Division of Surface Water Credible Data - Application Forms




Credible Data is a program that classifies surface water monitoring performed by watershed groups, state agencies, schools, local volunteers and other organizations. Ohio EPA uses the data submitted under the program in ways prescribed by State law.

Application Forms


Application forms are available at the links below. The forms may be filled out on-line but must be printed, signed, and mailed to Ohio EPA (the address is on the forms).

Within 30 days of receipt Ohio EPA will notify the applicant if the form is complete (or what information is incomplete) and within 30 days of the form being deemed complete, the Ohio EPA will notify the applicant of his or her status (approved or denied). Under the administrative rules for the program all denials of Qualified Data Collector (QDC) status are proposed actions of the Director and may be appealed to the Agency’s Hearing Officer. The same rule also allows the Director to revoke a person’s QDC status for cause, including falsification of information on the application.

Each application form is available as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file and a Microsoft Word DOC file. The forms can be downloaded and completed by using your keyboard to type in the appropriate language or to make the appropriate selections.
PDF File Notes:
The PDF forms can be completed and saved using the free Adobe Acrobat reader (version 7.0 or later)*.
DOC File Notes:
If the text of the DOC form jumps around while you're typing, switch to Normal View (under View on the Word toolbar or in the lower left hand corner of your screen).
 
Qualified Data Collector Status Form # Downloads
Level 1 4315 [PDF] [DOC]
Level 2 and Level 3 Stream habitat assessment 4311 [PDF] [DOC]
Level 2 and Level 3 Benthic macroinvertebrate biology 4312 [PDF] [DOC]
Level 2 and Level 3 Chemical water quality assessment 4313 [PDF] [DOC]
Level 3 Fish community biology 4314 [PDF] [DOC]
Status Renewal 4317 [PDF] [DOC]
Level 1 Trainer 4318 [PDF] [DOC]
Level 2 or 3 Trainer 4319 [PDF] [DOC]

Note: A collection permit may be required from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for biological sampling. This includes collection of fish, macroinvertebrates, mollusks, shells, etc. but does not include, for example, identifying, counting, and releasing macroinvertebrates. Contact Ron Ollis (at 614-265-6315) with the Division of Wildlife before collecting samples.

* Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the [PDF] publications.  If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, click here to download it for free.
 

Ohio EPA logo

Contact the Division of Surface Water
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, OH 43216-1049
Street Address: 50 West Town Street, Suite 700 Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 644-2001 ~ Fax: 644-2745 ~ E-mail
Emergency Response Hotline (800) 282-9378