MD DNR Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Project 2005

Metadata:

Identification_Information:      top
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment Service (MD DNR RAS)
Publication_Date: 20060401
Title: MD DNR Continuous Water Quality Monitoring Project 2005
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Spatial dataset
Description:
Abstract:
Water quality at thirty-six Maryland shallow water sites located on Chesapeake Bay tributaries was monitored during 2005. YSI (6600 EDS) data loggers sampled seven environmental parameters: water temperature, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen concentration, oxygen percent saturation, pH, turbidity and fluorescence. Water depth was measured at stations where loggers were deployed at fixed depths. Salinity and chlorophyll were derived from specific conductance and fluorescence. Each parameter was sampled at 15-minute intervals. The number of days that data were collected at individual stations ranged from 109 and 362.

Data loggers were exchanged bi-weekly.

When data loggers were exchanged, water samples for pigments, nutrients and suspended solids were collected for later analysis. At the same time, Secchi disk depth was measured and a HydroLab (series III or IV) water quality sonde was used to collect discrete water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH data.

Purpose:
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Shallow Water Monitoring program is part of a cooperative effort between the Federal government and State and local governments in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to assess the ambient water quality criteria for dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll and water clarity in shallow water habitats.

Shallow water monitoring data describes the 2005 state of thirty-six shallow water sites on Chesapeake Bay tributaries using key water quality indicators.

The information is integrated with data from other Bay water quality stations and living resources monitoring projects and used to understand linkages, temporal variation and long-term trends.

Water quality data are used to refine, calibrate and validate Chesapeake Bay ecological models. The models are used to develop and assess water quality criteria with the goal of removing the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal rivers from the list of impaired waters.

Supplemental_Information:
The target audiences for this information include Resource Managers, Technical/Scientific Users, Government, Educators, Students and General Public.

Data users who desire very detailed information about Water Quality Monitoring data-definition, sampling-procedures and data-processing are encouraged to refer to the two documents listed below. The documents may be obtained from the Chesapeake Bay Program Office.

Water Quality Database - Database Design and Data Dictionary Prepared For: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, Chesapeake Bay Program Office, January 2004. <http://www.chesapeakebay.net/pubs/cbwqdb2004_RB.PDF>

Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Chesapeake Bay Shallow Water Quality Monitoring Program for the period July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006 <http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/eyesonthebay/swm_qapp_2005.pdf>

Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 20050101
Ending_Date: 20051231
Currentness_Reference: Ground condition
Status:
Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: As needed
Spatial_Domain:
Bounding_Coordinates:
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -79.4938
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -75.0405
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 39.7425
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 37.8713
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:
Olsen, L.M., G. Major, S. Leicester, K. Shein, J. Scialdone, H. Weir, S. Ritz, C. Solomon, M. Holland, R. Bilodeau, T. Northcutt, R. Vogel. 2004. NASA/Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Earth Science Keywords. Version 5.1.1 [online: <http://gcmd.nasa.gov/Resources/valids/keyword_list.html>]
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Aquatic Habitat > Estuarine Habitat
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Aquatic Habitat > Rivers/Stream Habitat
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Ecological Dynamics > Nutrient Cycling
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Ecological Dynamics > Primary Production
Theme_Keyword: EARTH SCIENCE > Hydrosphere > Surface Water > Rivers/Streams
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Chlorophyll
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Conductivity
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Nitrogen Compounds
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Nutrients
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Oxygen
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > pH
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Phosphorous Compounds
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Suspended Solids
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Turbidity
Theme_Keyword:
EARTH SCIENCE > Hydrosphere > Water Quality/Water Chemistry > Water Temperature
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: Producer Defined
Place_Keyword: United States
Place_Keyword: Maryland
Place_Keyword: Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Place_Keyword: Chesapeake Bay
Place_Keyword: Anne Arundel County
Place_Keyword: Baltimore County
Place_Keyword: Calvert County
Place_Keyword: Caroline County
Place_Keyword: Charles County
Place_Keyword: Dorchester County
Place_Keyword: Harford County
Place_Keyword: Kent County
Place_Keyword: Prince George's County
Place_Keyword: Queen Anne's County
Place_Keyword: St. Mary's County
Place_Keyword: Talbot County
Place_Keyword: Bush River
Place_Keyword: Chester River
Place_Keyword: Chicamicomico River
Place_Keyword: Corsica River
Place_Keyword: Gunpowder River
Place_Keyword: Little Choptank River
Place_Keyword: Middle River
Place_Keyword: Miles River
Place_Keyword: Patapsco River
Place_Keyword: Patuxent River
Place_Keyword: Potomac River
Place_Keyword: Rhode River
Place_Keyword: South River
Place_Keyword: St. Mary's River
Place_Keyword: Transquaking River
Place_Keyword: West River
Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints: None
Point_of_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Mark Trice
Contact_Position: Chief, Intensive Monitoring, Assessment and Development
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: Mailing Address
Address: Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, D2
City: Annapolis
State_or_Province: MD
Postal_Code: 21401
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 410 260-8630
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:
MTRICE_nospam_@dnr.state.md.us[Remove _nospam_ for valid email address]
Browse_Graphic:
Browse_Graphic_File_Name: SWM_Cmon05_Stns.pdf
Browse_Graphic_File_Description:
Map of thirty-six 2005 Continuous Monitoring Sites <http://www.chesapeakebay.net/comet_uploads/7914/SWM_Cmon05_Stns.pdf>
Browse_Graphic_File_Type: PDF
Data_Set_Credit:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDDNR) Resource Assessment Service (RAS) staff collected the majority of samples and processed the data. St. Mary's River Project staff collected a subset of samples. The Maryland Department of Mental Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) analyzed pigments and turbidity samples. The Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory (NASL) at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (Univ. of MD) analyzed nutrient and suspended solids samples.

The project was made possible with funding provided by The State of Maryland, the United States Environmental Protection Agency Chesapeake Bay Program, the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration Chesapeake Bay Program Office, the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration National Estuarine Research Reserve System program, Harford County Maryland and Anne Arundel County Maryland.

Data_Quality_Information:      top
Attribute_Accuracy:
Attribute_Accuracy_Report:
Quality Assurance/Quality Control: MD DNR followed specific procedures to ensure that the Shallow Water Quality Monitoring Program project design was properly implemented and managed with sufficient accuracy, precision and detection limits. Accuracy (closeness to the true value) of collected data was controlled and assured by the proper use, calibration and maintenance of both field and laboratory equipment for the measurement of physical and chemical parameters.

The YSI 6600 sondes were configured with the following probes: 6560, 6562, 6025, 6132, and either a 6026 turbidity probe or a 6136 turbidity probe. Resolution, range and accuracy specifications for the sonde and probes may be obtained from the manufacturer. <http://www.ysi.com/environmental-monitoring/data-acquisition.htm>

The procedures used to control and assure the accuracy of field measurements involved the calibration of field instruments, the verification of calibrations, equipment maintenance, and collection of filter blanks. Most of the details of how data acquired with YSI sondes were quality assured and quality controlled are described in the process description elements in the Lineage portion of this metadata record. The results of the water quality attributes analyzed in the laboratories were also used to calibrate and crosscheck the sonde data for accuracy.

Daily quality control checks (including the running of blanks and standards) were used to control and assure laboratory accuracy.

