Draft California 2018 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 6 - Lahontan Region

Water Body Name: Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
Water Body ID: CAR6332001420000207111737
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
79430
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Chloride
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Delisting due to spatial change or other CalWQA administrative reason
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff 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.

The West Fork Carson River was re-segmented during the 2018 listing cycle and the original listing for chloride that applied to this segment during the last cycle was based on data that was collected in what is now the middle reach and not this upper segment. That data will not longer be associated with this decision for the headwaters segment of the river. The data that is available does not indicate impairment due to chloride and the original listing for chloride should not apply to this segment of the river. Consequently, the decision recommendation is to delist this segment based on the new segmentation for the West Fork Carson River.

Four lines of evidence, three to evaluate COLD and one to evaluate MUN, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 10 samples exceed the water quality objective (MCL) for protection of MUN. The site-specific water quality objective, expressed as a "mean of monthly means" is used to evaluate compliance with COLD. Four exceedances occurred over seven annual time periods. Though the site specific objective is a mean of monthly means, there were few months were more than one sample was collected during the month. As such the annual average of results from samples collected over a year period was used to determine compliance against the mean of monthly means objective. Four of seven annual average value based on the chloride data collected in this segment exceed the site specific objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of removing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This is due primarily to the change in mapping of this segment which meant that the data that was used for the original decision is no longer associated with this decision.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy; however, annual averages were compared to the COLD site specific objective to determine compliance.
3. Four of five annual mean of monthly means datapoints exceed the site specific objective, and zero of ten samples exceed the MUN guideline 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because the original basis for listing was flawed. The WF Carson River was re-segmented during the 2018 cycle and the data that was used for the original listed is now located in the downstream segment. The remaining data for this segment does not show impairment due to chloride.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79430, Chloride
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4864
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled chloride in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Chloride concentrations in 10 samples ranged from 0.54 to 3.02 mg/L. The mean of monthly means objective, calculated beginning in 2003, was exceeded in 3 of 3 years.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective in Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-14 is 1.0 mg/L as a mean of monthly means. The objective applies upstream from Woodfords under the Tributary Rule.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Ten samples were collected between 2002 and 2005. Means of monthly means were calculated for each of three years.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79430, Chloride
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32241
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The mean of monthly means of chloride data for year 2006 does not exceed the Water Quality Objective. The mean of monthly means of chloride data for year 2007 does exceed the Water Quality Objective.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for Chloride in the Lahontan Basin Plan page 3-40, states that the mean of monthly means for Chloride shall not exceed 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected at the following station: 633WCR002 - West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected 6/29/2006 - 12/7/2006 and 1/10/2007 - 12/27/2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79430, Chloride
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 133408
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Chloride.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data:
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site specific objective in the Lahontan Basin Plan for chloride for the West Form Carson River at Woodfords (table 3-14) is 1.0 mg/L mean of monthly mean. This objective is applied as per the tributary rule as stated in Chapter 2 of the Basin Plan: "additional beneficial uses may apply to waters with in these categories under the tributary rule, which provides that water quality standards for specific waterbodies apply upstream to tributaries for which no site-specific standards have been adopted."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s) (633WCR003, 633WE0991)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-04 and 2014-09-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79430, Chloride
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4866
 
Pollutant: Chloride
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 chloride in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Chloride concentrations in 10 samples ranged from 0.54 to 3.02 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
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, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Ten samples were collected between 2002 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
68909
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Delisting due to spatial change or other CalWQA administrative reason
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollution
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

The West Fork Carson River was re-segmented from two reaches to three reaches during the 2018 listing cycle and the original listing for nitrogen was based on data that was collected in what is now the middle reach and not this upper segment. Consequently, reassessment of the available data for nitrogen collected in this segment indicates that only one exceedance is documented in the data. The original listing applied to the Woodfords to Paynesville segment and this listing does not apply to the upper segment as currently mapped from the Headwaters to Hope Valley.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess pollutant. One of five samples exceeded the site specific objective for nitrogen for the West Fork Carson River at Woodfords.

Due to the new segmentation of the West Fork Carson River, and the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One of five samples exceeded the site specific objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency needed to list a waterbody based on Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because the original basis for listing was flawed.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68909, Nitrogen
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32355
 
Pollutant: Total Nitrogen as N
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of 2 annual means of monthly means exceeded the water quality objective for total nitrogen. Total nitrogen was calculated by summing nitrate + nitrite as N data with TKN data when they were collected on the same day. Thirty-four pairs of samples were collected from the monitoring location.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Table 3-14 of the Basin Plan states that the water quality objective for Total N for West Fork Carson River at Woodfords is 0.15 mg/L as a mean of monthly means.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek (633WCR002).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from June 2006 through December 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68909, Nitrogen
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 27605
 
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: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The USGS sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Total Nitrogen was calculated from reported results for total Kjeldahl nitrogen and nitrite plus nitrate. Calculated total N concentrations in 10 quarterly samples ranged from 0.046 to 0.204 mg/L. Calculated means of monthly means were as follows: for 2003, 0.132 mg/L; for 2004, 0.146 mg/L; for 2005, 0.176 mg/L.
Data Reference: Administrative Record of Lahontan RWQCB's 2001-2002 Section 303(d) List Update Process Resolution R6T-2002-0002
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The water quality objective for total nitrogen in this segment is 0.15 mg/L, expressed as an annual mean of monthly means. This is a running average incorporating historical data.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled..
Temporal Representation: Quarterly samples (3 to 4 per year) were collected between April 2003 and August 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
77381
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Sodium
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section 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 that are both based on the same data assessed for AGR and MUN. 0 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality objective for the MUN beneficial use; 0 of 19 samples exceed the objective for the AG beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 19 samples in the MUN beneficial use assessment and 0 of 19 samples in the AG beneficial use assessment exceeded the objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77381, Sodium
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 97193
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Sodium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (USEPA 2012), the health advisory for sodium for individuals on a sodium-restricted diet is 20 mg/l.
Guideline Reference: 2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-10-20 and 2015-11-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77381, Sodium
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 97146
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Sodium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Water Quality for Agriculture, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1985, contains criteria protective of various agricultural uses of water, including irrigation of various types of crops and stock watering. At or below the sodium threshold of 69 mg/L, agricultural uses of water should not be limited.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality for Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 29, Rev 1, Rome (1985)
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-10-20 and 2015-11-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
79418
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Delisting due to spatial change or other CalWQA administrative reason
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff 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.

Four lines of evidence, three to evaluate COLD and one to evaluate MUN, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceeds the California Maximum Contaminant Level. Nine of the 36 samples exceed the water quality objective, which is a site-specific objective of 55 mg/L as a mean of monthly means (applied upstream through the Tributary Rule from the West Fork Carson River at Woodfords station). Though the site specific objective is a mean of monthly means, there were few months were more than one sample was collected during the month. As such, the annual average of results from samples collected over a year period was used to determine compliance against the mean of monthly means objective. Over the 31 year period of record between 1 and 12 samples collected over the year were used to calculate the annual average, so some years are more temporally representative of fluctuations in constituent and streamflow conditions.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in 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 satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used does satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy; however, annual averages were compared to a MOMM site specific objective to determine compliance.
3. None of 10 samples exceeds the MCL for protection of MUN and nine of the 36 samples exceed the mean of monthly means and this exceeds 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because the original basis for listing was flawed.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79418, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4887
 
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 chloride in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program. TDS concentrations in 10 samples ranged from 35 to 71 mg/L. The annual mean of monthly means, calculated for each year from 2003 to 2005, exceeded the objective in one out of 3 years (the highest value was 57.5 mg/L in 2004).
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for total dissolved solids (TDS) is 55 mg/L as a mean of monthly means (applied upstream through the Tributary Rule from the West Fork Carson River at Woodfords station). See Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-14.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Ten samples were collected between 2002 and 2005. Annual means of monthly means were calculated for a three year period.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79418, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4886
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total 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 TDS in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program. TDS concentrations in 10 quarterly samples collected between 2003 and 2005 ranged from 35 to 71 mg/L. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
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 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, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Ten quarterly samples were collected between 2002 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79418, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32228
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The annual averages for TDS for both years for this data set were below the Water Quality Objective.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-pecific objective for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-14, includes an annual average of 55 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected at the following station: 633WCR002 (West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between 6/29/2006 - 12/7/2006 and 1/10/2007 - 11/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
76414
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Delisting due to spatial change or other CalWQA administrative reason
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: The WF Carson River was re-segmented during the 2018 cycle. This resulted in the line of evidence (LOE 32556) upon which the original listing decision was made being moved to the downstream segment. The remaining water quality data for turbidity does no show impairment consequently this waterbody/pollutant combination is recommended for delisting.

