Draft California 2012 Integrated Report( 303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 6 - Lahontan Region

Water Body Name: Holcomb Creek
Water Body ID: CAR6282000020000215160943
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
21933
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Acid Neutralizing Capacity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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. Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC) is equivalent to alkalinity, and the USEPA "Gold Book" criterion for alkalinity states that it should be greater than 20 mg/L CaCO3 unless natural alkalinity is lower. Only two ANC samples are available for Holcomb Creek, and both are below 20 mg/L. There is insufficient information to determine the natural range of ANC.

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. It is not possible to determine whether the two samples exceed the criterion. The minimum sample number requirements of Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy are not met.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 21933, Acid Neutralizing Capacity
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8264
 
Pollutant: Acid Neutralizing Capacity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Two samples collected in March and June 2003 were analyzed for ANC. The results were ANC values of 7.9 and 7.6 mg/L CaCO3.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no California or federal standards or criteria for acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) per se. However, ANC is equivalent to alkalinity, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "Gold Book" recommends alkalinity greater than 20 mg/L CaCO3 unless natural alkalinity is lower.
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: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Two samples were collected in March and June 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
22068
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Boron
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 or annual average datapoints exceed the applicable water quality objectives.

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 9 samples exceeded the California Maximum Contaminant Level. none of 4 annual average datapoints (calculated from only 1 to 3 samples per year) 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 22068, Boron
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8079
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 9
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 Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Of 9 boron samples, 3 were estimated values. Boron concentrations in the remaining 6 samples ranged from 8.5 to 41 ug/L. The criterion was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California State Notification Level criterion for boron is 1000 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Drinking Water Notification and Response Levels: An Overview
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Nine samples were collected. One sample was collected in 2001, no samples were collected in 2002, and 2 to 3 samples per year were collected quarterly between 2003 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 22068, Boron
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5344
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Of 9 boron samples, 3 were estimated values. Boron concentrations in the remaining 6 samples ranged from 8.5 to 41 ug/L. The annual average objective was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for Deep Creek Station 5, from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21, applies. It includes an annual average of 0.05 mg/L (or 50 ug/L), and a 90th percentile value of 0.07 mg/L (or 70 ug/L).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Nine samples were collected. One sample was collected in 2001, no samples were collected in 2002, and 2 to 3 samples per year were collected quarterly between 2003 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
20804
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Chloride
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 or annual average datapoints exceed the applicable 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 samples 13 individual samples or five annual average datapoints exceeded the applicable water quality 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 20804, Chloride
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5351
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
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 collected chloride samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Chloride concentrations in 13 samples ranged from 1.12 to 5.21 mg/L. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
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 chloride is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 20804, Chloride
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5233
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
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 collected quarterly chloride samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Chloride concentrations in 13 samples ranged from 1.12 to 5.21 mg/L. The annual average objective was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for chloride (for Station 5 in Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21) includes an annual average of 9.1 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 16.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
21112
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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. Three quarterly samples do not capture the diel, seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and dissolved oxygen concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of three samples exceeded the water quality 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 21112, Dissolved oxygen saturation
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5818
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
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 took three quarterly measurements of dissolved oxygen saturation in Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program between November 2004 and July 2005. Percent saturation ranged from 100 to 106 percent. The objective was not violated. However, sampling frequency was insufficient to define background levels or detect change.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's water quality objective states that percent saturation shall not be depressed by more than 10 percent and minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 80 percent saturation.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Three quarterly measurements of percent saturation were taken between November 2004 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
21925
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Fluoride
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 or annual average datapoints exceed the applicable water quality objectives.