Accuracy of Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory (CBL NASL) and Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Environmental Chemistry Division (DHMH ECD) laboratory results was also assessed through DNR's participation in the Chesapeake Bay Coordinated Split Sample Program (CSSP), a split sampling program in which five laboratories involved in Chesapeake Bay monitoring analyze the coordinated split samples. CSSP was established in June 1989 to establish a measure of comparability between sampling and analytical operations for water quality monitoring throughout the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. DNR followed the protocols in the Chesapeake Bay Coordinated Split Sample Program Implementation Guidelines (EPA 1991) and its revisions. Split samples were collected quarterly. Results were analyzed by appropriate statistical methods to determine if results differed significantly among labs. If a difference occurred, discussions began regarding techniques and potential methods changes to resolve discrepancies.

Additionally, CBL NASL and DHMH ECD participated two times per year in the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) reference sample program.

Logical_Consistency_Report:
Two of the attributes in the water quality data set are PARAMETER and VALUE. In cases where PARAMETER value is "SIGMA_T" and the VALUE measurement in the record is a negative number, the number should be considered unreliable. SIGMA_T values are not measured. SIGMA_T values are derived.

Continuous Monitoring sondes were configured with YSI 6136 turbidity probes except during the deployments listed below. Model 6136 turbidity probes have improved LED optics and increased accuracy.

Sondes were configured with YSI 6026 turbidity probes during the following deployments: Station XGG6667 between 12-Aug-05 9:00:01 and 25-Aug-05 8:45:01 Station XGG6667 between 1-Sep-05 13:30:01 and 15-Sep-05 2:45:01 Station XGG6667 between 3-Oct-05 10:45:01 and 21-Oct-05 8:00:01 Station XGE3275 between 10-Nov-05 10:15:25 and 22-Nov-05 14:30:01

Completeness_Report:
Data from thirty-six continuous monitoring stations are available on-line.

The 2005 Continuous Monitoring project dataset includes twelve months of sonde records from the continuous monitoring sites named Iron Pot Landing, Jug Bay, Mataponi and Otter Point Creek. Nine month deployments occurred at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Cutter Marina, Hambleton Point, Kent Point, Lauderick Creek, Mariner's Point Park, Piney Point, Sage Point, SERC, Strawberry Point and Sycamore Point. Deployments at Beard's Creek, Bestpitch, Casson Point, CBEC, Deep Landing, Emory Creek, Fenwick, Fishing Bay, Gary's Creek, Mattawoman Creek, Piscataway and Rolph's Wharf lasted eight months. Sondes were deployed seven months at Benedict, CBL, Cedar Point, King's Landing, Pin Oak and Shady Side. The sondes at Sandy Point East and Sandy Point South were deployed four months. Sonde deployment at Fort McHenry ceased after five months when the deployment site was destroyed 13-Jul-05.

The user may discover a few interruptions in sonde datasets. In most cases, these interruptions were related to short-term problems with sonde operation.

Due to ice concerns, the sonde deployed at the Otter Point Creek were removed between 20 January and 11 February, 2005. The sonde at Mataponi was removed 19 January and re-deployed 24 February, 2005.

On a few occasions, due to extreme low tide conditions, sondes were not submerged. These data are not included in the published dataset.

All other missing sonde attribute values were removed because the data were determined to be unreliable during the quality control process.

No grab samples were collected in November 2005 at the Bestpitch and Mariner's Point Park sites.

Lineage:
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
SONDE CALIBRATION and POST-CALIBRATION

The Yellow Springs Instrument (YSI) 6600 data sondes were maintained and calibrated before and after each deployment in accordance with YSI recommendations. <http://www.ysi.com/environmental-monitoring/data-acquisition.htm>

FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND SAMPLING

The continuous monitoring sensors at the site recorded seven water quality parameters every 15 minutes. Data were uploaded to DNR's web site <http://www.eyesonthebay.net> shortly after retrieval.

The seven water quality parameters measured continuously were water temperature, specific conductance, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity (NTU), fluorescence (used to estimate chlorophyll a) and pH. Sondes deployed at fixed depths also measured water depth.

