Click the links above to view our clearinghouse of technical resources by category.
Check back frequently for new resources – and send in your QAPPs, SOPs, methods, data management strategies, or anything else that can help advance the missions of NJ monitoring programs!
Three-Tiered Framework for Data Quality
The intended use of your data should determine how advanced your data collection methods should be. New Jersey has developed a new prescriptive framework for how community monitoring data can be used for regulatory purposes.
TIER 1
Educational Level
Acceptable Data Uses
- Community Education
- Municipal Engagement
- Targeting Additional Advanced Monitoring
Data Quality Requirements
- Study design documenting monitoring site information, methods, and timeframe
TIER 2
Targeting Level
Acceptable Data Uses
- All Tier 1 Uses, plus:
- Report Cards
- BMP Effectiveness Assessment
- BMP/Restoration Implementation Targeting
- Targeting Additional Advanced Monitoring
- NJDEP Regional Comprehensive Assessment
Data Quality Requirements
- QAPP approved at Tier 2 by affected NJDEP Bureaus on file with NJ Watershed Watch Network
- Use of standard field, lab, and analysis methods
TIER 3
Advanced Level
Acceptable Data Uses
- All Tier 1 and 2 Uses
- Regulatory Assessments of Water Quality Standards Attainment
Data Quality Requirements
- QAPP approved at Tier 3 by NJDEP, EPA, or USGS
- Water Chemistry: Use of NJDEP Certified Lab or OQA-certified “analyze-immediately” parameters for handheld and continuous meters
- Macroinvertebrates: Use of NJDEP-approved sampling design
Tier 3 Macroinvertebrate Sampling Designs
TIER 3.1
Good
- Americorps NJWAP sampling methods
- Streamside organism identification to Order/Level
- Volunteers must pass a 50-organism test with 90% success
TIER 3.2
Better
- Sample preservation in the field
- Volunteer organism identification to family level
- Volunteers must pass a 50-organism test with 90% success
TIER 3.3
Best
- Sample preservation in the field
- Laboratory identification to genus level