Albemarle-Pamlico Sounds
Ambient Monitoring System
Type: Stressors
affecting habitat (i.e., which sources have contributed to its degradation and
whether they are direct or indirect factors).
Category: Submerged
Cost: Information not provided.
Description: Phytoplankton data have been used to document the extent
of biological response to nutrient enrichment. Aquatic macrophytes (sometimes
called submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) or aquatic plants) provide habitat
for young fish and aquatic animals, stabilize river bottoms, provide food for
waterfowl, and can help protect water quality. However, uncontrolled growths
of exotic or non-native species may cause problems including loss of one or
more uses of the water body. One group of organisms, the dinoflagellates can
cause nuisance or even harmful algal blooms and may produce toxins that can
affect other organisms. One genus of dinoflagellate, Pfiesteria that has only
recently been described, has received a great deal of public attention. The
Ecosystems Unit maintains active surveillance of Pfiesteria-like species by
light microscopy and cooperates in related research and ecological effects monitoring.
The NC Ambient Monitoring System (AMS) is a network of stream, lake, and estuarine
stations strategically located for the collection of physical and chemical water
quality data. At approximately 420 locations around the state, ambient chemical
monitoring data is collected to allow a comprehensive assessment of water quality
criteria. This information, along with biological data, is used in development
of Basinwide Water Quality Management Plans to assess the quality of water bodies
across the state and highlight areas needing management actions.
Outcome: In keeping with the DWQ basin-wide approach for planning and
management of water quality, Environmental Sciences is facilitating formation
of associations of NPDES dischargers statewide. In 1994, the first Memorandum
of Agreement between DWQ and the Lower Neuse Basin Association was signed. Since
that time, a discharger association has formed in the Upper Cape Fear River,
Middle Cape Fear River , Lower Cape Fear River , and the Yadkin River basin.
The concept of these associations integrates instream sampling requirements
set forth in NPDES permits with DWQ's basinwide management strategy. Monitoring
sites and parameters are established such that instream monitoring is more efficient,
effective, basin-oriented, and yields potentially better quality, more usable
data. The associations are required to directly enter monitoring data into EPA's
STORET database. This entry makes the information readily available to DWQ and
the public for analysis. Increased efficiency provides economic incentive for
dischargers to join these coalitions Data availability benefits both DWQ and
the discharging facilities. The coalition monitoring concept provides a collective
voice among the dischargers located in a particular river basin. By utilizing
these coalitions, DWQ effectively doubles its data resources for making basin-wide
water quality management decisions.
Contact: Larry Ausley, Environmental Biologist, NC DWQ Ecosystems Unit,
4401 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC, 919) 733-9960 ext 254, fax (919) 733-9959,
Larry.Ausley@ncmail.net
Citation: http://www.esb.enr.state.nc.us/BAU.html
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