INSTREAMS: NO. OF SAMPLES Instreams are the most comprehensive water quality tests performed by Jefferson County Commission. The extensive nature is due to both frequency in sampling and parameters analyzed. Each site is sampled quarterly based on weather conditions in order to accurately represent the seasonal variations of the streams. Water quality analysis is performed for 22 parameters, which include organic, inorganic, metals, pH, E.coli, and other runoff pollutant components. These 6 sites serve to monitor non-point source pollution in five of the major receiving waters in Jefferson County Commission jurisdiction and are sampled in both wet and dry conditions. An average of 48 instream samples are taken each year by Jefferson County Commission personnel. 48 SCREENING POINTS NO. OF SAMPLES Wet weather screening points comprise a second type of runoff analysis. The sites are strategically located below major outfall points within Jefferson County, and monitor tributaries at the confluences of higher order streams. Monitoring each of the sites enables Jefferson County Commission to detect illicit connections and illegal dumping of pollutants. In addition to sampling the site, a narrative description of field-observable conditions, flow estimation, and site descriptions are collected. The sites are visited during wet weather events to ensure the parameters analyzed are representative of storm water runoff, such as surfactants, oil and grease, pH, total petroleum hydrocarbons, metals, nutrients, and fecal or E.coli matter. Each year, approximately 48 samples are collected by Jefferson County Commission personnel. 48 INVESTIGATIONS: NO. OF SAMPLES Investigative sampling varies widely with the causation of the investigation. Samples are taken due to complaints, spills, sewage leaks, illegal discharges, or in the event of significantly elevated parameter results in previous tests. The laboratory analysis performed depends upon the nature of the sample taken, and Jefferson County Commission inspectors complete the investigation by attempting to isolate the source of the problem. Jefferson County Commission inspectors estimate close to 100 investigative samples per year, which is also weather dependent. 100
