Des Moines River IA 04-LDM-1010

Assessment Comments

Basis for Assessment

Did not have information for assessing support of the Class A (swimmable) uses or Class B(WW) fish consumption uses.   Used general informaiton from the March/April "Iowa Conservationist" (1996 Fishing Forecast) to assess support of the Class B(WW) aquatic life uses as FST due to indication that the lower Des Moines provides good fishing for channel catfish and flathead catfish and that the reach immediately downstream from the dam at Ottumwa is excellent for walleyes.  Class A use assessed as partial support based on known CSO discharges.  1/4/95 list of CSOs indicates City of Ottumwa has 9 CSOs which discharge to the Des Moines Rvr.  or the Ottumwa Lagoon during wet weather.  CSOs are sources of pathogens, BOD and nutrient enrichment in these waters.  On June 8, 1995, 3 CSOs were observed discharging to the river after a 2-3" rain.  Fecal matter was observed being discharged directly into the river.  No monitoring data are available to substantiate partial support assessment.  However, WQ staff judgement is that swimming use would be partially supported at best.