For the Fish Tissue Study of the Cuyahoga River and Three

Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Fish Tissue Study of the

Cuyahoga River and Three Tributaries, 2018

July 9, 2018

Prepared by

State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

Division of Surface Water Standards/Technical Services Section Lazarus Government Center

50 West Town Street, Suite 700

P.O. Box 1049 Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049

John R. Kasich, Governor Craig W. Butler, Director

State of Ohio Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

Section A – Project Management

A1 – Quality Assurance Project Plan for a Fish Tissue Study of the Cuyahoga River and Three Tributaries, 2018 Sign-Off

Date: 7/16/2018 Brian Hall, Assistant Chief

Date: 7/12/18 Mari Piekutowski, Assessment and Modeling Manager

Date: 7/11/18 Audrey Rush, Standards Manager

Date: 7/10/18 Jeff Reynolds, Ohio EPA Quality Assurance Officer

Date: 7/09/2018 Jeff Bohne, Ecological Assessment Unit Supervisor

Date: 7/9/2018 Jordan Jenkins, Study team Leader

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A2 – Table of Contents

Contents

Section A – Project Management ...... 1

A1 – Quality Assurance Project Plan for a Fish Tissue Study of the Cuyahoga River and Three Tributaries, 2018 Sign-Off ...... 1

A2 – Table of Contents ...... 2

A3 – Distribution List ...... 5

A3.1 – Ohio EPA Central Office Staff ...... 5 A3.2 – Ohio EPA District Office Staff ...... 5 A3.3 – Burmese Project Staff ...... 5

A4 – Project/Task Organization ...... 6

A4.1 – Roles and Responsibilities ...... 6 A4.2 – Organizational and Communication Chart ...... 7

A5 – Problem Definition and Background ...... 8

A5.1 Description of the Study Area ...... 8

A6 – Project/Task Description ...... 10

A6.1 – Objectives ...... 10 A6.2 – Burmese Project Sampling ...... 11

A7 – Quality Objectives and Criteria (Ohio EPA August 2017) ...... 11

A.7.1 – Burmese Project Additional Procedures ...... 12

A8 – Special Training/Certification...... 12

A9 – Documentation and Records ...... 12

A9.1 - Document/record control ...... 13 A9.2 - Document storage ...... 13

Section B – Data Generation and Acquisition ...... 14

B1 – Sampling Process Design ...... 14 2 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

B1.1 – Tentative Fish Tissue Sampling Locations ...... 14 B1.2 – Fish Tissue Collection Methods ...... 14 B1.3 – Burmese Project Sampling Design ...... 14

B2 – Sampling Methods ...... 14

B2.1 – Sample Considerations ...... 14 B2.2 – Fish Sample Preparation ...... 15 B2.3 – Whole Body Sample Preparation ...... 17 B2.4 – Burmese Project Sampling Methods ...... 17

B3 – Sample Handling and Custody ...... 17

B3.1 Burmese Project Sample Handling and Custody ...... 18

B4 - Analytical Methods ...... 18

B5 – Quality Control ...... 18

B5.1 Burmese Project Sampling Exceptions ...... 19

B6 – Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance ...... 19

B7 – Instrument/Equipment Calibration and Frequency ...... 19

B8 – Inspection/Acceptance of Supplies and Consumables ...... 19

B9 – Non-Direct Measurements ...... 19

B10 – Data Management ...... 19

B10.1 Burmese Project Field Sheet Modifications ...... 20

Section C – Assessment and Oversight ...... 20

C1 – Assessments and Response Actions...... 20

C1.1 – Assessments ...... 20 C1.2 - Response Actions ...... 21 C1.3 - Reporting and Resolution of Issues ...... 21 C1.4 - Data Completeness ...... 22

C2 – Reports to Management ...... 22

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C2.1 – Burmese Project: Evaluation of the Sample Data ...... 22

Section D – Data Validation and Usability ...... 22

D1 – Data Review, Verification, and Validation ...... 22

D2 – Verification and Validation Methods ...... 23

D3 – Reconciliation with User Requirements ...... 23

References ...... 23

Appendices ...... 25

Appendix 1 – Tentative Fish Tissue Sampling Locations ...... 25

Appendix 2 – Field Considerations and Sample Data Sheets ...... 27

Appendix 3 – Analytical Procedures and Analysis ...... 33

Appendix 4 – Other Contacts ...... 35

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A3 – Distribution List

A3.1 – Ohio EPA Central Office Staff

Name, Title Email Phone

Melinda Harris, TMDL Supervisor [email protected] 614-728-1357

Jordan Jenkins, Project Leader, EAU [email protected] 614-836-8786

Marianne Piekutowski, AMS Manager [email protected] 614-836-8780

Andrew Phillips, Fish Biologist [email protected] 614-836-8773

Jennifer Kraft, DES Environmental Manager [email protected] 614-644-4270

Steve Roberts, DES QA Supervisor [email protected] 614-644-4225

Audrey Rush, STS Manager [email protected] 614-644-2035

Jeff Reynolds, Quality Assurance Officer [email protected] 614-705-1011

A3.2 – Ohio EPA District Office Staff

Name, Title Email Phone Rich Blasick, NEDO Water Quality Manager [email protected] 330-963-1112

Bill Zawiski, NEDO Water Quality Supervisor [email protected] 330-963-1108

Mandy Razzano, District Water Quality [email protected] 330-936-1269

A3.3 – Burmese Project Staff

Name, Title Email Phone Bob Frey, Ohio Department of Health, Manager [email protected] 614-466-1069

Tom LaPlante, Summit County Public Health 330-926-5693

Michael Johnson, Chief of Conservation, Summit [email protected] 330-865-8057 x Metro Parks 221

Summit Metro Parks 5

Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

A4 – Project/Task Organization

A4.1 – Roles and Responsibilities

Individual(s) Assigned Responsible for Authorized to Review documents and reports; Mari Piekutowski, AMS Manager Staff assignment, signatures, suggest changes and edits; obtain Jeff Bohne, EAU Supervisor payments, and reporting. approvals and signatures. Staff assignment, signatures, Review documents and reports; Melinda Harris, TMDL Supervisor payments, and reporting. Posting suggest changes and edits; obtain final QAPP online. approvals and signatures.

Audrey Rush, WQS Manager QA/QC input to document Review documents and reports. Jeff Reynolds, Quality Assurance development. Prepare documents Review documents and reports; Officer and reports. suggest changes and edits.

