Recreation - Catchment Combing: Water Quality Monitoring Toolkit

Recreation - Catchment Combing (Point & Diffuse Source Investigation)

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General

To identify and remediate water pollution point sources within a nominated catchment by field assessment, collecting samples and analysing water quality.

Catchment Combing is an intense water quality monitoring assessment of stormwater pollution sources by direct measurement of surface water inputs that have the potential to contribute to stormwater pollution. Water quality monitoring protocols are in accordance with urban stormwater monitoring.

Protocol

Nominate catchment to be assessed.
Determine monitoring locations taking into account in stream influences such as, tributaries, outlet pipe discharges, industrial, rural, commercial and residential land uses and native bushland areas.
Sampling sites are to be in the order of 100 to 200 m intervals and as indicated in step 2.
Conduct monitoring and ground truthing field evaluation by investigating downstream inputs at the confluence of the watercourse and concluding upstream at the headwaters of the catchment.
Calibration of multiprobe
Collection and preservation of samples
Record data on field spread sheet
Record all data in database
Identify areas where high concentrations have been recorded and interpret the probable source.
Interview and consult parties to which point sources may be attributed and initiate remedial action.
Issue a written or verbal directive instructing owner/occupier or management to undertake remedial works to rectify and eliminate point source pollution or potential risk pollution.
Take action under the PoEO Act as appropriate.
Follow up until matter is resolved to a satisfactory conclusion.