Six lines of evidence, four to evaluate protection of COLD and two to evaluate protection of MUN, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the six samples exceed the MUN guideline. For the LOEs to evaluate COLD, the 2010 LOE (21502) was based on turbidity expressed as NTRU and since there are no applicable standards or criteria for turbidity expressed as NTRU this data should not be considered in the final use rating. Two of 18 samples exceeded the narrative water quality objective based on a MOMM site specific objective of 2NTUs. Though the site specific objective is a mean of monthly means, there were few months were more than one sample was collected during the month. As such, the annual average of results from samples collected over a year period was used to determine compliance against the mean of monthly means objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is not sufficient justification to place 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; however, annual averages were compared to MOMM site specific objective to determine compliance.
3. Two of 6 samples exceeded the California Maximum Contaminant Level for protection of MUN and two of 18 samples (LOE 21502 is not included) exceeded the turbidity objective for protection of COLD.
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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because the original basis for listing was flawed. This is because when the WF Carson River was re-segmented during the 2018 cycle, the line of evidence upon which the original listing relied was relocated to the downstream "Hope Valley to Woodfords" segment. The remaining data does not show impairment due to turbidity.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76414, Turbidity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 21504
 
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 this station under of the Region 6 SWAMP program.between 2004 and 2005. Three of 4 field turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were below the detection level. The fourth sample had a turbidity of 8.4 NTRU.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no state or federal standards or criteria for turbidity expressed as NTRU for the protection of human health.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four field turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were taken in 2004 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76414, Turbidity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 21503
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
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 of the Region 6 SWAMP program.between 2003 and 2004. Two of 6 field turbidity measurements expressed as NTU were below the detection level. The other samples ranged from 2 to 31 NTU. Two samples exceeded the MCL.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
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 turbidity is 5 NTU.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Six field turbidity measurements expressed as NTU were taken in 2003 and 2004.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76414, Turbidity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4888
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 of the Region 6 SWAMP program.between 2003 and 2004. Two of 6 field turbidity measurements expressed as NTU were below the detection level. The other samples ranged from 2 to 31 NTU. With calculations counting the estimated values as zeros, the means of monthly means were 1.3 NTU for 2003 and 7.0 NTU for 2004.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for turbidity states:

"The turbidity shall not be raised above a mean of monthly means value of 2 NTU. (This objective is approximately equal to the State of Nevada standard of 2 NTU annual mean)." This is a watershed-specific objective that differs from the regionwide narrative objective.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Six field turbidity measurements expressed as NTU were taken in 2003 and 2004.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76414, Turbidity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32231
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The mean of monthly means for turbidity for 2007 for this data set was below the site-specific Water Quality Objective.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for Turbidity (NTU) in Lahontan Basin Plan page 3-10, states that turbidity shall not be raised above a mean of monthly means value of 2 NTU.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected at the following station: 633WCR002 (West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between 1/10/2007 - 12/27/2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76414, Turbidity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 21502
 
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 this station under of the Region 6 SWAMP program.between 2004 and 2005. Three of 4 field turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were below the detection level. The fourth sample had a turbidity of 8.4 NTRU.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no state or federal standards or criteria for turbidity expressed as NTRU for the protection of aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four field turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were taken in 2004 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76414, Turbidity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 98483
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Alpine Watershed Group Monitoring Program data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 7 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Turbidity. For purposes of this assessment the mean of monthly means is calculated on an annual basis, giving seven years possible for assessment using this data.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for Alpine Watershed Group Monitoring Program.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The watershed-wide objective for turbidity in the West Fork Carson River hydrologic unit, as stipulated in the Lahontan Basin Plan page 3-9, is a mean-of-monthly means not to exceed 2 NTU.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (WF-PKT)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2017-03-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Alpine Watershed Group Volunteer Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Alpine Watershed Group Volunteer Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76414, Turbidity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 97244
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Turbidity. For purposes of this assessment the mean of monthly means is calculated on an annual basis, giving six years possible for assessment using this data.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The watershed-wide objective for turbidity in the West Fork Carson River hydrologic unit, as stipulated in the Lahontan Basin Plan page 3-9, is a mean-of-monthly means not to exceed 2 NTU.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-08-31 and 2015-11-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76414, Turbidity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 98088
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Turbidity. For purposes of this assessment the mean of monthly means is calculated on an annual basis, giving two years possible for assessment using this data.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The watershed-wide objective for turbidity in the West Fork Carson River hydrologic unit, as stipulated in the Lahontan Basin Plan page 3-9, is a mean-of-monthly means not to exceed 2 NTU.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s) (633WCR003, 633WE0991)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-04 and 2014-09-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
80064
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

The West Fork Carson River was re-segmented during the 2018 listing cycle and the original listing for nitrate included data that was collected in what is now the middle reach and not this upper segment. This data is now associated with the nitrate decision for the middle segment of the river that extends from Hope Valley to Woodfords. The data that was collected in this headwater segment shows impairment due to nitrate so the listing decision does not change due to the re-segmentation.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess pollutant. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess pollutant. Two out of five samples exceed the water quality objective. The water quality objective for nitrate as nitrogen for West Fork Carson River at Woodfords is a site specific objective of 0.02 mg/L as a mean of monthly means.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Five of 15 samples exceeded the MOMM datapoints and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 80064, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32286
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of 2 annual means of monthly means exceeded the water quality objective for nitrate as nitrogen expressed as an annual mean of monthly means. Nitrate as N was calculated by subtracting nitrite as N data from nitrate + nitrite as N data when they were collected on the same day. Thirty-four pairs of samples were collected.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Table 3-14 of the Basin Plan states that the water quality objective for nitrate as nitrogen for West Fork Carson River at Woodfords is 0.02 mg/L as a mean of monthly means.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek (633WCR002).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from June 2006 through December 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 80064, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 27604
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The USGS sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Data were collected for nitrate plus nitrite (as N). A smaller number of samples collected for nitrite alone were all below the detection level. Assuming the nitrate plus nitrite concentrations to be representative of nitrate, concentrations in 10 samples ranged from below the detection level (one sample) to 0.084 mg/L. Calculated means of monthly means for nitrate were as follows: for 2003, 0.019 mg/L; for 2004, 0.023 mg/L, and for 2005, 0.027 mg/L.
Data Reference: Administrative Record of Lahontan RWQCB's 2001-2002 Section 303(d) List Update Process Resolution R6T-2002-0002
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The water quality objective for nitrate (as N) in this segment is 0.02 mg/L, expressed as an annual mean of monthly means. This is a running average incorporating historical data.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Quarterly samples (3 to 4 per year) were collected between April 2003 and August 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
79392
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess pollutant. The original listing for this waterbody pollutant combination was based on placeholder data associated with the 2006 LOE (LOE ID 4596). The 2010 LOE (LOE ID 27595) is not used in the final use rating because of an error in the SWAMP QAPP regarding holding times for total phosphorus samples. Two of two samples (based on LOE ID 34486) exceed the water quality objective, which is a site specific objective of 0.02 mg/L, expressed as a mean of monthly means, for West Fork Carson River at Woodfords.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. LOE ID 27595 is not used in the assessment or final use rating because of 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 full range of seasonal and annual variation expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. Two of two samples exceeded the site specific objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79392, Phosphorus
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 34486
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 2 of 2 means of monthly means exceed the water quality objective for Total Phosphorus. Total Phosphorus was calculated by summing Orthophosphate as P and Phosphorus as P data. Phosphorus as P data were averaged when they were collected on the same day. Five pairs were summed and then averaged for 2007 before comparing with the mean of monthly mean of Total Phosphorus objective. One pair was available for 2006 to compare with the mean of monthly mean of Total Phosphorus objective. The data were not used in cases where only Phosphorus as P was available without Orthophosphate.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Table 3-14 of the Basin Plan states that the water quality objective for Total P for West Fork Carson River at Woodfords is 0.02 mg/L as a mean of monthly means.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek (633WCR002).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from June 2006 through December 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79392, Phosphorus
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4596
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79392, Phosphorus
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 27595
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: 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 the West Fork Carson River between 2003 and 2005 under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Concentrations of total phosphorus in 10 samples ranged from 0.012 to 0.061 mg/L. Calculated means of monthly means were as follows: 2003, 0.012 mg/L; 2004, 0.018 mg/L, and 2005, 0.022 mg/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The water quality objective for total phosphorus in thiis segment is 0.02 mg/L, expressed as an annual mean of monthly means. This is a running average incorporating historical data.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Quarterly samples (3 or 4 per year) were collected between April 2003 and August 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
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
76551
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2025
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section 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, three that assess for COLD using the site specific objective and one that assesses for MUN. Five of seven samples exceed the site specific objective for sulfate and zero of ten samples exceed the MUN guideline.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Five of seven samples exceed the site specific objective for sulfate and zero of ten samples exceed the MUN guideline and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76551, Sulfates
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4884
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
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 West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Sulfate concentrations in 10 samples ranged from 0.8 to 3.8 mg/L. The annual mean of monthly means, calculated for each year from 2003 to 2005, exceeded the objective in each year (the highest value was 2.44 mg/L in 2003).
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for sulfate is 2.0 mg/L as a mean of monthly means (applied upstream through the Tributary Rule from the West Fork Carson River at Woodfords station). See Basin Plan Table 3-14.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Ten quarterly samples were collected between 2003 and 2005 and means of monthly means were computed for three years.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76551, Sulfates
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 133406
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Sulfate. Data was 2.16 mg/L and 1.21 mg/L .
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site specific objective in the Lahontan Basin Plan for sulfate for the West Form Carson River at Woodfords (table 3-14) is 2.0 mg/L mean of monthly mean. This objective is applied as per the tributary rule as stated in Chapter 2 of the Basin Plan: "additional beneficial uses may apply to waters with in these categories under the tributary rule, which provides that water quality standards for specific waterbodies apply upstream to tributaries for which no site-specific standards have been adopted."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s) (633WCR003, 633WE0991)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-04 and 2014-09-09 (two samples total)
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76551, Sulfates
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32264
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample collected for year 2006 did not exceed the water quality objective. The sample collected for year 2007 did exceed the water quality objective.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-14, the water quality objective for sulfate in this water body is a mean of monthly means of 2 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Sample was collected at station 633WCR002 - West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected 6/29/2006 - 12/7/2006 and 1/10/2007 - 12/27/2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76551, Sulfates
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4885
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
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 suspended sediment in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Sulfate concentrations in 10 samples ranged from 0.8 to 3.8 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
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, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Ten samples were collected between 2003 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
75287
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: 2, 6- diethylaniline | 2-chloro-4-isopropylamino-6-amino-s-triazine | Alachlor | Atrazine | Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) | Benefin | Butylate | Carbaryl | Carbofuran | Chlorpyrifos | Cyanazine | DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) | Dacthal | Diazinon | Dieldrin | Disulfoton | Dyfonate (Fonofos or Fonophos) | EPTC (Eptam, s-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate) | Ethalfluralin | Ethoprop | Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Linuron | Malathion | Methyl Parathion | Metolachlor | Metribuzin | Molinate | Napropamide | Parathion | Pendimethalin | Permethrin, total | Phorate | Prometon (Prometone) | Pronamide | Propachlor | Propanil (DCPA mono- and di-acid degrad) | Propargite | Simazine | Tebuthiuron | Terbacil | Terbufos | Thiobencarb/Bolero | Triallate | Trifluralin
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: NOTE: The WF Carson was re-segmented during the 2018 cycle. The data for this decision was all collected in the what is now the downstream segment so this decision should eventually be retired as there is no data for these constituents for the headwaters segment.

