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Habitat Assessment

An evaluation of instream habitat quality is critical to any assessment of ecological integrity and is performed for each site at the time of biological sampling using EPA’s semi-quantitative Rapid Habitat Assessment (RHA). Whenever feasible, habitat data are collected by a single, designated individual to reduce bias and increase precision of the habitat metrics.  

This habitat assessment method is a visual-based technique for assessing habitat quality. It was designed to provide quantitative measures of habitat quality based upon qualitative estimates of selected habitat attributes. This approach was selected over detailed quantitative measures of specific habitat attributes in order to provide a rapid measure of habitat quality. More detailed measures of habitat quality may be needed to meet specific project objectives.

The different habitat metrics evaluated:
Channel modification
Instream Habitat
Pools
Stream Bank Stability
Stream Bank Vegetation Type
Shading
Riparian Zone Width