MDCB Fall 2004 Meeting Minutes
Loveland, Colorado
Hach Company World Headquarters
October 25 - 29, 2004

Participants:

Next Board Meeting

• Next meeting will be held either the week of February 21, 2005 or March 7, 2005, in St. Petersburg, FL
• Following meeting will be sometime around September. Possible locations include Idaho Springs, ID; Vicksburg, MS; or ARS offices (Beltsville, MD or Georgia)

Outreach, Wed., 10/27/04

Tues am: LeAnne, Jerry & Ed met and discussed the WQDE tool to be developed (see WQDE workgroup notes).

Wed am: Eric, Dan, Ed, Charlie, Cliff, Merle, James met and discussed delegation of effort. Merle suggested we contact Greg Cottrell, former Board member, to help with the Outreach effort.

Web site update & maintenance

List of action items: Web site has been moribund for some time and there is a fair amount of work to be done. Ed and Dan will get together ahead of scheduled workgroup meeting to develop a list of suggested priorities.

1. Remove weak content. Only publish to the web “substantive” content.
2. Tools: Data Elements
3. Strategy – everyone.

Links that go to a page with minimal “space-saver” content should be removed until content is developed. Discuss which links are candidates for removal and which links might be combined with others to make a more coherent whole.

ABOUT section:

1. Need to keep all of these workgroups but urgently need content for Nutrients and New Tech workgroups.
2. The Publications link should probably include one or two of the Boards most recent Power Point presentations.
3. Dan suggested we create a “ First-Time Visitor ” link that probably would go in the About section.
4. Chuck Spooner will pickup where he left off with the glossary effort.
5. A recommendation was made to maintain only one list of board membership (not separate internal and external website lists).
6. The table of member attendance at meetings should be continued and updated.

TOOLS section:

Drop New Technologies tool pending copy from Katherine and Ed.

STRATEGY section:

Keep all but develop content as described in the strategy section below.

NEWS section:

A . “What's New?” could include a sentence or two about:

• the GAO report
• the Ocean Commission Report.
• The data element letter to ACWI
• EPA's Wadeable Streams Assessment

B. “Success Stories” could include excerpts from emails etc. praising NEMI, examples of agencies or organizations adopting of the data elements, etc. etc. (EPA, California-Revital….others…)

Workgroups pages

Discuss with individual workgroup leads how to populate/update their respective pages.
Action : Eric will talk with workgroup chairs and seek new or revised web content for the "ABOUT" section, particularly from the Nutrients, and New Technology workgroup chairs.

Strategy section

Need to develop a plan with tasks and timelines to populate this section more completely, or else decide that it's too ambitious an undertaking at this point and reorganize.
Action : Dan will continue to develop the “STRATEGY” section of the website. The approach will involve replacing the current Board strategy table with the simpler strategy table found in the Fact Sheet: The value of Data Comparability . This simpler table will have four links, one for each of the four elements. The links will go to four separate pages that develop the concept of that element in the context of the NWQMC framework. These four strategy/framework pages will contain links to the TOOLS page(s) and/or other Board products relevant to that strategy/framework element.

Other issues discussed (including, but not limited to…ideas for future projects, issues to bring before full Board, linkages/connections to other workgroups, ideas for new members)
Action : Ed Johnson will take the lead on the “TOOLS” section of the web site and work with:

1) LeAnne to develop the WQDE tool

2) Katherine to develop a New Tech tool

Power Point Presentations from Loveland that might be included on the external or internal web sites:

• HACH drinking water security
• Revital Katznelson: volunteer monitoring data element tool
• Laura Gabanski :WSA talk
• Charlie Patton: talk on nutrients
• Lisa D Olsen, USGS MD-DE-DC, New Technology
• Larry Keith: CBR
• Others…

Any between meeting conference calls planned?

Ed, LeAnne and Revital will work to develop at KASH (kick Ass Spread Sheet) of data elements for download and perhaps a PDA product.

