|
LOE ID: |
8598 |
|
Pollutant: |
Mercury |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
6 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total mercury in eight quarterly samples ranged from 0.04 to 0.30 ug/L. Six of eight samples exceeded the CTR standard. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The California Toxics Rule (CTR) human health standard for consumption of water and organisms is 0.05 ug/L as a 30 day average. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and the Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
8553 |
|
Pollutant: |
Mercury |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Five of 8 samples for dissolved mercury were below the detection level, two were estimated values, and the concentration in the remaining sample was 0.01 ug/L. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
There are no state or federal criteria for dissolved mercury for the protection of human health. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
8604 |
|
Pollutant: |
Mercury |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Five of 8 samples for dissolved mercury were below the detection level, two were estimated values, and the concentration in the remaining sample was 0.01 ug/L. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
There are no applicable California or federal aquatic life criteria for dissolved mercury. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's national freshwater aquatic life criteria are expressed as total mercury (including inorganic and organic mercury). Total mercury data for this station are assessed in separate Lines of Evidence. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and the Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
8594 |
|
Pollutant: |
Mercury |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total mercury in eight quarterly samples ranged from 0.04 to 0.30 ug/L. The criteria were not violated. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's national freshwater aquatic life criteria (for total mercury) include a 4-day average of 0.77 ug/L and a 1-hour average of 1.4 ug/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
National recommended water quality criteria: 2002. EPA-822-R-02-047 Washington, D.C. USEPA |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and the Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
8550 |
|
Pollutant: |
Molybdenum |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable standards or criteria for molybdenum.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not sQuarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.atisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. There are no applicable aquatic life standards or criteria and the data cannot be assessed using Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because there are no applicable water quality standards or criteria. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 8550 |
|
LOE ID: |
7412 |
|
Pollutant: |
Molybdenum |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program quarterly between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total molybdenum in 8 samples ranged from 0.8 to 1.3 ug/L. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
There are no applicable water quality standards or criteria for molybdenum for protection of the Municipal and Domestic Supply use.. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
7411 |
|
Pollutant: |
Molybdenum |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved molybdenum in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 0.8 to 1.3 ug/L. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
There are no California or federal water quality standards or criteria for molybdenum for the protection of aquatic life. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
9267 |
|
Pollutant: |
Nickel |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of seven dissolved nickel samples or 8 total nickel samples samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule standards or the California Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 9267 |
|
LOE ID: |
7414 |
|
Pollutant: |
Nickel |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005.
Concentrations of total nickel in eight quarterly samples rangedfrom 0.32 to 0.74 ug/L. The MCL was not violated. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for nickel is 100 ug/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005 |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
7413 |
|
Pollutant: |
Nickel |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
7 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program quarterly between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved nickel in 7 samples ranged from 0.2 to 0.88 ug/L. The CTR standards were not exceeded. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The California Toxics Rule (CTR) freshwater aquatic life standards for nickel are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the acute toxicity standard ranges from 216.18 to 290.12 ug/L, and the chronic toxicity standard ranges from 24.04 to 32.26 ug/L |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Seven quarterly samples were collected between 2001 and 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. Arsenic in this watershed comes from natural volcanic and geothermal sources. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
9268 |
|
Pollutant: |
Nitrate |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
Two of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the annual average datapoints exceed the site-specific water quality objective. None of the samples exceed the California Maximum Contaminant Level.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None 8 samples exceeded the California Maximum Contaminant Level. None of 3 annual average datapoints exceed the site-specific objective. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 9268 |
|
LOE ID: |
8590 |
|
Pollutant: |
Nitrate |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Eight quarterly samples each were analyzed for nitrite and nitrite plus nitrate. Nitrate was calculated by subtraction. Nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.010 mg/L to 0.121 mg/L, expressed "as N". The MCL was not exceeded. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for nitrate is 45 mg/L expressed "as nitrate." This is equivalent to 10 mg/L expressed "as N." |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples each for nitrite and nitrite plus nitrate were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per constituent per year) between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
8575 |
|
Pollutant: |
Nitrate |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
3 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Eight quarterly samples each were analyzed for nitrite and nitrite plus nitrate. Nitrate was calculated by subtraction. Nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.010 mg/L to 0.121 mg/L, expressed "as N". Annual average concentrations, expresed "as nitrate" ranged from 0.081 to 0.329 mg/L. The annual average objective was not exceeded. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The site-specific objective for nitrate (expressed "as nitrate") from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17 includes an annual average concentration of 0.4 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 0.8 mg/L. (The objectives for Station 5, Mammoth Creek at Old Mammoth Road apply under the Tributary Rule). |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples each for nitrite and nitrite plus nitrate were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per constituent per year) between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
