Bear Creek IA 01-VOL-298

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on 2004 UHL side project sampling data: 5/8 coldwater biological indicators met the criteria = 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   Fish consumption uses remain not assessed.   The source of data for this assessment include was the sampling results from UHL biological monitoring in 2004.

EXPLANATION:  The assessment of the Class B(CW) aquatic life uses was based on data collected in 2004 as part of a UHL stream biological 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), score 2-3 are Partially Supporting (PS), and sites that score 0-1 are Not Supporting (NS).   The 2004 coldwater biological indicator score was 5/8.   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.