2007 PRWC Macroinvertebrate (RBV) Survey Results
Last September 20 Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition volunteers participated in a one day macroinvertebrate survey at 5 locations within the watershed.  Macroinvertebrates are small organisms that spend part of their life cycle clinging to the undersides of rocks in river riffles.  Some are fussy about their environment and where present are good indicators of excellent water quality
   
PRWC is one of a number of volunteer groups statewide who contribute data to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) annual “Rapid Bioassessment in Wadeable Streams & Rivers by Volunteer Monitors” (RBV) program.  Developed by the DEP’s Mike Beauchene, RBV is a one-day training and survey program for citizen groups.  The DEP is mandated by the Federal Clean Water Act to monitor water quality of the State’s rivers and streams.  The RBV program aids in identifying either high or low quality water and augments additional studies by DEP scientists.  The presence of at least four of the “most wanted” (i.e., fussiest) organisms is an indicator of excellent water quality.  
   
The results for the September 15, 2007 survey are posted below.  Additional information, including data identification sheets, can be found at the DEP website: www.ct.gov/dep Enter “bioassessment” in the search box.  The official statewide results for 2007 will be published on the DEP’s website in the Spring.
   
This was the second year for PRWC’s participation.  Volunteers are looking forward to another fun and enlightening day next Fall.  Saturday, September 27, 2008 is the date.  Mark your calendars!
2007 PRWC Macroinvertebrate (RBV) Survey Results (9/15/07)
Pomperaug River at Bent of River Audubon Center, off E. Flat Hill Road, Southbury
Site no: 54-001; Basin id: 6800; DEP station id: 1313
YLat: 41.46723056; XLong: -73.25804722
organism common name category panel
number
Chimarra Orange Head Caddisfly moderately wanted 10
Hydropsychidae Common Net Spinner moderately wanted 9
Nigronia Fishfly larva moderately wanted 13B
Psephenus Water Penny Beetle Larva moderately wanted 12
Stenonema Flat Headed Mayfly moderately wanted 11
Isonychia Minnow Mayfly most wanted 2
Perlidae Common Stonefly most wanted 5A
Rhyacophila Michelin man Caddisfly most wanted 7
Weekeepeemee River downstream Jacks Bridge Road at USGS gage, Woodbury
Site no: 54-003; Basin id: 6804; DEP station id: 1468
YLat: 41.55752603; XLong: -73.21546419
organism common name category panel
number
Midge Midge least wanted 15D
Chimarra Orange Head Caddisfly moderately wanted 10
Hydropsychidae Common Net Spinner moderately wanted 9
Nigronia Fishfly larva moderately wanted 13B
Odonata Dragonfly and Damselfly Nymphs moderately wanted 14
Psephenus Water Penny Beetle Larva moderately wanted 12
Stenonema Flat Headed Mayfly moderately wanted 11
Glossosoma Saddle Case Maker most wanted 6A
Isonychia Minnow Mayfly most wanted 2
Perlidae Common Stonefly most wanted 5A
Nonnewaug River upstream Minortown Road adjacent to Mill Road, Woodbury
Site no: 54-004; Basin id: 6802; DEP station id: 770
YLat: 41.57283647; XLong: -73.18439144
organism common name category panel
number
Chimarra Orange Head Caddisfly moderately wanted 10
Hydropsychidae Common Net Spinner moderately wanted 9
Nigronia Fishfly larva moderately wanted 13B
Psephenus Water Penny Beetle Larva moderately wanted 12
Isonychia Minnow Mayfly most wanted 2
Perlidae Common Stonefly most wanted 5A
Transylvania Brook off of Rt. 172 south of Training School, Southbury
Site no: 54-005; Basin id: 6806; DEP station id: 597
YLat: 41.48263717; XLong: -73.25945392
organism common name category panel
number
Hydropsychidae Common Net Spinner moderately wanted 9
Nigronia Fishfly larva moderately wanted 13B
Odonata Dragonfly and Damselfly Nymphs moderately wanted 14
Simuliidae Black Fly least wanted 15E
Nonnewaug River downstream Rt. 47 (Washington Rd.), Woodbury
Site no: 54-006; Basin id: 6802; DEP station id: 230
YLat: 41.55753056; XLong: -73.21215556
organism common name category panel
number
Amphipod Amphipod, Scud least wanted 15A
Midge Midge least wanted 15D
Simuliidae Black Fly least wanted 15E
Hydropsychidae Common Net Spinner moderately wanted 9
Nigronia Fishfly larva moderately wanted 13B
Odonata Dragonfly and Damselfly Nymphs moderately wanted 14
Psephenus Water Penny Beetle Larva moderately wanted 12
Stenonema Flat Headed Mayfly moderately wanted 11
Brachycentrus Mid-size Plant Case Builder most wanted 8A
Glossosoma Saddle Case Maker most wanted 6A
Isonychia Minnow Mayfly most wanted 2
Perlidae Common Stonefly most wanted 5A