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Teaching assistant Tyler Kurtz took students in Professor Joe Ryan’s Environmental Sampling and Analysis class to a section of Boulder Creek next to East Campus to learn one of the techniques of stream discharge, or flow rate, measurement. 

The 15 seniors in EVEN 4100 surveyed the stream to determine cross-sectional areas and measured stream velocities through the cross-sections using a velocity meter. Using the cross-sectional areas and velocities, the students calculated the discharge of Boulder Creek. Their measurements of 13 to 16 cubic feet per second matched discharge measurements made at an Urban Drainage and Flood Control District stream gauge at Broadway in western Boulder.

"EVEN 4100 provides students with a great opportunity to become more familiar with field sampling techniques used by environmental professionals, and also gives students a HAZWOPER certification which is always helpful during a job search!" said Kurtz

EVEN 4100 introduces students to hands-on environmental sampling and analysis techniques for characterization of surface water, subsurface water, soils and sediments, and air. Laboratory sessions take students into the field for an introduction to stream sampling, drilling, monitoring well installation, water level, slug tests and air sampling. Students also receive instruction and certification in OSHA’s 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, thanks to the participation of co-instructor Bruce Renz.