Rich Blasick, DSW District Review documents and reports; Manager Staff assignment, signatures, suggest changes and edits; obtain Bill Zawiski, District Water Quality payments, and reporting. approvals and signatures. Supervisor Jennifer Kraft, Environmental Manager Tissue Analyses oversight, DES Review for DES QA/QC Steve Roberts, Environmental QA/QC Supervisor Scheduling and coordination of field activities. Complete field activities and quality control; field Coordinate field activities, tissue Jordan Jenkins, Fish Biologist, sampling, review, analysis, transport. Collect fish tissue Project Lead verification, database population samples. and transmission. Assist with project planning. Complete field activities and Andrew Phillips, Fish Biologist Collect fish tissue samples. quality control; field sampling. Review, Evaluate and Assess Bob Frey, ODH Manager Burmese Project Data Assessment Burmese Project Data

Tom LaPlante, Summit County Review, Evaluate and Assess Burmese Project Data Assessment Public Health Burmese Project Data and Report Michael, Johnson Chief of Oversees Burmese Fishing Areas Oversees Burmese Fishing Areas Conservation Summit Metro Summit Metro Parks Summit Metro Parks Parks

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Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 May 21, 2018

A4.2 – Organizational and Communication Chart

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A5 – Problem Definition and Background

A5.1 Description of the Study Area

Fish tissue samples will be collected from locations within the Cuyahoga River Basin to support the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and the Fish Consumption Advisory (FCA) programs. Tentative locations include 31 locations - 22 locations on the Cuyahoga River Mainstem (RM 0.1 to RM 83.8) and three locations on each of the following Cuyahoga River Tributaries: Breakneck Creek (RM 0.05 to RM 7), Little Cuyahoga River (RM 0.3 to 11.2), and Tinkers Creek (RM 2.5 to 13.8).

A5.1.1 Cuyahoga River Basin (Ohio EPA September 2003)

The Cuyahoga River Basin drains 813 square miles and includes 1,220 stream miles spanning parts of Geauga, Medina, Portage, Summit and Cuyahoga Counties, emptying into Lake Erie at Cleveland. As the River enters the Lake, the harbor break wall and the predominantly easterly littoral drift usually direct about 80 percent of the flow to the east, inside the break wall.

The basin contains parts of three major physiographic provinces: the glaciated Allegheny Plateau, the till Plains, and the lake plains. Most of the basin occurs in the glaciated Allegheny Plateau, and owes its topographic and hydrologic features to a complex glacial history. A small portion of the basin in southwest Cuyahoga County lies within the till plains, a relatively flat area more characteristic of north central and northwestern Ohio. The Cuyahoga River Basin also cuts through the narrow border of the nearly level lake plains that surround Lake Erie and represents the ancient bottom of the predecessors to Lake Erie.

The Cuyahoga Basin is situated within the Erie/Ontario Lake Plain (EOLP) ecoregion, a glacial plain that lies between the unglaciated Western Allegheny Plateau (WAP) ecoregion to the southeast and the relatively flat Eastern Corn Belt Plains (ECBP) ecoregion to the west and southwest. The EOLP ecoregion is characterized by glacial formations that can have a significant local relief of up to 300 feet and exhibits a mosaic of cropland, pasture, woodland, and urban areas. Soils are mainly derived from glacial till and lacustrine deposits and tend to be light colored, acidic, and moderately to highly erodible. Many glacial features characteristic of the EOLP ecoregion are found in the Cuyahoga River Basin. The northern and eastern boundaries of this v-shaped Watershed is largely defined by the terminal moraines left by two fingers of glacial ice. The retreating glaciers then buried the ancient river valleys with glacial outwash. The headwaters originate in northeastern Geauga County and flow southwest to Akron through relatively hilly knob and kettle topography. The river generally follows the course of the buried valleys, but does traverse a ridge of erosion resistant sandstone, resulting in the falls and cascades of Cuyahoga Falls. The river turns sharply to the northwest at the confluence with the Little Cuyahoga River in north Akron, then winds through outwash terraces, till plains, and till ridges before reaching the flat lake plain of the Cleveland area.

Land use patterns vary greatly from the upper basin that is primarily agricultural, to the lower basin which is among the most densely populated and industrialized urban areas in the state. Agriculture is the predominant land use in the upper basin, and while less prevalent in the middle basin, the soils are highly

8 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

erodible and can result in significant sedimentation and nutrient loadings. Resource extraction and hydromodification are localized throughout the basin. The waters of the heavily populated areas of the middle and lower basins are influenced by urban and construction site runoff, combined/sanitary sewer overflows, and land disposal.

Part of the Cuyahoga River is a designated State Scenic River and several stream segments within the basin have been designated as State Resource Waters. The Cuyahoga River, from the Ohio Edison Dam to the mouth and the nearshore area two miles west to ten miles east of the mouth has been identified as an Area of Concern by the International Joint Commission. Twenty-two miles of the Cuyahoga River in the TMDL area flow through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, additionally both the Cleveland Metro Parks and Metro Parks Serving Summit County have waterways contained in their respective holdings. The Cuyahoga River was also designated an American Heritage River in 1998.

A5.1.2 Tinkers Creek Subbasin

Tinkers Creek is the largest tributary of the Cuyahoga River and drains portions of Portage, Geauga, Summit and Cuyahoga Counties. Tinkers Creek has a drainage area of 96.4 square miles and a total length of about 30 miles and enters the Cuyahoga River at RM 16.36. The watershed lies on a glaciated plateau. Soils are mostly silt loam and clayey silt loam. Wetland swamps, bogs and fens are common in the upper watershed. Flows in the lower section of the creek are highly influenced by the discharge of treated wastewater from upstream Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTPs) in 1991 the combined effluent had a median discharge of 11.623 mgd or 17.9 cubic feet per second (cfs). Portions of the stream are on bedrock and form waterfalls which are a natural barrier to fish passage. The lower portions of the stream have formed the Tinkers Creek Gorge which is a National Natural Landmark. Recent acquisitions in the basin by Metro Parks Serving Summit County and the Cleveland Metro Parks have increased the amount of protected watershed in the basin. Many local communities are also involved in protecting and acquiring parkland in the basin.

A5.1.3 Little Cuyahoga River Subbasin

The Little Cuyahoga River subwatershed drains the Akron metropolitan area and is among the most urbanized and densely populated in the state. Housing density within the subbasin is most dense in political subdivisions located along the course of the river and tends to increase from upstream to downstream. Urban runoff is a well-documented source of nonpoint pollution to surface waters (see review by Schuler, 1994), the effects of which on aquatic life are usually exacerbated where sanitary and storm water sewers are combined and discharge into receiving streams (Yoder and Rankin, 1996). This watershed has been subjected to historical flow regulation for industrial purposes, remnants of some of the channel modifications still exist.

A.5.1.4Burmese Project An Akron, Ohio, Burmese refugee community subsistence fishing population has been identified that fishes in the Akron Metroparks at Cuyahoga and Little Cuyahoga Rivers locations. ODNR and Summit County

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Metroparks staff have assisted Ohio EPA to select sampling methods and locations for a Burmese project fish study.

The Burmese population consumes a whole-body fish paste from multiple non-sport and sport species, thus the objective of the sampling is to collect representative small non-sport and sport fish whole-body composite fish samples in the general Burmese fishing locations to determine if there are different exposure levels of concern for contaminants evaluated in Ohio’s Sport Fish Consumption Advisory Program.

A6 – Project/Task Description

A6.1 – Objectives

The general objectives of the study are to collect fish samples within the Cuyahoga River Watershed for tissue analysis to support Ohio’s TMDL process and Fish Consumption Advisories. The assumptions and methods used to determine impairment status are different than those used to determine whether to issue a fish consumption advisory.

