Little Maquoketa River IA 01-TRK-131

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) sampling in 2001: FIBI = 57 (good), BMIBI = 60 (good). FIBI BIC = 52, BMIBI BIC = 61.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(WW) aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "fully supported" 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.

EXPLANATION:  This assessment was based on data collected in 2001 as part of the DNR/UHL stream biocriteria project.  The 2001 FIBI score was 57 (good) and the BMIBI score was 60 (good).  The aquatic life use support was assessed as fully supported (= FS), based on a comparison of the FIBI and BMIBI scores 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 52 and the BMIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 61.