ÑÇÐǹÙÍø was one of three firms selected as a prime contractor under the USACE Seattle District Miscellaneous Environmental Services and Sediment Sampling Analysis MATOC. As a small business, ÑÇÐǹÙÍø prides itself on strong teaming relationships. Each task order required a team of consultants to cover the wide array of project needs. The ÑÇÐǹÙÍø Team had the opportunity to support the Seattle District on six task orders under this contract. These task orders ranged from an archaeological survey, sediment profile imaging survey, and multiple sediment characterization projects.
A combination of analytical determinations (PAHs and metals) in pre- and post-EGCS waters, modeling of overboard discharge toxicity, pre-discharge evaluation of environmental toxicity, and post-discharge evaluation of environmental concentrations were employed. Two engine loads were evaluated, low load (� 50%, represents “in port operations�) and high load (�70% represents normal transit operations). A representative set of samples were collected from six ships operated under low and high engine loads (total of 12 sampling scenarios). Environmental samples were collected from three locations from the EGCS; seawater intake, post-EGCS waters, and overboard discharge for each scenario.
Whole effluent toxicity tests were conducted with the Inland Silverside (Menidia beryllina), mysid shrimp, (Americamysis bahia), and sand dollar (Dendraster excentricus), following Washington Department of Ecology and U.S. EPA methodologies. The Silverside, mysid shrimp, and sand dollar bioassay methods are used by WDOE for monitoring National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitted discharges to the Puget Sound which are detailed in Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing Guidance and Test Review Criteria. The marine diatom bioassay with, Skeletonema costatum, was added to the test design based on the advice of the external Advisory Panel to decrease the uncertainty of the risk the washwaters would pose to the marine community. This test method followed the bioassay method detailed by the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM, 2021).
The Target Lipid Model (TLM) was used to predict the toxicity of petroleum components (PAHs) in EGCS overboard discharged waters while evaluation of the toxicity of metal components was evaluated by comparing the chemistry results to the Predicted No Effects Concentrations (PNECs) established for each metal. The MAMPEC model (Marine Antifoulant Model to Predict Environmental Concentrations) was used to assess the fate and distribution of EGCS associated waters when discharged. MAMPEC has the ability to estimate hydrodynamic exchanges in six generalized “typical� environments (i.e., open sea, shipping lane, estuary, commercial harbor, yachting marina, open harbor); two scenarios were evaluated in this study. The Cornell Mixing Zone Model (CORMIX) was used to refine the estimates from the MAMPEC model for the in-port scenario. CORMIX model estimates were simulated under two discharge scenarios, discharge during slack tide and one-hour post slack tide.
]]>ÑÇÐǹÙÍø performed the habitat survey and collected all of the samples in the field. IDEQ’s stream habitat index 2 (SHI2) was used to compare the results from the habitat survey. ÑÇÐǹÙÍø processed all of the benthic macroinvertebrate samples and calculated indices following IDEQ stream macroinvertebrate index 2 (SMI2), Hilsenhoff’s biotic index (HBI), and metals tolerance index (MTI). Fish tissue samples were couriered to an analytical laboratory and processed for metals (aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, thallium, and zinc). Results from the macroinvertebrate and fish tissue analyses were used to compare upstream and downstream locations. ÑÇÐǹÙÍø drafted a report that summarized the methods and results of the biological survey.
The Yakama Nation was funded by and the Salmon Recovery Board to design, implement and assess a stream habitat restoration project in the headwaters of White Salmon Creek in Washington State. Prior to restoration, the stream channel was incised 4-6 feet. Restoration was accomplished by raising the creek bed (adding fill), particularly in riffle areas, to promote overbank flows in springtime, hold more water, and extend seasonal flow to increase the period that young-of-year steelhead could rear and migrate out of the system. The Tribe investigated potential changes to the food web by sampling riparian invertebrates, benthic invertebrate community, and fish diet to determine if there were any changes attributable to the restoration project.
The Yakama Nation contracted with ÑÇÐǹÙÍø to provide taxonomic identifications and length-mass regressions by taxon on over 1,100 invertebrate samples from this project. Sample types included benthic macroinvertebrates, fish diet analysis, and riparian pan traps and sticky traps. ÑÇÐǹÙÍø sorted and identified invertebrates to the lowest practical taxonomic group, which was often family for riparian samples, and genus/species for aquatic samples. We measured total invertebrate lengths to the nearest 0.05 mm for every sample to allow for calculation of biomass using length-weight regression curves.
ÑÇÐǹÙÍø processed samples for multiple components for this EBS program. We analyzed nearly 70 unique infaunal samples whereby we performed full sorts and identification of all organisms to the Lowest Practical Taxonomic Level (LPTL). We calculated taxa richness, total abundance, dominance, diversity, evenness, and biomass by major taxonomic groups.
