Exhibit 7 - PH Protocol.docx

Protocols for pH/temperature monitoring The Tellico River and Snowbird Creek watersheds lie atop a geologic formation containing high sulfur compounds. Additionally, these watersheds lie within a region potentially exposed to elevated sulfates from atmospheric deposition. Acid neutralizing capacity monitoring in 2008 indicated that streams within the Tellico River watershed have a low capacity to buffer surface water fluctuations in pH. Based upon monitoring, the streams within the Tellico River watershed can be classified as episodically acidic – these streams may experience low pH during storm runoff events. Severe declines in pH have been linked to mortality of trout eggs and alevins. The potential effects of pH fluctuations on brook trout populations will be monitored by use of pH loggers placed within streams.

A total of ten pH/temperature loggers will be placed within selected streams at the sites specified below. These loggers will need to be placed in secure locations in the streams and checked periodically to ensure they are still functional. The loggers should be placed into the streams by April 1 of each year. The data should be downloaded to a computer and data loggers should be removed from the streams when the daily minimum air temperatures reach the unit’s lower operating temperature (23˚F for the MadgeTech loggers).

Data loggers should be placed at the following locations:

Data loggers will be programmed to measure pH and water temperature on hourly intervals to track changes in pH during storm events.

Data Analysis:

Mean (with standard deviation), minimum, and maximum pH and water temperatures should be reported for each site. Graphical presentation and/or tabular summaries of the data are acceptable for the report but electronic copies of the raw data should be presented to the U.S. Forest Service.