Code of Maine Rules › 06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › 096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL › Chapter 579 - CLASSIFICATION ATTAINMENT EVALUATION USING BIOLOGICAL CRITERIA FOR RIVERS AND STREAMS › Section 096-579-3 - Aquatic life classification criteria for Maine rivers and streams

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Methods described in this section are used to make decisions
				  about classification attainment. The models are constructed to sequentially
				  amass evidence concerning the highest level of classification criteria that a
				  test community attains, using quantitative predictor variables defined in
				  Section
				  3(C). The pertinent
				  question, in terms of the classification attainment, is whether or not a test
				  community is attaining at least its statutory classification. The methods
				  described in this rule may also be used to determine if a given waterbody
				  attains a higher class and therefore may be subject to statutory
				  antidegradation provisions or considered for water quality reclassification.
				  The methods may also be used, where appropriate, for other purposes including
				  assessment of pre-impact baseline conditions or site-specific impact
				  evaluations.
A.
General
				provisions for aquatic life standards.
Except as otherwise provided in
				Section 3(G)(3), Professional judgement, of this chapter, all samples of
				benthic macroinvertebrates that are collected for the purpose of classification
				attainment evaluation using the linear discriminant model described in the
				following section, whether collected by the department or by any person
				submitting data to the department, must be collected, processed and identified
				in conformance with "Methods for Biological Sampling and Analysis of Maine's
				Rivers and Streams" (DE P LW 0387 -B2002). Selection of an appropriate sampling
				site must also conform to criteria set forth in "Methods for Biological
				Sampling and Analysis of Maine's Rivers and Streams" (DE P LW 0387 -B2002).
				Quantitative analysis of the sample must conform to the requirements set forth
				in Sections 3(B) through 3(F) of this chapter and must include a quality
				assurance plan approved by the department, as specified in "Methods for
				Biological Sampling and Analysis of Maine's Rivers and Streams" (DE P LW 0387
				-B2002). Samples must be identified to the genus level, where practicable.
				Computation of indices and measures of community structure required for the
				linear discriminant models must be adjusted to the genus level of taxonomy (see
				Section 3(C), V ariable number 2, Generic Richness).
Minimum Provisions. Samples that have been properly collected
				  and analyzed but fail to meet either of the following criteria are unsuitable
				  for further analysis through the linear discriminant models:
(1) Total mean abundance (Section 3(C)
				Variable number 1) must be at least
50
individuals (average
				per basket/cone/bag); and
(2)
				Generic richness (Section 3(C) Variable number 2) for three replicate
				basket/cone/bag samplers must be at least
15
.
Samples not attaining these criteria may be evaluated
				  according to Section 3(G) of this chapter, Professional judgment.