Little Maquoketa River IA 01-TRK-131

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) sampling in 2001.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(WW) aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "fully supported / threatened" (minor impacts) based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) sampling in 2001.   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this stream segment.   This is the same assessment as that developed for the 2002 reporting cycle.

EXPLANATION:  This assessment was based on data collected in 2001 as part of the DNR/UHL stream biocriteria project.  The 2001 Fish IBI score was 57 (good) and the BM-IBI score was 61 (good).  The aquatic life use support was assessed as fully supported / threatened (=FST), based on a comparison of the F-IBI and BM-IBI scores with biological assessment criteria established specifically for the 2002 Section 305(b) report.  The biological assessment criteria were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2001.