Capabilities
Water Quality and Biological Monitoring
CRI staff has experience in macroinvertebrate collection and identification. CRI regularly gathers water quality information for use in environmental documents and as background data for more extensive field analyses. We are familiar with the various agencies and private entities that gather stream data and we can compile these data sources, analyze raw data where necessary and present a summary of stream conditions that is understandable to the layman.
CRI is also experienced in performing water quality analyses in the field. Monitoring methodologies are typically based on the collection of chemical, physical and biological data to evaluate overall stream conditions and sources of degradation. The staff at CRI has had training in MBSS’ procedures and EPA’s Rapid Bioassessment Protocol for water quality monitoring. CRI retains an environmental scientist on staff with extensive taxonomy experience with identification to genus level including midges.
The training also emphasized applications in assessing the effects and potential sources of aquatic pollution. CRI has applied these protocols to numerous stream systems to assess physical characteristics, basic water chemistry, aquatic habitat and fish and macroinvertebrate populations. Our staff has experience in monitoring site selection as well as the collection and identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish, and has employed the various metrics to evaluate macroinvertebrates and fish populations in relation to water quality and habitat. CRI’s experience in fish collection includes electroshocking, haul seining and trapping methodologies.