Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) sampling in 2000 (Fish IBI= 45(fair); BM-IBI= 53(good)).

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(WW) aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "not supported" based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) sampling in 2000.   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this stream segment.   This is the same assessment as that developed for the 2002 reporting cycle.

EXPLANATION:  This assessment was based on data collected in 2000 as part of the DNR/UHL stream biocriteria project.   The 2000 Fish IBI score was 45 (fair) and the BM-IBI score was 53 (fair).  The aquatic life use support was changed from "fully supporting/threatened" (=FST) to not supporting (=NS), based on a comparison of the 2000 F-IBI and BM-IBI scores with biological assessment criteria established specifically for the 2002 Section 305(b) report.  The biological assessment criteria were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2001.

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