Accommodating Change of Bacterial Indicators in Long Term Water Quality Datasets. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 41(1):47-54
DEQ05-LAB-0039-TR PDF
The State of Oregon adopted a water quality standard based on Escherichia coli (E. coli) in 1996. The objective of this study was to develop a regression relationship between fecal coliform and E. coli. This relationship would fill data gaps and extend water quality models and indicators. Water quality policy is better informed by the ability of these extended water quality models to determine whether water quality meets present or would have met past bacterial standards. This relationship also allowed for the development of an E. coli algorithm for the Oregon Water Quality Index (OWQI). This study showed that changes to OWQI values (as a result of changing bacterial indicators) were minimal, and corresponded to improved characterization of water quality with respect to pathogenic potential
2005 Oregon Coast Coho Assessment Water Quality Report
The Water Quality report is DEQ’s portion of the Oregon Coast Coho(OCC) Assessment. The Water Quality report is part of a larger, interagency and individual agencies reports which are available at the following web page. - Section A: Describes the implementation of conservation efforts to restore OCC administered through DEQ's programs. 08-LAB-004 PDF
- Section B: Describes the nature, extent and risk of threats to OCC that were evaluated by DEQ monitoring work: water temperature, dissolved oxygen, stream fertility, fine sediment and substrate, and biological condition. 08-LAB-006 PDF
- Section B: Technical Appendix 08-LAB-005 PDF
Key findings in Section B include the following:
In the Oregon Coast Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit(ESU) region 42% of ambient river monitoring sites have excellent to good water quality based on the Oregon Water Quality Index. 19% of ambient river monitoring sites have poor water quality and 39% of ambient river monitoring sites have fair water quality. There were no declining trends of water quality at the sites between 1993-2002. 39% of ambient river sites show significant improving water quality trends.
The probabilistic survey of wadeable streams within the Oregon Coast Coho ESU shows the following results. 54% of stream miles exceeded temperature criteria; 42% of stream miles exceeded the phosphorus benchmark and 41% of stream miles exceeded the fine sediment benchmark.
Assessment of Thermo Fluids Spill on Macro Invertebrate Communities of Johnson Creek
WAS04-001 PDF
The Oregon DEQ Watershed Assessment Section performed an assessment on the benthic community of Johnson Creek following the suppression of a fire at the Thermo Fluids facility in Southeast Portland on March 18th, 2004. There was no apparent difference in the benthic community from upstream to downstream. It was impossible to discern any additional impact to Johnson Creek due to the Thermo Fluids spill based on the already impaired macro invertebrate community present.
Using field data to estimate the thermal niche of aquatic vertebrates. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 25:346-360.
DEQ05-LAB-0028-TR PDF
Fish distribution in Oregon is principally driven by temperature. Because temperature affects the rate of chemical reactions it is perhaps the most important of the environmental factors. This paper uses field data collected throughout Oregon to describe the temperature needs of fish species in different regions. We focus on the maximum temperatures that various fish species (and a few amphibians) can withstand as well as optimal temperatures for fish during critical summer conditions. This information will be useful to aquatic resource managers and scientists involved in the assessment and restoration of Oregon’s waters. Our article contains the following key points: - Fish assemblages in Oregon are better characterized by ecoregion than by basin This way of grouping could assist fish habitat managers in Oregon.
- There are differences in temperature requirements of fish from region to region.
- This study provides important measures of temperature requirements for poorly studied organisms such as amphibians and sculpins.
- The upper thermal limits calculated in this study are generally lower than laboratory derived upper limits, but appear to be more ecologically relevant.
- This method is a useful tool for evaluating resource management plans, developing indices of biotic integrity and determining the suitability of water bodies for protected species
Selecting Reference Condition Sites - An Approach for Biological Criteria and Watershed Assessment
WSA04-0021 PDF
This paper describes the approach the Oregon DEQ Watershed Assessment Section uses to select reference condition sites. The purpose of selecting reference condition sites is to establish an objective and systematic method for finding water bodies minimally disturbed by human activities.
Discussion of Oregon Water Quality Index: A Tool for Evaluating Water Quality Management Effectiveness. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 38(1):313-314
DEQ05-LAB-0037-TR PDF 1.1mb
This report discusses concerns raised by "Oregon Water Quality Index: A Tool for Evaluating Water Quality Management
Reply to Discussion of Oregon Water Quality Index: A Tool for Evaluating Water Quality Management Effectiveness. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 38(1):315-318
DEQ05-LAB-0038-TR PDF 1.1mb
This report is the author’s response to concerns raised by "Oregon Water Quality Index: A Tool for Evaluating Water Quality Management"
Oregon Water Quality Index: A tool for Evaluating Water Quality Management Effectiveness. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 37(1):125-137
DEQ05-LAB-0036-TR PDF
The Oregon Water Quality Index (OWQI) is a single number that expresses water quality by integrating measurements of eight water quality variables (temperature, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, pH, ammonia+ nitrate nitrogen, total phosphorus, total solids, and fecal coliform). Its purpose is to provide a simple and concise method for expressing the ambient water quality of Oregon's streams. The index allows users to easily interpret data. The OWQI improves comprehension of general water quality issues, communicates water quality status, and illustrates the need for and effectiveness of protective practices
Grande Ronde National Monitoring Program Project Temperature Monitoring Summary Report 1993 - 1998
Bio2000-01 PDF 1.1mb
Elevated stream temperatures have been identified as an important factor affecting declining salmon and steelhead populations in the Grande Ronde River watershed, located in the Blue Mountain ecoregion of northeast Oregon. This report summarizes water temperature data collected by DEQ biomonitoring staff at eleven study sites located in the Upper Grande Ronde watershed. Environmental variables related to stream temperature and the effect of stream channel restoration on water temperature are discussed.