Text for previous decision.

Regional Board 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:

These pollutants are 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. Samples were analyzed for 46 pesticides, and 45 of these were not detected.

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 the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Samples were collected during four consecutive months and did not represent seasonal and annual variation. Sampling was done in 1994 and is not necessarily representative of current conditions in the watershed.
3. Four samples were analyzed for 46 pesticides; 45 of these were not detectable. Under the Section 6.1.5.5 of the Listing Policy, applicable standards and criteria for the nondetectable pesticides are considered to be attained.
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: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75287, Multiple Pollutants
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 26739
 
Pollutant: 2, 6- diethylaniline | 2-chloro-4-isopropylamino-6-amino-s-triazine | Alachlor | Atrazine | Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) | Benefin | Butylate | Carbaryl | Carbofuran | Chlorpyrifos | Cyanazine | DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) | Dacthal | Diazinon | Dieldrin | Disulfoton | Dyfonate (Fonofos or Fonophos) | EPTC (Eptam, s-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate) | Ethalfluralin | Ethoprop | Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Linuron | Malathion | Methyl Parathion | Metolachlor | Metribuzin | Molinate | Napropamide | Parathion | Pendimethalin | Permethrin, total | Phorate | Prometon (Prometone) | Pronamide | Propachlor | Propanil (DCPA mono- and di-acid degrad) | Propargite | Simazine | Tebuthiuron | Terbacil | Terbufos | Thiobencarb/Bolero | Triallate | Trifluralin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 California Department of Pesticide Regulation's online database includes data for the West Fork Carson River at Woodfords. These data were collected in May, June, July and August 1994 as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's
National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program.. Only one of the 46 listed pesticides (pebulate) was detected, in one of four samples. The concentration was reported as 0.0090 ug/L.
Data Reference: Department of Pesticide Regulation Database Records for the West Fork Carson River and Upper Truckee Rivers
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Documentation of water quality criteria for individual pollutants in Lines of Evidence for multipollutant datasets is not required, except for pollutants that exceed a standard or criterion. There are no state or federal water quality standards or criteria for pebulate, the only detectable pollutant in this dataset. The Lahontan Basin Plan includes a narrative water quality objective for pesticides in surface waters that provides that: "Pesticide concentrations, individually or collectively, shall not exceed the lowest detectable leves, using the most recent detection procedures available."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River at Woodfords, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected on May 10, June 13, July 12, and August 8, 1994 and analyzed for the 46 listed pesticides.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use. The Woodfords station was sampled as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) study of the Carson River watershed in California and Nevada, as part of a larger study of the Truckee and Carson Rivers and Las Vegas Wash.. Woodfords is upstream of the portion of the watershed used for irrigated agriculture.
QAPP Information: The data meet USGS quality assurance requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75287, Multiple Pollutants
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 26846
 
Pollutant: 2, 6- diethylaniline | 2-chloro-4-isopropylamino-6-amino-s-triazine | Alachlor | Atrazine | Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) | Benefin | Butylate | Carbaryl | Carbofuran | Chlorpyrifos | Cyanazine | DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) | Dacthal | Diazinon | Dieldrin | Disulfoton | Dyfonate (Fonofos or Fonophos) | EPTC (Eptam, s-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate) | Ethalfluralin | Ethoprop | Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Linuron | Malathion | Methyl Parathion | Metolachlor | Metribuzin | Molinate | Napropamide | Parathion | Pendimethalin | Permethrin, total | Phorate | Prometon (Prometone) | Pronamide | Propachlor | Propanil (DCPA mono- and di-acid degrad) | Propargite | Simazine | Tebuthiuron | Terbacil | Terbufos | Thiobencarb/Bolero | Triallate | Trifluralin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 California Department of Pesticide Regulation's online database includes data for the West Fork Carson River at Woodfords. These data were collected in May, June, July and August 1994 as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's
National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program.. Only one of the 46 listed pesticides (pebulate) was detected, in one of four samples. The concentration was reported as 0.0090 ug/L.
Data Reference: Department of Pesticide Regulation Database Records for the West Fork Carson River and Upper Truckee Rivers
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Documentation of water quality criteria for individual pollutants in Lines of Evidence for multipollutant datasets is not required, except for pollutants that exceed a standard or criterion. There are no state or federal water quality standards or criteria for pebulate, the only detectable pollutant in this dataset. The Lahontan Basin Plan includes a narrative water quality objective for pesticides in surface waters that provides that: "Pesticide concentrations, individually or collectively, shall not exceed the lowest detectable leves, using the most recent detection procedures available." For waters designated for the Municipal and Domestic Supply beneficial use, the water quality objective references the California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for pesticides.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River at Woodfords, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected on May 10, June 13, July 12, and August 8, 1994 and analyzed for the 46 listed pesticides.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use. The Woodfords station was sampled as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) study of the Carson River watershed in California and Nevada, as part of a larger study of the Truckee and Carson Rivers and Las Vegas Wash.. Woodfords is upstream of the portion of the watershed used for irrigated agriculture.
QAPP Information: The data meet USGS quality assurance requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
100897
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Aldrin
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of the 1 samples exceed the water quality criteria.

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 CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies 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. 0 of 1 samples exceeded the criteria and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100897, Aldrin
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99496
 
Pollutant: Aldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Aldrin. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum Aldrin concentration of 100 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100898
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 1 of the 30 samples exceed the water quality criteria.

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 CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 1 of 30 samples exceeded the criteria 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: 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.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100898, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 98494
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The National Recommended Water Quality Criteria for Alkalinity as CaCO3 for the protection of freshwater aquatic life is not less than 20000 ug/L. (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria 2016)
Objective/Criterion Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-08-31 and 2015-11-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100898, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 98752
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The National Recommended Water Quality Criteria for Alkalinity as CaCO3 for the protection of freshwater aquatic life is not less than 20000 ug/L. (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria 2016)
Objective/Criterion Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s) (633WCR003, 633WE0991)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-04 and 2014-09-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
70780
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: 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 that evaluates ammonia data for the COLD beneficial use is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of two samples exceed the objective for the COLD beneficial use assessment.

