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2011 Online Calendar — Reminders for sample changes, site maintenance, CAL holidays, and NADP meetings are available online at http://go.illinois.edu/NADPCalendar Would you like to try a different bucket lid? We’ve heard your complaints and frustration with the current NTN lids. The CAL has found a source for a new, much more flexible lid. Please let us know if you’d like to try them. In your next supplies shipment, we’ll send you two of the new lids to test, so you can provide us with your feedback. Happy New Year from the CAL Staff NADP Spring Meeting – The NADP Subcommittee Meeting has been scheduled for May 3-4, 2011, at the Hampton Inn, Pensacola Beach, Florida. The Executive Committee will meet at the same location on May 5th. Meeting information can be found at http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/meetings/spring2011/. Special Request from CAL Shipping & Receiving: We’re sure you’ve noticed the bright pink inventory label inside your supply box. This label helps us identify, record, and provide the supplies you need to run your site. Please make sure you complete the inventory each time you return a used materials box to the CAL. Thanks!     http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/cal// E-mail: cal@isws.illinois.edu     Back to reminders

Dry Sample Envelopes – The CAL is having periodic issues with validating data submitted in dry sample return envelopes. Please review the following reminders:     Don’t Discard Valuable Samples – If there is ANY liquid in the bucket, you should decant it into a 1-L bottle, and send it into the CAL. We can provide a full analysis on as little as 12 mL of sample; this volume is illustrated as poured into a bucket. We can perform a pH analysis on as little as 2 mL, as shown in a 1-L bottle. The postage saved on not mailing in a bottle is nominal as compared to the cost of analysis. Bucket Volume Bottle Volume · Change and Weigh Bucket Each Week – We realize some sites can go for months without rain. However, it is critically important that you change the bucket, even if there is no precipitation. The collection bucket is contaminated by wind-blown dust during dry periods, which will alter the chemistry when it does rain. Weighing the bucket and writing the values on the field form ensures that a clean bucket is deployed each week. It is also a valuable way to check your scale’s accuracy. Use Provided Dry Sample Envelopes – The CAL supplies dry sample return envelopes that are pre-printed with our address. We prefer that you use these envelopes, as our mail carrier separates them for us. Let us know if you need more by writing on your field form, or call/e-mail us. If you must use another envelope, address it to NADP Sample Receipt; Illinois State Water Survey; 2204 Griffith Dr.; Champaign, IL 61820. · Please Submit Electronic Raingage Data – The NADP needs the Egage data from your site submitted in a timely manner, even if you know there was no precipitation during the week. The Egage data contains diagnostic data that helps us ensure your site is running properly.         http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/cal/ E-mail: cal@isws.illinois.edu   Back to reminders Summer 2011 Training Course – The NADP will hold an Operations Training Course in Denver, CO, from 5:00 PM Tuesday June 7 through noon on Thursday June 9, 2011.  There is no registration fee for the training course.  The NADP will provide course attendees with Tuesday and Wednesday nights’ hotel stay in Denver, an evening reception Tuesday, lunch Wednesday, and travel expenses up to $275 towards transportation and other travel costs.  Registration is requested by April 15, 2011. For more information, contact the CAL or visit http://go.illinois.edu/NADPTraining.  Site Operations Survey– The NADP is seeking feedback to better develop training materials for site operators.  All site personnel who operate NADP sites are asked to complete a survey online at http://go.illinois.edu/NADPSurvey.  If you do not have Internet access, contact the CAL for a printed copy.  We appreciate your feedback. Reminder: Compare your Sample Off and On Times –Please remember the TIME OFF of the sample bucket should be the same as the TIME ON for the next bucket, unless you are doing sample checks or site maintenance. Sample gaps and overlaps are indicated on your preliminary data report—Please contact the CAL about these data issues. Site Personnel and Equipment Reports – Included with this month's mailing is a detailed listing of all individuals associated with your site based on our records. The back of the report includes a detailed list of equipment and other information about your site. Please verify this information, and send us any updates.   http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/cal/ E-mail: cal@isws.illinois.edu   Back to reminders