Visual stream survey / Georgia Adopt-A-Stream staff

GEORGIA
Adopt-A-Stream
Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division Spring 2002
Visual Stream Survey
The publication of this document was supported by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and was financed in part through a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the provisions of Section 319(h) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended at a cost of $2.00 per manual. 5/24/02

2

Georgia Adopt-A-Stream 4220 International Parkway, Suite 101
Atlanta, Georgia 30354 (404) 675-1639 or 1636 www.riversalive.org/aas.htm
3

Acknowledgements
This manual draws on the experience of many wonderful citizen monitoring, stewardship and education programs. Representatives from every region of the state provided support; however, some individuals are singled out for their special contributions. Georgia Adopt-A-Stream gratefully acknowledges the following organizations for their advice and use of materials: Special Contributions: Environmental Protection Division, Natural Resources Conservation Service North Georgia Piedmont Region Fulton County Adopt-A-Stream, DeKalb County Adopt-A-Stream, Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Peavine Watershed Alliance, North Georgia College and State University Central South Georgia Region Jones Ecological Research Center, International Paper, Columbus State University, Georgia Southwestern State University, Valdosta State University, Georgia College Coastal Georgia Region Savannah State University, Chatham / Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission, EPD Coastal District Writers/Editors Georgia Adopt-A-Stream staff Some of the material in this manual was taken from the following documents: Stream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes and Practices The Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group, October 1998 http://www.usda.gov/stream_restoration/ Volunteer Stream Monitoring: A Methods Manual EPA 841-B-97-003 Protecting Community Streams: A Guidebook For Local Governments In Georgia Prepared by the Atlanta Regional Commission for Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Spring 1993. Stream Visual Assessment Protocol, National Water and Climate Center Technical Note 99-1, USDA NRCS
4

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................... 4 Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ 5 Water Quality in Georgia ................................................................................................. 7 Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Abstract................................................................................... 9 Resources Available from Georgia Adopt-A-Stream ..................................................... 10 Chapter 1. Introduction to Stream and Rivers ............................................................... 11
The Living Stream Environment ......................................................................... 11 The River System ............................................................................................... 15 What is Stream Flow? ........................................................................................ 16 The River Continuum Concept ........................................................................... 16 Chapter 2. Visual Survey Forms ................................................................................... 19 Chapter 3. Directions for Completing Visual Survey Forms ......................................... 33 General Monitoring Information ......................................................................... 33 In-Stream Characteristics .................................................................................. 34 Measuring Channel Cross Section ..................................................................... 37 Wentworth Pebble Count Technique .................................................................. 41 Visual Biological Survey ..................................................................................... 44 Sample Sketch of Monitoring Site....................................................................... 45 Sample Forms .................................................................................................... 47 Index A ......................................................................................................................... 59 Evaluation of Stream Conditions ....................................................................... 61 Selecting Bankfull Stage .................................................................................... 65 Bank Erosion Pins .............................................................................................. 67 Glossary of Stream-Related Terms ................................................................... 69
5

6

Water Quality in Georgia
The key issues and challenges to protect water quality include (1) the control of toxic substances, (2) the reduction of nonpoint source pollution, (3) the need to increase public involvement in water quality improvement projects, and (4) the continued implementation of a comprehensive groundwater management plan. The implementation of the River Basin Management Planning Program in Georgia provides the framework for addressing each of these key issues.
The reduction of toxic substances in rivers, lakes, sediment, and fish tissue is extremely important in protecting both human health and aquatic life. The sources are widespread. The most effective method to reduce toxic releases into rivers is pollution prevention, which consists primarily of eliminating or reducing the use of toxic materials or at least reducing the exposure of toxic materials to drinking water, wastewater and stormwater. It is very expensive and difficult to reduce low concentrations of toxins in wastewaters by treatment technologies. It is virtually impossible to treat large quantities of stormwater for toxin reductions. Therefore, toxic substances must be controlled at the source.
The pollution impact on Georgia streams has radically shifted over the last two decades. Streams are no longer dominated by untreated or partially treated sewage discharges which resulted in little or no oxygen and little or no aquatic life. The sewage is now treated, oxygen levels have returned, and fish have followed. However, another source of pollution is now affecting Georgia streams. That source is referred to as nonpoint and consists of silt, litter, bacteria, pesticides, fertilizers, metals, oils, detergents and a variety of other pollutants being washed into rivers and lakes by stormwater. This form of pollution, although somewhat less dramatic than raw sewage, must be reduced and controlled to fully protect Georgia's streams. As with toxic substance control, nonstructural techniques such as pollution prevention and best-management practices must be significantly expanded. These include both watershed protection through planning, zoning, buffer zones, and appropriate building densities, and increased use of stormwater retention ponds, street cleaning and perhaps eventual limitations on pesticide and fertilizer usage.
7

It is clear that local governments and industries, even with well-funded efforts, cannot fully address the challenges of toxins and nonpoint source pollution control. Citizens must individually and collectively be part of the solution to these challenges. The main focus is to achieve full public acceptance of the fact that some of everything put on the ground or street ends up in a stream. Individuals are littering, driving cars which drip oils and antifreeze, applying fertilizers and pesticides, and participating in a variety of other activities contributing to toxic and nonpoint source pollution. If streams and lakes are to be pollutant-free, then some of the everyday human practices must be modified. The GA EPD will be emphasizing public involvement not only in decision-making but also in direct programs of stream improvement. The first steps are education and Adopt-A-Stream programs. The foundation or framework of the GAEPD will be to integrate this work in the River Basin Management Program.

The most significant future groundwater issues in Georgia will be management of the resource to further reduce saltwater contamination of coastal drinking water aquifers, development of a strategy for dealing with nonpoint sources of nitrates, and completed implementation of the Recharge Areas and Wellhead Protection Plans.

* Taken From Water Quality In Georgia, 1998-1999, Chapter 1, Executive Summary

Water Resources Atlas

State Population State Surface Area Number of Major River Basins Number of Perennial River Miles Number of Intermittent River Miles Number of Ditches and Canals Total River Miles Number of Lakes Over 500 Acres Acres of Lakes Over 500 Acres Number of Lakes Under 500 Acres Acres of Lakes Under 500 Acres Total Number of Lakes & Reservoirs, Ponds Total Acreage of Lakes, Reservoirs, Ponds Square Miles of Estuaries Miles of Coastline Acres of Freshwater Wetlands Acres of Tidal Wetlands

7,000,000 59,441 square miles 14 44,056 miles 23,906 miles 603 miles 70,150 miles 48 265,365 acres 11,765 160,017 acres 11,813 425,382 acres 854 square miles 100 4,500,000 acres 384,000 acres

8

Georgia Adopt-A-Stream
Georgia Adopt-A-Stream (AAS) is housed in the NonPoint Source Program in the Water Protection Branch of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. The program is funded by a Section 319(h) Grant. The goals of Georgia Adopt-A-Stream are to (1) increase public awareness of the State's nonpoint source pollution and water quality issues, (2) provide citizens with the tools and training to evaluate and protect their local waterways, (3) encourage partnerships between citizens and their local government, and (4) collect quality baseline water quality data.
To accomplish these goals, Georgia Adopt-A-Stream encourages individuals and communities to monitor and/or improve sections of streams, wetlands, lakes or estuaries. Manuals, training, and technical support are provided through Georgia EPD, 5 Adopt-A-Stream Regional Training Centers and more than 40 established Community/Watershed Adopt-A-Stream organizers. The Adopt-A-Stream and Wetland Regional Training Centers are located at State Universities in Columbus, Milledgeville, Americus, Valdosta and Savannah. These centers play a key role in providing training, technical support and organizational support to citizens throughout Georgia.
There are more than 40 Community/Watershed Programs that organize Adopt-AStream groups in their watershed, county or city. These local Adopt-A-Stream programs are funded by counties, cities and nonprofit organizations and use the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream model, manuals and workshops to promote nonpoint source pollution education and data collection in their area. The State office works closely with these programs to ensure that volunteers are receiving appropriate support and training.
The Adopt-A-Stream program offers different levels of involvement. At the most basic level, a new group informs their local government about their activities and creates partnerships with local schools, businesses and government agencies. A watershed survey and 4 visual surveys are conducted within a year's time. Volunteers create a "Who To Call List" so that if something unusual is sighted, the appropriate agencies can be notified. Getting To Know Your Watershed and Visual Stream Survey manuals provide guidance in these activities.
If volunteers wish to learn more about their adopted body of water, they are encouraged to conduct biological or chemical monitoring. The Biological and Chemical Stream Monitoring manual guides volunteers through the monitoring process. Free workshops
9

