Carter Lake IA 06-WEM-1714

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on (1) beach monitoring by Nebraska DEQ, (2) surveys by IDNR Fisheries Bureau, (3) fish tissue monitoring conducted by the Nebraska DEQ, and (4) ISU study of phytoplankton communities.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class A (primary contact recreation uses) were "not assessed."  Continued to assess support of the Class B(LW) aquatic life uses as "partially supported."  Fish consumption uses were assessed as "not supported."  EXPLANATION:  The level of support of the Class A (primary contact recreation) uses was changed from "partially supported" to "not assessed" due to the lack of information on levels of indicator bacteria at this lake.   This change in assessment reflects a change in the DNR's Section 305(b) assessment methodology and does not reflect any known change in water quality.   The previous (1998) assessment of support of the Class B(LW) uses ("partially supported") was reviewed and approved by the DNR Fisheries Bureau in 2000.   Fish consumption were assessed as "not supported" due to the existence of a fish consumption advisory for this lake issued by the state of Nebraska due to high levels of PCBs (see the following web site:  http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/fish/fishguide/FGadvisories.html).