Buffalo Creek IA 01-WPS-375

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) monitoring in 2001 (Fish IBI = 66 (good), BM-IBI = 72 (good)) and on 2000 Fisheries data: Fish IBI = 71 (excellent).

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(WW) aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "fully supported"  based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) sampling in 2001 at one location in this segment (Red Bridge Road) and 2000 IDNR Fisheries sampling results.   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this stream segment.   This is the same assessment as that developed for the 2002 reporting cycle with the addition of the Fisheries data.

EXPLANATION:  This assessment was based on data collected in 2001 as part of the DNR/UHL stream biocriteria project and on data collected in 2000 as part of a DNR Fisheries stream sampling project: Manchester research station.   A series of biological metrics which reflect stream water quality and habitat integrity were calculated from the biocriteria sampling data.   The biological metrics are based on the numbers and types of benthic macroinvertebrate taxa and fish species that were collected in the stream sampling reach.   The biological metrics were combined to make a fish community index of biotic integrity (F-IBI) and a benthic macroinvertebrate index (BM-IBI).   The indexes rank the biological integrity of a stream sampling reach on a rising scale from 0 (minimum) to 100 (maximum).   The 2001 DNR/UHL Fish IBI score was 66 (good) and the BM-IBI score was 72 (good).  The aquatic life use support was assessed as fully supporting (=FS), based on a comparison of the F-IBI and BM-IBI scores with biological assessment criteria established specifically for the 2002 Section 305(b) report.   The 2000 Manchester fisheries evaluated Fish IBI = 71 (excellent).   The aquatic life use support was assessed (evaluated) as Fully Supporting (=FS).   The biological assessment criteria were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2001.

Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this stream segment.