Note: These procedures are recommended for advanced volunteer monitoring groups using
Level-3 SOPs. In most cases Level-1 and Level-2 collection are assessed streamside.
Fill jar nearly full with 95% ethanol so that the concentration of ethanol is at least 70%. If there is a
small amount of water in the sample, it may not be necessary to fill the jar entirely to reach a 70%
concentration. It is very important that sufficient ethanol be used to reach 70% concentration. In addition,
enough alcohol should be added to at least immerse all of the material in the jar. Make sure that a label
for the inside of the jar is written in pencil (ink will run); include stream name, code, and date. Place
the label inside of the sample jar. Place the jar in a cooler or other container designated for the storage
of macroinvertebrates. Try to keep from shaking the jars as much as possible. Never invert the jars. All
samples are brought to the lab/home for in-house sorting and identification or shipped to a contractor for
sorting and identification (this is a substantial cost).