MSS027006A - Coordinate water quality management activities
Assessor Resource
MSS027006A Coordinate water quality management activities
Assessment tool
Version 1.0 Issue Date: April 2024
This unit of competency is applicable to environmental site coordinators, environmental managers and senior environmental officers working in a range of industry sectors, such as:
environmental services involved with sampling, monitoring and/or management of surface water, groundwater, stormwater or wetlands
environmental compliance, auditing and inspection.
Note that the term ‘manager’ is used to refer to management of a function, project and/or program and does not necessarily imply line management.
This unit of competency covers the ability to oversee the day-to-day water quality management activities for a site, project or an ongoing program. Personnel are required to interpret and implement a water quality management plan, organise specified management activities, verify the quality of monitoring data and investigate and rectify unexpected or unacceptable results, monitor compliance with relevant water quality objectives or standards, and provide reports. They work under the supervision of an environmental scientist or engineer, site manager or enterprise environmental manager.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
MSS024006A
Perform sampling and testing of water
Employability Skills
Not applicable.
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
Overview of assessment
Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
planning and implementing the day-to-day water quality management activities for a site, project or ongoing program
explaining water quality management plans, procedures, sampling/monitoring methods and operation of monitoring equipment clearly and accurately
verifying the accuracy and completeness of water quality data, results and technical records
investigating unexpected or unacceptable water quality results in a logical and efficient manner
reporting water quality results, performance and opportunities for improvements in accordance with enterprise procedures
maintaining water quality records in accordance with legislative/licensing/enterprise requirements.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.
This unit of competency may be assessed with:
MSS027011A Select, commission and maintain environmental monitoring instruments.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
sampling methods and description of monitoring set-up, and access to monitoring, sampling and testing equipment
computer and relevant software or enterprise information management system.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
review of water quality management data files, results and records verified by the candidate
feedback from managers and site personnel regarding the candidate’s ability to safely coordinate day-to-day water quality management activities
review of reports and recommended improvements for water quality monitoring or management prepared by the candidate
questions to assess understanding of procedures governing the validation of data; acceptability of data/results; sources of water quality data variability, interferences and uncertainty; and relevant preventative or corrective actions
analysis of case studies/reports of relevant water quality management issues and incidents
observation of the candidate providing water quality management information and/or instruction to other personnel.
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.
Guidance information for assessment
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Required skills
Required skills include:
accessing, interpreting and applying relevant legislative/regulatory requirements, standards, codes, guidelines and equipment manuals
explaining relevant water quality standards, sampling/monitoring methods, equipment operating procedures and enterprise water quality management actions clearly and concisely
verifying the accuracy and completeness of water quality data, results and technical records
using statistical tests (e.g. to determine data acceptability, estimate uncertainties, examine trends and infer basic relationships)
recognising unexpected or unacceptable data and results
analysing records of sampling, monitoring and/or calibration activities to identify potential causes of unacceptable/unexpected data and results
recommending appropriate preventative/corrective actions to control potential/actual non-conformances or incidents
solving complex technical problems, including identifying and rectifying instrument faults
responding effectively to complaints and requests for information
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
maintaining records and providing accurate, complete and timely reports
working safely and monitoring the safety of others
Required knowledge
Required knowledge includes:
water quality management terminology, concepts and principles
legislative/regulatory requirements, standards, codes and guidelines dealing with water quality
enterprise water quality management plans, procedures (and water quality issues, control measures and mitigation/management actions for site/project, if relevant)
measurement parameters and for waters, sediments or biota (relevant to job role)
detailed scientific and technical knowledge of the samples, sampling/monitoring methods, equipment, materials and instrumentation used to generate the water quality data, including calibration, fault-finding and troubleshooting
