Mark West Creek Monitoring Plan

Objectives: The focus of this project is to identify pollution sources and problems in water quality, and use data collected to develop fact sheets and educational materials for the general public highlighting best management practices and strategies for reducing pollution.

Data Collection Activities-
Parameters
pH
Nitrogen/nitrate
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Flow
Phosphorus/phosphate
Conductivity
Turbidity
Temperature

When: The project's orientation and initial sampling dates:

MWC012: 10/01/2006
MWC040: 1/29/2004
MWC095: 11/29/2004

Why: Parameters were chosen according to general interest to citizen monitors, and relation to erosion impacts. Sites were chosen according to the following criteria:
- Representative of the areas of the Creek for general creek characterization.
- Concerns of water pollution resulting from potential erosion from upstream timber harvests
- Concerns with pollution and flow interference from gravel mine operations
- Accessibility and safely throughout the year, as well as trespassing constraints.

How: The monitoring program is intended to develop baseline characterization data, document water and habitat quality changes over time and to help establish a scientific basis for land use decisions. Sites and parameters were chosen after discussions with local residents.

Citizen Monitors:
MWC012: Truston B. Davis
MWC040: Val Mulcaire
MWC095: Grif Okie - Friends of Mark West Watershed