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 10 samples exceeded the California Maximum Contaminant Level. none of 4 annual average datapoints (calculated from only 1 to 3 sampes per year) exceeded the site-specific objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. The minimum sample number requirement of Table 3.2 is not met.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 21925, Fluoride
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5353
 
Pollutant: Fluoride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 10
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 Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of 10 fluoride samples, two were estimated values and one was below the detection level. The remaining samples ranged from 0.6 to 5.3 mg/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
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 fluoride is 2 mg/L (2000 ug/L).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Two samples were collected in 2001 and none in 2002. Three samples were collected in 2003 and three in 2004. Two samples were collected in 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 21925, Fluoride
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5352
 
Pollutant: Fluoride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
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 Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of 10 fluoride samples, two were estimated values and one was below the detection level. The remaining samples ranged from 0.6 to 5.3 mg/L. No data were collected in 2002, and two of four annual averages were estimated values. The average for 2001 (based on a single sample) exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable site specific objectives from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21 include an annual average of 0.1 mg/L fluoride and a 90th percentile value of 0.19 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Two samples were collected in 2001 and none in 2002. Three samples were collected in 2003 and three in 2004. Two samples were collected in 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
21926
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
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: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 13 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 21926, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8266
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
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 collected quarterly samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of 13 samples, 5 were below the detection level, two were estimated values, and 6 had nitrite plus nitrite concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 0.003 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
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 is 10 mg/L, expressed "as nitrogen."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
28489
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Nitrite
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 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 13 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 28489, Nitrite
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8265
 
Pollutant: Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
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 collected quarterly samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of 13 samples, 6 were below the detection level, one was an estimate, and 6 had nitrite concentrations of 0.001 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
20739
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 diel, seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and dissolved oxygen concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of 12 samples exceeded the water quality 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 20739, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5817
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
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 Holcomb Creek quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between July 2001 and July 2005. Twelve dissolved oxygen measurements ranged from 5.1 to 11.1 mg/L. The 1-day minimum objective was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The water quality objective from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-6 for waters designated for the COLD beneficial use but not the SPWN use is a 1-day minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 4 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Twelve samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
21981
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 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 four annual average samples 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 21981, Phosphate
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8270
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 collected quarterly chloride samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2002 and 2005. Of eleven samples for phosphate "as P," two were estimated values and three were below the detection level. Concentrations in the remaining samples ranged from 0.002 to 0.008 mg/L. Eleven calculations were done for orthophosphate "as phosphate." These samples included two estimated and three below detection level values; the remaining samples ranged from 0.006 to 0.025 mg/L. The annual average objective was not exceeded.

Two additional samples for dissolved hydrolyzable P plus PO4 (as P) include one below detection level value and one concentration of 0.02 mg/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for dissolved orthophosphate (for Station 5 in Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21) includes an annual average of 0.05 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 0.13 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen samples (2 to 3 samples per year) were collected and analyzed for phosphate between 2001 and 2005. Two addtional samples collected in October 2001 and February 2002 were analyzed for dissolved hydrolyzable P plus PO4
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
21979
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 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 do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy due to an error in the SWAMP QAPP regarding holding times for total phosphorus samples.

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 use with the 9 chemical samples to determine whether they exceed the water quality 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 21979, Phosphorus
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8269
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
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 Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2002 and 2005. Of 9 samples, one was an estimated value and two were below the detection level. Concentrations in the remaining samples ranged from 0.011 to 0.017 mg/L. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan does not include a site-specific objective for total phosphorus in Holcomb Creek. The Basin Plan's 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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Nine quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2002 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: .Sampling and analysis were done according to the SWAMP QAPP. However, in July 2009 an error was discovered in the QAPP related to holding times for total phosphorus samples that affects the validity of data for the Lahontan Region The holding time for samples that are not acid-preserved.should be 48 hours rather than 28 days as indicated in the QAPP. "Low level" phosphorus analyses, without acid preservation, are used in the Lahontan Region's SWAMP program. .
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
20906
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 dissolved ion concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of 12 samples exceeded the 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 20906, Specific Conductance
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5360
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 12
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 measured specific conductance under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Twelve laboratory measurements of specific conductance ranged from 61 to 305 uS/cm. Five field measurements ranged from 94 to 309 uS/cm. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Twleve laboratory measurements of specific conductance were taken on quarterly samples collected between 2001 and 2005. Five additional field measurements were taken between 2001 and 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
20820
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 thirteen individual samples exceed the Maximum Contaminant Level but four of five 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 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 13 individual samples exceeded the MCL. Four of five annual average datapoints (based on only 1 to 3 samples per year) exceeded the site-specific 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 20820, Sulfates
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5363
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey collected quarterly sulfate samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Sulfate concentrations in 13 samples ranged from an estimated 0.1 mg/L to 3.7 mg/L. The annual average objective was violated in 4 of 5 years.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable site-specific objective is that for Deep Creek Station 5, from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21. The objective includes an annual average of 1.3 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 4.9 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 20820, Sulfates
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5362
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
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 collected quarterly sulfate samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Sulfate concentrations in 13 samples ranged from an estimated 0.1 mg/L to 3.7 mg/L. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
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 sulfate is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
20779
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 20779, Temperature, water
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5367
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
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 measured water temperature under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Temperatures in 13 measurements ranged from 2 to 18.5 degrees Celsius. There are insufficient data available to document the natural temperature regime or to determine whether change has occurred
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The relevant language from the Lahontan Basin Plan's temperature objective is: "The natural receiving water temperature of al l 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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly measurements of water temperature (1 to 3 per year) were taken between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
21839
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
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: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 of compliance with the 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. There are no biological data available for assessment whether the 13 chemical samples exceeded the water quality objective.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 21839, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8267
 
