DMACC Pond IA 04-UDM-6316

Assessment Comments

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

Basis for Assessment

[Note:  This lake is not in the 2010 version of the Iowa's surface water classification and thus has no specific designated uses for either aquatic life or fish consumption.   Regardless, the available data on fish contaminants were used to assess the fish consumption use as this lake is known to receive considerable recreational fishing use.]

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

EXPLANATION:  Fish consumption uses remain assessed (monitored) as “fully supported” based on results of U.S.  EPA/IDNR fish contaminant (RAFT) monitoring at DMACC Pond 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.   The level of mercury in the composite sample of largemouth bass fillets was 0.242 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.