Check the Bighorn River outfall near Worland for illicit discharge

A storm outfall discharges into the Bighorn River just north of town and has never been screened for anything but the obvious — sheen, odor or discoloration would go unnoticed until someone downstream complains. Standard: US EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocols + SDG 6.3/6.6 water quality & ecosystems; INAT01 stewardship waypoint protocol. Proof: photo of outfall + flow/color/odor observation + GPS + screening record Method (US EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocols + SDG 6.3/6.6 water quality & ecosystems; INAT01 stewardship waypoint protocol.): 1. Navigate to the outfall and photograph it with GPS. 2. Observe and record flow (dry/trickle/flowing), color, odor, and any sheen — from the bank only, never entering the water at the pipe. 3. If a dry-weather flow is observed, photograph it and note the finding as a possible illicit discharge for referral. 4. Compile the screening record with photos and GPS for the watershed program. Done when: photo of outfall + flow/color/odor observation + GPS + screening record

Where

a Bighorn River outfall near Worland, WY 82401

Pay

$50 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

photo of outfall + flow/color/odor observation + GPS + screening record

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

intermediate

Open until

2026-08-31

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 30–60 minutes. Method of record: EPA dry-weather / AMD field screening

Bring

• GPS phone
• pH meter or strips
• conductivity meter
• ammonia + iron test kit as specified
• surfactant screen if specified
• gloves
• camera

Steps

1. 1. Navigate to the outfall/reach; record GPS; photograph it, capturing any visible flow or staining.
2. 2. Note whether flow is present in dry weather (yes/no).
3. 3. Measure and record pH, conductivity, and each specified analyte per kit instructions.
4. 4. Log any color, odor, floc, or aquatic-life observation.
5. 5. Enter all readings with units, GPS, time, and photos into the proof record; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Dry-weather flow present with elevated conductivity/ammonia/surfactants -> flag suspected illicit discharge for the responsible agency.
• pH < 6 with visible iron floc -> tag suspected acid mine drainage; recommend metals lab panel.

What counts as done

• pH + conductivity recorded with units
• Each specified analyte recorded with a value
• Dry-weather flow present? recorded yes/no
• GPS waypoint + timestamped photo

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.