are also provided at regular intervals in the Atlanta region and as needed in other areas of the State. These workshops are listed in our bimonthly newsletter. Volunteers can monitor their waterways without attending a workshop, but those who attend and pass a QA/QC test will then be considered quality data collectors under the Georgia Adopt-AStream Quality Assurance Plan. QA/QC data is posted on the Adopt-A-Stream database.
The title "Adopt-A-Stream" is a little misleading since the program provides manuals and training for lake and wetland monitoring also. The Wetland Monitoring manual and workshops highlight wetland values and functions and guide volunteers through the monitoring of soils, vegetation and hydrology. The Adopt-A-Lake program is a collaborative effort between Georgia Adopt-A-Stream and Georgia Lake Society. The Georgia Lake Society provides training workshops and technical advice throughout the state. A Teacher's Guide is also offered. This guide helps teachers put Adopt-AStream activities into a lesson plan format.
In September of 2000, a statewide network of government and non-government groups formed an organization to provide access to technical information and assistance to citizens interested in preserving and restoring the banks and vegetation along their waterways. This network, called Corridors: Citizen Riparian Network, will assist local governments educate citizens about the importance of protecting riparian corridors and provide landowners with the information they need to restore the riparian zone on their property to reduce erosion, improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat with native plantings. More information can be found at www.gabuffers.org.
*As of August 1, 2001, Georgia Adopt-A-Stream has more than 10,000 volunteers with 200 active groups collecting data in Georgia.
Resources Available from Georgia Adopt-A-Stream
Website at www.riversalive.org/aas.htm Getting To Know Your Watershed Manual Visual Stream Survey Manual Biological and Chemical Stream Monitoring Manual Adopt-A-Wetland Manual Adopt-A-Lake Manual Adopt-A-Stream Teacher's Guide Georgia Adopt-A-Stream: It All Begins With You video Watershed Walk video Building A Watershed Alliance video Getting Started: Watershed Survey and Map Assessment workshops Biological Monitoring workshops Chemical Monitoring workshops Train The Trainer workshops You Are The Solution To Water Pollution Posters and Brochures Database Newsletter Technical and logistical support for volunteers and communities
10

1 Chapter
INTRODUCTION TO STREAMS AND RIVERS
The Living Stream Environment The River System What is Stream Flow, and why is It Important? The River Continuum Concept
The Living Stream Environment
A healthy stream is a busy place. Wildlife and birds find shelter and food near and in its waters. Vegetation grows along its banks, shading the stream, slowing its flow in rainstorms, filtering pollutants before they enter the stream, and sheltering animals. Within the stream itself are fish and a myriad of insects and other tiny creatures with very particular needs. For example, stream dwellers need dissolved oxygen to breathe, rocks, overhanging tree limbs, logs, and roots for shelter, vegetation and other tiny animals to eat, and special places to breed and hatch their young. For many of these activities, they might also need water of specific velocity, depth, and temperature. Human activities shape and alter many of these stream characteristics. We dam up, straighten, divert, dredge, and discharge into streams. We build roads, parking lots, homes, offices, golf courses, and factories in the watershed. We farm, mine, cut down trees, and graze our livestock in and along stream edges. We also swim, fish, and canoe in streams. Volunteers should be aware that the surrounding land affects stream habitat.
11

Figure 1.1 Components of a stream and the surrounding land
These activities can dramatically affect the many components of the living stream environment (Figure 1.1). These components include:
The adjacent watershed includes the higher ground that captures runoff and drains to the stream. The floodplain is the low area of land that surrounds a stream and holds the overflow of water during a flood (Figure 1.2). The riparian zone (buffer) is the area of natural vegetation extending outward from the edge of the streambank. The riparian zone acts as a buffer to pollutants entering a stream from runoff, controls erosion, and provides stream habitat and nutrient input into the stream. A healthy stream system generally has a healthy riparian zone. Reductions and impairment of riparian zones occur when roads, parking lots, fields, lawns and other artificially cultivated areas, bare soil, rocks, or buildings are near the streambank. The streamside cover includes any overhanging vegetation that offers protection and shading for the stream and its aquatic inhabitants.
12

The bankfull line is defined as the line on the stream bank marking the normal maximum water flow level before excess water spills into the riparian or floodplain. The bankfull discharge is expected to occur every 1.5 years on average (Figure 1.2).
Figure 1.2 Components of the floodplain and bankfull
The stream bank includes both an upper bank and a lower bank. The lower bank normally begins at the normal water line and runs to the bottom of the stream. The upper bank extends from the break in the normal slope of the surrounding land to the normal high water line. Stream vegetation includes emergent, submergent, and floating plants. Emergent plants include plants with true stems, roots, and leaves with most of their vegetative parts above the water. Submergent plants also include some of the same types of plants, but they are completely immersed in water. Floating plants (e.g., duckweed, algae mats) are detached from any substrate and are therefore drifting in the water. The channel of the stream is the width of the stream at bankfull discharge. Pools are distinct habitats within the stream where the velocity of the water is reduced and the depth of the water is greater than that of most other stream areas (Fig. 1.3). A pool usually has soft bottom sediments. Riffles are shallow, turbulent, swiftly flowing stretches of water that flow over partially or totally submerged rocks. This is where you can hear the sound of the water moving.
13

Runs or glides are sections of the stream with a relatively low velocity that flow gently and smoothly with little or no turbulence at the surface of the water. The substrate is the material that makes up the streambed, such as clay, cobbles, or boulders.
Figure 1.3. Components of the River System Whether streams are active, fast moving, shady, cold, and clear, or deep, slow moving, muddy, and warm--or something in between--they are shaped by the land they flow through and by what we do to that land. For example, vegetation in the stream's riparian zone protects and serves as a buffer for the stream's streamside cover, which in turn shades and enriches (by dropping leaves and other organic material) the water in the stream channel. Furthermore, the riparian zone helps maintain the stability of the streambank by binding soils through root systems. This helps control erosion and prevents excessive siltation of the stream's substrate. If human activities begin to degrade the stream's riparian zone, each of these stream components--and the aquatic insects, fish, and plants that inhabit them--also begins to degrade. The Biological Monitoring Manual includes methods that volunteers can use to assess the stream's living environment-- specifically, the insects that live in the stream and the physical components of the stream (the habitats) that support them.
14

The River System

Stream scientist categorize streams based on the balance and timing of the storm water runoff and baseflow components. There are three main categories:

Ephemeral streams flow only during or immediately after periods of precipitation. They generally flow less than 30 days out of the year and persist as dry riverbeds throughout most of the year.

Intermittent streams flow only during certain times of year. Seasonal flow in an intermittent stream usually last longer than 30 days per year.

Perennial streams flow continuously during both wet and dry times. Base flow is generally generated from the movement of ground water into the channel.

As streams flow downhill and meet other streams in the watershed, a branching network is formed (Fig. 1.4). When observed from the air this network resembles a tree. The trunk of the tree is represented by the largest river that flows into the ocean or Gulf of Mexico. The "tipmost" branches are the headwater streams. This network of flowing water from the headwater streams to the mouth of the largest river is called the river system. Water resource professionals have developed a simple method of categorizing the streams in the river system. Streams that have no tributaries flowing into them are called firstorder streams. Streams that receive only firstorder streams are called second-order streams. When two second-order streams meet, the combined flow becomes a thirdorder stream, and so on.

Figure 1.4 River system orders

15

What is Stream Flow and why is It Important?
Stream flow, or discharge, is the volume of water that moves over a designated point over a fixed period of time. It is often expressed as cubic feet per second (cfs).
The flow of a stream is directly related to the amount of water moving off the watershed into the stream channel. It is affected by weather, increasing during rainstorms and decreasing during dry periods. It also changes during different seasons of the year, decreasing during the summer months when evaporation rates are high and shoreline vegetation is actively growing and removing water from the ground. August and September are usually the months of lowest flow for most streams and rivers in most of the country.
Water withdrawals for irrigation purposes can seriously deplete water flow, as can industrial water withdrawals. Dams used for electric power generation, particularly facilities designed to produce power during periods of peak need, often block the flow of a stream and later release it in a surge.
Flow is a function of water volume and velocity. It is important because of its impact on water quality and on the living organisms and habitats in the stream. Large, swiftly flowing rivers can receive pollution discharges and be little affected, whereas small streams have less capacity to dilute and degrade wastes.
Stream velocity, which increases as the volume of the water in the stream increases, determines the kinds of organisms that can live in the stream (some need fast-flowing areas, others need quiet pools). It also affects the amount of silt and sediment carried by the stream. Sediment introduced to quiet, slow-flowing streams will settle quickly to the stream bottom. Fast moving streams will keep sediment suspended longer in the water column. Lastly, fast-moving streams generally have higher levels of dissolved oxygen than slow streams because they are better aerated.
The River Continuum Concept
Imagine a small stream in the north Georgia mountains. Ideally this headwater stream (first or second order) would be characterized by many small riffles interspersed with pools of cool water with extensive shade and cover provided by tree canopy. Generally these streams are so small they possess few or no fish. Throughout the year, and especially in the fall, leaves and other organic debris are swept overland into the stream. Aquatic microbes and macroinvertebrates consume this organic matter in much the same way worms break down yard waste in a backyard compost pile. Shredders and collectors--names given to organisms that possess adaptations for shredding intact organic matter and collecting detritus--are the primary aquatic macroinvertebrates that inhabit these headwater streams (Figure 1.5).
As we progress downstream, the river becomes broader and canopy cover is reduced. The water temperature also increases. These third, fourth and fifth order streams are progressively influenced less and less by the surrounding land. The
16

aquatic populations of fish and macroinvertebrates likewise change. Collectors slowly predominate while cold-water fish like trout and smallmouth bass give way to perch and ultimately catfish. This progressive change in the physical characteristics and biological communities in a river is called the River Continuum Concept. The River Continuum Concept is an attempt to generalize changes in a stream as it progresses in size from a first order to second, fifth and larger order streams (Figure 1.5). This conceptual model not only helps to identify connections between the watershed, floodplain, and stream systems, but also describes the way in which biological communities develop and change from the headwaters to the mouth. The River Continuum Concept can place a site or reach in context within a larger watershed or landscape and thus help individuals define and focus monitoring and restoration goals.
Figure 1.5 Model of the River Continuum Concept 17

18

2 Chapter
FORMS
Visual Survey Form
19

20

GEORGIA ADOPT-A-STREAM
Visual Survey Forms
to be conducted every 3 months

Return to: GA AAS 4220 International Parkway Suite 101 Atlanta, GA 30354

AAS group name: Group ID number
Site ID number Investigators: Stream name

AAS-G AAS-S

Date:

Site/location description:

Time:

County: Topo Map Quadrant:
Picture/Photo documentation? yes / no

Rain in last 24 hours

heavy rain

steady rain

intermittent rain none

Amount of rain, if known?

