River Crane Phosphorus Project – Stage 1 · River Crane Phosphorus Project 2 Stage 1 Report !...

River Crane Phosphorus Project – Stage 1

Stage 1 of Phosphorus Project has been made possible by funding from Thames Water, it has been delivered in conjunction with project partners; Friends of the River Crane Environment and Crane Valley Partnership with support from frog environmental.

River Crane Phosphorus Project 2 Stage 1 Report

Project

Submitted to

Developed by

Project Manager

Project Number

Document Version

Date

RIVER CRANE PHOSPHORUS PROJECT – STAGE 1. V2

Crane Valley Partnership

FORCE & frog environmental ltd

Richard Haine

FE13-12-004

1.0

January 2014


Acronyms & Abbreviations

EA……….. Environment Agency

CSO……… Combined Sewer Overflow

FORCE…. Friends of River Crane Environment

HLF……… Heritage Lottery Fund

LWT……. London Wildlife Trust

PPE…….. Personal Protective Equipment

SAGIS….. Source Apportionment Geographical Information System

SRP……… Soluble Reactive Phosphorus

STW…….. Sewage Treatment Works

TW………. Thames Water

WFD…….. Water Framework Directive

ZSL………. Zoological Society of London


Report contents

Executive summary of key findings

1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3

2. Stakeholder analysis………………………………………………………………………………………. 6

3. Data review……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7

4. Sampling Strategy………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11

5. Data Management…………………………………………………………………………………………. 16

6. Health & Safety Management………………………………………………………………………… 18

7. Communications……………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

8. Project Finance………………………………………………………………………………………………. 20

Contents of tables and figures

Table 1: Timeline and key milestones…………………………………………………………………… 5

Table 2: Environment Agency sampling points and regime…………………………………… 8

Figure 1: Map showing hotspot data & sampling points……………………………………….. 10

Table 3: Stage 2 constraints and mitigation………………………………………………………….. 13

Appendices

1. Stakeholder engagement spreadsheet 2. Environment Agency Soluble Reactive Phosphate data (plotted to line graphs) 3. Combined Sewage Overflow data from Thames Water 4. SAGIS data (EA) 5. Cost Centres and financial summary of stage 2 6. Draft flow calculation for stage 2 site assessment (FORCE)


Executive summary -‐ key findings

• A Citizen Science approach to the Phosphorus Project is both practical & feasible and will bring an increased value to the outcomes of the project.

• Creating a well-‐resourced water quality monitoring network on the River Crane that

combines Citizen Scientists, Academia, Volunteer Groups, and Professional Services, key Stakeholders from the Private Sector and the Regulator is of practical benefit to meeting targets set out under the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

• There is willingness on the part of a wide range of stakeholders covering all sectors

to devote time and resources to the success of the project (as summarised in appendix 1).

• Stage 2 of the project cannot be delivered without the support of the private sector to assist with coordination and delivery during the first 12 months.

• Costs in the first 12 months of the project (phase two) include a considerable input

to develop and test the methodology and set up and train the large volunteer and academic project team. The annual costs of ongoing monitoring have not been calculated as yet, but are likely to be substantially lower. Long-‐term partnerships and funding are being planned that will ensure the longevity of the project.

• Data review has shown that a typical phosphate concentration in the Crane, from Environment Agency (EA) data, is between 0.3 and 0.5mg/l and that a major historic source of phosphate loading is likely to be from the River Colne via the DNR.

• Positive Engagement with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and third sector

organisations such as Thames21 has revealed opportunities to share resources and to cross-‐pollinate and promote projects. The prospect of joint Citizen Scientist training days and sharing of sampling points on the River Crane is also a practical benefit. This should lead directly to resource efficiencies being found and a more joined up approach to water quality investigation on the River Crane. The Phosphorus Project is open to new partnerships being formed with other organisations in the quest for delivering value and efficiency with the resources available.


