Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of 1996 IDNR/UHL biocriteria sampling (15 spp., 5 fams.).

Basis for Assessment

[Note:  For the 2002 report, the previous waterbody segment IA 01-WPS-0030-3, which extends 5 miles from the town of McIntyre (Mitchell County) to north line of S20, T100N, R15W, Mitchell Co., was renamed IA 01-WPS-0030-5.]

SUMMARY:  The Class B(CW) aquatic life uses remain assessed as "not supported."  Due to the age of the data upon which the assessment is based, however, the assessment category is changed from "monitored" to "evaluated."  Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed."  EXPLANATION:  The aquatic life uses remain assessed as "not supported" based on results of the biological monitoring conducted on this stream segment in 1996 (see assessment for the 2000 report above).   However, because these data are now considered too old (greater than five years) to accurately characterize current water quality conditions, the assessment category is changed from "monitored" (indicating an assessment with relatively high confidence) to "evaluated" (indicating an assessment with relatively low confidence).   As noted in the previous (2000) assessment, further investigation is needed to determine (1) whether this stream segment is appropriately designated for Class B(CW) (coldwater) aquatic life uses and (2) possible causes and sources of impairments to these uses.   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this stream segment.