(A) Requirements to become a qualified
data collector (QDC).
(1) Level 1
requirements.
An individual may obtain level 1 QDC status
by:
(a) Successful completion of a level 1 training from a QDC
trainer approved by the director results in automatic approval as a level 1 QDC
if the trainee provides name and contact information at the training.
Individuals approved as level 1 QDCs will be included on the list of approved
QDCs on the credible data website at:
https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/surface-water/reports-data/current-qualified-data-collectors-qdc-.
(b) Documenting completion of a basic water quality monitoring
program designed for public awareness and education. The director will
determine the acceptability of the basic water quality monitoring training
based on factors including, but not limited to, the following:
(i) Whether the training
is affiliated with a national, state, or local organization that actively
encourages and supports surface water monitoring.
(ii) Whether the training
is affiliated with a program that has maintained, or intends to maintain, data
collection efforts spanning more than one year.
(iii) Confirmation that
the training received by participants includes basic water quality monitoring
procedures, such as: the use of field instrumentation, sample collection and
preservation, and data recording techniques.
(2) Level 2 requirements.
Four categories of level 2 QDC status are available. Applicants may apply for
one or more of the following in any combination and shall meet the following
requirements:
(a) Stream habitat assessment.
(i) Demonstrate through
education or experience a general knowledge of stream and riverine physical
forms and habitat features.
(ii) Within the past one
year, attended training and achieved a passing mark in stream habitat
assessment "Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index" (QHEI) testing
offered by Ohio EPA or a person authorized pursuant to this chapter to provide
such training.
(b) Primary headwater stream habitat assessment.
(i) Demonstrate through
education or experience a general knowledge of stream and riverine physical
forms and habitat features.
(ii) Within the past one
year, attended training and achieved a passing mark in "Headwater Habitat
Evaluation Index" (HHEI) testing offered by Ohio EPA or a person
authorized pursuant to this chapter to provide such training.
(c) Benthic macroinvertebrate biology.
[Comment: Stream habitat training, QHEI and
HHEI, is strongly encouraged for QDCs in the level 2 macroinvertebrate
specialty.]
(i) Demonstrate through
education or experience a general knowledge of stream and riverine or lake
physical forms and habitat features.
(ii) Demonstrate through
education or experience knowledge of and the ability to accurately use
macroinvertebrate taxonomic references and dichotomous keys to identify
midwestern aquatic macroinvertebrates to the level of family.
(iii) Within one hundred
eighty days prior to submission of a level 2 QDC application, achieved a
passing mark in a macroinvertebrate taxonomic identification examination
administered by Ohio EPA or a person authorized under this chapter to
administer such an examination.
(iv) College-level course
credit in aquatic invertebrate zoology or practical experience in the
identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates.
(d) Chemical water quality assessment.
(i) Demonstrate through
education or experience a general knowledge of stream and riverine or lake
physical forms and habitat features.
(ii) Completed and
achieved passing marks in undergraduate course work in a biological, chemical,
microbiological, natural or physical science, or has pertinent laboratory
experience performing water quality testing and analysis, or has pertinent
experience in chemical or microbiological water quality data analysis,
interpretation and report writing. The director may develop training and
testing for this knowledge.
(iii) Demonstrate practical experience involving surface
water quality sampling techniques and water quality sampling equipment, or have
attended a training to conduct chemical water quality assessments offered by
Ohio EPA or a person authorized under this chapter to administer such training.
The director may develop testing for this knowledge.
(3) Level 3 requirements.
Five categories of level 3 QDC status are available. Applicants may apply for
one or more of the following in any combination and shall meet the following
requirements:
(a) Primary headwater stream habitat assessment.
(i) Demonstrate through
education or experience a general knowledge of stream and riverine physical
forms and habitat features.
(ii) Within the past one
year, attended training and achieved a passing mark in "Headwater Habitat
Evaluation Index" (HHEI) testing offered by Ohio EPA or a person
authorized pursuant to this chapter to provide such training.
(iii) Completed and
achieved passing marks in undergraduate course work in environmental sciences
or a related discipline, or has practical experience in environmental
assessment work.
(iv) Practical experience
involving work in developing water quality sampling and analysis plans, quality
assurance plans, and data quality objectives. The director may develop training
and testing for this knowledge.
(b) Fish community biology.
[Comment: Approval as a level 3 QDC in fish
community biology requires training and testing in QHEI.]
(i) Within the past two
years, attended training to conduct fish assessments and habitat assessments
and achieved a passing mark in a program offered by Ohio EPA or a person
authorized under this chapter to administer such training.
(ii) Satisfy the
requirements of stream habitat assessment in paragraph (A)(2)(a)(ii) of this
rule.