Each monitoring station was equipped with a YSI 6600 sonde. The sonde logged data onto an internal memory, where it was stored until retrieval. Eighteen stations were equipped with cellular telemetry units, which allowed data to be transmitted hourly to a server computer at DNR. Sondes were deployed inside vertically-oriented four-inch diameter PVC pipes with several two-inch holes drilled along their length to allow for water exchange. Depending on location, sondes were either suspended from a float 1.0-meters below surface or fixed 0.3-meters or 0.5-meters above bottom resting on stop bolt.

Sondes at CBEC, Fenwick, Iron Pot, Jug Bay, Mataponi, Mattawoman Creek, Otter Point Creek and Piscataway were deployed at a fixed depth, 0.3-meters above the bottom. Sondes at Benedict, CBL, King's Landing, Pin Oak, Piney Point and Sage Point were deployed at a fixed depth 0.5-meters above the bottom. All other sondes were suspended from a float 1.0-meter below the surface.

WATER QUALITY CALIBRATION SAMPLES:

Each time sondes were exchanged at each Continuous Monitoring station, "Grab" water quality samples were collected at meter depth using a horizontal "Alpha" water sampler. At the time the water was collected, a HydroLab sonde measurement was taken 1.0 meter depth.

Numbered two-quart bottles were triple-rinsed and filled with water for "whole" and "filtered" nutrient and chlorophyll samples. A labeled sixteen-ounce bottle was triple-rinsed and filled with water for turbidity analysis.

Nutrient, pigment and suspended-solid water samples were filtered on station or shortly thereafter. Sample waters and filters were placed on ice immediately after filtration.

Particulate samples included: Chlorophyll, Particulate Carbon, Particulate Nitrogen, Particulate Phosphorus (PP), Particulate Inorganic Phosphorous (PIP), Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS).

Filtrate collected from TSS/VSS or PP/PIP filtrations was used for dissolved nutrient samples. Total Dissolved Nitrogen and Total Dissolved Phosphorus, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, Orthophosphate, Silicate and Dissolved Organic Carbon samples were collected.

HYDROLAB PROFILE:

The first reading of the HydroLab water-column profile at each station was recorded at the same time the water quality "grab" sample was collected. After the 1.0-meter depth record was logged, the sonde was lowered to the bottom. A reading was taken at 0.3-meters above the bottom. The sonde was raised and measurements were recorded at 0.5-meter or 1.0-meter increments until it reached the surface. (In cases where station depth was greater then 3-meters, the sonde was raised in 1-meter increments).

SECCHI DEPTH:

Secchi Disk Depth was measured each time sondes were exchanged. Readings with the secchi disk were made in-situ without the aid of sunglasses. The secchi disk was lowered into the water and the depth at which it was no longer visible was recorded. The time at which the reading was taken was noted. This facilitated later matching of secchi depth readings with transmissometer and turbidity data.

PAR MEASUREMENT:

Underwater Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR, 400-700nm)

When meters were exchanged at a site, down-welling light penetrating the water column (PAR) was measured underwater at several depths to calculate the light attenuation coefficient, Kd. Simultaneous surface and submersed PAR intensity measurements were taken to account for variability in incident surface irradiance due to changes in cloud cover. Data collected from this procedure were used to estimate the depth of the photic zone.

The equipment used was manufactured by LI-COR, Inc. and consisted of a LI-192SA, flat cosine Underwater Quantum Sensor, a LI-190SA air (deck) reference sensor and a Data Logger (LI-1000 or LI-1400).

Surface and underwater readings were recorded simultaneously. Readings were allowed to stabilize before being recorded. If the station depth was less than 3 meters, readings were taken at 0.1 meter and at 0.25-meter intervals until 10% for the 0.1-meter reading was reached. If the station depth was greater than 3 meters, a reading was taken at 0.1-meter and at 0.5-meter intervals until 10% of the 0.1-meter reading was reached.

