Selected Project Experience

Taxonomic Services: Western United States Benthic Macroinvertebrates

USEPA Benthic Macroinvertebrate Taxonomy Services (2001 – 2005).
Beginning in 2001, EcoAnalysts sorted and identified over four hundred samples per year for the EMAP-West effort in twelve Western states. We sorted and identified samples to genus/species level except for Oligochaete worms. EcoAnalysts maintained rigorous quality assurance standards and documented the results. During this project, EcoAnalysts worked closely with EPA staff to develop the sample handling protocols, standard taxonomic effort and data delivery protocols necessary for a project of such magnitude. Data were used in a report to US Congress (2006) on the status of water quality across the nation. The project yielded interesting taxonomic records in several states. Our taxonomists have published some of these findings and more publications are in preparation.

Idaho DEQ Benthic Macroinvertebrate Taxonomy Services (1994 – 2006).  
Since 1994 EcoAnalysts has processed a minimum of 300 samples annually for the Idaho DEQ Beneficial Use Reconnaissance Program. The maximum processed in a single year was more than eight hundred samples. Samples are identified to lowest practical level, including Chironomid midges and Oligochaete worms to genus/species level. Sorting and identification QA protocols are identical to the EMAP-West methods. Each sample is vouchered by taxon and deposited in a museum collection at the Orma J. Smith Museum at The College of Idaho.

Snake River Benthic Macroinvertebrate Taxonomy Services (1995 – present).
Since 1995 EcoAnalysts has processed between 600 – 1,100 samples per year for Idaho Power Company as a part of the studies conducted during the relicensing of hydroelectric dams. We identify samples to the lowest practical level including Chironomid midges and Oligochaete worms. Samples are vouchered by taxon and all specimens are deposited in the Orma J. Smith Museum at Albertson College of Idaho.

Nevada Benthic Macroinvertebrate Taxonomy Services (2004 – present).
EcoAnalysts sorted and identified 200 samples for the State of Nevada DEP.  We identify samples to genus-level including Chironomid midges.