EnvironmentalMONITOR A quarterly newsletter with emphasis on environmental products & applications. Fall 2008

Monitoring Beaches

What’s Inside The Regional Science Consortium in Erie, Pennsylvania recently added a NexSens MB-300 Water Quality Data »Water Column Profiling Buoy to their real-time monitoring network. Housed within the data buoy is a YSI 6920 V2-2 multi-parameter »Fish Kills Initiate water quality sonde that samples for temperature, Monitoring at conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. The real-time water quality buoy is a valuable supplement »WQMobile: Mobile for researchers, as they had previously been collecting Workforce Solution manual grab samples to test for these parameters. The weather and water quality data collected from the »TDS Nomad NexSens data logging radio network is used to augment a predictive model for the determination of E. coli »New Preferred Rental contamination on the beaches of Lake Erie at Presque Program Isle State Park. It is part of a complex system that provides information for making decisions regarding »Vaisala WXT520 Released beach advisories and/or restrictions to swimming. For more information or to view real-time data, visit: Water quality & weather data is transmitted »Nationwide Events http://v4.wqdata.com/webdblink/trec.php. to the Tom Ridge Center via radio telemetry. EnvironmentalMONITOR Fall 2008

Water Column Profiling Build a cost-effective, vertical water quality profiling system for lakes and reservoirs.

Telemetry sensors are connected and suspended at user-defined The first step in building a water column profiling system distances along the string. Additional water quality is to decide how the data will be sent back to shore. Two measurement sensors, including single-parameter factors help determine the best telemetry method: sensors and multi-parameter sondes, can be connected site conditions and distance to a base computer. along the string using cable splitters. sensorBUS When the project computer can be located within includes three industry-standard, digital interfaces a few miles (line-of-site) or few hundred feet (1-wire temp string, RS-485 multi-drop and SDI-12) (non-line-of-site), license-free spread spectrum along with both 12 and 5 VDC power for connecting radio telemetry, such as the NexSens 4100-SDL additional water quality measurement sensors along Radio Data Logger and 4100-Base Radio, the water column. is the best choice. When the buoy is remotely located relative to the project Cables & Connectors computer, cellular telemetry The field-rugged, watertight becomes the best option. connector/cable system is The NexSens 3100-SDL designed for harsh environments Cellular Data Logger and submersible (fresh, is easily configured for brackish, or salt water) various cellular providers applications. The cable is and supports GSM/GPRS, constructed of (8) 22 AWG CDMA, EV-DO, iDEN, and wires, including a shielded EDGE technologies on twisted pair for RS-485 signals, all major cellular service an overall shield, and a heavy- provider networks such as wall, UV-stabilized, polyurethane Verizon, Cingular/AT&T, and jacket. Connectorized cable ends Sprint/Nextel. include a flexible strain-relief and either a plug or receptacle Data Buoy fitting. Double o-rings (both gland The MB-300 buoy platform is ideal and face seals) ensure a reliable and for deploying temperature strings, water-tight connection. Mated connectors multi-parameter sondes, and other are rated at 200 meters of submersion. Cables monitoring instruments in small reservoirs, are interchangeable and can be connected in series lakes, rivers, streams, and protected coastal to extend lengths as needed. A complete set of waters. At the heart of a multi-point water accessories are available for termination, junction, and quality buoy is a battery-operated, solar-charged signal splitting. SDL (Submersible Data Logger). Designed for floodplain, lake, sea or river bottom, subsurface, Mooring & Deployment and wave-zone deployments, the SDL offers data When setting up a mooring & deployment system to logging for extreme, environmental monitoring hold the MB-300 buoy in place, a heavy bottom chain applications. The system offers all of the standard is required to set and hold the anchor properly, create iSIC features in a submersible housing with field- a catenary curve, and absorb shock. Stainless steel rugged, watertight connectors. When configured bow shackles securely connect mooring chain to both with radio or cellular telemetry, antennas are the data buoy and anchors. Cast iron or steel pyramid housed within the protective locking cap and mooring anchors are recommended for sufficient built with rugged SDL cables and connectors to holding power. To suspend the water quality sensors withstand harsh environments. along the vertical water column, vinyl-coated, stainless steel wire rope can be used to build custom mooring Sensors lines. The NexSens T-Clamp mooring clamp is designed On floating buoy applications, the water quality to securely attach a string of connectorized T-Node measurement sensors are suspended at multiple temperature sensors along such a mooring line in buoy- points along a sensorBUS string. For temperature-only based applications. Mooring clamps are also available for measurements, NexSens T-Node water temperature single-parameter sensors and multi-parameter sondes.

2 Fish Kills Initiate Monitoring at Ford Lake Water quality buoys are used to develop a corrective-action, algae management plan.