1. Introduction

Elevated concentrations of the nutrient phosphorus in rivers can lead to excessive growth of plants and algae. This in turn can have an adverse impact on water quality parameters such as oxygen. Increased plant and algae can also affect the habitat of the river, impacting on populations of water animals such as invertebrates and fish. The EA has set out standards for Soluble Reactive Phosphorus (SRP) under the Water Framework Directive (WFD); this helps manage the risk of adverse ecological impacts caused by higher concentrations. Having these standards can help indicate the likely degree to which phosphorus concentrations would need to be reduced in order to improve ecological quality. This study proposes the development of a well-‐resourced water quality investigation network, which will lead to a higher frequency of monitoring on the Crane, in more locations and show more accurately where efforts should be directed to meet environmental objectives as set out under the WFD. The study has 3 stages: Stage 1: data review, stakeholder engagement, feasibility study

Stage 2: data collection and review

Stage 3: planning and delivering interventions

This report is concerned with the delivery of stage 1 and the planning aspects of stage 2; stage 3 will be referred to as and when required to give context and will run concurrently with stage 2. This stage 1 investigation indicates that using a Citizen Science (CS) approach to provide an increased monitoring system, subject to providing a professional technical and safety framework, is feasible and will add value to the project. There is a significant level of interest from local volunteer groups and others in supporting this initiative and the project should provide a level of investigation and assessment that would not be possible from any one organisation. The addition of academic involvement as well as MSc projects to provide targeted investigations on the River Crane should further increase the value of the project and prospects of building successful long-‐term partnerships. A further outcome of the project is increasing the awareness of the issues of water quality on the River Crane among participants and the local community. This benefit should be enhanced through working alongside the “Only Rain in Rivers” campaign headed up by the EA. There are also significant potential benefits to be gained from combining efforts with the Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) Citizen Science project for River Fly monitoring. It is anticipated that the large local population, with a high level of engagement in the Crane


corridor, will provide a fertile ground for dissemination of outcomes and possible local actions. It should be noted that the project is creating a framework for collecting and studying phosphorus loading that is replicable elsewhere, the outcomes of this work therefore have a value that stretches beyond the boundaries of the catchment and have great potential significance for achieving improvements as set out under the WFD both on the Crane and elsewhere in the country. A typical phosphate concentration in the Crane, from EA data, is between 0.3 and 0.5mg/l. Phosphate is the crucial parameter for the WFD classification of the Crane, resulting in the upper and middle Crane being classed as of moderate ecological potential and the lower Crane being classed as poor potential. Reducing the phosphate concentration in the river is considered to be the best means of reaching the good ecological potential target under the WFD. Concentration data are of value, but they do not give any information about the phosphorus loading in the river. Measuring the flow rate as well as the concentration, as proposed by this project, allows the loading to be calculated, and this is essential information for investigating the sources of phosphorus. An average flow rate in the lower River Crane of one m3/s therefore translates to a phosphorus loading of the order of 50 kg per day. One of the key objectives of this project is to improve our understanding of where this 50 kg of phosphorus is sourced from and how it may best be reduced.

2.1 The key deliverable for stage 1 are:

i. Work with stakeholders in establishing the type of involvement and their level of commitment in the formation of a water quality investigation and monitoring network on the River Crane.

ii. Undertake the necessary research and provide the information required to form a monitoring strategy for stage 2 of the investigation (collection of data in the field).

iii. Objectively assess the feasibility and value of stage 2 given the anticipated level of resource and data already available.

2.2 Project boundaries, timeline and key milestones Following approval from the Crane Valley Partnership (CVP), the Phosphorus Project is to take a catchment-‐based approach rather than solely focus on the Lower Crane. Using a catchment-‐based approach will also open up the investigation to more support from the EA as well as provide a wider catchment for academic and volunteer support. A catchment-‐based approach will also lend the project to replication elsewhere.


Table 1. Planned timeline and key milestones in project formation

Milestone Planned date Completion of stage 1 January 31st 2014 Formation and submission of stage 2 January 31st 2014 Confirmation of stakeholder resources ongoing Pilot testing data collection method February -‐ March Citizen Science Training Day with Environment Agency

March -‐ April 2014

Citizen Scientists to commence field work April -‐ May 2014 Stage 2 initial monitoring period April 2014 to March 2015

It is anticipated that stage 2 of this project will co-‐ordinate several different lines of investigative approach; these can be broken down as follows:

• CS project, with CS collecting water quality data and collecting other observations from monitoring points that are pertinent to the study. There are plans for regular sample collection as well as more focused bursts of sampling in specific areas using CS.

