Deer Creek IA 04-RAC-1207

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) monitoring in 1998: Fish IBI= 60(good), BM-IBI= 72(good).

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(LR) aquatic life uses remain assessed (monitored) as "fully supported" based on results of IDNR/UHL biological monitoring conducted in 1998.

EXPLANATION:  The aquatic life uses remain assessed as "fully supported" based on results of the biological monitoring conducted by IDNR/UHL on this stream segment in 1998.   As stated in the assessment for the 2000 report:  The F-IBI score was 60 (good) and the BM-IBI score was 72 (good).   The aquatic life use support was assessed as fully supported (=FS), based on a comparison of the F-IBI and BM-IBI scores with biological assessment criteria established specifically for the 2000 Section 305(b) report.   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.