Introduction for New Operators

Welcome to NADP!

As a new operator to the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP), we would like to welcome you to the program. The NADP has been operating for over 40 years, and much of its success can be attributed to our site operators (400+) who have been collecting samples every week. This section is an introduction to some of the resources available to you to learn about the network sampling procedures and equipment operations.

New Operator Survey

Complete our “New Operator” survey (https://go.wisc.edu/4384h5) to ensure you receive the most up to date information on sampling procedures, training, and network updates.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

SOPs are documents that detail the procedures for chemical analyses, data management, instrument maintenance, sample collection, etc. The goal of an SOP is to ensure that all participants perform the procedure consistently over time. SOPs are developed for each activity that is conducted on a routine basis. Areas appropriate for an SOP include the following: sample collection, equipment operation, laboratory operations, and data management (i.e., verification, screening, and reporting). SOPs should be reviewed by operators on an annual basis, for purposes of continued training.e to all users.

Training

As part of an overall strategy to improve operator engagement and training within the NADP networks, we started virtual training sessions. These sessions are held every other month. Topics will cover site support, sampling, equipment, and data products. The format is a brief presentation followed by a Q&A session. The Q&A is an opportunity for operators to engage with the PO, CAL and HAL staff and other operators, on the topic or any other aspect of NADP.

Recordings of the previous sessions are available on the website, as well as information on future sessions.

Training Webinars

Sampling Supplies

NTN (National Trends Network)

  • Bag sampling supplies are shipped approximately every 8 weeks via FedEx, UPS or USPS.
  • Complete the supply inventory survey when supplies are low. Call 1-800-952-7353 if you use your last sample bag, lid, or bottle.

MDN (Mercury Deposition Network)

  • Cooler boxes with clean glassware are only shipped back to sites when a used cooler arrives at the HAL.
  • Sites should have at least 4 coolers in rotation (A-D).
  • Coolers should be used in the order they are received to avoid having a bottle with the acid preservative sitting around to long.

AMoN (Ammonia Monitoring Network)

  • Samplers are shipped from the lab two weeks in advance of the deployment date. Always check the label on the box for correct deployment date.
  • When the sampler is received, always open the box to check the condition of the sampler. Call 1-800-952-7353 if the sampler is broken.
  • A return shipping label is included in each box.

MLN (Mercury Litterfall Network)

  • Litterfall supplies for the season are shipped to sites in August each year.
  • Collectors should be shipped back to the NAL at the end of each litterfall season.

Shipping Samples and Supplies

  • Sample shipping costs for NTN, MDN, and MLN are the responsibility of the operating or funding agency.
  • NTN sites should ship lids back once a month in the poly mailer provided.
  • NTN samples can be shipped back to the NAL in the MDN cooler box at collocated NTN/MDN sites.
  • Lids can be shipped back in the MDN cooler box at collocated NTN/MDN sites.
  • AMoN samples include return shipping labels.
  • Shipping samples back to the NAL overnight is not required.
  • Return shipping labels are available for MDN sites as an option with subscriber agreements. Contact nadp@slh.wisc.edu for more information

Emails

NADP sends out emails to sites operators with the following information and frequency:

  • NTN Sample Receipt Reports – Every sample logged in at the CAL generates a sample receipt report and pdf scan of the field form. These are emailed to the primary operator.
  • Data Reports – Data for the site is reported out by the respective labs approximately 90 days from the end of the sampling month. These reports are emailed to the operators and site supervisors, as well as anyone else who requests copies.
  • Network Mailing Lists – Each network has its own mailing list which is used by the PO, CAL, and HAL to send out important information regarding site operations. Each operator is also added to the nadp-tech@g-groups.com mailing list. It is used to reach all networks, and the greater NADP community.

Site Support

The NADP staff are here to help you. If you have any questions on sampling procedures, supplies, shipping, data downloading, or maintaining the equipment at your site, do not hesitate to call or email the NADP Site Liaison. If there is anything that we can do for you, please just let us know. For all site support contact us at 1-800-952-7353 or one of the network emails listed below.

NTN: ntn@slh.wisc.edu

MDN: mdn@slh.wisc.edu

AMoN: amon@slh.wisc.edu

AMNet: amnet@slh.wisc.edu

MLN: mln@slh.wisc.edu