Located along the near Detroit , continuously measure DO levels at five-minute sampling Ford Lake is one of the largest impoundments on the intervals. The ROX Optical DO sensor features a self- Huron and has been used for hydroelectric power cleaning wiper that is ideal for long-term deployments. purposes since 1932. The Ford Lake Dam was originally A NexSens T-Node water temperature string collects constructed by Henry Ford, who was an expert on data from these sondes, along with other T-Node hydroelectric power generation. The dam is currently temperature nodes, to obtain a complete vertical water owned and operated by Charter Township of Ypsilanti, quality profile. and it is still used for generating and selling electricity. University of Michigan researchers also chose to During late summer months, Ford Lake experiences integrate existing Turner Cyclops-7 and SCUFA massive algae growth, causing localized fish kills and submersible fluorometers into the system for measuring foul odor. As a result, the Lake has been the site of a chlorophyll, turbidity, and phycocyanin (blue-green research study sponsored by the US EPA (2003-2006) pigment). NexSens Technology created a connectorized and also by the USDA since 2006. The study, led by sensor cable with a UW Underwater Connector, making Professor John Lehman of the University of Michigan, integration to the buoy plug-and-play. probes the causes and possible corrective measures for the nuisance algal blooms that plague Ford Lake. Housed within each buoy, a NexSens 4100-SDL radio telemetry data logger in a submersible enclosure Researchers have developed a management plan that collects data from the instruments. Data is transmitted will be tested through lake experiments from 2006 via wireless spread spectrum radio telemetry to the to 2009. To complement and help automate these Hydroelectric Plant’s rooftop. Also mounted on the roof experiments, the Charter Township of Ypsilanti recently is a Vaisala WXT510 multi-parameter weather sensor. deployed two real-time dissolved oxygen monitoring This highly accurate sensor features no moving parts buoys along with a multi-parameter weather station. and simultaneously measures wind speed & direction, liquid precipitation, air temperature, relative humidity, The multi-point dissolved oxygen monitoring buoys and barometric pressure. are deployed at two locations near the Dam, both in Ford Lake and downstream of the Huron River. By making this data available to all interested parties via Researchers selected the NexSens MB-300 Monitoring the NexSens WQData web datacenter, researchers can Buoy, a 30-inch diameter, polymer-coated, foam-hull investigate the interactions of weather conditions and buoy with 300 lb. buoyancy. This compact buoy is river water quality in real-time. Researchers are also easily deployable and is ideal for deploying monitoring using this real-time data to develop complex computer instruments in small reservoirs, lakes, rivers, streams, animations that show the changing temperature, and protected coastal waters. oxygen, and pigments in 3D. Moving forward, Dr. Lehman and his group hope to develop new theories YSI 600OMS V2 optical monitoring sondes with ROX that can guide future lake management efforts both on Optical Dissolved Oxygen sensors were chosen to the Huron River and nationwide.

3 EnvironmentalMONITOR Fall 2008

WQMobile Mobile Workforce Solution

NexSens WQMobile Software is a revolutionary new software program for Windows Mobile 6 Devices. Designed for use on rugged handheld computers such as the TDS Nomad, WQMobile is an all-in-one mobile software solution for environmental professionals. The versatile software can log time & date stamped water quality data, field notes, and site photos with geo-referenced location information.

Rugged Handheld Computer The TDS Nomad is the most powerful and full- featured rugged handheld computer available. All Nomad models feature an 806 MHz processor with Windows Mobile 6.0 Software, a long- life battery, and integrated Bluetooth wireless communication. Deluxe models are available with 1 GB Flash storage, integrated 802.11g wireless communication, GPS, 2 Mega-Pixel digital camera, and EVDO modem for connection to the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network.

The Nomad meets the rigorous MIL-STD-810F military standard for drops, vibration, humidity, altitude, and extreme temperatures. The Nomad’s IP67 rating means it is completely sealed against dust and can survive immersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes.

Streamlined Data Management Collectively, the TDS Nomad handheld computer, WQMobile software, and WQData PRO web datacenter provide a streamlined, wireless environmental data management solution. WQMobile provides a user-friendly handheld data collection interface, and WQData PRO provides a centralized, web-based solution for data management. These two applications, paired with the rugged TDS Nomad computer, allow users to download pre-built forms from WQData PRO, enter data into the forms live from the field, and post time & date stamped geo-referenced data directly to a user-customized WQData PRO web datacenter.

This fully-integrated mobile workforce capability automates field data collection, eliminates transcription errors, and integrates field activity with a central database. For more information on NexSens WQMobile, WQData PRO, or the TDS Nomad, visit www.Fondriest.com or call 888-426-2151.

4 All-In-One Field Device

Field Notebook WQData allows users to download pre-built forms for entering geo-referenced data, field notes, and site photos. Standard WI-FI & Bluetooth, or optional cellular connection, automate syncing with the centralized computer database.

Fully-Featured Computer The TDS Nomad comes standard with Microsoft Office Mobile, which includes Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile, and Outlook Mobile. Connecting your unit to a PC allows you to copy files, synchronize information, send & receive e-mail, and install applications on your unit. Connectivity software is pre- installed on your handheld unit.

Digital Camera Nomad handheld computers are available with a built- in, 2 Mega-Pixel color digital camera. Still photos or video can be captured and transmitted with a geo- referenced, time & date stamp.

GPS With integrated GPS (SiRFStar III, WAAS Capable), users can quickly track their location and log coordinates. The GPS is compatible with applications that accept the NMEA position information, using a default setting of 9600 bps.

