NCS000247_Winston Salem WQ Assessment Monitoring Plan_20201005

Page 1 of 108
City of Winston-Salem
NPDES Stormwater Permit
Program
Water Quality Assessment and
Monitoring Plan

Permit Number NCS000247
Last Revision: October 5, 2020
Page 2 of 108
Contents
Section 1: Purpose .............................................................................................................. 3
1.1 General Description ……………………………………………………………………………………………...3
1.2 Location ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3
1.3 Revisal Schedule ……………………………………………………………………………………………………3
1.4 Last Revised Date ………………………………………………………………………………………………….3
Section 2: Sampling Parameters, Equipment, and Procedures .............................................. 3
2.1 Selected Pollutant Parameters ………………………………………………………………………………3
2.2 Pollutant Parameter Information……………………………………………………………………..……4
2.3 Sampling Collection Procedures ………………………………………………………………………….13
2.4 Sampling Equipment ………………………………………………………………………………………..…14
2.5 Sampling Weather Conditions……………………………………………………………………………..20
Section 3: Sampling Monitoring Programs ......................................................................... 21
3.1 Fixed Interval Sampling ……………………………………………………………………………………….21
3.2 Water Quality Monitoring/SSO Program……………………………………………………………..43
3.3 TMDL Sampling …………………………………………………………………………………………………..67
Section 4: Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC) ................................................... 100
4.1 Quality Control (QC) ………………………………………………………………………………………….100
4.2 Quality Assurance (QA)………………………………………………………………………………………102
Section 5: Assessment of Water Quality Data …………………………………………………………………102
5.1 Categorization of Available Instantaneous Meter and Laboratory Data …………….102
5.2 Calculation of Arithmetic or Geometric Mean for Graphing Pollutant Concentration
Trends …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….102
5.3 Predicting Future Pollutant Concentrations …………………………………………………….…103
5.4 Calculation of Stream Annual Pollutant Loadings ………………………………………………103
5.5 Determing Stream 'Health' ………………………………………………………………………………..104
5.6 Prioritization of Impaired Stream Segments for Pollutant Recovery Measures ….106
Section 6: WQ Assessment and Monitoring Plan Sustainability ......................................... 106
6.1 Annual Update ………………………………………………………………………………………………….106
6.2 Impaired Waterbodies……………………………………………………………………………………….107
6.3 Staff Training …………………………………………………………………………………………………….107
Section 7: Appendixes and Cited Sources/Scientific Literature ........................................... 108

Page 3 of 108
Section 1: Purpose
1.1 General Description
The objective of the water quality assessment and monitoring plan is to
evaluate the impacts on local streams within the City of Winston-
Salem’s jurisdiction. Without stream monitoring, the Stormwater
Division would not have an understanding of pollutant constituents at
ambient conditions that are present in waterways. Because of sampling,
stream walking, customer complaints, and industrial inspections we are
able to remove/cease illicit connections/discharges, determine pollutant
loadings, observe the effect of seasonality on pollutant concentrations,
evaluate structural best management practices removal efficiencies, and
examine long-term data trends.
Permit Number: NCS000247
(G:\Techn_Projects_Files\NCS000247_Permit)

1.2 Location
The Water Quality Assessment and Monitoring Plan and NPDES permit
will reside in the printer room (Office 50) accessible to everyone.

1.3 Revisal Schedule
We evaluate and update our Water Quality Assessment and Monitoring
Plan annually or as needed.

1.4 Last Revised Date
September 14, 2020
Section 2: Sampling Parameters, Equipment, and Procedures
2.1 Selected Pollutant Parameters
The city of Winston-Salem’s Stormwater Division has chosen the
following target pollutant parameters to monitor at strategic locations
around the city.
Parameter Collection Method Sampling Frequency
Total Suspended Solids Grab Quarterly
Fecal Coliform Grab Quarterly
Biological Oxygen Demand Composite Quarterly
Total Cadmium Composite Quarterly
Total Chromium Composite Quarterly
Soluble Copper Composite Quarterly
Total Copper Composite Quarterly
Dissolved Solids Composite Quarterly
Total Lead Composite Quarterly
Total Nickel Composite Quarterly
Nitrate Composite Quarterly
Page 4 of 108
Nitrite Composite Quarterly
Soluble Phosphorus Composite Quarterly
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen Composite Quarterly
Total Phosphorus Composite Quarterly
Turbidity Composite Quarterly
Soluble Zinc Composite Quarterly
Total Zinc Composite Quarterly
pH Grab – YSI Multi-parameter
Meter
Quarterly
Dissolved Oxygen
- mg/L
- Percent Saturation
Grab – YSI Multi-parameter
Meter
Quarterly
Temperature Grab – YSI Multi-parameter
Meter
Quarterly
Total Dissolved Solids Grab – YSI Multi-parameter
Meter
Quarterly
Conductivity Grab – YSI Multi-parameter
Meter
Quarterly
Ammonia Grab – YSI Multi-parameter
Meter/Certified Laboratory
Quarterly
Nitrate Grab – Hach Pocket
Meter/Certified Laboratory
Quarterly

2.2 Pollutant Parameter Information
Each of the listed parameters has different sampling, testing, and
laboratory requirements. The different parameters have indicators and
origins as described in the following section.

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Also described as non-filterable residue, TSS is a measurement of all
non-soluble free-floating particles carried in stormwater or surface water.
TSS typically originates from rock and soil breakdown as microscopic
fragments that can reach waterways from any impervious surface. TSS
can cause potential health hazards to living organisms by providing
substrate for the transmittal of viruses and bacteria in the waterways.
TSS can be indicated by what appears as murky water and reduced
visibility in the water (EPA). TSS is positively correlated with turbidity.
Acceptable range for TSS in stormwater is <100 mg/L.
Container Type Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer,
or glass
1 Liter None <6°celsius 7 days mg/L Some
clays/colloids will
pass through filter.

Page 5 of 108
Fecal Coliform
Fecal Coliform is a subset of coliform bacteria including multiple
different strains that share common characteristics such as shape, habitat,
or behavior. Fecal coliform tends to contain strains that are more fecal in
origin then general bacteria. Escherichia coli (E.coli) is considered a
strain of fecal coliform that can be tested for on its own. Fecal Coliform
typically finds its origin in fecal material, whether human or otherwise;
however, some strains of fecal coliform can originate in the pulp and
paper mill processes. Non-laboratory indicators of fecal coliform are
cloudy water, unpleasant odors, and increased oxygen demand. Fecal
Coliform is negative correlated with dissolved oxygen (EPA).
Container
Type
Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Sterilized
Plastic or
Glass
100 ml None; unless
sampled
from
chlorinated
water
1-4°celsius 6 Hours Colonies
per 100
ml
Some non-fecal
coliform colonies
may be observed.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5)
BOD5 is a measurement of the amount of dissolved oxygen depleted by
biological process in the waterways. If BOD5 gets too high, the amount
of oxygen in the stream can be depleted leading to the death of oxygen
sensitive organisms in the waterways. Wastewater treatment plants,
farmland, or improperly cleaned urban streets can be sources of high
BOD. High BOD5 is difficult to indicate without proper sampling;
however, a waterway with high BOD5 and therefore low dissolved
oxygen can lead to large algal blooms. BOD5 is negatively correlated
with dissolved oxygen (EPA). Acceptable range for BOD5 in
stormwater is <30 mg/L.
Container
Type
Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer,
or glass
Varies None 1-4°celsius 24
Hours
mg/L Oxidation of metals
collected or lack of
mixing may affect
measurements.

Total Cadmium (Cd)
Cadmium is a soft metal that is used in multiple different industrial
process but is typically seen as a byproduct in zinc production and
nickel-cadmium batteries. Cadmium was previously used as a corrosion-
Page 6 of 108
resistant plating on steel; however, its future industrial use appears to be
based on its use in cadmium telluride solar panels. Cadmium can cause
flu-like symptoms due to acute exposure and can cause serious kidney,
liver, and bone disease in chronic exposure (OSHA). Cadmium is found
in industrial areas is transported by stormwater runoff to receiving
waterways. Similar to most metals cadmium would lack indicators
outside of laboratory testing, however high cadmium levels can lead to
yellow-to-red tinted water (EPA).
Container Type Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer, or
glass
1 Liter Nitric Acid pH <2 6
months
mg/L High dissolved
solids or high
acid
concentrations.

Total Chromium (Cr)
Chromium is a metal used in multiple applications as a shiny, non-
corrosive applicant to other metals. Chromium is most commonly used
in electroplating, giving other metals and even plastics their chrome
appearance. Chromium is also used in pigments, wood preservation, and
glassmaking. Chromium, especially hexavalent chromium, can be
extremely toxic and has been labeled a carcinogenic compound (OSHA).
Chromium is most commonly found in industrial areas and would be
transported by industrial runoff to waterways; however, residential
runoff can also lead to chromium impacts as certain materials breakdown
(EPA). Similar to most metals chromium lacks indicators outside of
laboratory testing.
Container
Type
Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer,
or glass
1 Liter Nitric Acid pH <2 6
months
mg/L High dissolved
solids or high acid
concentrations.

Copper (Cu) Total & Soluble
Copper is a naturally occurring metal that is used in many different ways
by the general population. Copper can be found naturally in most soils;
however, it is used in the creation of pipes, wiring, pennies, and multiple
different alloys. Copper can also be used in the treatment of agriculture
along with the preserving of wood and fabrics. While copper is
necessary for human growth over exposure can lead to sickness and
ingesting water with high amounts of copper can lead to liver and kidney
Page 7 of 108
damage (OSHA). Copper would enter the waterways through industrial
facilities, farmland, and residential pathways from the breakdown of
copper containing products. Some copper can enter waterways via the
natural compounds in the soil (EPA). Similar to most metals copper
would lack indicators outside of laboratory testing, however high copper
levels can lead to tinted water along with a metallic odor. Acceptable
range for copper in stormwater is <0.0636 mg/L.
Container Type Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer, or
glass
1 Liter Nitric Acid pH <2 6
months
mg/L High dissolved
solids or high
acid
concentrations.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
TDS is any dissolved particulate that is being carried by the waterways.
Typically, TDS is measured by a handheld meter but can be measured in
lab as well. The handheld meter uses the dissolved particulates
elemental charges to detect and measure. TDS can reach the waterways
from any urban runoff. TDS typically comes from non-point sources
although TDS can be raised from other stormwater point sources as well.
TDS can be many different things so any indicators of raised TDS would
depend on the origin of the changes. TDS is positively correlated with
Specific Conductivity and TSS.
Container Type Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer,
or glass
1 Liter None <6° Celsius 7 days mg/L Water high in
minerals

Total Lead (Pb)
Lead is an organic trace element that has been used in many different
capacities throughout history. Lead was added to gasoline, paint,
plumbing, and batteries. Although removed in most capacities now lead
can still be present in industrial areas where it was once used and given
that trace amounts still exist in gasoline, it can also be present on
highways and parking lots. Lead is a neurotoxic compound and can lead
to brain damage and behavioral problems if ingested by young children
(OSHA). Lead can reach the waterways from urban runoff due to being
present in road particulate and can be present in higher concentrations
around industrial areas (EPA). Similar to most metals lead lacks
Page 8 of 108
indicators outside of laboratory testing. Acceptable range for lead in
stormwater is <0.0816 mg/L.
Container Type Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer, or
glass
1 Liter Nitric Acid pH <2 6
months
mg/L High dissolved
solids or high
acid
concentrations.

Total Nickel (Ni)
Nickel is a silver-white metal that is primarily used in alloy composition
but has been used in many different industrial productions over time.
Nickel is used in stainless steel, nickel plating, and different alloy
production. Nickel’s health effects can vary greatly from person to
person. Certain individuals can be sensitive to nickel and this can lead to
damage to the lungs, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer. Other
individuals can ingest nickel and only have stomachaches and lack of
protein absorption in the kidneys (OSHA). Nickel can reach the
waterways from industrial facilities that perform metalwork or metal
recycling (EPA). Similar to most metals nickel lacks indicators outside
of laboratory testing.
Container Type Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer, or
glass
1 Liter Nitric Acid pH <2 6
months
mg/L High dissolved
solids or high
acid
concentrations.

Nitrate (NO3)
Nitrate is an organic compound found in many different places in nature.
Different types of nitrates are used in fertilizer, explosives, and can be
found in biological waste. High nitrate levels can lead to impacted
hemoglobin in small children; however, the risk is reduced as the person
ages (OSHA). Nitrate can also lead to increased chances for fish kills.
Nitrate can reach the waterways from farmland runoff, fertilizer runoff,
and illegal waste connections (EPA). Nitrate alone does not have any
indicators outside of laboratory sampling. Waste odor or a chemical
odor can sometimes indicate high nitrates in the water due to the origin
of the nitrate.

Page 9 of 108
Container
Type
Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer,
or glass
100 mL Sulfuric Acid 1-4°celsius 48 Hours mg/L Suspended
matter, high
amount of
metals, and
oil.

