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About VECOS

Dataflow Monitoring

Dataflow is a compact, self-contained surface water quality mapping system, suitable for use in a small boat operating at speeds of about 25 KT. The system collects water through a pipe ("ram") deployed on the transom of the vessel, pumps it through an array of water quality sensors, and then discharges the water overboard. The system collects samples approximately once every 3-4 seconds. The DATAFLOW system utilizes a YSI 6600 multiparameter, sonde equipped with a flow-through chamber which gives readings on water temperature, salinity, pH, chlorophyll, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. The sonde transmits data collected from the sensors directly to a 600 MHz embedded computer board contained in a waterproof Pelican case using a data acquisition system created with LabView software (National Instruments, Inc.). Custom software written in the Lab View environment provides for data acquisition, display, control, and storage. Real-time graphs and indicators provide feedback to the operator in the field, ensuring quality data is being collected. The system is also equipped with a Garmin GPSMAP 168 Sounder. This unit serves several functions including chart plotting, position information, and depth. The unit is WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) enabled providing a position accuracy of better than three meters 95 percent of the time. DATAFLOW cruises take place once a month in each of the Chesapeake Bay Program Segment of interest. Two types of cruise tracks are utilized depending on the river morphology of the segment being monitored. Due to the width of larger segments such as the York River Polyhaline (YRKPH), a series of tracks running parallel to the shoreline along fixed depth contours is followed. The track follows the shoreline along the <2 meter depth contour upriver, then turns down river following a mid depth contour (approximately 5 meters), it then goes upriver along the channel (>10 meters depth), then finishes with a down river leg along the other shoreline in the shallows. In narrower segments such as those in the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers a single cruise track is used, traveling upriver to parallel the tidal advancement. Verification stations, five in each segment, are sampled for a number of parameters including total suspended solids, extracted chlorophyll, light attenuation, organic and inorganic nutrients, and dissolved oxygen via Winkler titration to verify that the YSI 6600 is functioning properly.

Continuous Monitoring

The continuous monitoring stations are used to monitor water quality parameters including depth, water temperature, salinity, pH, chlorophyll, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen using YSI 6600 data sondes with the Clean Sweep Extended Deployment System, which wipes the sensors at 15-minute intervals. These stations provide long term measurements that can be supplemented with shorter term monitoring, such as the DATAFLOW cruises, and other process-oriented studies. The fixed stations are designed to be free standing, away from piers and dock areas where boat traffic may lead to episodes of increased turbidity. The stations are placed at a depth of approximately 1.5 meters MLW. At each fixed station a piling is driven into the sediment and is surrounded by a protective frame. A perforated PVC pipe is mounted to the piling. Within the PVC housing, an YSI 6600 data logging sonde is secured 0.5 meters above the bottom. Sondes are deployed for a maximum of 7 - 10 days. Deployment duration is dependent upon the fouling regime of the area in which the sonde is located. Upon return to the laboratory the sondes are post calibrated, cleaned, and routine maintenance is performed as needed. The sondes are then stored until they are calibrated just prior to their next deployment. All calibrations and maintenance are completed in accordance with the YSI, Inc. operating manual methods (YSI 6-series Environmental Monitoring Systems Manual; YSI, Inc. Yellow Springs, OH).

Profiler Monitoring

YSI Profiler systems, consisting of an integrated system of hardware and software, are currently being deployed from June through September in the deeper regions of the Rappahannock and York Rivers where severe hypoxia occurs in the warmer months. The vertical profiler is a fixed mounted system consisting of a multi-parameter YSI 6600 V2 data sonde, a computer controller (YSI 6960), and a motor-driven winch assembly (YSI 6955) that automatically collects hourly readings of temperature, salinity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity and chlorophyll from multiple depths along the depth profile. It uses a depth sounder to automatically compensate for varying tidal water levels. The controller is remotely accessed and programmed via telemetry and data is delivered hourly to a VIMS computer. A pier-based vertical profiler is positioned on a deep water US Coast Guard pier in the lower York River segment (YRKPH). A pontoon-based system is located in the Rappahannock River segment (RPPMH). Deployment duration is dependent upon the fouling regime of the area. At the end of each deployment the in situ multi-parameter data sonde is replaced with a newly calibrated unit. Upon return to the laboratory the previously deployed sonde is post calibrated, cleaned and routine maintenance is performed as needed. Each sonde is then stored until it is calibrated just prior to the next deployment. All calibrations and maintenance are completed in accordance with the YSI, Inc. operating manual methods (YSI 6-series Environmental Monitoring Systems Manual; YSI, Inc. Yellow spring, OH). The profiler data is updated annually on the VECOS website to include all data from the previous year.