Ed and Katherine will work on New Technology

Dan, Eric and Ed should conference in a month or two to discuss progress. 

•  Other comments/notes/issues

If PBS and Nutrient workgroups merging do we still want to keep them as separate workgoups on the website (ABOUT section)? I think yes …

Can the mailing list for “Across the Board” me made available on the internal web site (or elsewhere) so that Board members can make sure it is current? (Ed Johnson's request).

The bottom line …. Eric will take the lead on website ACTION section, Ed J. will take the lead on website TOOLS section, and Dan will take the lead on website STRATEGY section. I propose the three of us conference in a month or so to discuss progress

Other Outreach needs: Coastal Zone 2005 (July 17-21, 05 New Orleans ); Ed Johnson will be attending and could use this opportunity to engage & inform the coastal zone community about the Board and the Council.

Others…?

NEMI Workgroup, Tuesday, 10/26, 8-10a.m.

• Vision: Reviewed the draft vision statement most recently edited by Cary Jackson. Revital K. suggested that we look at the number of methods in NEMI sorted by subcategory. We could then compare that number to an estimate of how many methods are available and that would help prioritize how we selected the next batch of methods to add. Made minor edits to Vision statement.
  ACTION 1: Send revised vision statement to David Friedman (EPA) for comments and suggestions.
  ACTION 2: Dan will create a table showing methods in NEMI, like this (example only, numbers are fictional):
  

  Source	Analyte class	Instrumentation	Total # in NEMI
  USGS	Nutrients	ICP	2
  EPA	Pesticides	GC-MS	5
  etc	etc	etc	etc

• Methods in staging area:
  -- James Boiani, CSC contractor to NEMI -- Office of Air and Office of Pesticide Programs methods in, being reviewed. Estimates sent to respective office chiefs for what it would cost to get their methods in NEMI, waiting for response.
  -- Bernie Malo: ASTM has revised their methods approval process to include entering into NEMI as part of process. He would like someone from the NEMI workgroup to make a presentation to them the 3rd week of January, 2005 (Cary?)
  ACTION: Set up conference call with Len Morrissey, ASTM, to discuss better process for getting methods in NEMI.
  -- Standard Methods new methods are already loaded in NEMI, with exception of analyte data, which will be completed shortly.
• 2-Year Workplan:
  -- Updated the roster
  -- Much discussion on turning the focus of NEMI from development to getting more methods. Number of methods has grown slowly since NEMI publicly released, limiting factor has been availability of funds for contract support. Hach Company may have funds to support this activity -- what is best mechanism?
  ACTION: Herb? will look into developing a CRADA
  -- Expert system -- recommend that pilot effort be undertaken to integrate EMMA into NEMI database. Overall goal is to produce an expert system for the Board's strategy.
  -- Develop a "user's manual" for method entry. May include an updated spreadsheet in addition to online forms guidance.
  -- Develop list of methods in NEMI (see above table) and then try to get a handle on how many methods are really "out there" and use that to prioritize new methods.
• Outreach
  -- ES&T paper: minor changes to manuscript and figure made. Larry will send final version to journal (DONE 10/29/04)
  -- No other pressing outreach needs at this time. Will provide update items for next Board newsletter.

NEMI + Biology + Field Activities Committee

Spent the time reviewing the methods that are already in the staging area (invert collection and a variety of toxicity methods) and discussed how the display/fields need to be modified for this type of method. Dan stressed that it would sure be nice if several types of methods/protocols could share the same query/display (i.e., water-sample collection same as invertebrate collection, etc.). Group decided it was worth a try.
ACTION 1: Dan will modify the display.
ACTION 2: Field activities committee will try to find outside reviewers to provide input.

How to connect protocols to lab methods? This is a question numerous groups have wrestled with, including STORET and NWIS.

Need to update the FAC roster. Current members: Ed Santoro, Franceska Wilde, Dan Sullivan, Eric Vowinkel, Karen Blocksom.

