Services
We provide the following services in order to start and maintain a monitoring program and integrate data into the Chesapeake Data Explorer. The CMC Service Providers work with each group individually to determine which services are needed and the appropriate schedule, contact us when you’re ready to get started.
Groups who are interested in starting a new monitoring program typically take 1 to 6 months to integrate into the CMC network. Services provided typically include: a study design workshop, water quality and/or benthic training, and a Data Explorer Training.
Groups who have an existing program and would like to become a member of the CMC typically take 6 months to 1 year to integrate into the CMC network. Services provided typically include: Methods review and evaluation, water quality and/or benthic training, and a Data Explorer Training.
After at least 1 year of data collection groups can participate in a data interpretation workshop in order to visualize and communicate their data. Additionally, tidal water quality monitoring groups may be eligible to be nominated for Tier 3 status.
Study Design
Prior to developing a monitoring program it is essential to think through the scientific process and the steps necessary to create a program where the data collected match the monitoring objectives. Study design workshops are required for new monitoring programs and recommended for existing programs. Workshops typically involve 1-5 members of the monitoring group and outside stakeholders, and can range from half a day workshop to multiple days depending on the needs.
Methods Review and Evaluation
This service is available to groups that have an existing monitoring program and would like to integrate their data into the Chesapeake Data Explorer. We will review the current methods manuals and quality assurance procedures and compare them against the CMC approved procedures in order to designate a tier.
Water Quality Training
All monitoring groups interested in chemical monitoring must attend a water quality monitoring workshop hosted by a CMC service provider or Certified Trainer and become certified. Workshops are held on an as needed basis annually and typically range from 3-5 hours.
Benthic Training
All monitoring groups interested in benthic monitoring must attend a biological monitoring workshop hosted by a CMC service provider or Certified Trainer and become certified. Workshops are held on an as needed basis annually and typically range from 6-8 hours.
Tier 3 Tidal Water Quality Monitoring
Programs that monitor water quality in tidal areas may be nominated to become Tier 3. At a minimum these programs must monitor for temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. In order to be nominated, a group must have an individual QAPP and complete an audit process from the Bay Program’s Data Integrity Workgroup. The Tier 3 audit process typically takes 1 year to complete.
Data Interpretation
After a monitoring group has at least 1 year of water quality data they can request a data interpretation workshop. We offer workshops on an as needed basis annually and work with groups one on one to provide data interpretation assistance tailor to each group’s needs.
Data Explorer
The Chesapeake Data Explorer is the portal to all of the data collected through the CMC. Monitoring groups must complete any of the other services required to upload data, once completed, the we will work with the group to upload data.