Assessment Comments
Assessment based on 2004 UHL special project sampling data: 2/4 coldwater biological indicators met the criteria - Partially Supporting (PS).
Basis for Assessment
SUMMARY: The Class B(CW) coldwater aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "partially supported" based on results of biological monitoring Fish consumption uses are not assessed. The source of data for this assessment is results of UHL special project 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 sampling special project. A series of four (4) coldwater biological indicators, which reflect stream water quality and habitat integrity, were calculated from the biocriteria sampling data. The coldwater biological indicators are based on the numbers and types of coldwater benthic macroinvertebrate taxa that were collected in the stream sampling reach. Sites that do not receive any type of trout stocking are scored on the benthic macroinvertebrate data only. Non-trout stocking sites that score 3 or 4 are Fully Supporting (FS), sites that score 1 or 2 are Partially Supporting (PS), and sites that score 0 are Not Supporting (NS). The 2004 coldwater biological indicator score was 2/4. The aquatic life use support was assessed (monitored) as partially supporting (= PS), 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.
