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Three simultaneous stream-monitoring efforts are under way in Special Protection Areas (SPAs):
- Developers are expected to pay for, and conduct, monitoring of streams and best management practices in the vicinity of their development areas as part of their construction permits. DEP provides oversight and quality control of the developers' monitoring activities.
- DEP conducts stream monitoring at stations throughout streams in SPA areas annually. These stations are part of the countywide stream monitoring network used to develop countywide stream condition assessments and the Countywide Stream Protection Strategy. Outside SPAs, watersheds are monitored once in five years, not annually.
- DEP conducts monitoring on additional stations upstream and downstream of large development sites. These sites are maintained until development is complete and stormwater treatment trains are fully functional, and their data are evaluated for several years before the stations are closed.
In addition, DEP participates in the Clarksburg Monitoring Partnership in the Clarksburg SPA.
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Goals of Monitoring
Stream monitoring data help to:
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SPA BMP Monitoring Parameters and Methodology
Monitoring parameters are selected based on the project's site design, stormwater management concept plan, project performance goals, and monitoring feasibility.
Parameters for stream and groundwater monitoring include:
- Groundwater elevations and chemistry
- Stream (surface water) chemistry
- Stream temperature
- Stream flow (discrete or continuous)
- Stream profiles and cross sections
- Sedimentation/embeddedness
- Photographic documentation
Parameters for structural monitoring include:
- Sampling of total suspended solids at sediment and erosion control structures
- Pollutant removal efficiency sampling of nutrients, metals, and pollutants at stormwater management treatment trains
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Protocol and Reporting Requirements
BMP Sampling Protocols  (PDF, 26 pp, 464K)
To promote consistency and comparability among BMP monitoring projects, the Department of Environmental Protection, Special Area Protection Program, offers this BMP sampling protocols document to provide guidance to persons conducting BMP monitoring.
Progress Report Template (DOC, 1 pg, 25K)
As part of water quality plan requirements, consultants or individuals conducting SPA BMP monitoring are required to submit annual reports as well as quarterly progress reports. This template provides an outline for report submissions. Quarterly progress reports are submitted to DEP staff assigned to the project.
SPA BMP Monitoring Checklist (PDF, 3 pp, 109K)
Consultants must fill out the SPA BMP Monitoring Checklist and attach it to the annual report to certify that all required items are included and ready for DEP approval.
Annual reports and data are to be submitted to the developer/client, DEP, and the Department of Permitting Services (DPS). Questions on reporting requirements and data submissions can be directed to the Watershed Management Division by dialing 240-777-0311 or 3-1-1, or by emailing DEP.
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