Assessment Comments
Assessment remains based on results of an October 1994 DNR stream use assessment.
Basis for Assessment
[Note: Prior to the 2008 Section 305(b) cycle, this stream segment was designated only for Class B(LR) aquatic life uses. Due to changes in Iowa’s surface water classification that were approved by U.S. EPA in February 2008 (see http://www.iowadnr.com/water/standards/files/06mar_swc.pdf), this segment is now presumptively designated for Class A1 (primary contact recreation) uses. The stream remains designated for aquatic life uses (now termed Class B(WW2) aquatic life uses). Thus, for the current (2010) assessment, the available water quality monitoring data will be compared to the applicable Class A1 and Class B(WW2) water quality criteria.]
SUMMARY/EXPLANATION: The presumptive Class A1 (primary contact recreation) uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of information upon which to base an assessment. The Class B(WW2) aquatic life uses remain assessed as "partially supported" based on results of biological monitoring and habitat assessment conducted as part on an October 1994 IDNR stream use assessment. Although the data upon which this assessment were originally based have aged beyond 10 years--and are thus considered too old to characterize current water quality conditions--the indication of a potential impairment suggests that this stream segment should remain assessed (evaluated) as "partially supported" and thus remain in IR Category 3b (I.e., on Iowa's list of waters in need of further investigation). Follow-up monitoring is needed to update this assessment, to determine the status of the aquatic communities of this stream, and to determine the degree to which the aquatic life uses may be impaired.
