Mississippi River IA 01-NEM-61

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on fish tissue monitoring (RAFT) near Muscatinefor 1995 RAFT program; Linwood site sampled in 1994, 1996, and 1998.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class A (primary contact recreation) uses and the Class B(WW) aquatic life uses remain "not assessed."  Fish consumption uses were assessed as "fully supported / threatened."  EXPLANATION:  Results of EPA/DNR fish tissue (RAFT) monitoring on the Mississippi River near Linwood in 1998 showed that levels of all contaminants in two samples of whole-fish carp were below the respective FDA action levels.   Both samples, however, contained 0.16 mg/kg of technical chlordane; this level is slightly above ½ of the FDA action level of 0.30 mg/kg.   According to DNR's assessment methodology for Section 305(b) reporting, levels of fish contaminants greater than ½ of the respective FDA action level indicate that fish consumption uses should be assessed as "fully supported / threatened."  In addition to this sampling, EPA/DNR fish tissue (RAFT) monitoring conducted downstream from Muscatine in 1995 (see above) and 1999 showed that levels of all contaminants in composite samples of fillets from common carp, white bass, and black crappie are below ½ of the respective FDA action levels and DNR levels of concern.