9269 |
|
Pollutant: |
Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N) |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of 8 samples exceeded the California Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 9269 |
|
LOE ID: |
8552 |
|
Pollutant: |
Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N) |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of nitrite plus nitrate in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 0.011 to 0.122 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for nitrite plus nitrate (expressed "as N") is 10 mg/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
15569 |
|
Pollutant: |
Nitrite |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceeds the water quality objective.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of 8 samples exceeded the California Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
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SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
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USEPA Decision: |
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Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 15569 |
|
LOE ID: |
26262 |
|
Pollutant: |
Nitrite |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Eight quarterly samples all had nitrite concentrations of 0.001 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for nitrite is 1 mg/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
8553 |
|
Pollutant: |
Oxygen, Dissolved |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of 8 samples exceeded the water qualitiy objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
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SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
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USEPA Decision: |
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Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 8553 |
|
LOE ID: |
7282 |
|
Pollutant: |
Oxygen, Dissolved |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. The dissolved oxygen concentrations in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 9 to 10.7 mg/L. The objective was not violated. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The objective, from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-6, is a one- day minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 8 mg/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
One station, near the confluence of the tributary with Mammoth Creek, was sampled.. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
Data were collected for an unnamed tributary entering Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. (The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is called Hot Creek.) In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek and its tributaries are designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
9271 |
|
Pollutant: |
Phosphate |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the annual average datapoints exceeds the site-specific water quality objective.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of three annual average datapoints exceeded the site-specific objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
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SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
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USEPA Decision: |
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Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 9271 |
|
LOE ID: |
8578 |
|
Pollutant: |
Phosphate |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
3 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of phosphate "as P" in 8 samples ranged from 0.013 to 0.029 mg/L. Calculated concentrations of phosphate "as phosphate" in 8 samples ranged from 0.040 to 0.089. Annual averages for three years ranged from 0.061 to 0.077 mg/L. The annual average objective was not exceeded. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The site-specific objective for dissolved orthophosphate from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17 includes an annual average concentration of 0.27 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 0.50 mg/L. (The objectives for Station 5, Mammoth Creek at Old Mammoth Road apply under the Tributary Rule). |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples for phosphate "as P" were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
9272 |
|
Pollutant: |
Phosphorus |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. No biological data are available for assessment whether the chemical samples comply with the water quality objective.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. No biological data were available for assessment of compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
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RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because no biological data are available for assessment whether the chemical data comply with the water quality objective. |
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SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 9272 |
|
LOE ID: |
8591 |
|
Pollutant: |
Phosphorus |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Reported concentrations of total phosphorus in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 0.024 to 0.042 mg/L. No biological data are available for use in assessing compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
There is no applicable site-specific objective (SSO)for Total Phosphorus for this creek. (Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17 includes an SSO for dissolved orthophosphate.)
The regionwide narrative objective for biostimulatory substances states:
"Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses." |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples for total phosphorus were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
9276 |
|
Pollutant: |
Sediment |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative water quality objective is an antidegradation based objective that provides that there shall be no increases in suspended sediment concentrations or loads. This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.10 of the Listing Policy, which deals with trends in water quality.
One line of evidence, based on quarterly sampling, is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. It includes 8 suspended sediment concentration values and 8 suspended sediment load values calculated from instantaneous discharge measurements.
Suspended sediment concentrations and loads are dependent on flows and can change rapidly over a short time during storm or snowmelt runoff events. Quarterly samples are insufficient to capture these short term events and therefore are insufficient to define natural background suspended sediment concentrations and loads, or to detect trends. Listing Policy Section 3.10 requires that natural background conditions be established.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. Sampling frequency was insufficient to establish natural background conditions and therefore does not meet the requirements of Listing Policy Section 3.10.
3. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because the available data are insufficient to meet the requirements of Listing Policy Section 3.10. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 9276 |
|
LOE ID: |
7422 |
|
Pollutant: |
Sediment |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
None |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of suspended sediment in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 2 to 19 mg/L. The USGS did 8 sediment discharge (load) calculations using quarterly flow (discharge) measurements taken concurrently with the sediment samples. Five of the eight flow measurements were estimates. The remaining instantaneous discharge flows ranged from 0.32 to 0.8 cubic feet per second. Six of the calculated sediment loads were below detection level. The remaining two samples had sediment loads of 0.02 and 0.04 tons per day. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective states: "The suspended sediment load and suspended sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses." |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight suspended samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005. Eight sediment load calculations were done. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
8554 |
|
Pollutant: |
Selenium |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable California Toxics Rule and Maximum Contaminant Level standards.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of eight samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule or Maximum
Contaminant Level standards and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 8554 |
|
LOE ID: |
7415 |
|
Pollutant: |
Selenium |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved selenium in 2 of 8 quarterly samples were below the detection level. The remaining samples were estimated values. The California Toxics Rule standards were not violated. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The California Toxics Rule (CTR) selenium standards for the protection of freshwater aquatic life are as follows: 4-day average = 5.0 ug/L; 1-hour average = 20 ug/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south.. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. Arsenic in this watershed comes from natural volcanic and geothermal sources. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
7416 |
|
Pollutant: |
Selenium |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. One of 8 samples for total selenium was below the detection level, 3 samples were estimated values, and total selenium concentrations in the remaining samples ranged from 0.5 to 0.7 ug/L. The MCL was not violated. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for selenium is 50 ug/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
8556 |
|
Pollutant: |
Silver |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable California Toxics Rule or Maximum Contaminant Level standards.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of eight samples exceeded the applicable California Toxics Rule or Maximum Contaminant Level standards and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 8556 |
|
LOE ID: |
7301 |
|
Pollutant: |
Silver |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program quarterly between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved silver in 8 samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5, the CTR standards were not violated. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The California Toxics Rule (CTR) freshwater aquatic life standard for silver is dependent on hardness. .At the hardness levels reported for this station, the instantaneous maximum standard ranges from 0.72 to 1.30 ug/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. Arsenic in this watershed comes from natural volcanic and geothermal sources. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
7302 |
|
Pollutant: |
Silver |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005.
Concentrations of total silver in 8 samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy section 6.1.5.5, the MCL was not violated. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for silver is 100 ug/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between 2001 and 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
8559 |
|
Pollutant: |
Specific Conductance |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective (California Maximum Contaminant Level).
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data do not used satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of 8 samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 8559 |
|
LOE ID: |
7295 |
|
Pollutant: |
Specific Conductance |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
None |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Specific conductance in 8 quarterly field measurements ranged from 72 to 124 uS/cm. The MCL was not exceeded. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for specific conductance is 900 microsiemens per centimeter (uS/cm). |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight field measurements of specific conductance were taken quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
9275 |
|
Pollutant: |
Temperature, water |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative temperature objective is an antidegradation-based objective that requires that there be no change in temperature in waters designated for the Cold Freshwater Habitat (COLD) beneficial use. The objective does not include specific numerical limits for protection of the COLD use. Listing Policy Section 3.10 contains directions for assessment based on trends in water quality. These directions include requirements to establish specific baseline conditions and specify the influence of seasonal and interannual effects.
One line of evidence is available to support this decision. There are not enough temperature samples to establish baseline conditions (including diel, seasonal, annual and interannual variations in temperature) or to detect declining trends in the temperature regime if such trends exist.
Because temperature samples were collected only quarterly, weekly and monthly average data are not available for comparison with guidelines in the scientific literature for the temperature requirements of sensitive aquatic species such as salmonids, as directed in Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.9. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because the available data are not sufficient to meet the requirements of Listing Policy sections 3.10 and 6.1.5.9. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 9275 |
|
LOE ID: |
7286 |
|
Pollutant: |
Temperature, water |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
None |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Water temperatures in 8 quarterly measurements ranged from 0 to 9.5 degrees Celsius. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The applicable language from the Lahontan Basin Plan's temperature objective states: "The natural receiving water temperature of all waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such an alteration in temperature does not adversely affect the water for beneficial uses.
For waters designated WARM, water temperature shall not be altered by more than five degrees Fahrenheit ... above or below the natural temperature. For waters designated COLD, the temperature shall not be altered." |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
One station, near the confluence of the tributary with Mammoth Creek, was sampled. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight temperature measurements were taken quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
8561 |
|
Pollutant: |
Thallium |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of 8 samples exceeded the applicable aquatic life criteria or California Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards and criteria are not being exceeded. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 8561 |
|
LOE ID: |
7304 |
|
Pollutant: |
Thallium |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005.
Concentrations of dissolved thallium in 8 quarterly samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy section 6.1.5.5, the MCL was not violated. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lowest Observed Effect Levels (LOEL) criteria include an acute toxicity value of 1400 ug/L,and a chronic toxicity value of 40 ug/L. The criteria also include an "Other" limit of 20 ug/L based on 2600 hour exposure of one fish species.. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001. |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
7306 |
|
Pollutant: |
Thallium |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005.
