Battle Creek IA 06-LSR-1591

Assessment Comments

Assessment remains based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (REMAP) monitoring in 2002: FIBI = 43 (fair), BMIBI = 54 (fair). FIBI BIC = 31, BMIBI BIC = 54.

Basis for Assessment

[Note:  Prior to the current (2008) Section 305(b) cycle, this stream segment was designated only for Class B(LR) aquatic life uses.   Due to changes in Iowa’s surface water classification that were approved by U.S.  EPA in February 2008 (see http://www.iowadnr.com/water/standards/files/06mar_swc.pdf), this segment is now presumptively designated for Class A1 (primary contact recreation) uses.   The stream remains designated for aquatic life uses (now termed Class B(WW2) aquatic life uses).   Thus, for the current (2008) assessment, the available water quality monitoring data will be compared to the applicable Class A1 and Class B(WW2) water quality criteria.]

SUMMARY:  The presumptive Class A1 (primary contact recreation) uses are "not assessed" due to the lack of information upon which to base an assessment.   The Class B(WW2) aquatic life uses remain assessed (monitored) as "fully supported" based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (REMAP) sampling in 2002.  

EXPLANATION:  The assessment of the Class B(WW2) aquatic life uses remains based on data collected in 2002 as part of the DNR/UHL REMAP project.   A series of biological metrics which reflect stream water quality and habitat integrity were calculated from the biological sampling data.   The biological metrics are based on the numbers and types of benthic macroinvertebrate taxa and fish species that were collected in the stream sampling reach.   The biological metrics were combined to make a fish community index of biotic integrity (FIBI) and a benthic macroinvertebrate index (BMIBI).   The indexes rank the biological integrity of a stream sampling reach on a rising scale from 0 (minimum) to 100 (maximum).   The 2002 FIBI score was 43 (fair) and the BMIBI score was 54 (fair).   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 BMIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 54.

Pasture use, channelization, and streambank erosion remain threats to full support of the Class B(WW2) uses.   Some of these threats may be addressed through 5-year Battle Creek Watershed/Groundwater Protection Project.   As part of this cooperative project, cost share arrangements are available for streambank stabilization and for riparian zone filter strip plantings.   In addition, this project involves efforts to improve management of animal waste, nutrients, and pesticides.   For more information on this project, call the Ida County Soil & Water Conservation District at 712/364-2124.