Assessment Comments
Assessment is based on results of an IDNR fish kill investigation in November, 2007.
Basis for Assessment
[Note: Prior to the 2008 Section 305(b) cycle, this stream segment was classified only for general uses. Due to changes in Iowa’s surface water classification that were approved by U.S. EPA in February 2008 (see http://www.iowadnr.com/water/standards/files/06mar_swc.pdf), this segment is now presumptively designated for Class A1 (primary contact recreation) uses and for Class B(WW1) aquatic life uses. According to the Iowa Water Quality Standards, all perennial rivers and streams and all intermittent streams with perennial pools that are not specifically listed in the Iowa surface water classification are designated as Class A1 and Class B(WW1) waters. Thus, for the current (2010) assessment, perennial flow is presumed, and the available water quality monitoring data will be compared to the applicable Class A1 and Class B(WW1) water quality criteria.]
SUMMARY: The presumptive Class A1 (primary contact recreation) uses are "not assessed" due to a lack of water quality information upon which to base an assessment. The Class B(WW-1) aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "partially supported" based on results of an IDNR fish kill investigation in 2007.
EXPLANATION: The kill occurred on or before November 2, 2007 and was attributed to Zyglo, a green dye that was discharged by a local industry and passed through the Creston Wastewater Treatment Plant. Approximately 2583 fish were killed in a 4.5 mile stretch of the river near Creston. The estimated value of the fish was $ 5924.2. At the time of this assessment there are no records that IDNR has sought/received restitution for this fish kill. Because this discharge occurred through a facility with a discharge permit this assessment will be placed in Category 5a for the 2008 assessment/listing cycle.
According to IDNR’s 2010 assessment/listing methodology, the occurrence of a single pollutant-caused fish kill, or a fish kill of unknown origin, on a waterbody or waterbody reach during the most recent assessment period (2007-2009) indicates a severe stress to the aquatic community and suggests that the aquatic life uses should be assessed as “impaired”. If a cause of the kill is identified, and the cause is either known, or suspected, to be a “pollutant”, the assessment type is considered “monitored” and the affected waterbody is a candidate for Section 303(d) listing. Fish kills attributed to authorized discharges (i.e., a wastewater discharge meeting permit limits) are considered for Section 303(d) listing (IR subcategory 5a) as the existing, required pollution control measures are not adequate to address this impairment, and a TMDL is needed. Thus, this assessment segment will be placed in Category 5 of Iowa’s 2010 Integrated Report.
An additional kill occurred on or before September 2, 2008 and was attributed to natural causes (low flow). Approximately 1000 fish were killed. There was no evidence of contamination and the wastewater treatment facility that caused the 2007 fish kill was ruled out.
