Assessment Comments
Assessment remains based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) monitoring in 1997: Fish IBI=48(fair), BM-IBI=42(fair).
Basis for Assessment
SUMMARY: The Class B(LR) aquatic life uses remain assessed as "fully supported / threatened" (minor impacts) based on results of biological monitoring conducted as part of the IDNR/UHL stream biocriteria project.
EXPLANATION: The aquatic life uses remain assessed as "fully supported / threatened" based on results of the IDNR/UHL biological monitoring conducted on this stream segment in 1997. The following is from the assessment developed for the 2000 reporting cycle: The F-IBI score was 48(fair), and the BM-IBI score was 42(fair). The aquatic life use support status was assessed as fulLy supporting/threatened(=FS/T), based on a comparison of the F-IBI and BM-IBI scores with biological assessment criteria established specifically for the 2000 Section 305b report (IDNR 2000). The biological assessment criteria were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-1998. These data are less than five years old and, according to IDNR's methodology for Section 305(b) assessments, are thus appropriate for characterizing current water quality conditions.
