Water Body Name: | Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) |
Water Body ID: | CAR6341003119980804122742 |
Water Body Type: | River & Stream |
DECISION ID |
69385 |
Region 6 |
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) |
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Pollutant: | Chloride |
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: | 2028 |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: | Pollutant |
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: | In 2006 this waterbody segment was listed for exceedenaces of chloride for a non-contact recreation beneficial use. In 2012, the chloride exceedences were known to be evaluated for the protection of cold freshwater habitat using the water quality objectives for chloride stated in Table 5.1-3 in the Lahontan Basin Plan. This pollutant is being considered for removal from the 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, one to evaluate COLD and one to evaluate REC, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Four of samples exceed the water quality objective used to evaluate compliance with REC 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 26 samples is needed for application of table 3.2 . 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. Four of four samples exceeded the water quality objective for protection of 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 26 samples is needed for application of table 3.1. The placeholder LOEs used for the original listing based on protection of REC are still valid and the recommendation is Do Not Delist. 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: | This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same. |
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LOE ID: | 4614 | ||||
Pollutant: | Chloride | ||||
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water | ||||
Matrix: | Water | ||||
Fraction: | Not Recorded | ||||
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation | ||||
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): | |||||
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LOE ID: | 32163 | ||||
Pollutant: | Chloride | ||||
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water | ||||
Matrix: | Water | ||||
Fraction: | None | ||||
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat | ||||
Number of Samples: | 4 | ||||
Number of Exceedances: | 4 | ||||
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING | ||||
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | The annual averages from the two sampling locations in 2008 and 2009 this water body exceeded the water quality objective. One measurement was used to calculate the annual average for 2008 and 3 samples were used to calculate the annual average in 2009. | ||||
Data Reference: | Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009 | ||||
SWAMP Data: | Non-SWAMP | ||||
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The water quality objective is an annual average of 0.15 mg/L. (from Table 5.1-3 of the Lahontan Region 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 two locations: HV-C2 (Below Patsy's) HV-C3 (Property Line) | ||||
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected once quarterly between August of 2008 and September of 2009. | ||||
Environmental Conditions: | |||||
QAPP Information: | Data were collected for NPDES permit R6T-2003-0032. This data was collected under waste discharge requirements for a TMDL and therefore is of adequate quality. | ||||
QAPP Information Reference(s): | |||||
DECISION ID |
78979 |
Region 6 |
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) |
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Pollutant: | Nitrogen |
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 are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the four samples exceeds the water quality objective. The water quality objective for total nitrogen for Trout Creek is an annual average objective of 0.19 mg/L. Table 5.1-1 shows Trout Creek as the receiving water for Heavenly Valley Creek. None of the four annual averages exceeded the water quality objective for total nitrogen. Annual averages were calculated by water year starting in October 1st through September 30th. A total of 27 samples were collected per site. 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 four samples exceeded the water quality objective 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 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: | This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same. |
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LOE ID: | 31894 | ||||
Pollutant: | Total Nitrogen as N | ||||
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water | ||||
Matrix: | Water | ||||
Fraction: | Total | ||||
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: | None of the four annual averages exceeded the water quality objective for total nitrogen. Annual averages were calculated by water year starting in October 1st through September 30th. A total of 27 samples were collected per site. | ||||
Data Reference: | Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009 | ||||
SWAMP Data: | Non-SWAMP | ||||
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Table 5.1-3 of the Basin Plan states that the water quality objective for total nitrogen for Trout Creek is an annual average objective of 0.19 mg/L. Table 5.1-1 shows Trout Creek as the receiving water for Heavenly Valley Creek. | ||||
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended) | ||||
Evaluation Guideline: | |||||
Guideline Reference: | |||||
Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected at the following sites: HV-C2 Heavenly Valley Creek below Patsy's Chair and HV-C3 Heavenly Valley Creek at the Forest Service property line. | ||||
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected from 10/23/2007 to 9/15/2009. | ||||
Environmental Conditions: | |||||
QAPP Information: | Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort. | ||||
QAPP Information Reference(s): | |||||
DECISION ID |
103474 |
Region 6 |
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) |
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Pollutant: | Benthic Community Effects |
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: | 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.
