Assessment Comments
Assessment remains based on results of an IDNR investigation of a fish kill in April 2001.
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 the lack of information upon which to base an assessment. The presumptive Class B(WW1) aquatic life uses remain assessed (evaluated) as "partially supported" based on a report of a fish kill in April 2001. Due to the absence of kills subsequent to that kill, this assessment segment was considered “evaluated” and thus moved from Category 4d (impaired but TMDL not required) to Category 3b (water in need of further investigation) of Iowa's 2006 Integrated Report. This assessment also applies to the upstream segment of Feddeke Creek (IA 02-WFC-0033-2).
EXPLANATION: A fish kill occurred on this stream reach on April 23, 2001. The kill affected 7.3 miles of Feddeke Creek beginning south of Allison in Section 36, T92N, R17W (Butler Co.) and extending to the confluence of Feddeke Creek with the West Fork Cedar River. The kill was caused by leakage of 2,129 gallons of 28% liquid nitrogen fertilizer from a wind-damaged storage tank at Allison. An estimated 16,600 fish were killed. The party responsible for this kill was identified, and restitution was sought.
According to DNR's assessment methodology for Section 305(b) reporting, occurrence of a single pollution-caused fish kill during an assessment period indicates "partial support" of the aquatic life uses. 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 should be placed in IR Category 4d (impaired but TMDL not required). Thus, this assessment segment was placed into Category 4d of Iowa's 2004 Integrated Report. IDNR considers IR 4d fish kill waters with no subsequent kills reported in at least five year subsequent to the kill as appropriate for movement from IR Category 4d to either categories 2b or 3b (i.e., Iowa’s list of waters in need of further investigation). Thus, this assessment segment was placed in Category 3b of Iowa’s 2006 and 2008 Integrated Reports. This segment will remain in Category 3b for the Iowa's 2010 Integrated Report.
