Impaired Water - Saint Louis River (St. Louis River AOC, Howards Bay)
Douglas County, Wisconsin
LS01
2843800
140.57
Water is impaired due to one or more pollutants and associated quality impacts.
Notes
High levels of lead are likely having toxic effects on the benthic community.

Additionally, several pesticides in the sediments, including DDT and Dieldrin, have been detected in Howard's Bay, although these chemicals are not present in concentrations where they are exceeding probable effects concentrations for toxcity on sediment-dwelling organisms.

Industrialized sheltered bay that is part of the St. Louis River system; lies within the St. Louis River Area of Concern.
It is part of the St. Louis River.
Listing Details
Pollutant
Lead
Listed For
Fish and Aquatic Life
Impairments
Lead Contaminated Sediments
Current Use
Unsupported Aquatic Life
Listing Status
303d Listed
Attainable Use
WWSF - Warmwater Sport Fishery
Priority
Low
Designated Use
WWSF - Warmwater Sport Fishery
303(d) ID
2010-38
Listing Date
4/1/2010
Impaired Water Notes
Howard's Bay is impaired due to elevated levels of lead in sediment causing aquatic toxicity, with 15 of the 36 samples in the Phase IV St. Louis River Contaminated Sediment Database above the probable effect concentration levels for lead. At these concentrations for lead, harmful effects on sediment-dwelling organisms are likely to be observed. These elevated levels of lead are only found in Howard's Bay, a separate listing from the St. Louis River Area of Concern is advised. In addition, fish tissue samples have indicated high levels of mercury and PCBs which lead to specific fish consumption advisories for this waterbody.

Date
10/25/2009

 
Pollutant
PCBs
Listed For
Fish Consumption
Impairments
PCBs Contaminated Fish Tissue
Current Use
Specific Restricted Fish Consumption
Listing Status
303d Listed
Attainable Use
General Fish Consumption Advice
Priority
Low
Designated Use
General Fish Consumption Advice
303(d) ID
465, 466
Listing Date
4/1/1998
 
Pollutant
Mercury
Listed For
Fish Consumption
Impairments
Mercury Contaminated Fish Tissue
Current Use
Specific Restricted Fish Consumption
Listing Status
303d Listed
Attainable Use
General Fish Consumption Advice
Priority
Low
Designated Use
General Fish Consumption Advice
303(d) ID
465,466
Listing Date
4/1/1998