Missouri River IA 06-WEM-1720

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on (1) surveys of Nebraska fisheries biologists, (2) consultation with DNR staff and (3) 1998 fish tissue (RAFT) monitoring.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class A (primary contact recreation) uses remained "not assessed."  The Class B(WW) aquatic life uses remained assessed as "partially supported."  The fish consumption uses were assessed as "fully supported."  EXPLANATION:  The Class A uses remained "not assessed" due to the lack of monitoring data for indicator bacteria for this reach of the Missouri River.   The Class B(WW) uses remained assessed as "partially supported" based on the assessment developed for the 1998 report (see above).   This assessment was developed in consultation with the Missouri River fisheries biologist for the state of Nebraska.   Fish consumption uses remain assessed as "fully supported" based on EPA/DNR fish tissue (RAFT) monitoring near Sergeant Bluff (Woodbury County) in 1998 that showed levels of all contaminants were less than ½ of the respective FDA action levels and DNR levels of concern in the composite samples of fillets from carp and freshwater drum.   Levels of contaminants were unusually low in these samples, with 20 of 23 contaminants below their analytical detection levels.