1/08

Bar code label supply mailed separately.  All site operators were mailed a supply of bar code labels in mid-December. These labels are for use when the current set of labels is depleted. Unlike previous years, sites no longer need to discard old labels.  As a reminder, two identical labels should be used per sample submitted. One label is placed on the NTN FORF, and the identical label is placed on the outside of the bottle bag. Would you like to receive monthly CAL reports electronically? By mid-2008, the CAL will offer the option for site personnel to receive reports electronically. You would receive the reports as Portable Document Format (PDF) files in an e-mail attachment, and would no longer receive hard copies. The PDF format will be the same as the hard copy you currently receive when viewed on your computer or printed. We are seeking volunteers to test our system, before we offer this option to all sites. If you are interested in participating in receiving electronic reports to test the system, please confirm that your e-mail address is correct as shown above, and contact us at cal@sws.uiuc.edu. Reminder for sites with electronic raingages:  Please remember to download and send in digital raingage data Tuesdays after collecting samples.  Sending digital data in a timely manner helps CAL staff identify equipment problems and process data more efficiently. Don’t forget to enclose the FORF with the sample shipment. If you have any questions, call 800-952-7353 or e-mail ntn@sws.uiuc.edu.     http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/cal/ E-mail: cal@sws.uiuc.edu     Back to reminders

2/08 Field Operations Training Course: An email was sent to site operators and supervisors inviting interested participants to the annual Field Operations Training Course. The course will run from 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, through noon, Thursday, April 3, 2008 in Champaign, IL. There is no registration fee for the training course. A limited amount of travel support is available from the NADP. Due to the limited course size, we prioritize attendance based on site training needs and prior site operator attendance. To register:  • Apply online at http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/cal/Registration2008.html  • or call 1-800-952-7353 Where can I get more information about the course? • Contact Matt Layden at 1-(800)-952-7353 or ntn@sws.uiuc.edu for course questions. • Contact Pam Bedient at (217) 244-0868 or email cal@sws.uiuc.edu for registration questions. • Go to our web site http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/cal/Training'08.html. Due to class size limitations, please register as soon as possible.   http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/cal/ E-mail: cal@sws.uiuc.edu   Back to reminders 3/08 New 6-Pack Supplies Shipping Available: The CAL is implementing a new “6-Pack” supplies shipping protocol. Sites will receive 6 sets of clean supplies in each large box shipment instead of the current box of 4 supply sets. The benefit is that your site’s used supply shipment costs are cut by approximately one-third. The new protocol requires a slight modification to pack samples: The sample bottle shipping boxes will arrive collapsed and must be taped together. If you would like to switch to the “6-Pack” shipping protocol or have questions, please call 1-800-952-7353 or email ntn@sws.uiuc.edu. Before you switch, we will need an inventory of your clean supplies on hand Reminder – Bar Codes:  All site operators were mailed a year’s supply of bar code labels in mid-December. If you have not received your bar codes (or if you cannot find yours), please contact us at 1-800-952-7353. Tips from the CAL on Returning Used Supplies – The CAL’s shipping & receiving staff packs and unpacks over 10,000 buckets and lids each year. Following these tips will help us in this process:  Each used bucket should be wrapped in a used bucket bag. There’s no need to twist tie the bag closed. (Save the twist-ties for other purposes. Be creative!) Used lids can be returned together in one bag. It’s OK if the slide lock on the lid bag does not close, or is broken.  Mark the outside of bags containing used supplies. We suggest that you write “USED” on the bags with a marker. Please do not mark directly on the buckets or lids, as they must be washed for re-use. You may continue to request USED MATERIALS labels from the CAL, but we suggest you simply write on the bags.   http://nadp.sws.uiuc.edu/cal/ E-mail: cal@sws.uiuc.edu   Back to reminders