A Summary of Chemistry, Temperature, Habitat and Macroinvertebrate Data from the Southeast Oregon Ambient Monitoring Sites
Bio2000-03 PDF
Oregon DEQ has established a network of ambient water quality monitoring sites throughout the state. This network covers all major basins, and is designed to monitor water quality and to assess long-term water quality trends statewide. This report is a synopsis of current data collected at seventeen ambient monitoring network sites located within the Snake River Basin/High Desert ecoregion of southeast Oregon. Water chemistry results, water temperature data, stream habitat survey results, and aquatic macroinvertebrate data are summarized.
Grande Ronde Section 319 National Monitoring Program Project Fish Survey Report 1994-1999
Bio2000-06 PDF
This report summarizes methods and results of fish surveys conducted by DEQ biomonitoring staff at Grande Ronde NMP sites from 1994 through 1999. The sites are located on wadeable streams in five sub-basins of the Upper Grande Ronde River in northeast Oregon. Fish taxa observed are listed and quantified. The relationship between site conditions and fish assemblages and the affect of channel restoration on species composition are discussed.
Upper Deschutes River Basin REMAP 1997-1998 Vetebrate Summary
Bio2000-08 PDF
Results of vertebrate collection activities throughout the Upper Deschutes River basin in 1997-1998. Analyses reveal four distinct fish assemblages based on species composition and environmental factors.
1998 Oregon Plan Fish Summary
Bio-001 PDF
This report summarizes the fish and aquatic vertebrate results collected in the Oregon Coast Range during 1998.
A Preliminary Summary of 1998 Oregon Plan and REMAP Temperature Data
Bio-002 PDF
This report summarizes the temperature monitoring completed in the Oregon Coast Range and the Upper Deschutes Basin in Central Oregon.
Aquatic Vertebrate Report 1994-1995
Bio-003 PDF
This report summarizes the vertebrate data collected as part of the Regional Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (REMAP) in the Oregon Coast Range. Fish distribution and abundance are described, along with the distribution and abundance of other aquatic vertebrates such as amphibians.
Upper Deschutes River Basin REMAP: 1997-1998 Water Chemistry Summary
Bio-004 PDF
The report summarizes the chemical analysis component of the Upper Deschutes Regional Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (REMAP) study.
Oregon Coast Range Macroinvertebrate Analysis and Monitoring Status 1991-1997
Bio-005 PDF
This report examines macroinvertebrate data collected from three monitoring programs covering the Oregon Coast Range over the period 1991 to 1997. Its principle objective is to present an overview of biological data currently held by the DEQ Laboratory for this ecoregion. Information was drawn from several projects, some of which used slightly different collection protocols. This limited some of the analysis.
Analysis of Macroinvertebrate Data from the Grande Ronde Long Term 319 NPS Project 1993-1996
Bio-006 PDF
This report examines macroinvertebrate data collected from the period 1993 to 1996. It is hoped that these initial four years of data collection will satisfy three objectives: - establish the prevailing biological integrity of each of the study sites;
- examine the effect of seasonal variation on macroinvertebrate data; and
- determine the range in "natural" variability at reference sites
Stream Habitat Index Development and Site Results 1994-1996
Bio-007 PDF
This paper summarizes the physical habitat analysis and consequent Reference Habitat Index (RHI) development. The index depends upon the reference conditions existing within the same geographic region for the population of streams sampled.
Winter Storm Turbidity and Biological Integrity of Oregon Coast Streams 1997
Bio-008 PDF
In March of 1997 winter storm turbidity was measured at 27 first through third order streams in the coast ecoregion of Oregon, and compared to the biological integrity scores for the same streams. Three storm events were monitored using continuous turbidity monitoring equipment and discrete grab samples. Biological integrity was evaluated using the macroinvertebrate assemblages of pool and riffle habitat and vertebrate surveys conducted during July, August, and September of 1994-1995. Results indicate that the integrity of all three portions of the stream biota correlate with winter storm turbidity. Streams with higher winter storm turbidity tended to have lower biological integrity scores.
1997-1998 Upper Deschutes R-EMAP Temperature Summary
Bio-009 PDF
This report summarizes the 1997 and 1998 temperature data collected for the Regional Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (REMAP) located in the upper Deschutes River Basin.
Reference Site Selection: A Six Step Approach for Selecting Reference Sites for Biomonitoring and Stream Evaluation Studies
Bio-010 PDF
Reference sites represent stream condition with minimal human disturbance. These sites provide critical information about natural or attainable stream conditions in different regions of the state. The report describes the six-step reference site selection process the DEQ employed for the Oregon Plan 1998 field season.
Benthic evaluation of ORegon rIverS (BORIS - A RIVPACS type model)
Bio-011 PDF
This report outlines the methods used to develop Oregon’s multivariate model (BORIS) for assessing macroinvertebrate communities. In this approach, sites which are considered to be in a reference condition are used as a benchmark against which test sites are compared. The reference sites are classified into distinct groups, based upon both their biological and physico/chemical attributes. A test site is compared to a reference site group with similar environmental characteristics. Taxa found at the test site is compared with that typifying the reference group and a determination of whether a test site is adequately supportive of aquatic life is made.
Multivariate Analysis of Fish and Environmental Factors in the Grande Ronde Basin of Northeastern Oregon
Bio-012 PDF
The report assesses the fish data and habitat data collected from ten tributaries in the Upper Grande Ronde basin from 1993 to 1998. The analysis used a multivariate approach to determine habitat and water chemistry variables that have significant effects on fish communities
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