expected values for water quality parameters, relevant ANZECC guidelines, and statutory environmental quality concentration limits or similar
problem-solving techniques and cause analysis
impacts of common human, environmental and/or meteorological factors on data quality
sources of interference, uncertainty, limitations of methods and sources of variability
enterprise procedures for identifying/assessing environmental risks/impacts, responding to complaints and environmental incidents, and record management and reporting water quality data
interpersonal communication, negotiation and conflict resolution techniques
relevant health, safety and workplace emergency response procedures
Codes of practice
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used
Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:
federal legislation, such as:
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with:
land use, acquisition, planning and protection
environmental protection
pollution and contaminated sites
Australian and international standards, such as:
AS/NZS 2031:2001 Selection of containers and preservation of water samples for microbiological analysis
AS 3550 series - Water analysis
AS/NZS 4276 series - Water microbiology
AS/NZS 5667 series - Water quality - sampling
US Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Methods and guidance for the analysis of water
American Public Health Association (APHA) Standard methods for the examination of waters and wastewaters
ANZECC Guidelines for fresh and marine water quality
Australian Guidelines for water quality monitoring and reporting
enterprise sampling and monitoring protocols
equipment manuals and warranties, supplier catalogue and handbooks
government policy (e.g. environmental protection and impact assessment)
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
occupational health and safety (OHS) national standards and codes of practice
site-specific requirements
Water quality measurement parameters (field and laboratory)
Water quality measurement parameters may include:
physical and chemical tests, such as:
temperature
electrical conductivity
phosphorus (total and soluble reactive)
nitrogen (nitrate, organic, ammonia and Kjeldahl)
ratio of total phosphorus to total nitrogen
total organic carbon (TOC)
dissolved organic carbon (DOC)
biological oxygen demand (BOD)
chemical oxygen demand (COD)
true colour (Pt/Co units)
turbidity
Secchi disk depth
total suspended solids
volatile suspended solids
chlorophyll and phaeophytin
pH
silica
metals (total and dissolved)
organic and inorganic pollutants
microorganisms
ecotoxicological tests, such as:
toxicity tests (bioassays) using bacteria, algae, invertebrates and fish
use of biomarkers and bioaccumulation
ecological assessment (e.g. Australian River Assessment System (AUSRIVAS) for rapid assessment of health using macro invertebrates)
Sampling and field monitoring equipment
Sampling and field monitoring equipment may include:
bottle sampling containers (e.g. glass, polyethylene and plastic)
pumping systems for shallow depths, depth samplers, automatic samplers and integrating samplers
groundwater sampling systems
sediment sampling systems
samplers for aquatic organisms, such as nets, traps, cages, hose pipe, sticks and modified brushes
reagents, such as acid washes, electrode filling and storage solutions, and preservatives
filters, such as membrane, microfiber and paper
parameter specific meter or multi-probes (e.g. dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, pH, turbidity, nitrates, phosphates and temperature)
field test kits to determine such parameters as dissolved gases, chemical anions and cations, heavy metals, E. coli and BOD
portable colorimeters, field microscopes
data loggers and global positioning system (GPS)
Water quality reports
Water quality reports may include:
weekly and monthly environmental reports
non-conformance report form
contributions to regulatory agency reports as required by permit, approval or licence conditions
Water quality records
Water quality records may include:
digital photographs of water quality monitoring sites
data files
records required by permit, approval or licence conditions
records of monitoring equipment purchase, calibration, inspection, maintenance and service
records of complaints and government requests
records of water quality non-conformances, incidents or significant impacts
contractor and supplier information
internal quality/environmental audit reports
electronic/hard copy correspondence
records of approved expenditure and orders
Water quality management actions
Water quality management actions will vary greatly with the type of site and industrial processes involved and may include:
correct handling and storage of chemicals and fuels to prevent spills to wetlands and stormwater system
minimising water consumption through substitution, water efficient devices and recycling/reuse
scheduling of works to enable disturbed areas to be promptly re-vegetated or stabilised progressively
regular inspection and maintenance of sediment control structures and stormwater drainage pits
keeping stormwater run-off free of litter, gross pollutants and contaminants
diversion of clean run-off away from disturbed areas
use of vegetated swale drains and filter strips
use of erosion control structures, such as silt fences, sand bags and geofabric wrapped hay bales
checking water for contaminants before disposal
controlling the timing, frequency and magnitude of water releases from the site
controlling access of feral/stock and domestic animals to wetlands
limiting disturbance of wetlands, riparian areas and drainage channels by vehicles and/or boats
