Buttermilk Creek IA 04-UDM-1826

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on information from citizen complaints and IDNR investigations of water quality conditions in this stream in 2002.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The general uses of this stream are assessed (monitored) as "not supported" due to impacts of poorly treated and untreated wastewater discharged to the stream.   This assessment is based on IDNR complaint records of March 26, 2002 and July 19, 2002.   The IDNR investigations resulting from these complaints documented toilet paper in the stream in March 2002 and the covering of the stream bottom with a "gray deposit" in July 2002.   Photographs from citizens in July 2002 show large colonies of bloodworms (Chironomids) in the stream, thus suggesting both organic enrichment and low levels of dissolved oxygen.   IDNR staff have corresponded with both the Wright County sanitarian and the Wright County Board of Supervisors to address this problem.   Households in the watershed of Buttermilk Creek were notified by the Wright County Sanitarian in December 2003 and again in March 2004 that, according to state and county regulations, they must properly maintain their septic systems and update these systems if necessary to alleviate pollution problems in Buttermilk Creek.  

EXPLANATION:  The water quality conditions reported by citizens and documented by IDNR field staff potentially violate several of Iowa's narrative water quality standards designed to protect general uses of Iowa's surface waters (e.g., livestock and wildlife watering, aquatic life and noncontact recreation):

--such waters shall be free from substances from point source dischargers that will settle to form sludge deposits;

--such waters shall be free from floating debris, oil, grease, scum and other materials from wastewater discharges or agricultural practices in amounts sufficient to create a nuisance;

--such waters shall be free from materials from wastewater discharges or agricultural practices producing objectionable color, odor, or other aesthetically objectionable conditions;

Based on the information received by IDNR on this stream, the general uses are assessed (monitored) as "not supported" due to water quality impacts from poorly-treated and untreated domestic sewage being discharged to Buttermilk Creek.