Because the assumptions used to calculate the advisories are different than the assumptions used to calculate the WQS, this results in cases where some water bodies have advisories against fish consumption but are not listed as impaired, and some water bodies are listed as impaired but no fish advisory is in place. This situation is demonstrated in the following table:

WQS based WQS based 1 meal per week 1 meal per month Parameter Lake Erie Basin Ohio River Basin FCA FCA

Fish Consumed 15 grams/day 6.5 grams/day 32.6 grams/day 7.6 grams/day

Maximum Allowable Fish Concentration

PCB Threshold 23 ppb 54 ppb 50 ppb 220 ppb

Mercury Threshold 350 ppb 1000 ppb 50 ppb 220 ppb

For additional information, see Ohio EPA’s 2018 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report, Section E (Ohio EPA 2018).

Although the data generated from fish tissue collection is used for different purposes, the collection methods are similar.

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The specific objectives of the study are to:

• Collect preferred species fish (Appendix 2, Table 1) skin-off, fillet composite samples at the 31 tentative sampling stations identified (Appendix 1 – Tentative Fish Tissue Sampling Locations) • Analyze the fish composite fillet samples for organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, Total Arsenic, Total Cadmium, Total Lead, Total Mercury and Total Selenium; and percent fat.

A6.2 – Burmese Project Sampling

Representative, small to medium size non-sport and sport fish whole-body composite fish samples in the general Burmese fishing locations will be collected to determine if the Burmese community is subjected to exposures beyond the typical fish consumption advisory. Two fish sampling locations for the Burmese Project are identified in each of two Ohio EPA tentative sampling station locations listed below (see bold font):

Cuyahoga River

• RM 41.7 F01W64: downstream from the Little Cuyahoga River. Sampling will include two samples of whole-body, small sized non-sport and sport fish samples (which include small to small-medium gizzard shad and sunfish species) in Burmese community samples, an Ohio EPA a full set of samples per the requirements of the Fish Tissue Consumption Advisory Program, and selected Ohio EPA whole-body environmental assessment samples.

• RM 42.6 502150: upstream from the Little Cuyahoga River. We will sample at one of the two absolute location points (ALPs) for an Ohio EPA a full set of samples per the requirements of the Fish Tissue Consumption Advisory Program Little Cuyahoga River

• RM 0.3 502180: mouth of the Little Cuyahoga River. Sampling will include two samples of whole- body, small sized non-sport and sport fish samples (which include small to small-medium gizzard shad and sunfish species) in Burmese community samples, an Ohio EPA a full set of samples per the requirements of the Fish Tissue Consumption Advisory Program, and selected Ohio EPA whole-body environmental assessment samples.

A7 – Quality Objectives and Criteria (Ohio EPA August 2017)

The goal of the Division of Environmental Services’ (DES’) Quality Assurance program is to promote standardization of procedures for data collection and reporting used in support of Ohio EPA's environmental pollution control and abatement programs. Ten percent of all samples collected for inorganic analysis and 5% of the samples collected for organic analysis are analyzed in duplicate where matrix fortification is not feasible, to establish levels of precision. Recovery efficiency is determined using laboratory fortified blanks, laboratory fortified samples, quality control check standards, and surrogate standards. Control limits based on precision and accuracy are used to determine the acceptance or

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rejection of sample data daily (Ohio EPA 2017). Calibration standards, blanks and quality control check standards are analyzed with each analytical batch.

The Ecological Assessment Unit (EAU) field staff will attempt to collect the same preferred fish species (Appendix 2 Table 1 – Preferred Fish Tissue Species) at all fish sample collection sites throughout the Watershed. Priority will be given to the collection of species listed on existing consumption advisories, on historical sampling results, and on sample fish size and fish numbers. Sampling zone lengths may be extended to collect the preferred species/fish numbers. If necessary, similar species will be substituted for preferred species when preferred species presence or numbers are not available because of physical conditions (e.g., drought, flooding, habitat destruction, or pollution impacts). Attempts will be made to provide the best, adequate data while reducing sampling variability.

A.7.1 – Burmese Project Additional Procedures

According to the local health department, members of a Burmese sub-population have been observed netting various small species of fish that are processed as a whole-body fish paste for consumption. This activity has been seen at several locations in Akron Metroparks area which will be sampled.

Ohio EPA field staff will collect the fish samples and deliver them to the Ohio EPA Laboratory (DES). DES will prepare and analyze the samples and Ohio EPA central office staff will forward results to the Ohio Department of Health for data review and data evaluation. A Burmese project report with conclusions and identifying concerns will be generated by Ohio Department of Health staff.

A8 – Special Training/Certification

The Division of Surface Water (DSW) has developed an Access database called “TrainTrack” to document initial trainings and refreshers. All staff involved in collecting any type of environmental sample must complete training associated with that sampling method. The first line supervisors shall ensure staff have the necessary safety and skill set training (initial and refresher training) prior to sampling. Initial fish identification and sampling procedures training and refresher training for fish sampling activities is provided by Ohio EPA EAU staff. Trained staff typically need one to two years of experience before leading a fish sampling crew (Ohio EPA June 2015).

A9 – Documentation and Records

The final Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) will be provided to the appropriate project personnel by e-mail as detailed in the distribution list. As the plan is updated, each person on the distribution list will be sent an email from the team leader with the most current document. The most current date of revision will be included in the document name and in the header of the document.

The format for all data recording will be consistent with the requirements and procedures used for data validation and assessment described in this QAPP. Files generated according to applicable and attached standard operating procedure (SOPs), such as raw data, results of Quality Control (QC) checks, problems encountered, etc., will be documented and reported to the study team.

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All communications regarding study plan changes or refinements, such as changes to sites, staff, parameters, etc. will be filed in the SharePoint project file by the project leader. Other major actions which might affect the Data Quality Objectives (DQOs), project leader changes, etc. will require an updated QAPP with a new signoff sheet.

A9.1 - Document/record control

The recording media for the project will be a combination of paper and electronic means. Data gathered using paper will be recorded using waterproof ink, and changes to such data records will be made by drawing a single line through the error with an initial by the responsible person. Similar methods will be used for electronic data recording.

The Study team Leader shall retain the most recent version of the QAPP and be responsible for distribution of the current version of the QAPP to the project team. Agency management and the Quality Assurance Coordinator (QAC) will approve updates to the QAPP, as needed. The Study Leader shall retain copies of all management reports, memoranda, and all correspondence between team members identified in Section A. Retention of records should emphasize any deviations from the signed QAPP including the rationale for those changes.

A9.2 - Document storage

The study team leader will maintain a central project file, which will act as a repository for all data collected or generated as part of this project. The project file will include both hardcopy and electronic data and will be stored at the Ohio EPA office. All files will be retained by Ohio EPA indefinitely (for a minimum of 10 years).

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Section B – Data Generation and Acquisition

B1 – Sampling Process Design

This study is designed as part of the TMDL process and in support of the basin approach for collecting fish tissue samples during the 2018 field sampling season within the Cuyahoga River watershed for the Ohio Sport Fish Consumption Advisory Program (used to assess chemical contaminant levels in fish) from 22 locations on the Cuyahoga River Mainstem (RM 2.7 to RM 83.8) and at three locations on Breakneck Creek (RM 7 to RM 78.7), Little Cuyahoga River (RM 47 to 61.7), and Tinkers Creek (RM 84 to 96). Sites were sub- selected from the pool of Cuyahoga mainstem sites for various reasons. These include the following: spatial representation, availability of species of interest, and gear access considerations. Tributaries greater than 50 mi2 are typically able to support assemblages of target fish species. Sites were selected on three tributaries to ensure adequate sample numbers of species of interest.

