TABLE 1
 
CRITERIA FOR SCREENING
WATER QUALITY IN NEW JERSEY STREAMS
 
Scoring Criteria For Rapid Bioassessments1
 
 
Biometrics 
6
3
0
Taxa Richness (total Families)
>10
10-5
4-0
E+P+T Index (EPT) 
>5
5-3
2-0
Percent Dominance (%CDF) 
<40
40-60
>60
Percent EPT2 (%EPT)
>35
35-10
<10
Modified Family Biotic Index3 (FBI) 
<5
5-7
>7
 
 
Biological Assessment 
Total Score 
Non-impaired 
24-30
Moderately Impaired 
9-21 
Severely Impaired
0-6 


Attributes

Non-impaired: Benthic community comparable to other undisturbed streams within the region. A community characterized by a maximum taxa richness, balanced taxa groups and good representation of intolerant individuals.

Moderately Impaired: Macroinvertebrate richness is reduced, in particular EPT taxa. Taxa composition changes result in reduced community balance and intolerant taxa become absent.

Severely Impaired: A dramatic change in the benthic community has occurred. Macroinvertebrates are dominated by a few taxa that are very abundant. Tolerant taxa are the only individuals present.


1 Based on 100 organism subsamples
2 Including the hydropsychid family
3 Also known as the Hilsenhoff Biotic Index

Last Update: February 5, 2008

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/wms/bfbm/

NJ in Touch Water Monitoring Management Home Page Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring Home Page NJDEP Home Page