South Skunk River IA 03-SSK-927

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of (1) IDNR ambient monthly monitoring near Oskaloosa.

Basis for Assessment

Used results from the DNR quarterly water quality monitoring station at the Hwy 63 brdige N of Oskaloosa, and information from Harlan et al.  (1987: 10) to assess support of the Class B(WW) aquatic life uses as PS and the Class C drinking water uses as FS.   Although results of two years of quarterly monitoring show no violations of either Class B(WW) or Class C water quality criteria, information from Harlan et al.  (1987) suggest that extensive channelization has degraded the quality of the aquatic habitat such that fishing success depends on favorable water conditions.   Thus, assess support of the Class B(WW) aquatic life uses as PS due to impacts of extensive channelization and the Class C drinking water uses as FS due to no violations of Class C water quality criteria for nitrate and toxic metals (no pesticide monitoring conducted).