B1.1 – Tentative Fish Tissue Sampling Locations

Fish tissue stations are identified as tentative due to possible limitations like stream access, unsuitable habitat, a degraded stream location, or the unavailability of adequate species or numbers of fish. Tentative fish tissue sampling locations are shown in Appendix 1 – Tentative Fish Tissue Sampling Locations. Station information includes: The Station Name; River Mile (RM) Location; The Drainage Area; Latitude and Longitude; Previous Tissue Species Collected (2017); The 2017 Updated Consumption Advisory Booklet information; Issues (i.e., Location Details); Existing Consumption Advisories; and Comments (e.g., boat access information).

B1.2 – Fish Tissue Collection Methods

Sampling crews will electrofish with methods appropriate for the stream size targeting species of interest for tissue (Biocriteria Methods Vol III). Tissue sampling methods are referenced in B2 – Sampling Methods. The river mile (RM), Latitude and Longitude recorded in decimal degrees to at least 6 decimal places will be recorded at the beginning of each sampling zone. The GPS units will be set to collect waypoints in NAD 83.

B1.3 – Burmese Project Sampling Design

Two sampling locations in each of two Ohio EPA fish sampling zones will be selected for the Burmese Project sampling; the Cuyahoga River RM 41.7 F01W64: downstream from the Little Cuyahoga River; and the Little Cuyahoga River at RM 0.3 502180 at the mouth. Both sampling zones will include two whole-body, small sized non-sport and sport fish samples (which include small to small-medium gizzard shad and sunfish species) in Burmese community samples, an Ohio EPA a full set of samples per the requirements of the Fish Tissue Consumption Advisory Program, and selected Ohio EPA whole-body environmental assessment samples.

B2 – Sampling Methods

B2.1 – Sample Considerations

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When possible collect the same species that were collected historically, with priority given to species identified in consumption advisories; these are listed in the site list. Fish tissue collected for the consumption advisory program will generally meet the needs of the Integrated Report human health standards which requires a minimum of two samples each from Trophic Level 3 and Trophic Level 4 fish per waterbody (Appendix 2 Table 2 – Fish Trophic Levels). Trophic Level 3 fish are generally omnivores and generalist feeders; Trophic Level 4 fish are top carnivores. Tissue samples come in three types: skin-off fillet, skin-on fillet, and whole body. Each of these samples can consist of tissue from a single fish or tissue of multiple fish of a similar size class, called a composite sample. For the purposes of the consumption advisory program, the ideal sample set is five composite samples of at least five individuals each (minimum 3) for each target species per assessed waterbody. The samples should vary in length class, where the smallest length class reflects the minimum size limits set by ODNR. A sample of one or two individuals is acceptable but should be avoided.

All consumption advisory fish tissue samples collected in Lake Erie and the Ohio River should be submitted as skin-on fillets; the only exception being scaleless fish, which should be skin-off fillets. Fillet samples from all other locations are to be submitted as skin-off fillet composites. See Appendix 2 Table 1 – Preferred Fish Tissue Species for the preferred tissue species.

When enough tissue is not collected to meet the ideal sample conditions, it is preferable to maximize the number of samples rather than the number of individuals per sample. For example, fifteen fish of the same species were collected at a site. The preferred method is to create five samples of three individuals rather than three samples of five individuals.

B2.2 – Fish Sample Preparation

The ideal fish composite sample consists of fillets from five fish of the same species, with the smallest fish in the sample within 90% of the total length of the largest fish in the sample. If the smallest fish is not 90% the total length of the largest fish, under no circumstances should a composite be made up of fish with a size difference less than 75%. Total length of the fish is determined by measuring the greatest distance in a straight line (not following body curves) from the anterior most projecting parts of the head to the farthest tip of the caudal fin when its rays are squeezed together (Trautman 1981).

A composite sample may be made up of a single fillet per fish if one of the following conditions are met:

• If 5 or more fish comprise the sample and the sample will have greater than 150 g of tissue or; • If three or more fish greater than 400 mm total length comprise the sample

If a single fillet is taken from a fish for a composite sample, it should be taken from the same side of each fish.

In some circumstances, fillets from more than 5 fish may be needed to collect the minimum 150 g necessary for the laboratory to analyze the sample. In some cases, a single fish may be used for a sample if it is large enough to meet the 150 g limit and no other fish are available. 15 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

B.2.2.1 – Fish Tissue Sample Fillet Preparation Samples can be processed in the field or at a facility. Unprocessed fish can be placed on ice made from water for up to 48-hours before being processed.

Fish will be processed into samples in the following manner:

1. Separate fish into samples according to species and size class. 2. Create and place a field label to be placed with the sample (Appendix 2). The label needs to include date, location, species, and a unique identifier. The Division of Surface Water uses sequential numbers, all beginning with the six-digit Station ID, followed by a hyphen and a two- digit sample number. (e.g. X99X99 – 01, X99X99 – 02, …, X99X99 – n where n is the number of samples per station) as the unique identifier. The label can also include the length and weight data. 3. Prepare a sample submission form (Appendix 2). 4. Rinse fish in a bucket of water from the location where the fish were caught; or if processing in a facility, rinse with regular tap water. 5. Sacrifice the fish by administering a moderate blow to the base of the nape using a fiberglass club. 6. Weigh the fish on the 1000-gram scale to the nearest gram or on the 10-kg scale to the nearest 50 grams, and measure the total length to the nearest millimeter mm using the measuring board (Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 2012). Record weights and lengths on the tissue sample submission form and optionally the field label using waterproof ink, or a pencil. 7. Prepare the fillet samples using the following methods: a. Cover the filleting surface with clean aluminum foil from the roll. b. Wear powderless, disposable gloves when handling fish for tissue processing, changing gloves between each composite sample. c. If skin-on samples, descale the fish. d. Using a clean knife for each sample, fillet both sides of the fish including the belly flesh (or if conditions are met to only use a single fillet [B2.1 – Sample Considerations], fillet a single side); remove the skin from skin-off fillets. e. Set aside both fillets on a sheet of clean aluminum foil. 8. Wrap fillets together in one clean foil packet with the wrapping at least 0.5" away from the fillets to diminish the likelihood of the foil becoming trapped in the frozen tissue. 9. Place the foil packet in a zip closure plastic bag with the field label. a. If the fillets are large (e.g., steelhead trout, common carp), the sample can be split into separate foil packets. Include a field label with each packet and number as follows: 1 of 5, 2 of 5...5 of 5). 10. Place the fish samples in the sample cooler. The cooler can be filled with ice made from water if the samples will be transferred to a freezer in less than 48-hours. To properly freeze fish fillets in the field the cooler should contain about 20 pounds of dry ice for a one-night stay or 40 pounds of dry ice for a two to three-night stay. Place the dry ice in the cooler on the top of

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the fish initially to provide for quicker freezing when out on an extended field trip. Monitor the amount of dry ice remaining in the cooler to ensure that the samples remain frozen. Store sample submission forms until data entry or delivery to the lab.

