Monitoring Program

3_210_10
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39

UFC 3-210-10

25 October 2004

Nitrate + Nitrite

NO2 + NO3

5-5.2.4 Biological Monitoring. Pollutants in stormwater runoff have a direct effect

on the biological integrity of the receiving waters. The effectiveness of water quality

controls can therefore be evaluated by assessing the biological health of the receiving

waters in the vicinity of the stormwater outfall. The EPA has developed Rapid

Bioassessment Protocols (RBP)13 that can be used to characterize the existence and

severity of impairments to streams, and help to identify sources and causes of

impairment.

5-5.2.5 Monitoring Program. There are four phases to develop a monitoring

program:14

1. Determine the objectives and scope of the monitoring program

2. Develop the monitoring plan in view of the objectives

3. Implement the monitoring plan

4. Evaluate and report the results

Monitoring programs are shaped by the site characteristics, the goals of the

project, regulatory requirements, and available funds.

5-5.2.6 Variability. The high variability of stormwater flows and pollutant

concentrations at any location makes it difficult to obtain useful monitoring results.

Typically, facilities must collect a large number of samples to adequately characterize

how a device is functioning under natural conditions. The monitoring approach used on

any given site will depend on regulatory requirements, the pollutants of concern, the

physical characteristics of the runoff management features, and the availability of funds

and personnel for planning, sampling and analysis.

5-5.2.7 State and Local Program Conformance. Water quality monitoring

programs should be undertaken to conform to state and local protocols. A detailed

guidance manual for water quality data collection, management and interpretation is

available from the Environmental Protection Agency15 and the Department of

Transportation.16 The guidelines, which are primarily concerned with meeting the

national stormwater BMP database requirements, can be easily adapted for use in a

variety of monitoring activities.

5-5.2.8 Sampling Locations. An effective monitoring effort for decentralized runoff

management requires a judicious selection of sampling locations as well as sampling

times and techniques. The challenge is often to complete the monitoring effort

Barbour et al., 1999.

DOT, 2000; EPA, 2002.

EPA, 2002.

DOT, 2000.