Assessment Comments
Assessment is based on results of an IDNR investigation of a fish kill south of Clarion in 2001.
Basis for Assessment
[Note: For the 2002 report, the previous waterbody segment for White Fox Creek (IA 04-UDM-0220-0), which extended 17 miles from its mouth to confluence with an unnamed tributary in Wright County, was split into two subsegments: (1) mouth to the Hamilton / Wright county line (IA 04-UDM-0220-1) and (2) Hamilton / Wright county line to confluence with unnamed tributary WNW of Big Wall Lake (IA 04-UDM-0220-2). See assessment information for segment IA 04-UDM-0220-1) for previous Section 305(b) assessments for the original 42-mile river reach.]
SUMMARY: The Class B(LR) aquatic life uses remain assessed (monitored) as "partially supported" based on results of an IDNR investigation of a fish kill in this stream segment in December 2001.
EXPLANATION: A fish kill occurred on this stream reach on December 14, 2001. The kill began just east of Clarion in S5, T91N, R24W, Wright Co., and traveled 11.2 miles to the south line of section 12, T90N, R25W, Wright Co. The kill was caused by the release of 28% nitrogen fertilizer; an estimated 160,000 fish were killed. The party responsible for the kill was identified, and restitution was sought. According to DNR's assessment methodology for Section 305(b) reporting, occurrence of a single pollution-caused fish kill during the most recent three-year period indicates "partial support" of the aquatic life uses. Thus, the Class B(LR) aquatic life uses of this stream were assessed as "partially supported."