B2.3 – Whole Body Sample Preparation

Whole body and whole-body composite samples are collected for the Fish Tissue Baseline Program and the Fish Tissue Targeted Assessment Program. Samples are prepared using the same procedures that are used in the fillet sampling procedure, except for the filleting steps. Refer to Appendix 2 Table 1 – Preferred Fish Tissue Species for preferred fish sample species. Based on the purpose of the tissue collection, common ubiquitous species such as creek chub, gizzard shad, or shiner species may also be tested. In these cases, more than 5 individuals may be needed to ensure an adequate 150 g sample weight. Priority species are collected, rinsed with source water, sacrificed, measured, and weighed. Properly sized fish are selected for composite samples, wrapped in aluminum foil, labeled, bagged and placed in a cooler with ice.

B2.4 – Burmese Project Sampling Methods

Electrofishing sampling procedures will be used by Ohio EPA field staff. Mixed species whole-body composite samples consisting of small size non-sport fish and sport fish, including small to small-medium size gizzard shad and sunfish species, will be collected at the four identified Burmese Project sampling locations. Fish whole-body composite sample weight will equal or exceed the 150-gm required analytical weight requirements. Sampled fish species identifications, sample species counts, and species total weight will be recorded. The sample Total Weight will also be recorded. Burmese fish lengths will not be measured.

B3 – Sample Handling and Custody

Access to sample storage freezers is limited to employees with key-card entry to the field facility or people being escorted by field facility employees.

A Chain-of-Custody Form (COC) will be filled out with the name of the person or persons who collected the sample; at least one of these individual’s signature must match the first line of the “Relinquished by” field toward the bottom of the form. The COC will be signed (with the name also printed to provide clarity) in waterproof blue or black ink. The person receiving the samples will then countersign in the “Received by” slot. Any subsequent transfer of samples, either to/from EAS, or to DES will proceed in the same fashion with the person transferring the responsibility of the samples signing the “Relinquished by” slot and the person accepting the samples and responsibility of the samples security countersigning the “Received by” slot. When submitting a COC, a separate COC for each sampling event will be provided. Any questions about COC Forms (requirements or how to fill them out) will be directed to the DES Sample Receiving Coordinator at (614) 644-4243.

All copies of the COC form must stay together until the samples are delivered to the Division of Environmental Services Laboratory (DES). If a copy is desired prior to DES delivery, a photocopy should be made and retained. 17 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

DSW will use Sample Master® to enter information for sample labels and parameters needed for analysis. This system directly connects to the DES Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) so that the same number can now be used to track a sample from creation of sample runs and labels through DES electronic delivery of data. Sample labels are transferred via photocopier to label stock that is adhered to sampling containers.

Written SOPs for Sample Master® are available in the Field Manual Appendix IV, Section D, Sample Master® Instruction Manual. This document describes run creation, addition of samples and parameters, labels and chains of custody, QC samples, field data entry/approval, and final approval of sampling results.

B3.1 Burmese Project Sample Handling and Custody

Burmese Project samples will be handled in the field using fish tissue sampling and Chain-of-Custody procedures described for Ohio EPA’s Consumption Advisory Program samples. The Burmese whole-body mixed species samples will be processed in the field, labeled, wrapped in aluminum foil, bagged, included on a Chain-of-Custody form, temporarily stored at the Field Facility and then transferred to DES for analyses.

B4 - Analytical Methods

DES’ analytical methods are listed in Appendix 3 Table 1 – DES Standard Operating Procedures and are available on Ohio EPA’s eDoc site.

B5 – Quality Control

Sample labels and tissue sample submission forms will be filled out in waterproof blue or black indelible pen. The space “Collected By” will be filled out by a person or list of persons collecting the sample. The “Sample Location” box will match the “Water body” number, River Mile (RM) and Location” spaces on the fish tissue labels. The reported RM and the Latitude and Longitude for a sample location will be the beginning point of the sampled reach. The Latitude and Longitude for the collection site will be reported in decimal degrees (e.g.,38.26351, - 84.67584) Map Datum NAD 83. Percent lipids will be marked on the laboratory organic analytical form. Sample labels for fish tissue samples are either filled out in the field or at EAS.

The standard fish tissue analytes (SIMA 1 metals, mercury, percent lipids, organo-chlorine pesticides, and PCBs) will be indicated on the sample request form; individual chemical parameters and RLs are listed in Appendix 3 Table 2 – Fish Tissue Reporting Limits. If a large volume of tissue is collected for a sample stored as multiple packages, it will be noted on the packages and on the top of the tissue sample submission forms in the manner of 1 of 3, 2 of 3, etc.

Fish tissue quality control is accomplished by selecting fish according to species and fish selected for composite samples as described in Sections B1.1, B2, B2.1, B2.2, and B2.3 to reduce sample variability within and between samples, and to reduce sample cross contamination. In addition, Laboratory QA/QC procedures are followed.

18 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

B5.1 Burmese Project Sampling Exceptions

Burmese Project samples differ from Consumption Advisory Program samples that are skin-off sport fish fillet samples, while Burmese Project samples are mixed species, whole-body, small to medium size non- sport and sport fish samples. Consumption Advisory Program samples are measured and weighed, while Burmese Project fish sample fish lengths are not measured. The Burmese fish sample fish are identified by species, and each species is counted and weighed. The Total weight for all samples is taken and recorded. Modified field sheets will be used to record the Burmese data, as necessary.

B6 – Instrument/Equipment Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance

The team leaders will inspect the equipment prior to and during the sampling. The team leaders will ensure that all equipment remains in functional working condition. The electrofishing gear is subject to a Preventive Maintenance program and is repaired or replaced as needed.

Use of all fish sampling equipment will follow specifications provided in the biological methods cited. Newly received equipment is inspected for quality and consistency with previous equipment.

B7 – Instrument/Equipment Calibration and Frequency

The team leaders have operated and maintained the equipment that will be used during this project for many years. The team leaders will inspect the equipment prior to and during the sampling. The team leaders will ensure that all equipment remains in functional working condition. The electrofishing gear is subject to a Preventive Maintenance program and is repaired or replaced as needed. Use of all fish sampling equipment will follow specifications provided in the biological methods cited. Newly received equipment is inspected for quality and consistency with previous equipment.

B8 – Inspection/Acceptance of Supplies and Consumables

Supplies and consumables will be inspected upon receipt by the field sampling teams. Nearly all the supplies utilized for this project are maintained and used during the normal business operations of the Ohio EPA. The field team leaders will be responsible to ensure that all needed sampling supplies and consumables are available in advance of all field work. It will be their responsibility to maintain and replenish stock. Consumable supplies include aluminum foil, plastic zip closure bags, acetone, deionized water, disposable gloves, and towels. Field personnel will confirm that all reagents are within applicable shelf life. Wet and dry ice are also used to preserve samples. Water ice is produced at the EAU field facility, dry is purchased in bulk from a third-party retailer.

B9 – Non-Direct Measurements

The historical fish species collected in the basin collection area will be reviewed, which may help in the selection of preferred fish sample selection in this study.

B10 – Data Management

19 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

The data management process is shared by the Division of Surface Water (DSW) and Division of Environmental Services (DES). DSW uses a specially designed database called Ecological Assessment and Analysis Application (EA3) and DES uses an off the shelf Laboratory Information Management System called Sample Master® for this purpose. These programs are linked to allow the transfer of information between the two systems. EA3 software is used to assign a permanent six-digit station ID number to each sampling location and to create a project name to associate locations so that data can be exported and assessed in groups. See Field Manual, Appendix IV, Section B.

