results of this data with outside lab testing.
There are several parts of the QC program:
The quality control checks and measures are separated into two areas. The ‘internal' checks are done by members of the CCPaSEC quality control team. Samples are obtained along-side the regular team and analyzed at the same time. All work is done in the field. The ‘external' checks involve labs and technicians outside the CCPaSEC program. A control lab performs duplicate testing in the lab on split samples from the team's field operation. Since the labs do this type of work frequently, it is assumed that the lab results are ‘more correct' when comparing final numbers. Low variation is the targeted outcome.
There are several benefits to be realized with the program. When appropriate, the team can make decisions and can take actions with confidence, based on their discovered data. Improved process discipline can result in less time to perform the field testing and in fewer repeated analyses due to questionable first-time results. Quality assurance results in a more-likely increased use of the information by others.
CCPaSEC has established a Stream Problem Reporting Protocol to be followed by all teams when physical characteristics of the stream site, chemical parameters analyses or macroinvertebrate surveys detect findings of concern (out of the usual, not normal, or out of meter ranges). The protocol is available through the lnk below:
CCPaSEC Stream Problem Reporting Protocol.pdf (195 kb) July 2019
Procedure and Data Sheets for the yearly Quality Control Equipment Check (356 kb) January 2022
____________________________________________________
CCPaSEC Quality Control Report for 2022 (1,320 kb) November 2022
Quality Control Equipment Check for 2022 (1,010 kb) January 2022
CCPaSEC Quality Control Report for 2021 (1,270 kb) February 2022
Quality Control Equipment Check for 2021 (337 kb) May 2021
Quality Control Equipment Check for 2020 (337 kb) January 2020
Quality Control Equipment Check for 2019 (363 kb) February 2019
CCPaSEC Quality Control Report for 2018 (573 kb) January 2019
Quality Control Equipment Check Procedure (381 kb) July 2018
Quality Control Equipment Check for 2018 (150 kb) February 2018
CCPaSEC Quality Control Report for 2017 (965 kb) December 2017
Quality Control Equipment Check Report (1.04 MB) January 2017
CCPaSEC Quality Control Report for 2016 (3.4 MB) December 2016
CCPaSEC Quality Assurance Project Plan (83 kb) February 2016
Quality Control Equipment Check (31 kb) January 2016
Sampling Process Design - Safety Procedures (30 kb) August 2015
Quality Control Equipment Check Procedure (236 kb) February 2015
2015 Quality Control Equipment Check Results (393 kb) February 2015
Quality Control Report for 2011(54 kb) March 2012
Data Comparisons Part 1: Team 2 & 8 (400 kb) March 2010
Alkalinity (38 kb) January 2008
Conductivity(37 kb) October 2007
Dissolved Oxygen Data Study (24 kb) March 2009
Nitrates( kb) November 2007
pH (38 kb) September 2007
The Red Cross has developed several mobile apps which may help when faced with an emergency situation during a monitoring event. These app descriptions and links to their download pages can be found at http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps. The downloads can be done through the Apple Apps Store and Google Play.
Ticks: As the number of ticks continues to climb in Pennsylvania, residents of Pennsylvania can send any ticks they have encountered to a tick lab to have the tick identified and also find out if the tick is infected with Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever for no charge. The lab will identify the tick for more infections for a fee. Fill out a form from the tick lab web site, place the tick in a plastic zip-lock bag and mail it by US mail. The results will come back in a week or so. The Tick Research Lab of Pennsylvania web site is: https://www.ticklab.org.
Schedule, Highlights
Flow & Data Recording Forms, Meter & Kit Manuals, Macro Guides
Macros, Meter Use & Calibration
QAPP, Safety Reports, QC Reports
Search Articles, Photos, Documents
Join, Activities, Time Commitment
© 2023 CCPaSEC
developed by CCPaSEC