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Region 8 Rocky Mountains Project Information
Text reproduced from the publication, USEPA 1993. Regional Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program. EPA/625/R-93/012. September 1993. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC.
Figures and tables not reproduced here. The complete publication may be ordered from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Research Information, Cincinnati, OH 45268. The publication request desk may be reached by phone at 513-569-7562.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Region VIII is concerned that the release of toxic metals from abandoned mines and mills into the environment could cause widespread destruction of aquatic resources. The proposed Region VIII REMAP project will focus on headwater streams in mineralized areas (areas that have been subjected to extensive mining activity) in the Southern Rocky Mountains Ecoregion.
The project will address the following questions:
- What is the current condition of biological communities in headwater streams in the ecoregion, and what proportion of affected streams can be linked to high metals loadings?
- What biological indicators are suitable for detecting the impact of metals in headwater streams?
- What constitutes a reference condition against which to judge the status of streams in mineralized areas of the Rocky Mountains?
- Can the EMAP scale be appropriately adjusted to target and analyze problems in this ecoregion?
Region VIII is working to establish partnerships with state and federal agencies and the academic community to conduct this REMAP project.
2.0 ACTIVITIES
Investigators will conduct pilot work on indicators in 1993; the full project, including sampling of biological, chemical, and physical parameters in selected headwater streams, will be conducted in 1994 and 1995.
3.0 TECHNICAL APPROACH
The population of interest will be streams within the Southern Rocky Mountains Ecoregion, with sampling limited to mineralized areas. During the initial selection process, streams will be stratified according to stream size. After sampling takes place, an analysis of stream flow and stream morphology may help investigators refine the stratification of streams into meaningful groups for statistical analysis of the data. A minimum of 50 sites will be sampled during 1994 and 1995.
This total includes three types of sites:
- Reference sites
These sites will be selected in consultation with state government and federal land management agency staff.
To distinguish minimally affected or unaffected sites from affected sites, it is important to collect measurements from sites with known impactsþthat is, streams with high metals loadings. Investigators will select several test site locations within the study area representing different ecological conditions.
- Probability sites
The 1993 pilot study will consist of sampling at approximately 15 sites in the Southern Rocky Mountains Ecoregion.
The goals of the pilot study are to:
- Field-test sampling protocols and logistical constraints (including sampling in remote areas).
- Evaluate the ability of different protocols to differentiate between test sites and reference sites.
- Obtain a preliminary indication of the range of variation associated with biological communities in two major basins in the ecoregion.
For the pilot study, sampling is planned in two basins: the Arkansas River and the Eagle River in Colorado. Sites for the pilot study will be selected based on stream characteristics (not probability sampling). A mix of reference sites and test sites will be identified in each basin.
3.1 INDICATORS
Investigators will field-test the indicators shown in Table 8-1 during the 1993 pilot work. After review of the 1993 pilot data, Region VIII scientists will decide whether to use this full suite of parameters during project implementation in 1994 and 1995.
Sampling protocols will be based on the written protocols developed for the joint EMAP 1993 Surface Waters and Region III REMAP Project, modified for Rocky Mountain headwater streams.
3.2 SAMPLING PERIOD
The sampling period will be limited to a maximum of 45 days to ensure that the samples can be considered to come from a single population. Sampling will take place in August and September to take into account both biological and logistical considerations:
- Headwater streams are accessible during these months.
- Lower stream flows will minimize dilution of metals to help ensure that high concentrations will be sampled. Lower flows will also maximize the effectiveness of electroshocking.
- Macroinvertebrate populations should be large enough to facilitate identification.
- August and September will be an appropriate time for measuring physical habitat characteristics of the stream and riparian zones.
3.3 DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORTING
The investigators will evaluate several methods for data analysis and reporting, including multivariate statistics and multimetric measures. The methods selected must be able to effectively distinguish between reference sites and test sites. Geographic information system (GIS) technology will be used for data analysis and presentation.
4.0 CONTACTSFOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT: Phil Johnson
Water Quality Division
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
999 18th Street
Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 293-1581