(iii) Demonstrate
knowledge of Ohio EPA electrofishing sampling protocols and data assessment
procedures. This knowledge shall be tested under provisions in paragraph
(A)(3)(b)(i) of this rule.
(iv) Demonstrate
knowledge of and the ability to accurately use fish taxonomic references and
dichotomous keys to identify midwestern fish to the level of species. This
knowledge shall be tested under provisions in paragraph (A)(3)(b)(i) of this
rule.
(v) Demonstrate a
thorough understanding of the taxonomy, distribution, and status of midwestern
fishes.
(vi) Completed and
achieved passing marks in undergraduate course work in limnology, aquatic
biology, environmental sciences, or a related discipline, or has equivalent
practical experience in environmental assessment work.
(vii) Practical
experience involving work in developing biological water quality sampling and
analysis plans, quality assurance plans, and data quality objectives processes.
The director may develop testing for this knowledge.
(c) Benthic macroinvertebrate biology.
(i) Demonstrate through
education or experience a general knowledge of stream and riverine physical
forms and habitat features.
(ii) Within the last two
years, have attended training to conduct macroinvertebrate assessments and
achieved a passing mark in a program offered by Ohio EPA or a person authorized
under this chapter to administer such training.
(iii) Knowledge of Ohio
EPA macroinvertebrate field sampling, laboratory analysis, and data assessment
procedures. This knowledge shall be tested under provisions in paragraph
(A)(3)(c)(ii) of this rule.
(iv) Knowledge of and the
ability to accurately use macroinvertebrate taxonomic references and
dichotomous keys to identify midwestern aquatic macroinvertebrates to the level
of taxonomy used by Ohio EPA. This knowledge shall be tested under provisions
in paragraph (A)(3)(c)(ii) of this rule.
(v) College-level course
credit in aquatic invertebrate zoology or equivalent practical experience in
the identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates.
(vi) Completed and
achieved passing marks in undergraduate course work in limnology, aquatic
biology, environmental sciences, or a related discipline, or has equivalent
practical experience in environmental assessment work.
(vii) Practical
experience involving work in developing biological water quality sampling and
analysis plans, quality assurance plans, and data quality objectives processes.
The director may develop testing for this knowledge.
(d) Stream salamander community assessment.
(i) Within the past two
years, attended training to conduct stream salamander assessments and achieved
a passing mark in an equivalent training program offered by Ohio EPA or a
person authorized under this chapter to administer such training.
(ii) Knowledge of Ohio EPA primary headwater assessment
field sampling protocols and data assessment procedures. This knowledge shall
be tested under provisions in paragraph (A)(3)(d)(i) of this rule.
(iii) Satisfy the requirements of stream habitat assessment
in paragraph (A)(3)(a)(ii) of this rule.
(iv) Knowledge of and the ability to accurately use
taxonomic references and dichotomous keys to identify larval and adult stream
salamanders to the level of species. This knowledge shall be tested under
provisions in paragraph (A)(3)(d)(i) of this rule.
(v) College-level course
credit in herpetology or practical experience in the identification of
midwestern stream salamanders.
(vi) Completed and
achieved passing marks in undergraduate course work in limnology, aquatic
biology, environmental sciences or a related discipline, or has practical
experience in environmental assessment work.
(vii) Practical
experience involving work in developing water quality sampling and analysis
plans, quality assurance plans, and data quality objectives. The director may
develop training and testing for this knowledge.
(e) Chemical water quality assessment.
(i) Demonstrate through
education or experience a general knowledge of stream and riverine or lake
physical forms and habitat features. The director may develop training and
testing for this knowledge.
(ii) Completed and
achieved passing marks in undergraduate course work in a biological,
microbiological, chemical, natural or physical science, or has two years of
pertinent laboratory experience performing water quality testing and analysis,
or has two years of pertinent experience in chemical or microbiological water
quality data analysis, interpretation and report writing. The director may
develop training and testing for this knowledge.
(iii) Practical
experience involving work in developing chemical or microbiological surface
water quality sampling and analysis plans, quality assurance plans, and data
quality objectives processes. The director may develop testing for this
knowledge.
(iv) Two years of
practical experience involving surface water quality sampling techniques and
water quality sampling equipment. The director may develop testing for this
knowledge.
(f) In lieu of the training set forth in paragraph (A)(3) of this
rule, an applicant may serve a six-month apprenticeship under the mentorship of
a level 3 QDC in the same specialty. For level 3 fish and macroinvertebrate
certification, field collection and taxonomic identification must be included
as part of the apprenticeship. The QDC shall monitor, assess and document the
apprentice and provide an interim and final written evaluation of the
apprentice to the director. The director reserves the right to perform
unannounced audits during the apprenticeship period. Accepting the
apprenticeship as fulfillment of level 3 QDC qualifications is at the
discretion of the director. If accepted, the applicant shall take and pass the
level 3 test for the specialty following the completion of the
apprenticeship.
