Requirements for Participation
Participation is voluntary (except as noted for Other State Agencies). The program does not require volunteer groups or local governmental organizations to participate, and the program does not impose sampling or analytical requirements on any individuals or organizations that choose not to participate. However, individuals or organizations choosing to invest in surface water monitoring work without adhering to these requirements could find that Ohio EPA's ability to make use of the data collected will be limited.
Individuals who choose to participate in the credible data program must apply for, and be granted status as, a Qualified Data Collector (QDC).
Qualified Data Collector Requirements
Education, experience, and skills required for QDC status vary depending on the credible data level; least rigorous for Level 1 to most rigorous for Level 3. In Level 2 and Level 3 the applicant must indicate what water quality sampling discipline or specialty area he or she is pursuing. The specialty areas are listed below. Links are provided to tables that outline the educational and skill requirements needed to obtain QDC status.
Level 1 QDC Requirement - Successfully completed training offered through an acceptable educational monitoring program or an acceptable volunteer monitoring program.
Level 2 QDC Requirements - See Level 2 QDC requirements summary table [PDF 10K] for the following specialities. Note: there is no Level 2 for fish community biology.
Stream habitat assessment (QHEI and/or HHEI)
Benthic macroinvertebrate biology
Chemical water quality assessment
Level 3 QDC Requirements - See Level 3 QDC requirements summary table [PDF 14K] for the following specialities.
Stream habitat assessment (QHEI and/or HHEI)
Benthic macroinvertebrate biology
Chemical water quality assessment
Fish community biology
Also, available is a table that compares the Level 2 and Level 3 requirements.
L2 L3 comparison table [PDF 14K]