Present conditions

heavy rain

steady rain

overcast

partly cloudy

Inches in last

hours/days

intermittent rain clear/sunny

I. IN-STREAM CHARACTERISTICS

1. Stream reach: The total distance upstream to downstream of your monitoring point from which you will be collecting your data. The stream reach is 12 times your stream width, bankfull to bankfull.

bankfull width

ft. x 12 = stream reach

ft.

2. Water flow: Present conditions: in channel flooding over banks

dry / no flow / pooling

Number of pools

Number of riffles

Number runs

.

3. Flow rate: where Flow = Area X Speed X coefficient (Turn for stream flow calculating form.)

21

CALCULATING STREAM FLOW Flow = Area X Speed X Coefficient

CALCULATE AREA Area = depth x width it is advisable to take multiple depth and width measurements always start at the waters edge with a first measurement of zero all data should be recorded in feet, with inches replaced by increments of 10

depth

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. 8.

sum

measurements

0 ft

average depth

=

sum of depth measurements number of measurements

width

1.

2.

sum

measurements

average width

=

sum of width measurements number of measurements

Area

= width X depth

CALCULATE SPEED-measure the time it takes a float to travel a desired distance

it is advisable to take at least 2 measurements of current speed

take measurements from the stream run

length in

feet 20 feet is

recommended

time in

1.

2.

3.

4.

sum

seconds

average time

=

sum of time measurements number of measurements

Speed

=

length in feet average time in seconds

CALCULATE STREAM FLOW

Flow

cfs =

Area X

Speed X

Coefficient

Flow in cubic feet per second

.9 coefficient for muddy bottom stream .8 coefficient for rocky bottom stream

Turn to page 34 for further instructions on measuring stream flow.

22

Optional
Measure channel cross-section: Drawing a stream cross section allows you to observe/track changes in your stream channel shape. Forms are found on the last page of this section. Please turn to page 37 for complete instructions on measuring channel cross-section

4. Tidal range: (complete only if site is affected by tide)

Is waterway influenced by tides? Yes No If yes, when? __________

If tidally influenced:

Tide was: Tide was:

Rising High

Falling

Mid-range

Low

5. Embeddedness: Pick the category that best describes the extent to which gravel, cobbles, and boulders on the stream bottom are embedded (sunk) in silt, or mud. Observations should be conducted from the riffle section of your stream as opposed to run or pool areas. Only complete if applicable to your stream.

somewhat/not embedded (0 - 25%)

mostly embedded (75%)

halfway embedded (50%)

completely embedded (100%)

Optional
Pebble count: This is an easy way to determine the percentage of silt, sand, gravel, rocks and boulders on your streambed. Please turn to page 41 for forms and complete directions.

6. Presence of naturally occurring organic material in stream: (Good habitat for aquatic organisms)

Logs or large woody debris: Leaves, twigs, root mats, etc.:

none none

occasional occasional

plentiful plentiful

7. Water odor:
natural/none sewage rotten egg other

8. Water surface:

gasoline chlorine chemical

clear

natural oily sheen

foamy

other

oily sheen (petroleum product)

23

9. Water clarity: check all that apply (determine by viewing sample water in a clear container)

turbid - suspended matter in water sediment blue/green algae other

tannic - clear water that is naturally stained orange/brownish due to organic acids in water

no staining / no suspended matter

other (i.e. chemical discharge, dyes)

Notes: __________________

10. Bank erosion:

How vegetated is the left bank, looking down stream, for the length of your reach (circle a percentage)?

Vegetated banks

Bare/eroded banks

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0

What are the visual indicators you used to assess the percentage above (check all that apply)?

exposed soil

obvious loss of soil

steep slopes (banks are U shaped)

exposed roots

soil covered with vegetation gentle slopes no exposed roots

How vegetated is the right bank, looking down stream, for the length of your reach (circle a percentage)?

Vegetated banks

Bare/eroded banks

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0

What are the visual indicators you used to assess the percentage above (check all that apply)?

exposed soil

obvious loss of soil

steep slopes (banks are U shaped)

exposed roots

soil covered with vegetation gentle slopes no exposed roots

11. Additional comments/observations:

24

II. VISUAL BIOLOGICAL SURVEY
1. Wildlife in or around the stream:
amphibians waterfowl reptiles mammals mussels/clams/oysters crustaceans

2. Fish in the stream: (Check all that apply)

no

yes, but rare

yes abundant

small (1-2")

medium (3-6")

large (7" and above)

Are there barriers to fish movement?

none

beaver dams

waterfalls > 1ft

dams

road barriers

other

:

3. Aquatic plants in the stream: (Check all that apply)

none

attached plants

stream margin/edge

occasional

plentiful

free-floating plants

stream margin/edge

occasional

plentiful

pools pools

near riffle near riffle

4. Extent of algae in the stream: Are the submerged stones, twigs, or other material in

the stream coated with a layer of algae? (Check all that apply)

none

brownish:

light coating

heavy coating

occasional

plentiful

greenish:

light coating

heavy coating

occasional

plentiful

other

:

light coating

heavy coating

occasional

plentiful

Are there any filamentous (string-like) algae?

none occasional

brownish

greenish

other

:

plentiful

Are any detached "clumps" or "mats" of algae floating on the water's surface?

none occasional plentiful

brownish

greenish

other

:

25

5. Stream shade cover: How well is the water surface shaded by vegetation?

Looking down stream:

Total shading

No shading

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0

6: Additional comments/observations:

26

III. SKETCH OF MONITORING SITE / STREAM REACH
On the back of this page, or on a separate page, note the physical features of the stream reach, such as: riffles, pools, runs, streambanks (bare or eroded), changes to stream shape (rip-rap, gabions, cemented banks), vegetation, stream flow obstructions (dams, pipes, culverts), outfalls, tributaries, landscape features, paths, bridges, and roads. As accurately as possible, identify the location of channel cross-section measurements and provide exact location of stream reach (e.g. Cricket Creek stream reach begins 57 feet north of Cormorant Bridge.) Include comments such as changes or potential problems, e.g. spills, new construction, type of discharging pipes, etc. An example sketch is provided in the directions on page 46.
27

28

Stream Channel Cross-section Measurement Data

AAS group name: Group ID number
Site ID Number Investigators: Stream name

AAS-G AAS-S

Date:

Time:

Latitude:

Longitude:

County: Topo Map Quadrant:

Picture/Photo Documentation? yes / no

photo included

with labels

Rain in last 24 hours

heavy rain

steady rain

intermittent rain none

Amount of rain, if known?

Present conditions

heavy rain

steady rain

overcast

partly cloudy

Inches in last

hours/days

intermittent rain clear/sunny

CROSS-SECTION

Distance from Measurement

LEFT Pin

Depth

Point Ft.

Ft.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Comments

CROSS-SECTION

Distance from Measurement

LEFT Pin

Depth

Point Ft.

Ft.

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

Comments

Measurements are always taken from the left stream bank, looking downstream. Depth measurements are taken every two feet and in sections where there is a notable change. Be sure to note left and right bankfull, water edge, and sand bars.

