Water Quality Certification Summary:
Basic Monitoring - 4 Credits
The Basic Monitoring Course will present the participants with field-sampling methodologies. The course will discuss basic concepts of monitoring including purposes and elements of a monitoring program, field equipment and safety considerations. The instruction will be field intensive and participants will be required to take field samples and perform laboratory analysis. Topics of the training include:
The Hydrologic Cycle
Basic Concepts of Monitoring
Designing a Stream Study
Safety Considerations
Basic Field Equipment
EMAP and Periphyton Sampling
Flow Measurement
Collection and Measurement of Chemical and Physical Parameters
Habitat Assessment
Lab Methods
Introduction to Macro-invertebrates
Data Entry/Introductory Data Analysis - 3 Credits
This course will provide participants with a working knowledge of a water quality data analysis software "tool." Participants will be provided methods to analyze chemical data through established database queries. Participants will gain knowledge of reporting statistical analysis and simple graphing features within a working database and how to create links into spreadsheets to create elaborate graphs. Participants will learn how to to import water quality data from EPA standardized spreadsheets and to download data from the STORET database Topics of the training include:
Transferring data from Excel spreadsheets into Access
Loading water chemistry lab results into database
Exercising query functions
Exercising statistics and graphical presentations
Transferring data from Excel spreadsheets into Access
Loading water lab results into database
Customizing and exercising query functions
Customizing and exercising statistics and graphical presentations
Introduction to GPS - 2 Credits
This course will provide the participant with the history and development of GPS technology and areas of application. At the completion of the course the applicant will be competent in the use of hand held GPS units. This course includes lecture and fieldwork. Topics of training include:
How GPS Works
System Components
Configuring Way Points
Equipment Assembly and Setup
Data Collection and Export
Basic Survey Skills - 2 Credits
This course will provide the participant with a working knowledge of surveying procedures and techniques. Participants will get hands on experience working with laser levels, hand levels, Abney levels and Clinometers. This course includes lecture and fieldwork. Topics of training include:
Surveying instruments
Identification/Establishment of Benchmarks
Monumented Stream Cross-Sections
Stream Longitudinal Profiles
Note Keeping
Measurement of Distance, Elevation and Angles
Appropriate Precision
The set-up, Use and Care of Survey Equipment
Field Safety - 2 Credits
This course will provide the participant with skills needed to diagnosis and respond to medical and trauma situations encountered in remote settings. The curriculum focuses on prevention of potential emergencies, leadership, judgment, and decision making. After successfully completing this course, you will receive a two-year CPR certification from the American Heart Association.
Basic First Aid
CPR
Monitoring Design - 3 Credits
This provides the participants with the skills needed to develop a sampling and analysis Plan. Participants will learn about EPA standards and regulations for developing a sampling and analysis plan (SAP). Topics of the training include:
Overview of a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP)
EPA requirements of a SAP
Site Sampling Description
Site Historical Information
Environmental and Human Impacts
Project Data Quality Objectives
Sampling Regimes
Field Methods and Procedures
Analytical Services
Quality Control
Advanced Data Analysis - 3 Credits
This course focuses on graphical and statistical methods of multi-variable data analysis. All course methods will be presented utilizing the statistical software systems. Topics of the training include:
Review of Practical Data Analysis Concepts and Tools
Developing a Hypothesis
Sampling Issues
Model-fitting Criteria: Goodness-of-Fit Methods
Common Limitations of Single Variable Analyses
Estimation of a Variance from its Components
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
ANOVA Terminology and Concepts
Partitioning the Sum of Squares
Multiple Comparisons
Analysis of Means
Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) Design - 3 Credits
This course will provide the participants with the knowledge to minimizes and quantify the errors that may be introduced in the sampling process. The knowledge will also allow the tracking of errors that may occur. The QAPP training includes planning, assessment, reporting and making necessary changes to the water monitoring program to ensure quality data. The procedures defined in the QAPP will outline what is acceptable for monitoring objectives. Topics of the training include:
Standardization of sampling program
Documentation
Replication vs. Duplication
Control Samples
Uniformity of sampling and laboratory methods
Data Sheets
Proper Communication
Cross Checks
Data Analysis and Outliers
Aqueous Chemistry/Microbiology - 3 Credits
This course introduces the participants to the basic fundamentals of water chemistry and microbiology. The couse describes the basic scientific principles behind water pollution and control. It discusses natural conditions and human activities that effect water quality. Topics of the training include:
Dissolved Oxygen
pH (Acid/Base)
Phosphorus
Nitrogen
Temperature
Suspended Solids
Dissolved Solids
E-Coli (Bacteria)
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - 3 Credits
The Introduction of Geographic Information Systems Course will provide participants with fundamental knowledge of the software and equipment used to analyze and manage a watershed. Topics of the training include:
Overview of computer applications in map production, including geographic information system.
