ESS collects and analyzes macroinvertebrate data according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Rapid Bioassessment Protocol, which allows for predictions and/or inferences to be made on aquatic ecosystem quality from a relatively "rapid" assessment of the prevailing macroinvertebrate community composition. Each year, 50 sampling locations are chosen, using a rotating basin approach in which sampling is focused on selected basins for any given year. Once samples have been collected, ESS processes them and identifies sampled macroinvertebrates to the lowest practical taxonomic level, typically genus or species level, and performs a comprehensive statistical analysis of the results.
ESS summarizes statewide biomonitoring results in annual data reports, including an analysis of the stream habitat and biological condition at each location and recommendations for future monitoring and restoration. In addition, ESS has conducted multi-year statistical analyses of the biomonitoring data for RIDEM.
In 2009, ESS provided additional taxonomic identification and sorting services for RIDEM and USEPA's Atlantic Ecology Division to support research on anthropogenic disturbance of streams using stable isotopes.
Currently, ESS is assisting RIDEM with a study to characterize the biological impairment of Buckeye Brook, in Warwick, Rhode Island.
