Draft California 2016 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 2 - San Francisco Bay Region

Water Body Name:	Pine Gulch Creek
Water Body ID:	CAR2013001120080624164835
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	44403	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess these pollutants. Zero 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 two samples exceed the water quality objective 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 44403, Arsenic	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

31419

Pollutant:

Arsenic

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Concentrations of arsenic in one sediment sample collected in April 2005 did not exceed the sediment quality guidelines.

Data Reference:

Data collected by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Years 4 and 5 Assessment

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment Quality Guidelines (MacDonald et al., 2000): PEC (probable effect concentration) arsenic - 33 mg/kg dw

Guideline Reference:

Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31

Spatial Representation:

One sediment sample was collected at a "watershed integrator" site (PNG010) located close to the mouth of Pine Gulch Creek.

Temporal Representation:

The sample was taken in spring (4/11/2005) of 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The QA/QC procedure was in compliant with SWAMP's Quality Assurance Management Plan of 2002.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 44403, Arsenic	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

28263

Pollutant:

Cadmium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel and zinc in one sediment sample collected in April 2005 did not exceed the sediment quality guidelines.

Data Reference:

Data collected by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Years 4 and 5 Assessment

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment Quality Guidelines (MacDonald et al., 2000): PEC (probable effect concentration) arsenic - 33 mg/kg dw; cadmium - 4.98 mg/kg dw; chromium - 111 mg/kg dw; copper - 149 mg/kg dw; lead - 128 mg/kg dw; mercury - 1.06 mg/kg dw; nickel - 48.6 mg/kg dw; zinc - 459 mg/kg dw.

Guideline Reference:

Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31

Spatial Representation:

One sediment sample was collected at a "watershed integrator" site (PNG010) located close to the mouth of Pine Gulch Creek.

Temporal Representation:

The sample was taken in spring (4/11/2005) of 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The QA/QC procedure was in compliant with SWAMP's Quality Assurance Management Plan of 2002.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	43798	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

Pollutant:	Arsenic \| Chromium (total) \| Copper \| Lead \| Mercury \| Nickel \| Selenium \| Silver \| Zinc
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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board 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. None of the samples exceed the water quality objectives. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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 three samples exceeded the water quality objectives (Basin Plan) 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 Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 43798, Multiple Pollutants	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

28249

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Three samples were collected by SWAMP from a monitoring location PNG010 in Pine Gulch Creek. Concentrations of arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, silver and and zinc did not exceed the water quality objectives.
Concentrations of total dissolved chromium were well below the objective for chromium VI.

Data Reference:

Data collected by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Years 4 and 5 Assessment

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Table 3-4 in the Basin Plan (2007) lists freshwater water quality objectives for toxic pollutants: arsenic- 150 ug/L, chromium VI- 11 ug/L, copper - 9.0 ug/L, lead - 2.5 ug/L; mercury - 0.025 ug/L, nickel - 52 ug/L, selenium - 5 ug/L, silver-3.4 ug/L and zinc - 120 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were taken from one monitoring location PNG010 in Pine Gulch Creek.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on: 4/11/2005, 6/13/2005, and 2/16/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

All samples were collected and analyzed using procedures comparable with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWRCB 2002).

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	34935	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

Pollutant:	Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments \| Oxygen, Dissolved \| 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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This water body is being considered for listing 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 water body. Based on the readily available data for this water body, 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. Dissolved oxygen measurements did not exceeded the Basin Plan objectives for waters designated as cold water habitat. Temperature measurements at 1 out of 6 continuous deployments exceeded the 14.8 ?C at and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. In addition, the macroinvertebrate data indicated good water quality conditions. 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 Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 34935, Multiple Pollutants	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

5719

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water quality assessment was conducted at the Pine Gulch watershed as part of SWAMP study in 2005. Continuous field monitoring at 15 minute increments of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and specific conductance was conducted to determine temporal variability in basic water quality at two locations. The 7 day average minimum concentrations of dissolved oxygen were between 9.01 and 9.87 mg/L during dry season, 10.0 - 10.48 mg/L during spring season, and 11.24 ? 11.58 mg/L during winter wet season. All DO measurements met the water quality objective of 7 mg/L.

