Athens-Clarke County On-Call Watershed and Stormwater Services

Client: Athens-Clarke County Transportation and Public Works Department

Location: Athens, GA

Summary: Cardno ENTRIX, Inc. is currently working for Athens-Clarke County (ACC) in Georgia to provide support in developing their watershed improvement program by providing technical assistance and support in developing stream assessment methods, watershed improvement program strategies, and long-term monitoring recommendations.

Our staff is reviewing ACC?s existing assessment protocols for stream assessments that ACC had previously developed and research existing, useful methods that may be more useful based on ACC?s goals and objectives of their program. Cardno ENTRIX reviewed the protocol and provided feedback and recommendations based on the following criteria ? scientifically defendable, applicability for watershed comparisons, ease of assessment vs. collection of meaningful data, and current sampling trends/methods. We provided the pros and cons of each alternative method reviewed and recommendations for replacement or modification of existing protocol. In addition, Cardno ENTRIX is providing recommendations on additional data that could be collected to enhance ongoing County programs to including Phase II NPDES requirements, land disturbance activities, and coordination with other County preservation or restoration programs centered around stream assessment and water quality improvement. Once the final methods are determined, Cardno ENTRIX will provide technical assistance to develop the digital database, set up the data collection forms, and train staff on use of these methods as well as ensure accurate data collection. Cardno ENTRIX will also provide data QA/QC during data collection efforts for quality assurance purposes.

In addition, Cardno ENTRIX is providing technical assistance and recommendations on the flow monitoring equipment, site locations within each of the three watersheds, and provide technical assistance on installation and calibration of the equipment. Cardno ENTRIX staff are also providing recommendations on geomorphic monitoring options at these long-term monitoring locations.