ÑÇÐǹÙÍø also processed ichthyoplankton, zooplankton, and phytoplankton to the LPTL for this project. We analyzed the chlorophyll samples for a, b, and c pigments as well as pheophytin pigments.
To reduce environmental impacts from the project, ÑÇÐǹÙÍø performed a fish and mussel salvage operation. Given less than a 24-hour notice, ÑÇÐǹÙÍø quickly mobilized and provided a fully equipped fisheries crew to assist the client. Using backpack electrofishing methods, we captured, identified, counted, and removed all fish in the project area and placed them, unharmed, in a downstream area. In addition, we relocated over 80 western pearlshell freshwater mussels. Mussels can live for 80 years or more, are an important part of the stream ecosystem, and have become increasingly rare. We provided a summary report of our findings within two weeks of project initiation and final report was submitted by the client to ITD, which reviewed and accepted the results.
https://www.neonscience.org/about-neon-field-sites
Since 2014, ÑÇÐǹÙÍø has provided benthic macroinvertebrate and zooplankton taxonomic identification services for the NEON project. In 2019 we began providing algae taxonomy services. Annual sample numbers have increased each year as the project was being implemented. ÑÇÐǹÙÍø worked in close coordination with members of the NEON team to develop appropriate laboratory and data delivery procedures designed to meet the objectives of the project. Once standard operating procedures were approved, they were implemented for the project. Annual audits were conducted for each taxonomic analysis (benthic invertebrate, zooplankton, periphyton, phytoplankton).
As of September 30, 2020 ÑÇÐǹÙÍø has processed 2,296 benthic macroinvertebrate samples, 273 zooplankton samples and 239 algae samples for the NEON project.
ÑÇÐǹÙÍø taxonomists harmonized the entire dataset which included updating any name changes and ensuring that each taxon was identified to a similar level across the dataset. Following the taxonomic harmonization step, 10 yearsâ€� worth of the data from two of the long-term monitoring stations were investigated for both spatial and temporal trends. The investigation included defining the phytoplankton communities during specific season using multivariate techniques and then overlaying results from environmental factors (nutrients, metals, etc.) to investigate correlations between changes to these phytoplankton communities. All analyses were reported to the agency and a presentation of the results was given to the management group.
ÑÇÐǹÙÍø has been conducting chlorophyll-a, pheophytin, and carotenoid analyses of terrestrial foliage and aquatic algae samples for NEON since 2017. To date we have analyzed 960 algae samples for chlorophyll-a and pheophytin and 748 foliage samples for chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments. Algae samples were processed following a modified version of EPA 445.0 and foliage samples followed a modified version of EPA 446.0. Detection limit was 0.5ug/l and the hold time was 14 days from date of collection. We received algae samples from around the country and hold times were met. Laboratory audits and reports were conducted annually, and all were approved by the client.
RPS Group contracted ÑÇÐǹÙÍø to conduct taxonomic identification on over 200 benthic infauna samples as required by the SAP. All samples were collected using a 0.1 m2 grab and processed with a 0.5mm sieve. We provided a complete sorting and identification to lowest practical taxonomic level (LPTL).
Mill Pond Dam was constructed in 1909 by the Inland Portand Cement Company for hydroelectric purposes. The dam was located on Sullivan Creek, was 134 feet long by 55 feet tall, and was removed in summer 2018. The purpose of the project was to remove the Mill Pond Dam and restore the natural riverine conditions along Sullivan Creek. Restoring these riverine conditions will benefit the natural habitat by restoring the downstream transport of coarse sediment and large woody debris, riparian and floodplain environments, and benefits to water quality and reduce water temperatures during the summer warm weather.
During the first year of the project, ÑÇÐǹÙÍø conducted the field sampling, laboratory taxonomic analysis of benthic samples, data analysis and a comprehensive report on benthic macroinvertebrate community condition. During the second year, we trained SCL personnel with the field collection of biological samples, and since then SCL staff or affiliates have conducted the field sampling. ÑÇÐǹÙÍø has processed benthic macroinvertebrate samples each year since. Laboratory analysis of benthic macroinvertebrate samples followed Pacific Northwest (PNW) level 2 taxonomic effort level, usually genus or species. Annual macroinvertebrate community data are being accumulated for a full analysis of dam removal impacts once the post-dam removal data collection period is complete.
Crews removing Mill Pond Dam
Boundary Hydroelectric Project from its Vista House
ÑÇÐǹÙÍø conducted a baseline benthic community assessment and post-drilling monitoring study in the Chukchi Sea Lease Area for Shell Exploration and Production. Primary objectives were to analyze benthic communities within the lease area before and after drilling to determine if a measurable impact on the benthos occurred that could be attributable to drilling activities, the level of such impact and its spatial effect on community structure, and the extent and timeline of recovery potential that can be expected at effected locations.