• Academic research providing more detailed insight into specific relevant areas of study.

• Regulatory and professional review and analysis that will help inform decision making on a catchment level and allow the value of actions/interventions to be assessed.

3. Stakeholder analysis and anticipated level of commitment

Appendix 1 contains a full stakeholder analysis of the River Crane Phosphorus Investigation. The table also outlines the role that each stakeholder has played thus far and the anticipated or confirmed level of commitment in the delivery of Stage 2. The pro bono value of this commitment has also been calculated.

In summary, a wide range of support from different sectors is evident with key stakeholders displaying a good level of commitment. Due to the short timeframes involved not all stakeholders engaged have been able to confirm their level of commitment to this project. Key stakeholders such as Friends of River Crane Environment (FORCE), Thames Water (TW) the EA and ZSL are all very supportive of the project. Strong interest from individual volunteers from an initial communication sent in December also shows a good public interest with locally based volunteers wishing to undertake data collection during Stage 2.

Positive Engagement with ZSL, Thames21 and London Wildlife Trust (LWT) have yielded good ideas such as sharing resources, cross pollination and promotion of projects. Joint training days and sharing of sampling points on the River Crane should lead directly to resource efficiencies being found and a more joined up approach to improving water quality on the River Crane as well as a positive public perception of how efforts to restore the River Crane are coordinated.


4. Data review

In order to start refining a sampling strategy for the phosphorus project it has been important to collate different sources of data from sampling already being undertaken on the River Crane.

A key source of data is from the EA, who have SRP data stretching back to 1978 up until the present day, for certain sites. Frog environmental have taken these data and plotted it into graphs to assist with trend analysis. These graphs can be found in Appendix 2.

Other sources of data that will be relevant for the study include Source Apportionment Geographical Information System (SAGIS) data from the EA and data from Heathrow Airport Ltd, who have engaged a consulting firm to collect and review water quality data.

These data will be reviewed in the following sections.

4.1 Environment Agency

The table below shows the EA monitoring regime for SRP on the River Crane. All of these raw data have been made available to FORCE and frog environmental. Table 2 shows that 8 sites on the River Crane are regularly monitored for levels of SRP. Active sampling sites are highlighted in green.

Table 2. Historic and present SRP monitoring regime on the River Crane by the Environment Agency (present highlighted in green)

Monitoring location Frequency CRANE AT NORTHCOTE ROAD, ISLEWORTH

1978 -‐ present (monthly from 1987)

CRANE AT THE CAUSEWAY, HOUNSLOW

Occasional samples 1986 – 1989, Regular samples from 1990 – 1999 and from 2001 – 2006.

CRANE BELOW EASTERN BALANCING RESERVOIR OUTLET, HOUNSLOW

4 samples 1993 – 1994, Monthly samples 2001 – 2007 and 2013 – present.

CRANE ABOVE EASTERN BALANCING RESERVOIR OUTLET, HOUNSLOW

Monthly from Sept 2013 only.

CRANE ABOVE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND’S RIVER

Quarterly/intermittent from 1978 – 1990, Monthly from 1990 – 2010, Quarterly from 2013.

HEATHROW AIRPORT EASTERN LAGOONS AT OUTLET WEIR

Quarterly from 1978 – 1986, Monthly from 1987 – present.

HEATHROW AIRPORT EASTERN LAGOONS U/S CAUSEWAY

One sample/yr in 1979 and 1980. Regular samples (but not as often as monthly) from


Monitoring location Frequency 1985 – 1999. Monthly from 2001 – 2006.

HEATHROW AIRPORT EASTERN LAGOONS U/S CAUSEWAY

One sample/yr in 1979 and 1980. Intermittent between 1985 – 1991. One sample in 2006.