Longterm Monitoring

As part of the Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Program, stations have been sampled routinely in the Virginia Mainstem Chesapeake Bay and the tidal portions of the major Virginia tributaries since 1985. Sampling frequency has varied from a maximum of 20 times per year in the early days of the monitoring program to 12 times per year more recently. Tributary stations are sampled by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Mainstem Chesapeake stations were sampled by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science until 1996 when the monitoring program was taken over by Old Dominion University. Over the span of the monitoring program, 35 stations have been sampled consistently in the tributaries and 28 in the mainstem. In the mainstem monitoring program, a Yellow Springs Instruments (YSI) multi-parameter 6600V2 sampling probe is used to measure dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, salinity and conductivity at 1 meter depth intervals at each station. At tributary stations, these parameters are measured using either a Hydrolab Datasonde 5 multi-probe, a YSI 600 XL multi-probe or a YSI 6920V2 multi-probe depending on location. Secchi depths are determined using a 20 inch diameter Secchi disc at all stations.

Current year data are obtained after each monitoring cruise from VADEQ and ODU. These data are then uploaded into the VECOS database and are considered provisional. As soon as the most recent complete year of Virginia tributary and mainstem monitoring data are available on the Chesapeake Information Management System (CIMS), it is uploaded to the VECOS database to replace the corresponding provisional data.

Data Disclaimer

The data on this website should be considered provisional. It has passed rigorous quality assurance and quality control checks, but may be subject to change upon final review at the end of the calendar year. While we make every effort to provide correct and complete data in the graphs and image summaries, VIMS provides no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the furnished data. Data users are cautioned to consider carefully the provisional nature of the information before using it for decisions that concern personal or public safety or the conduct of business that involves substantial monetary or operational consequences. Information presented on this website is considered public information (unless otherwise noted) and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credit is requested. Some of the documents on this server may contain live references to information created and maintained by other organizations. Please note that VIMS does not control and cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of these outside materials.

Error Codes for Shallow Water Monitoring Data

Code Description Use Info
PSW Salinity Calibrated to the Wrong Level Probe issue: Data should not be used
PDP DO Poisoning (Anoxia) Probe issue: Data should not be used
GBO Blocked Optic Probe issue: Data should not be used
GWM Wiper Malfunction Probe issue: Data should not be used
GWL Wiper Lost Probe issue: Data should not be used
GSC Seal Compromise Probe issue: Data should not be used
GPF Probe Failure Probe issue: Data should not be used
GPC Post Calibration Out of Range Probe issue: Data should not be used
GNV Negative Value Probe issue: Data should not be used
NPF Power Failure Probe issue: Data should not be used
NOW Instrument out of Water Probe issue: Data should not be used
NNF Ram Clogged/No Flow Probe issue: Data should not be used
NND No Data Probe issue: Data should not be used
NIS Invalid Data Due to Incorrect YSI Setup Probe issue: Data should not be used
NIR Instrument Removed Probe issue: Data should not be used
NQR Data Rejected Due to QA/QC Checks Probe issue: Data should not be used
CTS Time Skip YSI instument skipped time. Time is adjusted.
CBF Biofouling Data questionable due to specific problem.
CWD Instrument at Wrong Depth Data questionable due to specific problem.
CTF Temperature Probe Failure Data questionable due to specific problem.
CSW Salinity Level Calibrated at the Wrong Level Data questionable due to specific problem.
CLF Flow Low Data questionable due to specific problem.
CDB Disturbed Bottom Data questionable due to specific problem.
CTC Time Change Notes daylight savings time change. Some data may be missing.
CTW Turbid Water Notes low water clarity at time of sampling.
CFK Fish Kill Notes fish kill at time of sampling.
CSC Site Location Change Notes change in station location.
CAS Algal Sample Taken Notes bloom at time of sampling and information about sampling collected.
CAB Algal Bloom Notes bloom at time of sampling.
CSF Data Suspect After Final QA Notes that data is suspect, but may be appropriate for some uses.

Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

CBNERR is one of 28 protected areas that make up the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS).

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

The mission of the Department of Environmental Quality is to protect and improve the environment for the well-being of all Virginians.

Chesapeake Bay Program

The Chesapeake Bay Program is a unique regional partnership that has led and directed the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay since 1983.

Environemental Protection Agency

The mission of the EPA is to protect human health and the environment.

Hampton Roads Sanitation District

The mission of HRSD is to protect public health and the waters of Hampton Roads by treating wastewater effectively.