Nitrite (NO2)
Nitrite holds many of the same characteristics as nitrates in the sense of
stormwater contamination. This is due to the compounds being part of
the nitrogen cycle and nitrite being one of the steps to create nitrate.
Nitrite can be found in many of the same sources as nitrate due to it
being a product of ammonium that can exist in the waterways (EPA). As
with nitrate, high amounts of nitrite can affect hemoglobin in small
children however, the impacts are reduced as people age (OSHA).
Nitrite by itself does not have any indicators but similar to nitrates waste
odor or a chemical odor can indicate nitrite based on the origin of the
impact.
Container Type Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer, or
glass
1 L None 1-4°celsius 48 Hours mg/L Free ions and
chlorinated
water.

Phosphorus (P) Total & Soluble
Phosphorus is an essential mineral found in nature that is necessary to
biological life. Phosphorus is found in soil and in the breakdown of
plant material. Phosphorus is used in fertilizer, match making, flame
retardants, and was used in military explosives. Ingesting water with
high phosphorus is not typically seen as a human health hazard but high
phosphorus can lead to eutrophication of the waterways, which in turn
can lead to fish kills (OSHA). Phosphorus typically reaches the
waterway from sediment erosion and plant material breakdown. It can
also reach the waterways via fertilizer run-off. Phosphorus can exist in
natural, aerobic environment as red phosphorus, but is typically observed
as a phosphate with other elements (EPA). Phosphorus typically has
very little indicators outside of laboratory testing. If the runoff contains
pure red phosphorus, then a red tint may be present, but if dealing with
phosphates, the indicator would depend on the source. Due to
phosphorus, being present in top soil and plant debris phosphorus is
typically positively correlated with TSS.
Page 10 of 108
Container Type Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer, or
glass
1 L None (Sulfuric
if only
measuring total
Phosphorus)
1-4°celsius 48 Hours mg/L Arsenates,
hexavalent
chromium, and
NO2

Turbidity
Turbidity is the measure of water clarity by determining the amount of
light that is scattered by suspended particles in the sample. Turbidity is
typically impacted by general urban runoff along with erosion from
construction or stream banks. Turbidity typically reaches the waterways
from nonpoint sources; the main point sources would be active
construction and some industrial activities (EPA). High turbidity is
indicated by murky or dirty appearance in the water. Turbidity is
positively correlated with TSS, TDS, and temperature and is negatively
correlated with dissolved oxygen. Acceptable ranges for turbidity can
vary based on weather conditions.
Container Type Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer, or
glass
1 L None 1-4°celsius 48
Hours
Nephelometric
Turbidity
Units (NTU)
Floating
materials and
colored
dissolved
solids

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
TKN is the measurement of organic nitrogen, nitrogen in ammonia, and
nitrogen in ammonium present in the waterways. TKN has similar
impacts and effects on the natural waterways as Nitrites and Nitrates due
to the potential to be converted into nitrates during natural processes. As
discussed with Nitrates high nitrogen levels can lead to impacted
hemoglobin in small children, however the risk is reduced as the person
ages (OSHA). TKN can reach the waterways from natural organic
breakdown along with other point sources such as wastewater
connections or fertilizer manufacturers. Acceptable range for TKN is
from two to six mg/L.
Container Type Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer, or
glass
100 mL Sulfuric
Acid
1-4°celsius 28 days mg/L High Nitrates
or Nitrites

Page 11 of 108
Zinc (Zn) Total & Soluble
Zinc is a metal that is found in the earth’s crust and measurable amounts
are found in soil. Zinc and zinc oxide are used in multiple different
industrial capacities, for example: galvanizing processes, battery
manufacturing, rubber manufacturing, and zinc can be found in different
types of paint. Zinc typically reaches waterways from industrial
activities, but can from areas with large amounts of galvanized roofing
(EPA). Zinc can cause stomach problems and anemia in humans, while
small amounts can also affect the growth of aquatic species (OSHA).
Similar to most metals zinc lacks indicators outside of laboratory testing.
Acceptable range for zinc in stormwater is <0.117 mg/L.
Container
Type
Aliquot
Quantity
Preservative Storage
Requirements
Holding
Time
Units Interferences
Polyethylene,
fluoropolymer,
or glass
1 Liter Nitric Acid pH <2 6
months
mg/L High dissolved
solids or acid
concentrations.

pH
pH is a very important measure for water quality. pH is the
measurement of how acidic or alkaline a waterway is at the time of
sampling. Technically pH is the measure of free hydrogen and hydroxyl
ions, which results in the waterway being read as acidic, with increased
free hydrogen ions, and alkaline, with increase free hydroxyl ions. A
high or low pH can have a very adverse effect on the environment, as
aquatic species are sensitive to the pH in the waterways. pH can be
impacted by all types of pollution and the origin of the pollutant will
dictate how the pH changes. Origins such as concrete plants, dry
cleaners, or household chemicals will raise the pH making it more
alkaline; however, origins such as soda distribution centers, mining
operations, or battery manufacturers will lower the pH making it more
acidic (EPA). pH itself does not have any indicators outside of field-
testing, some indicators may lend themselves to the fact that pH may be
affected based on the origin of the indicator. pH measurements are
collected in the field by handheld YSI multi-parameter meter and are
measure in standard units (SU). Acceptable range for pH in stormwater
is 6 to 9.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
DO is a measure of the amount of oxygen being carried by the
waterways. DO is essential to the sustainability of aquatic life in
Page 12 of 108
waterways. DO is measured two different ways, total amount which is
an actual measured amount of oxygen in the water and percent saturation
which is how much out of a max 100% of the water is saturated with
oxygen. A low DO reading could be caused by increased respiration by
aquatic species or increased decomposition. DO can also vary
throughout a single day as it has a negatively correlated relationship with
temperature, warmer water can carry less DO than colder water. While
many different pollutants can cause interactions, which lower DO, one of
the most common is wastewater. Wastewater in the waterways leads to
increased bacterial metabolism, which lowers the DO in the waterways.
While a DO does not have a set indicator, a very low DO can sometimes
trigger algal blooms, which can lead to fish kills. DO is negatively
correlated with BOD5. DO measurements are collected in the field by
handheld YSI multi-parameter meter and are measured either in percent
saturated or in mg/L. DO benchmarks will vary based on temperature.

Temperature
Temperature in the waterways can affect aquatic species in many
different ways, either directly or indirectly. An increase in temperature
correlates with many other parameters sampled and can cause fish kills
or a reduction in required nutrients. Temperature measurements are
collected in the field by handheld YSI multi-parameter meter and are
measured in degrees Celsius. Temperature ranges in stormwater will
vary based on the season.

Conductivity
Conductivity is the measure of the ability of water to pass an electrical
current. The conductivity in a waterway can be affected by the presence
of inorganic solids, anions, or cations. Multiple different types of illicit
discharges can affect conductivity by the introduction of these inorganic
solids or ions. High conductivity can lead to fish kills and inhospitable
waters. (EPA). Acceptable range for conductivity is 150 to 500 µS/L.

Ammonia
Ammonia is a naturally occurring form of nitrogen that is formed in the
breakdown of organic waste, natural atmospheric gas exchange, and
waste from living organisms. Ammonia, unlike other nitrogen
compounds, has a direct toxic effect on aquatic life. Ammonia can
Page 13 of 108
become toxic by building up in cellular tissue and blood of aquatic
organisms. Point source for high ammonia would be a sewer overflow
of wastewater plant (EPA). High ammonia can be detected by a
chemical like odor. Acceptable range for ammonia in stormwater is <19
mg/L.

2.3 Sampling Collection Procedures
Staff will follow all sampling collection protocols during all sampling
events. When collecting composite samples, the sampler strainer is
thrown into the waterbody in an area known as the run. The sample will
not be collected from the rapids or the pools as these areas could
influence data collected. The run is the area downstream from the rapids
that provides moving water without pooling or rapids at the surface. The
strainer being used to collect the sample needs to be completely
submerged in water while running to increase efficiency (CLP Sampling
Guidance).

Where grab samples are collected, the bottle will be filled from the run
of the waterbody, not in the rapids or pool. When collecting grab
samples, the bottle will be filled from the middle of the vertical column
of the waterbody. This area of the waterway reduces the amount of
potential discrepancies that could affect the sample. When collecting
any samples, the stormwater staff will be wearing gloves and preventing
any contact with the inside of the sample containers. The sample
containers remain closed with the lid on until the very moment of the
sample collection. If the sample requires the liquid to be transferred
from one container to a sample container, as in the composite samples,
the stormwater staff will pour in a way that prevents overfilling the
sample container. If the sample container contains any preservative,
while pouring, the stormwater staff should try to prevent inhalation of
the particles that may leave the container while pouring the sample. For
the full Standard Operating Procedures for sample collection, please see
section 3.

Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) are very important for
process of sampling, as they assure that there is limited outside
interference with the samples. The first type of QA/QC sample is called
a trip blank; a trip blank is a full sample kit filled up with deionized (DI)
water in an office that is carried in the cooler during the sampling event.
The purpose of the DI water is to ensure that no volatile compounds are
entering the samples during the sampling event from outside air or other
outside sources. Trip blanks are required for Volatile Organic
Page 14 of 108
Compounds (VOCs) sampling, which during a normal sampling
schedule will not be required. The next QA/QC sample is called a field
blank. Similar to a trip blank, a field blank is a full sample kit filled up
with DI water, however this is filled up in the field with the same DI
water being used to decontaminate the sample equipment in between
sites. The purpose of the field blank is to ensure that there is no
contaminate in the DI water, that the sample kits did not have any
contaminates in them prior to sampling, and as a quality check for the lab
running the samples. The final type of QA/QC sample is the field
duplicate. Quite simply the field duplicate is collecting two full sample
kits at one of the sample locations. This process acts as a quality check
on the analyzation method, as well as ensuring stormwater staff is
collecting samples in a manner that can be replicated for each sample
collection. These QA/QC samples will remain anonymous to the lab and
labeled in a manner to allow the lab to run the samples as they would any
others. QA/QC samples may be taken during sampling activities –
Stormwater staff will evaluate field operations and determine QA/QC
frequency, as needed.

2.4 Sampling Equipment
Field sampling by the City of Winston-Salem consists of the usage of
varied equipment in the sampling of city waterways.

2.4.1 Teledyne Isco™ 6712 Portable Sampler

When performing fixed
interval sampling a
composite Distribution
Method is used to collect
samples at a fixed
interval over 24 hours.
The average flow
characteristics are taken
during a single sampling
period. The composite
sampler used by the city
of Winston-Salem is a
Teledyne Isco™ 6712
portable sampler. The
sampler comes with a standard program that can be modified to
the user’s preferences or requirements. We use standard
programming for fixed interval sampling. In this case, the
Page 15 of 108
stormwater staff sets up the sampler at the identified fixed-
interval sampling locations. For every 15 minutes over a 24-hour
period, 100 mL is collected in the 10 L carboy located inside the
Teledyne Isco™ 6712 portable sampler. The samples are then
collected in a 10L carboy that is placed in the bottom of the
sampler, surrounded by ice to ensure samples are kept cool.
Once the 24 hours is up, stormwater staff returns to the sampler,
collects the carboy, and pours the composite sample from the
carboy into a full sample kit. For full SOP on the Fixed Interval
sampling event see Section 3.a. The Model 934 Nickel-
Cadmium battery provided by Teledyne Isco™ powers the 6712.
This battery is charged for ~16 hours prior to being put on the
Teledyne Isco™ 6712 portable sampler and can provide up to 4.0
ampules per hour. Typically, a full sample event of fixed interval
is collection of six or seven sites in the same day. Collected
samples are kept cold in a cooler with ice. Each cooler is labeled
and has five sample bottles. Every site has one cooler designated
to it. Throughout the sampling day, the coolers are kept inside of
one of the sampling vehicles and regularly checked to ensure the
ice is not melting. At each location a high flow strainer is
attached to a previously cut length of tubing and is thrown into
the waterway in the run area as mentioned in the previous
section. Using a liquid detector, the Teledyne Isco™ 6712
portable sampler pulls in a specified programmed amount of
water measured in milliliters and the samples are collected over a
set period measured in either hours or minutes. When setting up
the samplers the very first pull from the waterways is discharged
into a graduated cylinder. This is done to ensure the amount
being pulled is the correct 100mL amount. If the amount exceeds
100mL or is less than 100mL than the Teledyne Isco™ 6712
portable samplers can be recalibrated on the spot using the
calibrate volume option in the manual functions screen
(G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water Sampling\Water Quality
Assessment and Monitoring\Portable Sampler User Manual).
Once the sampling has been completed, the carboys are taken
back to a storage room for decontamination. The carboys are
washed out with water and a 1% concentration of Liquinox®,
then scrubbed to ensure any sediment or remaining water is
removed from the carboy. Liquinox® is a concentrated, anionic,
biodegradable detergent used in cleaning of environmental and
healthcare instruments (https://alconox.com/liquinox/). The
tubing is then washed out by pumping clean water through the
tubing followed by water and Liquinox® then clean water again.
Page 16 of 108
Once the clean water has removed, all of the Liquinox® from the
tubing the pump is ran in reverse to help remove all liquid from
the tubing and help prevent any bacterial growth. The tubing is
then rolled up in such fashion to assist in the removal of liquid
and is then tied and placed in the storage room. The Teledyne
Isco™ 6712 portable samplers are placed in a storage room
without any external tubing or carboys inside. The 10 L carboys,
once decontaminated, are placed upside down on a clean towel to
facilitate drying. Once the tubing is decontaminated and tied
back together with bungee cords, it is organized by the route and
placed in boxes accordingly.

