AUTOMATED PROCESS FOR MONITORING GROUND - WATER QUALITY USING ESTABLISHED MANUAL SAMPLING PROTOCOLS

The basic idea of this technology is to provide an easily used push-button interface that will provide voice and(or) visual media that describes current conditions as measured by an automated monitoring station. The technology is designed so that it does not interfere with the primary data-collection, -recording, and -communication mission of the monitoring station. Furthermore, the technology is designed to withstand weather and potential vandalism. The technology consists of two main components a public interface, and a control structure to communicate with an automated monitoring station. The principal utility of the technology is to provide a simple push-button interface for station operators and the public to access automated monitoring data. Quick and easy access to these data is useful for the purposes of decision making as well as for general outreach and educational purposes. 

The device and process for automated outreach at environmental data collection stations could be used to provide the public with pertinent and timely information from monitoring stations at locations where the public and(or) station operators would benefit from increased public interaction with an environmental monitoring station. For example, the technology could be used in conjunction with a water quality monitoring station to indicate times when fishing or swimming would not be advisable because of measured changes in water quality. This technology could be used in conjunction with stream gages, water-quality monitoring stations, weather-monitoring stations, and geophysical-monitoring stations to provide education and outreach opportunities, and other pertinent information that would help meet the mission of the operating organization. 

The USGS consistently maintains a network of about 7000 stream-gaging stations nationwide. Over the last 10 years there has been a great demand for equipment upgrades at many of these stations so that they can provide the real-time data needed by decision makers (U.S. Geological Survey, 1998). The USGS and other Federal, State, and local agencies also maintain many other stations for measuring the quality as well as the quantity of the nation's water resources. Each of these stations represents a potential need for the device and process for automated outreach at environmental data collection stations.

If used by automated weather monitoring stations at recreational areas, this device could provide on-demand health and safety advisories based on measurements from weather sensors. This device could also provide data and advisories (based on preprogrammed algorithms for data interpretation) at many sites including small unstaffed airports, helipads, boat launches, and swimming areas. 

The device and process for automated outreach at environmental data-collection stations could also be used in many health and safety applications. For example, this system, if connected to an automated monitoring system designed to detect poisonous or explosive gasses in enclosed spaces could be used to lower risks for personnel required to enter such spaces for periodic inspection or maintenance. Currently, personnel must open such spaces and enter with gas detectors. This procedure can be dangerous because opening the confined spaces can introduce oxygen to a potentially explosive environment, and can expose personnel to poisonous or noxious gasses.

The public interface and control structure would normally be located at the monitoring site, but also could be located at a remote site such as a National Park Visitors Center, or a public nature-center or science museum. It could also be coupled with a more sophisticated interface, which would provide a menu of options. The voice feature may be coupled with a fixed visual display such as an explanatory poster. The device could be coupled with a dynamic visual display such as a LED readout, a continuous strip chart, or a video display terminal. The device may also be coupled with a combination of these alternatives and(or) designed with a Braille interface to maximize the utility of the voice interface for the visually impaired. 

This device could also be programmed to activate without visitor input. The device could use a proximity sensor, motion or light sensor to detect and address a visitor. This device could be programmed to activate and announce system conditions based upon the time of day, or on a preset time interval during hours of operation.  A combination of automatic and manual activation can also be programmed. The device could also be coupled to one of the remote web cameras that are now available to record visitors and to deter and record vandalism, which has always been a problem at remote monitoring stations.

Technical Information on implementing this technology for USGS Personnel.

Those outside the USGS who wish to utilize, or develop this technology for commercial applications should inquire with the Technology Enterprise Office for more details about this and other technology development opportunities with the USGS.

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Reference:

U.S. Geological Survey, 1998, A new evaluation of the USGS stream gaging network--A report to Congress: Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey, 20 p.