Concentrations of total recoverable thallium in 8 quartely samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy section 6.1.5.5, the MCL was not violated. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for thallium is 2 ug/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between 2001 and 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
9265 |
|
Pollutant: |
Total Dissolved Solids |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the California Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). One annual average datapoint exceeds the site-specific objective.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of 8 samples exceeded the MCL and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. One of three annual average datapoints exceeded the site-specific objective, and the three datapoints do not meet the minimum sample number requirements of Table 3.2.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 9265 |
|
LOE ID: |
8550 |
|
Pollutant: |
Total Dissolved Solids |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
3 |
Number of Exceedances: |
1 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of TDS in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 78 to 90 mg/L. Annual average concentrations (based on 1 to 4 samples per year) ranged from 82 to 86 mg/L. The annual average objective was exceeded in one of three years. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The site-specific objective from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17 includes an annual average Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentration of 85 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 115 mg/L. (The objectives for Station 5, Mammoth Creek at Old Mammoth Road apply under the Tributary Rule.). |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
8551 |
|
Pollutant: |
Total Dissolved Solids |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of TDS in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 78 to 90 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The recommended MCL for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is 500 mg/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
9273 |
|
Pollutant: |
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. No biological data are available for assessment whether the chemical data comply with the water quality objective for biostimulatory substances.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. No biological data are available for assessment whether the chemical data comply with the objective.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because no biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the objective. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 9273 |
|
LOE ID: |
8589 |
|
Pollutant: |
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Reported concentrations of TKN in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 0.04 to 0.15 mg/L. No biological data are available for use in assessing compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
There is no applicable site-specific objective (SSO)for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) for this creek. (Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17 includes SSOs for nitrate and total nitrogen.)
The regionwide narrative objective for biostimulatory substances states:
"Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses." |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples for TKN were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
9270 |
|
Pollutant: |
Total Nitrogen as N |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the annual average datapoints exceed the site-specific water quality objective.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of three annual average datapoints exceeded the site-specific objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 9270 |
|
LOE ID: |
8554 |
|
Pollutant: |
Total Nitrogen as N |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
3 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Total N was calculated from total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and nitrite plus nitrate (from 8 quarterly samples of each). Concentrations of total nitrogen ranged from 0.081 to 0.322 mg/L. Annual average values ranged from 0.089 to 0.188. The annual average objective was not exceeded. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The site-specific objective for total nitrogen from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17 includes an annual average concentration of 0.6 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 1.0 mg/L. (The objectives for Station 5, Mammoth Creek at Old Mammoth Road apply under the Tributary Rule). |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight samples each for TKN and nitrite plus nitrate were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per constituent per year) between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
9274 |
|
Pollutant: |
Turbidity |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples measured as NTU exceed the California Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). Compliance with the MCL cannot be determined for samples measured as NTRU. The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative turbidity objective is non-degradation based and the turbidity data are insufficient to establish baseline conditions and detect trends as required under Listing Policy section 3.10.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the diel, seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and turbidity in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of four samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. (The minimum sample number requirements of Table 3.2 are not met.) The limited data do not meet the requirements of Section 3.10 for assessment of baseline and trend conditions.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because one of the applicable water quality standards is not being exceeded and there is insufficient information to assess compliance with the other standard. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 9274 |
|
LOE ID: |
8545 |
|
Pollutant: |
Turbidity |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
None |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
4 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled the Mammoth Creek tributary in 2004 and 2005 as part of Region 6's SWAMP program. Four turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU included three below the detection level, and one with a turbidity of 2.3 NTRU. Sampling frequency was insufficient to characterize the normal turbidity regime or to allow identification of changes in this regime or effects on beneficial uses. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
There are no California or federal standards or criteria for protection of aquatic life that are expressed as NTRU. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Four quarterly turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were taken between October 2004 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
8547 |
|
Pollutant: |
Turbidity |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
None |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
4 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled the Mammoth Creek tributary in 2004 and 2005 as part of Region 6's SWAMP program. Four turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU included three below the detection level, and one with a turbidity of 2.3 NTRU. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
There are no California or federal standards or criteria for the protection of human health for turbidity expressed as NTRU. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Four quarterly turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were taken between October 2004 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
8544 |