2.4.2 Xylem YSI™ Professional Plus Multi-Parameter Instrument

For collection of instantaneous
water quality parameters, the
City of Winston-Salem uses a
Xylem YSI™ Professional Plus
Multi-Parameter Instrument.
This handheld unit allows the
stormwater staff to collect
multiple specific parameters in
real time at the sample
locations. The parameters
sampled via this handheld unit
are temperature, DO, specific
conductivity, total dissolved
solids, pH, and ammonium.
Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius and has a range of -5
to 70°. DO is measured in percent saturation and mg/L, the
ranges are 0-500% and 0-50mg/L respectively. Specific
conductivity is measured in micro Siemens per centimeter
(µs/cm) and has a range of 0-2000 µs/cm. TDS is measured in
mg/L and has a range of 0-100,000 mg/L. pH is measure in
standard units (SU) and has a range of 0-14. Ammonia is
measured in mg/L-N and has a range of 0-200 mg/L-N. More
information on the sample parameters can be found in Section
2.b. Each parameter, except for temperature, must be calibrated
prior to use and is calibrated once a month at a minimum. Each
parameter has different calibration techniques and different
calibration liquids to be used. The handheld unit allows for
calibration via the calibration key and then picking the parameter
Page 17 of 108
to be calibrated. pH is calibrated using a three-point calibration
and using 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0 calibration liquids. Ammonia is
calibrated using a two-point calibration and using 1 and 100
mg/L-N calibration liquids. Specific conductivity is calibrated
using a single point calibration and a 1,000 µs/cm calibration
liquid. The reading of TDS is linked to the same probe that is
involved in specific conductivity, therefore the calibration of one
parameter results in the calibration of the other parameter. DO is
calibrated using a small amount of DI water in the transport
calibration cup and closing the cup on the probes, this allows for
the calibration of DO by percent saturation. When performing
calibration, the DO membrane for the probe will be replaced.
The DO probe has a special membrane that keeps the galvanized
probe moist and allows for adequate readings, once every month
at a minimum this membrane will be replaced. Other probes are
to be replaced per the recommended replacement schedule given
by YSI™. DO probes, the entire probe not just the membrane,
will be replaced annually. Ammonia probes are to be replaced
every three to six months. pH probes will be replaced every one
to two years. (G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water Sampling\Water
Quality Assessment and Monitoring\YSI User Manual RevD)
Once sampling with the YSI™ is completed, it is decontaminated
using DI water. All probes may be changed out at a more
frequent schedule depending on usage and amount of exposure.
Once in the office, some probes can be cleaned with a cleaning
solution and appropriate cleaning device. The probes are rubbed
down and then stored in a moist environment, however they are
not stored submerged as this can lead to damage to the probes
and corrosion over time.

Page 18 of 108
2.4.3 SonTek Flow Tracker 2
For collecting flow
from the designated
waterways, the
following procedure is
followed per the
requirements of the
City of Winston-
Salem. The SonTek
Flow Tracker 2 is used
to record and calculate
stream discharge data.
(G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water Sampling\Water Quality
Assessment and Monitoring\FlowTracker2 User’s Manual v1.6
Rev H) The unit requires eight – “AA” batteries that are changed
prior to every quarterly flow tracking event.

The handheld unit, cord, and wading rod are to be wiped off with
a rag and DI water after each use. The sensors are rinsed off with
DI water after each use. A good representative waterbody cross
section consists of a run or riffle that is a straight across the
waterbody with a good flow, at least 3 inches deep. The cross
section is a good representation of the waterbody as a whole.
Low flow, stagnant and extremely shallow sections should be
avoided. Areas between riffles and pools are ideal. Ideally, the
chosen section would be at least 6 feet across for dividing the
stream channel into equal increments to gather flow data.
Increments can range in width from 6 inches to 3 feet depending
on entire stream width. A minimum of 10 increments is used for
data recording when possible. Unit calibration and discharge
data collection are performed during each sampling event, i.e. for
each waterbody measured. The following steps are to be
performed at each waterbody:

1. Assemble Flow Tracker 2 unit, connecting the wading
rod and attaching the handheld and sensors to it.
2. Locate a proper waterbody location at the
predetermined fixed interval sample sites.
Page 19 of 108
3. Power unit on, select ‘Measurement’, and then select
‘Discharge’.
4. For New File Template, select ‘(default)’ and enter:
Site Number, the numerical order of waterbodies
sampled, Site Name, the name of the waterbody being
sampled, operator initials and finally choose the
discharge equation labeled ‘Mid-Section’.
5. Calibrate the device by starting the Automated Beam
Check.
6. Select ‘Add Station’, the first location (ft.) is the
section increment you start with, i.e. 0.5, 1, or 2 ft
increments. This will automatically update as you
proceed.
7. For Depth (ft.) enter the depth of the water as read on
the wading rod and then you will select station type
which will always start at ‘Left Bank’, facing
upstream, read ‘Open Water’ while taking flow, and
end at ‘Right Bank’.
8. The correction factor will be ‘1’ and then you may
select ‘Done’.
9. Set the wading rod at the appropriate depth according
to what it reads then hold the wading rod steady, align
the circles as close to 0 and the green arrow as vertical
as you can get it and select ‘Measure’ and wait 40
seconds for stable reading.
10. If the reading has no errors displayed, select ‘Accept’
to finish the first station.
11. Select ‘Add Station’ to begin the process over again,
changing depth parameters as you proceed.
12. Once completed select ’Menu’, then ‘Save
Measurements’ and wait for the unit to update before
powering off.

Once in the office, connect the Flow Tracker handheld unit to the
desktop to download the collected data in the SonTek software.
The data is exported into PDF format. Then the discharge data
can be calculated and graphed or manipulated as needed. The
velocity is obtained by conducting readings in a crossover section
of stream, and approximates the mean velocity of the entire
vertical cross-section, making it possible to gather relatively
accurate data by taking only one measurement in a particular
vertical cross-section. The total discharge is the sum of the
products of vertical cross-sections and their respective average
Page 20 of 108
velocities. The total discharge of a waterbody can be calculated
by the following formula:
Q = ∑ A x V
Where,
Q = total discharge
A = cross-sectional area (width x depth) of the stream segment
V = corresponding mean velocity of the stream segment
(G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water Sampling\Water Quality
Assessment and Monitoring\FlowTracker2 User’s Manual v1.6
Rev H)
2.5 Sampling Weather Conditions
The type and frequency of the sampling performed by stormwater staff is
dependent on the current and past weather in the area. The first type of
sampling is dry weather sampling. Dry weather sampling requires that
the samples be collected after a minimum of 72 hours of dry weather.
As of August 1, 2019, dry weather is defined as any no measurable rain
event (0.10”) within a single hour. Wet weather sampling occurs when
sampling is performed during a rain event or within 72 hours of the last
measurable (0.10”) rainfall. When sampling during the rain event this is
defined as during storm event. There are two different types of during
storm sampling, either first flush where the sampling occurs within 24
hours of the first measurable rainfall. The mid event sampling is any wet
weather sampling that occurs after the first 24 hours of measurable
rainfall but during the rainstorm event. The last type of wet weather
sampling is the post-storm event where you sample the waterways after
it has stopped raining but still within the 72-hour window of the wet
weather event. (EPA)
All weather information is collected from the North Carolina Climate
Office using the KINT station.
(https://climate.ncsu.edu/cronos/?station=KINT&temporal=daily) The
KINT station is located at Smith Reynolds Airport (3801 North Liberty
Street) just east of downtown Winston-Salem. All sample data is
collected and scanned into the city’s database. Once scanned in, the
actual hard data is input into an excel database for all future and
historical referencing.

Page 21 of 108
The hydrograph shows the flow impacts following a rain event, in terms of stormflow,
on the baseflow of a waterbody over time. (EPA)

Section 3: Sampling Monitoring Programs
3.1 Fixed Interval Sampling
Fixed Interval sampling is performed quarterly, in all weather conditions,
at 13 sites across the Winston-Salem municipal boundaries.
3.1.1 Sampling Locations
3.1.1.1 Site List
Site Name Receiving Stream Exact Coordinate
Location
Bath Branch at City
Yard
Salem Creek 36.089444, -80.233056
Decimal Degrees (DD)

Tar/Tanners Branch at
Old Salem
Salem Creek 36.071062, -80.259607
(DD)

Salem Creek at Ebert
Road
Salem Creek 36.005859, -80.301991
(DD)
Peters Creek at Antique
Dealership
Salem Creek 36.071062, -80.259607
(DD)
Salem Creek at
Fraternity Church Road
Muddy Creek 36.008263, -80.335018
(DD
Salem Creek at Elledge
WWTP
Salem Creek 36.038763, -80.304053
(DD)
Page 22 of 108

Mill Creek at Shattalon
Drive
Muddy Creek 36.008263, -80.335018
(DD)
Muddy Creek at
Reynolda Road
Muddy Creek 36.171638, -80.343078
(DD)
Silas Creek at McGregor Muddy Creek 36.045764, -80.354119
(DD)
Muddy Creek at Frye
Bridge Road
Muddy Creek 35.976536, -80.339002
(DD)
Little Creek at
Jonestown Road
Muddy Creek 36°02'15.0"N
80°20'51.0"W (DD)
Brushy Fork Creek at
Reynolds Park Road
Salem Creek 36.088815, -80.219540
(DD)
Fiddlers Creek at
Thomasville Road
Muddy Creek 36.046250, -80.196637
(DD)
Page 23 of 108
3.1.1.2 Site Maps
Page 24 of 108
(ThPis page has been switched to landscape. Please center the wording and the photo)
Page 25 of 108

3.1.1.3 Site Photographs

Bath Branch at City Yard-Fixed Interval

The sampling site is located behind the vegetation
management building (Building 25) at City Yard. The
sampling site is accessed from the mower parking area
behind the building. The sampling site is on the backside
of the covered shed seen in the top photo.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°05'22.0"N 80°13'59.0"W Degree, Minutes, Decimal
Seconds (DMS)
36.089444, -80.233056 (DD)

Page 26 of 108
Brushy Fork at Reynolds Park Road-Fixed Interval

The sample site is across the road from Norfolk Southern
Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer Terminal. It is adjacent to
the bridge and is on the right (facing away from Winston-
Salem State University). In order to access sample
location, you have to go around the guardrail on Reynolds
Park Road. The sample location is approximately 70’
from the end of the guardrail.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°05'19.7"N 80°13'10.3"W (DMS)
36.088815, -80.219540 (DD)

Page 27 of 108

Fiddlers Creek at Thomasville Road/Highway 109-Fixed
Interval

This sampling site is located at 3830 Thomasville Road at
the culvert for Fiddlers Creek that passes under
Thomasville Road/Highway 109. The sampling site is
accessed from the driveway for the residence at 3830
Thomasville Road. Sample location is approximately 70’
from the beginning of the driveway.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°02'46.5"N 80°11'47.9"W (DMS)
36.046250, -80.196637 (DD)

Page 28 of 108

Mill Creek at Shattalon Drive-Fixed Interval

The sampling location is beside a bridge on a residential
driveway. The address is 4040 Shattalon Drive. The
exact spot is on the lower concrete platform on the right
of the bridge (facing Shattalon Drive).
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°07'43.2"N 80°20'22.9"W (DMS)
36.128679, -80.339681 (DD)

Page 29 of 108

Little Creek at Jonestown Road-Fixed Interval

This sampling site is located off Jonestown Road behind
the residences at 1606 Jonestown Road and 1600
Jonestown Road. The site is accessed off Jonestown
Road via the driveway for 1600 Jonestown Road. The
Teledyne Isco™ 6712 portable sampler is placed next to
the large tree observed in the top photo.
Sample Site Location:
36°02'15.0"N 80°20'51.0"W (DD)
36.037508, -80.347487 (DMS)

Page 30 of 108
Muddy Creek at Frye Bridge-Fixed Interval

This sampling site is located at Frye Bridge Road at the
bridge crossing Muddy Creek. The sampling site is
accessed from the City of Winston-Salem pump station.
In order to get to the sample location, turn off the
roundabout and drive down towards Muddy Creek. Once
at the end of the pavement there will be a utilities access
where the wooden platform can be observed. In the
bottom photo, the Teledyne Isco™ 6712 portable sampler
can be seen placed on the wooden platform where
sampling occurs. This wooden platform is located
approximately 100’ from the end of the pavement.
Sample Site Location
35°58'35.5"N 80°20'20.4"W (DMS)
35.976536, -80.339002 (DD)

