Assessment Comments
Assessment based on results of an IDNR investigation of a fish kill in August 1999.
Basis for Assessment
SUMMARY: The Class B(CW) aquatic life uses remain assessed (evaluated) as "partially supported." Fish consumption uses are "not assessed."
EXPLANATION: Previous (2000 and 2002) assessments of the aquatic life uses was based on the occurrence of a fish kill on August 5, 1999, northwest of Highlandville in Winneshiek County. As stated in the assessment developed for the 2000 report, the kill followed a 2-3 inch rainfall event; no other water quality problems were observed. An estimated 3,200 fish were killed. No responsible party for the kill was identified. According to DNR's assessment methodology for Section 305(b) reporting, occurrence of a single pollution-caused fish kill, or kill of unknown origin, within the most recent three-year period indicates that the aquatic life uses of a waterbody are only "partially supported." Thus, the Class B(CW) aquatic life uses of this stream were assessed as "partially supported."
Fish consumption uses are not assessed due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this stream reach.
