Bacon Creek Lake IA 06-FLO-6314

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of U.S. EPA/IDNR fish tissue (RAFT) sampling in 2008.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY: The Class B(LW) aquatic life uses are "not assessed" due to a lack of information upon which to base an assessment.   The fish consumption uses are assessed (monitored) as "fully supported" based on results of U.S.  EPA/IDNR fish contaminant (RAFT) monitoring in 2008.

EXPLANATION: Fish consumption uses were assessed (monitored) as “fully supported” based on results of U.S.  EPA/IDNR fish contaminant (RAFT) monitoring at Bacon Creek Lake in 2008.   The composite samples of fillets from channel catfish and largemouth bass had low levels of contaminants.   Levels of primary contaminants in the composite sample of channel catfish fillets were as follows: total PCBs: 0.09 ppm; and technical chlordane: <0.03 ppm.   Levels of mercury in the composite sample of largemouth bass fillets was 0.269 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 2008 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.