Page 31 of 108
Lower South Fork at Ebert Road-Fixed Interval

The sampling site is located on Ebert Road at the bridge
crossing Lower South Fork Creek, just south of the
Kimmel Farm and Flat Rock Middle School Campus.
The Sampling Site is on the South West Side of the
Bridge. The Teledyne Isco™ 6712 portable sampler is
placed on the flat surface next to bridge seen in the photo
on the right. The sample location is approximately 50’ up
from the middle of Lower South Fork.
Sample Site Location:
36°00'21.1"N 80°18'07.2"W (DMS)
36.005859, -80.301991 (DD)

Page 32 of 108
Muddy Creek at Reynolda Road-Fixed Interval

This sampling site is located off Reynolda Road. It is
located just south of Reynolda Landscaping and Nursery
Supplies Garden Center at 5353 Reynolda Road. The
sampling site is on the North East Side of the Bridge. The
Teledyne Isco™ 6712 portable sampler is placed on the
wooden structure with the metal container when
sampling. The sample location is approximately 130’
from the gravel driveway.
Sample Site Location:
36°10'17.9"N 80°20'35.1"W (DMS)
36.171638, -80.343078 (DD)

Page 33 of 108
Peters Creek at Antique Dealership-Fixed Interval

The sampling site is located behind the Antique
Dealership and Dynasty Furniture Building at 1590 Peters
Creek Parkway. The site is accessed from the loading
dock area behind the building and the sample location is
approximately 70’ across from the loading dock.
Sample Site Location:
36°04'15.8"N 80°15'34.6"W (DMS)
36.071062, -80.259607 (DD)

Page 34 of 108

Salem Creek at Elledge WWTP-Fixed Interval

Sampling Site is located at Elledge Waste Water
Treatment Plant (2801 Griffith Road) in the Northeast
Corner of the plant near the sludge ponds. The sampling
site is at the northeast corner of the bridge connecting the
sludge pond area with the rest of the treatment plant.
Sample Site Location:
36°02'19.6"N 80°18'14.6"W (DMS)
36.038763, -80.304053 (DD)

Page 35 of 108

Muddy Creek at Fraternity Church-Fixed Interval

The sampling location is under the bridge that crosses
Muddy Creek just east of 3399 Fraternity Church Road.
When driving southward on Fraternity Church Road, the
house is slightly past the sampling site. When sampling, a
gravel drive is used to access the area underneath the
bridge. The sample site is approximately 130’ down the
gravel drive.
Sample Site Location:
36°00'29.8"N 80°20'06.1"W (DMS)
36.008263, -80.335018 (DD)

Page 36 of 108

Silas Creek at McGregor Road-Fixed Interval

The sample site is located beneath the McGregor Road
Bridge that crosses Silas Creek. The nearest address is
821 McGregor Road. The Teledyne Isco™ 6712 portable
sampler is placed on a flat surface located on the northeast
corner of the bridge. The sample location is
approximately 80’ from the end of the guardrail.
Sample Site Location:
36°02'44.8"N 80°21'14.8"W (DMS)
36.045764, -80.354119 (DD)

Page 37 of 108
Tar Tanners at Old Salem-Fixed Interval

The sample site is located directly off Old Salem Road’s
stroll way, just north of Old Salem Visitor Center. The
sample location is approximately 25’ from the stroll way.
Sample Site Location:
36°04'15.8"N 80°15'34.6"W (DMS)
36.071062, -80.259607 (DD)

Page 38 of 108
3.1.1.4 Reason for Sites Selected.
Muddy and Salem Creeks are denoted as ‘303d’-listed
streams by the NC Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ)
for biological impairment. The Muddy Creek Watershed
pollutant of concern (POC) is Total Suspended Solids
(TSS). Fecal Coliform is the POC for the Salem Creek
Watershed. Sampling locations are situated near the
confluence of major tributaries that feed Muddy Creek
and Salem Creek.
Each sampling site location is approved to ensure that it is
relatively safe for stormwater staff. This provides a way
to (1) observe the cumulative effects of stormwater inputs
or dry weather flows throughout the entire watershed. (2)
Determine pollutant loadings from the major tributary to
the impaired stream. (3) Access the stream with
equipment. (4) Possibly determine what tributary a
pollutant originated. (5) To achieve compliance with
Section J: Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) of our
NCS permit.

3.1.2 Fixed Interval Sampling Standard Operating Procedures
Fixed-Interval Sampling is performed quarterly regardless of
weather conditions at 13 sites across the city’s watersheds.
(G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water Sampling\Report of
Analysis\Fixed Interval\FY2020-2021) Samples are taken in a
composite method, with a single sample being taken every 15
minutes over a 24-hour timeline. The samples are collected at a
volume of 100ml and discharged into a 10L carboy inside of the
ISCO Teledyne Isco™ 6712 portable sampler. Samples taken at
each of the above-mentioned fixed interval sites (Section 3.1.1)
are tested for the following pollutant parameters: BOD5, TSS,
TDS, Turbidity, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Total and Dissolved Cu, Total
and Dissolved Zn, and Total and Dissolved P, Nitrate, Nitrite,
TKN, and fecal coliforms. Stormwater staff will fill five bottles
per site— two of which (metals and nitrates) will have powder
preservative in them. The fecal coliform samples have a
maximum holding time of six hours.

Preparation:
1. Ensure that the ISCO Samplers have been prepared and
regular maintenance items have been taken care of
(correct fixed interval hoses, clean fixed interval hoses,
Page 39 of 108
fixed interval hoses labeled by their routes, ISCO
memory functions are known, strainers are attached, etc.)
2. Charge the nickel-cadmium batteries for at least 16
hours.
3. Cut the length of tubing needed for each site. (i.e. 48
feet for Ebert). Also, double-check to make sure that
you are bringing the right tubing for the locations on the
planned route for that day.
4. Plan the route that you will take in a way that will limit
waste of time and fuel.
5. The week prior to conducting the sampling events, the
sample sites are visited to ensure that access is still
maintained for the sampler. If the access at the sample
sites needs to be cut, it should be done prior to the day of
the sampling.

What to bring:
- ISCO Sampler: Identify which ones have a “factory
reset” defect. These will not retain long-term memory.
- A clean 10.0 L container: To place inside of ISCO
Sampler
- Bags of ice: two bags per 6712 ISCO Sampler
- Nickel-Cadmium Batteries: bring extra and check to see
that the batteries are warm. Warm batteries indicate a
fully charged battery.
- Bring a hose for each site: make sure the site name on
each grey duct tape label corresponds to the sites you
are visiting that day.
- 100 mL carboy/graduated cylinder: To capture each pre-
sample throughout the day.

Drop off:
1. Place Teledyne Isco™ 6712 portable sampler on a flat,
stable surface and then disassemble the top cover from the
sampler and the motor section from the base.
2. Place the 10.0 L container in the middle of the base. Hold
it in place to prepare for step 3.
3. Pour ice evenly around the 10.0 L container.
4. Reconnect the center section with controller of the ISCO
Sampler to the base. Keep in mind that this part can be
tricky because the inlet hole at the bottom of the motor
section MUST fit completely inside the mouth of the 10.0
Page 40 of 108
L container. Get a partner to look from the bottom to
ensure proper placement.
5. Seat the battery onto a battery slot adjacent to the motor.
Attach the rubber straps on the battery. Next, connect the
battery cable to its proper connection on the Teledyne
Isco™ 6712 portable sampler. There are several different
connector ports, so make sure you are plugging it into the
one with the battery symbol.
6. Connect the hose that corresponds to that site to the ISCO
Sampler. Remember to twist and push simultaneously
until the hose is on securely.
7. Untangle the hose, if necessary; grab the end with the
high-pass filter on it. Throw it into the fastest flowing
portion of stream. Make sure the filter does not flow
downstream and caught in an undesirable location.
8. To program the ISCO Sampler: Power ON > Menu (Red
inverted triangle) > Program > Site Description > No. of
bottles: 1 > Bottle vol.: 10.0 L > Suction Line: Footage >
Time Paced: 0 hr., 15 min > Sample vol.: 100 mL > No
Delay to Start.
9. Before starting, go back to the menu by pressing the
Menu button and going through each prompt as you did in
Step 8. Double-check each setting to make certain that
the desired settings are selected. Once you reach the end
this time you can start the program.
10. The ISCO sampler will begin purging the line to prepare a
test sample. Disconnect the pump tube on the ISCO
Sampler that leads to the inside, so that the 100 mL test
sample can be measured. The test sample should be +/-
100 mL.
11. REMEMBER to reconnect the pump tube before moving
any further.
12. Cover the ISCO Sampler with its top cover and make sure
the rubber straps are securely fitted.

Pick up:
1. Prepare the lab sample bottles received from Research &
Analytical Laboratories (R & A Labs) into separate
coolers with labels inside. The labels are to be placed in
small bags (sealable) to keep them from getting wet.
Page 41 of 108
2. Print out two copies of the Chain of Custody from
G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water Sampling\Chain of
Custody Forms\Fixed Interval
3. Bring enough ice to use in each cooler. In order for
samples to remain cool, two bags per cooler is a
minimum; the amount of ice needed may vary depending
on external temperature. Ice can be found at City Yard or
can be purchased from an approved store, such as
Sunnyside Ice.
4. Bring extra Nickel-Cadmium ISCO Sampler batteries in
case of battery failure from the previous day. If there is a
battery failure, you will need to restart from Step 5 under
the “Drop off” section.
5. Email R & A Labs at [e-mail] to make
sure the lab representative is aware that samples will be
dropped off later in the day.
6. Start route to each Fixed Interval site location to retrieve
24-hour composite sample.
7. Open ISCO Sampler. Before removing the 10.0 L sample
carboy, check to see how many pumps the ISCO was able
to complete over the 24-hour period. An unusually low
number of pumps may indicate a failing or bad battery.
The ISCO Sampler will also tell you the time that the
sampling started and ended.
8. Before returning to the truck, put gloves on and collect a
grab sample using the fecal coliform bottle. Use the pole
grabber, if necessary.
9. Remove the sample carboy and immediately twist the lid
on. Be sure not to contaminate the underside of the lid.
To help prevent contamination of the lid ensure that
gloves are worn during this process.
10. Remove the strainer from the stream, neatly roll it, and
put it under the ISCO Sampler lid before reassembling it.
11. Dump the ice out.
12. Reassemble the ISCO Sampler so that it can be safely
carried back to the truck.
13. Designate a pourer and a holder for the carboy and empty
sample bottles. The holder is to have gloves on to prevent
contamination. It should be noted that red topped sample
bottles contain preservative and are to be treated carefully
to ensure they are not overfilled.
14. Ensure stormwater staff record the time of retrieval on the
Chain of Custody (CoC) data sheet. The data recorder
Page 42 of 108
will also put their name/signature of the CoC before
relinquishing it.
15. Fill the two bottles with preservative in them first. Then
continue filling the other three 1.0 L bottles. Each bottle is
to be filled just above the neckline – AT LEAST.
16. Store the bottles into their corresponding cooler and
continue to the next site.
17. After the route is finished, the samples and CoC need to
be taken to R & A Labs, located at 106 Short St,
Kernersville, NC 27284.
18. Ask a representative to provide two copies of the
relinquished CoC for our records.
19. Scan in the Chain of Custodies to
G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water Sampling\Relinquished
Chain Of Custodies\Fixed Intervals and make sure you
have chosen the correct fiscal year and quarter folder.
20. Once data returns from R & A labs electronically, ensure
the reports are saved into the
G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water Sampling\Report of
Analysis\Fixed Interval folder in the correct fiscal year
and quarter folder.
21. Data is stored for a period of five years per the
requirement of the City of Winston-Salem’s NCS permit.

