Lake Keomah IA 03-SSK-930

Assessment Comments

Basis for Assessment

Both fishable and swimmable uses were assessed as FST for the following reasons:  (1)  BPJ of DNR Fisheries; (2) results of monitoring data collected in 1990 show that average levels of secchi depth, total-P, chl-a, and TSS are better than overall averages for the 116 SPOLs sampled in 1990 and 1992; (3) according to Bachmann et al.  (1994) lake has a relatively low sedimentation rate for an impoundment (2.1 cm/yr) and a relatively long life expectancy (146 years); they also report relatively high numbers for swimming; (4) lake does not have problems with fish kills.   According to Bachmann et al., lake does have problems with aquatic vegetation; thus, lake is threatened by nuisance aquatic vegetation.   DSC (1991) documents renovation of fishery in 1981, problems w/ crappie and BBH after renovation, and gradual improvement in the fishery.