Missouri River IA 06-WEM-1720

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on (1) surveys of Nebraska fisheries biologists and consultation with IDNR staff and (2) 2006 assessment information from Nebraska DEQ.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class A (primary contact recreation) uses are assessed (monitored) as “not supported” based on the impairment identified by the Nebraska DEQ due to high levels of indicator bacteria.   The Class B(WW) aquatic life uses remain assessed (evaluated) as "partially supported" based on information from local fisheries biologists on impacts related to flow modification and habitat alterations in this segment of the Missouri River.   The fish consumption uses remain “not assessed” due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this river segment.   The sources of information for this assessment are (1) information from Nebraska fisheries biologists on habitat conditions in the Missouri River and (2) 2006 assessment information from Nebraska DEQ.    

EXPLANATION:  The Class A (primary contact recreation) uses are assessed (monitored) as “not supported” based on the impairment of primary contact recreation uses identified for this segment of the Missouri River by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality for the 2006 Section 303(d) listing cycle.   The Nebraska DEQ identified an impairment of primary contact recreation uses in this river segment due to high levels of indicator bacteria (fecal coliforms).  

The Class B(WW) uses remain assessed as "partially supported" based on the assessment developed for the 1998, 2000, and 2002 reports (i.e., habitat alterations and flow modifications that resulted from development of the river  for navigation uses in the mid-Twentieth Century).   This assessment was developed in consultation with the Missouri River fisheries biologist for the state of Nebraska.  

Fish consumption uses remain “not assessed” due to the lack of recent fish contaminant monitoring in this river segment.