RCSC Hosts Free Monitor Training Sessions

The Richland Countywide Stormwater Consortium (RCSC) will host a free Adopt-A-Stream Chemical, Bacterial and Macroinvertebrate training session for volunteer monitors on Monday, June 5, and Tuesday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The training sessions include classroom and hands-on instruction—teaching volunteers how to select an appropriate monitoring site, use and store equipment properly, practice water safety, collect samples, assess a river’s health, and enter data to assign a site’s rating.

The S.C. Adopt-A-Stream (AAS) program is a great way to get involved in the community and ensure our waterways are safe for everyone. Certified volunteers select a site in their community to monitor monthly with kits that are provided free of charge. AAS focuses on three water-quality parameters: chemical, bacterial and biological. Chemical parameters include dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and conductivity. The biological health of the stream is estimated by collecting living stream organisms, known as aquatic macroinvertebrates. The collected data is uploaded onto the S.C. Adopt-A-Stream website. Participants are asked to wear clothing and boots suitable for soiling and water wading. Attendees should also bring a lunch. RSVP is required.

Location: Camp Discovery, 208 Claude Bundrick Rd., Blythewood. For more information, visit aaschembactraining.eventbrite.com or aasbiotraining.eventbrite.com.