Big Woods Lake IA 02-CED-466

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of U.S. EPA/IDNR fish tissue (RAFT) monitoring in 1996. This lake is not part of the 2000-2004 ISU statewide lake survey.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The fish consumption uses of this new lake remain assessed (evaluated) as "fully supported" based on results of U.S.  EPA/IDNR fish contaminant (RAFT) monitoring in 1996.   Other beneficial uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of information upon which to base an assessment.

EXPLANATION:  The fish consumption uses remain "fully supported" based on results of EPA/DNR fish tissue (RAFT) monitoring in 1996 (see assessments developed for the 1998 and 2000 reporting cycles).    Because these data considered to old to accurately characterize water quality (greater than five years), the assessment type for this assessment is "evaluated" (lower-confidence assessments) as opposed to "monitored" (higher-confidence assessments) that are based on data collected within the last five years.    

The other beneficial uses remain "not assessed" due to lack of water quality information.   This lake is not part of Iowa State University's statewide survey of 132 Iowa lakes.