YEADING BROOK AT NORTH HYDE ROAD, HAYES

Regular monthly samples from 1986 – present (except for 1989).

YEADING BROOK WEST AT THE WESTERN AVENUE, HILLINGDON

Quarterly from 1978 – 1984, Monthly from 1985 – 1989, 1990 – 1993, 1995 – 2008 and 2013 – present.

YEADING BROOK EAST ABOVE PRIORS FARM, RUISLIP

Quarterly / intermittent from 1978 – 1989, Monthly from 1990 – 2008 and 2013 – present.

The sampling points noted in Table 2 have been mapped in Figure 1.

4.1.1 Commentary

Graphical representations of the EA data have been produced (Appendix 2). Several of these sampling points, notably ‘Crane at Northcote Rd’ and ‘Crane Above Duke of Northumberland’s River’ show a significant drop off in level of SRP around the year 1999 as follows:

• From 1978 to 1998 – a background level of between 0.5 to 1 mg/l with regular spikes up to 3 and 5 mg/l

• From 1998 to present – a background level of between 0.3 and 0.5 mg/l with nothing above 0.6 mg/l

This would be consistent with the removal of a major point source from the system at that time. The EA has indicated that a new phosphorus stripping plant was installed at Maple Lodge Sewage Treatment Works (STW) on the upper Colne in 1999 and this is the most likely cause of this step change.

Assuming that this is the cause of the changed levels, the impact on the River Crane has been remarkable, all the more so given that the contribution of the River Colne (via the Duke of Northumberland’s River [DNR]) to the total River Crane flow at Isleworth is approximately one third to roughly half of the total at low flow.


4.2 Polluting outfalls study (TW and EA study)

Thames Water, working with the EA, undertook a walkover of the River Crane for the purpose of identifying polluting outfalls. On site observations such as presence or lack of sewage fungus were used to establish if the outfall is likely to be subject to a significant “missed connection” problem.

Data from TW has been mapped in Figure 1 below.

These data indicate that around half of the 130 outfalls mapped to date indicate some form of pollution, as identified through sewage fungus presence. Note that the mapping does not as yet include all data from the lower River Crane or lower DNR below Mereway Road Weir.

4.3 Thames Water data on Combined Sewer Overflow discharges into the Crane Catchment

Data has been supplied by TW concerning Combined Sewage Overflows (CSO) in the Crane Catchment. This data is replicated in appendix 3.


Fig. 1. EA sampling points for SRP in the Crane Catchment, hotspot data as referenced in section 4.2 and planned monitoring locations referenced in 5.1.2


4.4 SAGIS data

The EA provided SAGIS data for the Crane Catchment this week (w/c 20th January).

An initial review indicates that the data will be a further valuable input to stage 2 of the Phosphorus Project.

SAGIS data supplied by the EA is reproduced in appendix 4.

4.5 Heathrow Airport Ltd data

Heathrow Airport Ltd undertake regular monitoring of outfalls and balancing ponds linked to their infrastructure. Sampling is undertaken at the start of the month at the following points:

• Within the Eastern Balancing Reservoir (EBR) • Outfall of EBR • Upstream of outfall to EBR • 200m downstream of outfall of EBR

Heathrow undertake a schedule of analysis aligned with testing the WFD status of a water body, one parameter of which is SRP. SRP data for the previous 12 months (as of March 2014) will be supplied to FORCE to assist with water quality investigation on the River Crane.

Receiving regular SRP data from Heathrow as and when samples are taken has been agreed in principle with the site Environment Manager.

4.6 FORCE water quality report and invertebrate analysis

Since the major pollution event of October 2011, Friends of the River Crane Environment with ZSL have been producing a detailed water quality report for the River Crane, with quarterly updates. This report includes background water quality data, sample data from their own kick sample invertebrate analysis and qualitative data from local people with a historic knowledge and interest in the River Crane.

The report is available via the FORCE website and is very useful for understanding the background and recent history of the River Crane.

