Assessment Comments
Previous assessments were based on results of fish / benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring conducted by UHL in 1998 and 1999. IR Category changed to "not assessed" (IR 3a) for the 2012 cycle due to age of data (> 10 years).
Basis for Assessment
[Note: Prior to the 2008 Section 305(b) cycle, this stream segment was designated only for Class B(LR) aquatic life uses. Due to changes in Iowa’s surface water classification that were approved by U.S. EPA in February 2008, this segment is now presumptively designated for Class A1 (primary contact recreation) uses. The stream remains designated for aquatic life uses (now termed Class B(WW2) aquatic life uses). Thus, for the current (2012) assessment, the available water quality monitoring data will be compared to the applicable Class A1 and Class B(WW2) water quality criteria.]
SUMMARY/EXPLANATION: The presumptive Class A1 (primary contact recreation) uses are "not assessed" due to the lack of information for indicator bacteria upon which to base an assessment. The Class B(WW-2) aquatic life uses are also now considered “not assessed due the age of the data (greater than 10 years) upon which previous assessments were based. The previous assessment of the Class B(WW2) aquatic life uses of this segment (“fully supported”) were based on results of biological monitoring conducted by UHL in 1997 and 1998, see 2000 305(b) assessment for details. The biological data upon which this assessment is based are now well over 10 years old, and their ability to characterize current water quality conditions is doubtful. Thus, the aquatic life uses are now considered “not assessed.”