29

30

Graph Paper for Stream Channel Cross-section Measurements
D E P T H

Left (looking downstream)

WIDTH 31

Right

32

3 Chapter
DIRECTIONS FOR COMPLETING VISUAL SURVEY FORMS
General Monitoring Information In-Stream Characteristics Visual Biological Survey Sketch of Monitoring Site Sample Forms
General Monitoring Information
This chapter directs the volunteer step by step through the process of completing the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Visual Survey forms. Before you get started, pull your visual survey forms out and photocopy them so that you have extra blank forms to work with in the future.
AAS group name: Choosing a group name is covered in our introductory manual, Getting to Know Your Watershed, and should have been completed in your registration. Be consistent! Use the same name each time.
Group ID number: This is the ID# provided to you by the State AAS office after you register your group. It will be in the format AAS-G-###.
Site ID number: You should have registered each of your monitoring sites. When you do this, the State office will send you your site number, in the format AAS-S-###. This site number allows the State to identify the exact location of your monitoring site.
Investigators: Please list all individuals who assisted in filling out the forms. If there are too many to list, list several, beginning with any and all QA/QC-certified individuals, and please include the total number of investigators.
Stream name: This information should be on your registration form.
County: Please include the county where the survey was conducted.
Topo map quadrant: Please include the topo map quadrant from your registration form.
Date: The time of year you conduct your survey is very important. Vegetative cover and
33

stream flow depth will vary with the seasons. It's best to conduct your visual survey quarterly, during each season.
Time: Document the time of day. Try to be consistent and go out at about the same time each time you monitor.
Picture/photo documentation? Yes/No: Photo documentation can serve as a useful and powerful tool for documenting changes and developments in your adopted watershed. Make double prints and include a copy in your survey. AAS might include your photos in our newsletter or on our web page. We will also file your photos for comparison with future and past documentation of the watershed/stream segment. Please label all photos to reduce potential confusion in cataloging photos.
Description of site location: Briefly describe the location of your monitoring site, for example, by giving the names of nearby road crossings or of a park through which the stream flows.
Weather Conditions: Please document the weather conditions that most accurately correspond with the options provided. Sometimes this information can be obtained from local agencies. Often, an accurate rain gauge is all you'll need.
The present weather conditions can dramatically affect the results of your Visual Survey. Conducting surveys immediately after heavy or sometimes even light rain can result in altered stream flow conditions (reduction or increase in riffle numbers), clearing or deposition of organic debris, appearance of unusual odors, oils, or foam, and changes in water clarity.
I. IN-STREAM CHARACTERISTICS
1. Stream reach: A reach is a representative length of your stream. The length of your reach should be 12 times the active channel width, which is the width of your stream at bankfull discharge. Bankfull discharge is defined as the maximum stream flow possible before the stream begins to move onto its flood plain (Figure 1.2, page 13). In the Coastal Plain, streams and rivers often flood during the wet season. You may have to wait until the dry season to clearly see the bankfull mark. Additional information on identifying bankfull can be found in Index A.
2. Water flow: Note the present conditions of flow. Then identify the number of pools, riffles and runs within the reach. Definitions of these are on page 13 and 14.
34

3. Flow rate: Stream flow, or discharge, is the volume of water that moves over a designated point in a fixed period of time. It is often expressed as cubic feet per second (cfs). To determine your stream flow rate, you can use data from measurements you obtained when measuring your channel cross-section or follow these directions.
Materials Tape measure (in feet, with inches replaced by increments of 10) Waterproof yardstick or other implement to measure water depth (in feet, with inches replaced by increments of 10) An orange or other flotation device, and a fishing net to scoop the float out of the stream Stopwatch (or watch with a second hand) Calculator
Procedure
All data should be recorded in feet, with inches replaced by increments of 10.
1. AREA Calculate the area of a cross section of your stream in square feet. Area depth x width. To do this, determine the average depth of your stream (Figure 3.1). Multiple depth measurements should be taken, starting at the water's edge and in the stream substrate. Now run the tape measure across your stream (from water's edge to water's edge). Measure the width of the flowing stream at two locations. Multiply the width and depth of your stream to get area in square feet.

AREA = Depth x Width

Figure 3.1 Calculating stream area

2. SPEED Calculate the speed with which your stream is flowing in feet per second (ft/sec). Starting from the point where the stream area measurements were taken, mark off a 20-foot section downstream (Figure 3.2). Use a stopwatch to time how many seconds it takes for an orange (or some other object) to float the 20-foot distance. An orange is a good object to use because it has enough buoyancy to float just below the water surface. It is at this position that maximum velocity typically occurs.
The volunteer who lets the orange go at the upstream transect should position it so that it flows into the fastest current. This "time of travel" measurement should be conducted at least three times and the results averaged the more trials you do, the more accurate your results
35

will be. Discard any float trials in which the object gets hung up in the stream (by cobbles, roots, debris, etc.). After obtaining the average time, divide the distance in feet by the number of seconds it took the orange to travel that distance. This is the speed in feet per second.
SPEED = 20 ft / # seconds

COEFFICIENT Scientists have determined a coefficient or correction

Figure 3.2 Calculating time between transects

factor for muddy bottom and rocky

bottom streams. This allows you to correct for the fact that water at the surface travels faster

than near the stream bottom due to resistance from gravel, cobble, etc. Multiplying the

surface velocity by a correction coefficient decreases the value and gives a better measure of

the stream's overall velocity. The coefficient or correction factor is 0.8 for rocky-bottom

streams or 0.9 for muddy-bottom streams.

COEFFICIENT = 0.8 for rocky-bottom streams

COEFFICIENT = 0.9 for muddy-bottom streams

4. FLOW To determine flow rate, multiply your stream area and your stream speed. Then multiply that answer by 0.8 or 0.9, depending on whether you have a rocky or muddy bottom stream.
FLOW = AREA X SPEED X COEFFICIENT

For those who are interested, the flow equation is:
FLOW = ALC / T
Where: A = Average cross-sectional area of the stream in feet (average stream width multiplied by average water depth). L = Length of the stream reach measured (usually 20 ft.) C = A coefficient or correction factor (0.8 for rocky-bottom streams or 0.9 for muddy-bottom streams). T = Time, in seconds, for the float to travel the length of L

36

Optional: Measuring channel cross-section Measuring your stream channel cross-section is a simple and easy method of documenting changes in your stream channel shape, or stream profile.
Figure 3.3. Preparing to measure channel cross section
This involves stretching a tape across the stream and taking measurements of the stream channel and banks. Twenty to thirty depth measurements are recommended to accurately portray most streams, with more measurements needed for broad or structurally complex sites (such as stream channels with islands in the middle). Measure all significant changes that occur across the channel, with an emphasis on elevation and structural changes. All measurements are taken from the left bank, when facing downstream. All data should be recorded in feet, with inches replaced by increments of 10. Materials
100-foot measuring tape (or longer, depending on your stream) 8- to 10-foot measuring stick in increments of feet and tenths (you can construct one
from materials available at the hardware store) Thick twine (preferably non-stretch builders' quality) Line level 2- to 3-foot lengths of rebar, nails, and hammer (for first measurement) Clips or vise grips to fix tape to rebar or nails. Stream Channel Cross-section Measurement Data form and graph paper Pencil
37

Procedure
A. Locate a representative section of your stream. Make sure there are no stream hazards--think safety first! Ideally, your site will have some permanent marker that will help you identify it in the future, e.g. a large tree, concrete structure, etc. If a permanent marker is not available, use rebar to mark the endpoints on each bank or hammer a nail in a large tree. The end points should be set back from your stream, behind the bankfull stage on either side (Figure 3.4).

Figure 3.4 Cross-section measurements should begin in the flood plain.

B. Stretch your twine between your permanent markers. Using the line level, make sure the twine is perfectly level. If the twine is not level, your vertical measurements (elevation) will not be accurate. Stretch the measuring tape between both endpoints directly beside your twine. Attach the zero end of the tape to the left permanent marker (when looking downstream). Stretch the tape tight and level above the water. You will be taking vertical measurements from the stream substrate to the twine and horizontal measurements along the measuring tape.
38

Figure 3.5 Eying line level to ensure accurate measurements

C. Starting with the left endpoint at zero, measure horizontal distance along the measuring tape every 1 or 2 feet and at each change in each important feature (Figure 3.6). Always measure the bankfull stage, edge of water, deepest point, sandbars, etc. At those horizontal distances, measure the vertical distance (or elevation) from bank or stream bottom to twine. Continue across the channel to the right endpoint. Under Comments, note when you are at the bankfull stage, edge of water and other significant features.
Figure 3.6 Stream profile depth measurements every 1 to 2 feet and at each important stream feature D. Record the distance and elevation measurements to 0.1 feet (e.g. 3.7 ft.) on the Stream Channel Cross-section Measurement Data form found on the last page of the visual forms. E. On the Graph Paper provided with your Visual Survey forms, graph your stream profile to compare with future and past measurements.
39

4. Tidal Range: The Georgia coast is influenced by semi-diurnal (twice a day) tides. The time between a high tide and a low tide (and vice-versa) is approximately 6 hours and 12 minutes, so the time of daytime high tide is almost an hour later each day. The height of a high tide or low tide also varies. The vertical distance between the high tide mark and the low tide mark is known as the tidal range. Tidal range is greatest during the times of new moon and full moon, when high tide is higher than average and low tide is lower than average.
Because the tidal range along the Georgia coast can be 6 to 9 feet or more, the tidal currents that flow through our inlets and tidal rivers, streams, and creeks can be quite strong and fast. This tidal flow generally keeps the water well mixed, but it can also influence the turbidity and salinity in any place at any time. Tidal flow is greatest midway between high and low tides, and it is weakest or non-existent at slack tide (when the tide reaches its highest or lowest point), as the water flow slows, stops, and then starts slowly flowing in the opposite direction.
The tide stage is the relative position of the water surface in regards to the normal tidal range at a particular location, i.e. high (near the high tide mark), mid (near the middle of the tidal range), or low (near the low tide mark). Recording the tide stage and its direction of flow (outgoing or incoming) is important in documenting the physical and chemical conditions of the water at a location in the coastal zone.

5. Embeddedness: Riffles are areas, often downstream of a pool, where the water is breaking over rocks or other debris causing surface agitation. Riffles can be created by shoals in coastal areas. Riffles are critical for maintaining high species diversity and abundance of insects for most streams, and are vital spawning and feeding grounds for some fish species. Embeddedness measures the degree to which gravel and cobble substrate are surrounded by fine sediment (Fig. 3.7). It relates directly to the suitability of the stream substrate as habitat for macroinvertebrates, fish spawning, and egg incubation.

