Assessment Comments
Assessment is based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) monitoring in 1997: Fish IBI=39 (fair), BM-IBI=69 (good).
Basis for Assessment
SUMMARY: The Class B(LR) aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "fully supported / threatened" (minor impacts) based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) sampling in 1997. This is the same assessment as that developed for the 2002 reporting cycle.
EXPLANATION: The aquatic life uses remain assessed as "fully supported / threatened" based on results of the IDNR/UHL biocriteria monitoring conducted on this stream segment in 1997. The F-IBI score was 39 (fair), and the BM-IBI score was 69 (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 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 no more than five years old and, according to IDNR's methodology for Section 305(b) assessments, are thus appropriate for characterizing current water quality conditions.