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 satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of two samples exceed the objective exceed the objective for the SPAWN beneficial use 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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70780, Ammonia
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 98070
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s) (633WCR003, 633WE0991)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-04 and 2014-09-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100899
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Anatoxin-A
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of the 1 samples exceed the water quality criteria.

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 CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 1 samples exceeded the criteria and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100899, Anatoxin-A
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99119
 
Pollutant: Anatoxin-A
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Anatoxin-A. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The 5000 ng/g wet weight action level for Anatoxin-A for edible sport fish and shellfish identifies the maximum concentration of cyanotoxins that a typical consumer (one meal per week) could ingest without exceeding the reference dose.(OEHHA 2012)
Guideline Reference: Toxicological Summary and Suggested Action Levels to Reduce Potential Adverse Health Effects of Six Cyanotoxins
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
70837
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This decision will be retired during the next assessment cycle. LOEs 4861 and 4860 have been remapped to the next downstream segment due to a mapping change in the waterbody. No arsenic data is available for this waterbody segment due to the remapping undertaken by the regional board. The decision made during a previous assessment cycle is the same for the 2018 cycle and is as follows:

Regional Board 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. The single sample did not exceed the California Toxics Rule aquatic life standards or 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 single sample used does not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 or Table 3.1 of the Policy.
3. The single sample does not exceed either of the applicable 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70837, Arsenic
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4861
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
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 arsenic in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program. One sample had an arsenic concentration of 0.6 ug/L. The California Toxics Rule standards were not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule standards for protection of freshwater aquatic life are:
4-day average = 150 ug/L
1-hour average = 340 ug/L
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected on 11/24/2004..
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70837, Arsenic
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4860
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
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 arsenic in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program. One sample had an arsenic concentration of 0.6 ug/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The state MCL for arsenic is 10 ug/L (effective November 28, 2008).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected on 11/24/2004.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
103521
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: Benthic Community Effects are being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, additional lines of evidence (LOEs) associating the Benthic Community Effects decision with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants other than benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment or habitat assessment LOEs are necessary to place a water body on the 303(d) List for Benthic Community Effects.

Two lines of evidence, one evaluating benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment data and one evaluating habitat assessment data, are available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. 1 of 6 benthic-macroinvertebrate samples exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold. 0 of 2 habitat assessment samples exceed the Index of Physical Habitat Integrity (IPI) impairment threshold. Both lines of evidence achieve the CSCI and IPI thresholds indicating that the waterbody is likely unimpaired for Benthic Community Effects and therefore no other pollutant LOEs need be associated with this decision at this time.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Community Effects in this waterbody segment on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 1 of 6 benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment samples had CSCI scores below 0.79. Therefore, this water body is not exceeding the water quality threshold for the protection of the COLD beneficial use. Additionally, 0 of 1 habitat assessment samples had IPI scores below 0.83. The available information indicates that the waterbody/pollutant combination should not be placed on the 303(d) List of impaired waters at this time.
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: 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.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103521, Benthic Community Effects
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 96404
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The site had CSCI scores of 0.925979, 1.026253, 1.101369, 1.113339, 1.016668053 and 0.740932714.The more recent sample from site 633WE0991 exceeds the water quality objective. Additionally, this water body passed several screening criteria and was identified as a reference water body for the purposes of developing the CSCI. Reference sites where human disturbance is absent or minimal are used to set benchmark expectations for healthy streams. A large set of nearly 600 reference sites representing the broad diversity of natural stream types found across California was used to develop the CSCI.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce significant alterations in population or community ecology or receiving water biota. In addition, the health and life history characteristics of aquatic organisms in waters affected by controllable water quality factors shall not differ significantly from those for the same waters in areas unaffected by controllable water quality factors.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological scoring tool that helps aquatic resource managers translate complex data about benthic macroinvertebrates found living in a stream into an overall measure of stream health. The CSCI score is calculated by comparing the expected condition with actual (observed) results (Rhen, A.C. et al., 2015). CSCI scores range from 0 (highly degraded) to greater than 1 (equivalent to reference). CSCI scoring of biological condition are as follows (per the scientific paper supporting the development of the CSCI scoring tool): greater than or equal to 0.92 = likely intact condition, 0.91 to 0.80 = possibly altered condition, 0.79 to 0.63 = likely altered condition, less than or equal to 0.62 = very likely altered condition. Sites with scores below 0.79 are considered to have exceeded the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.
Guideline Reference: The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI): A New Statewide Biological Scoring Tool for Assessing the Health of Freshwater Streams.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples collected at the following stations:
633WCR003
633WE0991
Temporal Representation: Samples Collected on 8/31/1999, 8/1/2002, 9/10/2003, 7/14/2003, 9/4/2012 and 9/9/2014.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103521, Benthic Community Effects
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 132765
 
Pollutant: Habitat Assessment (Streams)
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: -N/A
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The site had an IPI score of
0.99
1.04
these scores indicates that the habitat is likely intact at this site.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce significant alterations in population or community ecology or receiving water biota. In addition, the health and life history characteristics of aquatic organisms in waters affected by controllable water quality factors shall not differ significantly from those for the same waters in areas unaffected by controllable water quality factors.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Physical characteristics of a site vary due to both natural factors and human disturbance. Statistical models based on a large statewide reference data set can help distinguish natural variability from anthropogenic stress. These models work across the diverse stream types found in California. The Index of Physical Habitat Integrity (IPI) is a multimetric Index developed based on these models to characterize physical habitat condition for streams in California. Index scores near 1 indicate physical habitat conditions similar to reference, whereas lower scores indicate degradation. For the purposes of making statewide assessments, three thresholds (analogous to those used for the CSCI) were established based on the 30th; 10th; and 1st percentiles of IPI scores at reference sites. These three thresholds divide the IPI scoring range into 4 categories of physical condition as follows: greater than or equal to 0.94 = likely intact condition; 0.93 to 0.84 = possibly altered condition; 0.83 to 0.71 = likely altered condition; less than or equal to 0.70 = very likely altered condition. Scores of 0.83 or lower indicate that the physical habitat has been altered and low CSCI scores from this site may be due to impacts to the physical habitat.
Guideline Reference: An Index to Measure the Quality of Physical Habitat in California Wadeable Streams
 
Spatial Representation: Samples collected at the following stations:
633WCR003
633WE0991
Temporal Representation: Samples Collected on 9/4/2012 and 9/9/2014.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100900
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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, one evaluating the COLD beneficial use and one evaluating the COMM beneficial use, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of the 1 samples exceed the water quality criteria for all both assessments.

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 CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used does not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 1 samples exceeded the criteria the COMM and COLD beneficial uses and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples per beneficial use assessed are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100900, Chlordane
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99519
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Total Chlordanes. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for total chlordane in fish tissue is 3.9 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100900, Chlordane
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99520
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Total Chlordanes. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum total Chlordane concentration of 100 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100954
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of the 1 samples exceed the water quality criteria for the COLD and COMM beneficial use assessments.

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 CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies 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. 0 of 1 samples exceeded the criteria for both the beneficial use assessments and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples per beneficial use assessed are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100954, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99335
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD). Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum total DDT concentration of 1000 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100954, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99336
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD). Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for total DDT in fish tissue is 15 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100904
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of the 1 samples exceed the water quality objective for the COLD beneficial use assessment; 1 of 1 samples exceed the water quality objective for the COMM beneficial use assessment.

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 CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used does not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality objective for the COMM beneficial use assessment; 0 of 1 samples exceeded the objective for the COLD beneficial use assessment and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples per beneficial use assessed are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100904, Dieldrin
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99497
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Dieldrin. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum Dieldrin concentration of 100 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100904, Dieldrin
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99612
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Dieldrin. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite). Of these, 1 species (Rainbow Trout) exceeded the water quality standard.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for dieldrin in fish tissue is 0.32 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100901
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of the 1 samples exceed the water quality criteria for the COLD and COMM beneficial use assessments.

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 CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies 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. 0 of 1 samples for either beneficial use assessment exceed the objectives and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples per beneficial use assessed are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100901, Endosulfan
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99607
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Endosulfan. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for endosulfan (l and ll) in fish tissue is 13,000 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
  Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100901, Endosulfan
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99149
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Endosulfan. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum Endosulfan, Total concentration of 100 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100902
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Endrin
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of the 1 samples exceed the water quality criteria for the COLD and COMM beneficial use assessments.

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 CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies 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. 0 of 1 samples exceeded the criteria for both the beneficial use assessments and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples per beneficial use assessed are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100902, Endrin
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99370
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Endrin. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum Endrin concentration of 100 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100902, Endrin
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99371
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Endrin. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for endrin in fish tissue is 660 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
  Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
78812
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of the 21 samples exceed the water quality guideline.

