Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of IDNR ambient monthly monitoring near Pisgah (950032 - 21IOWA/DNR).

Basis for Assessment

Upgraded the assessment of support of the Class B(WW) aquatic life uses from PS to FST with the the primary threats to support of the Class B(WW) uses being alterations to aquatic habitat due to extensive channelization of this river.   Results from the DNR WQ monitoring station near Pisgah show no violations of Class B(WW) WQ criteria for conventional or toxic contaminants in the 24 samples collected between Oct 95 and Sep 97.   The sample collected on June 10, 1996 contained a level of total dissolved solids (4,400 mg/l) that exceeded the Iowa general use WQ criterion of 750 mg/l.  This violation of the general use criterion does not suggest an impairment of water quality.   This assessment was made without the benefit of biological information for this reach of the Soldier River.   Additional monitoring is needed to determine the status of the aquatic communities and habitats of this river and to provide information for an improved assesssment of support of the Class B(WW) uses.   Until such monitoring is conducted, the assessment will be based on results of monthly water quality monitoring at Pisgah.