Each June, SSI collects benthic macro invertebrates (BMIs) and algae samples at each of our monitoring sites. This data helps us understand more about the health of our streams. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in March our monitoring program has looked substantially different than normal because we cannot rely on the help our regular water quality monitors. We wanted to update you all on how we are collecting essential data about the health of Deer Creek and the Bear River, while also following social distancing guidelines to keep our staff safe.
Our lab manager Chloe and one of our Americorps members, Wes, are housemates, meaning they don’t have to socially distance from each other. This makes it possible to collect BMIs and algae without having members of different households interact. Chloe and Wes have a very busy June schedule—collecting this data at all 33 sites will take quite a while! Meanwhile, our rural health coordinator, Taylor, and AmeriCorps member, Dorothy, will be collecting water quality data during our normal Deer Creek week. Thankfully, our monitoring protocols require just one person to touch the equipment and one to touch the data sheet, so they will be able to maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times. They will also wear masks and gloves to protect themselves and anyone they may cross paths with while monitoring.
After samples are collected, they are taken to our lab. At this time we only allow one person to work in the lab at a time and all surfaces are sanitized after each visit. This allows water quality staff to safely process samples within the enclosed lab space.
Our limited capacity means June will be a busy month for our water quality team! However, we believe that, as long as staff can stay safe and healthy, it is important to still collect this data because the health of our streams affects all of us. That said, we look forward to the time when we can bring our water quality volunteers back on with us!
Wes and Chloe at one of our monitoring sites today!