He said the river’s designation as impaired, based on stream-team tests and some conducted by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, could open the door for money for more testing “and opportunities to fix the problem.”

Moehr said the Jasper and Newton County Environmental Task Force also is looking into whether it could help or serve as a funding mechanism to expand the scope of the stream team’s work.

“That would be a way for everyone to work together,” he said.

John Bartosh, presiding commissioner, asked what could be done to improve stream quality.

“First, we have to identify the sources,” Christian said.

Moehr said efforts to protect and upgrade water quality are in place in several areas in the region, targeting waste from septic tanks and cattle grazing close to streams.

“I see the designation (as impaired) as a positive, because it opens up the possibility of money for remediation here,” he said. “The stream team has done a great job.”