Page 43 of 108
3.2 Water Quality Monitoring/SSO Program
3.2.1 Sampling Locations
3.2.1.1 List of Sites

Site Name Watershed Exact Coordinate Location
Lower South Fork at Peters Creek Lower South Fork
Muddy Creek
36°00'59.0"N 80°15'35.7"W (DMS)
36.016380, -80.259925 (DD)
Lower South Fork at Old
Lexington Road
Lower South Fork
Muddy Creek
36°01'59.1"N 80°13'00.5"W (DMS)
36.033737, -80.215217 (DD)
Fiddlers Creek at Teague Road South Fork Muddy
Creek
36°02'01.5"N 80°12'54.8"W (DMS)
36.037018, -80.212750 (DD)
Fiddlers Creek at Willard Road South Fork Muddy
Creek
36°03'10.3"N 80°11'17.8"W (DMS)
36.052852, -80.188280 (DD)
Mill Creek at Patterson Avenue Middle Mill Creek 36°10'49.3"N 80°16'19.0"W (DMS)
36.180360, -80.271937 (DD)
Mill Creek at Shattalon Drive Middle Mill Creek 36°10'11.0"N 80°17'16.8"W (DMS)
36.169728, -80.287985 (DD)
Leak Fork at Hine Park Soccer
Fields
Middle Mill Creek 36°09'51.1"N 80°17'25.4"W (DMS)
36.164186, -80.290396 (DD)
Leak Fork at Motor Road Middle Mill Creek 36°09'24.6"N 80°15'07.2"W (DMS)
36.156822, -80.252000 (DD)
Monarcas Creek at Linn Station
Road
Lower Mill Creek 36°08'57.0"N 80°16'34.0"W (DMS)
36.149161, -80.276103 (DD)
Mill Creek at Reynolda Road Lower Mill Creek 36°09'12.4"N 80°18'42.8"W (DMS)
36.153438, -80.311901 (DD)
Muddy Creek at Reynolda Road Upper Muddy Creek 36°10'17.9"N 80°20'35.1"W (DMS)
36.171641, -80.343080 (DD)
Peters Creek at Hanes Park Peters Creek 36°06'03.7"N 80°15'41.3"W (DMS)
36.101017, -80.261468 (DD)
Silas Creek at Royall Drive Silas Creek 36°07'38.9"N 80°16'42.6"W (DMS)
36.127477, -80.278493 (DD)
Silas Creek at Reynolda Village Silas Creek 36°07'42.5"N 80°17'11.6"W (DMS)
36.128477, -80.286551 (DD)
Silas Creek at Yorkshire Road Silas Creek 36°06'15.3"N 80°18'25.8"W (DMS)
36.104252, -80.307160 (DD)
Little Creek at Old Vineyard Road Silas Creek 36°04'38.1"N 80°19'20.9"W (DMS)
36.077246, -80.322475 (DD)
Silas Creek at Country Club Silas Creek 36°04'54.3"N 80°20'30.1"W (DMS)
36.081736, -80.341701 (DD)
Muddy Creek at Country Club Lower Muddy Creek 36°05'28.2"N 80°21'53.2"W (DMS)
36.091154, -80.364783 (DD)
Page 44 of 108
3.2.1.2 Site Maps
Page 45 of 108

Page 46 of 108

Page 47 of 108

3.2.1.3 Site Photographs
Lower South Fork at Peters Creek Parkway -WQM/SSO

The sampling site is located at Wilshire Golf Club (1570
Bridgton Road). As of 2020, stormwater staff is able to
notify the course manager on site and use a golf cart to
drive to the bridge. Follow the asphalt path to the orange
bridge (pictured above) and test approximately 10’ to the
left of it.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°00'59.0"N 80°15'35.7"W (DMS)
36.016380, -80.259925 (DD)

Page 48 of 108

Lower South Fork at Old Lexington Road-WQM/SSO

The sampling site is located on the side of a bridge on Old
Lexington Road. The closest address is 3960 Old
Lexington Road. There is a gravel driveway across the
street that stormwater staff generally park. On the
Northeast side of the bridge, walk down the easement
toward the bank of the creek. Sample site is
approximately 125’ past the guardrail.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°02'01.5"N 80°12'54.8"W (DMS)
36.033737, -80.215217 (DD)

Page 49 of 108
Fiddlers Creek at Teague Road-WQM/SSO

The sampling site is located closest to 660 Teague Road.
It is under a bridge that has a pathway leading down to it.
The access point to the creek is on the northwest corner of
the bridge at a gravel driveway with a metal gate. The
sample site is approximately 130’ from that gravel
driveway.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°02'13.3"N 80°12'45.9"W (DMS)
36.037018, -80.212750 (DD)

Page 50 of 108
Fiddlers Creek at Willard Road-WQM/SSO

The sample site is located on Willard Road directly
adjacent to 2670 Willard Road. Walk down to the bank of
the stream (same side a 2670 Willard) to get closer, if
needed. The sample site is approximately 10’ away from
the road.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°03'10.3"N 80°11'17.8"W (DMS)
36.052852, -80.188280 (DD)

Page 51 of 108
Leak Fork at Hine Park Soccer Fields-WQM/SSO

This sampling location is located in the northeast corner
of the soccer fields, to the right of the main dirt road
between the fields. The sample site is downstream from
an old culvert pipe that is still located in the waterway.
The access point is located approximately 300’ northeast
of the end of the access road.
Sampling Site Coordinates:
36°09'51.1"N 80°17'25.4"W (DMS)
36.164186, -80.290396 (DD)

Page 52 of 108

Mill Creek at Patterson Avenue-WQM/SSO

Sample site location is right off of Patterson Avenue. The
stream runs under the road and is sampled from directly
above. The closest address is 4678 Patterson Avenue. The
sample site is approximately 150’ north of the entrance to
the aforementioned address.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°10'49.3"N 80°16'19.0"W (DMS)
36.180360, -80.271937 (DD)

Page 53 of 108

Mill Creek at Shattalon Drive-WQM/SSO

The sampling site is across the street from Steve Venable
Wrecker Services (5640 Shattalon Dr.) inside of Sara Lee
Soccer Complex (5656 Shattalon Dr.). The sampling site
is located approximately 120’ southwest from the end of
the first parking lot, close to the riprap drainage feature.
Sampling Site Coordinates:
36°10'11.0"N 80°17'16.8"W (DMS)
36.169728, -80.287985 (DD)

Page 54 of 108

Leak Fork at Motor Road-WQM/SSO

The sample site is behind the Stanleyville CITGO (3990
Patterson Ave). Sample site is on the Motor Road bridge,
on the gas station side. The sample site is approximately
50’ from the start of the guardrail.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°09'24.6"N 80°15'07.2"W (DMS)
36.156822, -80.252000 (DD)

Page 55 of 108

Monarcas Creek at Linn Station Road-WQM/SSO

This sampling location may be slightly more difficult to
locate. To reach it, you have to use the utility easement
behind 4655 Brownsboro Road. Walk down the easement,
approximately 275’ from the access gate off Brownsboro,
until you reach access to the waterbody.
Sampling Site Coordinates:
36°08'57.0"N 80°16'34.0"W (DMS)
36.149161, -80.276103 (DD)

Page 56 of 108

Mill Creek at Reynolda Road-WQM/SSO

To reach this sample site drive to Reynolda Commons
Shopping Center. Upon entering, immediately turn right
and continue until you are adjacent the last building next
to Coppola’s Pizzeria (3512 Yadkinville Rd.). From the
side of the building walk approximately 140’ toward the
bridge. The sample site is under the bridge.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°09'12.6"N 80°18'42.5"W (DMS)
36.153495, -80.311814 (DD)

Page 57 of 108

Muddy Creek at Reynolda Road-WQM/SSO

This sampling site is located off Reynolda Road. It is
located just adjacent (south) of Reynolda Landscaping
and Nursery Supplies Garden Center at 5353 Reynolda
Road. Take the first right (northward), after crossing
Muddy Creek, onto the gravel driveway. The sample site
is approximately 120’ from the entrance to the gravel
driveway. There is a metal box container located where
sample site is.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°10'17.9"N 80°20'35.1"W (DMS)
36.171641, -80.343080 (DD)

Page 58 of 108

Silas Creek at Royall Drive- WQM/SSO

This sampling site is inside of Wake Forest University’s
campus. The access to the sample point is down a
stormwater easement located at the cul-de-sac on Poteat
Court off Royall Drive. The sample point is behind
private residences at 3380 Poteat Ct. The sample site is
approximately 175’ south from the end of the driveway at
3380 Poteat Ct.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°07'38.9"N 80°16'42.6"W (DMS)
36.127477, -80.278493 (DD)

Page 59 of 108
Silas Creek at Reynolda Village- WQM/SSO

The site is located within Reynolda Village, past Barbizon
Lighting (118 Reynolda Village). We sample directly
from the bridge.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°07'42.5"N 80°17'11.6"W (DMS)
36.128477, -80.286551 (DD)

Page 60 of 108
Silas Creek at Yorkshire Road- WQM/SSO

The sample site is adjacent (east) to the Shaffner Park
(900 Yorkshire Rd.) parking lot. You will see a trail that
has a blue “No Mow Zone” sign that you can follow to
the stream. The sample site is approximately 50’ east
from the entrance to the parking lot.

Sample Site Coordinates:

36°06'15.3"N 80°18'25.8"W (DMS)
36.104252, -80.307160 (DD)

Page 61 of 108
Little Creek at Old Vineyard Road- WQM/SSO

The sampling location is next to the bridge that crosses
Old Vineyard Road. It is directly adjacent to FPTC
ChildCare (3904 Old Vineyard Rd). The sample site is
approximately 175’ east from the entrance to FPTC
ChildCare.

Sampling Site Coordinates:

36°04'38.1"N 80°19'20.9"W (DMS)
36.077250, -80.322472 (DD)

Page 62 of 108
Silas Creek at Country Club- WQM/SSO

The sampling site is between Salem Gymnastics (4870
Country Club Rd.) and LynDione Hair Salon (4856
County Club Rd.). The sample point can be accessed from
behind LynDione Hair Salon. The sample site is
approximately 40’ away from the road.

Sampling Site Coordinates:

36°04'54.3"N 80°20'30.1"W (DMS)
36.081736, -80.341701 (DD)

Page 63 of 108
Muddy Creek at Country Club-WQM/SSO

This sampling site is located at the end of the Muddy
Creek Greenway. The access for this sampling site is
located at Brookberry Park Apartments via a small gravel
trail that leads to the Muddy Creek Greenway. The actual
sample location is beneath the Country Club Road bridge,
seen in left photo. The sample site is approximately 90’
from the corner of the greenway to the Country Club
Road Bridge.

Sample Site Coordinates:

36°05'28.2"N 80°21'53.2"W (DMS)
36.091154, -80.364783 (DD)

Page 64 of 108
3.2.1.4 Reasons for Site Selected
Salem Creek is denoted as ‘303d’-listed streams by the
NC Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) for
biological impairment. Fecal Coliform is the POC for the
Salem Creek Watershed. Sampling locations are situated
near the confluence of major tributaries that feed Muddy
Creek and Salem Creek. Each sampling site location is
approved to ensure that it is relatively safe for stormwater
staff. These sites were chosen in order to allow
stormwater staff to have locations to be regularly sampled
and monitored for SSOs and general water quality. These
sample locations are regularly inspected to ensure there
are no illicit discharges occurring during dry weather.

3.2.2 Water Quality Monitoring/SSO Standard Operation Procedures
Steps to take prior to Leaving
1. Prior to leaving, ensure the following prep work has been
completed.

a. Know which route is being sampled.
b. Ensure that you have had less than 0.10” of rain
over the past 72 hours. WQM/SSO Sampling is
only done during dry weather events.
c. Ensure the YSI has been recently calibrated and is
prepared and ready to be used.
d. Ensure you have printed off the Field Data
Collection Sheet that matches the route you are to
sample. These sheets are located in
G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water
Sampling\Water Quality\Data Collection
Sheets and WQI Database
e. If you feel as though you need a copy of the route
maps, print off a copy and bring it with you. The
maps are located in
G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water Sampling\Map
Routes
f. If you need pictures of the site locations, print off
the photos, or review the photos prior to leaving
the office. The photos can be printed or sent to
your email so you may review them on your work
phone in the field. Photos are found in
G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water
Page 65 of 108
Sampling\Water Quality\Sampling Sites
Pictures
g. Ensure that your YSI bag has all proper cleaning
equipment (Squirt bottle and DI water).
h. Ensure your YSI bag has the metal cages required
to go over the probes in order to protect the YSI
during sampling.

2. Once you are ready to leave review your route, know the order
you plan to visit the sites, make sure that you are visiting the sites
in an order that makes sense and does not waste time driving.
Attempt to reduce the amount of overlap driving you do.
3. Once you are ready grab your YSI bag and clipboard and take
off.
4. A week prior to sampling, sites are to be visited in order to
maintain the vegetation by weed eating. This is to be completed
during sampling events done in the growing season (late spring
through early fall).
Steps to take once you arrive at a sampling location
1. Gather your YSI bag and field data collection sheets. If needed
review your photos to ensure that you are going to the correct
sampling location.
2. Once at the sampling location, place the metal cage on the
probes, turn on the YSI and toss the probes into the waterway.

a. The probe is to be tossed into a section of the
waterbody that has moving water and is not so
deep that it may sink into an area of stagnant
water. If possible, aim for some “rapids” or just
an area with consistent flow. This may be easier
at some sites than others.

