Des Moines River IA 04-UDM-1217

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of fish tissue (RAFT) monitoring in 1999. Fish kill at Ft. Dodge in Aug. 1995.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  Continue to consider the Class B(WW) aquatic life uses as "not assessed"; continue to assess support of the fish consumption uses as "fully supported."  EXPLANATION:  Due to the lack of either chemical or biological monitoring data for this river reach, continue to assess support of the Class B(WW) aquatic life uses as "not assessed."  The most recent fish kill in this river reach occurred on August 28, 1995 (see assessment for the 1998 report above).   According to DNR's Section 305(b) methodology, however, the absence of fish kills within the most recent three-year period (1997-1999) indicates no fish kill-related impairments.   EPA/DNR fish tissue (RAFT) monitoring in 1999 on the Des Moines River at Dolliver State Park showed very low levels of all contaminants in composite samples of fillets from common carp and freshwater drum.   Levels of most of the contaminants were below the laboratory detection level, and levels of the detected contaminants were less than ½ of respective FDA action levels and DNR levels of concern.   Thus, assess support of fish consumption uses as "fully supported."