|
Pollutant: |
Turbidity |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
None |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
4 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled the Mammoth Creek tributary in 2003 and 2004 as part of Region 6's SWAMP program. Four turbidity measurements expressed as NTU included two below the detection level, and two measurements with turbidities of 3.1 and 3.4 NTU. Sampling frequency was insufficient to characterize the normal turbidity regime or to allow identification of changes in this regime or effects on beneficial uses. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide water quality objective states:
"Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses. Increases in turbidity shall not exceed natural levels by more than 10 percent." |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Four quartelry turbidity measurements expressed as NTU were taken between October 2003 and July 2004. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
8546 |
|
Pollutant: |
Turbidity |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
None |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
4 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled the Mammoth Creek tributary in 2003 and 2004 as part of Region 6's SWAMP program. Four turbidity measurements expressed as NTU included two below the detection level, and two measurements with turbidities of 3.1 and 3.4 NTU. The MCL was not exceeded. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for turbidity is 5 NTU. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Four quartelry turbidity measurements expressed as NTU were taken between October 2003 and July 2004. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
8564 |
|
Pollutant: |
Vanadium |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable aquatic life standards or criteria. None of the samples exceed the California Notification Level.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. There are no applicable standards or criteria for protection of aquatic life. None of 8 samples exceeded the California Notification Level criterion and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 8564 |
|
LOE ID: |
7418 |
|
Pollutant: |
Vanadium |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program quarterly between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total vanadium in 5 of 8 samples were below the detection level. The presence of vanadium in the remaining 3 samples was verified but not quantified. The criterion was not violated. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The California Notification Level criterion for vanadium in drinking water is 50 ug/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
Drinking Water Notification and Response Levels: An overview |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
7417 |
|
Pollutant: |
Vanadium |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved vanadium in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 0.2 to 0.4 ug/L. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
There are no California or federal standards or criteria for dissolved vanadium for the protection of freshwater aquatic life. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
8565 |
|
Pollutant: |
Zinc |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable California Toxics Rule standards or the California Maximum Contaminant Level objective.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of 8 samples exceeded the applicable California Toxics Rule or Maximum Contaminant Level standards and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 8565 |
|
LOE ID: |
7420 |
|
Pollutant: |
Zinc |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Total |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Municipal & Domestic Supply |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Of 8 samples for total zinc, three were estimated values. Concentrations of total recoverable zinc in the remaining 5 samples ranged from 2 to 4 ug/L. The MCL was not violated. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for zinc is 5 mg/L, equivalent to 5000 ug/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
|
LOE ID: |
7419 |
|
Pollutant: |
Zinc |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
Dissolved |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved zinc in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 1 to 3.1 ug/L. The standards were not violated. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The California Toxics Rule freshwater aquatic life standards for zinc are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the acute toxicity standard ranges from 54.04 to 71.91 ug/L, and the chronic toxicity standard ranges from 54.48 to 72.50 ug/L. |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. Arsenic in this watershed comes from natural volcanic and geothermal sources. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |
|
DECISION ID |
15570 |
|
Pollutant: |
pH |
Final Listing Decision: |
Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: |
New Decision |
Revision Status |
Revised |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: |
Pollutant |
|
Weight of Evidence: |
The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative pH objective is an antidegradation-based objective that requires that there be no change greater than 0.5 pH units in waters designated for the Cold Freshwater Habitat (COLD) or Warm Freshwater Habitat beneficial uses. Listing Policy Section 3.10 contains directions for assessment based on trends in water quality. These directions include requirements to establish specific baseline conditions and specify the influence of seasonal and interannual effects.
One line of evidence is available to support this decision. There are not enough pH samples to establish baseline conditions (including diel, seasonal, annual and interannual variations) or to detect changes in the pH regime due to controllable factors, if such trends exist. |
|
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded. |
|
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
|
|
USEPA Decision: |
|
|
|
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 15570 |
|
LOE ID: |
26263 |
|
Pollutant: |
pH |
LOE Subgroup: |
Pollutant-Water |
Matrix: |
Water |
Fraction: |
None |
|
Beneficial Use: |
Cold Freshwater Habitat |
|
Number of Samples: |
8 |
Number of Exceedances: |
0 |
|
Data and Information Type: |
Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) |
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: |
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. The pH in 8 quarterly field measurements ranged from 7.2 to 7.8 units. |
Data Reference: |
2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit |
|
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: |
The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for pH states: "In fresh waters with designated beneficial uses of COLD or WARM, changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 pH units. For all other waters of the region, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5 units.
The Regional Board recognizes that some waters of the Region may have natural pH levels outside of the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Compliance with the pH objective for these waters will be determined on a case-by-case basis." |
Objective/Criterion Reference: |
2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended). |
|
Evaluation Guideline: |
|
Guideline Reference: |
|
Spatial Representation: |
One station, near the confluence of the tributary with Mammoth Creek, was sampled. |
Temporal Representation: |
Eight pH measurements were taken quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005. |
Environmental Conditions: |
The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. |
QAPP Information: |
The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP. |
QAPP Information Reference(s): |