OHS and environmental management requirements
OHS and environmental management requirements:
all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time
all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied
where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice
Yes
No
Comments/feedback
Review legislative, regulatory and licensing requirements and approvals that apply to site/project/program
Review current water quality management plan, including objectives, known issues, specified management activities and any required changes
Review previous water quality records and reports, if available
Confirm that water quality monitoring sites, sampling and measurement methods, instrumentation and enterprise procedures are in accordance with relevant standards and guidelines
Clarify own scope of responsibility/authority for achieving specific outcomes and the roles of other key personnel
Identify resources available to conduct water quality management activities
Develop a consolidated schedule to ensure all activities can be conducted efficiently with the available resources
Develop checklists/clear work instructions to enable personnel to perform assigned tasks efficiently and with minimal errors
Ensure that personnel who conduct monitoring and/or collect water samples are competent to undertake their assigned tasks
Ensure water quality monitoring equipment is regularly calibrated and maintained and that adequate stocks of consumables are available
Ensure water samples are handled in accordance with the sampling method and chain of custody requirements and dispatched promptly for analysis
Conduct, or arrange for, regular site inspections to monitor the effectiveness of water quality management actions (if relevant to site/project/program)
Advise relevant personnel when specified water quality management actions are not being implemented effectively (if relevant to site/project/program)
Conduct, or arrange for, additional monitoring/inspections after atypical events, legitimate complaints or government requests
Identify relevant job instructions, data and technical records in enterprise information management system
Confirm that technical records provide sufficient information to ensure traceability/chain of custody for the monitoring activities involved
Compare monitoring data with expected values and identify any outliers
Inspect data records to identify any gaps and to check the integrity of data entry, transfers, alterations and calculations
Notify manager when data is incomplete or contains significant errors, and clarify what action to take
Compare results with expected and/or relevant guideline values and identify any significant differences or trends
Check the reliability of results by examining data or results from repeat measurements and/or tests of duplicate samples or other monitoring stations
Assess the significance of any recorded observations of atypical environmental or meteorological conditions
Check that all calculations are free from error
Check that estimations of uncertainty are reasonable and consistent with the sampling method and relevant guidelines, if relevant
Report results that meet enterprise data quality standards and are consistent with expectations
Examine records of pre-use checks and calibration performance to ensure that the sampling equipment and/or monitoring/test instruments used meet specifications and enterprise requirements
Establish whether human, environmental and/or meteorological factors could have affected the reliability of results
Check for obvious sources of interference that may have occurred during measurements or analysis of samples
Retrieve stored samples (if available) and assess whether they are atypical or contaminated
Arrange for control tests using the same or new samples to check unexpected results, if relevant
Report unexpected results that meet enterprise data quality standards
Identify possible root causes of unacceptable results and appropriate preventative/corrective actions
Report investigation outcomes and recommendations for improvements in accordance with enterprise procedures
Seek manager’s advice when challenges are beyond own technical competence or when input from environmental specialists may be required
Provide regular reports about water quality, including instances of potential/actual non-conformance, incidents and the actions taken in each case
Report opportunities and recommendations for improvements in water quality monitoring or management in accordance with enterprise procedures
Ensure all water quality records are legible, accurate and satisfy enterprise/legislative requirements
Store water quality records to enable easy access and review by authorised personnel in accordance with enterprise procedures
Regularly review water quality records to identify any significant trends and impacts
Identify any problems with the maintenance and security of water quality records and resolve them promptly
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
MSS027006A - Coordinate water quality management activities
Assessment task 1: [title]
Student name:
Student ID:
I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.
Student signature:
Result: Competent Not yet competent
Feedback to student
Assessor name:
Signature:
Date:
Assessment Record Sheet
MSS027006A - Coordinate water quality management activities
Student name:
Student ID:
Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
(add lines for each task)
Feedback to student:
Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent