Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on EPA/IDNR fish tissue (RAFT) monitoring NE of Maquoketa in 1999 and 2001.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class A (primary contact recreation) uses and the Class B(WW) aquatic life uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of information upon which to base an assessment.   Fish consumption uses remain "fully supported" based on results of U.S.  EPA/IDNR fish contaminant monitoring near Maquoketa in 1999 and 2001.  

EXPLANATION:  Assessments of support of the Class A and Class B(WW) uses were not developed due to the lack of water quality monitoring data for this river reach.   Fish consumption uses remain assessed as "fully supported" based on the 1999 and 2001 EPA/DNR fish tissue (RAFT) samplings on the Maquoketa River northeast of Maquoketa.   This site is sampled for whole-fish common carp on an every-other-year basis as part of RAFT trend monitoring.   Results from both samplings show that levels of all contaminants in the composite samples of whole-fish carp were less than ½ of the respective FDA action levels and DNR levels of concern.   This site was again sampled in 2003; the results from this monitoring, however, are not yet available.