The Development of a Remote Data Communication System

for Storm Sampling in NYC Tributaries

Presented by: Steve S. Di Lonardo

Co-author: James C. Alair

September 17th, 2008

WSTC Conference – West Point, New York

Introduction

Storm setup & sample collection

Sample processing using the data acquisition software

Data analysis & quality control

Future direction

Field Setup & Sample Collection

Challenges Large sample effort Short event duration Distance between sample sites Adverse field conditions

Auto-Sampler Field Setup

← ISCO auto-sampler

← sampler uptake line

← solar panel

← housing for Campbell data-logger

DEP monitors stream discharge at Kensico streams

Sampling Components

Campbell data logger + ISCO trigger

Intake lines + staff gauge + pressure transducer

ISCO auto-sampler1 L Bottles

Storm Sampling

After the storm, field staff collects samples at each site to be composited based on where samples were obtained along the hydrograph…

Storm Sampling 2005-2007

Prior to the development of remote site connections via modems, data acquisition required on-site PDA downloads

Upon return data was imported into a spreadsheet data manager was required to convert data to

create hydrograph

Storm Sampling 2008

DEP installed modems at each site for remote communication and real-time data acquisition

WISKI provides access to data in a user-friendly format to accelerate creation of hydrographs and make decisions

From the office…..

Click “connect”

Select site & connect

Click “Ports and Flags” to set trigger

Set Flag 4 “High”

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Storm Setup

Remote connection via modem to Campbell data-logger using

the LoggerNet program allows for checking gage station data

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Storage and Management of Data

WISKI - Water Resources Information System KISTERS provides a user-friendly access port for gage

station data data management capabilities facilitates data access in many forms…

• Graphs• Tables• Reports

WISKI generates a data report to facilitate the creation of a storm hydrograph

Storm Sampling

Samples were “split” based on hydrological phases (i.e., rising, peak, descending)

Ideally, each phase would have equal representation (equal volume - sample effort)

This is achieved by having prior knowledge of hydrological conditions at each stream site & determining sample interval and duration accordingly

Storm Hydrograph

Storm Hydrograph

“rising limb”

“peak”

“descending limb”

Beyond Storm Sampling….

USGS Gage Sites

In addition to DEP managed stream gage sites around Kensico, WISKI will import flow data from all other flow gages in the NYC Watershed

Achieved through the use of ADAPS software which collects adjusted flow data from USGS

ADAPS

ADAPS – Automated Data Processing System Developed for the processing, storage, and

retrieval of water data (USGS) Part of National Water Information System

(NWIS) Designed to work interactively with multiple

users

Interactive

watershed maps

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Cannonsville

Pepacton

Schoharie

Ashokan

Neversink

Rondout

Hu

dson

Riv

er

Oneonta

KingstonClick sub-watershed

Data access for WISKI users…

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Cannonsville

Neversink

West Delaware Tunnel

East Delaware Tunnel

Oneonta

Sub-Watershed

Click Gage Stations

Specify dates, parameters

Output format(i.e. graph,report)

Data analysis tool

Field Quality Assurance

DEP field staff performs monthly stream gage site maintenance to assure measured staff height is correct

Check stream rating curves on a scheduled basis

Changes would be recorded and submitted to data manager

Data comment form

Data manager enters comments

data is

automatically tagged w/comment attached

How will this data be checked?

WISKI stores rating curve information…

Adjustment in rating curve automatically adjusts flow data

WISKI can be used as a tool for data analysis and reporting….

Example….

Annual Water Report Useful for water

budgets Mass balance

calculations

Future Direction

WISKI can be used as a sentinel tool

Data alarm notifies manager if a parameter falls out of a specified range (i.e., flow spike on a sunny day can warn of a sewage spill)

Future Direction

Incorporation of other parameters of interest Continuous on-site measurements

(i.e. turbidity, toxins, weather) Import of discrete lab measurements from

LIMS or SAS (i.e. microbiological, chemistry)

HUGE POTENTIAL!

Acknowledgements

Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) - USACE Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) - USEPA NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) Kisters North America WWQO Field Group David Lounsbury Christian Pace Kerri Alderisio Lorraine Janus Steve Schindler Sharon Neuman