Abstract |
The Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study (A/P Study) was initiated in 1987 under the administration of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with funding through the National Estuarine Program (NEP). The goals of the A/P Study include determining the environmental problems facing North Carolina's estuarine areas and protection and management of those estuaries to provide for recreational, industrial, and commercial uses. The baseline water quality monitoring plan was developed by the Division of Environment Management (DEM) with assistance from DMF and USGS. Using DEM's existing ambient monitoring program, 20 new water quality stations were added to the 74 existing ambient stations in the A/P Study area. Other components of the baseline monitoring plan included fish tissue analysis at 26 stations, sediment oxygen demand (SOD) sampling in critical areas, and a synoptic water quality study. Implementation of the baseline monitoring plan began in October 1988. This report presents the results of the synoptic water quality study. |