Overview
When a watershed based plan (WBP) is complete or nearly so, another step remains. It MUST be determined if the targeted stream(s) within the WBP are restored.
If additional monitoring is needed the organization implementing the WBP must submit a monitoring plan that will adequately evaluate conditions
that caused impairments. These plans must be reviewed and approved by WVDEP to ensure quality data is collected and sampling locations are consistent with the original listing.
The best approach is to design a plan that is on-going as BMP implementation occurs. The plan should targe impaired streams in the headwaters and work towards the mouth.
Note: Any/All plans must be reviewed/approved prior to implementation.
It is important to know how/why the stream was listed.
Determine the original sampling location(s), especially if the stream is partially listed. If there is only one sampling location on a stream, no matter where is is, the listing will usually be the ENTIRE LENGTH. For questions and/or assistance with this step contact Chris Daugherty.
A stream is not considered fully restored until there is sufficient water quality (WQ) data from the location(s) that caused the impairments. There are exceptions, such as the location is inaccessible. In those cases, the revised location(s) must be as close as possible to the original, and have no other influences that could change the conditions.
WVDEP applies the 10 percent rule for the listing water quality impairments and will require sufficient samples to ensure the stream is no longer impaired. WVDEP’s WAB/TMDL Programs recommend two monthly samples for one-year (24-samples). If two/month samples are not possible, the minimum sample set is 20.
In some cases WVDEP-WAB may provide monitoring support. Communications with WAB early in your monitoring plan development is critical.