Indian Creek IA 02-CED-1875

Assessment Comments

Previous assessments were based on 2000 IDNR/SHL biological sampling data: FIBI = 44 (fair), BMIBI = 79 (excellent) and on 1998 IDNR Fisheries data: FIBI = 50 (fair). Non-riffle habitat FIBI BIC = 44, natural substrate BMIBI BIC = 70. Due to age of data, the aquatic life uses of this segment are now considered "not assessed".

Basis for Assessment

[Note:  Prior to the 2008 Section 305(b) cycle, this stream segment was classified only for general uses.   Due to changes in Iowa’s surface water classification that were approved by U.S.  EPA in February 2008, this segment is now presumptively designated for Class A1 (primary contact recreation) uses and for Class B(WW1) aquatic life uses.   According to the Iowa Water Quality Standards, all perennial rivers and streams and all intermittent streams with perennial pools that are not specifically listed in the Iowa surface water classification are designated as Class A1 and Class B(WW1) waters.   Thus, for the current assessment, perennial flow is presumed, and the available water quality monitoring data will be compared to the applicable Class A1 and Class B(WW1) water quality criteria.]

SUMMARY:  Prior to the current Integrated Report, the presumptive Class A1 (primary contact recreation) uses of this assessment segment were "not assessed" due to the lack of information upon which to base an assessment.   The presumptive Class B(WW-1) aquatic life uses were assessed (evaluated) as "fully supported" based on results of IDNR/SHL biological sampling in 2000 and IDNR Fisheries sampling in 1998.   Because the data upon which these assessment are based are now more than ten years old, this assessment segment is now considered “not assessed.”  As water quality data age, they are less able to accurately represent current water quality conditions.   As data age beyond ten years, their ability to represent current water quality conditions is increasing suspect.