Blue Lake IA 06-WEM-1728

Assessment Comments

Monitored in 1992 by ISU as part of the Clean Lakes Classification Study (1994); other information obtained from IDNR Fisheries Bureau and Wildlife Bureau.

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 "fully supported / threatened."  Other beneficial uses remain "not assessed."  EXPLANATION:  The level of support of the Class A (primary contact recreation) uses was changed from "fully supporting / threatened" 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 ("fully supported / threatened") was reviewed and approved by the DNR Fisheries Bureau in 2000.   Biologists with the DNR Wildlife Bureau have recently expressed concern that a planned diversion of water to Blue Lake will adversely affect the aquatic life and recreational uses of the lake.   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring at this lake.