WQDE Workgroup, Tues., 10/26/04

WORKGROUP CHAIR: LeAnne Astin
MEETING PARTICIPANTS: Eric Volwinkle, Herb Brass, Erich Emory, Chuck Spooner, Revital Katznelson, Ed Johnson, Jerry Diamond, Karen Blocksom, Larry Keith, Ed Santoro, Charlie Peters, Franceska Wilde
WHO WAS ON THE PHONE: No call-ins

1. Are there any new workgroup members or guests we need to add to mailing list?
-- Erich Emory, New member, ORSANCO, emery@orsanco.org
-- Revital Katznelson, New member, (CA) State Water Resources Control Board,Rk@rb2.swrcb.ca.gov
-- Karen Blocksom, Guest/New member?,US EPA, blocksom.karen@epa.gov

2. Status of workgroup projects, activities, products

Biological WQDEs

Timeline for ACWI approval of bio/tox data elements and guidance document was discussed. Jerry agreed to delete confusing table in guidance doc. Document must be seen by both Board and NWQMC before submitting to ACWI. Chuck Spooner to inquire re: funding for wider publication of guidance doc following approval.

Revised timeline:

• around 11/5: Herb, Erik & LeAnne to draft cover letter to Toni Johnson at USGS re: timeline changes and guidance document; Toni to forward to Board & Council.
• 11/19/04: deadline for comments from Board & Council on guidance doc.
• 12/25/04: bio DE's (already approved by Board & Council) & guidance document to be sent to ACWI members.
• 01/05: ACWI approval, publication of guidance doc., adoption of bio DE's (Fed. register announcement, letter from ACWI to its member agencies urging acceptance)

2-YEAR WORKPLAN

Completion of the physical habitat data elements remains a goal; other lists are still in limbo at this time. Group need to discuss these further via conference calls.

"Clearing house" of links from our web site to other examples of good data mgt. using the data elements (e.g. Revital's Field Road Map, Curtis Cude's Pacific Data Exchange). Ed J. and Jerry Diamond offered several suggestions. Needs more discussion

There was much discussion of the increased use of the web site as a "vehicle for communicating our products and services"...to promote WQDEs & offer online tools for implementation (e.g. printable and/or downloadable field forms, pick lists, PDA applications) w/emphasis on their "customizability." Excel appears to have promise as a development platform: readily understood, simpler to work with than databases, relatively easy to customize with minimal IT skills. Drawback: conversion to Pocket Excel wipes out most custom options, macros, charts, pivot tables etc.. However, technology is catching up (Flash memory etc.), PDAs will soon be able to run full versions of Excel. Chuck S. pointed out that "our" pick lists should converge w/NEMI's for consistency; and that we should be thinking about getting state monitoring councils on board. Revital gave PowerPoint presentation and demonstration of the Field Road map, an Excel app based on the data elements & developed for managing citizen monitoring info. LeAnne with Revital to explore adaptation of Field Road map concept as a data elements tool. Further discussion is needed to set priorities &
establish next steps...what would we like to have for the next National Monitoring Conference? LeAnne to schedule additional conference calls so that worksgroup can discuss activities & products in more detail.

NEMI-CBR Update, Tues., 10/26/04

Anyone have notes?

GAO and Oceans Commission Reports, Wed., 10/27/04

Chuck Spooner, EPA

Overview of GAO report. Bottom line, data management is done poorly and they recommend that a single entity be appointed to recommend changes and coordinate. Army Corps has offered to do it, GAO report recommends that the National Water Quality Monitoring Council do it.

U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy -- started by Act of Congress -- deals with shoreline and off-shoreline issues (huge compendium). Chapter 15 deals w/ monitoring. Major recommendations in report:
15-1. U.S. needs a national monitoring program (NOAA, USGS, EPA to lead)
15-2. Global earth-observing system
15-3. Monitoring network has clear goals, specific core variables, etc.