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 CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies 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. 0 of 21 samples exceeded the guideline and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78812, Fluoride
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 97132
 
Pollutant: Fluoride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Fluoride.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for Fluoride incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 2 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-10-20 and 2015-11-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78812, Fluoride
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32267
 
Pollutant: Fluoride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero of 2 samples exceed the MCL for Flouride.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
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 2.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected at the following station: 633WCR002 - West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected on the following dates: 8/1/2007 and 11/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
100936
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of the 1 samples exceed the water quality criteria.

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 CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies 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. 0 of 1 samples exceeded the criteria and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100936, Heptachlor
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99201
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Heptachlor. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum Heptachlor concentration of 100 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100937
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of the 1 samples exceed the water quality criteria for the COLD beneficial use assessment. Data evaluated for the COMM beneficial use assessment did not pass the quantitation checks required of the 2018 Integrated Report and the computed sample size is zero for this assessment. 0 of 0 samples exceed the objective for the COMM beneficial use.

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 CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies 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. 0 of 1 samples exceeded the criteria for the COLD beneficial use and 0 of 0 samples exceed the criteria for the COMM beneficial use assessments and these sample sizes are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples per beneficial use assessed are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100937, Heptachlor epoxide
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99456
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Waterboard staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: Zero of Zero samples exceeded the water quality standard for Heptachlor Epoxide. Although data was collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite), all 1 sample(s) had to be thrown out due to quantitation issues.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for heptachlor epoxide in fish tissue is 0.93 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 1999)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
  Public Health Goal for Heptachlor and Heptachlor Epoxide in Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100937, Heptachlor epoxide
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99457
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Heptachlor Epoxide. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum Heptachlor Epoxide concentration of 100 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100938
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of 1 samples exceed the water quality guideline.

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 CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 1 samples exceeded the guideline and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100938, Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99429
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Hexachlorobenzene. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for hexachlorobenzene in fish tissue is 2.8 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 2005)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
  Air Toxics Hotspots Program Risk Assessment Guidelines. Part ll Technical Support Document for Describing Available Cancer Potency Values.
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
75182
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

Twelve lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 17 of the 368 samples exceed the water quality objective. 0 of 35 samples exceed the water quality objective for geometric mean E. coli when assessed against the REC-1 beneficial use.

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 CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 17 of 368 samples exceeded the objective. 0 of 35 samples exceed the water quality objective for geometric mean E. coli when assessed against the REC-1 beneficial use. 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: 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.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75182, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 129165
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 26
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 26 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Coliform, Fecal. The water quality standard is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock wastes. The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of all samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 40/100 ml. (Lahontan Region Basin Plan)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s), station(s): 633WCR002, 633WCR004
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-08-31 and 2015-11-19 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75182, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 129371
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB6_BACT_Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 16 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Coliform, Fecal. The water quality standard is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for Regional Water Board 6 Bacteria Monitoring.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock wastes. The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of all samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 40/100 ml. (Lahontan Region Basin Plan)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 4 monitoring site(s), station(s): 633WFCB04, 633WFCB10, 633WFCB20, 633WFCB30
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-08-31 and 2013-11-15 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75182, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 129109
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 40
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB6_BACT_Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 40 samples exceeded the logmean water quality standard for Coliform, Fecal. This is a 30-day rolling logmean that is calculated daily.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for Regional Water Board 6 Bacteria Monitoring.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock wastes. The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml. (Lahontan Region Basin Plan)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 4 monitoring site(s), station(s): 633WFCB04, 633WFCB10, 633WFCB20, 633WFCB30
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-08-31 and 2013-11-15 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75182, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99874
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 23
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 23 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality standard for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective applicable to all waters, except Lake Tahoe, where the salinity is less than 10 parts per thousand (ppth) 95 percent or more of the time is a STATISTICAL THRESHOLD VALUE (STV) of 320 cfu/100 mL not to be exceeded more than 10 percent of the time (calculated monthly).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s), station(s): 633WCR002, 633WCR004
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-08-31 and 2015-11-19 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75182, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 5889
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Water column surveys (e.g. fecal coliform)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey took quarterly samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between November 2003 and May 2005. Counts of fecal coliform bacteria in seven samples included two samples below the detection level, four estimated values, and one count of 48 colonies per 100 mL. The last sample violated the objective.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for coliform bacteria states:

"Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock waste.

The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of all samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 40/100 ml. The log mean shall ideally be based on a minimum of not less than five samples collected a evenly spaced as practicable during any 30-day period. However, a log mean concentration exceeding 20/100 ml for any 30-day period shall indicate violation of this objective even if fewer than five samples were collected."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Seven quarterly samples for fecal coliform were taken between November 2003 and May 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75182, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 129449
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 33
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 2 of the 33 samples exceeded the logmean water quality standard for Coliform, Fecal. This is a 30-day rolling logmean that is calculated daily.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock wastes. The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml. (Lahontan Region Basin Plan)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s), station(s): 633WCR002, 633WCR004
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-08-31 and 2015-11-19 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75182, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99828
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the geomean water quality standard for E. coli. This is a six week rolling geomean that is calculated weekly.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective applicable to all waters, except Lake Tahoe, where the salinity is less than 10 parts per thousand (ppth) 95 percent or more of the time is a six-week rolling GEOMETRIC MEAN (GM) of Escherichia coli (E. coli) not to exceed 100 colony forming units per 100 milliliters (cfu/100 mL) (calculated weekly).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s), station(s): 633WCR002, 633WCR004
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-08-31 and 2015-11-19 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75182, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99975
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB6_BACT_Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 29 samples exceeded the geomean water quality standard for E. coli. This is a six week rolling geomean that is calculated weekly.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for Regional Water Board 6 Bacteria Monitoring.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective applicable to all waters, except Lake Tahoe, where the salinity is less than 10 parts per thousand (ppth) 95 percent or more of the time is a six-week rolling GEOMETRIC MEAN (GM) of Escherichia coli (E. coli) not to exceed 100 colony forming units per 100 milliliters (cfu/100 mL) (calculated weekly).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 4 monitoring site(s), station(s): 633WFCB04, 633WFCB10, 633WFCB20, 633WFCB30
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-08-31 and 2013-11-15 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75182, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99919
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 18
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB6_BACT_Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 18 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality standard for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for Regional Water Board 6 Bacteria Monitoring.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective applicable to all waters, except Lake Tahoe, where the salinity is less than 10 parts per thousand (ppth) 95 percent or more of the time is a STATISTICAL THRESHOLD VALUE (STV) of 320 cfu/100 mL not to be exceeded more than 10 percent of the time (calculated monthly).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 4 monitoring site(s), station(s): 633WFCB04, 633WFCB10, 633WFCB20, 633WFCB30
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-08-31 and 2013-11-15 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75182, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 34863
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero of the five samples exceeded the Fecal Coliform objective.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected from station 633WCR002 - West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected once a month from August to December 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75182, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32257
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero of the five samples exceeded the Fecal Coliform objective.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The fecal coliform concentration shall not exceed more than 40/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected from station 633WCR002 - West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected once a month from August to December 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75182, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 5891
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Water column surveys (e.g. fecal coliform)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey took quarterly samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between November 2003 and May 2005. Counts of fecal coliform bacteria in seven samples included two samples below the detection level, four estimated values, and one count of 48 colonies per 100 mL. The last sample violated the objective.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for:coliform bacteria states:

"Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock waste.

The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of all samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 40/100 ml. The log mean shall ideally be based on a minimum of not less than five samples collected a evenly spaced as practicable during any 30-day period. However, a log mean concentration exceeding 20/100 ml for any 30-day period shall indicate violation of this objective even if fewer than five samples were collected."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Seven quarterly samples for fecal coliform were taken between November 2003 and May 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
79153
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Iron
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: 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.

Four lines of evidence, two to evaluate MUN and two to evaluate COLD, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the six samples exceeds the Iron MCL of 0.3 mg/L for protection of MUN and none of the six samples exceeds the criterion of 1.0 mg/L iron for protection of freshwater aquatic life (COLD).

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 satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the six samples exceeds the MCL of 0.3 mg/L Iron for protection of MUN and none of the six samples exceeds the criterion of 1.0 mg/L iron for protection of freshwater aquatic life (COLD), but this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. A minimum of 16 samples is needed for application of table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79153, Iron
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 98492
 
Pollutant: Iron
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Iron.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Red Book states that based on field observations principally, a criterion of 1.0 mg/L iron for freshwater aquatic life is believed to be adequately protective.
Guideline Reference: Quality Criteria for Water. USEPA Office of Water and Hazardous Materials. Washington, D.C
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-10-20 and 2011-07-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79153, Iron
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 44265
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Iron.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Red Book states that based on field observations principally, a criterion of 1.0 mg/L iron for freshwater aquatic life is believed to be adequately protective (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria 2009).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/2007-11/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79153, Iron
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 97117
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Iron.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region?s Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states that waters designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL). This is based upon drinking water standards specified in the following provisions of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations which are incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan: Table 64431-A of Section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals), Table 64431-B of Section 64431 (Fluoride), Table 64444-A of Section 64444 (Organic Chemicals), Table 64449-A of Section 64449 (Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels-Ranges). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Iron is 0.3 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-10-20 and 2011-07-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79153, Iron
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 44266
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Iron.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region's Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states that waters designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL). This is based upon drinking water standards specified in the following provisions of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations which are incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan: Table 64431-A of Section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals), Table 64431-B of Section 64431 (Fluoride), Table 64444-A of Section 64444 (Organic Chemicals), Table 64449-A of Section 64449 (Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels-Ranges). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Iron is 0.3 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/2007-11/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
100941
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of the 1 samples exceed the water quality criteria for the COLD and COMM beneficial use assessments.

