Little Cedar River IA 02-CED-574

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of (1) IDNR/UHL ambient monitoring conducted from April 2001 through December 2002 in support of TMDL development and (2) biological monitoring conducted by IDNR and UHL in 1995.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(WW) aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "fully supported."  Fish consumption uses were not assessed due to the lack of recent fish contaminant monitoring in this stream segment.   The source of data for this assessment is the results of (1) monthly monitoring conducted by IDNR and UHL at one location near Ionia (STORET station 11190001) from April 2001 through December 2002 as part of monitoring in support of TMDL development and (2) IDNR/UHL biological monitoring and stream use assessment in 1995.  

EXPLANATION:  The assessment of the Class B(WW) uses for the current (2000-2002) assessment period ("fully supported") is based on results of TMDL-related monitoring near Ionia in 2001 and 2002 that showed no violations of Class B(WW) criteria for dissolved oxygen, pH, or ammonia-nitrogen in the 24 samples collected and analyzed.   The parameter coverage at this station is somewhat limited (i.e., no analysis for toxic metals or pesticides).   This assessment is consistent with previous assessments of aquatic life uses (“fully supported”) based on results of IDNR/UHL biocriteria sampling in 1995 and on results of IDNR stream use assessments in 1995 (see assessment developed for the 2000 report).   Fish consumption uses were not assessed due to the lack of recent fish tissue monitoring in this river segment.