Sample Master® is used to schedule and administer the samples that are submitted to DES for analysis. The sample collector logs into the system and places an order by selecting the appropriate project, stations to be sampled and test group(s) to be analyzed.

Field and Laboratory chemistry data from a site are paired based on the Laboratory ID number assigned during the sample order process. Field and Laboratory chemistry data are reviewed and approved by the DES QC staff before being released to samplers (and fish advisory staff). Original field sheets will be stored with EAU, and electronically in the project SharePoint.

The project leader will maintain the project file in a dedicated folder on SharePoint. The goal or objective is to have a complete record of all decisions about modifications of data collection, validation or interpretation between the QAPP signoff and project report completion. To achieve this, the project leader will need to be included on emails or otherwise receive summaries of all actions that meet the above description. Project photos (if taken) should all be filed in the Lynx photo management system.

Original field sheets will be stored with EAU, and electronically in the project SharePoint. Examples of the data sheets, field labels, and COC can be found in Appendix 2.

B10.1 Burmese Project Field Sheet Modifications

Field sample sheet modifications will include:

• Sample Type: Mixed Species Whole-Body Composite (MSWBC), • Individual fish lengths will not be recorded, • All species in the sample will be identified and recorded, • Total count of individuals for each species in the sample will be recorded, • Total species weight for each species in the sample will be recorded. • Total Weight of the sample submitted for analyses will be recorded.

Section C – Assessment and Oversight

C1 – Assessments and Response Actions

C1.1 – Assessments

20 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

Periodic assessment of field sites and field equipment is necessary to ensure that sampling goes smoothly, and data obtained meets project needs. This is an ongoing process that continues every day on which the project is implemented as well as larger scale assessments that take place less frequently (e.g., annually). The assessments generally will focus on readiness and consistency of implementation but also are looking for continual improvement opportunities.

Daily assessments (for each day of project activities, as applicable) will include assessment of field equipment and supplies, completeness of the day’s samples and associated field notes, future needs, etc.

Annual assessments will include reviews of data validation and verification, sample completeness and QA/QC review results, quality system targets and processes, status of project resources. These assessments will be completed by the PI and reported to the Project Manager and to the GLNPO Project Officer.

C1.2 - Response Actions

Despite best preparations, assessments may find situations requiring corrective actions (CAs). Small day- to-day level assessment findings are often addressed by the individual doing the assessment in the field and are common enough to the process, to not necessitate a formal response.

Laboratory personnel are aware that response may be necessary (many of these will result in changes to the analytical reporting via data qualifiers and comments) if:

• QC data are outside the warning or acceptable windows for precision and accuracy • Blanks contain target analytes above acceptable levels • Undesirable trends are detected in spike recoveries or RPD between duplicates • There are unusual changes in detection limits • Deficiencies are detected by the laboratory and or project QA officers during any internal or external audits or from the results of performance evaluation samples • Inquiries concerning data quality are received

Corrective action implementation will be determined by the likelihood that the situation may affect the quality of the data. Field corrective actions will be brought to the attention of the study team for consideration as to their impact on the data, their potential interest to other sampling teams/subcontractors, any future considerations for process improvement, and for their potential inclusion to the quarterly reports.

Laboratory corrective actions will follow regular Laboratory procedures and SOPs. Any Laboratory corrective action with the potential to affect data quality will be conveyed to the risk assessor.

C1.3 - Reporting and Resolution of Issues

21 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

Any audits or other assessments that reveal findings of practice or procedure that do not conform to the written QAPP will be corrected as soon as possible. The Study team and QA Officer will be notified regarding deviations, and management will be contacted as necessary?

C1.4 - Data Completeness

Overall success of the project will require the majority of described sampling resulting in successful useable sample results. While conclusions would be possible with a lower percent of successful results, past performance leads us to expect greater than 95% useable data. Potential data gaps will be monitored as the project progresses and the project schedule will be revised to fill these gaps where they are determined to be significant or to potentially impact the fulfillment of project objectives. It’s possible that some desired data will not be collected due to the unpredictable nature of biological sampling and decisions on those assessment units will remain outstanding.

C2 – Reports to Management

Monthly oral progress reports are to be provided to management on the sampling progress and what steps are being taken to resolve any issues or problems. Field staff will report any significant problems to management for any necessary reevaluation of resources

C2.1 – Burmese Project: Evaluation of the Sample Data Burmese Project analytical sample results will be sent to the Ohio Department of Health for data review and data evaluation. A Burmese Project Report with conclusions and identifying concerns will be generated by Ohio Department of Health staff.

Section D – Data Validation and Usability

D1 – Data Review, Verification, and Validation

Data verification, review, and validation will be conducted by the study team with assistance from other DSW staff. This process will confirm that sample results received match samples submitted and parameters requested from the Laboratory. The process will summarize any differences between sampling, methods planned in the QAPP and final results reported and available. Differences may result from samples not being collected (e.g., due to a lack of available organisms), or problems at the Laboratory (e.g., inadequate sample weight), or other reasons. Documenting deviations from the QAPP will be responsibility of the project leader.

The Division of Environmental Services (DES) Laboratory does the initial raw data and data analytical QA/QC review on all data. The DES Laboratory may qualify data based on Laboratory QA/QC alone or with feedback from the sampler (duplicate agreement, matrix spike recovery, etc.). DES identifies potential QA/QC issues but leaves much of the final data qualification to the sampler/data user (supposing that data

22 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

may be useable for some purposes and not for others). The data user can evaluate the data given their knowledge of sampling variability, matrix and data uses, etc.

D2 – Verification and Validation Methods

In addition to verifying data completeness, the study team will oversee data validation for the project that will include confirmation of sample holding times, analytical methods, QA/QC results (including assessment of results for blanks, spikes, and duplicates), etc. A data validation summary will be included in the final report.

The study team will make final decisions regarding the validity and usability of the data and will evaluate the sample collection, analysis, and data reporting processes to determine if the data is of sufficient quality to meet the project objectives. Data validation involves all procedures used to accept or reject data after collection and prior to use. These include screening, editing, verifying, and reviewing. Data validation procedures ensure that objectives for data precision and bias will be met, that data will be generated in accordance with the QAPP and SOPs, and that data are traceable and defensible. The process is both qualitative and quantitative and is used to evaluate the project.

The laboratory QA staff will conduct a systematic review of the analytical data for compliance with the established QC criteria using batch and sample QA/QC information including spike, duplicate, and blank results. The technical holding time will be reviewed, the laboratory analytical instrument performance will be evaluated, and results of initial and continuing calibration will be reviewed and evaluated.

After the raw data have been reviewed, verified, and validated (QA/QC), the data will be released to DSW staff for consumption advisory calculation updates.

D3 – Reconciliation with User Requirements Significant, persistent, or unresolved issues will be brought to the attention of the project Study team, division QC personnel, and EAU and/or DSW management for further evaluation. This combination of personnel will assess how to best label affected data for storage in the EA 3 Database and how to eliminate or limit any similar problems going forward. Data qualifiers applied to sample results by DES at the lab and by samplers in the EA3 system will remain with the analytical results both in EA3 and in STORET/Water Quality Portal when the data is transferred to US EPA. This will reflect limitations of analytical results for current and future users of sampling data. Consideration will also be given on how best to memorialize data limitations or anomalies as the data is transferred to other databases, including the WQ Portal, so that future users of the sampling data are aware of any data quality issues or limitations.

