P a g e | 0 Amendment #1

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



Senior Program Coordinator

The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment

Texas State University

601 University Drive


(512) 245-6697

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



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



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



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

http://gato-docs.its.txstate.edu/the-rivers-institute/MCWE_NEW_SITE/TST/Resources-for-Citizen-Scientists/AddendumBtotheWaterQualityMonitoringManual.pdf


http://www.lcra.org/water/quality/colorado-river-watch-network/Documents/CRWN%20Manual_2012final.pdf



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


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



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


Texas State University


(512) 245-6697

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



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.



Page 8



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.


Revision Date: 11/13/15

P a g e | 10

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



P a g e | 11

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



P a g e | 12

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



P a g e | 13

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



P a g e | 14

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



P a g e | 15

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


San Marcos, TX 78666

Meredith Miller Will Butler

Project Manager Quality Assurance Officer

(512) 245-4476 (512) 245-7244



P a g e | 16

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.

http://www.meadowscenter.txstate.edu/Service/TexasStreamTeam/partners/partnerlist.html



P a g e | 17

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



P a g e | 18

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



P a g e | 19

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



P a g e | 20

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.



P a g e | 21

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



P a g e | 22

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



P a g e | 23

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



P a g e | 24

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).



P a g e | 25

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



P a g e | 26

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


Water

Temperature

°C water EPA 170.1 and

TCEQ SOP V1


Dissolved Oxygen mg/L water EPA 360.2 and

Texas Stream

Team SOP


pH

su

water


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



P a g e | 27


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


Water Clarity 1-clear

2-cloudy

3-turbid

water Texas Stream


Water Surface 1-clear

2-scum

3-foam

4-debris

5-sheen

water Texas Stream


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




P a g e | 28


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


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


Tidal Stage 1-low

2-falling

3-slack

4-rising

5-high

water Texas Stream


E.coli

Colony forming units (cfu) per 100

mL

water


NA

1 cfu per 100

mL

1 cfu per 100 mL

NA

NA NA 90

Transparency

Tube

Meters

water


NA

NA

NA

NA

NA NA 90

Nitrate Nitrogen

Mg/L

water


00618

0.1 mg/L

NA

NA

NA NA 90

Orthophosphate Phosphorous

Mg/L

water


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


00061

NA

NA

NA

NA NA 90

* Reporting to be consistent with Texas Stream Team or SWQM guidance and based on measurement capability.



P a g e | 29

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



P a g e | 30

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



P a g e | 31

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



P a g e | 32

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)



P a g e | 33

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.



P a g e | 34

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.



P a g e | 35

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



P a g e | 36

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.



P a g e | 37

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



P a g e | 38

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


http://www.tceq.texas.gov/gis/sites.htm

l

Surface Water Quality

Monitoring Stations

Texas Commission on


http://www.tceq.texas.gov/gis/sites.htm

l

StratMap Boundaries Texas Natural Resource

Information System

http://www.tnris.org/get-data



P a g e | 39

TxDOT Roadways Texas Natural Resource

Information System


StratMap Transportation Texas Natural Resource

Information System


Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) Texas Natural Resource

Information System


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.



P a g e | 40

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



P a g e | 41

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



P a g e | 42

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.



P a g e | 43

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.



P a g e | 44

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.



P a g e | 45

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



P a g e | 46

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.



P a g e | 47

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



P a g e | 48

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.



P a g e | 49

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



P a g e | 50

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



P a g e | 51

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



P a g e | 52

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



P a g e | 53

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.



P a g e | 54

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



P a g e | 55

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



P a g e | 56

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



P a g e | 57

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.



P a g e | 58

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.



P a g e | 59

Appendix C Texas Stream Team Field Data Sheet

Replaced with updated page 1



P a g e | 60



P a g e | 61

OLD FORM



P a g e | 62

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-


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



http://gato-docs.its.txstate.edu/the-rivers-institute/MCWE_NEW_SITE/TST/Resources-for-Citizen-Scientists/AddendumAWaterQualityMonitoringManual.pdf

http://gato-docs.its.txstate.edu/the-rivers-institute/MCWE_NEW_SITE/TST/Resources-for-Citizen-Scientists/AddendumAWaterQualityMonitoringManual.pdf





P a g e | 63

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



P a g e | 64

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.



P a g e | 65

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.



P a g e | 66

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.



P a g e | 67

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.



P a g e | 68

Appendix H

Corrective Action Status Table

Corrective

Action #

Date

Issued

Description of Deficiency Action Taken Date

Closed



P a g e | 69

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



P a g e | 70

Date Corrective Action Plan Closed?

Appendix J



P a g e | 71

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.



P a g e | 72

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-


