South Skunk River IA 03-SSK-931
from confluence with Indian Creek (S32 T80N R20W Jasper Co.) to outfall of Ames wastewater treatment plant in SW 1/4 S32 T83N R23W Story Co.
Assessment Comments
Assessment is based on results of DNR monthly water quality monitoring NNW of Cambridge downstream from outfall of Ames WWTF.
Basis for Assessment
Had no violations of Class B(LR) criteria. However, based on my (JRO) August 1991 walk in the river from Cambridge to Ames, the following impacts were identified: habitat alterations caused by channelization of this reach are evident at most locations. Contributions from agriculture and bank erosion have caused siltation problems which are most severe where trees have been removed from one or both sides of the river (habitat at low flow in these areas is essentially worthless); where trees remain on both sides of the river, habitat quality improves considerably, probably to FST status.
Assessment Key Dates
Methods
230 | Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Monitoring Levels
Biological | 0 |
Habitat | 0 |
Physical Chemistry | 3 |
Toxic | 0 |
Pathogen Indicators | 0 |
Other Health Indicators | 0 |
Other Aquatic Life Indicators | 0 |
# of Bio Sites | 0 |
BioIntegrity | N/A |