This assessment should be used only in riffle areas and in streams where this is a natural feature. The measure is the depth to which objects are buried by sediment. This assessment is made by picking up pieces of gravel or cobble with your fingertips at the fine sediment layer. Pull the rock out of the streambed and estimate what percentage of it was buried. Some streams have been so smothered by fine sediment that the original stream bottom is not visible. Test for complete burial of a streambed by probing with a sturdy stick or rebar. Do not use your bare hands, as there may be broken glass or other dangerous objects hidden by the sediment.

Description and definition provided by USDA NRCS Stream Visual

Assessment Protocol National Water and Technical Center Technical Note

99-1

Figure 3.7

40

Optional: Wentworth Pebble Count Technique
The Wentworth pebble count technique provides a method for quantitatively characterizing the substrate particles in your streambed. The results can be used to evaluate the amount of sediment entering your stream. The method requires a minimum of two people, but can also be done in larger groups.
Materials
Metric Ruler with a 2mm mark Size Chart Tally Sheet Pencil
Procedure
1. Select a member of your group to record the results on the tally sheet. The remaining members of your group will be counters. You may wish to rotate these positions periodically throughout the pebble count. You may also wish to work in pairs of a counter and a note-taker.
2. Select a cross-section of your stream to sample. Look for an area of the stream with a representative number of pools, riffles, and/or runs. Make sure the area you choose is safe and wadable.
3. Begin by wading through the stream. Make sure to cover all areas of the stream cross-section up to the bankfull mark, the highest point water reaches on the banks before it spills into the floodplain. If only one person is counting, walk upstream in a zigzag from bankfull to bankfull. If a whole group is counting, walk upstream in a line formed from bankfull to bankfull.
4. When the recorder says "stop," each counter picks up the pebble closest to his/her right big toe. To avoid the natural tendency to pick up larger pebbles, you should pick a point on your toe or boot to use as a reference point. You should also use a reference point on the finger that descends into the water. The first particle touched by this point should be measured.
5. Using a ruler and the Size Chart, each counter determines if s/he has silt/clay, sand, gravel, cobble, boulder or bedrock. The pebble is measured at its middle length. This is not the longest or the shortest cross-section of the pebble, but in between.
6. Call the size out to be recorded on the tally sheet. 7. Repeat the process until you have counted approximately 100 pebbles. 8. Calculate the percentage of pebbles that are silt/clay, sand, gravel, cobble, boulder or
bedrock (See example). 9. Graph the number of pebbles versus pebble size.
41

Wentworth Pebble Count Size Chart
The following table contains particle size classes. Use the descriptions if you are making visual estimation. If more accurate measurements are taken, it is possible to obtain a clearer picture of changes in substrate composition over time.

Size Class Silt/Clay Sand
Gravel

Size Range (mm) < 0.062 0.062 2.0
2.0 64.0

Description Smooth when rubbed between fingers May have some clay in it but you will feel the gritty texture
This line is just over 2 mm

Cobble
Boulder Bedrock

64.0 256.0 256.0 4096.0

This line is about 64 mm. This page is just over 256 mm long. These are big!
Bare/exposed rock

6. Presence of naturally occurring organic material in stream: This assessment measures availability of physical habitat for aquatic organisms, including fish and macroinvertebrates. The potential for the maintenance of a healthy fish community and its ability to recover from disturbance is dependent on the variety and abundance of suitable habitat and cover available.
Look for logs, fallen trees, or parts of trees that provide structure and attachment for aquatic macroinvertebrates and hiding places for fish. Thick root mats from trees and shrubs at or beneath the water surface also provides ideal habitat for aquatic animals.
7. Water odor: Note any odors (including those not listed on the form) that are associated with the water in the surrounding area.
Refer to EVALUATION OF STREAM CONDITIONS for additional descriptions (Index A).
8. Water surface: The presence of oily sheens may indicate the presence of petroleum products or iron bacteria growth. The film or floc-like deposits produced by iron bacteria are generally associated with acidic soils, or can be enhanced by iron in surface runoff or leachates. Stir the film with a stick. If it breaks up into geometric patterns, it is the by-product of iron bacteria. Oily film that swirls when stirred is caused by petroleum.
When foaming occurs in only a few scattered patches and is less than 3 inches high and cream-colored, it is probably natural. If the foaming is extensive, white in color, or greater than 3 inches, it may be due to detergents entering the stream.

42

9. Water Clarity: Note the term, based upon visual observation, which best describes the amount of material suspended in the water column--view sample water in a clear container.
Turbidity is defined as a cloudy condition in water due to the suspension of silt or fine particles of organic matter. It affects light penetration and the productivity of algae and aquatic plants. The settling of solids alters the nature of the substrate, possibly resulting in habitat destruction.
Tannic water is associated with high acid levels due to the decomposition of organic matter. This condition occurs most often on slow-moving or stagnant water, which is generally found in South Georgia but also occurs in wetland areas found throughout the state.
Lack of water clarity or the presence of color may be caused by algae, suspended solids, dyes, or chemical discharges.
If water is clear, check no staining / no suspended matter.
Refer to EVALUATION OF STREAM CONDITIONS for additional descriptions (Index A).
10. Bank erosion: The process of erosion and sedimentation is natural. However, the rate of erosion is accelerated by human disturbances either to the hydrology of the stream or to the stream buffer (riparian zone). Check all descriptions that apply to the left and right banks of your stream. A stable bank will have vegetation. Banks can lose vegetation due to large amounts of water rushing through the stream channel during storm events or because someone has removed the vegetation, e.g. as a result of development and construction within the riparian zone. Natural banks have gentle slopes (Figure 3.8). Undercutting of stream banks is natural, though excessive undercutting may lead to stream bank failure. Streams that have a lot of erosion may have steep, U shaped banks. Another sign of rapid erosion is tree and plant roots that are exposed along the stream bank.
A more quantitative evaluation of bank erosion can be made by driving rebar into the bank and measuring the amount of rebar that becomes exposed over time. Photographs and the stream cross-section are also great ways to document bank erosion.
Figure 3.8
43

II. Visual Biological Survey
Refer to EVALUATION OF STREAM CONDITIONS for additional descriptions (Index A). 1. Wildlife in or around the stream: Make note of the wildlife you see. 2. Fish in the stream: Check all that apply. Note any barriers that may keep fish from moving up- or downstream. 3. Aquatic plants in the stream: Attached plants are those that are rooted in the streambed. 4. Extent of algae in the stream: Note the color of algae, the thickness of the coating and the distribution of algae covering on submerged material. A stream should have a light coating of algae on the rocks and other submerged material, visible only when standing within a few feet of the rock. Note the occurrence of string-like algae. If it is present in your stream, you will notice it easily. Also note if there are clumps of algae floating on the water's surface. The presence of these types of algae is not typical in a healthy stream. 5. Stream shade cover: Vegetative cover of the water's surface (trees and shrubs overhanging the stream, not algae covering the surface of it!) reduces the amount of direct sunlight and also provides organic matter for the stream's food chain. Review the information on the River Continuum Concept (pages 16 and 17) to learn more.
44

III. Sketch of Monitoring Site / Stream Reach
45

46

Sample Forms

GEORGIA ADOPT-A-STREAM
Visual Survey Forms
to be conducted every 3 months
AAS group name: Stream Dippers

County: Coweta

Investigators: Stream name:

Harold Harbert Michele Droszcz
Walnut Creek

Topo Map Quadrant:

Date: 5/6/00

Time: 11:10 a.m. Picture/Photo Documentation? yes / no

Latitude:

Longitude:

photo included

with labels

Weather conditions

Rain in last 24 hours

heavy rain

steady rain

intermittent rain X none

Present conditions heavy rain steady rain overcast X clear/sunny

intermittent rain

Amount of rain, if known? none Inches in last

hours/days

I. IN-STREAM CHARACTERISTICS
1. Stream reach: The total distance upstream to downstream of your monitoring point from which you will be collecting your data. The stream reach is 12 times your stream width, bankfull to bankfull.
bankfull width 25 ft. x 12 = stream reach 300 ft.

2. Water flow: Present conditions: X in channel flooding over banks

dry / no flow / pooling

Number of pools 4

Number of riffles 3

Number of runs

.

3. Flow rate: where Flow = Area X Speed X coefficient (Turn for stream flow calculating form.)

47

CALCULATING STREAM FLOW Flow = Area X Speed X Coefficient

Sample Forms

CALCULATE AREA Area = depth x width it is advisable to take multiple depth and width measurements always start at the waters edge with a first measurement of zero all data should be recorded in feet, with inches replaced by increments of 10

depth

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. 8.

sum

measurements

0 ft

1.4

2.3

.7

.3

.6

5.3

average depth

.88

5.3

=

6

sum of depth measurements number of measurements

width

1.

2.

sum

measurements

24.5

25.6

50.1

average width

25

=

50.1 2

sum of width measurements number of measurements

Area 22

=

width 25

X

depth .88

CALCULATE SPEED-measure the time it takes a float to travel a desired distance

it is advisable to take at least 2 measurements of current speed

take measurements from the stream run

length in 20

feet

20 feet is

recommended

time in seconds

1.

2.

3.

