Development of Large River Bioassessment Protocols (LRBPs)

Objective:

Provide states, regions, and tribes with the ability to use biological indicators to evaluate the condition of large rivers.

Approach:

Evaluate existing field collection methods for relative strengths and weaknesses.
Refine existing methods or develop new methods that provide the most logistically efficient and scientifically defensible set of measurements. This process includes documentation of performance characteristics that will support efforts to integrate data sets and conduct assessments at large scales.
Provide these methods in a clear and concise manner to assessors and managers at scientific meetings, workshops, electronic forums and in the peer-reviewed literature.
Develop an Integrated assessment approach using algae, benthic macroinvertebrates, fish and physical habitat.

Why This Research Is Needed:

Although methods for small streams are integrated into state monitoring programs, methods for large river sampling for biological monitoring are relatively undeveloped and prompted the regions to fund our initial research on large rivers. Regularly contacted by the states, regions, and basin commissions for large river sampling guidance.

EERD Experience:

In 1997-98, sampled rivers in the mid-Atlantic Region.
In 1999, sampled rivers in Ohio and Kentucky.
Follow-up research in 2000 and 2001.
2004-2005, Region 5 Large River Bioassessment Initiative.

Expected Outputs/Outcomes:

Guidance documents designed to provide states, regions, and tribes with the ability to successfully use biological indicators to evaluate the condition of large rivers. This includes the forthcoming integrated guidance document of Large River Bioassessment Protocols (LRBPs).
Regional workshops conducted that provide hands-on training on the execution of large rivers bioassessment methods. Workshops include training on the safe use of field equipment (e.g., boats, boat motors).
Remotely sensed water quality indicators developed that can be used by resource managers for near real-time screening of large rivers for a suite of water quality parameters.
Collaborative efforts which strive to standardize and improve field methods, analyses, and interpretation of large river bioassessment and monitoring data continue to be fostered. These efforts move us closer to understanding water quality conditions at the regional and national scales.

Contact:
Joseph Flotemersch (flotemersch.joseph@epa.gov) | Brent Johnson (johnson.brent@epa.gov) (Cincinnati, OH)

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