Old Dominion University

ODU is a dynamic public research institution that serves its students and enriches the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation and the world through rigorous academic programs, strategic partnerships, and active civic engagement.

Users of the VECOS website can currently access five types of water quality data: Dataflow data, fixed continuous station data, real-time continous station data, longterm data, and profiler data. Descriptions of these type of data can be found in the About The Data section of this website.

All monitoring is organized by Chesapeake Bay Program segments, which are derived from the salinity regime of the area. For instance, the main stem of the York River is represented by two segments: the York Polyhaline (YRKPH) and York Mesohaline (YRKMH).

To navigate through this site, use the map or dropdown boxes on the homepage to access sites of interest. A dynamic legend is included in the map on the homepage that allows the user to hide or show data types of interest on the map. Also note that the categories of data (water quality, weather, or segments) can be collapsed or expanded within the legend. Hovering over the icons on the map results in the target station or Dataflow cruise name floating by the cursor. Click on a segment or station of interest to visit the associated data page. On this page the user can navigate to another segment by using the Regional View Map on the right or by navigating back to the homepage by click on the "home" link on the left. A description and image of the cruise segment or continuos station is found on the right side of the data page.

Dataflow Data

The Dataflow data detail page may be accessed from the homepage by clicking on a purple circle icon on the map or selecting a Dataflow cruise segment from the dropdown menu. The associated detail page dispays interpolations for the most recent cruise date for each parameter. The user can switch to a different date by using the scroll window and clicking on the cruise date of interest. The selected data may also be downloaded by clicking on the "Download Data for Selected Date" button

Fixed Continuous Station Data

The Continuous data detail page may be accessed from the homepage by clicking on a green (only continuous) or blue (continuous and realtime access) triangle icon on the map or selecting a continuos station of interest from the dropdown menu. As a default, the associated continuous detail page will plot the most recent 7 days of archived data. To view data for another set of dates, the user can use the calendars to select a start and end date and then click the “View Data Plots” button. At any time the selected range of data may be downloaded by clicking the “Download Archived Data” button.

Realtime Continuous Station Data

When the user selects a station with Realtime data (blue triangle icon on map), the browser is directed to the associated continous station detail Page. Realtime station detail pages have the same options as on the above description of the Fixed Continuous Station Data, but also includes a “View Realtime Data” button. If you click this button a new browser window will direct the user to a page hosted on a partner's website displaying the realtime water quality or weather data for this site. The realtime data is not available for download.

Longterm Station Data

The Longterm data detail page may be accessed from the homepage by clicking on a blue square icon on the map or selecting a Longterm station from the dropdown menu. The graphs allow the user to interactively view surface and bottom values of Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l), Water Temperature (C), Salinity (ppt), and Secchi Depth (m) for the current station. Data are from the Chesapeake Bay Program fixed station water quality monitoring program. Along with the value measured on each date, the graphs show the longterm minimum and maximum values. Rolling the mouse over the data lines on the graph will allow you to view the data values for a particular date at the top of the graph. Just below the top graph is a date range selector for all graphs on the page. The highlighted area within the selector determines the range of dates shown in all the graphs on the page. You can adjust this range by using your mouse to expand and contract the highlighted range in the selector. Once the user sets the range, the slider at the bottom of the range is used to scroll through the entire data history. The user can change the parameter being graphed by selecting a new parameter from the menu at the upper left hand corner of each graph. Clicking the “Download Archived Data” button will download all of the data for the current station.

Profiler Data

The Profiler data page may be accessed from the homepage by clicking on a yellow star icon on the map. The associated detail page dispays interpolations for the most recent week for each parameter. The user can switch to a different week by using the scroll window and clicking on the cruise date of interest. The selected data may also be downloaded by clicking on the "Download Data for Selection" button

Downloaded Data

Once you have downloaded data files you will see that for some data, the cell is blank and there is an error code associated with the data. For definitions of the error codes see the "About the Data" link on the menu located on the top menu of this website.

taskinas

The Virginia Estuarine and Coastal Observing System (VECOS) is a website designed to distribute water quality data sampled from the Chesapeake Bay and associated tributaries within Virginia.

These data are provided from a variety of data collection programs, including high resolution mapping of surface water quality (Dataflow), continuous measurements of water quality taken from fixed, shallow water monitoring stations (Continuous), continuous measurements taken from deeper waters along multiple depths (Profiler), and long-term routine sampling, typically taken 12-20 times per year since 1985 (Longterm). Further Information about these data types can be found in the About The Data section of this website.

