The monitoring program tests for five field parameters including electrical conductivity, oxidation reduction potential, pH, temperature and total dissolved solids. Water samples are collected and analyzed in the laboratory at the National Research Center for Coal and Energy at West Virginia University for aluminum, acidity, alkalinity, bromine, calcium, chlorine, iron, magnesium, manganese, sodium, sulfate, sulfur, total suspended solids and total dissolved solids.
The need for chemical data on the Monongahela River became apparent following episodes of high TDS in the River during the summer and fall of 2008. After initial meetings and discussions with regulatory agencies and stakeholders, including the WV Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Geological Survey, US Environmental Protection Agency Region 3, US Army Corps of Engineers, and others, this need became even clearer. A great deal of stream data is, and has been, collected by watershed associations, agencies, municipalities, industry and research organizations. At the beginning of year 1 of this project, an advisory committee was established consisting of WVWRI personnel as well as staff from the various research interests from the Advisory Committee. The Committee met several times and a questionnaire was developed to determine what water chemistry data was available and/or being collected on the Monongahela River and its tributaries. It also asked what parameters needed to be measured. This initial outreach determined that although much data was being collected, it was not measured using compatible techniques, parameters or locations that could be easily included in this monitoring program. To create a database with useful, accurate and current information, it was decided that a standardized, systematic program was necessary.
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