The entire RBV process is completed at the stream and usually takes 2-3 hours. The final product is a completed RBV data sheet and a voucher collection (one of each type of organism observed). RBV training is available free of charge for groups of 6 or more adults.
Brochure - Program Information on Rapid Bioassessment in Wadeable Streams and Rivers by Volunteer Monitors (PDF, 460K)
2011 Summary of Volunteer Monitoring (PDF)
2010 Summary of Volunteer Monitoring (PDF)
(Note: Summaries for prior years may be obtained by contacting Meghan Ruta at (860) 424-3061 or meghan.ruta@ct.gov)
Part 1: Program Description (PDF, 1362K) - This document describes the Rapid Bioassessment in Wadeable Streams and Rivers by Volunteer Monitors (RBV) program.
RBV 2008: Accompanying Power Point Presentation (PDF, 6590K)
Part 2: Instructions (PDF, 1560K) - This document provides step by step instructions for the RBV protocol and provides a consistent method for volunteer groups to use when submitting surface water quality information to DEEP.
Instructions: Accompanying Power Point Presentation (PDF, 6249K)
Macroinvertebrate Field Identification Cards (PDF, 539K) - At the core of the RBV program are the macroinvertebrates represented on these cards. Each organism has distinct shape, structure, color, or behavior and provides key ecological information about the stream environment. Each card lists the common name across the top and the category at the bottom. These bands are color-coded based on the ecology of each organism.
- Blue = Most Wanted. In general these organisms require a narrow range of environmental conditions. When found in abundance one can infer non-impaired stream condition.
- Yellow = Moderately Wanted. These organisms can be found in a variety of water quality conditions. When found in abundance further information about the upstream watershed may be necessary to infer water quality.
- Red = Least Wanted. These organisms tend to be very tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions. As a result when these organisms comprise the majority of a sample, one can infer some level of water quality impairment.
Data sheet (PDF) - This is the official data sheet for the RBV protocol. It should be submitted along with the collection of macroinvertebrate vouchers to Meghan Ruta, Volunteer Monitoring Coordinator, at phone (860) 424-3061, fax (860) 424-4055, or meghan.ruta@ct.gov
Voucher Labels (PDF) – This one page document contains the official labels that should be used when preparing RBV voucher specimens. A label must be completed in pencil and placed inside the voucher container before submitting to DEEP. (A second label can also be taped to the outside of the container if desired.) The voucher label for each site should match the top of the datasheet for that site. DEEP cannot accept voucher specimens that are improperly labeled.
Macroinvertebrate Sorting Guide (PDF) - This 1 page flow chart will assist volunteer monitors in narrowing their macroinvertebrate identification choice. The flow chart is not designed to be a comprehensive key for macroinvertebrates. The chart should be used for preliminary sorting and grouping when implementing the RBV protocol.
Quality Assurance Project Plan (PDF)- A Quality Assurance Project Plan is a document that provides a plan to insure data collected for a specific project will meet a particular standard. A QAPP is required for any water quality monitoring program that receives funding through EPA. This document is a template that can be used by any volunteer monitoring program intending collect macroinvertebrate community data using the RBV method. Standardized guidance for QAPP can be found on the EPA volunteer monitoring web page: www.epa.gov/OWOW/monitoring/vol.html
For additional information, please contact Meghan Ruta, Volunteer Monitoring Coordinator, at (860) 424-3061 or meghan.ruta@ct.gov
