Assessment Comments
Assessment is based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (REMAP) monitoring in 2002: FIBI = 24 (poor). FIBI BIC = 36.
Basis for Assessment
SUMMARY: The general aquatic life uses are assessed (evaluated) as "not supported" based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (REMAP) sampling in 2002. The assessment type is considered "evaluated" (relatively lower confidence assessment) due to the uncertainty of using biological assessment methods developed for Class B(LR) and wadable Class B(WW) streams for assessing aquatic life conditions in general use-only stream segments.
EXPLANATION: This evaluated biological assessment was based on data collected in 2002 as part of the DNR/UHL stream REMAP project. A series of biological metrics that reflect stream water quality and habitat integrity were calculated from the biocriteria sampling data. The biological metrics are based on the numbers and types of benthic macroinvertebrate taxa and fish species 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 24 (poor). The aquatic life use support was assessed (evaluated) as not supporting (=NS), based on a comparison of the FIBI score with biological impairment criteria (BIC) established from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2004. The FIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 36. Even though this site failed the FIBI BIC, it is uncertain as to whether or not this segment is meeting the aquatic life criteria because it is a small general use stream and doesn’t fall in the calibrated watershed size.
As part of the 2002 REMAP project, stream physical habitat assessment found significant levels of silt, a lack of instream cover, and eroding stream banks that contribute to the biological impairment. Natural fluctuations in flow and aquatic habitat conditions that would be expected in a stream with a small watershed area might also contribute to aquatic life impairment.
This assessment is considered “evaluated” (of lower confidence) due to the lack of a biological assessment protocol for general use-only streams. IDNR’s existing protocol has been calibrated to aquatic life reference conditions in wadeable Class B(LR) and Class B(WW) streams. The aquatic environment of most general use streams is one of extremes in water quality. Consequently, general use-only streams tend to have biological diversity that is low relative to more stable aquatic environments of Class B(LR) and Class B(WW) streams. Thus, the use of biological assessment methods developed for the ecologically more stable and diverse Class B(LR) streams to assess general use reaches will likely overstate the existence of impairment. For these reasons, general use-only stream reaches that show a failure to meet regional expectations for aquatic biota (fish or aquatic macroinvertebrates) of Class B(LR) streams, will not be added to Iowa’s Section 303(d) list of impaired waters (Category 5 of the Integrated Report). The assessment type for these waters will be considered "evaluated" (indicating an assessment with relatively lower confidence) as opposed to “monitored" (indicating an assessment with relatively high confidence). Such waters will be placed in either Category 2b or 3b of the IR and thus will be added to the state’s list of “waters in need of further investigation”.
