Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network
Water Quality Trend Analysis
Quality Assurance Project Plan and Standard Operating Procedures
CCHMN
CHNEP manages the Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network (CCHMN), a partnership of agencies initiated in 2001 that collects monthly water quality data using consistent, technically sound sampling design. Long-term random sampling of strategically located stations allows scientific assessment of status and trends. CCHMN field and laboratory partners collect and analyze water samples from 60 randomly selected field sites throughout 10 waterbodies each month, including Lemon Bay, Cape Haze/Gasparilla Sound, Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, San Carlos Bay, Estero Bay, and the Tidal Myakka, Peace, and Caloosahatchee Rivers. Fifteen water quality parameters are measured and analyzed using consistent field and laboratory methods (CHNEP 2015 and CHNEP 2016). ​
Data are uploaded biannually by partners to WIN (Watershed Information Network), previously called STORET (Storage and Retrieval), a standard, common public database maintained by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. In addition, all contributing CCHMN laboratories and field monitoring agencies participate in Southwest Florida Regional Ambient Monitoring Program (SWF RAMP) quarterly meetings to help ensure region-wide data and methodology comparability. The SWF RAMP serves as a quality assurance forum for comparing split-sample laboratory results, resolving inconsistencies in results, and discussing pertinent water quality monitoring issues. ​
Identifying waterbody impairments, establishing pollutant limits, and monitoring progress of corrective management actions all depend on the availability of accurate, high-quality data. Protocols and procedures must be employed to ensure that data are properly collected, handled, processed, used, and maintained at all stages of the data life cycle.
CHNEP management activities for the CCHMN include developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and field Quality Assurance (QA) plans, conducting annual field audits, contracting, and assisting with field water quality sampling, assisting with equipment repair, hosting annual meetings, and participating in quarterly SWF RAMP quality assurance meetings. These activities are developed to be consistent with FDEP QA Rules (62-160, F.A.C.).
2024 QAPP & SOP
2018 QAPP & SOP
Maps
