Laboratory analysis criteria for estuarine water and sediment quality monitoring
2012. Laboratory analysis criteria for estuarine water and sediment quality monitoring. National Park Service
The National Park Service, Southeast Coast Network Inventory & Monitoring Program has implemented and is continuing is manage a water-quality monitoring program for National Parks located on the coast of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Field protocols and for these monitoring efforts will follow those developed by the National Estuarine Reserve System (NEER) for fixed site monitoring and those of the US EPA Coastal Condition Assessment methodology for assessing park-wide water quality condition in the vicinity of parks. As a part of this work, sediment and water samples are collected that require laboratory analytical services. The following SOP details the requisite laboratory analysis criteria to ensure that data are comparable over time, across parks, and to data sets developed by partners. The techniques and procedures outlined in this SOP are based on the USEPA National Coastal Assessment Laboratory Methods Manual (2009); much of the information herein is modified only slightly from USEPA instructions.