In Reply Refer To:                          March 10, 1986
WGS-Mail Stop 412



OFFICE OF WATER QUALITY TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 86.01

Subject: PROGRAM AND PLANS--Revisions to Field Operations for
                            NASQAN and the Hydrologic
                            Benchmark Network for FY 1986

The National Water Quality Monitoring Networks program
(NASQAN, Benchmark) has had to adjust its budget downward
slightly to meet its fair share of the overall budget
reduction process occurring in the Division for fiscal year
(FY) 1986.  The Office of Water Quality has determined that
the National networks budget reduction can be met with only
very minor reductions in sample collection frequency and
project funding.  Thus, the Districts are not being asked to
absorb any cuts in the funds requested for field operations
for the two networks.  Sufficient funds will be available to
support the network evaluation program initiated this year, 
as well as the ongoing areal profile investigations in 
Maryland, Washington, and Colorado.

The following changes are hereby made in field and project 
operations for the NASQAN and Benchmark networks in FY 1986.

I.  NASQAN

A.  Trace metals samples (schedules 176 or 177, as 
    appropriate for specific conductivity conditions) will be 
    collected at all NASQAN stations three times instead of 
    the originally scheduled four.  Districts may use their
    judgement as to when to collect the trace metal samples.
    It is suggested, however, that where practical, metals 
    samples be collected at streamflow conditions not 
    adequately represented on the streamflow duration curve.  
    It should not be necessary to change the presently 
    planned field trip schedules to meet this reduction in 
    trace metal sample collection frequency.

    By copy of this memorandum, Ollie Feist of the Central 
    Laboratory in Arvada, Colorado is instructed to change 
    the number of allowable usages of schedules 176 and 177 
    at all NASQAN sites from four to three.

B.  Radiochemical samples will be collected one time at each 
    of the 52 Radiochemical subnetwork stations instead of 
    the originally scheduled two times.  Districts may decide 
    whether to collect this sample at high flow or low flow.

Ollie Feist is instructed to change the number of allowable 
usages for schedule 1703 at these 52 radiochemical sites from 
two to one.

II.  BENCHMARK

A.  Trace metal samples (schedules 176 or 177 as appropriate) 
    will be collected at all Hydrologic Benchmark sites two 
    times instead of the originally scheduled four times, 
    Districts should attempt to fill in the hydrograph where 
    practical, but no changes should be made in the already 
    planned trip schedules.

    Ollie Feist is instructed to reduce the number of 
    allowable usages for schedules 176 and 177 from four to 
    two at all 56 Benchmark stations.

B.  Radiochemical samples will be collected at the 
    56 Hydrologic Benchmark sites once instead of twice.  
    Districts may select which trip to collect this sample.

    Ollie Feist is instructed to reduce the number of 
    allowable usages for schedule 1703 from two to one for 
    the 56 Benchmark stations.

III.  FIELD COSTS

There will be no reductions in the amount of funds for field 
operations previously agreed to between the Districts and the 
Operations Section at Headquarters.

IV.  INVESTIGATIVE PROJECTS

A.  Colorado Hydrologic Benchmark Project
    Project Chief - John Turk

    Original Budget FY 86 - $50,000 Gross ($45,500 net) 
    Revised Budget FY 86 - $49,450 Gross ($45,000 net)

B.  Washington Yakima River Basin
    Project Chief - Gil Bortleson

    Original Budget FY 86 - $58,000 Gross ($52,780 net) 
    Revised Budget FY 86 - $57,145 Gross ($52,000 net)

C.  Maryland Potomac River Basin
    Project Chief - Tom Trombley

    Original 8udget FY 86 - $56,780 Gross ($51,670 net) 
    Revised Budget FY 86 - $56,045 Gross (5l,OOO net)

Investigative project funds will be allocated to the 
appropriate District accounts in the near future.

Any questions concerning the above revisions in network 
operations for FY 86 should be directed to the National 
Networks Coordinator (Jim Schornick) at FTS 928-6834 or 
Rolm 648-6867.




                               David A.  Rickert

WRD Distribution: A, S, FO, PO

Chief, Central Laboratory, Arvada, Colorado 
Ollie Feist, Arvada, Colorado
Tom Trumbley, Towson, Maryland
Gil Bortleson, Tacoma, Washington
John Turk, Lakewood, Colorado

Key words: NASQAN, Benchmark, Water Quality, 
           Monitoring Networks

This memorandum does not supersede any previous memorandum.