Big Woods Lake IA 02-CED-466

Assessment Comments

Assessment remains based on results of U.S. EPA/IDNR fish contaminant (RAFT) monitoring in 2007.

Basis for Assessment

This waterbody has been added to Iowa's current surface water classification (http://www.iowadnr.gov/water/standards/files/swcdoc2.pdf) and is classified for Class B(LW)[lake/wetland] aquatic life uses and Class HH (fish consumption) uses.    

SUMMARY: The Class B(LW) (aquatic life) uses remain "not assessed" due to a lack of water quality monitoring at this lake.   The fish consumption uses remain assessed (monitored) as "fully supported" based on results of U.S.  EPA/IDNR fish contaminant (RAFT) monitoring in 2007.  

EXPLANATION:  The Class B(LW) (aquatic life) uses remain "not assessed" due to a lack of water quality monitoring at this lake.   Big Woods Lake is not monitored through the Iowa State University Lake monitoring program or the ambient lake monitoring program done by the University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory.  

The fish consumption uses remain assessed (monitored) as "fully supported" based on results of U.S.  EPA/IDNR fish contaminant (RAFT) monitoring in 2007.   The composite samples of fillets from largemouth bass had low levels of contaminants.   The level of mercury in the composite samples of largemouth bass was 0.24 ppm, which is below the advisory trigger level (0.30 ppm).   The existence of, or potential for, a fish consumption advisory is the basis for Section 305(b) assessments of the degree to which Iowa’s lakes and rivers support their fish consumption uses.   The fish contaminant data generated from the 2007 RAFT sampling conducted at this lake show that the levels of contaminants do not exceed any of the advisory trigger levels, thus indicating no justification for issuance of a consumption advisory for this waterbody.