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 CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies 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. 0 of 1 samples exceeded the criteria for both the beneficial use assessments and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples per beneficial use assessed are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100941, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99383
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for HCH, gamma-. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum Lindane concentration of 100 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100941, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99382
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for HCH, gamma-. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for lindane in fish tissue is 4.6 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 2005)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
  Air Toxics Hotspots Program Risk Assessment Guidelines. Part ll Technical Support Document for Describing Available Cancer Potency Values.
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
104279
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Mercury
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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, one for the COMM beneficial use and one for the WILD beneficial use are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 1 samples in either assessment exceed the applicable water quality objective. Both of the available samples consist of 5 fish tissue samples, and these do not meet the required 8 separate fish tissue samples to determine if the beneficial use is fully supported.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient information to justify placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used does not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 1 tissue samples assessed for either beneficial use exceeded the applicable 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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104279, Mercury
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 132907
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Mercury. This LOE contains data only for trophic level 3 fish. The concentration of Mercury in fish collected within the same calendar year, for the same trophic level were averaged into a single sample for comparison with the objective. A total of 5 fish were aggregated into 1 annual averages, which consisted of 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Statewide Sport Fish Water Quality Objective for the protection of the Commercial and Sport Fishing beneficial comes from the Statewide Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California, and is 0.2 mg/Kg wet weight skinless fillet samples of trophic level 3, or trophic level 4 fish (whichever is highest in the water body) over a one year averaging period. Trophic levels of applicable fish are defined in, but not limited to those in Attachment C of the Final Regulatory Language document (Appendix A) of State Water Resources Control Board Resolution No. 2017-0027.
Guideline Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104279, Mercury
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 133115
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Mercury. This LOE contains data only for trophic level 3 fish. The concentration of Mercury in fish collected within the same calendar year, for the same trophic level were averaged into a single sample for comparison with the objective. A total of 5 fish were aggregated into 1 annual averages, which consisted of 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Statewide Sport Fish Water Quality Objective for the protection of Wildlife Habitat comes from the Statewide Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California, and is 0.2 mg/Kg wet weight skinless fillet samples of trophic level 3, or trophic level 4 fish (whichever is highest in the water body) over a one year averaging period. If trophic level 3 fish are used in the assessment then the Prey Fish Water Quality Objective must also be used to determine that the Sport Fish Objective is being met. Trophic levels of applicable fish are defined in, but not limited to those in Attachment C of the Final Regulatory Language document (Appendix A) of State Water Resources Control Board Resolution No. 2017-0027.
Guideline Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
101097
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Microcystins
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of the 5 total samples exceed the water quality guideline.

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 CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 5 total samples exceeded the guideline and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101097, Microcystins
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99250
 
Pollutant: Microcystins
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Microcystins. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The 10 ng/g wet weight action level for microcystins for edible sport fish and shellfish containing microcystins identifies the maximum concentration of cyanotoxins that a typical consumer (one meal per week) could ingest without exceeding the reference dose, and is equal to the sum of the Microcystin congeners LA, LR, RR, and LY.(OEHHA 2012)
Guideline Reference: Toxicological Summary and Suggested Action Levels to Reduce Potential Adverse Health Effects of Six Cyanotoxins
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101097, Microcystins
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99243
 
Pollutant: Microcystin-YR
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Microcystin-YR. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The 10 ng/g wet weight action level for microcystins for edible sport fish and shellfish containing Microcystin-YR identifies the maximum concentration of cyanotoxins that a typical consumer (one meal per week) could ingest without exceeding the reference dose.(OEHHA 2012)
Guideline Reference: Toxicological Summary and Suggested Action Levels to Reduce Potential Adverse Health Effects of Six Cyanotoxins
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101097, Microcystins
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99488
 
Pollutant: Microcystin-RR
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Microcystin-RR. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The 10 ng/g wet weight action level for microcystins for edible sport fish and shellfish containing Microcystin-RR identifies the maximum concentration of cyanotoxins that a typical consumer (one meal per week) could ingest without exceeding the reference dose.(OEHHA 2012)
Guideline Reference: Toxicological Summary and Suggested Action Levels to Reduce Potential Adverse Health Effects of Six Cyanotoxins
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101097, Microcystins
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99482
 
Pollutant: Microcystin-LR
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Microcystin-LR. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The 10 ng/g wet weight action level for microcystins for edible sport fish and shellfish containing Microcystin-LR identifies the maximum concentration of cyanotoxins that a typical consumer (one meal per week) could ingest without exceeding the reference dose.(OEHHA 2012)
Guideline Reference: Toxicological Summary and Suggested Action Levels to Reduce Potential Adverse Health Effects of Six Cyanotoxins
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101097, Microcystins
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99476
 
Pollutant: Microcystin-LA
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Microcystin-LA. Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The 10 ng/g wet weight action level for microcystins for edible sport fish and shellfish containing Microcystin-LA identifies the maximum concentration of cyanotoxins that a typical consumer (one meal per week) could ingest without exceeding the reference dose.(OEHHA 2012)
Guideline Reference: Toxicological Summary and Suggested Action Levels to Reduce Potential Adverse Health Effects of Six Cyanotoxins
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100949
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Mirex
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of the 0 samples exceed the water quality criteria as the data collected for Mirex failed the quantitation checks required by the 2018 Integrated Report.

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 CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 0 samples exceeded the criteria and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100949, Mirex
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99323
 
Pollutant: Mirex
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Waterboard staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: Zero of Zero samples exceeded the water quality standard for Mirex. Although data was collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite), all 1 sample(s) had to be thrown out due to quantitation issues.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for mirex in fish tissue is 0.28 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 1992)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
  Expedited Cancer Potency Values and Proposed Regulatory Levels for Certain Proposition 65 Carcinogens.
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
76093
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of the 75 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 CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 75 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: 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.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76093, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 97125
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-08-31 and 2010-11-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76093, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 27607
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
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 USGS sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of nitrite plus nitrate in 10 samples ranged from below the detection level to 0.084 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: Administrative Record of Lahontan RWQCB's 2001-2002 Section 303(d) List Update Process Resolution R6T-2002-0002
 
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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Quarterly samples were collected between April 2003 and August 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76093, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 44307
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 34
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 34 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/29/2006-12/27/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76093, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 98146
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-20 and 2011-10-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76093, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 98555
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 16 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-01 and 2015-11-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76093, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 97913
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s) (633WCR003, 633WE0991)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-04 and 2014-09-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100950
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, 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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 39 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 CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 39 samples exceeded the 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: 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.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100950, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 27606
 
Pollutant: Nitrite as Nitrite NO2
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 USGS sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Four samples for nitrite were all below the detection level. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: Administrative Record of Lahontan RWQCB's 2001-2002 Section 303(d) List Update Process Resolution R6T-2002-0002
 
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, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four samples were collected in April, August, and November 2003 and in August 2004.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100950, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 44327
 
Pollutant: Nitrite as Nitrite NO2
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 34
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 34 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Basin, Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Table 64431-A of section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for Nitrite as N is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/29/2006-12/27/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100950, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 98521
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Basin, Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Table 64431-A of section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for Nitrite as N is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-30 and 2010-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
70726
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

