Assessment Comments

008724 (1117MBR/EPA) NE of Maquoketa and professional judgement of DNR Fisheries and LTRMP staff.

Basis for Assessment

Assessed support of the Class B(WW) aquatic life uses as FST due to relatively high levels of suspended solids & nutrients that threaten support of Class B(WW) uses.  The Class B(WW) use, however, is likely supported:  the March/ April 1998 Iowa Conservationist notes that this reach of the Maquoketa provides good angling opportunity for catfish and smallmouth bass.   No information available for assessing support of the Class A primary contact recreation uses.  Additional monitoring is needed to determine whether the relatively high levels of suspended solids and nutrients in the lower Maquoketa River are impairing the Class B(WW) aquatic life uses.