Dr. John Capece, Project Director
 Mr. Benno Eidus, Project QA Officer
 Mr. N. Myron Gunsalus, Jr., HBEL Project Officer
 Mr. Eric Charest, HBEL QA Officer
 Dr. Dean Rhue, ARL-UF Project Officer
 Mr. Jim Bartos, ARL-UF QA Officer
 Dr. Taufiqul Aziz , DEP Project Manager
 DEP QA Manager

1.0 Title Page

2.0 Table of Contents

3.0 Project Description

3.2 Project Scope and Purpose

3.3 Project Organization

 3.4 Project Objectives

 4.0 Field Procedures and Quality Control

 4.2 Field Activities

 4.3 Field Measurements

 5.0 Laboratory Procedures and Quality Control

 6.0 Quality Assurance Management

 6.2 Performance and Systems Audits

 6.3 Quality Assurance Reports

 3.1 Project Organization.

 3.2 Site Map and Sampling Locations.
 
 

 3.1 Summary of Historical Data

 3.2 Proposed Samples, Matrices and Analytical Methods for the Project

 4.1 Proposed Sampling Equipment

 4.2 Field Activities

  A. Field Sampling and Preparation Protocols not in CompQAP #950266

Section 3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
 
 

3.1 Site Identification and History
 
 

Site Name: MacArthur Agroecology Research Center (MAERC)
 
 

Site Address: 300 Buck Island Ranch Road  Lake Placid, FL 33852
 
 

3.1.1 Site History:

The project site is Buck Island Ranch, located on the southern boarder of Highlands County, Florida, (Sections 29, 34, & 35, Township 37S, Range 30E). The ranch is situated 12 mi. (19 km) southeast of Lake Placid, and accessible from SR 70 on Buck Island Ranch Road. The Ranch is located east of the Lake Wales Ridge on the Istokpoga-Indian Prairie. Elevations range from 9 to 11 m. The ranch is dominated by improved pastures laced with shallow ditches for drainage. Native habitats include seasonal wetlands, sawgrass marshes, palm-oak hammocks and live oak woodlands. A major regional conveyance (Harney Pond Canal, C-40) and several ditches traverse the property. In November, 1988, Archbold Biological Station (ABS) became manager of the 4,188 ha Buck Island Ranch (Ranch), under a long-term lease from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The Ranch is maintained as a full-scale working ranch and grove.
 
 

3.1.2 Summary of the historical data: The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has collected nutrient concentration and loading data at Buck Island Ranch during the past two years. Representative data are presented in Table 3.1. The table also includes citations to source documents.

3.2 Project Scope and Purpose

3.2.1 Purpose of this Project:
This plan is submitted as a requirement of Contract No. 319. The objective of the proposed project is to assess the effectiveness of modified management practices in reducing off-site discharges of contaminants from a cattle ranch operation.
 

3.2.2 Intended end use of the data:

 ___ Permit Compliance

 ___ Feasibility Study

 ___ Consent Order Compliance

 ___ Remedial Action

 ___ Contamination Assessment

 ___ Water Quality Data Base (specify database)

 ___ Facility Operating Report

 X Other: water quality monitoring to assess management practice effectiveness

3.2.3 Projected Schedule and Scope of Work
 
 

Projected Beginning Date: month after approval, 1997

 Projected Ending Date: 730 days after project approval
 

Specific Project Activity Scheduled Date†

 1. Project Work Plan 45

 2. Soil & Water Quality Assessment During Pasture Equilibration 1-250

 a. Soil & Water Conditions Trade Magazine Publication 300

 b. Soil & Water Conditions Peer-reviewed Manuscript 400

 c. Soil & Water Chemistry Database & Website 200

 3. Identification of Test Herd Animals and Initial Data Collection 100-400

 4. Stocking Rate Optimization Project Monitoring 250-1030

 5. Beef Cattle BMP Workshop 700

 6. Journal Manuscript Draft 700

 7. Final Summary Report 730
 
 

^† days after approval.
 
 

3.3 Project Organization
 
 

3.3.1 Project Organization:

Sample collection activities will be conducted by personnel under the supervision of the Project Director, the Project QA Officer, and the Southwest Florida Research Laboratory - University of Florida (SWFRL-UF) QA Officer. The laboratory analytical work will be performed by the SWFRL and DEP certified Lab. Refer to Figure 3.1. for the specific organization of this project.
 
 

All project personnel are included in the ComQAPs of the referenced organizations.
 
 

3.4 Project Objectives
 
 

3.4.1. Data Quality Objectives
 
 

X The data quality objectives for this project are the routine QA targets

 listed in the laboratory ComQAP.

 ___ The minimum detection limits to be achieved for this study differ from

 the routine detection limits specified in the laboratory ComQAP and

 are included as a part of Table 3.2.