5. Sampling strategy

To execute stage 2 efficiently, data collection in the field should serve to complement the sampling strategy of relevant third parties, mainly that of the EA. The overall aim of the Phosphorus Project in its 3 stages is to be able to plan and deliver good value interventions to reduce phosphorus levels; a monitoring network set up on the River Crane as part of


stage 2 could also play a long-‐term role in assessing the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce levels of phosphorus during stage 3.

The primary source of field data collected during stage 2 will be from Citizen Scientists who will adopt sampling points and collect data at regular intervals. TW has agreed in principle that their laboratories can be used for the analysis of SRP to the United Kingdom Accredited Standard (UKAS).

The planned involvement of academic partners will provide a different type of investigation and analysis, designed to build upon and enhance the project outcomes. We envisage that targeted academic studies would, for example investigate the relative loadings of various outfalls or consider the role of sediment on the dissolved phosphorus loading. The development of these investigations will be iterative and will take shape during stage 2. Work undertaken so far indicates locally based academic partners would also be willing to play a key long term role in assessing the effectiveness of interventions undertaken in stage 3 of Phosphorus Project.

The data collected must necessarily be reliable; organisations such as the EA and TW should be able to use the data collected within stage 2 of the Phosphorus Project to assist in decision-‐making. The data must therefore be of a high standard, collected, transported and analysed using approved methodologies.

The following sections outline key elements of the Citizen Science led sampling strategy.

5.1 Citizen Scientist sampling (planned)

Fieldwork for Citizen Scientists should be designed to be interesting and engaging; a level of empowerment should come with the responsibilities of collecting information that will contribute to improved water quality in the catchment. Data collection has been designed with this in mind. Citizen Scientists will therefore record SRP measurements on site as well as collecting a water sample for analysis at a UKAS accredited laboratory. Should the Citizen Scientist’s data record a breach in an agreed level of SRP, they will report a pollution incident to the EA. The threshold for calling in an incident will be agreed with the EA prior to the commencement of fieldwork and will be based on historical local data.

As well as collecting a water sample for SRP analysis and a sample for laboratory analysis, it is also anticipated that Citizen Scientists will collect the following data from each visit to site:

• Flow (to allow volume of water and loading of P to be calculated) • Invasive species check • Visual and olfactory check for pollution • Any other observations of note

Whilst the central outcome of the Phosphorus Project is to collect quantitative data to allow appropriate interventions to be planned, there is an equally important aspect of the project that relates to an increase in local ownership, knowledge and empowerment. The precise


outputs of these factors are difficult to quantify but they are very relevant for the long-‐term stewardship of urban rivers such as the Crane.

CS data collection could be coordinated with the EA schedule and Heathrow Airport for data collection so that more regular snap shots of phosphate levels are attained. This is likely to be possible for the Heathrow Airport data (first week of the month) than the EA data, which is scheduled at short notice and not always carried out at the same time each month.

5.1.2. Site Assessment and Selection

Site selection will be finalised in the early parts of stage 2 when all constraints and resources are finalised. Final site selection will be based on the following key inputs:

• Existing monitoring taking place • Safety and accessibility for Citizen Scientists • Location of polluting outfalls previously assessed • Availability of Citizen Scientist resource to visit the sampling point

As part of site selection, the following should be assessed:

• Site survey to estimate cross section so that the flow rate of water can be calculated. Appendix 5 contains a draft preform. The EA hydrometrics team are collaborating on methodology for this element of data collection.

• Assessment of any site specific risks e.g. isolation, cyclists, traffic, edge protection to water, slippery or unmade ground.

Figure 1 (Page 12) includes a map of proposed sampling points on the River Crane.

ZSL Riverfly monitoring, Thames 21 River Watch and other organisations are also planning to operate sampling points on the River Crane. Sharing sampling sites where practical to do so will increase the potential for resource efficiency and aid communication between organisations involved in the Crane.

5.1.3 Constraints to delivery of stage 2

Several constraints have been identified that have the potential to limit both the execution of the sampling plan and validity of data collected. These are shown in Table 3 below.


