Whitewater Creek IA 01-NMQ-104

The fish kill occurred before September 19, 2016 due to the poor condition of fish carcasses at the time of the investigation. The kill affected approximately 7,821 fish in 23.8 miles of stream(s) in two counties.The fish were valued at $16,503.13 and the investigation expenses were $1,741.04.The following partial information is from the fish kill data base (see link above):

Based on the extent of decay it is probable that the fish kill occurred during the previous week. We identified the following 17 fish species dead in the kill area: Bluegill, Bluntnose Minnow, Central Stoneroller, Channel Catfish, Common Shiner, Creek Chub, Fantail Darter, Gizzard Shad, Green Sunfish, Highfin Carpsucker, Hornyhead Chub, Northern Hogsucker, Redhorse (unidentified species), Smallmouth Bass, Spotfin Shiner, Stonecat, White Sucker. This was an extensive fish kill of large magnitude that appeared to have occurred during a period of high stream discharge. It is likely that this was the most significant (numbers of fish, monetary value, and lost recreational value) fish kill that I have investigated during the past 14 years. Valuation and estimates of fish lost are grossly underestimated by this investigation given the extent of fish decay, high stream discharge, and high stream turbidity.

According to DNR’s assessment/listing methodology, the occurrence of a single pollutant-caused fish kill, or a fish kill of unknown origin, on a waterbody or waterbody reach during the most recent assessment period indicates a severe stress to the aquatic community and suggests that the aquatic life uses should be assessed as “impaired.” If a cause of the kill is identified, and the cause is either known, or suspected, to be a “pollutant”, the assessment type is considered “monitored” and the affected waterbody is a candidate for Section 303(d) listing. Fish kills attributed to a pollutant, but where a source of the pollutant was not identified and/or where enforcement actions were not taken against the responsible party, will be placed into Integrated Report subcategory 5b. The intent of placing these waterbodies into Category 5 is not to necessarily require a TMDL but to keep the impairment highlighted due to the potential for similar future kills from the unaddressed causes and/or sources. If, however, a consent order has been issued to the party responsible for the kill and monetary restitution has been sought for the fish killed, the affected waterbody will be placed in IR Category 4d (impaired but TMDL not required). DNR records indicate that at the time of this assessment, the party responsible for the 2016 kill hasn't been identified nor has DNR sought and has received restitution for the value of the fish killed and the investigation costs incurred. Thus, this assessment segment is appropriate for Category 5b of Iowa’s Integrated Report.