Additional questions about data entry and incorrect physical characteristics?
Q: One question is the use of data other than data that is noted on the
site, specifically, what to do about the fact that the population and
land use values are old.
A: First a brief background explanation of why the data are so old. The reason are
these used is that they are the ones that were available on a national basis and
they have not been updated
as yet. In cases where you have more recent data, please do use those
values to update loading etc. The important thing is that you note that
you have used more recent data and also indicate where the data is from.
Q: Where can we note what the sources are for data used in the survey?
A: There isn't any obvious place to do this and so I recommend that you
make this notation at the comment box associated with the DIN and DIP
loading estimate where it asks why loads have changed since the
estimated load for the early 1990s (ie the values reported in the 1999
report and also specified on the online survey tool). Note whether the
loads have change (i.e. enter the updated value), what the more recent
loads are. In the comment box please note the source of the data and
here is a place where you can also note that the land use and population
values have changed. Additionally, the same information should be
included in the comment box of the section near the end of the survey
called "Accuracy of Assessment." After noting whether the evaluation is
accurate, make a note in the comment box that the population and land
use have been updated. This will also be a topic at the workshop.
I want to emphasize that in cases where more recent data exists that we
will use the updated values that you provide for making the assessment
and will note them in the report. For systems that do not have updated
values that have been independently determined (ie nothing other than
SPARROW or other model estimate exist) we will use the model estimates.
Q: What about data that are incorrect that do not have data entry blanks for updates (e.g. flow and other physical charachteristics)
A: Others have looked at the flow and other data we have used to
characterize the physical and hydrologic conditions in systems and found
that they are incorrect. Unfortunately, there is no entry block for this
type of data and so for these data updates please use the comment box in
the end at the "Accuracy of Assessment" section as for the updated
population and land use (etc) characteristics. We will compile this data
as it comes in and at the workshop will hope to have updated data files
for estuary characteristics. This is one of the more important functions
of the review workshop, to make sure that we've got everything as right
as it can be.
Thanks again for your help and please continue to contact us if you have further questions.
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