1	Abnormal Sampling Results Flow Chart pgs 11-11 & 11-12 Question 1. Is there evidence of criminal activity such as illegal drug activity (e.g., meth labs)? Yes – Leave IMMEDIATELY and call sheriff or local law enforcement. No – Go to question 2
2	Question 2 Question 2. Is there evidence of dangerous pollution discharges, fish kills, or public health hazards? Yes. Immediately report to the Iowa DNR's Environmental ProtectionServices Division Regional Field Office for your area (see appendices). Be sure to note location and visual information, but DO NOT DISTURB THE AREA OR EVIDENCE. Besides possibly distorting useful information, you may be in physical danger if you touch or move these items. No. Go to question 3
3	Question 3 Question 3. Are your abnormal results dealing with biological parameters (benthic macroinvertebrates, algae, etc.), chemical parameters (nitrate, phosphate, etc.), or physical parameters (color, odor, temperature)? Biological – Go to Question 4 Chemical – Go to Question 5 Physical – Go to Question 6
4	Question 4 Question 4. Has there been a dramatic shift in the make-up of your stream's benthic macroinvertebrates? Yes – Call your regional Iowa DNR Environmental Services Division field office during regular business hours with results and concerns. No – You may want to report your findings to the IOWATER Coordinator or continue sampling regime to document long-term trends.
5	Question 5 Question 5. Do you know that your sample value for a given parameter exceeds water quality standard limits? Yes. Always double check unusual results. Make sure your test strips (or reagents) are viable. Have another person run the test to make sure the process was done correctly. Call your regional Iowa DNR Environmental Services Division field office during regular business hours with results and concerns. No. Contact the IOWATER Coordinator.
6	Question 6 Question 6. Is there evidence of excess chemical or petroleum inputs? Yes. If the input could result in immediate hazard, call the Iowa DNR's Toxic Spill Hotline at (515) 281-8694. Otherwise, report to your regional Iowa DNR's Environmental Services Division field office. No – Go to question 7.
7	Question 7 Question 7. Has there been a steady shift in other physical parameters, such as water color, odor, or temperature? Yes – Contact the IOWATER Coordinator. No – Continue your sampling regime to document long-term trends.
8	Safety Use the buddy system Use caution when getting in and out of the stream Watch out for high flows Monitor during the daylight Always wear waders or ‘river shoes’ Watch for poison ivy, ticks, and nettles Wash off afterwards Be aware of your surroundings