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Assessment Comments

Assessment based on 2003 and 2007 IDNR/SHL biological sampling data (CBI = 65, 65; CW BIC = 60) and on a 2012 summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams prepared by the IDNR Fisheries Bureau.

Basis for Assessment

[Note:  Prior to the 2008 Section 305(b) cycle, this stream segment was designated only for Class B(CW) aquatic life uses.   Due to changes in Iowa’s surface water classification that were approved by U.S.  EPA in February 2008, this segment is also now presumptively designated for Class A1 (primary contact recreation) and Class A2 (secondary contact recreation) uses.   This segment remains designated for coldwater aquatic life use (now termed Class B(CW1) uses), and for fish consumption uses (now termed Class HH (human health/fish consumption) uses.]

SUMMARY:  The presumptive Class A1 (primary contact recreation) uses and presumptive Class A2 (secondary contact recreation) uses remain "not assessed" (IR Category 3a) due to the lack of data for indicator bacteria upon which to base an assessment.   The Class B(CW1) coldwater aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "fully supported" (IR 2a) based on the 2003 and 2007 IDNR/SHL biological sampling data and the February 2012 summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams as prepared by the IDNR Fisheries Bureau.   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" (IR 3a).  

EXPLANATION: The assessment of the Class B(CW1) aquatic life uses was based on data collected in 2003 and 2007 as part of the IDNR/SHL coldwater stream sampling project.   A series of biological metrics which reflect coldwater 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 that were collected in the stream sampling reach.   The biological metrics were combined to make a coldwater benthic index (CBI).   The index ranks the biological integrity of a coldwater stream sampling reach on a rising scale from 0 (minimum) to 100 (maximum).   The 2003 CBI score was 65 and the 2007 CBI score was 65.  The aquatic life use support was assessed (evaluated) as fully supporting (=FS), based on a comparison of the CBI score with biological impairment criteria (BIC) established for the 2012 Section 305(b) report.   The biological impairment criteria were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at coldwater stream reference sites from 1994-2011.  The CW BIC is 60 and this segment passed the CW BIC 2/2 times in the last 10-year period (2003-2012); therefore, this is considered an evaluated assessment.  

In addition, based on an updated summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams prepared by the IDNR Fisheries Bureau in February 2012, the Class B(CW1) uses are assessed as "fully supported".   According to the updated summary, Middle Bear Creek is in the group of Iowa coldwater streams that supports natural reproduction of trout.   Based on results of surveys by the IDNR Fisheries Bureau, this stream is placed in the category of Iowa trout streams that exhibit fairly consistent natural reproduction and maintain a viable population of brook and brown trout without any stocking (Category I).

Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to lack of fish tissue monitoring in this stream reach.