23

21

24

4.

sum

68

average time

22.7

68

=

3

sum of time measurements number of measurements

Speed .88

=

20 22.7

length in feet average time in seconds

CALCULATE STREAM FLOW

Flow 17.4 cfs

= 22

Area X .88

Speed X .8

Coefficient

Flow in cubic feet per second

.9 coefficient for muddy bottom stream .8 coefficient for rocky bottom stream

Turn to pages 34-36 for further instructions on measuring stream flow.

48

Sample Forms
Optional.
Measure channel cross-section: Drawing a stream cross section allows you to observe/track changes in your stream channel shape. Forms are found on the last page of this section.
Turn to pages 37-39 for instructions on measuring channel cross-section.

4. Tidal range: (complete only if site is affected by tide)

Is waterway influenced by tides? Yes X No If yes, when? __________

If tidally influenced:

Tide was: Tide was:

Rising High

Falling

Mid-range

Low

5. Embeddedness: Pick the category that best describes the extent to which gravel, cobbles, and boulders on the stream bottom are embedded (sunk) in silt, or mud. Observations should be conducted from the riffle section of your stream as opposed to run or pool areas. Only complete if applicable to your stream.

X somewhat/not embedded (0 - 25%)

mostly embedded (75%)

halfway embedded (50%)

completely embedded (100%)

Optional. Pebble count: This is an easy way to determine the percentage of silt, sand, gravel, rocks and boulders on your streambed. Please see pages 41-42 for directions.

6. Presence of naturally occurring organic material in stream: (Good habitat for aquatic organisms)

Logs or large woody debris: Leaves, twigs, root mats, etc.:

none none

X occasional X occasional

plentiful plentiful

7. Water odor:
X natural/none sewage rotten egg other

8. Water surface:

gasoline chlorine chemical

X clear

X natural oily sheen

X foamy

other

oily sheen (petroleum product)

Note - foam present in pools, but brown colored and less than 3 inches deep, so probably natural. Oily sheen broke up into geometric patterns when stirred with a stick, therefore is probably floc byproduct of iron bacteria.

49

Sample Forms

9. Water clarity: check all that apply (determine by viewing sample water in a clear container)

turbid - suspended matter in water sediment blue/green algae other

tannic - clear water that is naturally stained orange/brownish due to organic acids in water

X no staining / no suspended matter

other (i.e. chemical discharge, dyes)

Notes: water clarity changes dramatically (becomes turbid) during rain events

10. Bank erosion:

How vegetated is the left bank, looking down stream, for the length of your reach (circle a percentage)?

Vegetated banks

Bare/eroded banks

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0

What are the visual indicators you used to assess the percentage above (check all that apply)?

exposed soil

obvious loss of soil

steep slopes (banks are U shaped)

exposed roots

X soil covered with vegetation X gentle slopes X no exposed roots

How vegetated is the right bank, looking down stream, for the length of your reach (circle a percentage)?

Vegetated banks

Bare/eroded banks

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0

What are the visual indicators you used to assess the percentage above (check all that apply)?

exposed soil

obvious loss of soil

steep slopes (banks are U shaped)

exposed roots

X soil covered with vegetation gentle slopes
X no exposed roots

11. Additional comments/observations:
Although the stream banks were mostly covered with vegetation, there were spots that exhibited minor erosion due to human activity such as fishing, motorized vehicle access, and possibly land disturbing activities upstream. Presently the stream does not show signs of siltation or embeddedness, however, there is a fine layering of silt covering most of the rocks in the riffle area, thus reducing algal growth. In spots this eroded soil has given rise to growth of iron bacteria obvious because in pools there's this bright orange/red puffy stuff that almost looks like algae!
50

Sample Forms
II. VISUAL BIOLOGICAL SURVEY
1. Wildlife in or around the stream:
X amphibians waterfowl X reptiles X mammals mussels/clams/oysters crustaceans

2. Fish in the stream: (Check all that apply)

no

yes, but rare

X yes abundant

small (1-2")

X medium (3-6")

large (7" and above)

Are there barriers to fish movement?

X none

beaver dams

waterfalls > 1ft

dams

road barriers

other

:

3. Aquatic plants in the stream: (Check all that apply)

X none

attached plants

stream margin/edge

occasional

plentiful

free-floating plants

stream margin/edge

occasional

plentiful

pools pools

near riffle near riffle

4. Extent of algae in the stream: Are the submerged stones, twigs, or other material in the

stream coated with a layer of algae? (Check all that apply)

none

brownish:

light coating

heavy coating

occasional

plentiful

greenish:

light coating

heavy coating

occasional

X

plentiful

other

:

light coating

heavy coating

occasional

plentiful

Are there any filamentous (string-like) algae?

none occasional

brownish

greenish

other

:

plentiful

Are any detached "clumps" or "mats" of algae floating on the water's surface?

none occasional plentiful

brownish

greenish

other

:

51

Sample Forms

5. Stream shade cover: How well is the water surface shaded by vegetation?

Looking down stream:

Total shading

No shading

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0

6: Additional comments/observations: Generally we see mallards in the stream, but they were absent this time.

52

Sample Forms
III. SKETCH OF MONITORING SITE / STREAM REACH
On the back of this page, or on a separate page, note the physical features of the stream reach, such as riffles, pools, runs, streambanks (bare or eroded), changes to stream shape (rip-rap, gabions, cemented banks), vegetation, stream flow obstructions (dams, pipes, culverts), outfalls, tributaries, landscape features, paths, bridges, and roads. As accurately as possible, identify the location of channel cross-section measurements and provide exact location of stream reach (e.g. Cricket Creek stream reach begins 57 feet north of Cormorant Bridge and continues mile north.) Include comments such as changes or potential problems, e.g. spills, new construction, type of discharging pipes, etc. An example sketch is provided in the directions on page 45.
53

54

Sample Forms
Stream Channel Cross-section Measurement Data
Group: Stream Dippers Date: 5/6/00 Location: Walnut Creek approximately 130 ft south of Jasper Bridge off SR 34

CROSS-SECTION

Distance from Measurement

LEFT Pin

Depth

Point Ft.

Ft.

1

0

1.2

2

2

1.7

3

4

2.1

4

5.3

2.3

5

6

2.9

6

7.2

3.8

7

8

4.2

8

10

5.3

9

12

5.4

10

13.1

6.2

11

14

5.7

12

16

4.5

13

18

4

14

20

3.5

15

22

3.9

16

24

4.1

17

26

4.3

18

28

4.4

19 29.8 3.9

20

30

3.6

21

32

2.7

22

33.9

2.4

23

34

2.3

24

36

2

25

38

1.1

Comments Left pin Left bankfull Water's edge
Deepest point
Sandbar
Water's edge Right bankfull

CROSS-SECTION

Distance from Measurement

LEFT Pin

Depth

Point Ft.

Ft.

26

40

.6

27

42

.2

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

Comments Right pin

Measurements are always taken from the left stream bank, looking downstream. Depth measurements are taken every 2 feet and in sections where there is a notable change. Be sure to note left and right bankfull, water edge, and sand bars.

55

56

Sample Forms
57

58

A Index
Evaluation of Stream Conditions Selecting Bankfull Stage Methods For Measuring Erosive or Depositional Changes In Streambed And
Banks Glossary of Stream-Related Terms
59

60

Evaluation of Stream Conditions

OBSERVABLE CONDITION

LIKELY CAUSES

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

PHYSICAL

Sediment: the stream bottom is almost completely covered with deposition and there may be moving sand bars. Sedimentation may be associated with brown or reddish stream color during high flow conditions.

Mud, silt, or sand on the stream bottom may result from surface runoff from construction sites or exposed soils, channel alterations, or bank undercutting and slumping.

Examine upstream areas for development activities with inadequate sediment control, streambank modification, or severely undercut or slumping streambanks. Unpaved roads can also be a significant source of sediment.

Aquatic Weeds covering the water surface or stream bottom, especially in pond or slow moving areas with sunlight.

This may be a difficult problem to assess because aquatic plants can be indicators of a high quality habitat, such as a wetland or a shallow, muddy backwater. Sometimes, however, they are a symptom of excessive nutrients, especially when there are long streamers present.

Examine upstream areas for sources of nutrients such as sewage, heavily fertilized areas (e.g. golf courses or croplands), car washes, livestock areas, or washwater discharges from food processing industries.

Algae: floating or attached tiny plants which can color the water green, resemble seaweed when affixed to the stream bottom, form a surface scum, or have an oil-like appearance.

Algal growth indicates an upstream nutrient source.

Examine upstream areas for sources of nutrients (see above).

Foam or Bubbles floating on the water surface.

When foaming occurs in only a few scattered patches, is less than 3 inches high, and cream colored, it is probably natural. If the foaming is extensive, white in color, or thicker than 3 inches, it may be due to detergents or surfactants entering the stream. White foam can also be caused by fertilizer leachate.

Examine upstream areas for industrial, municipal, or residential wastewater sources or other sources of nutrients.

61

Bank Stains or Dry Weather Discharges from Pipes: stains may be observed on streambanks (which would indicate a spill, leachate, or a sporadic discharge) or below pipes (which suggests an intermittent or periodic discharge). Dry weather flow may be discharged from pipes protruding from the streambank or from storm sewer pipes (normally large and composed of concrete).
Leaking or Surcharging Sanitary Sewers or Manholes: white to gray musky smelling discharges from a joint or a crack in a pipe (normallycast iron) or a sewer manhole. Sewage may be seen gushing from a manhole top. Grey mat materials draped on or deposited near a manhole may indicate past overflows.