Four lines of evidence, one evaluating benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment data, one evaluating chloride data, one evaluating iron data and one evaluating phosphorous data, are available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. 3 of 6 benthic-macroinvertebrate samples exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold, which indicates that the benthic community in this segment of the waterbody has been impacted but one or more pollutants. This waterbody segment has been listed previously for chloride, iron, phosphorous and sedimentation, with recent data for chloride, iron and phosphorous assessed during the 2012 listing cycle. These lines of evidence have been associated with this decision as possible drivers of the impacts to the benthic community. 2 of 2 iron samples, 4 of 4 chloride samples and 4 of 4 phosphorus samples all exceeded the applicable water quality objectives during the 2012 assessments. It is likely also that sedimentation and habitat modifications in the creek have also played a part in the disruption of the benthic community though no direct data is available to assess these pollutants at this time. Benthic macroinvertebrate data collected from a waterbody named 'Heavenly Creek unknown tributary', which is a direct tributary to this waterbody and is located less than 2 miles upstream, shows that 2 of 4 CSCI scores fall into the 'very likely altered' category. The data from this waterbody is explained in Decision ID 103479, but has also been mentioned in this decision as it is pertinent to the water quality issues that are apparent in this waterbody. There is no other water quality data for 'Heavenly Creek, unknown tributary' available for assessment, but the impairment of benthic macroinvertebrate habitat in that waterbody segment, as well as in this one, is probable based on the available CSCI data. The available benthic-macroinvertebrate data for Heavenly Valley Creek shows impacts to the benthic communities at the 634HVC-2 sampling site, which is located just downstream of Heavenly ski resorts' Patsy's chairlift in the upper reach of the waterbody segment. Benthic macroinvertebrate data collected upstream of this waterbody segment shows similar impairment. These impairments are consistent with both ski recreation and the associated mountain operations that occur in this watershed section. The benthic community shows a marked improvement at the 634HVC-3 sampling site, which is someways downstream of Heavenly ski resort operations and is surrounded by forested lands. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for 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. 3 of 6 benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment samples had CSCI scores below 0.79. Therefore, this water body is exceeding the water quality threshold for the protection of the COLD beneficial use. Additionally, 2 of 2 iron samples, 4 of 4 chloride samples and 4 of 4 phosphorous samples exceed the applicable water quality objectives. The available information indicates that the waterbody/pollutant combination should be placed on the 303(d) List of impaired waters for benthic community effects. 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. |
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LOE ID: | 31979 | ||||
Pollutant: | Iron | ||||
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: | Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) | ||||
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | The annual averages were 0.18 mg/L (HV-C2) and 0.09 mg/L (HV-C3) which are above the objective of 0.03 mg/L. | ||||
Data Reference: | Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009 | ||||
SWAMP Data: | Non-SWAMP | ||||
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Table 3-12 of the Basin Plan, states the annual average for iron in the Trout Creek watershed (Figure 3-6) is 0.03 mg/L. | ||||
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended) | ||||
Evaluation Guideline: | |||||
Guideline Reference: | |||||
Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected at the following sites: HV-C2 Heavenly Valley Creek below Patsy's Chair and HV-C3 Heavenly Valley Creek at the Forest Service property line. | ||||
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected quarterly from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009. | ||||
Environmental Conditions: | |||||
QAPP Information: | Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort. | ||||
QAPP Information Reference(s): | |||||
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LOE ID: | 32163 | ||||
Pollutant: | Chloride | ||||
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water | ||||
Matrix: | Water | ||||
Fraction: | None | ||||
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat | ||||
Number of Samples: | 4 | ||||
Number of Exceedances: | 4 | ||||
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING | ||||
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | The annual averages from the two sampling locations in 2008 and 2009 this water body exceeded the water quality objective. One measurement was used to calculate the annual average for 2008 and 3 samples were used to calculate the annual average in 2009. | ||||
Data Reference: | Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009 | ||||
SWAMP Data: | Non-SWAMP | ||||
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The water quality objective is an annual average of 0.15 mg/L. (from Table 5.1-3 of the Lahontan Region 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 two locations: HV-C2 (Below Patsy's) HV-C3 (Property Line) | ||||
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected once quarterly between August of 2008 and September of 2009. | ||||
Environmental Conditions: | |||||
QAPP Information: | Data were collected for NPDES permit R6T-2003-0032. This data was collected under waste discharge requirements for a TMDL and therefore is of adequate quality. | ||||
QAPP Information Reference(s): | |||||
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LOE ID: | 96455 | ||||
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: | 3 | ||||
Data and Information Type: | Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys | ||||
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | There were six CSCI scores from this site. The scores were:
0.772880911 0.754650131 0.749347412 1.007422495 0.873343095 0.824529447 Three of the six scores were exceeding the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use. |
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Data Reference: | Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for Heavenly Valley TMDL. | ||||
SWAMP Data: | |||||
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 were collected at stations 634HVC-2 and 634HVC-3 | ||||
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected at each location on the following dates:
6/11/2015 8/29/2011 7/28/2014 |
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Environmental Conditions: | |||||
QAPP Information: | QAPP for Heavenly Valley TMDL | ||||
QAPP Information Reference(s): | Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program | ||||