SONDE DATA CHECKS

The continuous monitoring sondes were retrieved, calibrated and replaced weekly from January to December. At each deployment, sondes were replaced with clean, recalibrated units and data from the data loggers were downloaded to a computer.

In the field, before an instrument was replaced, field staff allowed both the new (freshly calibrated) sonde and the old (deployed) sonde to log two readings (fifteen minutes apart) side by side at the same depth. In addition, for one of the readings, data were recorded from a discrete instrument -usually a HydroLab sonde. This three-way comparison assured that the "new" and "old" sondes were both reading each parameter within a certain tolerance. The HydroLab reading was used as a "double-check," and since it was a discrete reading, it allowed staff to watch the display and note whether the parameters were fluctuating or stable.

EcoWatch software (a YSI product) was used to calibrate the instruments as well as to upload and view data collected. Data downloaded from the sonde were subjected to quality assurance/quality control checks to ensure that values outside the range of possibility were not displayed on the DNR web site.

Data were evaluated using both three-way in-situ comparison results and data from sonde calibrations. The comparison tolerances were as follows - for both pre- post- calibration and in-situ comparisons: Temperature (deg C) +- 0.2; Specific Conductance (uM/cm) +- 5%; Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) +- 0.5 mg/l; pH +- 0.2; Turbidity (NTU) +- 5%; Chlor +- 5%.

Excessive drift between pre- and post- calibration values of sonde probes, variance from in situ measurements or probe failures caused data to be flagged. When post-calibration drift exceeded the limits stated above in both the post-calibration and the in-situ comparables, the "bad data" were masked within the data set with an error code (see QAPP for list of error codes).

SONDE FILE POST-PROCESSING:

Each "raw" .csv file of sonde data was post-processed using an Excel Macro. The file was opened and renamed. Rows of data acquired before and after deployment were deleted. Records (if any) were also deleted if instrument error codes indicated "garbage" data. The macro rearranged columns and inserted error-tracking columns and headings. Macro instructions flagged negative values, missing values and highlighted values outside each parameter's normal range. The macro also returned a report summarizing exceedances. Event and instrument information was appended to each record.

Flagged values were evaluated. Common anomalies included spikes in fluorescence and turbidity, dips in specific conductance, extremely high dissolved oxygen readings. Instrument post-calibration results, in situ comparisons with HydroLab, LI-COR readings, historical data from near-by locations and, survey crew remarks were used to determine whether sensor values were acceptable.

In cases where data were determined to be unreliable, the reason(s) values were determined to be unacceptable were documented with error codes and comments. Unreliable data were masked. No data were discarded. Only data considered reliable were published in reports.

Field staff and Tawes Office staff reviewed continuous monitoring data weekly. If a problem was identified, a field team member was dispatched to replace the instrument as soon as possible.

VERIFICATION AND DATA MANAGEMENT

At the end of the monitoring season, DNR Tawes Office and Field Office personnel conducted additional data QA/QC procedures. All of the data were plotted and outliers and anomalous values were thoroughly researched. Staff compared unusual values to historic values from the site and values from nearby sites in the Bay. Weather events were considered, event logs were reviewed and field staff were consulted regarding possible legitimate causes for the values. In cases where values were not legitimate, they were masked within the published dataset with an error code and the approval of the field staff and the Quality Assurance Officer.

Process_Date: Unknown
Process_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Sally Bowen
Contact_Position: Project Chief, Monitoring Field Office, DNR
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical
Address: 1919 Lincoln Drive
City: Annapolis
State_or_Province: Maryland
Postal_Code: 21401
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 410 263-3369
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:
SBOWEN_nospam_@dnr.state.md.us[Remove _nospam_ for valid email address]
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
Laboratory analysis - MD DHMH. Active chlorophyll a and turbidity samples were analyzed by Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's (DHMH) Environmental Chemistry Division.

Further information about laboratory analytical procedures may be obtained from the "Process_Contact".

