Assessment Comments
Assessment based on occurrence of a fish kill in June 1999.
Basis for Assessment
New waterbody for the 2000 305(b) cycle. Not assessed for the 1994, 1996, or 1998 reports.
SUMMARY: The general aquatic life uses were assessed as "partially supported." EXPLANATION: A fish kill occurred in this unnamed tributary of Long Branch and the South Raccoon River on June 19, 1999. The site of the kill is approximately 3 miles northeast of Stuart in Guthrie County. The kill was caused by leakage or overflow of manure from a waste retention structure that flowed through drainage tiles to this stream. Investigation by DNR/EPD field office suggested (1) that this kill did not affect the South Raccoon River and (1) that previous discharges of manure throught the tile system had occurred. According to DNR's assessment methodology for Section 305(b) reporting, occurrence of a single pollution-caused fish kill within the most recent three-year period indicates that the aquatic life uses of a waterbody are only "partially supported." Thus, the general aquatic life uses of this stream reach were assessed as "partially supported."