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LOE ID: | 31895 | ||||
Pollutant: | Phosphorus | ||||
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water | ||||
Matrix: | Water | ||||
Fraction: | Total | ||||
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat | ||||
Number of Samples: | 4 | ||||
Number of Exceedances: | 4 | ||||
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING | ||||
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Four of the four annual averages exceeded the water quality objective for total phosphorus. Annual averages were calculated by water year starting in October 1st through September 30th. A total of 27 samples were collected per site. | ||||
Data Reference: | Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009 | ||||
SWAMP Data: | Non-SWAMP | ||||
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Table 5.1-3 of the Basin Plan states that the water quality objective for total phosphorus for Trout Creek is an annual average objective of 0.015 mg/L. Table 5.1-1 shows Trout Creek as the receiving water for Heavenly Valley Creek. | ||||
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended) | ||||
Evaluation Guideline: | |||||
Guideline Reference: | |||||
Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected at the following sites: HV-C2 Heavenly Valley Creek below Patsy's Chair and HV-C3 Heavenly Valley Creek at the Forest Service property line. | ||||
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected from 10/23/2007 to 9/15/2009. | ||||
Environmental Conditions: | |||||
QAPP Information: | Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort. | ||||
QAPP Information Reference(s): | |||||
DECISION ID |
79817 |
Region 6 |
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) |
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Pollutant: | Phosphorus |
Final Listing Decision: | Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: | Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2016) |
Revision Status | Original |
Sources: | Source Unknown |
TMDL Name: | Lake Tahoe Nutrients/Sediment |
TMDL Project Code: | 198 |
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: | 08/16/2011 |
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 4.2 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. Four of four 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 removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list, but Regional Board staff find that this waterbody, though listed, is being addressed by a USEPA approved TMDL (Lake Tahoe TMDL, approved 08/16/11). 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. Four of four samples exceeded the water quality objective 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. Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) is a tributary to Lake Tahoe. The Tahoe TMDL includes an implementation plan that identifies actions that resource management agencies must take to reduce inputs of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and fine sediment. On the ground efforts required by the Lake Tahoe TMDL that focus on stabilizing disturbed areas within the forested uplands will also achieve pollutant load reductions of these same constituents in waters tributary to Lake Tahoe. Federal, State, and larger local restoration agencies have well defined, multi objective restoration programs with established funding and developed restoration plans to help achieve the Lake Tahoe TMDL. Implementation actions included in these restoration programs include fuels reduction projects and decomissioning and recontouring unauthorized or historic roads and trails. These projects are already underway, or planned and expected, within the forested uplands of this watershed and will help reduce sediment and nutrient inputs to Lake Tahoe and its tributaries, which include Heavenly Valley Creek from the source to the USFS boundary. Pollutant load reductions within Heavenly Creek will be tracked through implementation of detailed performance and compliance measures and assessment and reporting protocols included in the Lake Tahoe TMDL. The TMDL Management System project is establishing activity-based tracking and reporting requirements to assess activities that are expected to reduce pollutant loading from non-urban sources. The Lahontan Water Board and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection will implement a Lake Tahoe TMDL Management System for managing, tracking, integrating and evaluating new information generated from TMDL implementation actions, effectiveness monitoring, research efforts, and other factors such as climate change and wildfires. The Management System is based on an adaptive management framework to (1) link load reduction effectiveness with project implementation monitoring to improve project design and to assess if actual environmental improvement is occurring as expected; (2) establish guidance and operation protocols for how new information will be incorporated into project designs and TMDL program implementation; (3) establish prioritized TMDL research needs to fill data gaps and reduce uncertainties, and (4) implement a process for updating and reporting pollutant load reduction estimates and tracking projects within the TMDL implementation timeline. The Lake Tahoe TMDL requires implementation, effectiveness, and status and trends monitoring. Tributary stream status and trends monitoring will track long-term changes in water quality conditions relative to established water quality standards or goals, and project-specific monitoring will be used to assess the efficacy of various implementation measures. Long-term water quality trends and pollutant load reduction tracking in Heavenly Creek will be captured through the ongoing efforts of the Lake Tahoe Interagency Monitoring Program (LTIMP) whose primary objective is to monitor discharge, nutrient load, and sediment loads from representative streams that flow into Lake Tahoe. Nitrogen and phosphorus loading calculations are performed using the LTIMP flow and nutrient concentration database. LTIMP has monitored Heavenly Creek and other tributaries to Lake Tahoe since 1988; this data is stored on the USGS website at http://wdr.water.usgs.gov/. |
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. |
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LOE ID: | 4615 | ||||
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): | |||||
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LOE ID: | 31895 | ||||
Pollutant: | Phosphorus | ||||
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water | ||||
Matrix: | Water | ||||
Fraction: | Total | ||||
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat | ||||
Number of Samples: | 4 | ||||
Number of Exceedances: | 4 | ||||
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING | ||||
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Four of the four annual averages exceeded the water quality objective for total phosphorus. Annual averages were calculated by water year starting in October 1st through September 30th. A total of 27 samples were collected per site. | ||||
Data Reference: | Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009 | ||||