Data Reference:

Data collected by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Years 4 and 5 Assessment

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The numeric water quality objective for dissolved oxygen is 7.0 mg/L minimum for waters designated as cold water habitat. The median dissolved oxygen concentration for any three consecutive months shall not be less than 80 percent of the dissolved oxygen content at saturation.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Dissolved oxygen was measured at two sites located on the mainstem of Pine Gulch Creek.

Temporal Representation:

At all monitoring locations the SWAMP Program performed concurrent continuous measurements of dissolved oxygen at 15 minute intervals lasting 6 to 7 days. The measurements were conducted during spring (April 2005), summer dry season (August 2005), and winter wet season (January/February 2006).

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

All samples were collected and analyzed using procedures comparable with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWRCB 2002).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 34935, Multiple Pollutants	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

5720

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water quality assessment was conducted at the Pine Gulch watershed as part of SWAMP study in 2005. Continuous field monitoring at 15 minute increments of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and specific conductance was conducted to determine temporal variability in basic water quality at two locations.

The measured temperatures ranged from 5.73?C to 29.32 ?C and varied with season and location. The 14.8 ?C criterion for coho salmon was exceeded in 1 out of 6 continuous temperature deployments and the 17 ?C criterion for steelhead was never exceeded.

Data Reference:

Data collected by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Years 4 and 5 Assessment

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Temperature objectives for enclosed bays and estuaries are specified in the "Water Quality Control Plan for Control of Temperature in the Coastal and Interstate Waters and Enclosed Bays of California" including any revisions to the plan. In addition, the following temperature objectives apply to surface waters: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses.
The temperature of any cold or warm freshwater habitat shall not be increased by more than 5?F (2.8?C) above natural receiving water temperature.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Sullivan et al. (2000) reviewed a wide range of studies incorporating information from laboratory-based research, field observations, and risk assessment approaches and developed criteria for assessing temperature risk to aquatic life. The 7-day mean temperature (maximum value of the 7-day moving average of the daily mean temperature) of 14.8?C was established as the upper threshold criterion for coho salmon and 17.0?C for steelhead trout. The risk assessment approach used by Sullivan et al. (2000) suggests that temperatures exceeding the above thresholds will cause 10% reduction in average growth compared to optimal conditions.

Guideline Reference:

An Analysis of the Effects of Temperature on Salmonids of the Pacific Northwest with Implications for Selecting Temperature Criteria

Spatial Representation:

Temperature was measured at two sites.

Temporal Representation:

Concurrent continuous measurements were conducted at both monitoring locations. Temperature was recorded at 15 minute intervals over 2 to 11 days during spring (April 2005), summer dry season (August 2005), and winter wet season (January/February 2006).

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

All samples were collected and analyzed using procedures comparable with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWRCB 2002).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 34935, Multiple Pollutants	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

5853

Pollutant:

Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments

LOE Subgroup:

Population/Community Degradation

Matrix:

Not Specified

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled from two sites in the Pine Gulch Creek watershed in April 2005 by the SWAMP program. Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage metrics were similar to values observed at reference sites in perennial creeks and indicated good conditions. Taxa richness score ranged from 34 to 36 and % sensitive EPT were 30 to 33.

Data Reference:

Data collected by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Years 4 and 5 Assessment

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 (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage metric scores that are within the range of scores for minimally disturbed reference sites indicate no substantial alterations in community ecology. Taxa richness values at reference sites sampled by the SWAMP program between 2001 and 2003 ranged from 28 to 59. Reference conditions determined for perennial streams such as Pine Gulch Creek, usually exhibit taxa richness > 38 and % sensitive EPT > 44. A perennial stream could be described as in - excellent condition - if there is no difference between the metrics measured at the site and those established for reference sites. A perennial stream will be described as in - good condition - if the site metrics indicate minor loss of bio-integrity but still a good structure and function, and sensitive species are present in abundance.

Guideline Reference:

Water Quality Monitoring and Bioassessment in Nine San Francisco Bay Region Watersheds: Walker Creek, Lagunitas Creek, San Leandro Creek, Wildcat Creek/San Pablo Creek, Suisun Creek, Arroyo Las Positas, Pescadero Creek/Butano Creek, San Gregorio Creek, and Stevens Creek/Permanente Creek. Oakland, CA: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board

Spatial Representation:

Benthic macroinvertebrates were measured at two sites located on the mainstem of Pine Gulch Creek.

