Cedar River IA 02-CED-450

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of fish tissue (RAFT) monitoring near Cedar Rapids in 1996.

Basis for Assessment

Used results of 1996 RAFT sampling to assess support of fish consumption uses as FS:  all contaminants were less than 1/2 FDA action levels.   Did not use results from the DNR quarterly WQ monitoring station at Cedar Bluff due to the age of the data (i.e., > five years).   Thus, have no information on which to base an assessment of the Class B(WW) aquatic life or Class A primary contact uses.   Although monitoring suggests that the fish consumption uses are fully supported, known threats from nonpoint source pollution suggests that the overall assessment should be FST.   Additional monitoring is needed to determine the status of the aquatic communities of this reach of the Cedar River.