Farmers Creek IA 01-NMQ-94

Assessment Comments

Stream use assessment in Jackson County. WQ monitored at Hwy 61/E17 intersection by DNR/LTRMP staff in 1996.

Basis for Assessment

Reviewed results of runoff studies conducted by DNR/LTRMP staff in late May and early July 1996 that showed the Farmers Creek to be contributing relatively high levels of total suspended solids and nutrients (phosphorus) to the Maquoketa R.  Support of the Class B(LR) uses was downgraded from FST to PS due to (1) low fish community diversity (8 cyprinids) and (2) less than a majority of the expected fish taxa (4 of 9) for for the Southern Iowa Loess Prairies subecoregion (47f).  Under guidance of the Maquoketa River Alliance, several groups (e.g., NRCS and county extension) are working to address problems with nonpoint source contributions of suspended solids and nutrients (phosphorus).   Addtional monitoring of the aquatic communities of this stream are needed to update this assessment, to determine the status of the aquatic communities and habitats, and to detrmine the degree to which the Class B(LR) uses may be impaired.   A major fish kill was reported on this stream south of Lamotte on September 22, 1997.   The kill was attributed to high levels of ammonia and BOD from an animal feeding operation.   Nearly 13 miles of stream were affected, and an estimated 133,000 fish were killed.