Temporal Representation:

Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled once in April 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

All samples were collected and analyzed using procedures comparable with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWRCB 2002).

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	44559	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

Pollutant:	Chromium
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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board 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. The single sample did not 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 one sample 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 Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 44559, Chromium	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

31420

Pollutant:

Chromium (total)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Concentrations of chromiumin one sediment sample collected in April 2005 did not exceed the sediment quality guidelines.

Data Reference:

Data collected by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Years 4 and 5 Assessment

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment Quality Guidelines (MacDonald et al., 2000): PEC (probable effect concentration) chromium - 111 mg/kg dw

Guideline Reference:

Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31

Spatial Representation:

One sediment sample was collected at a "watershed integrator" site (PNG010) located close to the mouth of Pine Gulch Creek.

Temporal Representation:

The sample was taken in spring (4/11/2005) of 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The QA/QC procedure was in compliant with SWAMP's Quality Assurance Management Plan of 2002.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	44690	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

Pollutant:	Copper
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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board 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. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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 one sample 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 Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 44690, Copper	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

31425

Pollutant:

Copper

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Concentrations of copper in one sediment sample collected in April 2005 did not exceed the sediment quality guidelines.

Data Reference:

Data collected by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Years 4 and 5 Assessment

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment Quality Guidelines (MacDonald et al., 2000): PEC (probable effect concentration) copper - 149 mg/kg dw

Guideline Reference:

Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31

Spatial Representation:

One sediment sample was collected at a "watershed integrator" site (PNG010) located close to the mouth of Pine Gulch Creek.

Temporal Representation:

The sample was taken in spring (4/11/2005) of 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The QA/QC procedure was in compliant with SWAMP's Quality Assurance Management Plan of 2002.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	44688	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

Pollutant:	Lead
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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board 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. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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 one sample 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 Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 44688, Lead	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

31424

Pollutant:

Lead

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Concentrations of lead in one sediment sample collected in April 2005 did not exceed the sediment quality guidelines.

Data Reference:

Data collected by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Years 4 and 5 Assessment

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment Quality Guidelines (MacDonald et al., 2000): PEC (probable effect concentration) lead - 128 mg/kg dw

Guideline Reference:

Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31

Spatial Representation:

One sediment sample was collected at a "watershed integrator" site (PNG010) located close to the mouth of Pine Gulch Creek.

Temporal Representation:

The sample was taken in spring (4/11/2005) of 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The QA/QC procedure was in compliant with SWAMP's Quality Assurance Management Plan of 2002.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	44687	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

Pollutant:	Mercury
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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board 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. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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 one sample 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 Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 44687, Mercury	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

31423

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Concentrations of mercury in one sediment sample collected in April 2005 did not exceed the sediment quality guidelines.

Data Reference:

Data collected by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Years 4 and 5 Assessment

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment Quality Guidelines (MacDonald et al., 2000): PEC (probable effect concentration) mercury - 1.06 mg/kg dw

Guideline Reference:

Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31

Spatial Representation:

One sediment sample was collected at a "watershed integrator" site (PNG010) located close to the mouth of Pine Gulch Creek.

Temporal Representation:

The sample was taken in spring (4/11/2005) of 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The QA/QC procedure was in compliant with SWAMP's Quality Assurance Management Plan of 2002.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	44594	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

Pollutant:	Nickel
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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board 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. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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 one sample 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 Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 44594, Nickel	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

31421

Pollutant:

Nickel

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Concentrations of nickel in one sediment sample collected in April 2005 did not exceed the sediment quality guidelines.

Data Reference:

Data collected by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Years 4 and 5 Assessment

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment Quality Guidelines (MacDonald et al., 2000): PEC (probable effect concentration) nickel - 48.6 mg/kg dw

Guideline Reference:

Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31

Spatial Representation:

One sediment sample was collected at a "watershed integrator" site (PNG010) located close to the mouth of Pine Gulch Creek.