References Ohio EPA, Division of Surface Water. September 2003. Total Maximum Daily Loads for the Lower Cuyahoga River: Final Report. 110 pp.

23 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

Ohio EPA March 2018. Ohio 2018 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report. Division of Surface Water. March 2018. Section E. 30pp.

Ohio EPA. April 2018. Ohio Sport Fish Consumption Advisory. Ohio EPA, Division of Surface Water. April 2018. 26 pp.

Ohio EPA. September 2012. Fish Tissue Collection Manual 22 pp.

Ohio EPA, Division of Environmental Services. August 2017. Quality Management Plan. 41 pp.

Ohio EPA. June 2015. Biological Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Life: Volume III. Standardized Biological Field Sampling and Laboratory Methods for Assessing Fish and Macroinvertebrate communities. Tech. Rept. EAS/2015-06-01. Biocriteria Manual Volume III June 26, 2015. 72 pp.

Trautman, M.B. 1981. The Fishes of Ohio. Ohio State University Press. 782 pp.

24 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

Appendices

Appendix 1 – Tentative Fish Tissue Sampling Locations Assessment Unit River Drain. Station Location (04110002) Mile Existing Advisoriesa Area Latitude Longitude Cuyahoga River (19-001-000) F01W77 at Russell Park 01 06 83.8 82 41.425 -81.1567 F01S19 at Shalersville at St. Rt. 303 02 03 64.3 - Common Carp 178 41.245 -81.286 F01P29 Dst Lake Rockwell at Ravenna Rd 02 03 57.67 - Black Crappie 208 41.1803 -81.3358 300518 at Kent, ust Old Dam (Free Flowing) 03 05 52 - White Sucker 320 41.1392 -81.3922 greater than 16” F01S74 at Ohio Edison Dam Pool 03 05 45.1 337 41.1192 -81.4919 502150 at Akron at Cuyahoga St. 03 05 42.6 340 41.1169 -81.525 F01W64 0.55 mi. dst L. Cuyahoga at Golf Course 04 05 41.71 402 41.1242 -81.5311 502010b at dst Akron WWTP at Bolanz Rd 04 05 33.2 480 41.2019 -81.5686 F01S13 at Jaite at Highland Rd 90 01 24.1 555 41.28876 -81.565 502170 at Station Rd (Impounded) 90 01 20.8 583 41.31833 -81.587 F01S11 at Hillside Rd 90 01 15.61 698 41.3789 -81.6147 F99Q03 at Valley View at I-480 Bridge 90 01 12 - Brown Bullhead 709 41.4097 -81.6344 - Channel Catfish F01S10 Ust Cleveland Southerly WWTP at RR & S.R. 21 90 01 11.33 730 41.4178 -81.6417 - Common Carp F99Q02 Dst Cleveland Southerly WWTP 90 01 10.3 - White Sucker 744 41.4211 -81.6592 F01A25 Ust Cleveland Southerly WWTP 90 01 10.3 greater than 16” 743 41.41818 -81.6477 F01S09 Dst Southerly WWTP at Conrail RR 90 01 9.7 744 41.4269 -81.6658 200025 1.7 Miles dst Cleveland Southerly WWTP 90 01 8.9 745 41.4344 -81.6639 502130 at Cleveland at Lower Harvard Ave 90 01 7.1 786 41.4478 -81.685 F01W43b at Cleveland at LTV Footbridge 90 01 5.9 788 41.4633 -81.6806 200005 at Scranton Rd. Habitat Restoration 90 01 2.74 806 41.48798 -81.6938

25 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

Assessment Unit River Drain. a Station Location (04110002) Mile Existing Advisories Area Latitude Longitude

at Cleveland at mouth 90 01 0.92 - Brown Bullhead 808 41.4944 -81.7033 F01W47b - Channel Catfish - Common Carp F01S06 at Cleveland at Center St. 90 01 0.1 - White Sucker 809 41.50231 -81.7109 greater than 16”

Tinkers Creek (19-007-000) F01S29 Dst Twinsburg WWTP at E. Idlewood Dr. 05 04 13.8 55 41.3331 -81.4578 502090 At Glen Willow, dst Richmond Rd. 05 04 8.65 69 41.3767 -81.49 F01S25 Ust Wood Creek, Adj. Button Rd. 05 04 2.5 91 41.3744 -81.5734 Little Cuyahoga River (19-030-000) Ust Wingfoot Lake Outlet, dst Universal F01S88 03 03 11.2 17.4 41.0581 -81.4322 Materials F01S82 at Akron at Bank St. 03 04 5.11 47 41.0733 -81.4847

502180 at Akron, Near Mouth 03 04 0.3 61.7 41.1147 -81.5275 Breakneck Creek (19-028-000) F01S03 SW of Ravenna at Summit Rd. 02 02 7 56.2 41.1394 -81.2708 F01S51 at Powder Mill Rd. 02 02 3.08 60.7 41.1444 -81.3081 F01W83 Near Mouth 02 02 0.05 78.7 41.1694 -81.3378 a - Advisories existing in the 2018 Sport Fish Consumption Advisory. Other sport fish will also be collected from these locations b - Whole-body common carp samples to be collected (1 - 2 per site)

26 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

Appendix 2 – Field Considerations and Sample Data Sheets

Field Sampling Checklist A variety of equipment is required to ensure that a proper and valid sample is obtained. The following checklist should be used to ensure possession of the necessary equipment and supplies to prepare a sample without contaminating it:

 Extra heavy-duty aluminum foil, 24” by 500’ roll  Sharp, decontaminated fillet knives with plastic handles  Fillet boards  Knife sharpening equipment (diamond hone, whetstone, etc.) used on clean knives  Powder free disposable gloves  Teflon plastic squirt-bottles for dispensing acetone  Pesticide grade acetone for decontaminating knives  Phosphate free liquid detergent for cleaning knives, and pliers  Deionized water for rinsing knives, scalers, and pliers  Metric measuring board  Metric weighing scales (g and kg)  Fish club (fiberglass) for sacrificing fish  Waterproof labels for labeling individual fish tissue samples  Waterproof ink pen for recording information  Clipboard for storing data sheets  Fishes of Ohio identification book  Supply of tissue sample submission forms  Chemistry laboratory chain of custody forms  Maps to the sampling locations  GPS Unit for generating latitude/longitude (NAD 83 – decimal degrees)  Variety of sizes of zip closure plastic bags  Coolers for cold storage of fish tissue samples  Coolant material: dry ice or water (wet) ice

27 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

Appendix 2 Table 1 – Preferred Fish Tissue Species Preferred Fish Tissue Species Percidae Centrarchidae Walleye Largemouth Bass Black Crappie Sauger Smallmouth Bass White Crappie Saugeye Spotted Bass Bluegill Sunfish

Yellow Perch Rock Bass Moronidae Ictaluridae White Bass Channel Catfish Flathead Catfish White Perch Bullhead (Yellow, Brown, Black) Striped Bass Esocidae Cyprinidae White Bass × Striped Bass Northern Pike Common Carp Sciaenidae Freshwater Drum

