WI DNR Field Procedures Manual
Intranet Edition

Recording Field Observations

Field notes are an important and sometimes critical addition to the data collected during a sediment assessment study. These written notes are used to record exact locations, measurements, dates, times, events and conditions encountered during field work that could affect the results of sampling effort and analysis. They should be recorded in a field notebook with waterproof ink or pencil in addition to field sheets or directly on field sheets that are maintained together so none can be lost. The field information is important both for people looking at the data who are not familiar with the sites, as well as those who know the sites. Nobody can remember all specific details about a field trip and sites. The written information also provides a picture in time or historical record, and may prove to be very useful later on to help interpret results. Specific information that should or might be recorded includes:

1. Site and sample locations with enough detail to be able to relocate the sampled site (see section 3000.1, Field Positioning Methods). Information may include major waterbody and county, nearby bridges and roads, GPS or Loran-C readings, compass readings to permanent landmarks (triangulation), distances from shore and relation to permanent landmarks, a hand drawn map of the immediate area.
2. Date and time each sample was taken.
3. Types of samples being taken and for what purpose.
4. Observations for each sample including: depth of sediment sample, water depth, sediment texture, odor, color, presence/absence of invertebrates, presence of detritus.
5. Observations for each site including: flow direction and velocity; shade; submerged macrophytes; shoreline proximity and characteristics; debris such as wood chips, coal pieces, detritus, etc.
6. Field measurements - see B. Field Measurements below.
7. Equipment being used.
8. Name(s) of collector(s).
9. Any other detailed information that is important for understanding or interpreting the data.

Note taking can be time consuming, but too little information is a far worse situation than too much information.

Field Measurements

Field measurements should be taken in the field whenever sediments are being sampled. The project plan and type of sampling will influence which field measurements are necessary to complete the data for each site. Generally, if samples are collected only for bulk chemistry analysis, sediment depth and site location are probably sufficient. Any sampling for a biologically based test or survey such as invertebrate community, toxicity or bioaccumulation should include additional field measurements. These measurements may include: water depth, pH, water temperature (at depth and surface), dissolved oxygen, light attenuation, turbidity, conductivity and flow. Measurements may need to be taken close to the sediment surface, at the water surface or mid-depth, depending on the study.

All meters should be calibrated and tested following the manufacturers' instructions prior to departure into the field so faults can be discovered and fixed before the meter is needed. Write down dates of calibrations and tests performed on instruments in your field notebook so field measurements are not questioned later.

WDNR. 1990 (draft). Quality Assurance Guidance for Inplace Pollutant Monitoring Activities. Unpublished document on file at the Bureau of Integrated Science Services and Bureau of Watershed Management.