Ioway Creek IA 03-SSK-6459

The presumptive Class B(WW1) (aquatic life) uses are assessed (evaluated) as "partially supported" due to the occurrence of a fish kill in August 2011. Approximately 30,300 fish were killed over 2.75 miles of stream. The value of the fish was reported as $13,750.22; the cost of the DNR investigation was $641.56. The cause of the kill was identified as land-applied animal (swine) manure.

According to DNR’s 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 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 a pollutant, but where a source of the pollutant was not identified and/or where enforcement actions were not taken against the responsible party, will be placed into Integrated Report subcategory 5b. The intent of placing these waterbodies into Category 5 is not to necessarily require a TMDL but to keep the impairment highlighted due to the potential for similar future kills from the unaddressed causes and/or sources. If, however, a consent order has been issued to the party responsible for the kill and monetary restitution has been sought for the fish killed, the affected waterbody will be placed in IR Category 4d (impaired but TMDL not required). DNR records show that the party responsible for the kill was identified and the value of the fish killed and the costs incurred during investigation were sought and received. Thus, this assessment segment remains in Category 4d of Iowa’s Integrated Report.