Mud Creek IA 06-BSR-1546

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on IDNR/UHL ambient water quality monitoring in 2002 at two locations on this stream segment.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(LR) aquatic life uses are assessed (evaluated) as “fully supported” based on results of ambient chemical/physical water quality monitoring conducted by IDNR/UHL from March through November 2002 at two locations on Mud Creek:  (1) near Doon, Iowa (TMDL station 5; STORET station 11600004) and (2) near the Iowa/Minnesota state line (TMDL station 4; STORET station 11600003).   This monitoring was conducted as part of TMDL development.

EXPLANATION:  Results of chemical/physical water quality monitoring conducted from March through November 2002 by IDNR/UHL in support of TMDL development suggest relatively good water quality in this stream.   None of the combined 22 samples collected from these two stations had levels of dissolved oxygen, pH, or ammonia-nitrogen that violated state water quality standards (these samples were not analyzed for toxic metals or pesticides).   The decision to consider this assessment as “evaluated” (lower confidence) versus “monitored” (higher confidence) is based on the relatively poor parameter coverage (i.e., no analysis of samples for toxic metals or pesticides).