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Stream Monitoring
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Citizens' Volunteer Monitoring Program (CVMP)
The first two phases of the McLaughlin Run Project
(a community
partnership between USC Citizens for Land Stewardship and
Upper St. Clair Township) are nearly completed. Streambanks have been
graded, where appropriate; instream structures that will affect the
flow and quality of the water are in place; and many of the proposed
streamside (riparian) plantings are in the ground. How effective have
these management options been in stabilizing the banks, improving water
quality and the aquatic and streamside habitats, and improving the
appearance of this public and recreational section of the waterway? The
next step in the process is to calculate the measurable environmental
benefits (MEBs) of the work: monitoring the stream and the plants for
improvements/changes and success rate, respectively.
To accomplish this final step CLS, with funding
and technical support from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP), is implementing a Citizens' Volunteer Monitoring Program (CVMP)
for the McLaughlin Run watershed. You may have read about the planning
for this in the CLS March 2001 newsletter; the program is now ready.
The water quality monitoring plan requires that water samples be
obtained from several streams within the watershed on a monthly basis.
These samples will be analyzed using both field and laboratory
analytical methods. These measurements will provide data that reflect
overall water quality within the watershed. In addition to water
quality measurements, there will be measurements to determine the
erosion rates and stability of the stream banks in the project design
area.
Volunteers are needed to execute water sampling
within the watershed. Volunteers will need to dedicate 2 - 3 hours one
day per month to obtain and process water samples. To prepare
volunteers to obtain and analyze water samples safely and effectively,
DEP Citizens Volunteer Monitoring Program (CVMP) coordinators, Diane
Wilson and Cheryl Snyder, are coming to Upper St. Clair, to provide
volunteer training. The training will include classroom and streamside
instruction and will take place over the course of 2 evenings:
When:
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Monday, July 16 & Tuesday, July 17,
2001 - 6:30 to 8:30 PM
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Where:
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Upper St. Clair Municipal Building -
Multipurpose Room #2
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Attendance at both training
sessions is strongly recommended for anyone who wants to take part in
this program.
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If you are interested in attending this training,
please RSVP to CLS by telephone 412-831-3289 or email usccls@usccls.org
on or before Wednesday July 11.
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