 ___ The precision and accuracy requirements differ from the routine

 targets specified in the laboratory ComQAP and are included as a part

 of Table 3.2
 
 

3.4.2. Proposed samples for project
 
 

a. See Figure 3.2 for a map of the project site.

 b. See Table 3.2 of this Section for a summary the sampling and analysis activities.
 
 

3.4.3. Summary of Matrix Types, Analytical Methods and QA Targets:

Field and laboratory analytical measurements are presented in Table 3.2.
 
 

 Field sample collection activities will be performed by the above named organization.

QUALITY CONTROL SUMMARY         QA TARGETS*
 

Frequency

Sample Matrix

Sample Source

TB

EB

FD

Methods

Analytical Component

P

A

MDL

Event-basis ISCO samples

Water

Canal

(not mandatory)

300

600

EPA 353.2

Nitrite + Nitrate

EPA 350.1

Ammonia

EPA 351.2

TKN

EPA 365.4

Total phosphorus

Weekly grab samples

Water

Canal

(not mandatory)

80

160

EPA 365.1

Ortho-P

LABORATORY ANALYSES WILL BE PERFORMED BY:  B. ANALYTICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY - UF (ComQAP 900007G/5 dated 8/19/93 with annual amendments approved on May 1997)

Quarterly

Mehlich No. 1 soil extract

Pasture

(not mandatory)

65

130

EPA 200.7

Plant Available Phosphorus

 TB -- Trip Blank
 EB -- Equipment Blank
 FD -- Field duplicate
 P -- Precision
 A -- Accuracy
 MDL -- Method Detection Limit
 * These values need to be completed if the Data Quality Objectives stated in the project description are different from the routine QA objectives cited in the CompQAP(s) or are not included in the CompQAP (s).
 

Section 4.0 FIELD PROCEDURES AND QUALITY CONTROL
This section specifies the protocols and procedures to be used by the Southwest Florida Research Laboratory when conducting sampling activities for this project.
 

4.1 Sampling Equipment
See Table 4.1 for a list of the equipment to be used for this project.
 

4.2 Field Activities - See Table 4.2.
 4.2.1 Sampling protocols for this project that are not specified by the ComQAP specified in Table 4.2 include the following: See Appendix A.

 4.2.2 Disposal protocols for handling wastes differ from those specified by the ComQAP. Wastes will be handled according to the following protocols: N/A

4.3 Field Measurements
Field measurements are listed in Table 3.2 of this QAPP. Field screening measurements that will be made are:

1. pH
 2. Dissolved Oxygen
 3. Specific Conductance
 
 

The following equipment will be used by the Southwest Florida Research Laboratory for this project. With the exception of the additional equipment, discussions on use and restrictions are included in ComQAP# 950266 with annual amendments which were approved on 3/3/98.
 

Equipment Description	Construction Materials	Use
Purging Equipment (include construction of tubing, tail pipes, etc.)
Not applicable to SW
Sampling Equipment
QED Post-filter 0.45 micron	Teflon	Ortho P Filtration
ISCO 3700 Autosampler	Teflon tubing	Surface Water Sampling
Soil Auger	SS	Soil Sampling

Additional equipment not addressed in the CompQAP includes1:  Not applicable
  1. If the sampling protocols for using this equipment are not included in the cited ComQAP, the sampling protocols must be discussed in Section 4.2.1 of this Quality Assurance Project Plan.
 

Field Measurement Equipment (construction does not need to be specified)

 1. Fisher Model 25 pH Meter

 2. YSI Dissolved Oxygen Meter

 3. Amber Science Digital Conductivity Meter 1052

 4. pH buffers (4, 7 and 10)

 5. Conductivity Standards 100 and 1000 uS/cm
 
 

The following field protocols will be used by the Southwest Florida Research Laboratory. The Comprehensive QA Plan number for this organization is 950266. The date of the last approval is 3/3/98.

All protocols, procedures and policies in the above-mentioned document which are pertinent to this Quality Assurance Project Plan will be followed and are summarized below:

	VOCs	Extractable   Organic	Metals	Inorganic   Anion	Organic	Physical   Property	Micro	OTHER
Groundwater
Groundwater (in-place-plumbing)
Potable Water
Surface Water				X		X
Soil
Sediment/Sludges
Automatic Samplers				X
Field Filtration				X
Wastewater
Stormwater Runoff				X
Pore Water/ Soil Extracts				X

SAMPLE CONTAINERS

 Sample containers will be supplied by: the HBEL.*

 X Sample containers will be prepreserved by the above-referenced organization and additional acid will be provided; OR

 Field organizations will preserve samples on site using protocols outlined in the ComQAP.

 EQUIPMENT DECONTAMINATION

 Equipment decontamination will follow protocols outlined in the Southwest Florida Research Laboratory ComQAP.*

 EQUIPMENT SHALL BE PRECLINED PRIOR TO ON-SITE ARRIVAL

* If more than one organization is involved with these activities, this QAPP must specifically identify the equipment and/or sample containers to be provided by each organization.