3. Once the probe is properly in the waterway, allow the readings to
stabilize or wait for 5 minutes. If the readings stabilize prior to
the 5-minute timeline you may collect the readings when stable,
otherwise allow the probe to remain in the waterway until the
proper time has passed.
4. While the probe is in the waterway, collect the nitrate sample.
You can save time by overlapping the five-minute wait time.
a. If you are able to collect water directly from the
creek, then collect your reading that way.
Page 66 of 108
b. If you are unable to collect directly from the creek
you will have to collect water in a bucket and then
collect your reading from the bucket. The bucket
is to be rinsed thrice prior to collecting your
reading from the bucket. In order to properly rinse
the bucket, fill it with water from the sample
location and dump it out. This process is to be
completed thrice in order to properly remove any
contamination from previous bucket collections.
c. Collect 10 mL of sample water in clean, triple
rinsed S vial (to bottom of triangle).
d. Mix in pillow packet of cadmium reagent.
e. Shake vigorously for 1 minute.
f. Allow sample vial to sit for 5 minutes for reaction.
g. Using microfiber cloth to ensure all vials are
completely dry prior to reading the results.
h. Collect 10 mL of sample water in clean, triple
rinsed zero sample vial (to bottom of triangle)
i. Turn meter on, insert zero vial into meter (triangle
tips aligning), and press the blue ‘0’ button to zero
the meter.
j. Within 1 minute of expired 5-minute reaction
time, insert sample vial with cadmium reagent into
meter (triangles aligning) and press green read
button.
k. Multiply results by 4.4 to read in units of NO3-N.
l. If the water sample is turbid (e.g. wet weather
sampling), Stormwater staff will collect samples
and analyzed in a certified laboratory for nitrates.
m. For reliable and accurate results, ammonia may be
collected and analyzed in a certified laboratory.
5. Once the proper time has passed or the readings have stabilized
write down the readings that are on the Xylem YSI™
Professional Plus Multi-Parameter Instrument. Ensure that you
are writing the parameters in the correct section of the field data
sheets.
G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water Sampling\Water Quality\Data
Collection Sheets and WQI Database
6. Once all parameters are collected, you may pull the YSI probe
out of the waterway. It is recommended to try to avoid dragging
the probe along the banks of the waterway to try to prevent
sediment from getting into the probes.
Page 67 of 108
7. Once the probe is removed from the waterway, using the spray
bottle and DI water wash off the probes. This is done by rotating
the probes as you spray them off and ensuring that you get all
parts of the probe washed off. Stormwater staff will also wash
off the metal cage and make sure that any sediment or debris that
may have been stuck in the cage is removed.
8. Once completed, place the Xylem YSI™ Professional Plus Multi-
Parameter Instrument back in the bag, double check that all
parameters were collected and written down on the field data
sheet, and then you are ready to move onto your next sampling
site.
9. Once the route is completed drop off any equipment at 932
Brookstown Ave. and return to the office. Once at the office scan
in the field data and if time allows input the field data into the
database.
3.3 TMDL Sampling
The Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is a federal program
authorized by the Clean Water Act. A TMDL is a calculation of the
maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still
meet established standards (EPA). The City of Winston-Salem has, at
the time of this report, two TMDL waterbodies. The TMDL information
can be found on North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s
(NCDEQ) website (https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-
resources/planning/modeling-assessment/tmdls/draft-and-approved-
tmdls).
3.3.1 Sampling Locations
3.3.1.1 List of Sites
Site Name Watershed Exact Coordinate Location
Salem Creek at MLK Upper Salem Creek 36°05'14.7"N 80°13'17.0"W
36.087411, -80.221377
Tailwaters of Salem Creek Upper Salem Creek 36°05'48.7"N 80°11'35.4"W
36.096852, -80.193171
Bath Branch at City Yard Upper Salem Creek 36°05'22.4"N 80°13'58.5"W
36.089550, -80.232902
Tar/Tanners at Old Salem Upper Salem Creek 36°05'05.4"N 80°14'35.2"W
36.084828, -80.243116
Peters Creek at Antique
Dealership
Peters Creek 36°04'16.4"N 80°15'34.7"W
36.071224, -80.259644
Salem creek at Marketplace
Mall
Upper Salem Creek 36°04'20.8"N 80°15'14.2"W
36.072455, -80.253954
Salem Creek at Main Street Upper Salem Creek 36°04'54.8"N 80°14'22.6"W
36.081879, -80.239602
Peters Creek at Hanes Park Peters Creek 36°06'04.2"N 80°15'41.5"W
36.101158, -80.261515
Page 68 of 108
Bottom Branch at London
Lane
Middle Salem Creek 36°03'20.6"N 80°17'11.5"W
36.055718, -80.286535
Burke Creek at Northbridge
Road
Middle Salem Creek 36°03'09.9"N 80°17'40.3"W
36.052756, -80.294540
Northwest School Branch at
Abbatoir
Peters Creek 36°06'38.4"N 80°14'55.9"W
36.110660, -80.248853
Peters Creek at Underwood
Avenue
Peters Creek

36°06'39.2"N 80°14'57.4"W
36.110896, -80.249287
Peters Creek at Glenn
Avenue
Peters Creek

36°06'57.7"N 80°14'47.3"W
36.116036, -80.246460
Salem Creek at Fraternity
Church road
Lower Salem Creek 36°00'31.0"N 80°20'07.3"W
36.008599, -80.335373
Salem Creek at Elledge
WWTP
Lower Salem Creek 36°02'16.9"N 80°18'17.5"W
36.038028, -80.304868
Brushy Fork at Bowen Blvd Brushy Fork 36°07'06.5"N 80°12'42.4"W
36.118475, -80.211767
Bowen Branch at Confluence Brushy Fork 36°07'04.8"N 80°12'43.4"W
36.117989, -80.212048
Bowen Branch at 25th Brushy Fork 36°07'19.1"N 80°13'22.5"W
36.121973, -80.222927
Brushy Fork at Airport Road Brushy Fork 36°08'09.3"N 80°13'04.3"W
36.135917, -80.217871
Brushy Fork at Old
Greensboro Road
Brushy Fork 36°06'00.2"N 80°13'03.4"W
36.100064, -80.217609
Bowen Branch at Liberty
Street
Brushy Fork 36°07'51.6"N 80°13'54.9"W
36.130998, -80.231928
Brushy Fork at Reynolds
Park Road
Brushy Fork 36°05'20.5"N 80°13'10.1"W
36.089027, -80.219483

Page 69 of 108
3.3.1.2 Site Maps
Page 70 of 108
R
Page 71 of 108

Page 72 of 108

3.3.1.3 Site Photographs
Salem Creek at MLK-TMDL

The sample site can be accessed via Salem Creek
Greenway. The entrance path to the greenway is directly
across from RA Thomas Water Treatment Plant (1201 S
Martin Luther King Jr Dr.). It is approximately 450’ from
the greenway entrance to the underside of the Martin
Luther King Jr. Drive Bridge.

Sample Site Coordinates:
36°05'14.7"N 80°13'17.0"W (DMS)
36.087411, -80.221377 (DD)

Page 73 of 108
Tailwaters of Salem Lake-TMDL

The sample site can be accessed via the Salem Lake
Greenway section, below the Salem Lake Dam. Turn left
onto the greenway from Salem Lake Road. You can drive
on the greenway, but be aware of pedestrians and cyclists.
Try to sample during non-peak hours. The sample site is
underneath the north side of the bridge.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°05'48.7"N 80°11'35.4"W (DMS)
36.096852, -80.193171 (DD)

Page 74 of 108
Bath Branch at City Yard-TMDL

This Sampling Site is located behind the Vegetation
Management Building (Building 25) at City Yard. The
sampling site is accessed from the mower parking area
behind the building. Walk through the wooden shelter
(bottom photograph) and down the hill to the bank of the
waterbody (approximately 30’).
Sampling Site Coordinates:
36°05'22.0"N 80°13'59.0"W (DMS)
36.089444, -80.233056 (DD)

Page 75 of 108
Tar Tanners at Old Salem-TMDL

The sample site is located directly off Old Salem Road’s
stroll way, just north of Old Salem Visitor Center. The
sample site can be reached by walking down the bank to
Tar Branch (approximately 30’).
Sample Site Location:
36°05'06.7"N 80°14'36.2"W (DMS)
36.085205, -80.243384 (DD)

Page 76 of 108
Peters Creek at Antique Dealership-TMDL

The sampling site is located behind the Antique
Dealership and Dynasty Furniture Building at 1590 Peters
Creek Parkway. The site is accessed from the loading
dock area behind the building. The sample site is
approximately 70’ across from the loading dock.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°04'15.8"N 80°15'34.6"W (DMS)
36.071062, -80.259607 (DD)

Page 77 of 108
Salem Creek at Marketplace Mall-TMDL

Sample site is located in the rear of Hamrick’s, at
Marketplace Mall parking lot at the entrance to the Salem
Creek Greenway. Access to the waterway is to the left,
approximately 15’ from the greenway information sign.
Marketplace Mall address is 2101 Peters Creek Parkway.

Sample Site Coordinates:
36°04'20.0"N 80°15'14.5"W (DMS)
36.072223, -80.254013 (DD)

Page 78 of 108
Salem Creek at Main Street-TMDL

Sample site is located on Salem Creek Greenway
underneath Main Street Bridge over Salem Creek. Site is
accessed from tennis courts on East Salem Avenue. Site
is across Main Street from 1111 Marshall St. SW. The
sample site is underneath the bridge, approximately 450’
down the greenway.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°04'51.1"N 80°14'26.6"W (DMS)
36.080855, -80.240723 (DD)

Page 79 of 108
Peters Creek at Hanes Park-TMDL

The sample site is located off Reynolda Road, across from
Audio Video Solutions (823 Reynolda Road NW). The
site is approximately 30’ from the sidewalk.

Sample Site Coordinates:
36°06'04.2"N 80°15'41.5"W (DMS)
36.101158, -80.261515 (DD)

Page 80 of 108
Bottom Branch at London Lane-TMDL

The sampling site is located on the left (driving into the
community), behind the tree line. Once you turn onto
Sunderland Road, drive about 100’. The sample site is
approximately 140’ east of Sunderland Road. The closest
residence to the sampling point is 2648 London Lane.

Sampling Site Coordinates:
36°03'20.6"N 80°17'11.5"W (DMS)
36.055718, -80.28653 (DD)

Page 81 of 108
Burke Creek at Northbridge Road-TMDL

The sampling location is behind 2800 Northbridge Road
(residence). You will have to walk between 2810 and
2800 Northbridge Rd, to the rear of the 2800 to reach the
creek. Depending on the water level, there may be a
bedrock bench spanning across part of the stream that will
allow you to easily sample. From the cul-de-sac to the
sample site it is approximately 200’.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°03'09.2"N 80°17'40.7"W (DMS)
36.052564, -80.294647 (DD)

Page 82 of 108
Peters Creek at Underwood Avenue-TMDL

The sample site is located in Gateway Commons Park.
The sample site is approximately 80’ from the west corner
of parking lot and is accessed from the paved walkway.

Sample Site Coordinates:
36°06'38.4"N 80°14'55.9"W (DMS)
36.110660, -80.248853 (DD)

Page 83 of 108
Northwest School Branch at Abbatoir-TMDL

The sample site is on the other side of the playground
from the Underwood site. Sample from the bridge that
connects the greenway to Northwest Boulevard (white
arch). The bridge is approximately 40’ from the
playground.

Sample Site Coordinates:
36°06'39.2"N 80°14'57.4"W (DMS)
36.110896, -80.249287 (DD)

Page 84 of 108
Peters Creek at Glenn Avenue-TMDL

The sample site is to the west of the bridge at the
intersection of Trade Street and Glenn Ave. You may
have to walk around the tree line to find easy access. The
sample site is approximately 20’ west from the
intersection.

Sample Site Coordinates:
36°06'57.7"N 80°14'47.3"W (DMS)
36.116036, -80.246460 (DD)

Page 85 of 108
Muddy Creek at Fraternity Church-TMDL

The sampling location is under the bridge that crosses
Muddy Creek just east of 3399 Fraternity Church Road.
When driving southward on Fraternity Church Road, the
house is slightly past the sampling site. When sampling, a
gravel drive is used to access the area underneath the
bridge. The sample site is approximately 130’ down the
gravel drive.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°00'29.8"N 80°20'06.1"W (DMS)
36.008263, -80.335018 (DD)

Page 86 of 108
Salem Creek at Elledge WWTP-TMDL

The sampling location is near the paved area located next
to the old drying pits. The access point is located at a
clearing in the vegetation at the #20 sign placed along the
bank. From the east corner of the paved lot, the sample
site is located approximately 70’ north.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°02'16.7"N 80°18'17.6"W (DMS)
36.037957, -80.304887 (DD)

Page 87 of 108
Brushy Fork at Bowen Blvd-TMDL

The sampling site is located on Bowen Boulevard at the
bridge that crosses over Brushy Fork. Walk down the
slope that leads down to the waterway. The sample site is
located approximately 75’ from the entrance to the sewer
easement.
Sample Site Coordinates:
36°07'06.5"N 80°12'42.4"W (DMS)
36.118475, -80.211767 (DD)

Page 88 of 108

Bowen Branch at the confluence-TMDL

The sample site is off Bowen Boulevard on the sewer
easement. The site is on the right side of the easement and
is taken from Bowen Branch prior to the confluence with
Brushy Fork. To access the sample site, walk
approximately 190’ down the sewer easement.

Sample Site Coordinates:
36°07'04.8"N 80°12'43.4"W (DMS)
36.117989, -80.212048 (DD)

Page 89 of 108
Bowen Branch at 25th Street-TMDL

The sample site is in Hansel B. Thomas Park at the 25th
Street bridge over Bowen Branch. At the bank of the
waterway, there is a manhole cover. The closest residence
is 1771 NE 25th Street. The sample point is downslope of
25th Street, approximately 40’.

