Preparing for the Unexpected
Presented by Kyle King, Environmental Protection Service
Contact Information:
ABSTRACT
The scope of the presentation will be discussing how to properly prepare for unexpected events in the field. Taking the proper precautions, planning and developing field methods prior to data collection will greatly reduce mistakes and accidents from occurring. I will give a detailed breakdown of the process and steps our team utilizes for field sampling and site selection.
Planning stage
- Gather info on site location asking the right questions. Types of access? Past data? Discharge sites or influent sites in the area? Public or private access? Water use? Ask the right questions, what data are we hopeful to gather? How many site visits will occur?
- What tools are available to use. Google maps, GIS maps, flow discharge maps. Research the area for access points and determine where the best area to sample is based on what we are investigating.
- Is this public or private land? Landowner access vs public access. Landowner access forms. Point of entry? By bank, boat, or other methods?
- What is the scope of the investigation? Length of investigation? Will it be on going monitoring or will it be a special investigation gathering all data in one visit?
- Will we need to collaborate with other groups for the investigation? What will affect the water quality? Soil sciences or biologist maybe be asked to collaborate. Identifying what is in the area.
- What equipment will be needed? What data will be collected and the tools used to gather the data. Will we need to adapt or modify normal procedures for this site?
- What safety equipment will be used? Are we sampling near a road or bridge? Will it be near a riverbank or on a boat? How to deploy safety equipment properly and have the proper safety equipment.
- Risk vs reward for data collection. Safely collecting data without putting yourself or the team in harm. Water quality isn't more important than your safety.
- What problems may occur in the field. Being prepared can prevent problems in the field. Having a plan in place and backup supplies and tools needed for unexpected repairs.
- Pre-trip safety inspections for field equipment and vehicles used for sampling. Checklists can help prevent equipment failure before field deployment and help prevent any missing instruments or supplies needed to accurately collect data.