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Biological Assessment
Streamkeepers uses the Benthic Index of Biological Integrity (B-IBI), a stream-health grading system based on aquatic insects found at monitoring sites, developed, and calibrated at the University of Washington.
Streamkeepers' B-IBI findings: Biological Integrity Scoring Summary
Use of the B-IBI for water-quality assessments in WA State under the Clean Water Act: Prior to 2004, biological assessments were not used in Washington State for further investigation of pollutant sources under the federal Clean Water Act. In 2004, Streamkeepers was able to establish a new precedent, requiring that the Washington State Dept. of Ecology (DOE) perform further assessment of stream segments where biological impairment has been found. DOE´s 2006 revised Water Quality Program Policy reflects a new approach to the use of biological assessment.
DOE´s revised policy on the use of bioassessment data, excerpted from their 2006 revised Water Quality Program Policy
Clallam County's letter to DOE laying out the rationale for a new policy, 3/15/2004
EPA memo to DOE requiring further assessment of bio-impaired sites, 11/4/2005
Sites in Clallam County where further assessment is required for 2004 bioassessment data per EPA's memo: See "Special Category 2" section in the Washington State Water Quality Assessment Report
About the B-IBI:
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