WATER QUALITY--Field and Laboratory Methods- Sediment


Code 4300-6016                     November 25, 1970



WATER RESOURCES DIVISION MEMORANDUM NO. 71.73

To:       District Chiefs and Regional Hydrologists, WRD

From:     Assistant Chief, Research & Technical Coordination, WRD

Subject:  WATER QUALITY--Field and laboratory methods- sediment

You should all have received copies of the following Techniques of 
Water Resources Investigations series:

Book 3, Chapter C1 - Fluvial Sediment Concepts

Book 3, Chapter C2 - Field Methods for Measurement of Fluvial 
                     Sediment

Book 5, Chapter C1 - Laboratory Theory and Methods for Sediment 
                     Analysis

These publications describe the techniques that have been adopted 
by the Geological Survey for the collection and analysis of 
sediment samples collected in rivers.  In order to assure 
compatibility of sediment data throughout the Division, all 
sediment samples collected in rivers will be collected and 
analyzed in accordance with the methods described in these 
publications.  The USGS techniques have been developed and 
improved over the past 25 years in cooperation with other Federal 
agencies involved in the collection of sediment data in rivers.  
At this time, virtually all other Federal agencies have adopted 
the same basic techniques described in these publications.

The development of new or improved techniques, both in the field 
and in the laboratory, must continue in order to keep abreast of 
the current needs and to reduce costs.  Therefore, development of 
new techniques in the Districts is encouraged.  However, new 
methods or techniques must be examined and approved by the Quality 
of Water Branch to ensure adequate quality control.

Any new techniques proposed for either the collection of sediment 
samples in the field or the laboratory analysis of sediment 
samples should be clearly described and sent to the Chief, Quality 
of Water Branch, Washington, D.C., Code 4300-6016. Copies also 
should be sent to Mr. P. C. Benedict, Regional Research 
Hydrologist, PCR, Menlo Park, California.  Mr. Benedict is the 
USGS representative on the Technical Committee, Sedimentation 
Committee of the Water Resources Council.  The Technical Committee 
directs the work of the Federal Interagency Sedimentation Project 
at St. Anthony Falls Hydraulics Laboratory.




                              R. E. Oltman

WRD Distribution:  A, B, S, FO-L, PO