Assessment Comments
Assessment based on 2003 biocriteria data: FIBI = 20 (poor), FIBI BIC = 33.
Basis for Assessment
SUMMARY: The Class B(LR) aquatic life uses changed to "partially supported" (minor impacts) based on results of biological monitoring conducted as part of the IDNR/UHL stream biocriteria project.
EXPLANATION: The assessment was based on data collected in 2003 as part of the DNR/UHL stream biocriteria project. The 2003 FIBI score was 20 (poor) and the BMIBI score was not calculated due to the severe low number of organisms collected during the sampling. The aquatic life use support was assessed (evaluated) as partially supporting (= PS), based on a comparison of the FIBI score with biological impairment criteria (BIC) established for previous Section 305(b) reports. The biological impairment criteria were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2004. The FIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 33.
This assessment was categorized as "evaluated" because of the sampling conditions in 2003. This site is a reference site for the 40a ecoregion and has historically been assessed as "fully supporting". During the 2003 sampling visit, a bankfull/out of bank flood event less than one week prior, and was documented as a reason for the overall low aquatic abundance. From the 2003 Lick Creek field sheets: "Poor catch may be related to high (overbank) flow about a week prior to sampling. High (overbank) flows had occurred about a week prior to sampling. Much of the rock was clean (scoured & redeposited). Colonization was light in all habitats." This reference site will be sampled again in the near future.
