Numeric Biocriteria
Specific quantitative and numeric measures of the structure and function of aquatic communities in a waterbody necessary to protect a designated aquatic life use.
Channel Metric
A metric of the cQHEI and QHEI that assesses the features and condition (e.g., natural vs. channelized channels) of stream channels that provide habitat important to aquatic life.
Ecological integrity
The summation of chemical, physical, and biological integrity capable of supporting and maintaining a balanced, integrated adaptive community of organisms having a species composition, diversity, and functional organization comparable to that of natural habitats in the region.