Bank stains and mats of dried materials, especially below pipes, are likely to indicate sporadic discharges of oil, organic wastes, or the discharges of washwaters or process wastes. Dry weather flow from storm sewer pipes would suggest washwaters from paved areas or direct connections to commercial or industrial drains. Flow from other pipes along the streambanks may be noncontact cooling water (legal with a permit) or washwaters or process wastewaters from nearby activities.
Sanitary sewers and manholes can fail or clog over the course of time and leak or surcharge from manholes.

Examine the stain or discharge and its texture. Is it familiar? Stains and discharges from pipes along the streambanks are likely to result from nearby or adjacent activities. However, dry weather flows discharged from storm sewers can come from remote locations. The procedure for locating the source of such discharges is to follow the storm sewer. Continue looking or listening for flow in curbside inlets or storm sewer manholes until you find the discharge source or identify the activity causing the discharge.
Report immediately to the local public works department.

Dingy White or Grey (or even brown-stained) Cotton-like Tufts: hair-like growths which are attached to the stream bottom or objects in the stream.

This growth is probably Sphaerotilus, a sheath or iron bacterium, which thrives on organic matter. When a continuing abundance of organic wastes is available they grow in colonies which resemble dingy cotton. This could sometimes be sulphur bacteria in south Georgia.

Look for nearby wastewater discharges or sources of nutrients and organic wastes such as food processing plants.

Red Mats on the stream bottom which appear to be shimmering with the current and disappear when disturbed. (Not to be confused with iron bacteria).

These are colonies of aquatic, segmented worms called sludge worms. These individuals resemble small earthworms and are also an indication of heavy organic waste loads.

Examine upstream areas for sources of organic wastes.

62

Orange-Red Surface Film or Floc-like Deposits in slowflowing or pond areas. The surface film breaks up when stirred.
Sludge Deposits/Bubbles Rising to Surface: normally deposits of thick dark gray to black, "mucky" material. The top few inches of sediment and objects in the water may be stained black. Sometimes bubbles may be observed rising to the surface.
Oil Released from Sediment when sediment is stirred up.
Barrels or Containers in stream or on streambanks.

This is normally a naturally occurring phenomenon resulting from iron bacteria growth. It is generally associated with acidic soils, or can be enhanced by iron in surface runoff or leachates. Sludge deposits are the result of solid organic matter which has settled to the bottom in quiet areas. When the dissolved oxygen level in the water is severely depleted, anaerobic bacteria (they function without oxygen) reduce nitrogen and sulphur compounds creating gases which bubble to the surface and create the characteristic rotten egg (hydrogen sulfide) odor.
Heavy oils may settle out and be deposited in sediment. When the sediment is stirred up the oil is re-suspended.
Empty barrels and containers may contain traces of hazardous or polluting substances.

Examine upstream areas for sources of organic wastes or wastewater.
Examine upstream areas for sources of heavy oil such as industries or fuel storage areas. Bank stains are likely to be evident.
Look for a label to identify the contents of the barrel or container. If there is no label or the barrel is labeled hazardous, call the EPD Hazardous Waste Program (404/656-7802) or Emergency Response Team (1-800-241-4113 or 656-4863 in the Atlanta area). DO NOT REMAIN NEAR OR ATTEMPT TO DEAL WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AS THEY COULD BE DANGEROUS TO BREATHE OR TOUCH.

WATER COLOR

Light Brown (muddy or cloudy), especially during high flows.
Green, especially deep green or blue-green.

Mud, silt, sand on bottom or entering the stream from such sources such as surface runoff from construction activities, channel alterations, or bank undercutting and scouring is suspended in the water column. If the stream is noticeably green, this could be an indication of "organic" pollution being released into the stream feeding algae (hence the term algal bloom) and other aquatic plants.

Examine upstream areas for development activities with inadequate sediment control practices, streambank modifications, or severely undercut streambanks.
Examine upstream areas for sources of nutrient's such as sewage, heavily fertilized areas like golf courses or croplands, car washes, livestock areas, or washwater discharges from food processing industries.

63

Multi-Colored Film or Reflection over an extensive portion of the stream surface which does not break apart when stirred.
Dark Red, Purple, Blue or Black in comparison to normal stream color in the area.

This is typically a hydrocarbon product such as oil or gasoline resulting from spills, discharges, or runoff from vehicle maintenance areas.
This would normally indicate organic dye from leather tanning or clothing manufacturers.

If continuously flowing, follow the sheen back to its point of origin or look for dark bank stains, dripping pipes, stains in tributaries, or likely sources of oil and gas such as service stations, car dealers, storage tanks, or vehicle service areas. Examine upstream areas for potential sources such as pipes or ditches from industrial plants.

ODOR
Rotten egg
Sewage

This may indicate sewage pollution or sludge deposits, but this odor may also be present in swamps, marshlands, or slow moving streams where leaf litter and other organic matter has settled.

Examine upstream areas for a source of sewage, heavy organic wastes, or animal wastes.
Examine upstream areas for raw wastewater discharges, gray discolored flows, septic tank leachate, or leaking sewers or manholes.

64

Selecting Bankfull Stage
(Modified from Harrelson et al. 1994)
Bankfull discharge is defined as that water discharged when the stream water just begins to overflow into the active floodplain; the active floodplain is defined as a flat area adjacent to the channel constructed by the river and overflowed by the river at a recurrence interval of about 2 years or less (Wolman and Leopold 1957). If you observe a stream at bankfull discharge, the water level will be obvious, but this discharge is infrequent. The average discharge, which you are more likely to encounter, fills about 1/3 of the channel, and is reached or exceeded only 25% of the time (Leopold 1994).
Floodplains are the best indicator of bankfull stage. Floodplains are most prominent along low-gradient, meandering reaches, and are often difficult or impossible to identify along steeper mountain streams. The floodplains may be intermittent on alternate sides of meander bends or may be completely absent. Recently disturbed systems may give false indicators of bankfull status.
Where floodplains are absent or poorly defined, other indicators may serve as surrogates to identify bankfull stage. Several indicators should be used to support identification of the bankfull stage; use as many as can be found. These include:
TOP OF POINTBARS The pointbar consists of channel material deposited on the inside of meander bends. They are a prominent feature of low-gradient, meandering reaches but may be absent in other stream types. Set the top elevation of pointbars as the lowest possible bankfull stage since this is the location where the floodplain is being constructed by deposition.
CHANGE IN VEGETATION Look for the low limit of perennial vegetation on the bank, or a sharp break in the density or type of vegetation. On surfaces lower than the floodplain, vegetation is either absent or annual. On the floodplain (above bankfull stage) vegetation may be perennial but is generally limited to typical streamside types. Willow, alder, and dogwood often form lines near bankfull stage. The lower limit of mosses or lichens on rocks or banks, or a break from mosses to other plants, may help identify bankfull stage.
CHANGE IN SLOPE Changes in slope occur often along the cross-section (e.g., from vertical to sloping, from sloping to vertical, or from vertical or sloping to flat at the floodplain level). The change from a vertical bank to a horizontal surface is the best identifier of the floodplain and bankfull stage, especially in low-gradient meandering streams. Many banks have multiple breaks, so be careful and examine banks at several sections of the selected reach for comparison. Slope breaks also mark the extent of stream terraces. Terraces are old floodplains that have been abandoned by a down cutting stream. They will generally have perennial vegetation, definite soil structure, and other features to distinguish them from the active floodplain. Avoid confusing the level of the lowest terrace with that of the active floodplain; they may be close in elevation.
65

CHANGE IN BANK MATERIALS Any clear change in particle size may indicate the operation of different processes (e.g., coarse, scoured gravel moving as bedload in the active channel giving way to fine sand or silt deposited by overflow). Look for breaks from coarse, scoured, water-transported particles to a finer matrix that may exhibit some soil structure or movement. Changes in slope may also be associated with a change in particle size. Change need not necessarily be from coarse to fine material, but may be from fine to coarse. BANK UNDERCUTS Look for bank sections where perennial vegetation forms a dense root mat. Feel up beneath this root mat and estimate the upper extent of the undercut. This estimate is usually slightly below bankfull stage. Bank undercuts are best used as indicators in steep channels lacking floodplains. Where a floodplain exists, the surface of the floodplain is a better indicator of bankfull stage than undercut banks that may also exist. STAIN LINES Look for frequent inundation water lines on rocks. These lines may be marked by sediment or lichen. Stain lines are often left by lower, more frequent flows, so bankfull is at or above the highest stain line. Deposits of pine needles, twigs, trash, and other floating materials are common along streams, but are seldom good indicators of bankfull stage. A receding stream may leave several parallel deposits. Floods may also leave organic drift above the bankfull stage. If stream gage data is available for the stream, observations of indicators at or near the gages may help to identify the indicators most useful for a particular area. Ratios of present-to-bankfull discharge can be used to estimate bankfull stage at nearby sites. Also, compare your bankfull discharge to the regional averages by drainage area. Use the graphs to validate your selected bankfull stage. If it is unreasonably different, examine your methods.
66

Bank Erosion Pins
Method For Measuring Erosive or Depositional Changes In Streambed And Banks (from USDA Forest Service General Technical Report RM-245)

Repeated cross-section and longitudinal profile surveys will measure erosive or depositional changes in banks, but smaller changes may be registered by using bank erosion pins. These are fine metal rods (1/16" 1/8" x 4" 12" long) inserted horizontally at regular intervals into a stream bank, leaving a standard length exposed. Measure the elevation of each pin with a rod and level.
On successive visits to the site, measure the exposure of each pin and record it, then drive exposed pins into the bank. If pins are entirely lost, make a note and insert another pin at the same elevation. Below is a diagram of erosion pins and placement.