Process_Date: Unknown
Process_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Asoka Katumuluwa
Contact_Position:
Chief, Division of Environmental Chemistry, Laboratory Administration, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical
Address:
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 201 West Preston Street
City: Baltimore
State_or_Province: Maryland
Postal_Code: 21201
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 410 767-5839
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:
KatumuluwaA_nospam_@dhmh.state.md.us[Remove _nospam_ for valid email address]
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
Laboratory analysis - CBL University of Maryland's Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL), Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory analyzed total dissolved nitrogen, particulate nitrogen, nitrite, nitrite + nitrate, ammonium, total dissolved phosphorus, particulate phosphorus, particulate inorganic phosphorus, orthophosphate, dissolved organic carbon, particulate carbon, silicic acid, total suspended solids, and volatile suspended solids.

Further information about laboratory analytical procedures may be obtained from the "Process_Contact".

Process_Date: Unknown
Process_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Carl Zimmerman
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical
Address:
Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Center for Environmental and Estuarine Studies, The University of Maryland System, 1 Williams St; P.O. Box 38
City: Solomons
State_or_Province: Maryland
Postal_Code: 20688
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 410 326-7252
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:
carlz _nospam_@cbl.umces.edu[Remove _nospam_ for valid email address]
Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:      top
Indirect_Spatial_Reference:
Bush River, Chesapeake Bay, Chester River, Chicamicomico River, Corsica River, Eastern Bay, Fishing Bay, Gunpowder River, Little Choptank River, Middle River, Miles River, Patapsco River, Patuxent River, Potomac River, Rhode River, South River, St. Mary's River, Transquaking River, West River, Maryland, USA
Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Point
Spatial_Reference_Information:      top
Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:
Geographic:
Latitude_Resolution: 0.0001
Longitude_Resolution: 0.0001
Geographic_Coordinate_Units: Decimal degrees
Geodetic_Model:
Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983
Ellipsoid_Name: Geodetic Reference System 80
Semi-major_Axis: 6378137
Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257
Entity_and_Attribute_Information:      top
Overview_Description:
Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
This metadata record is a description of a continuous monitoring project. Project data are an aggregation of data collected at thirty-six Maryland stations during 2005.

The data are contained in five related entities (tables): Station_Information, Monitoring_Event_Data, Water_Quality_Data, Light_Attenuation_Data and CMON_DATA. Each table contains attributes (fields).

The entity Station_Information is comprised of the attributes: STATION, DESCRIPTION, WATER_BODY, CBP_BASIN, TS_BASIN, BASIN, CBSEG_1985, CBSEG_1998, CBSEG_1998_DESCRIPTION, HUC8, CATALOGING_UNIT_DESCRIPTION, HUC11, WATERSHED, FIPS, STATE, COUNTY/CITY, FALL_LINE, LATITUDE, LONGITUDE, LL_DATUM, UTM_X, and UTM_Y.

The entity Monitoring_Event_Data is comprised of the attributes: EVENT_ID, SOURCE, AGENCY, PROGRAM, PROJECT, STATION, EVENT_START_DATE, EVENT_START_TIME, CRUISE, TOTAL_DEPTH, UPPER_PYCNOCLINE, LOWER_PYCNOCLINE, AIR_TEMP, WIND_SPEED, WIND_DIRECTION, PRECIP_TYPE, TIDE_STAGE, WAVE_HEIGHT, CLOUD_COVER, GAGE_HEIGHT, PRESSURE, FLOW_STAGE, and DETAILS.

The entity Water_Quality_Data is comprised of the attributes: EVENT_ID, SOURCE, PROJECT, STATION, SAMPLE_DATE, SAMPLE_TIME, DEPTH, LAYER, SAMPLE_TYPE, SAMPLE_ID, PARAMETER, QUALIFIER, VALUE, UNIT, METHOD, LAB, PROBLEM, DETAILS, TOTAL_DEPTH, UPPER_PYCNOCLINE, LOWER_PYCNOCLINE, LAT, and LONG.