Table 3. Constraints to executing Stage 2 of Phosphorus Project

Constraint Mitigation Availability of volunteers to deliver the planned sampling programme.

Project promotion and execution of communication plan must take place so that a realistic monitoring proposal can be finalised.

Availability of existing water quality data from third parties

Data will inform site selection. Sampling strategy should complement existing data collection. There has been a good level of response so far to requests for data from the EA.

Agreed methodology for sample collection must meet EA criteria.

EA involvement at early stage, liaison with sampling team and agreement for the data collection methodology

Laboratory compliance Samples for laboratory analysis must be kept at a specified temp and be with the laboratory within agreed timeframe. Logistics to be set up to ensure compliance with laboratory testing. There have been very positive discussions to date with the TW laboratory team and it is believed that the TW requirements can be met by the CS team

Volunteer safety Site specific H&S plans will be developed for each sampling site in the early part of stage 2 once site selection is finalised.

Volunteer turn over Good communication is essential, project design must be interesting, not laborious, and reserve resources to service sites should be planned.

Ability to collect representative sample Methodology to be agreed with EA, with site specific methods to address any ambiguity/bias

Availability of capital and match funding for stage 2

A well-‐developed plan showing detailed resource planning and advanced stakeholder engagement will be more likely to draw funding. One application for match funding has already been submitted – and there are also possible match funding pots with our academic partners. Volunteer match funding resources have been promised. TW has indicated the availability of laboratory resources.

Availability of cost effective site measurements method.

Viso-‐colour kits identified as appropriate. Two kits purchased by FORCE and pilot tested successfully in January 2014.


Constraint Mitigation Effective coordination of volunteers to attend site at the same time

Good communication protocol from project coordinator, correct volunteer profiling and selection, correct expectation set with volunteers

5.1.4 Responsive sampling using CS (reactive)

As well as planned collections, stage 2 of the investigation will aim to mobilise Citizen Scientists to undertake responsive sampling. This may be in response to unusual conditions such as very low or high flows or to understand the response to pollution incidents.

A nested strategy could be adopted that considers different sampling resolutions. As data collection continues, analysis may lead to certain areas being highlighted that would benefit from an increased sampling resolution, it is therefore important to build the resources and capacity for responsive sampling into the planning process.

There is a potential tie-‐in with the EA ‘Pollution Assessment Volunteer‘ scheme, which is currently under development. This represents a potentially powerful tool in helping to quantify the ecological response to discharges.

5.1.5 Draft methodology for water sampling CS

As previously noted, volunteers will collect 2 types of sample during a site visit. The first sample will be tested on site using a Visocolour kit and the second sample will be stored in a specified container for UKAS laboratory analysis.

A site visit methodology is outlined below:

1. Arrive at site. 2. Wear any Personal Protective Equipment as per the risk assessment. 3. Set up site kit to ensure that no obstruction is caused or trip hazards. 4. Fill out details on laboratory sample container (it is often easier to do this before at

home!). 5. Fill out site details on data collection sheet. 6. Measure depth (using marker) and flow velocity. 7. Collect water sample and bring the sample to a safe location away from the water’s

edge and out of the way of pedestrians or cyclists. 8. Undertake field SRP test. 9. Record the result using colour-‐metric chart. 10. Discard contents of bucket. 11. Repeat steps 7, 8 & 9. 12. Retain sample and fill the specified container to be sent for laboratory analysis. 13. Ensure lid is fully sealed and container is labelled correctly. 14. Package in bubble wrap and place in cool box. 15. Discard remaining water into surface water drain or directly back into river. 16. Ensure that no waste is left on site.


5.1.6 Training offered to Citizen Scientists

The EA has put forward the involvement of its sampling team to assist with training Citizen Scientists to collect samples. As a key stakeholder in the project, the EA will play an important role in helping to make sure that samples collected are representative and that bias is eliminated as far as possible. Data must be usable by organisations such as TW and the EA in undertaking further investigations or planning interventions to reduce phosphorus levels.

