For much of the past year, Holley environmental science students have made Sandy Creek their classroom. The ninth-graders had the opportunity to monitor water quality along the local waterway thanks to a $10,000 Toyota Tapestry Grant that provided them with the special equipment necessary to make accurate readings. Beginning last fall, the students measured 10 water quality parameters both upstream and downstream from where the Erie Canal enters Sandy Creek. The parameters were: water velocity, water discharge, acidity/alkalinity, conductivity, hardness, nutrients, fecal bacteria, macro invertebrates, turbidity (clearness), and dissolved oxygen. Students presented their findings at a community forum. In their findings, they concluded that the water at both locations had good Water Quality Index ratings, and had an excellent rating based on the macro invertebrates (organisms without backbones that can be seen without magnification) collected. The variations in velocity and discharge were expected as a result of increased flow from the canal. In addition, students found that discharge from the Holley Sewage Treatment Plant downstream complicated their findings. In the future, students may measure discharge directly from the canal. "We're not a certified lab, but students followed all the scientific protocols," said teacher Dan Goodwin. Students used such instruments as Texas Instruments temperature, EKG, light, dissolved oxygen and dual force probes, and stream current meters. The project also involved Holley second graders, who helped the older students establish plants along the streambed to reduce erosion and improve water quality. Sixth grade classes researched what plants to establish in the area. |