 WASTE DISPOSAL

 X The procedures for handling wastes from equipment cleaning and from sampling are discussed in the above-referenced ComQAP

 The disposal procedures for handling wastes for this project differ from those outlined in

 the above referenced ComQAP and are outlined in Section 4.2.2.

Section 5.0. LABORATORY PROCEDURES AND QUALITY CONTROL

The laboratory analyses shall be conducted by the A. HARBOR BRANCH ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY . The ComQAP # 870174G with annual amendments approved on 11/25/97.

 All protocols, procedures and policies in the above-mentioned document which are pertinent to this Quality Assurance Project Plan shall be followed. The laboratory shall analyze the samples for this project by the methods specified in Table 3.2 of the QAPP.
 

5.1. Quality Control Checks

 The types of laboratory control checks that will be used when analyzing samples for this project are:

Chemical:

 X Reagent Blanks X Matrix Spikes

X Duplicate Samples X QC Check Samples

 X Duplicate Matrix Spikes X QC Check Standards

 X Continuing Calibration Stnds ___ Other:__________________________
 

Microbiology:

 Duplicates Control Blanks (MF)

Carry over blank (MF) Dilution Blanks (MPN)

 Positive & Negative Controls

 Other:

The laboratory analyses shall be conducted by the B. ANALYTICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY - UF (ComQAP 900007G/5 dated 8/19/93 with annual amendments approved on May 1997)

 All protocols, procedures and policies in the above-mentioned document which are pertinent to this Quality Assurance Project Plan shall be followed. The laboratory shall analyze the samples for this project by the methods specified in Table 3.2 of the QAPP.
 

5.1. Quality Control Checks

 The types of laboratory control checks that will be used when analyzing samples for this project are:
 

Chemical:

 X Reagent Blanks X Matrix Spikes

X Duplicate Samples X QC Check Samples

 X Duplicate Matrix Spikes X QC Check Standards

 X Continuing Calibration Stnds ___ Other:__________________________
 

Microbiology:

 Duplicates Control Blanks (MF)

Carry over blank (MF) Dilution Blanks (MPN)

 Positive & Negative Controls

 Other:

Section 6.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGEMENT

6.1 Corrective Actions
In addition to corrective actions cited in the approved Comprehensive QA Plans, all involved parties will initiate any corrective action deemed necessary by DEP.

6.2 Performance and Systems Audits
 6.2.1 Field Activities

 Specific audits planned for this project are: n/a

 6.2.2 Laboratory Activities

 Specific audits planned for this project are: n/a

ALL INVOLVED PARTIES WILL CONSENT TO AUDITS BY DEP IF DEEMED NECESSARY.

6.3 Quality Assurance Reports

Project specific QA Reports will be submitted to Mr. Taufiqul Aziz, DEP, Bureau of Surface Water Management, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 2510, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400 (Project Manager), and to the DEP QA Section at a frequency of once per quarter per Table 6 of 17-160, FAC, for direct contracts.
Note: Frequency must comply with Table V, Appendix D of the DEP Manual for Preparing Quality Assurance Plans or Table 6 of Chapter 17-160, F.A.C., Quality Assurance 

Buck Island Soil Samples

1. Sampling equipment will be decontaminated per Section 4.1 of the DEP SOP Manual.
2. Use a standard, stainless steel soil sampling tube to take the samples.
3. Remove one 20-cm long soil core, 2 cm in diameter.
4. Composite the cores in a paper bag and transport to the laboratory at ambient temperature for preparation.

1. Dry the soil samples in paper bags in a heated drying room.
2. Pass the dried soil through a 1-mm diameter stainless steel screen to remove any small rocks, shells, or undecomposed pieces of organic matter.
3. Discard the debris, and return the screened soil to the paper bag for storage at ambient temperature.

1. Weigh 5.00 g of soil in a 50-mL extracting bottle.
2. Dispense 20 mL of Mehlich-1 extracting solution (0.0125 M H2SO4 and 0.050 M HCl) into each extracting bottle using an automatic pipette.
3. Shake each sample for 5 min. on a reciprocating shaker, then filter through an 11-cm, Whatman No. 42 filter paper into a 90 mL (3 oz) plastic cup.
4. Transfer the filtrate to a 20-mL plastic scintillation vial. 

   ---

   ¹ From Citrus Grove Leaf-Tissue and Soil Testing: Sampling, Analysis, and Interpretation, by T. A. Obreza, A. K. Alva, E. A. Hanlon, and R. E. Rouse (Univ. of Florida-IFAS, Soil and Water Science Dept. Fact Sheet SL 115).


² From IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory Chemical Procedures and Training Manual, by E. A. Hanlon, J. G. Gonzales, and J. M. Bartos (Univ. of Florida-IFAS Circular 812).

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