Soap Creek IA 04-LDM-1032

Assessment Comments

1994 SUA: habscr/fshscr: 25/12 (shock; 24 species). 1996 biocriteria: FISH IBI=42 (FAIR) 22 spp., 6 fams.; BM-IBI=56 (GOOD)

Basis for Assessment

Used results of the DNR biocriteria sampling in October 1996 3 mi.  SW of Eldon (very near the location of the 1994 DNR stream use assessment) to continue to assess support of the Class B(WW) aquatic life uses as FST due to (1) presence of a relatively diverse fish commuity of 22 species from 6 families, (2) presence of all expected fish taxa (8 of 8) for streams in the Central Irregular Plains ecoregion, and (3) presence of expected game fish species channel catfish) as well as smallmouth bass.   As described in the assessment for the 1996 Section 305(b) report (see above), the aquatic habitats in this reach of Soap Creek suffer from hydrologic modification in upstream areas of the watershed that have altered the stream's hydrograph.