Green County, Wisconsin
SP02
896800
0.00 - 2.37
2.37
Condition has remained stable; water is not impaired.
Notes
This water was assessed during the 2014 listing cycle and is recommended for delisting based on habitat survey results indicating that no further management action need be taken. Biological sample data met 2014 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Fish and Aquatic Life use (i.e. macroinvertebrate or fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) average scored in the fair to excellent condition categories).
This water was assessed during the 2018 listing cycle; available biological data do not indicate impairment according to 2018 WisCALM listing criteria for the Fish and Aquatic Life use (i.e. no macroinvertebrate or fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scored in the "poor" condition category).Pollutant
Sediment/Total Suspended Solids
Listed For
Impairments
NA
Current Use
Listing Status
Water Delisted
Attainable Use
Priority
Delisted 2014
Designated Use
303(d) ID
14
Listing Date
4/1/1998
Impaired Water Notes
Argus School Branch is a two-mile cold water stream that flows southwesterly through the driftless area to Bushnell Creek. While it supporting warm water sport fish, the lower portion of the creek can likely support a Class II trout fishery. WDNR aquatic biologists indicate that greater than 50% of the substrate is covered in silt. Based on the WDNR habitat rating guidelines, greater than 50% fine sediment accumulation indicates fair to poor habitat quality. Brown trout are currently stocked in the lower portion of the stream. Fish monitoring data collected in 2002 found creek chubs and mottled sculpin, and rated the biotic integrity of this stream as "fair" (IBI = 50). It is listed on the 303(d) list because over grazing and streambank degradation leading to higher temperatures in the stream, excessive sedimentation and habitat destruction. WDNR staff believe excessive sedimentation has caused the stream to widen and become shallower to a level (width: depth 20:1) considered to be of only "fair" habitat quality. Some smaller farms are going out of business, which inadvertently may help to improve the quality of the stream, as the level of over grazing will decrease.
Date
6/28/2005
Impaired Water Notes
Argus School Branch (896800, miles 0-2.37) is part of the Sugar-Pecatonica River Basin and the Sugar-Pecatonica River Basin TMDLs for sediment were approved by the USEPA August 24, 2005.
Date
4/25/2005
Impaired Water Notes
This water was assessed during the 2014 listing cycle and is recommended for delisting based on habitat survey results indicating that no further management action need be taken.
Date
1/21/2014