Biology Workgroup, Weds., 10/27/04

EPA's Wadeable Streams Assessment. Laura Gabanski gave presentation on what it is, where Board can help.

4. Other issues discussed (including, but not limited to…ideas for future projects, issues to bring before full Board, linkages/connections to other workgroups, ideas for new members)

7. Plans for the next meeting

8. Any between meeting conference calls planned?

Yes, in December to discuss formation of Board-EPA workgroup for bioassessment comparability tasks

 9. Other comments/notes/issues

Outreach, Weds., 10/27/04

4. Other issues discussed (including, but not limited to…ideas for future projects, issues to bring before full Board, linkages/connections to other workgroups, ideas for new members)

Bring Hypoxia in Gulf of Mexico Issue to Full Board.

7. Plans for the next meeting: Provide Outreach Work Group update

8. Any between meeting conference calls planned? Yes, probably will set up monthly conference calls (Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb) to solicit ideas. All Work Group Chairs will be asked to participage.

9. Other comments/notes/issues: Most important products of the Outreach Work Group is the website and the Across the Board (ATB) newsletter. We need to keep the website current and to improve communications between the Outreach Work Groups and the other workgroups.

PBS & Nutrients, Thurs., 10/28/04

Attendees: Roy Irwin (Nat'l. Park Service), Karin Bogren (Hach), Lynn Egan (Hach), Charlie Patton (USGS), Miguel Molina (Hach), Karen Blocksom (EPA), Erich Emory (ORSANCO), Revital Katznelson (CA Water Board), Ed Santoro (Co-chair, DRBC), Cliff Annis (Co-chair, PAREXEL)

The PBS and Nutrients workgroups were consolidated into a single workgroup as of this meeting, and will be co-chaired by Ed Santoro (DRBC) and Cliff Annis (PAREXEL).

Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico was discussed as a matter for the Board.
ACTION: The PBS/Nutrients group will develop and draft a strategy.

Nitrate Reductase method was presented by Charlie Patton. Possible replacement for cadmium for nitrate determination.

Nitrate DQO paper: draft is almost finalized.
ACTION: Finalize and send to Council for comment.

Web site updates: by Dec. 2004

2-year workplan: draft plan.
ACTION: Complete by January 2005.

Data Integrity Issue

New Technologies, Wed., 10/27/04

4. Other issues discussed (including, but not limited to…ideas for future projects, issues to bring before full Board, linkages/connections to other workgroups, ideas for new members)

Comparability study – 4 methods, international round robin: H. Claustre ( France ), S. Hooker (NASA), L. Van Heukelem (U Md Horn Point),

J-F Berthon ( Italy ), R. Barlow (Horn Pt), J. Ras ( France ), H. Sessions

(Horn Point), C. Targa ( European Joint Research Center for Inland and

Marine Waters , Italy ), C. Thomas (Horn Point), D. van der Linde (South

Africa), J.-C Marty ( France ).

An intercomparison of HPLC phytoplankton pigment methods using in situ

samples: application to remote sensing and database activities.

Marine Chemistry 2004 85:41-61.

7. Plans for the next meeting

Update external website for comment on development of tools (clearinghouse with links?)

8. Any between meeting conference calls planned?

February: email exchanges, with discussions by phone as needed to work on revisions to website before March

9. Other comments/notes/issues

Accreditation, Thurs., 10/28/04

4. Other issues discussed (including, but not limited to…ideas for future projects, issues to bring before full Board, linkages/connections to other workgroups, ideas for new members)

7. Plans for the next meeting

-Develop draft paper on state lab accreditation.

-Develop outline of activities for field stds position paper.

-Update webpage information.

8. Any between meeting conference calls planned?

Not yet, but this will happen.

9. Other comments/notes/issues

George Melvin ( Vermont ) managed to get the state legislature to require that all state labs be accredited. This is a significant accomplishment.

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