The Question

Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:39:09 -0800 (PST)
From: Kelly Stettner <blackrivercleanup@yahoo.com>
Subject: [volmonitor] Sodium chloride sampling?
To: Volunteer water monitoring <volmonitor@lists.epa.gov>

Good morning. I would like to start a modest program to monitor for road salt at a location where a brook meets the Black River. I would love some feedback if you have any experience with this!
Caveats or warnings? Inexpensive equipment? Best practices & procedures? Testing done yourselves or by a lab? Any other advice?
Many thanks,
Kelly Stettner

Black River Action Team (BRAT)
45 Coolidge Road
Springfield, VT 05156
http://www.blackriveractionteam.org

Responses

From: Stepenuck, Kris <kfstepenuck@wisc.edu>
Date: Friday, November 13, 2009, 12:27 PM

Kelly

You might be able to use simple conductivity meters such as the Oakton EC Testr.

Kris

On Fri, Nov 13, 2009 at 12:08 PM, Kelly Stettner <blackrivercleanup@yahoo.com> wrote:

Thanks, Kris! I'm right there with you, that a conductivity test would be a great first-stage indicator as to whether further testing is warranted. I'll check around to see who carries the one you mention ~ have you used that one yourself or know anyone who has? I'd love to know if it has any quirks or particularly helpful features!
Much appreciated,
Kelly

From: Stepenuck, Kris <kfstepenuck@wisc.edu>
Date: Monday, November 16, 2009, 5:00 PM

Kelly

Yes, we have used it with some on-farm monitoring, rusty crayfish monitoring and in marshes. I like it, though we haven't put them to tough tough use. They can be easily calibrated with a solution I was able to buy in small packets, but they come factory calibrated too, which is nice. Batteries do run out esp. if left sitting for a long time.

I think I buy them from Forestry Suppliers. Actually, I just sent someone else a file I think would be useful to you. They're in there and I commented about them in one column.

Kris

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