VECOS eases access to these data for a variety of users by providing quick navigation to data of interest, fast and simple access to downloadable datasets, and interactive online visualizations of the data. Information about how to use VECOS can be found in the Using The Site section of this website.

Dr. Kenneth Moore (moore@vims.edu, 804-684-7384) is the principle investigator on this project and supervises all activities associated with this project. This includes fieldwork, data management and report writing. He is responsible for all stages of the analysis of samples, resolving problems that may arise, and for data review, oversight and submission of data. Dr. Moore is also the Director of Research at CBNERRVA and Chairman of the Department of Biological Sciences. He holds a B.S. degree in Biology from The Pennsylvania State University, a M.S. degree in Marine Science from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D. degree in Marine, Environmental and Estuarine Science from the University of Maryland.
The Co-PI, Dr. William Reay (wreay@vims.edu, 804-684-7119), supervises the activities associated with the continuous, fixed station monitoring including protocol development, station setup, fieldwork, and data management. Dr. Reay is also the Director of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia (CBNERRVA). Dr. Reay holds a B.S. degree in Biology from George Mason University, a M.A. degree in Marine Science from the College of William and Mary and a Ph.D. in Biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Mrs. Betty Neikirk (betty@vims.edu, 804-684-7400) is a Marine Scientist Supervisor at VIMS and holds a B.S in Biology from Randolph-Macon College and a M.S. in Marine Science from the College of William and Mary. She oversees the field programs, has responsibility for data analysis, coordinates and schedules all field operations, as well as participates in the field operations.
Mr. David Parrish (parrishd@vims.edu, 804-684-7835) is a Scientist II at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and holds a B.S. in Integrated Science and Technology from James Madison University and an M.S. in Natural Resource Management from Central Washington University. He conducts spatial and statistical analysis of water quality data, provides technical support to the program, and manages the VECOS database and website.
Mrs. Joy D. Austin (justjoy@vims.edu, 804-684-7307) is a Laboratory Supervisor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. She is currently in charge of the day-to-day activities of the water quality and fixed station monitoring at CBNERRVA and is familiar with all aspects of CBNERRVA monitoring. She is responsible for overseeing the continuous station monitoring activities including activities such as sonde calibration, QA/QC of data and data management, sampling coordination, purchases of equipment and supplies. She coordinates fixed station activities with Mrs. Betty Neikirk
Ms. Alynda Miller (alynda@vims.edu, 804-684-7576) is a Laboratory and Research Specialist Sr. at VIMS. She has a B.S. in Biology with a marine science focus from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and the Wallops Island Marine Science Consortium. She is responsible for laboratory components within the water quality monitoring programs. Her duties include the calibration and maintenance of YSI sondes for the continuous monitoring sites and the buoy profiler system, sample processing, lab and equipment organization, assisting with field work, QA/QC of data from the profiler and from select continuous monitoring stations as needed, and administrative duties.
Ms. Lisa Ott (lott@vims.edu) is a Laboratory and Field Specialist Sr. at the Virginia Institue of Marine Science, and holds a B.S. In Biology from Christopher Newport University. She participates in field and laboratory work associated with the continuous monitoring program, including instrument calibration and water quality verification sampling.
Mr. Steve Snyder (snyder@vims.edu, 804-684-7442) is a Laboratory and Research Specialist I at VIMS who holds an Associates Degree in Applied Science from Thomas Nelson Community College. He participates in the field and laboratory work related to all aspects of the shallow water monitoring including the DATAFLOW mapping operations, water quality verification sampling and the calibration of the instruments. He also has extensive small vessel handling experience and holds USCG basic Seamanship & Safety and VIMS small vessel certification
Mrs. Erin Shields (eshields@vims.edu, 804-684-7702) is a Marine Scientist at VIMS and holds a B.S. in Biology from Connecticut College and an M.S. in Marine Science from VIMS. Erin assists in field and lab work associated with the shallow water monitoring project. Erin is also involved in research related to various aspects of submerged aquatic vegetation ecology and restoration. Currently, her focus is on researching the role of interspecific competition as well as environmental site conditions on the restoration of low salinity SAV in the Chesapeake Bay.
Mr. David Wilcox (dwilcox@vims.edu, 804-684-7088) is a GIS Analyist at VIMS and holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Virginia Tech University and a M.S in Geography from Ohio State University. He supports the GIS data analysis of the high frequency spatial data and assists in protocol development for assessing water quality criteria using the data generated by this program.
All of the above personnel are located at VIMS, P.O. Box 1346, Gloucester Point, VA 23062.