White Fox Creek IA 04-UDM-1261

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of IDNR/UHL biocriteria sampling: Avg.1994 - 1998 Biocriteria scores: Fish IBI=58 (good), BM-IBI=67 (good).

Basis for Assessment

Used results of DNR seasonal biocriteria samplings in May, Sept., & Nov.  1996 and Aug.  & Nov.  1997 to assess support of the Class B(LR) aquatic life uses as FS due to (1) presence of a very diverse fish community of from 17 to 25 species from 5 families, (2) presence of all the expected fish taxa (11 of 11) for streams in the Des Moines Lobe subecoregion, and (3) lack of violations of Class B(LR) WQ criteria in the five samples collected during the five biocriteria sampling events.   A fish kill occurred on June 13, 1996, affecting approximately 12 miles of stream downstream from Clarion in Wright Co.  killing an estimated 45,000 fish.   This kill was caused by an accidental release of ammonia from an agricultural chemical dealer.   The aquatic life at the DNR biocriteria site was apparently not affected by this fish kill.