Lake Oelwein IA 01-WPS-6461

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of IDNR/U.S EPA fish contaminant (RAFT) monitoring in 2010.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class A (primary contact recreation) and 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 fish tissue monitoring in 2010.  

EXPLANATION:  Fish consumption uses were assessed (monitored) as “fully supported” based on results of U.S.  EPA/IDNR fish contaminant (RAFT) monitoring at Lake Oelwein in 2010.    The composite samples of fillets from largemouth bass and channel catfish had low levels of contaminants.    Levels of primary contaminants in the composite sample of largemouth bass fillets were as follows: mercury: 0.162 ppm.   Levels of primary contaminants in the composite sample of channel catfish fillets were as follows: mercury: 0.0466 ppm; total PCBs: 0.09 ppm; and technical chlordane: <0.03 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 2010 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.