Richland Creek IA 02-IOW-718

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) monitoring in 1999: FIBI = 55 (good), BMIBI = 61 (good). FIBI BIC = 36, BMIBI BIC = 51.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(LR) aquatic life uses are assessed (evaluated) as "fully supported" based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) sampling in 1999.   This is the same assessment as that developed for the 2004 reporting cycle except that the data are now too old for the assessment to be considered monitored; thus, the assessment is "evaluated".

EXPLANATION:  This assessment was based on data collected in 1999 as part of the DNR/UHL stream biocriteria project.  The 1999 FIBI score was 55 (good) and the BMIBI score was 61 (good).  The aquatic life use support was assessed as fully supporting (= FS), based on a comparison of the FIBI and BMIBI scores with biological impairment criteria (BIC) established for previous Section 305(b) reports.  The biological impairment criteria were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2004.   The FIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 36 and the BMIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 51.