The entity Light_Attenuation_Data is comprised of the attributes: EVENT_ID, SOURCE, PROJECT, STATION, SAMPLE_DATE, SAMPLE_TIME, SAMPLE_REPLICATE_TYPE, DEPTH, PAR_S, EPARU_Z, EPARD_Z, UNIT, METHOD, DETAILS, WATER_BODY, TOTAL_DEPTH, UPPER_PYCNOCLINE, and LOWER_PYCNOCLINE.

The entity CMON_DATA is comprised of the attributes: Dissolved Oxygen, percent Oxygen Saturation, Salinity, Temperature, pH, Turbidity and Chlorophyll.

Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
Water Quality Database - Database Design and Data Dictionary Prepared For: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, Chesapeake Bay Program Office, January 2004. <http://www.chesapeakebay.net/pubs/cbwqdb2004_RB.PDF>

Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Chesapeake Bay Shallow Water Quality Monitoring Program for the period July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006 <http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/eyesonthebay/swm_qapp_2005.pdf>

Distribution_Information:      top
Distributor:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Tami Huber
Contact_Position: Water Quality Database Manager
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing
Address: 410 Severn Avenue, Suite 109
City: Annapolis
State_or_Province: Maryland
Postal_Code: 71403
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 800 968-7229 ext. 875
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:
thuber_nospam_@chesapeakebay.net [Remove _nospam_ for valid email address]
Resource_Description: Downloadable data
Distribution_Liability:
None of the Chesapeake Bay Program partners nor any of their employees, contractors, or subcontractors make any warranty, expressed or implied, nor assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or data contained within the web site. Reference to any specific commercial products, processes, or services or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation or favoring by the Chesapeake Bay Program partners.
Standard_Order_Process:
Digital_Form:
Digital_Transfer_Information:
Format_Name: ASCII file, formatted for text attributes, declared format
Format_Information_Content:
Station Information data, Monitoring Event data, Light Attenuation data and Water Quality data
File_Decompression_Technique: No compression applied
Transfer_Size: 4.0
Digital_Transfer_Option:
Online_Option:
Computer_Contact_Information:
Network_Address:
Network_Resource_Name:
<http://www.chesapeakebay.net/data/index.cfm?subjectarea=WATER_QUALITY>
Access_Instructions:
Station Information, Monitoring Event, Light Attenuation and Water Quality data are available though the Chesapeake Bay Programs CIMS data hub. Select Water Quality Database (1984-Present). Access the data by following web site (see network resource name) instructions.
Digital_Form:
Digital_Transfer_Information:
Format_Name: ASCII file, formatted for text attributes, declared format
Format_Information_Content: Continuous monitoring sonde data
File_Decompression_Technique: No compression applied
Transfer_Size: 98.6
Digital_Transfer_Option:
Online_Option:
Computer_Contact_Information:
Network_Address:
Network_Resource_Name:
<http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/newmontech/contmon/archived_results2.cfm?year=2005>
Access_Instructions:
CMON data (sonde data) are available through the Continuous Monitoring - Archived Results page of Eyes on the Bay website. Access sonde data by following web site (see network resource name) instructions. Select station and specify dates. Station record set counts range from 34,656 to 10,351. Depending on connection speed, downloads may take a very long time. Downloading partial record sets will proceed more quickly.
Fees: None
Metadata_Reference_Information:      top
Metadata_Date: 20061012
Metadata_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Ben Cole
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: Mailing and physical address
Address: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, D-2
City: Annapolis
State_or_Province: MD
Postal_Code: 21401
Contact_Voice_Telephone: (410) 260-8630
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:
bcole_nospam_@dnr.state.md.us[Remove _nospam_ for valid email address]
Metadata_Standard_Name: Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998
Generated by mp version 2.8.22 on Fri Jan 19 13:23:32 2007