(g) The director retains the discretion to certify an applicant
as level 3 QDC based upon a demonstration by the applicant of a combination of
equivalent education and experience to that set forth in paragraphs (A)(3)(a)
to (A)(3)(f) of this rule, along with the applicant successfully passing a test
to be administered by Ohio EPA concerning the specific specialties for which
the applicant is requesting QDC status.
(B) Application and initial
approvals.
(1) An applicant seeking
to become a QDC shall submit to the director a complete and current application
on forms provided by the director. The application shall include documentation
demonstrating that the applicant completed water quality monitoring training
described in paragraph (A) of this rule. Applications must be submitted within
the time limits provided in paragraph (A) of this rule. The director may grant
a waiver extending the period during which the applicant must apply for QDC
status if the applicant can document that extenuating circumstances prevented a
timely submission. The director may require the applicant to furnish additional
documentation pertaining to the application.
(2) An applicant shall
submit copies of official transcripts from the appropriate educational
institution and official training certifications or alternate necessary
documentation to verify that the applicant meets the educational and training
requirements set forth in paragraph (A) of this rule.
(3) The level 2 and level
3 applicants shall certify that all information submitted in support of the
application is true, accurate, and complete and that the applicant has not been
convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of section 2911.21 of the Revised
Code (criminal trespass) or a substantially similar municipal ordinance within
the previous five years. Failure to include the certification renders the
application incomplete.
(4) Ohio EPA will conduct
a completeness review of the application and will notify the applicant in the
event the application is incomplete. Ohio EPA will not consider an incomplete
application and will notify the applicant of the reasons the application is
incomplete and of any additional information necessary for further
consideration.
(5) The director will
either approve or deny a complete application by sending a letter to the
applicant. If the director denies the application, the director will identify
the deficiencies upon which the denial of the application is
based.
(6) The director will
maintain a list of approved, active QDCs. The active QDC list will provide the
organization with which the QDC is affiliated, the approval level and
specialty, the QDC number, and expiration date of the status. The current QDC
list will be displayed on the credible data web page at:
https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/surface-water/reports-data/current-qualified-data-collectors-qdc-
(C) Expiration and renewals.
(1) Status as level 1 QDC
does not expire and a renewal application is not necessary.
(2) Status as a level 2
QDC automatically expires five years after the date of approval of the
application unless the approval has been renewed.
(3) Status as a level 3
QDC automatically expires three years after the initial date of approval of the
application unless the approval has been renewed or a timely renewal
application has been submitted in accordance with this rule. Status as a level
3 QDC will be renewed for a period of five years provided the QDC has submitted
data while in the status of a level 3 QDC as detailed in paragraph (C)(4)(iv)
of this rule.
(4) Renewal applications.
An applicant seeking renewal of the applicant's status as a level 2 or
level 3 QDC shall submit to the director a renewal application prior to the
date of expiration of the applicant's status as a level 2 or level 3
QDC.
(a) Renewal application and requirements.
(i) Renewal applications
shall be on forms for that purpose available from Ohio EPA.
(ii) Ohio EPA shall approve or deny the renewal application
in accordance with the procedures set forth in paragraphs (B)(4) and (B)(5) of
this rule.
(iii) Renewal of level 2 QDC status is contingent upon the
applicant's demonstration of active participation. Active participation
means that the QDC has participated in activities in the level and specialty of
the applicant's QDC certification during the period the applicant's
certification was valid. These activities include:
(a) Submission of data at the appropriate level, collected
under an approved project study plan under this program.
(b) Volunteer monitoring related work in accordance with
approved level 2 methodologies.
(c) The director retains the discretion to approve other
active participation at the appropriate level and specialty without the
submission of data.
(iv) Renewal of level 3 QDC status is contingent upon the
applicant's demonstration of active participation.. Active participation
means that the QDC has participated in activities at the level and specialty of
the applicant's QDC certification during the period the applicant's
certification was valid. These activities include:
(a) Submission of data at
the appropriate level, collected under an approved project study plan under
this program.
(b) Ohio EPA contract or
permit related work in accordance with approved level 3
methodologies.
(c) Successful completion
of refresher training may substitute for active participation at the discretion
of the director.
(d) The director retains
the discretion to approve other active participation performed at the
appropriate level and specialty without the submission of data.
(b) Renewal grace period.
(i) A QDC with expired
level 2 status may submit a renewal application for a period of one year after
the expiration date.
(ii) A QDC with expired
level 3 status may submit a renewal application for a period of six months
after the expiration date.
