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Types of Samples and Seasons in which they are Collected

Similar USGS studies in Massachusetts and North Carolina have shown impact to local waterbodies relative to the pavement and the level of urbanization (Smith, 2002; Smith and Granato, 2010; Wagner and others, 2011). Seasonal variations can also play a role, for example road salt is applied as a deicer in the winter which in turn increases the conductivity of the runoff significantly. For this project, samples will be collected from various points at and adjacent to Pier 5 over a one-year period.

Caption?
  Autumn Winter Spring Summer
Stormwater runoff sample from downspout (autosampler) X X X X
Water sample from outfall to Harlem River (grab sample) X   X  
Water sample from planter box X X X X
Soil sample prior to installation X      
Soil sample following rain event X X X X

  • Direct stormwater runoff will be sampled using and autosampler contained within a USGS repurposed gage house alongside the planter boxes. The collection tube, along with Area Flow Meter module, has been placed inside the downspout diverter to monitor water level and trip the collection. Depending on the number and intensity of precipitation events, up to two samples will be collected per season in order to get a sense of seasonal variability in runoff. Stormwater samples collected in a single 10 liter glass jar and will be recovered within 24 hours of select precipitation events, packed on ice for transport, and split into the appropriate containers at the office using a churn splitter.
  • Grab samples will be collected at the drain outfalls along the bank of the Harlem River during two rain events. These will serve as part of the baseline to assess the effectiveness of the park once created.
  • Water samples will be collected from the planter box using a fine-mesh syringe sampler as per methods described by Wagner and others, 2011. The pore water analyses will help understand the fraction of contaminants that are not adsorbed to the soil.
  • Soil samples will be collected from the planter boxes towards the end of the summer and end of autumn to assess the attenuation of adsorbed metals and other constituents. Samples will be a composite of the engineered soil from below the surface of the floating mats (to reduce the influence of dust and dry deposition) to the bottom or the engineered soil mat.

Water-quantity calculations will be estimated from precipitation records of nearby NOAA weather stations and an on-site gage furnished by the BCEQ. A piezometer installed at the end of wetlands closest to the sedimentation basin to allow for frequent water level measurements by the USGS and the students and professors at Hostos. Along with basic water-quality measurements from samples collected from the piezometer, changes in water levels during dry periods will allow for evaporation/evapotranspiration rates to be calculated and the resulting effect on the pH and conductivity of the water in the planter.

Inside the USGS water collection station—an automated water sampler is set up to draw water from the stormwater diverter connected to the Pop-Up Wetlands. The battery is connected to a solar panel mounted on the outside of the structure allowing the station to run independent of utility power.
Inside the USGS water collection station—an automated water sampler is set up to draw water from the stormwater diverter connected to the Pop-Up Wetlands. The battery is connected to a solar panel mounted on the outside of the structure allowing the station to run independent of utility power.