ÑÇÐǹÙÍø scientists were involved in every phase of the community assessment program, including field collection of samples, sample sorting, specimen taxonomy, statistical analysis, final reporting and presentation of results to the client. More than 350 benthic samples were collected for the baseline and post-drilling surveys. In addition to analyzing standard biodiversity measures (taxa richness, abundance, evenness, and diversity), multivariate cluster analyses were performed across samples and sampling events to compare spatial and temporal similarities between communities. A detailed photographic benthic community atlas was also created to catalogue collected species and provide information related to habitat, food preferences and position within the tropic food web.
Additionally, ÑÇÐǹÙÍø conducted a study focused on the evaluation of shipboard discharges for compliance with national discharge guidance following the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for Oil and Gas Exploration Facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska for Shell Exploration and Production.
A series of rapid screening and chronic toxicity tests were conducted with selected discharges collected from remote locations with stringent 72-hour holding time requirements for sample testing. ÑÇÐǹÙÍø scientists helped develop the testing program by selection and implementation of the rapid screening test, and by conducting additional studies to examine sample holding time and renewal frequency of discharge samples prior to the start of compliance testing. In total, over 100 toxicity tests were conducted during the 3-month monitoring season and all regulatory deadlines for report submittal were met. In addition, samples eliciting a toxic response were further investigated using toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) procedures to identify the cause of any observed toxicity. The TIE process identified a particular suite of compounds were likely responsible for the observed toxicity.
ÑÇÐǹÙÍø personnel presented the results of these studies to the client and the regulatory agency responsible for permit compliance. The results of the testing program may help to inform future permit requirements for discharges in the Arctic.
Since the start of the project, ÑÇÐǹÙÍø was retained as a key service provider and member of the project team because of its unique ability to:
· Rapidly adapt to changing requirements.
· Develop and execute innovative process for obtaining environmental data while ensuring reproducibility and maintaining the highest standards of data quality.
Due to the complexity and geographic size of the project, the large number of samples being collected, and short turnaround times for data reporting, ÑÇÐǹÙÍøâ€� role expanded to include sourcing of regional and diverse subject matter experts, subcontracting to and managing coordination between subject matter experts and multiple specialized laboratories. Coordination of personnel and laboratories working in different regions in of the country required detailed and adaptive project management, a high level of interaction, and a strong collaborative approach. ÑÇÐǹÙÍø met this challenge and the company’s involvement in the project resulted in a highly defensible biological and analytical sample data available to trustees, the responsible party, and the public.
Description of Work
ÑÇÐǹÙÍø staff was hired by the Cobalt Development Institute (CDI) to conduct a laboratory study to determine the toxicity of cobalt to sediment dwelling marine amphipods. The laboratory analysis was undertaken because while there is more information available on the overall toxicity of cobalt to freshwater organisms, less is known about the relative toxicity of cobalt to marine organisms. The toxicity of cobalt to marine organisms was investigated by exposing two different behavioral types of marine amphipods to cobalt. These species of amphipods interact with the sediment differently and those behavioral differences may affect how they are exposed to cobalt. One group of amphipods are free burrowing (Rhepoxynius abronius) and the other (Ampelisca abdita) live in tubes. We hypothesized that the tube dwelling amphipods would be less susceptible to cobalt in the porewater and sediment while the free burrowing amphipods would be more susceptible. The toxicity of cobalt to marine organisms was evaluated over the course of two different testing programs conducted in 2013 using direct spiking methods and again in 2016 using indirect spiking methods (Besser et al. 2011). The study also compared the response of amphipods to freshly spiked sediment versus spiked sediment that is aged under anaerobic conditions prior to exposure of amphipods.
]]>Project Duration: 2008 - 2013 and 2017 � 2019
Role: Contract Laboratory
· Phytoplankton Analysis (2008 � 2013 and 2017- Present), 150 � 250 samples per year
· Zooplankton, Benthic, and Eifaunal Invertebrate Analysis (2018 � 2020), 200 samples per year
ÑÇÐǹÙÍø provides taxonomic identification, enumeration, and measurement of phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic, and epifaunal invertebrate samples collected as part of California Department of Water Resources restoration programs. Restoration programs include: Delta Pumping Plant Fish Protection Agreement (also known as the “Four Pumps Agreementâ€�); Fish Restoration Program Agreement (FRPA); Yolo Bypass Habitat Restoration Program; and, Habitat Expansion Agreement.
The Fish Restoration Program is focused on restoring 8,000 acres of tidal habitat in the Delta and Suisun Marsh to benefit Delta Smelt and 800 acres of low salinity habitat to benefit Longfin Smelt. These actions will also provide benefits for Winter-run and Spring-run Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Green Sturgeon, and other native species.