Pollutant: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
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 Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of 13 samples for TKN, three were estimated values and one was below the detection level. Concentrations in the remaining samples ranged from 0.08 to 0.25 mg/L. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan does not include a site-specific objective for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) in Holcomb Creek. The Basin Plan's 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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
21967
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
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: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 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 5 annual average datapoints exceeded the site-secific 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 21967, Total Nitrogen as N
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8268
 
Pollutant: Total Nitrogen as N
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
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 Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Total nitrogen was calculated from total Kjeldahl nitrogen and nitrate plus nitrite. Six of 13 calculated total nitrogen concentrations were estimated values, due to estimated values or below detection level values in the components. Concentrations in the remaining sample ranged from 0.081 to 0.251 mg/L. The annual average objective was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for total nitrogen (for Station 5 in Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21) includes an annual average of 0.3 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 0.7 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples each (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected for total Kjeldahl nitrogen and nitrate plus nitrite between 2001 and 2005. Thirteen calculations of total nitrogen concentrations were done.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
21927
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 21927, pH
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5359
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
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 measured pH under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. In 13 measurements, pH values ranged from 7.4 to 8.3 units.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's pH objective 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. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly pH measurements (1 to 3 per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
30188
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

Regional Board Conclusion:
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 exceeds the California Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). Five out of five annual average datapoints (with averages based on only 1-3 samples per year) 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 do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the full range of seasonal and annual variability in streamflows and constituent concentrations expected in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of 13 samples exceeded the MCL and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Five of five annual average datapoints exceeded the site-specific objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in 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.

State Board Review and Conclusion:

The April 19, 2010 State Water Board staff report for the 2010 Integrated Report
recommended to place this water body on the 303(d) list for total dissolved solids based on the State Water Board staff determination that the data were collected over a broad period of time to meet section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy.

The State Water Board recommendation is based on the following:

Lahontan Regional Board staff decided not to list this water body because staff thought it had insufficient information to make a decision to list. However, State Board staff finds there are 5 samples to make a decision and this meets the sample size requirements of Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.

On August 4, 2010 the State Water Board approved the staff recommendation to place this water body-pollutant combination on the 303(d) list.

The final language for the recommendation is:

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of 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 13 samples exceeded the MCL and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Five of five annual average datapoints exceeded the site-specific objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains in same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 30188, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5365
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey collected quarterly TDS samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Total dissolved solids concentrations in 13 samples ranged from 70 to 190 mg/L. The annual average objective was exceeded in 5 out of 5 years.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable site-specific objective is that for Deep Creek Station 5, from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21. It includes an annual average TDS of 83 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 123 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 30188, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5364
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
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 collected quarterly TDS samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Total dissolved solids concentrations in 13 samples ranged from 70 to 190 mg/L. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
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 total dissolved solids (TDS) is 500 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):