Eight lines of evidence, seven which evaluate dissolved oxygen data and two which evaluate dissolved oxygen saturation data, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 9 of 78 dissolved oxygen samples exceed the water quality objective; 1 of 11 dissolved oxygen saturation samples exceed the 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 CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 1 of 11 dissolved oxygen saturation samples and 9 of 78 dissolved oxygen samples exceed 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: 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.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70726, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 5727
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
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 measured dissolved oxygen in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Percent saturation in 7 quarterly samples taken between February 2004 and August 2005 ranged from 93 to 124 percent. The objective was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable objective from the Lahontan Basin Plan states: "The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be depressed by more than 10 percent, below 80 percent saturation, or below 7.0 mg/L at any time, whichever is more restrictive." (Note: this is a watershed-specific narrative objective that differs from the regionwide objectives in Basin Plan Table 3-6.)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Seven quarterly measurements of percent saturation were taken between February 2004 and August 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70726, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 44397
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region's water quality objective states that the dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 80 percent of saturation.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/13/2007-12/27/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70726, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4879
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
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 measured dissolved oxygen in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Dissolved oxygen concentrations in 10 samples ranged from 8 to 12.2 mg/L.. The objective was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable water quality objective from the Lahontan Basin Plan states: "The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be depressed by more than 10 percent, below 80 percent saturation, or below 7.0 mg/L at any time, whichever is more restrictive." (Note: this is a watershed-specific narrative objective that differs from the regionwide objectives in Basin Plan Table 3-6.)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Ten quarterly dissolved oxygen samples were taken between 2003 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70726, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32273
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero of 5 samples exceeded the water quality objective.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable site specific water quality objective from p. 3-9 of the Lahontan Basin Plan for the West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Unit states that the dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be below 7.0 mg/L at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected at the following station: 633WCR002 - West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between August and December 2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70726, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 129976
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: For waters with the beneficial uses of COLD, COLD with SPWN, WARM, and WARM with SPWN, the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than that specified in Table 3-6. (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s) (633WCR003, 633WE0991)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-04 and 2014-09-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70726, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 130055
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 23
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Alpine Watershed Group Monitoring Program data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for Alpine Watershed Group Monitoring Program.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: For waters with the beneficial uses of COLD, COLD with SPWN, WARM, and WARM with SPWN, the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than that specified in Table 3-6. (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (WF-PKT)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2017-03-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Alpine Watershed Group Volunteer Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Alpine Watershed Group Volunteer Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70726, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 130104
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: For waters with the beneficial uses of COLD, COLD with SPWN, WARM, and WARM with SPWN, the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than that specified in Table 3-6. (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-08-31 and 2013-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70726, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 130015
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region's water quality objective states that the dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 80 percent of saturation.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-08-31 and 2013-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100953
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of the 1 samples exceed the water quality criteria for the COLD and COMM beneficial use assessments.

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 CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies 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. 0 of 1 samples exceeded the criteria for both the beneficial use assessments and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples per beneficial use assessed are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100953, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99273
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for polychlorinated biphenyls in fish tissue is 2.6 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100953, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 99274
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Rainbow Trout each composed of 5 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Sportfish Rivers and Streams.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum total PCB concentration of 500 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from 1 station(s) with the station code(s): 633WCR004.
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2011-08-15 and 2011-08-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
75496
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Pebulate
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This decision will be retired during the next assessment cycle. LOEs 27045 and 27046 have been remapped to the next downstream segment due to a mapping change in the waterbody. No pebulate data are available for this waterbody segment due to the remapping undertaken by the regional board. The decision made during a previous assessment cycle is the same for the 2018 cycle and is as follows:

Regional Board 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. One 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. Samples were collected only in the spring and summer.
3. One of four samples exceeded the water quality 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: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75496, Pebulate
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 27045
 
Pollutant: Pebulate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 California Department of Pesticide Regulation database contains data from the USGS National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program. Four samples were collected in May, June, July and August 1994. Pebulate was detected in one sample collected June 13, 1994, at a concentration of 0.0090 ug/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no specific state or federal standards or criteria for pebulate. The Lahontan Basin Plan includes a narrative water quality objective for pesticides in surface waters that provides that: "Pesticide concentrations, individually or collectively, shall not exceed the lowest detectable leves, using the most recent detection procedures available."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in May, June, July an August 1994.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: USGS quality assurance procedures were used.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75496, Pebulate
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 27046
 
Pollutant: Pebulate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department of Pesticide Regulation database contains data from the USGS National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program. Four samples were collected in May, June, July and August 1994. Pebulate was detected in one sample collected June 13, 1994, at a concentration of 0.0090 ug/L.
Data Reference: Department of Pesticide Regulation Database Records for the West Fork Carson River and Upper Truckee Rivers
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no specific state or federal standards or criteria for pebulate. The Lahontan Basin Plan includes a narrative water quality objective for pesticides in surface waters that provides that: "Pesticide concentrations, individually or collectively, shall not exceed the lowest detectable leves, using the most recent detection procedures available."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in May, June, July an August 1994.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: USGS quality assurance procedures were used.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
79508
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Salinity
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This decision will be retired during the next assessment cycle. LOE 34505 has been remapped to the next downstream segment due to a mapping change in the waterbody. No salinity data is available for this waterbody segment due to the remapping undertaken by the regional board. The decision made during a previous assessment cycle is the same for the 2018 cycle 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 sample (annual average value calculated from 20 samples) exceed the water quality objective. The salinity data provided in this data set is assessed using the site specific objective of 55 mg/L for Total Dissolved Solids at Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords).

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 satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the sample exceeded the site specific objective of 55 mg/L TDS and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. A minimum of 26 samples is needed for application 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79508, Salinity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 34505
 
Pollutant: Salinity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The annual average of the 20 samples was 0 mg/L which did not exceed the site specific objective of 55 mg/L.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Regional Board will consider site specific adjustments to the objectives for wetlands (bacteria, pH, hardness, salinity, temperature, or other parameters) as necessary on a case-by-case basis. The site specific objective for Total Dissolved Solids at Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) is 55 mg/L and will be used to assess the salinity data provided in this data set.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples collected from the 633WCR002 station.
Temporal Representation: Samples collected approximately twice a month from January 2007 to December 2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
71320
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Sediment
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This decision will be retired during the next assessment cycle. LOE 4883 has been remapped to the next downstream segment due to a mapping change in the waterbody. No sediment data is available for this waterbody segment due to the remapping undertaken by the regional board. The decision made during a previous assessment cycle is the same for the 2018 cycle and is as follows:

Regional Board conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.No new information ws reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:
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 10 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. 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 suspended sediment concentrations in the Lahontan Region.
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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71320, Sediment
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4883
 
Pollutant: Sediment
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
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 suspended sediment in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program and calculated sediment loads with concurrent flow data. Instantaneous discharge flows ranged from 7.3 to 549 cfs. The highest flow was measured during spring runoff season in May 2005. Suspended sediment concentrations in 10 samples ranged from 1 to 32 mg/L. Suspended sediment loads in 8 calculations ranged from 0.06 to 47 tons per day.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The objective in the Lahontan Basin Plan 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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Ten samples were collected between 2003 and 2005 and 8 loading calculations were done.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
68648
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff 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. 1 of 7 samples exceeds the water quality objective which is a site specific annual average SAR of 1. SAR is a unitless ratio. The one exceeding data point calculated during the previous assessment cycle may have been calculated incorrectly.

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 satisfies 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. 1 of 7 samples exceeded the guideline and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. A minimum of 26 samples is needed for application 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68648, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32276
 
Pollutant: Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The annual average for year 2007 was 1.9 and does exceed the water quality objective.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable site specific water quality objective from the amended Lahontan Basin Plan for the West Fork Carson River states that the annual average SAR (sodium adsorption rate) should not exceed 1.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
  2006. Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region: Revised Sodium-Related Standards for the Carson and Walker River Watersheds. Adopted October 12, 2006 under Resolution R6T-2006-0047
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected at the following station: 633WCR002 - West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek.
Temporal Representation: Data was collected during August 2007 and November 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68648, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 133523
 
Pollutant: Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by the Region 6 SWAMP program in quarterly fashion from 2010 to 2015. Annual average SAR ratios ranged from 0.22 to 0.87. No SAR annual average exceeded the objective. 2 samples from each analyte were thrown out in 2011 because of hold time violations.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The objective for Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) in the West Fork of the Carson River (Headwaters to Hope Valley), as stipulated in the Lahontan Basin Plan 3-9, is a ratio not to exceed 1. SAR is calculated as Na/Sqrt((Ca+Mg)/2 in annual average fashion, and the formula uses milliequivalent (mEq) concentrations of each ion. To calculate mEq, the formula is (ion mg/L / molar mass)*valence.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from one station, 633WCR002, located below the confluence with Willow Creek near Picketts Junction.
Temporal Representation: Data were collected in quarterly fashion between 2010 and 2015.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
70593
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of the 67 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 CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 67 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: 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.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70593, Specific Conductivity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4882
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
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 measured specific conductance in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Ten field measurements ranged from 36 to 80 uS/cm. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
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, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Ten field measurements were collected between 2003 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70593, Specific Conductivity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 98761
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) based upon drinking water standards specified in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's \Chemical Constituents\" objective. The California Secondary MCL for specific conductivity is 900 uS/cm."
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s) (633WCR003, 633WE0991)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-04 and 2014-09-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70593, Specific Conductivity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 98511
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 27
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 27 samples exceeded the water quality standard for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) based upon drinking water standards specified in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's \Chemical Constituents\" objective. The California Secondary MCL for specific conductivity is 900 uS/cm."
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-08-31 and 2015-11-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70593, Specific Conductivity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 44377
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region for specific conductance is 900 uS/cm (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-12/27/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
69935
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff 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. 0 of 30 samples exceed the water quality objective, which requires establishing baseline conditions. There are sufficient 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.

