Sampling

Collecting Benthic Macroinvertebrate Samples and Associated Physical and Chemical Data for Ambient Bioassessments in California (updated 02/01/07)
A PDF document that includes two procedures (i.e., targeted-riffle composite, reachwide benthos) for sampling benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) assemblages for ambient bioassessments. This document also contains procedures for measuring instream and riparian habitats and ambient water chemistry associated with BMI samples. Bioassessment Field Data Sheets for the SWAMP v2.5 database are also available.

Note: SWAMP issued two policy memos describing additional details for SWAMP bioassessment methods.

Memo 1: SWAMP Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Interim Guidance on Quality Assurance for SWAMP Bioassessments (updated 05/21/07)

Memo 2: Ammendment to SWAMP Interim Guidance on Quality Assurance for SWAMP Bioassessments (updated 09/17/08)

Collecting Stream Algae Samples and Associated Physical Habitat and Chemical Data for Ambient Bioassessments in California (updated 11/16/09)  new!
A PDF document that includes the procedure for sampling stream algae assemblages for ambient bioassessment. This document also contains procedures for measuring instream and riparian habitats and ambient water chemistry associated with algae samples. Bioassessment Field Data Sheets with Algae for the SWAMP v2.5 database are also available.

MPSL-DFG SOP for Conducting Field Measurements and Field Collections of Water and Bed Sediment Samples in the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (updated 10/15/07)
A PDF document that describes field measurement and collection procedures used by the Marine Pollution Studies Lab – Department of Fish and Game (MPSL-DFG) for SWAMP water and bed sediment samples. This SOP is for reference and information purposes only and is not required by SWAMP. Water Quality Field Data Sheets for the SWAMP v2.5 database are also available.

Database

Field Data Verification of the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Database (updated 12/17/04)
A PDF document that describes the process used by both the agency responsible for the capture and entry of field data and the SWAMP Data Management Team (DMT) to verify field data in the SWAMP database. This SOP may be used as a guide for other related programs.

Data Loading and Verification of the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Database (updated 12/08/04)
A PDF document that describes the process used by the SWAMP DMT to verify analytical chemistry and bacteria data in the SWAMP database. This SOP may be used as a guide for other related programs.

Toxicity Data Verification of the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Database (updated 02/24/05)
A PDF document that describes the process used by the SWAMP DMT to verify toxicity data in the SWAMP database. This SOP may be used as a guide for other related programs.

Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance Policy- and Decision-Making (updated 12/12/08)
A PDF document that describes the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) decision-making process for quality assurance (QA) policies. Documenting a plan for these policy decisions allows for the most effective use of resources and encourages coherent decisions that support SWAMP goals. This SOP classifies the types of QA decisions by significance and defines the roles of the involved parties.

Contract Laboratory Data Verification and Validation (In Review)
A PDF document that describes the process used by contract laboratories to verify and validate their SWAMP data batches. Data verification ensures that reported results accurately depict work performed by the contract laboratory. Data validation confirms that the verified data batch meets the overall quality requirements of the SWAMP project.

Data Classification System (In Review)
A PDF document that describes the SWAMP Quality Assurance Team (QAT) or DMT classification of data batches prior to their placement on the permanent side of the SWAMP database. The classification system categorizes data based on its adherence to Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPrP) guidelines.

Database Assessment (In Review)
A PDF document that describes the assessment of data from the permanent side of the database. In an attempt to spot potential sources of systemic error, the SWAMP QAT performs focused queries to identify and evaluate data flagged as “Estimated”. Corrective actions are instituted based on these assessments.

Systems Assessment for Contract Laboratories (updated 03/03/05)
A PDF document that details the process used by the QAT to conduct assessments of SWAMP contract laboratories. During these assessments, procedures, personnel, and facilities are evaluated against Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPrP) guidelines.