5 EnvironmentalMONITOR Fall 2008

New Preferred Rental Program Fondriest simplifies the rental process for environmental professionals across the US.

In response to increasing customer demand for high ● Shipping costs can be added to the quoted quality rental products with personal service, Fondriest rental price, or we can ship using your UPS, Environmental is excited to announce the launch of its FedEx, or DHL shipping accounts. Preferred Rental Program. ● We offer flexible time frames to meet your While Fondriest has offered rental instruments and project requirements. If you need to extend equipment for many years, the new Preferred Rental the lease, simply call or send an email. Program offers unique features that have been designed to simplify and speed the process of environmental ● You won’t have to tell us your rental monitoring equipment rental: preferences every time you reserve equipment. We keep a detailed record of ● Schedule your rental by phone or email. your rental history. We’ll assign an account manager to ensure you get personalized service and your ● We keep your project shipping address equipment needs are professionally handled and company billing information on file, in a timely manner. thus simplifying your order process.

● Same-day shipping is available for in-stock ● Receive quantity discounts and special rental equipment. pricing for repeat rentals.

● Reserve equipment up to 30 days in This personalized approach to the rental business lets advance with a signed rental agreement you focus on the project at hand - we take care of the and credit card or purchase order; we’ll rest. Contact us at 888-426-2151 to learn more about hold it until your project begins. how we can assist with your next monitoring project.

Why Rent? While it often makes sense to purchase outright, there are many short-term projects that simply make it cost-prohibitive. Here are some reasons why renting may be a better solution:

1 Renting products frees up cash flows that can be used for more vital capital expenditures, allowing customers to focus on their core functions.

2 Renting offsets the hidden costs included in purchasing and maintaining products. Storing spare parts and servicing equipment can drastically increase the total cost of ownership.

3 Owning physical assets when they are not being used greatly decreases the value. This fact can be remedied by renting equipment only when the project requires it.

4 Renting allows a company to stay contemporary with the rapidly changing technology. Fondriest’s promise to always carry cutting-edge instruments allows rental customers to remain cutting-edge as well.

6 Vaisala WXT520 Released Na t i o n w i d e Multi-parameter weather transmitter receives upgrades. e v e n t s

Vaisala now offers a new version of the popular WXT510 - the Vaisala WXT520 October 7-8 multi-parameter weather sensor! The WXT520 simultaneously measures wind YSI 6-Series Instrument speed & direction, liquid precipitation, air temperature, relative humidity, and Training: YSI Headquarters in barometric pressure - all in one instrument. Yellow Springs, OH

The wind speed and direction measurement is based on the ultrasonic Vaisala October 18-22 WINDCAP Sensor, which ensures accurate readings from any horizontal wind Water Environment direction, without blind angles and corrupted readings. Barometric pressure, air Federation’s Annual Technical temperature, and relative humidity measurements are combined in one separate Exhibition & Conference module using capacitive measurement for each parameter. The module can be (WEFTEC): McCormick Place changed without any contact with the internal sensors. in Chicago, IL

The liquid precipitation measurement in the WXT520 is unique. It measures October 26-30 accumulated rainfall, rain intensity, and rain duration, all in real-time. It is based International Water on the maintenance-free Vaisala RAINCAP sensor that provides more detailed Conference: Crowne Plaza information on precipitation, compared to traditional tipping-bucket rain gauges. Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio, TX The WXT520 housing with the mounting kit is water-resistant and classified to IP66, which means it is totally protected against dust and low-pressure jets October 29-31 of water. With this improved Ingress Protection rating, the WXT520 is an ideal ORBCRE 2008 Scientific solution for marine and buoy-based weather monitoring applications. Symposium: Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA A number of optional features are offered for the WXT520, including a bird spike kit, November 12-13 USB connection, and surge protector. Water Management The wind and rain sensors can also be Association of Ohio (WMAO) equipped with a heating element to Annual Fall Conference: prevent ice build-up and improve data Ramada Plaza Hotel in quality in severe weather conditions. Columbus, OH The bird spike kit helps to deter birds from the WXT520, and the USB November 17-20 connection facilitates connection to a American Water Resources PC as a service connector or when Association (AWWA) 2008 the PC is used as a terminal device. Annual Conference: Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans, LA The WXT520 multi-parameter weather sensor is commonly December 14-17 integrated with NexSens data logging Midwest Fish & Wildlife and telemetry systems. This provides Conference: Hyatt Regency users with automatic data collection Hotel in Columbus, OH and the option of posting real-time data to a web-based datacenter. With solar and AC power options, the WXT520 is suitable for portable or permanent weather stations, dense networks, buildings, golf courses, St a f f marinas, harbors, and hotels - almost anywhere where real-time weather Editor/Designer data is needed. Randy Johnson [email protected] Please call a Fondriest Environmental applications engineer today at Contributing Writers 888-426-2151 for more information Steve Fondriest regarding the Vaisala WXT520 weather [email protected] transmitter. Also ask about how the sensor integrates with NexSens data logging and Paul Nieberding telemetry products. [email protected]

7 Fondriest Environmental, Inc. PO Box 151 Alpha, Ohio 45301-0151

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