East Fork Des Moines River IA 04-EDM-974

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of water quality monitoring conducted in 1997 by the state of Minnesota.

Basis for Assessment

[NOTE:  For the 2002 report, the previous identification number for this segment (IA 04-EDM-0020-2, Soldier Cr.  to Tuttle Lake) was changed to IA 04-EDM-0020-4.   This distance of this segment did not change.]

SUMMARY:  The Class B(WW) aquatic life uses remain assessed as "fully supported / threatened" (minor impacts).   The assessment category, however, is changed from "monitored" to "evaluated."  Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed."  EXPLANATION:  Continue to use the assessment developed for the 1998 report (see above) that was based primarily on results of ambient monitoring by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in 1996 and 1997 and secondarily on the 1992 IDNR stream use assessment in Emmet County.   However, because these data are now considered too old (greater than five years) to accurately characterize current water quality conditions, the assessment category is changed from "monitored" (indicating an assessment with relatively high confidence) to "evaluated" (indicating an assessment with relatively low confidence).   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this stream segment.