Coldwater Creek IA 01-UIA-280

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on 2001 IDNR biocriteria sampling data: 6/8 coldwater biological indicators met and 2004 UHL special project sampling 4/4 coldwater biological indicators met = Fully Supporting (FS).

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(CW) coldwater aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "fully supported" based on results of biological monitoring in 2001 and 2004.    Fish consumption uses are not assessed.    The source of data for this assessment is results of DNR/UHL biocriteria monitoring in 2004 and UHL special project monitoring in 2001.  

EXPLANATION:  The assessment of the Class B(CW) aquatic life uses was based on data collected in 2004 as part of the DNR/UHL stream biocriteria project and in 2001 as part of a UHL special sampling project.   A series of eight (8) coldwater biological indicators, which reflect stream water quality and habitat integrity, were calculated from the biocriteria sampling data and supplemental IDNR Fisheries Bureau data.   The coldwater biological indicators are based on the numbers and types of coldwater benthic macroinvertebrate taxa and fish species that were collected in the stream sampling reach.   Sites that score 5-8 are Fully Supporting (FS), sites that score 2-4 are Partially Supporting (PS), and sites that score 0-1 are Not Supporting (NS).   The 2001 coldwater biological indicator score was 6/8.   The 2004 score was 4/4 because it was a benthic macroinvertebrate only sample.   The aquatic life use support was assessed (monitored) as fully supporting (= FS), based on a comparison of the coldwater biological indicator score with biological assessment criteria established for this Section 305(b) report.   The coldwater biological indicators were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at coldwater stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2004 and with assistance from the IDNR Fisheries Bureau.