Little Cedar River IA 02-CED-575

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of (1) IDNR stream use assessment in August 1995 and (2) IDNR/UHL biocriteria monitoring in October 1995.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(WW) aquatic life uses remain assessed (evaluated) as "fully supported" based on results of (1) an IDNR stream use assessment in August 1995 and (2) an IDNR/UHL biocriteria sampling in October 1995.   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of recent fish contaminant monitoring in this stream reach.  

EXPLANATION:  Continue to use the assessment developed for the 1998, 2000, and 2002 reports that was based primarily on results of the October 1995 IDNR/UHL biocriteria assessment (Fish IBI= 85(excellent), BM-IBI= 79(very good)) and, secondarily, on the August 1995 IDNR stream use assessment.   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).   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this stream segment.