Fundamentals of vector and raster geographic information systems.
Introduction to Global Positioning Systems including the use and accuracy of hand held units versus base stations.
Use and evaluation of computer spreadsheets and database applications and modeling for watershed applications.
Introductory Computations - 2 Credits
This course provides an understanding of the skills needed to work with and understand water quality and quantity measurements. Lectures will be interspersed with activities in which participants practice the skills introduced during the lectures. Each participant will have access to a calculator for the practice sessions. Topics of the training include:
Fundamental Water principles
Arithmetic computations in water quantity and quality
Percent and percentile
Units conversion
Significant figures and rounding
Accuracy and precision
Exponents
Advanced Computations & Statistics - 2 Credits
This course provides an understanding of the skills needed to work with and understand water quality and quantity statistical analysis. Lectures will be interspersed with activities in which participants practice the skills introduced during the lectures. Each participant will have access to a calculator and/or computer for the practice sessions. Topics of the training include:
Basic principles of algebra
Basic statistics
Working with computer spreadsheets
Creating and interpreting graphs
Grant Reporting Requirements - 2 Credits
This course provides techniques that ensure EPA grants are being correctly managed and reported. The course will also provide instruction and experience in writing proposals, technical descriptions and instructions, analyses, interpretative and recommendation reports, abstracts, progress reports, business letters, technical articles, and correspondence. Topics of the training include:
Technical and Professional Writing
Successful Grant Applications
Federal Grant Reporting Responsibilities
Applied Fluvial Geomorphology - 4 Credits
This training course is designed to provide an understanding of the natural processes of rives and their impact on the surrounding environment and communities. It will include management programs that protect human health, minimize environmental degradation and are sensitive to Native American cultural values. Topics of the training include:
Channel Types and Morphological Classifications
Stable River Morphology
Channel Stability
Channel Evolution
River Channel and Valley Processes
Data Entry (STORET)/Advanced Data Analysis - 2 Credits
This course provides the skills needed to report water quality data in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) data management system, STORET. The participants will learn how to input raw biological, chemical, and physical data on surface and ground water collected by water quality specialists into the STORET system. Topics of the training include:
The Development and Use of STORET
The STORET Database Description
STORET Architecture
Transmitting Tribal Data into STORET
305(b) Report Writing - Form & Function - 2 Credits
This course provides an understanding of the skills needed to manage, interpret, report, and present water quality data in formats required by the Clean Water Act. Participants will be instructed on techniques that ensure tribal data are scientifically sound and legally defensible. Topics of the training include:
The Clean Water Act 305(b) Process
Report Contents
Reporting Formats for 305(b) Assessments
Spatial Data Analysis - 3 Credits
Spatial Data Analysis combines Geographic Information System (GIS) computer technology, geographic theory and Global Positioning System (GPS) in an effort to develop, maintain and analyze spatially referenced data. The use of spatial location as a common information reference system is the most logical and efficient way to manage a watershed database. This course will provide the participant with a working knowledge of GIS. Topics of the training include:
The use of ARCView, a desktop GIS program and its application including hot linking, tabular management, data presentation and cartography. Spatial analysis and geocoding are introduced.
Application of computer-assisted drafting programs, such as AutoCAD, for choropleth, planimetric, topographic, and site-plan mapping.
Use of GIS in natural resources; input. storage, structure, errors, analysis and modeling of spatial data.
Statistical methods related to the specific problems of geographic data distributed in two and three dimensions.
Basic photogrammetric principles; uses of aerial photographs to identify and map vegetation, physiography, and cultural features.
Water Quality Standards - Design & Implementation - 3 Credits
This course provides the techniques necessary for tribes to develop water quality standards based on designated uses and cultural values. Water quality standards are the foundation of any water assessment program. Topics of the training include:
Designated Uses
Water Quality Criteria
Anti-degradation
Triennial Reviews
Impaired Waters (303(d)) List
TMDL Development - 3 Credits
This course will provide an understanding of available under the Clean Water Act to assure all waters meet their designated uses. Participants will be instructed on techniques that ensure tribal data are scientifically sound and legally defensible. Topics of the training include:
Impaired Waters (303(d)) List
Compiling an Impaired Waters (303(d)) List
What water bodies must be placed on the Impaired Waters (303(d)) List
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL)
Developing a TMDL
Implementation of a TMDL
Best Management Practices (BMP's)
Stream Restoration & Design Principals - 4 Credits
This training course will provide implementation techniques to minimize erosion, river migration and flooding. Techniques are based on natural river tendencies and hydraulics. Topics of the training include:
River Engineering and Management
Channel, Floodplain and Drainage Basins
Channel Types and Morphological Classifications
River Flow Hydraulics
Sediment Erosion, Transport and Deposition
Bank Erosion and Instability
Sediment Transport
Predictions of Morphological Changes
River Dynamics and Channel Maintenance
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