Assessment Comments
Assessment based on (1) results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) monitoring in 2001 and 2007: 6/8, 6/8 coldwater biological indicators met the criteria (= Fully Supporting (FS)) and (2) a summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams prepared by IDNR Fisheries in 2006.
Basis for Assessment
[Note: Prior to the 2008 Section 305(b) cycle, this stream segment was designated only for Class B(CW) aquatic life uses. Due to changes in Iowa’s surface water classification that were approved by U.S. EPA in February 2008 (see http://www.iowadnr.com/water/standards/files/06mar_swc.pdf), this segment is also now presumptively designated for Class A1 (primary contact recreation) and Class A2 (secondary contact recreation) uses. This segment remains designated for coldwater aquatic life use (now termed Class B(CW1) uses), and for fish consumption uses (now termed Class HH (human health/fish consumption) uses. This stream segment also remains identified as an “HQR” (high quality resource) water.]
SUMMARY: The presumptive Class A1 (primary contact recreation) uses and presumptive Class A2 (secondary contact recreation) uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of data for indicator bacteria upon which to base an assessment. The Class B(CW1) coldwater aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "fully supported" based on (1) biological (biocriteria) sampling conducted in 2001 and 2007 and (2) a summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams prepared by the IDNR Fisheries Bureau in 2006. Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this stream segment.
EXPLANATION: The assessment of the Class B(CW1) aquatic life uses was based on data collected in 2001 and 2007 as part of the DNR/UHL stream biocriteria project. A series of eight (8) coldwater biological indicators, which reflect stream water quality and habitat integrity, were calculated from the biocriteria sampling data and supplemental IDNR Fisheries Bureau data. The coldwater biological indicators are based on the numbers and types of coldwater benthic macroinvertebrate taxa and fish species that were collected in the stream sampling reach. According to the IDNR methodology, sites that score 5-8 are Fully Supporting (FS), sites that score 2-4 are Partially Supporting (PS), and sites that score 0-1 are Not Supporting (NS). The 2001 coldwater biological indicator score was 6/8, the 2007 score was 6/8; thus, the aquatic life use support was assessed (evaluated) as fully supporting (=FS), 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 1994-2008 and with assistance from the IDNR Fisheries Bureau.
This aquatic life assessment is now considered "evaluated" based on a change in the 2010 IDNR assessment methodology. IDNR now requires a segment have two or more biological samples collected from the segment in multiple years between 2004 and 2008 to be considered “monitored”. This segment had multiple samples collected in the previous eight years (2001-2008); however, the multiple samples were not collected during 2004-2008. Despite this change in assessment methodology and type, this waterbody remains in IR Category 2a.
In addition, based on an updated summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams prepared by the IDNR Fisheries Bureau in May 2006, the Class B(CW1) uses remain assessed as "fully supported". According to the updated summary, Burr Oak Creek is in the group of Iowa coldwater streams that supports natural reproduction of trout. Based on results of surveys by the IDNR Fisheries Bureau, this stream is placed in the category of Iowa trout streams that exhibit recent, but inconsistent reproductive success and that are generally not capable of maintaining a viable population for the resident trout species at this time. This assessment is consistent with previous assessments of the ability of this stream to support natural reproduction of trout.
Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to lack of fish tissue monitoring in this stream reach.
