Glossary
Some key definitions are below. Additional definitions are in rule 3745-4-02 [PDF 14K].
"Credible data" means scientifically valid chemical, physical, or biological water quality monitoring data concerning surface waters, including qualitative scoring of physical habitat characteristics and the sampling of fish, macroinvertebrates, and water quality, that have been collected by or submitted to the director and that comply with the requirements established in this chapter. Credible data may include historical data if the director identifies compelling reasons as to why the data are credible.
"Data quality objectives (DQOs)" means qualitative and quantitative statements derived from the DQO process that clarify study objectives, define the appropriate type of data, and specify tolerable levels of potential decision errors that will be used as the basis for establishing the quality and quantity of data needed to support decisions. The planning process for ensuring environmental data are the type, quality, and quantity needed for decision making is called the DQO process.
"Detection limit" means the lowest concentration of a target analyte that a given method or piece of equipment can reliably ascertain and report as greater than zero.
"Educational monitoring program" means a surface water quality data collection program designed for education or public awareness purposes and associated with an accredited or school-sponsored science education program. The program must be consistent with national or state science content standards, provide an introduction to basic water quality principles and train participants in the use of field instrumentation, sample collection and preservation, and data recording techniques.
"Generic study plan" means a plan for data collection, analysis, and interpretation prepared by the director designed to be used by a QDC in lieu of a project study plan.
"Mine affected stream" means a water body with one or more of the following characteristics:
- A stream or stream segment identified as being impaired or impacted due to causes and sources related to coal mining;
- A stream or stream segment identified in a plan approved under the acid mine drainage abatement and treatment program administered by the Ohio department of natural resources;
- A stream or stream segment, not necessarily directly affected by coal mining, but contained within a watershed assessment unit with documented environmental problems related to coal mining; and
- Streams or stream segments designated limited resource water (acid mine drainage) or modified warmwater habitat (mine affected) in Chapter 3745-1 of the Administrative Code.
"Project study plan" means a document describing the purpose of the data collection, the parameters or conditions that will be monitored, the methods of data collection and analysis, the identification of monitoring sites, a schedule for data collection and reporting, and how the data will be interpreted and presented.
See Study Plans page.
"Qualitative habitat evaluation index (QHEI)" means an assessment methodology of the principal physical and riparian stream habitat features that affect fish communities and other aquatic life.