Temporal Representation:

The sample was taken in spring (4/11/2005) of 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The QA/QC procedure was in compliant with SWAMP's Quality Assurance Management Plan of 2002.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	44619	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

Pollutant:	Toxicity
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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board 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. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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 three samples exceeded the water quality objective (Basin Plan) 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 Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 44619, Toxicity	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

30323

Pollutant:

Sediment Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Toxicity testing of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data used to evaluate sediment toxicity comprise one sediment sample collected by the SWAMP in 2001. No toxicity or adverse affects were exhibited for Hyallela azteca.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment toxicity was evaluated according to the SWAMP methodology. Sample toxicity was determined by comparing mean organism response in samples and in negative controls. Statistical evaluation (alpha = 0.05) and a default threshold of 80% of the control value were used to establish whether the sediment exhibited significant toxicity adversely impacting aquatic organisms.

Guideline Reference:

Revised approach to toxicity test acceptability criteria using a statistical performance assessment. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, vol. 16, No. 6, pp 1322?1329

Spatial Representation:

One sediment sample was collected at PNG 010 monitoring location on Pine Gulch Creek watershed.

Temporal Representation:

Sample was collected in April 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected and analyzed using procedures comparable with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWRCB 2002).

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 44619, Toxicity	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

30325

Pollutant:

Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Three samples were collected in April 2005, June 2005 and February 2006 to evaluate water toxicity in Pine Gulch Creek. The toxicity tests included survival and reproduction of Ceriodaphnia, survival and growth of fathead minnow, and growth of Selenastrum. No significant toxicity was observed in this sample.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Water toxicity was evaluated according to the SWAMP methodology. The U.S.EPA whole effluent toxicity protocol (U.S.EPA 1994) was used to test the effect of water samples on three freshwater test organisms. Statistical evaluation (alpha = 0.05) and a default threshold of 80% of the control value were used to establish whether water exhibited significant toxicity adversely impacting aquatic organisms.

Guideline Reference:

Revised approach to toxicity test acceptability criteria using a statistical performance assessment. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, vol. 16, No. 6, pp 1322?1329

Short-Term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. EPA/600/4-91/002. Third Edition. July 1994

Spatial Representation:

Toxicity tests were conducted on water sample from monitoring location PGN010 in Pine Gulch Creek.

Temporal Representation:

Toxicity testing was conducted in between April 2005 and February 2006.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

All samples were collected and analyzed using procedures comparable with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWRCB, 2002).

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	44686	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

Pollutant:	Zinc
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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board 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. [NUMBER] 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. None of one sample 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 Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 44686, Zinc	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

31422

Pollutant:

Zinc

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Concentrations of zinc in one sediment sample collected in April 2005 did not exceed the sediment quality guidelines.

Data Reference:

Data collected by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Years 4 and 5 Assessment

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment Quality Guidelines (MacDonald et al., 2000): PEC (probable effect concentration) zinc - 459 mg/kg dw.

Guideline Reference:

Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31

Spatial Representation:

One sediment sample was collected at a "watershed integrator" site (PNG010) located close to the mouth of Pine Gulch Creek.

Temporal Representation:

The sample was taken in spring (4/11/2005) of 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The QA/QC procedure was in compliant with SWAMP's Quality Assurance Management Plan of 2002.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	44620	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

Pollutant:	pH
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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 exceeded the water quality objective (Baisn Plan) 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 Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 44620, pH	Region 2
Pine Gulch Creek

LOE ID:

28232

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water quality assessment was conducted at the Pine Gulch Creek watershed as part of SWAMP study in 2005-2006. Continuous field monitoring of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and specific conductance to determine temporal variability in basic water quality at two locations on Pine Gulch Creek. Continuous monitoring sondes were deployed 3 times at these monitoring locations during wet, spring and two dry seasons. The pH ranged from 7 to 7.9 and varied with season. All pH measurements were within the recommended range 6.5 to 8.5.

Data Reference:

Data collected by the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Years 4 and 5 Assessment

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5. This encompasses the pH range usually found in waters within the basin. Controllable water quality factors shall not cause changes greater than 0.5 units in normal ambient pH levels.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were taken from PNG010 and PNG050 monitoring locations.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were taken from PNG010 and PNG050 monitoring locations during spring (April 2005), dry (August 2005), and wet (January-February 2006) seasons. Measurements were conducted at 15-minute increments for approximately 1 to 2 weeks.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The QA/QC procedure was comparable with SWAMP'S Quality Assurance Management Plan of 2002.

QAPP Information Reference(s):