Collaboration with ZSL throughout the duration of stage 1 has presented good opportunities for Citizen Scientists involved with the Riverfly Project to help gather important information that will feed into the Phosphorus Project. Sharing monitoring points and providing riverfly Citizen Scientists with monitoring tools designed for the Phosphorus Project are two ways that the projects can support one another. There is good potential for the EA Pollution Assessment Volunteer scheme (In development) to be another common thread linking the two projects.

Following initial discussions with Thames 21, there will be opportunities to link the tidal Thames River Watch campaign and the Phosphorus Project, both in terms of sharing certain monitoring points and planning joint training days where sampling techniques, monitoring methodologies and data management will be covered.

The involvement of more organisations and creating links with their projects will lead to a joined up approach on the River Crane and provide the best opportunities for delivering positive outcomes as efficiently as possible.

5.2 Academic studies

Academic studies have the potential to bring a different investigative approach to the Phosphorus Project. In the short term Kingston University and St Mary’s University are involved with project formation and working with frog environmental on developing research briefs to be carried out by MSc students. These projects will typically involve several weeks of fieldwork and a final project report, the planned outcome of which will contribute to the overall understanding on phosphorus in the River Crane.

Ideas under development so far include:

• Intensive water quality monitoring in specific areas, thereby creating a nested sampling strategy to fit in with the overall water quality monitoring approach.

• Source Apportionment studies. • Study of benthic algae. • Sediment investigation looking at the nutrient exchange between sediment and

water body.

The possibility of drawing in European funding for a research position solely focused on the River Crane is another avenue that is being explored.


In the long term, partnerships with academic institutions will form a useful symbiotic relationship that provides resource year on year for the study of the River Crane whilst providing educational institutions with a live environment on their doorstep for research. Over one year these relationships may not yield a great return but over ten years the value in developing partnerships such as this will be self-‐evident. The Universities named in the stakeholder plan have already been working on the River Crane for several years as part of their academic modules and greatly welcome the opportunity to be more actively engaged in a live programme of work.

5.3 Sediment sampling

Sediment sampling is an option at this stage. It would be useful to build a picture of the nutrient sinks and sources in the whole river system.

Kingston University have indicated an interest in leading on a catchment wide sediment investigation with a view to establishing the potential for sediment to impact on WFD status.

6. Data Handling

6.1 Data Collection

Citizen Scientists will use a data collection sheet to record the following information each time they sample:

• Surveyor name (or surveyor number/ site number) • Time, date, sample location • Prevailing conditions • Flow velocity • Site specific observations e.g. Weed coverage, invasive plants, pollution • Results site test 1 • Results site test 2 • Confirmation of sample taken for lab analysis

The data sheet should also contain:

• A check list of all materials/ equipment required for sampling • Information on what to do if pollution is observed

6.2. Data Management

There are two main streams of data from Citizen Scientist sampling require management; data collected on site using colour-‐metric testing and data returned from the lab.


• Site data. SRP data collected on site could be texted to a nominated number (PAYG mobile that can be held by project coordinator). Data sheets can be collected with samples, scanned, or the information transcribed and sent by email, the latter likely to be the most efficient way.

• Laboratory data. Data from the laboratory analysis will be sent to the nominated project coordinator to record in a database

To help obtain an overview of all monitoring for SRP being undertaken on the River Crane, a table could be produced to consolidate data from the EA, FORCE stage 2 and Heathrow Airport Ltd. The table would be updated monthly and results plotted into graphs for trend analysis.

6.3 Communication of data

Communication is a critical aspect of the Phosphorus Project, and is covered in section 8; this section is only concerned with communication of results.

The results collected during stage 2 will be freely available through the Crane Valley Partnership. It is also anticipated that a page could be made available for results of Phosphorus Project on the Crane Valley Partnership website.

Discussions have taken place with both ZSL & Thames 21 regarding use of an existing online data collection tool and there is scope for a development of this during stage 2.

Certain stakeholders such as the EA and TW will have a key interest in the data produced as a result of stage 2. The results are intended to help guide where to focus resources in the catchment.

