Spring Branch IA 01-MAQ-49

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on a 2012 summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams prepared by the IDNR Fisheries Bureau.

Basis for Assessment

[Note:  Prior to the 2008 Section 305(b) cycle, this stream segment was designated only for Class B(CW) 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 also now presumptively designated for Class A1 (primary contact recreation) and Class A2 (secondary contact recreation) uses.   This segment remains designated for coldwater aquatic life use (now termed Class B(CW1) uses), and for fish consumption uses (now termed Class HH (human health/fish consumption) uses.   This stream segment is identified as an Outstanding Iowa Water under the antidegradation policy in the Iowa Water Quality Standards.

SUMMARY:  The presumptive Class A1 (primary contact recreation) uses and presumptive Class A2 (secondary contact recreation) uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of data for indicator bacteria upon which to base an assessment.   The Class B(CW1) coldwater aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "fully supported" based on the February 2012 summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams as prepared by the IDNR Fisheries Bureau.   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed."  

Based on a summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams prepared by the DNR Fisheries Bureau in February 2012, the Class B(CW1) uses are assessed as "fully supported".   According to the updated summary, Spring Branch is in the group of Iowa coldwater streams that supports natural reproduction of trout.   Based on results of surveys by the IDNR Fisheries Bureau, this stream is placed in the category of Iowa trout streams that exhibit recent, but inconsistent reproductive success and that are generally not capable of maintaining a viable population for the resident trout species at this time.   This assessment is consistent with previous assessments of the ability of this stream to support natural reproduction of trout.  

Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to lack of fish tissue monitoring in this stream reach.