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 satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 30 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.

FROM THE 2012 ASSESSMENT CYCLE:

Pertaining to last listing cycle-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.

Last listing cycle there was only one line of evidence consisting of 10 samples collected quarterly between April 2002 and August 2005. This sampling did not sufficiently capture 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: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69935, Temperature, water
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 44134
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region's water quality objective for all surface waters states the following: 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 COLD, the temperature shall not be altered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Fish introductions in CA: History and impact on native fishes. Davis, CA: University of CA, Davis
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Woodfords) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-12/27/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69935, Temperature, water
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 5885
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
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 temperature quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between April 2003 and August 2005. Temperature in 10 measurements ranged from 0 to 16.5 degrees Celsius. .
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The temperature objective in the Lahontan Basin Plan 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.

Temperature objectives for COLD interstate waters and WARM interstate waters are as specified in the 'Water Quality Control Plan for Control of Temperature in The Coastal and Interstate Waters and Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of California' including any revisions."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Ten quarterly water temperature measurements were taken between April 2003 and August 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
79279
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

Nine lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. pH assessments require background information regarding water quality conditions in the waterbody to assess changes to ambient pH. These information were not available for the 2018 assessment cycle and the computed sample size is zero for these assessments. 0 of the 352 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 CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 352 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: 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.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79279, pH
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 129586
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 0 samples exceeded the water quality standard for pH. Although pH data does exist for this waterbody, the objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality standards could not be made.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide 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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s) (633WCR003, 633WE0991)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-04 and 2014-09-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79279, pH
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 129804
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 0 samples exceeded the water quality standard for pH. Although pH data does exist for this waterbody, the objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality standards could not be made.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide 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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s) (633WCR003, 633WE0991)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-04 and 2014-09-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79279, pH
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 129820
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 0 samples exceeded the water quality standard for pH. Although pH data does exist for this waterbody, the objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality standards could not be made.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for Alpine Watershed Group Monitoring Program.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide 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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (WF-PKT)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2017-03-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Alpine Watershed Group Volunteer Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Alpine Watershed Group Volunteer Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79279, pH
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 129536
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 0 samples exceeded the water quality standard for pH. Although pH data does exist for this waterbody, the objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality standards could not be made.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide 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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-08-31 and 2015-11-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79279, pH
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32538
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 342
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There were 342 samples with daily average pH ranging from 5.97 to 9.71.
Data Reference: Data for temperature, nutrients, and bacteria in Heavenly Valley Creek (USFS boundary to Trout Creek) and various water bodies in Alpine County, Jul 1980-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable objective states: "Changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 unit." This is a watershed-specific objective, different from the Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide objective .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Sample collected at the following locations: SW-01-Carson River, W Fork, Crystal Springs Rd D-1-Carson River, West Fork @ Diversion
Temporal Representation: Samples collected between 11/1/1995 and 6/2/2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: South Tahoe Public Utility District Laboratory Quality Assurance Program (by Terry Powers, Laboratory Director). March 30, 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79279, pH
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4881
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
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 measured pH in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program. The pH values in 10 samples collected from 2003 to 2005 ranged from 6.9 to 7.9 units.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable objective states: "Changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 unit." This is a watershed-specific objective, different from the Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide objective .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Ten pH measurements were taken between 2003 and 2005. .
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The "below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79279, pH
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 129713
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 0 samples exceeded the water quality standard for pH. Although pH data does exist for this waterbody, the objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality standards could not be made.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for Alpine Watershed Group Monitoring Program.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide 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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (WF-PKT)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2017-03-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Alpine Watershed Group Volunteer Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Alpine Watershed Group Volunteer Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79279, pH
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 129535
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 0 samples exceeded the water quality standard for pH. Although pH data does exist for this waterbody, the objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality standards could not be made.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide 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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (633WCR002)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-08-31 and 2015-11-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79279, pH
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32260
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There were 20 samples with pH ranging from 6.9 to 8.6. The normal ambient pH level for this water body is unknown and so it is unknown whether any exceedences occurred.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable 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." (Lahontan Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Station 633WCR002 - West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between 1/10/2007 and 12/27/2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
103221
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2031
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

The West Fork Carson River was re-segmented during the 2018 listing cycle and the original listing for TKN was based in part on data that was collected in what is now the middle reach and not this upper segment. That data is no longer associated with this decision and will be assessed together with other data collected in the middle segment as newly mapped this listing cycle. Also, previously, TKN lines of evidence were associated with Nitrogen decisions, so this is a new decision based just on TKN.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of five samples exceed the water quality objective.

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 CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Two of five samples exceed the objective and this exceeds 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103221, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 27603
 
Pollutant: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The USGS sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of TKN in 10 samples ranged from 0.04 to 0.19 mg/L. Calculated means of monthly means were as follows: for 2003, 0.11 mg/L; for 2004, 0.15 mg/L; for 2005, 0.18 mg/L.
Data Reference: Administrative Record of Lahontan RWQCB's 2001-2002 Section 303(d) List Update Process Resolution R6T-2002-0002
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The water quality objective for total Kjeldahl nitrogen in this segment is 0.13 mg/L, expressed as an annual mean of monthly means. This is a running average incorporating historical data.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected quarterly (3 to 4 per year) between April 2003 and August 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103221, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 34487
 
Pollutant: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 2 means of monthly means exceed the water quality objective for TKN. 7 monthly means were averaged for 2006 before comparing with the mean of monthly mean TKN objective. 12 monthly means were averaged for 2007 to compare with the mean of monthly mean TKN objective.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Table 3-14 of the Basin Plan states that the water quality objective for TKN for West Fork Carson River at Woodfords is 0.13 mg/L as a mean of monthly means.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek (633WCR002).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from June 2006 through December 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
72082
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, two that assess for COLD using the site specific objective for Boron and one that assesses for MUN. Zero of four samples exceed the site specific objective for boron that is applied as an annual average of monthly means and zero of eight samples exceed the MUN drinking water 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 CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of four samples exceeded the site specific objective assessed for COLD and zero of eight samples exceed the MUN guideline 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: 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72082, Boron
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32234
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The annual average of Boron for 2007 for this data set was 0.00383 mg/L which does not exceed the site-specific Water Quality Objective.
Data Reference: RWB6 Trend Monitoring CY2006 CY2007
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for Boron in the Lahontan Basin Plan page 3-40, states that the mean of monthly mean for Boron shall not exceed 0.02 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected at the following station: 633WCR002 (West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between 8/1/2007 - 11/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: 2002 QAMP (Quality Assurance Management Plan) for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72082, Boron
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 4862
 
Pollutant: Boron
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 boron in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Boron concentrations in 4 of 8 samples were estimates and the remaining 4 samples were below the detection level. Means of monthly means are assumed to be zero. The objective was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective in Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-14 is 0.02 mg/L (= 20 ug/L) as a mean of monthly means. The objective applies upstream from Woodfords under the Tributary Rule.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected between 2002 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The
"below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72082, Boron
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 21501
 
Pollutant: Boron
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 boron in the West Fork Carson River under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Boron concentrations in 4 of 8 samples were estimates and the remaining 4 samples were below the detection level. The California State Notification Level was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the East Fork and West Fork Carson River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California State Notification Level for boron is 1000 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
  Drinking Water Notification and Response Levels: An Overview
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, West Fork Carson River below Willow Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected between 2002 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The West Fork Carson River is an interstate river with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest and its lowest point in California in the Carson Valley, transitional between Sierra and Great Basin ecological conditions. The
"below Willow Creek" station is in Hope Valley near the headwaters. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, the West Fork Carson River is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction, and Development Use.
QAPP Information: The quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP were met.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
78940
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: The WF Carson River was re-segmented during the 2018 cycle. The data used for this decision was collected in what is now the downstream segment so this decision should be retired. (Below is text from the previous cycle)

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, consisting of 341 samples collected over 31 years, is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 341 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 satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of 341 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: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78940, Electrical Conductivity
Region 6     
Carson River, West Fork (Headwaters to Hope Valley)
 
LOE ID: 32198
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 341
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected over 31 years. Of the 341 samples collected, none measured above 900 uS/cm.
Data Reference: Data for temperature, nutrients, and bacteria in Heavenly Valley Creek (USFS boundary to Trout Creek) and various water bodies in Alpine County, Jul 1980-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Sample collected at the following locations: SW-01-Carson River, W Fork, Crystal Springs Rd D-1-Carson River, West Fork @ Diversion
Temporal Representation: Samples collected between 7/8/1980 and 6/2/2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: South Tahoe Public Utility District Laboratory Quality Assurance Program (by Terry Powers, Laboratory Director). March 30, 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s):