Sampling Site Coordinates:
36°07'19.1"N 80°13'22.5"W (DMS)
36.121973, -80.222927 (DD)

Page 90 of 108

Brushy Fork at Airport Rd-TMDL

The sample site is at the end of Airport Road behind the
residence at 2975 Airport Road. The sample point is
approximately 100’ from the road.

Sampling Site Coordinates:
36°08'09.3"N 80°13'04.3"W (DMS)
36.135917, -80.217871 (DD)

Page 91 of 108
Brushy Fork at Old Greensboro Road-TMDL

The sample site is located next to the Old Greensboro
Road bridge that crosses Brushy Fork. The access is off
the greenway next to the bridge. The sample site is
approximately 40’ from the green greenway sign.

Sampling Site Coordinates:
36°06'00.2"N 80°13'03.4"W (DMS)
36.100064, -80.217609 (DD)

Page 92 of 108

Bowen Branch at Liberty Street-TMDL

The sample site at the Liberty Street bridge that crosses
Bowen Branch. It is directly across from the concrete
plant and adjacent to the commercial building at CEMEX
(3300 N Liberty Street). The sampling site is
approximately 30’ from the south corner of the CEMEX
parking lot.

Sample Site Coordinates:
36°07'51.6"N 80°13'54.9"W (DMS)
36.130998, -80.231928 (DD)

Page 93 of 108
Brushy Fork at Reynolds Park Road - TMDL

The sampling site is located off Reynolds Park Road at
the entrance to Norfolk Southern Thoroughbred Terminal.
Sample is taken beneath Reynolds Park Road bridge that
crosses Brushy Fork. The sample point is located
underneath the Reynolds Park Road bridge,
approximately 100’ from the entrance of Railway Lane.

Sample Site Coordinates:
36°05'20.5"N 80°13'10.1"W (DMS)
36.089027, -80.219483 (DD)

Page 94 of 108

3.3.1.4 Reasons for Sites Selected
Muddy and Salem Creeks are denoted as ‘303d’-listed
streams by the NC Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ)
for biological impairment. The Muddy Creek Watershed
pollutant of concern (POC) is Total Suspended Solids
(TSS). Fecal Coliform is the POC for the Salem Creek
Watershed. Sampling locations are situated near the
confluence of major tributaries that feed Muddy Creek
and Salem Creek. Each sampling site location is approved
to ensure that it is relatively safe for stormwater staff.
This provides a way to (1) observe the cumulative effects
of stormwater inputs or dry weather flows throughout the
entire watershed. (2) Determine pollutant loadings from
the major tributary to the impaired stream. (3) Access the
stream with equipment. (4) Possibly determine what
tributary a pollutant originated.

3.3.2 TMDL Standard Operating Procedures
Steps to take in advance of the sampling day
1. Ensure that you have the correct sample containers,
labels, and coolers for the planned route.
2. When the correct sample containers are needed, contact
R&A labs in Kernersville (106 Short Street, 336-996-
2841) to request the containers you need. You will be
sampling for TSS and Fecal Coliform, the TSS sample
requires a 1L plastic bottle (blue cap), while the Fecal
requires a smaller sterile plastic bottle (clear cap). When
you order these sample containers from R&A Labs they
should already know what type of containers are needed.
3. You may prep your bottles and labels, time permitting,
prior to the sampling day to make it easier when your
sampling day comes.
a. Place sample containers into a large one-gallon zip
lock bag.
b. Place your label (whether it is a printed label on
paper or a written label) into a small sandwich
sized Ziploc (to prevent damage by water).
Ensure these labels match what is written on the
chain of custodies.
Page 95 of 108
c. Place all bottles needed (plus and extra set or two)
into a cooler along with the labels needed for the
route planned on being sampled. This allows
stormwater staff to start the route immediately the
next day.
Steps to take prior to Leaving
1. Prior to leaving, ensure the following prep work has been
completed.
a. Check your last 72-hour weather period. If there
has been over 0.10” of rain over the past 72 hours
know that this is a wet weather event, if there has
not been over 0.10” of rain then you are sampling
during a dry weather event.
b. Ensure the YSI has been recently calibrated
(reported in calibration log) and ready to be used.
c. Ensure you have printed off the Field Data
Collection Sheet that matches the route(s) you are
to preparing to sample. These sheets are located
in G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water
Sampling\Water Quality\Data Collection
Sheets and WQI Database
d. Print off a copy of the route maps and bring it with
you. The maps are located in
G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water Sampling\Map
Routes
e. Site photos can be printed or sent to your email so
you may review them on your work phone in the
field. Photos are found in
G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water
Sampling\Water Quality\Sampling Sites
Pictures
f. Ensure that you have printed off the correct CoC
for the route you will be sampling. Please note
there are two different CoCs forms for each route,
a dry weather sampling CoC and a wet weather
sampling CoC. Print off an extra just in case of a
mistake while in the field. The CoCs are located
in G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water
Sampling\Chain of Custody
Forms\TMDL\Current TMDL Forms
Page 96 of 108
g. Ensure that your YSI bag has all proper cleaning
equipment (Squirt bottle, rags, screwdrivers,
batteries, and DI water).
h. Ensure your YSI bag has the correct weighted
probe guard required for going over the probes in
order to protect the YSI during sampling.
i. Just prior to departing, send an e-mail to R&A
labs at [e-mail] to inform them
that you will be bringing samples by today. Due
to the short hold time of fecal (6 hours), it is
beneficial to inform them that samples will be
coming.
2. Once you are ready to leave; review your route, know the
order you plan to visit the sites, make sure that you are
visiting the sites in an order that makes sense and does not
waste time driving. Attempt to reduce the amount of
overlap driving you do. Stormwater staff will need to
leave time at the end of the day to drive to Kernersville
(106 Short Street, Kernersville, NC) (336-996-2841) and
drop off samples. Per the request of R&A Labs try to
have samples to the lab prior to 2pm if possible.
3. Once you are ready, grab your YSI bag and clipboard and
head to 932 Brookstown Ave. to pick up your sampling
equipment and bottles.
Steps to take at 932 Brookstown Ave. and City Yard
1. Once you get to 932 Brookstown Ave., ensure that you
have all the proper equipment for collecting the samples.
The things you will need are:
a. Pole grabber (long extendable yellow poles)
b. Bottle holder that connects to the end of the pole
grabber so you may attach you sample containers.
These are beige holders that screw onto the end of
the pole grabbers. Some pole grabbers may
already have one attached. Others are located on
the table near the weed eaters.
c. Cooler (with sample bottles if you have already
prepped your sample bottles.)
d. Sample Bottles
e. Ziploc bags, if you have not prepped your sample
bottles (extras are always a good idea)
f. Zip ties (zip ties may be located in the trucks as
well)
Page 97 of 108
g. Pens (also may be located in the trucks)
h. Gloves (should be in truck, grab extras if needed)
i. Weed eater. If it has been a while since the sites
have been visited and you feel as though you may
need to cut a path to the sample location, you can
grab a weed eater. If you get one, make sure you
bring extra string and fuel if necessary.
2. Once finished at 932 Brookstown Ave. you will need to
head to city yard (510 Paul Howell Drive) to get bags of
ice in order to preserve the samples. Get as many bags as
you need to last the day, make sure to get more than you
will use just in case of melting or loss of ice.
3. Place a single bag (or 1 ½ bags) of ice into the cooler at
the beginning of the day while you keep your empty
samples off to the side of in the back seat ready to be
grabbed at each site. As your day progresses you may
want to put more ice on the samples, but always make
sure, you have room for more samples and to close the
cooler.
4. You are now ready to begin sampling.
Steps to take once you arrive at a sampling location
1. Gather your YSI bag and field data collection sheets. If
needed review your photos to ensure that you are going to
the correct sampling location. Gather your pole grabber
and sample bottles; attach the first bottle (larger TSS
bottle) to the pole grabber while you are at the truck. To
attach the bottle, zip tie the bottle to the pole grabber,
once at the indented spot designed for the attachment, and
once at the bottom to prevent the bottle from moving too
much.
2. Once at the sampling location, place the weighted probe
guard on the probes, turn on the YSI and toss the probes
into the waterway. This can be done in conjunction with
step 4, one person can do the YSI while another collects
the samples.
a. The probe is tossed into a section of the waterway
that has moving water and is not so deep that it
may sink into an area of stagnant water. If
possible, aim for the ‘run’ of the river. The run is
the section of the river just between rapids and a
pool. This may be easier at some sites than others.
Page 98 of 108
3. Once the probe is completely submerged in the
waterbody, allow the readings to stabilize or wait for 5
minutes. If the readings stabilize prior to the 5-minute
timeline you may collect the readings when stable,
otherwise allow the probe to remain in the waterway until
the proper time has passed.
4. Using gloved hands remove the cap from the sample
container. Gloves are changed after each sample
collection in order to prevent cross contamination during
collection of the samples. Using the pole grabber place
the sample container in the middle of the vertical water
column, and slowly move the container up stream (against
the current) until it is filled up as much as possible. At a
minimum, the water should be up to the neck of the bottle
according to R & A Labs.
5. Once the first bottle is filled. With gloved hands, cap the
bottle and remove it from the pole grabber. Do not break
the zip ties, as since the second bottle is smaller you can
reuse the zip ties. Place the first bottle into the gallon zip
lock along with the sandwich bag with your label for the
sampling location.
6. With the second bottle on the pole grabber, using the
same against the current motion fill up the bottle as much
as possible. Once the second bottle (fecal) is collected,
document your time of sampling on the CoC. Since this
is a short hold, you want to be as accurate as possible with
the sample time for the fecal. Close the bottle (with
gloved hands) and place in the same gallon sized bag as
your TSS sample and your label. Immediately go place
the samples in your cooler with ice.
7. While the probe is in the waterbody, the nitrate sample
can be collected in order to prevent down time during the
sampling.
a. If you are able to collect water directly from the
creek, then collect your reading that way.
b. If you are unable to collect directly from the creek
you will have to collect water in a bucket and then
collect your reading from the bucket. The bucket
should be rinsed thrice prior to collecting your
reading from the bucket. To properly rinse the
bucket, fill it with water from the sample location
and dump it out. This process should be
Page 99 of 108
completed thrice in order to properly remove any
contamination from previous bucket collections.
c. Collect 10 mL of sample water in clean, triple
rinsed S vial (to bottom of triangle).
d. Mix in pillow packet of cadmium reagent.
e. Shake vigorously for 1 minute.
f. Allow sample vial to sit for 5 minutes for reaction.
g. Using microfiber cloth to ensure all vials are
completely dry prior to reading the results.
h. Collect 10 mL of sample water in clean, triple
rinsed zero sample vial (to bottom of triangle)
i. Turn meter on, insert zero vial into meter (triangle
tips aligning), and press the blue 0 button to zero
the meter.
j. Within 1 minute of expired 5-minute reaction
time, insert sample vial with cadmium reagent into
meter (triangles aligning) and press green read
button.
k. Multiply results by 4.4 to read in units of NO3.
l. If the water sample is turbid (e.g. wet weather
sampling), Stormwater staff will collect samples
and analyzed in a certified laboratory for nitrates.
m. For reliable and accurate results, ammonia may be
collected and analyzed in a certified laboratory.
8. Once the proper time has passed or the readings have
stabilized write down the readings that are on the YSI.
Ensure that you are writing the parameters in the correct
section of the field data sheets.
9. Once all parameters are documented, you may pull the
YSI probe out of the waterway. It is recommended to try
to avoid dragging the probe along the banks of the
waterway to try to prevent sediment from getting into the
probes.
10. Once the probe is removed from the waterway, using the
spray bottle with DI water to wash off the probes. This
should be done by rotating the probes as you spray them
off and ensuring that you get all parts of the probe washed
off. You should also wash off the metal cage and make
sure that any sediment or debris that may have been stuck
in the cage is removed.
11. Once completed, place the YSI back in the bag, double
check that all parameters were documented and written
down on the field data sheet. You also want to double
Page 100 of 108
check that a time was written on your CoC and that you
labeled the samples correctly. At this point, you are ready
to move on to your next sample site.
12. Once you have completed your route, double check the
CoC and make sure it is filled out correctly. Ensure a
sampler has filled out the top part of the section including
the printed name and signature. Drive to R&A labs to
drop off the samples. Once at R&A labs and in the
presence of the lab (in the drop off area) sign at the
bottom of the CoC where it says relinquished by. Once
the lab has signed in the received by line, ensure you get
at least one copy of the signed CoC and bring it back to
the office.
13. Once you get back to the office scan in the CoC and the
field data sheet. If time allows you may also input the
field data into the database.

Section 4: Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC)

4.1 Quality Control (QC)
The Stormwater Division collects and relinquishes water samples (except
for instantaneous field parameters) to R & A Laboratories, which is a NC
certified laboratory. As a result, quality control/assurance measures will
be specific for internal operations of the Division.

Trip blanks, field blanks, and field duplicate samples (EPA) will be
acquired in conjunction with normal sampling activities in order to
authenticate proper quality control measures:

1. Trip blanks can be acquired from the lab and carried into
the field to ensure no contamination is introduced during
transport during a sampling event.