Bank erosion pins and placement

67

68

Glossary of Stream Related Terms
Accuracy a measure of how close repeated trials are to the desired target.
Acid rain rain with a pH of less than 5.6; results from atmospheric moisture mixing with sulfur and nitrogen oxides emitted from burning fossil fuels; causes damage to buildings, car finishes, crops, forests, and aquatic life.
Acidity a measure of the number of free hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution that can chemically react with other substances.
Algae simple plants which do not grow true roots, stems, or leaves and which live mainly in water, providing a base for the food chain.
Algal bloom a heavy growth of algae in and on a body of water as a result of high nitrate and phosphate concentrations from farm fertilizers and detergents.
Alkalinity a measure of the negative ions that are available to react and neutralize free hydrogen ions. Some of most common of these include hydroxide (OH), sulfate (SO4), phosphate (PO4), bicarbonate (HCO3) and carbonate (CO3)
Ambient pertaining to the current environmental condition.
Assemblage the set of related organisms that represent a portion of a biological community (e.g., benthic macroinvertebrates).
Benthic pertaining to the bottom (bed) of a water body.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) - an engineered structure or management activity, or combination of these, that eliminates or reduces an adverse environmental effect of pollutants.
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms as they decompose organic materials in water.
Biological criteria numerical values or narrative descriptions that depict the biological integrity of aquatic communities in that state. May be listed in state water quality standards.
Channel - the section of the stream that contains the main flow.
Channelization - the straightening of a stream; this is often a result of human activity.
Chemical constituents - chemical components that are part of a whole.
Clear cutting felling and removing all trees in a forest area.
Cobble stone 2-10 inch size stones among which aquatic insects are commonly found.
69

Combined sewer overflow (CSO) - sewer systems in which sanitary waste and stormwater are combined in heavy rains; this is especially common in older cities. The discharge from CSOs is typically untreated.
Community - the whole of the plant and animal population inhabiting a given area.
Culvert a man-made closed passageway (such as a pipe) under roadways and embankments, which drains surface water and diverts natural flow.
Designated uses state-established desirable uses that waters should support, such as fishing, swimming, and aquatic life. Listed in state water quality standards.
Dissolved oxygen (DO) oxygen dissolved in water and available for living organisms to use for respiration.
Distilled water water that has had most of its impurities removed.
Dredge to remove sediments from the streambed to deepen or widen the channel.
Effluent an out-flowing branch of a main stream or lake; waste material (i.e. liquid industrial refuse, sewage) discharged into the environment.
Ecoregion geographic areas that are distinguished from others by ecological characteristics such as climate, soils, geology, and vegetation.
Embeddedness the degree to which rocks in the streambed are surrounded by sediment.
Emergent plants plants rooted underwater, but with their tops extending above the water.
Erosion the wearing away of land by wind or water.
Eutrophication the natural and artificial addition of nutrients to a waterbody, which may lead to depleted oxygen concentrations. Eutrophication is a natural process that is frequently accelerated and intensified by human activities.
Floating plants plants that grow free-floating, rather than being attached to the stream bed.
Flocculent (floc) a mass of particles that form into a clump as a result of a chemical reaction.
Gabion: a mesh "cage" containing earth or rocks placed into a stream to support the banks or slow the current.
Glide/run section of a stream with a relatively high velocity and with little or no turbulence on the surface of the water.
70

Fish kill the sudden death of fish due to the introduction of pollutants or the reduction of dissolved oxygen concentration in a water body.
Floodplain a low area of land surrounding streams or rivers which holds the overflow of water during a flood.
Flow the direction of movement of a stream or river.
Groundwater a supply of fresh water under the earth's surface, which forms a natural reservoir.
Headwaters the origins of a stream.
Hypoxia depletion of dissolved oxygen in an aquatic system.
Impairment degradation.
Impoundment a body of water contained by a barrier, such as a dam.
Landuses activities that take place on the land, such as construction, farming, or tree clearing.
Leaching the process in which material in the soil (such as nutrients, pesticides, and chemicals) are washed into lower layers of soil or are dissolved and carried away by water.
Macroinvertebrates organisms that lack a backbone and can be seen with the naked eye.
Nonpoint source pollution pollution that cannot be traced to a specific point, but rather from many individual places (e.g., urban and agricultural runoff).
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, a national program in which pollution dischargers such as factories and sewage treatment plants are given permits to discharge. These permits contain limits on the pollutants they are allowed to discharge.
Nutrients substances which enhance the growth of plants and animals, such as phosphorous and nitrogen compounds.
Orthophosphate inorganic phosphorus dissolved in water.
Outfall - the pipe through which industrial facilities and wastewater treatment plants discharge their effluent (wastewater) into a waterbody.
Permeable porous; having openings through which liquid or gaseous substances can penetrate.
Pesticide a chemical that kills insects and rodents. Pesticides can poison aquatic life when they reach surface waters through runoff.
71

pH a numerical measure of the hydrogen ion concentration used to indicate the alkalinity or acidity of a substance. Measured on a scale of 1.0 (acidic) to 14.0 (basic); 7.0 is neutral.
Phosphorus a nutrient that is essential for plants and animals.
Photosynthesis the chemical reaction in plants that utilizes light energy from the sun to convert water and carbon dioxide into simple sugars. This reaction is facilitated by chlorophyll.
Point source pollution a type of pollution that can be tracked down to a specific source such as a factory discharge pipe.
Pollutant something that makes land, water or air dirty and unhealthful.
Pool deeper portion of a stream where water flows more slowly than in neighboring, shallower portions.
Precision a measure of how close repeated trials are to each other.
Protocol defined procedure.
Reagent a substance or chemical used to indicate the presence of a chemical or to induce a reaction to determine the chemical characteristics of a solution.
Riffle a shallow area of a stream or river with a fast-moving current bubbling over rocks.
Riparian of or pertaining to the banks of a body of water.
Riparian zone the vegetated area on each bank of a body of water.
Riprap rocks used on an embankment to protect against bank erosion.
Runoff water, including rain and melted snow, which is not absorbed into the ground but instead flows across the land and eventually runs into streams and rivers. Runoff can pick up pollutants from the air and land, carrying them into the stream.
Saturated inundated; filled to the point of capacity or beyond.
Sediment soil, sand, and materials washed from land into waterways. Other pollutants may attach to sediment and be carried into stream.
Sedimentation when soil particles (sediment) settle to the bottom of a waterway.
Septic tank a domestic wastewater treatment system into which wastes are piped directly from the home; bacteria decompose the organic waste, sludge settles to the bottom of the tank, and the treated effluent flows out into the ground through drainage pipes.
72

Sheen the glimmering effect that oil has on water as light is reflected more sharply off the surface.
Silviculture forestry and the commercial farming of trees.
Slumping sections of soil on a streambank that have come loose and slipped into the stream.
Stagnation when there is little water movement and pollutants are trapped in the same area for a long period of time.
Submergent plants plants that live and grow fully submerged under the water.
Substrate refers to a surface. This includes the material comprising the stream bed or the surfaces to which plants or animals may attach or upon which they live.
Surface water precipitation which does not soak into the ground or return to the atmosphere by evaporation or transpiration, and which is stored in streams, lakes, wetlands, and reservoirs.
Taxon (plural taxa) a level of classification within a scientific system that categorizes living organisms based on their physical characteristics.
Taxonomic key a quick reference guide used to identify organisms. They are available in varying degrees of complexity and detail.
Tolerance the ability to withstand a particular condition, e.g., pollution-tolerant indicates the ability to live in polluted waters.
Toxic substances poisonous matter (either man-made or natural) which causes sickness, disease and/or death to plants or animals.
Tributaries a body of water that drains into another, typically larger, body of water.
Turbidity murkiness or cloudiness of water, indicating the presence of some suspended sediments, dissolved solids, natural or man-made chemicals, algae, etc.
Undercutting a type of erosion which occurs when fine soils are swept away by the action of the stream, especially around curves. The result is an unstable overhanging bank.
Water cycle the cycle of the earth's water supply from the atmosphere to the earth and back which includes precipitation, transpiration, evaporation, runoff, infiltration, and storage in water bodies and groundwater.
Water quality criteria maximum concentrations of pollutants that are acceptable, if those waters are to meet water quality standards. Listed in state water quality standards.
73

Water quality standards written goals for state waters, established by each state and approved by EPA. Watershed land area from which water drains to a particular water body. Water table the upper level of groundwater. Waterway a natural or man-made route for water to run through (such as a river, stream, creek, or channel). Wetland an area of land that is regularly wet or flooded, such as a marsh or swamp.
74