Assessment Comments
Assessment is based on results of an IDNR investigation of a fish kill that occurred on a tributary of Steeles Branch in August 2002.
Basis for Assessment
SUMMARY: The Class B(CW) aquatic life uses are assessed (evaluated) as "partially supported" due to occurrence of a fish kill on a tributary in August 2002. This kill was caused by a spill. Fish consumption uses are "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this stream reach.
EXPLANATION: The fish kill occurred on August 2, 2002, and resulted from the spillage from a 500 gallon tank containing liquid animal feed containing molasses; the tank slid off a flatbed truck into a road ditch; an undetermined amount of liquid feed was spilled. Approximately 0.5 miles of this tributary was affected; a total of 153 fish was killed. The party responsible for this kill was identified. Steeles Branch was not affected by this kill. According to IDNR's assessment methodology for Section 305(b) reporting, occurrence of a single pollution-caused fish kill within the most recent three-year period indicates ongoing impairment of the aquatic life uses.
Fish consumption uses are "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this stream reach.