2. Field blanks of DI water can be poured in the field to
measure sampling process contamination. Samples that
require preservative, such as metals, will need field blanks
with preservative.

3. Duplicate samples can be taken at stream sites to validate
analysis of results.

Page 101 of 108
Ten (10) percent of total collected samples will be QC samples. The
sample sites for the QC blanks should be chosen at random. (Standards
book). An example of this is to assign values to sites and randomly pick
one with a random number table, etc. These samples can be taken daily
during sampling events to attain a higher than 10% QC sample
collection. As a result, data validation can be verified by the laboratory.

An important QC factor is to verify calibration of all field instruments
(standards book) for instantaneous parameters. All YSI meters
(calibrated for each parameter), and nitrate and chlorine meters will be
kept calibrated in accordance with their respective user manuals.

4.2 Quality Assurance (QA)
The Stormwater Division has implemented a comprehensive QA
program for its water-quality monitoring plan. Protocols and procedures
are documented in written form with attached copies of finished
examples. Program planning has been conducted by Stormwater
Administrative staff and reviewed by professional colleagues. Certified
data is incorporated into a (soon to be) Microsoft Excel spreadsheet
(currently Microsoft Access) by a designated stormwater technician and
then reviewed by the Stormwater Operations Supervisor. Elevated
pollutant concentrations and loads will be evaluated and compared to the
current NCDEQ Water Quality Standards.

Stormwater technicians will perform quality control/quality assurance of
recorded laboratory concentrations within database to ensure data
integrity:

1. A designated technician enters data and reviews for
completeness and signs off on a record log sheet or the
hard copy data sheet for both data entry and QA checks.

2. The data entry and subsequent QA checks will
incorporate the appropriate database, including
WQM/SSO, TMDL, fixed interval, and resulting R & A
lab data.

3. While one technician enters data, the other compares the
electronic data to the certified laboratory analyses and
hard copy data sheets. An example method of completing
this is to have a technician check the database entries
while another reads and calls out the results on the data
sheets and analyses.
Page 102 of 108

4. QA/QC protocols are followed for every sampling event.
At least 10% of the data must be quality checked, more if
possible. If any QA/QC checks result in errors, 100% of
the data must be examined for the entire population.

5. Technicians have 3 days to enter data from the date of R
& A delivery.

Section 5: Assessment of Historical and Current Water Quality Data

5.1 Categorization of Available Instantaneous Meter and
Laboratory Data
5.1.1 Ambient Weather Conditions during Sampling Events
Collected data is categorized by three distinct weather conditions
for staff’s analyzation purposes, based upon the specified
sampling program. Dry weather sampling is needed for detecting
illicit discharge sources, pollutant plume exfiltration into streams,
or determining cumulative pollutant loading for the entire
watershed. In order to evaluate the influx of pollutants being
flushed into local streams during storm events, staff documents
the hourly cumulative rainfall amount at sampling times, when
collecting water quality samples. This methodology allows
professional staff to evaluate the effect of stormwater discharge
(via the corresponding hydrograph) of tested/laboratory-analyzed
pollutant concentrations. If ambient conditions are conducive,
staff will collect post-storm storm event samples (within 72 hours
of last rainfall, which resulted in more than 0.1 inches of total
rainfall) for observing pollutant concentrations that may have
been ‘diluted’ by the previous storm event. Staff will determine
pollutant loadings, once staff calculates stream discharge via
FlowTracker2 equipment.

5.2 Calculation of Arithmetic or Geometric Mean for Graphing
Pollutant Concentration Trends
5.2.1 Data Statistical Analysis
Due to the large population of collected data, the Stormwater
Division decided to use pollutant concentration arithmetic (or
geometric) mean to evaluate water quality trends over a specified
period. By graphing (e.g. line graph) the average parameter
concentration by each permit year, staff should be able to observe
an increasing, decreasing, or constant pollutant levels at a
Page 103 of 108
sampling location. The Stormwater Division performs basic
statistical analysis for calculating arithmetic mean (or geometric
mean for fecal coliforms due to wide data variability) with
corresponding standard deviation and a cumulative average for
each sampling site, pollutant parameter, and ambient weather
condition, per a permit year. This statistical data is calculated by
an Excel spreadsheet database, which has formulas embedded to
derive pollutant means (for each permit year and cumulative) and
sample standard deviations.

5.2.2 Graphing Pollutant Concentration Trends
Staff plots pollutant arithmetic or geometric means for the
desired permit years on a line or bar graph for observable trends
(e.g. upward, downward, or constant) using the Chart function
within Microsoft Excel. Annual graphs for each sampling site
and pollutant parameter are archived for historical reference. In
order to validate staff’s observed general trend line on the graph,
Excel’s ‘trend line’ function may be used to produce a calculated
correlation (e.g. linear, polynomial, etc.) and R squared value.

5.3 Predicting Future Pollutant Concentrations
5.3.1 Forecasting the upcoming Permit Year Pollutant Concentration
Microsoft Excel possesses a trend analysis function that uses
existing time-series data to predict the future pollutant
concentration for the next permit year. Staff highlights the
desired span of permit years with corresponding pollutant
concentrations, then type the ‘TREND’ equation into the chosen
cell of the future pollutant concentration. Data integrity becomes
unstable for continued trend analysis of future permit years, since
predicted concentrations possess inherent error, which amplifies
throughout the data set. Thus, staff is limited to using trend
analysis for predicting the immediate, upcoming permit year.
These future pollutant concentrations are italicized within the
database, for staff’s ease of reference. As a task of the annual
program effectiveness review, staff will compare the forecasted
concentration against the actual average concentration at the end
of the current permit year.

5.4 Calculation of Stream Annual Pollutant Loadings
5.4.1 Methodology of Annual Pollutant Loading
Due to permit requirements and watershed master planning, it is
important for Stormwater Division to calculate pollutant loadings
during annual ambient weather conditions (for the fixed-interval
Page 104 of 108
sampling program only). The Stormwater Division uses the
below equation to determine annual pollutant loadings in each
stream:

Total pounds/year = (Concentration of pollutant* x MGD$ x 8.34
pounds/gallon) x 365 days/year

where,

* = Concentration is expressed in mg/L, averaged for the permit
year, in question

$ = MGD, units of million gallons per a day of stream flow

Quarterly stream flow will need the averaged to obtain an annual
stream flow for entering into the pollutant load equation – refer to
Section 2.4.3 for the flow determination methodology using
FlowTracker2 equipment. To convert stream discharge, in units
of cubic feet per a second to MGD, take the discharge rate times
0.646.

To calculate pollutant loading for fecal coliforms, use the
geometric mean (concentration) of the permit year, in question,
and multiple by the annual, averaged stream discharge, in units of
MGD. Next, multiple the product by the constant of 1.38x1010 to
calculate the annual pollutant loading, in units of cfu per a year.

5.5 Determining Stream ‘Health’
5.5.1 National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (WQI)
Using the technical manual Field Manual for Water Quality
Monitoring, the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) surveyed
142 water quality scientists from local, state, and national
programs. Thirty-five water quality parameters were proposed
for the creation of a water quality index (BASIN). Nine water
quality parameters were selected and ranked, in order of
importance to stream biotic health. Thus, the parameters with
greater importance were assigned higher weighted values for the
water quality index. These selected nine water quality
parameters and their corresponding weighted values include:
 Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Percent Saturation, 0.17
 Fecal Coliform, 0.15
 pH, 0.12
Page 105 of 108
 Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), 0.10
 Temperature, 0.10
 Total Phosphate, 0.10
 Nitrate, 0.10
 Turbidity, 0.08
 Total Dissolved Solids, 0.08
Water parameter concentrations need to be converted to an index
value, so water quality scientists used their best professional
judgment to graph the level of water quality, on a scale of 0 to
100. The resulting weighted curve charts were averaged to create
‘Q values’. Once staff obtains a water quality concentration, a
technician will intercept the graph curve and locate the
corresponding Q value from the y-axis. The Q value is multiplied
by the weighed percentage; all weighted Q values from all nine
water quality parameters are summed to obtain a total score. The
total Water Quality Index (WQI) is compared against a
standardized table of water quality ranges, which is listed below.
Rating Score Range
Excellent 90 - 100
Good 70 - 90
Fair 50 - 70
Poor 25 - 50
Extremely Poor 0 - 25

5.5.2 Water Quality Index (WQI) for Fixed Interval Sampling
Locations
The Stormwater Division has adopted the National Sanitation
Foundation’s Water Quality Index in order to evaluate the ‘health’ of
local streams. Since laboratory and instantaneous pollutant data is
required to determine the stream health, staff will calculate the WQI
score for all 13 fixed-interval sampling locations. As a result, four
sampling events will be used to determine a WQI score. To evaluate the
overall trending of stream health for a specified time, staff will be able to
graph each permit year’s WQI and observe an increasing, decreasing, or
constant water quality within the aquatic system. If the technological
capacities exist, WQI scores can be posted on a GIS layer on
Stormwater’s website for increasing public awareness at a watershed
level.

Page 106 of 108

5.6 Prioritization of Impaired Stream Segments for Pollutant
Recovery Measures
5.6.1 Using Sampling Site Arithmetic or Geometric Means to create a
Prioritization Plan
The Stormwater Division utilizes an Excel database that houses
all water quality data (certified laboratory and instantaneous
meter) for every sampling site within the city of Winston-Salem.
44 sampling sites have been strategically selected throughout the
municipal boundaries to evaluate pollutant loadings. Long-term
data will be needed for statistical analysis to prioritize the ranking
of impaired stream segments within sub-watersheds. Arithmetic
or geometric means, along with corresponding standard
deviations, will be used to evaluate and rank stream segments,
from highest (most polluted) to lowest (least polluted) pollutant
concentration. Due to the dynamic nature of biological
ecosystems as well as the large percentage of pollutant reduction
required, the Stormwater Division will need a substantial data
population to establish a reliable, priority ranking. This
evaluation process will be performed every permit year. After
several permit years of priority ranking, the Stormwater Division
will assess the most polluted sub-watersheds for opportunities to
design and/or implement stormwater control measure (SCM)/best
management practices (BMP) for reducing pollutant loadings.
As SCMs/BMPs are implemented, Stormwater staff will continue
to collect and analyze water quality samples at the same
designated sampling locations, with the anticipation of observing
decreased pollutant trend lines.

Section 6: WQ Assessment and Monitoring Plan Sustainability

6.1 Annual Update
6.1.1 Responsible Party
A responsible party is the designated party, or parties, that are
responsible for ensuring the plan is regularly updated and
matches the active conditions of the stormwater department. The
responsible party is any individual in a supervisory role that is in
a position that oversees this plan.

Page 107 of 108
6.1.2 Programmatic Changes
Should major changes to the program be necessary, the changes
will be approved by the Field Operations Director, Keith Huff,
336-747-6962, [e-mail] and submitted to North
Carolina Department of Environmental Quality – Division of
Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources for approval.

6.2 Impaired Waterbodies
6.2.1 Impairment Locations
Stormwater staff will perform regular water quality monitoring at
the locations listed in 3.2.1 in order to gather data regarding the
impaired waterbodies. This data will be used to improve efforts
to locate sources of impairments.
6.2.2 Stormwater Control Measures/Best Management Practices
Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) are permanent physical
measures installed to assist in the removal of pollutants from
stormwater runoff. Best Management Practices (BMPs) are any
sort of program or measure implemented to assist in the
prevention of stormwater pollution. The City of Winston-Salem
uses North Carolina State University’s SCM guide created by Dr.
William Hunt as guidelines for SCMs and BMPs. Stormwater
staff will coordinate with the Stormwater Engineer, Joe
Fogarty P.E., 336-747-6961, [e-mail] in order to
implement strategies to reduce pollutant loadings.

6.3 Staff Training
6.3.1 Biannual Update
Stormwater Staff will be trained on the Water Quality
Assessment and Monitoring Plan on a biannual basis. Records of
the training will be located in the appendixes of this plan.
6.3.2 Other Training
All other pertinent trainings will be documented and records will
be kept with the Water Quality Assessment and Monitoring Plan.
All training documentation will include, at a minimum, the
following details:
Date & Time
Who Attended
Brief Description of Subject Matter
Instructor’s Name and Title
Example of Course Material
Credits Earned (if applicable)
G:\Techn_Projects_Files\Water Sampling\Water Quality
Assessment and Monitoring\Training Document
Page 108 of 108
Section 7: Appendixes and Cited Sources/Scientific Literature

Citations:
Baird, Rodger B., et al. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and
Wastewater. American Public Health Association, 2017.
BASIN: The National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index,
bcn.boulder.co.us/basin/watershed/wqi_nsf.html.
“NPDES Stormwater Program.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 6 Aug. 2020,
www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program.
Office of Superfund Remediation. United States Environmental Protection Agency,
2014, pp. 1–110, Sampler's Guide: Contract Laboratory Program Guidance for
Field Samplers.
“UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.” Safety and Health Topics |
Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances | Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2020,
www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardoustoxicsubstances/.