The method of sharing data has not been finalised. However, shared cloud space is seen as a cost effective tool that allows access to multiple parties without an associated time cost. It is noted though that not all organisations have access to free cloud space e.g. dropbox; where this is the case, other methods of sharing data e.g. via email update will be used.

Quarterly meetings involving a small project group will take place, minutes and actions of which will be sent to all stakeholders, this could include data.

6.4 Interpretation on data

Data collected in the field is only as useful as those reviewing it; it is therefore deemed important to secure a commitment from specialists within both TW and the EA to support the date review and enter into discussions regarding the data collected at regular intervals.

These discussions will provide a natural progression to stage 3, i.e. using the data to plan and deliver interventions.


It is anticipated that a project review with key stakeholders will take place two to four times per year during stage 2. If deemed of value by the partnership this could take the form of a project steering group, linked into the Crane Valley Partnership.

7. Health & Safety management

Health & Safety (H&S) is a critical aspect to the Phosphate Project. Putting the safety of Citizen Scientists or any staff associated with the project at risk is unacceptable.

Each monitoring location will be subject to a simple risk assessment designed to highlight any site-‐specific hazards and how the risk of these hazards causing any harm will be mitigated. As noted in Table 3, the H&S of Citizen Scientists will be a potential constraint for site selection.

The main H&S concerns with the project are as follows:

• Slips, trips and falls; the most common cause of accidents in a place of work. • Weils disease and water borne contaminants. • Lone working; sites will be assessed for suitability for Citizen Scientists to lone work. • Working around water.

The site-‐specific risk assessments will dictate the type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be issued to all volunteers along with instructions for use. In some cases specialised PPE such as a life jacket may be required, although a hierarchy of risk management will be followed that will manage out operational risks without the reliance on PPE.

8. Communications

Good communication is not just about recruiting volunteers and achieving support from stakeholders; good communication will be a vital ingredient for sample collection, data exchange, planned and reactive sampling co-‐ordination and completing the loop by providing feedback to the Citizen Scientists on the results. This last element is important for empowering local community and encouraging continued involvement in the project.

Providing a conduit that will allow Citizen Scientists to provide feedback of their experience of the project will also be important for creating a better experience for Citizen Scientists.

There are important communication aspects to almost every part of the Phosphorus Project, however the priority for stage 1 and 2 is building and maintaining a database of Citizen Scientists and interested stakeholders and providing regular and concise communications concerning the project, a task that bridges stages 1 and 2.

It should be noted that participating groups have good contacts with the local media, as well as their own newsletters and contact lists that will help raise the profile of the project. Any communications regarding results should be approved by project partners before dissemination to ensure that messages are both accurate and consistent.


A review and discussion meeting is proposed at the end of the first year of the project where all the Citizen Scientists and other interested parties can gather, hear the draft findings of the project and contribute their views and experiences to the debate.

Communication between stakeholders is also an important part of project development. This is particularly important for projects that have been funded by TW as it will help ensure that value is achieved by having a joined-‐up approach to water quality.

Ensuring that events such as training days are linked with the various projects within external communications will ensure a clear public perception of all of the various projects taking place on the River Crane and give Citizen Scientists an opportunity to become involved in more than one project.

9. Financial

9.1 Stage 2 resource planning

Appendix 5 ‘project costs centres’ captures the management time and capital overheads for stage 2 of the Phosphate Project.

The purpose of the table is to itemise and estimate the capital and time required to complete stage 2 of the project.

9.2 Match funding

An estimate of the match funding being committed to the project is included in Appendix 5. Not all stakeholders identified in Appendix 1 have been able to confirm their planned time commitment to the project as yet; where this is the case an estimate has been made. HLF figures will be used to quantify real costs.

An early action for Stage 2 of the Phosphorus Project is to begin planning for the long-‐term sustainability of the project in subsequent years. A strategy targeting specific funds and involving key stakeholders will be developed to ensure the longevity of the project.

River Crane Phosphorus Project – Stage 1 · River Crane Phosphorus Project 2 Stage 1 Report !...

Documents

Transcript of River Crane Phosphorus Project – Stage 1 · River Crane Phosphorus Project 2 Stage 1 Report !...