Restoration projects include: Arnold Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration Project; Bradmoor Island Tidal Habitat Restoration Project; Prospect Island Tidal Habitat Restoration Project; Tule Red Tidal Habitat Restoration Project; Winter Island Tidal Habitat Restoration Project; Yolo Flyway Farms Tidal Habitat Restoration Project; and, Wings Landing Tidal Habitat Restoration Project.
]]>Determine fish and invertebrate community composition
Fish, Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Sampling
Boat Electrofishing, Petite Ponar and Hester Dendy
Species Identification, Abundance, Trophic Classification,
Species Richness
ÑÇÐǹÙÍø was contracted by LimnoTech in 2008 to conduct biological inventories of fish and macroinvertebrates at 14 stations within the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS). The objective of this project was to collect and process fish and aquatic macroinvertebrate samples for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. The purpose of sampling was to determine fish and macroinvertebrate community composition and density to facilitate development of habitat, fish, and macroinvertebrate community indices for Chicago Area Rivers.
Fieldwork associated with this project was conducted in July 2008. Sites were sampled for fish using a DC-pulse boat mounted electrofisher. Aquatic macroinvertebrates were sampled using a Ponar. In addition to macroinvertebrate samples ÑÇÐǹÙÍø collected, Hester-Dendy samples retrieved by the client were also analyzed.
ÑÇÐǹÙÍø identified, measured, and weighed all fish collected in the field. Species not readily identifiable in the field were returned to the ÑÇÐǹÙÍø laboratory for identification. Community metrics such as species richness and relative abundance were calculated for each site.
Aquatic macroinvertebrate samples were processed in the ÑÇÐǹÙÍø laboratory. Taxa identifications were done to the lowest level possible, including Chironomidae. A total of 28 samples of both Hester Dendy and Ponar sampling methods were sorted, processed, and identified and community metrics calculated included: species richness (discrete taxon only), relative abundance, number and percent Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera taxa, number and percent Diptera taxa, and number of Chironimodae with head capsule deformities. ÑÇÐǹÙÍø prepared a technical document that included a summary of the results, raw data sheets, field observations, data summary tables, and methodologies used for the project.
]]>Fish, Unionid, and Crayfish Inventories
Data Analysis: IBI and Community Metrics
QHEI and HHEI Habitat Assessments
Large River and Small Stream Ecosystems
The Indiana Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration proposed an Interstate - 69 extension from Indianapolis, Indiana to Interstate 64 near Evansville, Indiana. The extension was portioned into six sections and ÑÇÐǹÙÍø participated as ecological consultants on Sections 2 (Gibson and Pike Counties, Indiana) and 5 (Monroe and Morgan Counties, Indiana). As part of the environmental review for this project, ÑÇÐǹÙÍø surveyed several streams within the construction corridors of Sections 2 and 5 for fish, crayfish, and unionids (freshwater mussels). In addition to the biological aspect of the stream and river surveys, habitat evaluations were also conducted. Biologists participating on this project received additional training by the client in conjunction with Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for habitat assessments. This training supplemented our staffsâ€� already vast experience conducting evaluations using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Rapid Bioassessment Protocol for Non-Wadeable Streams (EPA-RBP), the Department of Agriculturesâ€� Steam Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP), IDEMsâ€� Qualitative and Headwater Habitat Evaluation Indexes (QHEI and HHEI).
ÑÇÐǹÙÍøâ€� primary responsibilities as team members for the proposed I-69 extension project were to characterize the habitat and aquatic communities in rivers and streams within the corridor. Field studies focused on fish unionid (freshwater mussel), and crayfish communities within the project corridor. We additionally provided mitigation options for potential impacts of construction activities to unionid and fish communities, and were the liaison between the client and state and federal resource agencies.
Streams varied in size from headwater to large riverine systems. The fish communities were sampled using backpack, tote barge, and boat electrofishing, and followed state protocols. The Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) for the eastern Corn Belt region of Indiana was used to assess the fish community within streams in the project corridor. Additionally, state listed species such as the eastern sand darter and blue sucker were targeted during surveys. Streams were surveyed for state and federally listed unionid species and the overall community composition. Habitat within each stream and river was also determined and followed the IDEM QHEI and HHEI protocol. Clients received technical documentation and reporting of our findings that included historical information of the study sites (past survey information), methodologies, mapping, and mitigation suggestions.
]]>The Shenandoah National Park has been monitoring streams since 1986 years and ÑÇÐǹÙÍø is the first commercial lab to receive a contract for analyzing the park’s benthic samples. ÑÇÐǹÙÍø has worked closely with biologists and managers to ensure sample processing matches what has been previously done to identify and manage differences between analysts.
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