South Skunk River IA 03-SSK-934

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of (1) IDNR city monitoring in 2000-01, (2) IDNR/UHL biological monitoring in 1997-98, and EPA/IDNR fish tissue monitoring in 1998.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(WW) aquatic life uses remained assessed as "fully supported / threatened."  Fish consumption uses remain assessed as "fully supported."  The sources of data for this assessment include (1) the results of monthly monitoring from October 1999 through September 2001 at the IDNR ambient city monitoring station located upstream from Ames at the Sleepy Hollow canoe access (2) results of IDNR-UHL biological monitoring in 1997 and 1998, and (3) EPA/IDNR fish tissue monitoring in 1998.   EXPLANATION:  The Class B(WW) aquatic life uses remain assessed as "fully supported / threatened."  Monitoring at the IDNR ambient station upstream from Ames showed no violations of Class B(WW) water quality criteria for dissolved oxygen, pH, or ammonia-nitrogen in the 14 samples collected, for toxic metals in the 14 samples collected, and for pesticides and other toxic organic compounds in the six samples analyzed, during the 2000-2001 biennial period.   These results suggest full support of the Class B(WW) aquatic life uses.   Based, however, on the results of biological monitoring conducted by IDNR and UHL in 1997 and 1998, the assessment of the aquatic life uses of this river segment remain "fully supported / threatened" (see assessment developed for the 2000 report above).   Fish consumption remain assessed as "fully supported" based on results of U.S.  EPA/IDNR fish tissue (RAFT) monitoring conducted in 1998 near Story City (see assessment for the 2000 report).