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The Resource Quality Department was formed in 1979 to address pollution and encroachment upon Park District resources. Since the formation of the department, the staff has located and eliminated pollution sources throughout the county with the help of various other public agencies. Since a healthy lake or stream means more than just clean water, Resource Quality has followed a nationwide trend to study biological quality in lakes and streams. |
Water Quality Monitoring is accomplished by sampling streams and lakes
monthly, during the warm seasons. Routine tests include
ammonia as nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, ortho-phosphate, total
phosphate, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity,
turbidity, and chlorophyll a.
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| Biological Stream Monitoring supplements water quality data by determining what aquatic invertebrates (small creatures without a backbone) are found in a stream. Since some invertebrates are sensitive to pollutants and others are tolerant, different types are assigned point values that correspond to their pollution tolerance. A sensitive invertebrate, such as a mayfly nymph, is worth three points. A moderately tolerant type, such as a crayfish, is worth two points. A tolerant type, such as a sowbug, is worth only one point. The total score of a given stream will indicate how good the water quality is. Streams that support populations of a variety of invertebrates from all three groups score highest and are therefore of the best quality. Biological stream monitoring is conducted by volunteers. Those interested in assisting with stream monitoring can call (513) 521-PARK or e-mail bhenninger@greatparks.org. |
The Resource Quality Department is responsible for monitoring and marking nearly 14,000 acres of property, totaling 166 miles of park boundaries. The department conducts boundary surveys on several miles of park boundary per year. The Resource Quality staff also work with Park District Rangers to investigate dumping and encroachments in the parks, and work with property owners to clean up problem areas and allow areas to revert back to wildlife habitat. Volunteers assist the Park District by walking property lines and notifying staff of areas that need marked, or that have encroachment. If you are interested in volunteering, email bhenninger@greatparks.org. |
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Hamilton County Park District |
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