SWAMP Data: | Non-SWAMP | ||||
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Table 5.1-3 of the Basin Plan states that the water quality objective for total phosphorus for Trout Creek is an annual average objective of 0.015 mg/L. Table 5.1-1 shows Trout Creek as the receiving water for Heavenly Valley Creek. | ||||
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended) | ||||
Evaluation Guideline: | |||||
Guideline Reference: | |||||
Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected at the following sites: HV-C2 Heavenly Valley Creek below Patsy's Chair and HV-C3 Heavenly Valley Creek at the Forest Service property line. | ||||
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected from 10/23/2007 to 9/15/2009. | ||||
Environmental Conditions: | |||||
QAPP Information: | Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort. | ||||
QAPP Information Reference(s): | |||||
DECISION ID |
79662 |
Region 6 |
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) |
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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 | Original |
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.
Two lines of evidence, one to evaluate compliance with COLD and one to evaluate compliance with MUN, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the eight samples exceeded the MCL for MUN and two out of two samples exceeded the objective, which is an annual average for iron of 0.03 mg/L defined for Trout Creek. Heavenly Valley Creek is a tributary of Trout Creek. The annual average was calculated using four sample/year and should not be representative of the annual and seasonal fluctuations of iron in this waterbody. 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 does not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. The annual averages were calculated based on 4 samples and this sampling frequency is not sufficient to capture the seasonal and annual fluctuations of iron in this watershed. 3. Zero of eight samples exceeded the SMCL for protection of MUN and two of two samples exceeded the objective (annual average based on 4 samples collected at 2 different locations) 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: | This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same. |
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LOE ID: | 31979 | ||||
Pollutant: | Iron | ||||
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: | Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) | ||||
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | The annual averages were 0.18 mg/L (HV-C2) and 0.09 mg/L (HV-C3) which are above the objective of 0.03 mg/L. | ||||
Data Reference: | Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009 | ||||
SWAMP Data: | Non-SWAMP | ||||
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Table 3-12 of the Basin Plan, states the annual average for iron in the Trout Creek watershed (Figure 3-6) is 0.03 mg/L. | ||||
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended) | ||||
Evaluation Guideline: | |||||
Guideline Reference: | |||||
Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected at the following sites: HV-C2 Heavenly Valley Creek below Patsy's Chair and HV-C3 Heavenly Valley Creek at the Forest Service property line. | ||||
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected quarterly from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009. | ||||
Environmental Conditions: | |||||
QAPP Information: | Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort. | ||||
QAPP Information Reference(s): | |||||
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|||||
LOE ID: | 31976 | ||||
Pollutant: | Iron | ||||
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water | ||||
Matrix: | Water | ||||
Fraction: | Total | ||||
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply | ||||
Number of Samples: | 8 | ||||
Number of Exceedances: | 0 | ||||
Data and Information Type: | Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants) | ||||
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | None of the eight samples exceeded the secondary MCL. | ||||
Data Reference: | Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009 | ||||
SWAMP Data: | Non-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 64449-B of Section 64449 (Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels-Ranges), for iron this is 0.3 mg/L. | ||||
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended) | ||||
Evaluation Guideline: | |||||
Guideline Reference: | |||||
Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected at the following sites: HV-C2 Heavenly Valley Creek below Patsy's Chair and HV-C3 Heavenly Valley Creek at the Forest Service property line. | ||||
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected quarterly from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009. | ||||
Environmental Conditions: | |||||
QAPP Information: | Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort. | ||||
QAPP Information Reference(s): | |||||
DECISION ID |
79709 |
Region 6 |
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) |
||
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 | Original |
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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero out of 50 of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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 50 samples exceeded the objective/criteria 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. |
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LOE ID: | 31893 | ||||
Pollutant: | Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N) | ||||
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water | ||||
Matrix: | Water | ||||
Fraction: | Total | ||||
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply | ||||
Number of Samples: | 50 | ||||
Number of Exceedances: | 0 | ||||
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING | ||||
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | None of the 50 samples exceeded the water quality objective for nitrate + nitrate as N. Samples collected within a 7-day period were averaged and considered as a single sample. | ||||
Data Reference: | Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009 | ||||
SWAMP Data: | Non-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 nitrate + nitrite as N is 10.0 mg/L. | ||||
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended) | ||||
Evaluation Guideline: | |||||
Guideline Reference: | |||||
Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected at the following sites: HV-C2 Heavenly Valley Creek below Patsy's Chair and HV-C3 Heavenly Valley Creek at the Forest Service property line. | ||||
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected from 10/23/2007 to 9/15/2009. | ||||
Environmental Conditions: | |||||
QAPP Information: | Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort. | ||||
QAPP Information Reference(s): | |||||
DECISION ID |
78801 |
Region 6 |
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) |
||
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 | Original |
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.
One lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 28 samples exceed the water quality objective. The 28 samples were collected monthly and this sampling frequency seems sufficient to establish specific baseline conditions and to define the natural range of temperature (including diel, seasonal and annual varations) or to detect whether changes have occurred. 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 28 samples exceeded the 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: | This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same. |
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LOE ID: | 31953 | ||||
Pollutant: | Temperature, water | ||||
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water | ||||
Matrix: | Water | ||||
Fraction: | None | ||||
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat | ||||
Number of Samples: | 28 | ||||
Number of Exceedances: | 0 | ||||
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING | ||||
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | None of the 28 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for temperature in this water body. | ||||
Data Reference: | Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009 | ||||
SWAMP Data: | Non-SWAMP | ||||
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | 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.(Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region) | ||||
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: | Samples were collected at site HV-C2 (Below Patsy's) and site HV-C3 (Property Line). | ||||
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected monthly between October of 2008 and September of 2009. | ||||
Environmental Conditions: | |||||
QAPP Information: | This data was collected under waste discharge requirements for a TMDL and therefore is of adequate quality. | ||||
QAPP Information Reference(s): | |||||
DECISION ID |
67549 |
Region 6 |
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) |
||
Pollutant: | Turbidity |
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 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. Zero of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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 26 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. |
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LOE ID: | 32456 | ||||
Pollutant: | Turbidity | ||||
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: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING | ||||
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | None of the 26 samples exceeded the MCL for turbidity in this water body. | ||||
Data Reference: | Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009 | ||||
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 turbidity is 5 NTU. | ||||
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR | ||||
Evaluation Guideline: | |||||
Guideline Reference: | |||||
Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected at two locations: HV-C2 (Below Patsy's) HV-C3 (Property Line) | ||||
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected monthly between August of 2008 and September of 2009. | ||||
Environmental Conditions: | |||||
QAPP Information: | Data were collected for NPDES permit R6T-2003-0032. This data was collected under waste discharge requirements for a TMDL and therefore is of adequate quality. | ||||
QAPP Information Reference(s): | |||||
DECISION ID |
68018 |
Region 6 |
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) |
||
Pollutant: | Sedimentation/Siltation |
Final Listing Decision: | List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL) |
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: | List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2016) |
Revision Status | Original |
Sources: | Source Unknown |
TMDL Name: | Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) Sediment |
TMDL Project Code: | 655 |
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: | 09/30/2002 |
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: | Pollutant |
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: | 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 listing under section 2.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. The Heavenly Valley Creek Sediment TMDL was adopted by RWQCB in 2001 and subsequently approved by USEPA in 2002. This water segment-pollutant combination was moved off the section 303(d) list during the 2002 listing cycle. 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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list. |
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. |
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LOE ID: | 2864 | ||||
Pollutant: | Sedimentation/Siltation | ||||
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 2006 303(d) | ||||
SWAMP Data: | Non-SWAMP | ||||
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | |||||
Objective/Criterion Reference: | |||||
Evaluation Guideline: | |||||
Guideline Reference: | |||||
Spatial Representation: | |||||
Temporal Representation: | |||||
Environmental Conditions: | |||||
QAPP Information: | QA Info Missing | ||||
QAPP Information Reference(s): | |||||