March 16, 2011 -- The Stream Biological Monitoring Program 2004-2008 Technical Report is now posted on NDEQ’s web site. It is located in Publications/Surface Water Monitoring Program/Reports, or the direct URL is: https://dee.nebraska.gov/forms/publications-grants-forms/wat170

The federal Clean Water Act requires states to develop programs to evaluate the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters and to adopt water quality standards to restore and maintain that integrity. In Nebraska, the Stream Biological Monitoring Program allows the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality to assess the overall ecological condition of wade-able streams and rivers.

A total of 205 stream sites were surveyed during the statewide 2004-2008 SBMP. All 13 major river basins were sampled across all seven ecoregions in the state. Stream sites selected were classified as 25% cold water and 75% warm water.

Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) for fish rating scores consisted of 75 excellent, 80 good, 20 fair, and 29 poor stream ratings and Invertebrate Community Index (ICI) for aquatic insects rating scores had 18 excellent, 102 good, 53 fair and 30 poor stream ratings.

To view the report, click on the link below:

Stream Biological Monitoring Program 2004-2008 Technical Report