Assessment Comments
Assessment is based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) monitoring in 1997 (Fish IBI= 79(good), BM-IBI= 60(good)).
Basis for Assessment
SUMMARY: The Class B(LR) aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "fully supporting / threatened" (minor impacts) based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) sampling in 1997. This is the same assessment as that developed for the 2002 reporting cycle.
EXPLANATION: The aquatic life uses remain assessed as "fully supported / threatened" based on results of the biological monitoring conducted on this stream segment in 1997. As stated in the assessment for the 2000 reporting cycle, the F-IBI score was 79 (good) and the BM-IBI score was 60 (good). The aquatic life use support was assessed as fully supported / threatened (=FST), based on a comparison of the F-IBI and BM-IBI scores with biological assessment criteria established specifically for the 2000 Section 305(b) report. The biological assessment criteria were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-1998 (see assessment for the 2000 report for more information). These data are less than five years old and, according to IDNR's methodology for Section 305(b) assessments, are thus appropriate for characterizing current water quality conditions.