28 Division of Environmental Services Chemistry Laboratory Chain of Custody Report

Year Month Day Collected by *______Date Received ______(Lab use only) ______

Ohio EPA Districts NEDO SWDO CO Other Y Y M M D D SEDO NWDO CDO Division DSW DERR DDAGW DSIWM DAPC Other Date of Grab Sample Beginning and End Date Laboratory Number(s) ______of Composite Sample (Lab use only) ______

Location(s) ______

______

Q.C. - Field Samples # Trip Blank # Field Bank # Duplicate (organics only)

Sample Type(s) Compliance Ambient Survey Complaint Possible Legal Action With Bioassay Organic(s)

Additional Information/Comments ______

______

Condition of Container of Transfer: _____ Locked or Tamper Proof _____ Unlocked or Not Tamper Proof _____ Initial (Seal all containers)

MILITARY TIME Number of Samples (Containers/Sites) ______Year Month Day Hour Minute Relinquished by ______(must be collector*)

Received by ______

Relinquished by ______

Received by ______

Relinquished by ______

Received by ______

Relinquished by ______

Received by ______

Distribution White-Laboratory EPA 4705 Canary-Originator-After Lab Signature Pink-Q.A. Printed on Recycled Paper Goldenrod-Q.A. Lab Label Lab Label Field ID Station ID - XX Field ID Station ID - XX Station ID Date / / Station ID Date / / Waterbody RM . Waterbody RM . Location Location Collector Collector Sample Sample Description Description

Lab Label Lab Label Field ID Station ID - XX Field ID Station ID - XX Station ID Date / / Station ID Date / / Waterbody RM . Waterbody RM . Location Location Collector Collector Sample Sample Description Description

Field ID Station ID - XX Order Number (lab) Sample ID (lab)

Station ID RM ____.____ Date ____ /____ /____ Time _____:_____ Waterbody Project Location Method Electrofishing County Lat./ Long. Collector Others Organization

Test Information

Survey (Check for regular survey work) Inorganics Organics DSW Fish Tissue ICPMS 6 (As, Cd, Pb, Se) Pesticides Chlordane Other Mercury PCBs Toxaphene Grind Only Note: Only check individual tests when not doing normal survey analysis Sample Information

Species # of Fish Tissue Type Skin-Off / Skin-On FINS Code Sample Type (circle one) Single / Composite (circle one) Whole Body Total Length (mm) / Weight (g) Total Length (mm) / Weight (g) 1 11 2 12 3 13 4 14 5 15 6 16 7 17 8 18 9 19 10 20

Field Comments Lab Comments Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

Appendix 2 Table 2 – Fish Trophic Levels

Trophic Levels Trophic Level 2 CENTRAL STONEROLLER Trophic Level 3 Trophic Level 4 BIGMOUTH BUFFALO LONGEAR SUNFISH BOWFIN BLACK BULLHEAD NORTHERN HOG SUCKER BROOK TROUT BLACK CRAPPIE ORANGESPOTTED SUNFISH FRESHWATER DRUM BLACK REDHORSE PUMPKINSEED SUNFISH LARGEMOUTH BASS BLUE CATFISH QUILLBACK MUSKELLUNGE BLUEGILL SUNFISH REDEAR SUNFISH NORTHERN PIKE BLUNTNOSE MINNOW RIVER CARPSUCKER RAINBOW TROUT BROWN BULLHEAD ROCK BASS SAUGER BROWN TROUT ROUND GOBY SAUGER X WALLEYE CHANNEL CATFISH SHORTHEAD REDHORSE SMALLMOUTH BASS COMMON CARP SILVER CARP SPOTTED BASS COMMON CARP X GOLDFISH SILVER REDHORSE STR. BASS X WH. BASS CREEK CHUB SMALLMOUTH BUFFALO STRIPED BASS FLATHEAD CATFISH SPOTTED SUCKER WALLEYE GOLDEN REDHORSE SUCKERMOUTH MINNOW WHITE BASS GOLDEN SHINER UNSPECIFIED CATFISH GOLDEYE UNSPECIFIED MINNOW GOLDFISH UNSPECIFIED SUCKER GRASS CARP UNSPECIFIED SUNFISH GREEN SF X BLUEGILL SF WARMOUTH SUNFISH GREEN SF X HYBRID WHITE CATFISH GREEN SF X PUMPKINSEED WHITE CRAPPIE GREEN SUNFISH WHITE PERCH HYBRID X MINNOW WHITE SUCKER HYBRID X SUNFISH YELLOW BULLHEAD LONGEAR SF X BLUEGILL SF YELLOW PERCH

32 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

Appendix 3 – Analytical Procedures and Analysis

Appendix 3 Table 1 – DES Standard Operating Procedures Parameters DES Test Method Holding Fish Tissue Time Metals Microwave Prep 400.8 6 mos. X Mercury 438.13 1 year X ICPMS 6 460.4 1 year X GPC Cleanup 581.2 X Tissue Grinding 581.10 X Florisil Packed Column and FlashMaster™ 581.32 X Cleanup/Fractionation

Pesticide/PCB Prep 581.33 X Percent Lipids 581.5 1 year X Pesticides and PCBs Analysis 590.4 1 year X

33 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

Appendix 3 Table 2 – Fish Tissue Reporting Limits Test Parameter Initial Estimated RL RL (includes prep volumes)

Arsenic 0.5 0.05 Cadmium 0.1 0.01 Lead 0.4 0.04 Selenium 1.0 0.1 Mercury 0.2 0.024 Pesticides Aldrin 25 10 a-BHC 25 10 b-BHC 25 10 d-BHC 25 10 y-BHC 25 10 4,4'-DDD 25 10 4,4'-DDE 25 10 4,4'-DDT 25 10 Dieldrin 25 10 Endosulfan I 25 10 Endosulfan II 25 10 Endosulfan Sulfate 25 10 Endrin 25 10 Endrin Aldehyde 25 10 Heptachlor 25 10 Heptachlor Epoxide 25 10 Hexachlorobenzene 25 10 Methoxychlor 25 10 Mirex 25 10 PCBs 1016 50 20 1221 50 20 1232 50 20 1242 50 20 1248 50 20 1254 50 20 1260 50 20

34 Cuyahoga River Watershed Fish Tissue QAPP, 2018 July 9, 2018

Appendix 4 – Other Contacts

Appendix 4 Table 1 – Other Contacts and Hospitals

Safety: ODNR Wildlife Officers: County Sheriff Offices: Cuyahoga County – VACANT Cuyahoga County – (216) 443-6000

Summit County – Daniel Shroyer (330) 245-3042 Summit County – (330) 643-2181 Portage County – Marino Pellegrini (330) 245-3040 Portage County – (330) 296-5100 Geauga County - Scott Denamen (330) 245-3035 Geauga County – (440) 286-1234 Hospitals: Cuyahoga County: Summit County: MetroHealth Medical Center Summa Health System 2500 Metrohealth Dr 444 Main St

Cleveland, OH 44109 Akron, OH 44310

(216)Portage 778 County:-7800 (330)Geauga 375 County:-3000 University Hospitals Portage Medical Center University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center 6693 N Chestnut St 13207 Ravenna Rd

Ravenna, OH 44266 Chardon, OH 44024

(216) 844-8447 (440) 285-6000