(iii) A QDC with expired
status may submit data if the project was initiated prior to the expiration
date, providing the QDC submits an approvable renewal application within the
time periods indicated by paragraph (C)(4) of this rule.
(iv) A QDC with a lapsed
status extending beyond these time periods shall submit a full application as
specified in paragraph (B) of this rule. The director retains the discretion to
offer a modified testing process in lieu of the full application requirements
based upon the QDCs experience and previous participation in the credible data
water quality monitoring program.
(D) Revocation.
(1) The director may
revoke an individual's status as a QDC upon finding that the QDC has taken
any of the following actions:
(a) Fraudulently obtained or attempted to obtain QDC status or
renewal thereof.
(b) Knowingly or negligently submitted misleading, inaccurate, or
false data to Ohio EPA.
(c) Consistently failed to attain the necessary standards for
study design, field collection methods, laboratory techniques, or quality
assurance and quality control procedures for the collection of credible data
under this chapter.
(2) Upon making a finding
under paragraph (D)(1) of this rule, the director shall first issue a proposed
action revoking QDC status in accordance with Chapter 3745-49 of the
Administrative Code.
(3) The director shall
notify the QDC of a proposed action under paragraph (D)(2) of this rule. The
notice shall be by mail and shall set forth the period of ineligibility
proposed by the director, the proposed effective date thereof, the reason
therefor, and the procedure for appealing the action.
(4) Revocation of QDC
status shall state a period during which the individual shall not apply for
such status. After the period of ineligibility has expired, the former QDC may
apply for status as a QDC under this chapter.
(E) Trainers and testing.
(1) An individual seeking
to become a QDC trainer for level 1 credible data shall include with the
application to become a level 1 QDC trainer, documentation demonstrating all of
the following:
(a) The applicant has successfully completed training offered
through an educational monitoring program or a citizen monitoring program
designed specifically for teaching the technical and leadership skills to group
leader candidates.
(b) The applicant has credentials establishing that the
individual is a qualified instructor or documented experience in presenting
technical training offered through classes, field trips, seminars, workshops,
or conferences.
(c) The applicant agrees to submit to Ohio EPA information
provided by trainees seeking level 1 QDC status at the time of the level 1
training activity.
(2) Training required for level 2 or
level 3 QDC status shall be performed by Ohio EPA, Ohio EPA's contractors
or a third-party trainer having qualifications as a subject matter
expert.
(a) Qualification as a subject matter expert. A person interested
in offering the training required for level 2 or level 3 QDC shall have the
following qualifications:
(i) Technical competence
in the pertinent subject matter.
(ii) Five or more years
of practical experience performing the full set of skills required for the QDC
level and specialty.
(iii) A post-secondary
educational degree in a scientific field related to the specialty.
(iv) Documented
experience in presenting technical training offered through classes, field
trips, seminars, workshops or conferences.
(b) Third party trainer requirements. A person interested in
offering training shall submit a written application to the director with the
following information:
(i) A resume that
documents technical competence, education and employment history.
(ii) A basic description
of the expected training and testing services to be provided.
(iii) A detailed training
content manual for the specialty offered.
(c) The director shall either approve or deny the application by
sending a letter to the applicant. If the director denies the application, the
director shall identify the deficiencies upon which the denial of the
application is based.
(d) Status as a level 2 or level 3 QDC trainer will remain
active so long as the trainer continues to renew their QDC certification at
that level and specialty.
(e) Trainers who plan to
retire from field work may apply for emeritus trainer status, which will allow
them to continue training without maintaining their QDC certification.
Applications for emeritus trainer status must be submitted while their QDC
status is still active or within the grace period and will be evaluated and
approved by the director based on the following:
(i) Practical experience performing the full set of skills
required for that QDC level and specialty.
(ii) Documented experience serving as a QDC trainer at that
level and specialty.
(iii) The applicant's ability and commitment to stay
current with changes to the science and methodology for that
specialty.
(f) Annual third-party trainer review. All third-party
trainers, including those with emeritus status, will submit a list of all QDC
trainings provided on an annual basis on a form provided by the director. The
trainer may be asked to provide updated training materials for approval if
changes have been made since such materials were previously
reviewed.
(3) Testing.
(a) Third party trainers may test level 2 QDCs provided the
trainers coordinate with Ohio EPA on test content, scoring and test result
notification.
(b) All level 3 QDC trainees shall be tested by Ohio EPA or Ohio
EPA's contractors.
(F) Notwithstanding paragraph (E) of this
rule, an individual, or an individual who works for an organization, contracted
by Ohio EPA to conduct QDC training shall be an approved QDC trainer for the
life of that contract. Trainers' qualifications will be evaluated by Ohio
EPA staff as part of the contract process.
