TMDL Sediment Sampling for Stream Restoration’s Protocols 1 and 5

In the most recent updates to the Expert Panel guidance for stream restoration TMDL Protocol calculations, site specific sediment sampling was introduced as a new requirement for Protocols 1 and 5. This presentation will discuss the new sampling guidance, identify areas where the guidance lacks detail, and provide examples of how the guidance is applied. The frequency of sampling, location of sampling sites, the sampling mechanism, as well as the actual laboratory procedures all have an effect on the determined bulk density, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus concentration. Using example restoration projects, the field procedure for sampling will be discussed, including sampling issues and adjustments that happen on site. The results of laboratory analysis and how the data is used in calculations is discussed in terms of its effect on the credit generated by specific projects.