Maple River IA 06-LSR-1582

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) monitoring in 1997: FIBI = 38 (fair), BMIBI = 68 (good). FIBI BIC = 31, BMIBI BIC = 54.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(WW) aquatic life uses are assessed (evaluated) as "fully supported" (minor impacts) based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) sampling in 1997.   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this stream segment.   These data are now considered to old to justify a monitored assessment.

EXPLANATION:  The assessment was based on data collected in 1997 as part of the DNR/UHL stream biocriteria project.  The 1997 FIBI score was 38 (fair) and the BMIBI score was 68 (good).   The aquatic life use support was assessed as fully supporting (=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 31 and the natural artificial substrate BMIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 54.

Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this river segment.