Final California 2010 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

California Toxics Rule chronic criteria using 134 mg/l hardness: copper: 11.5 ug/l

Guideline Reference:

Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency

Spatial Representation:

Two samples were collected per station with one at the photic zone and the other sample near the bottom of the lake at that station. There were ten stations total. The samples were collected at TMDL1 - dam photic zone, and near the bottom of the dam, TMDL2 - Gilner Point in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL6 - Middle of the Lake in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL9 - at Stanfield in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL3 - Grout Bay in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL4 - Metcalf Bay in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL5- in the middle of the lake towards the north side in the photic zone, and near the bottom, TMDL7 - in the middle of the lake towards the south in the photic zone, and near the bottom, TMDL8 - at Stanfield north side of the lake in the photic zone, and near the bottom, TMDL10 - at Stanfield towards the south side of the lake in the photic zone and near the bottom.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on 6/11/01.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed acceptable because it was collected under the auspices of a quality assurance plan approved by the Regional Board.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 7213, Copper	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

4397

Pollutant:

Copper

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Unspecified

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Unspecified

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Unspecified

Temporal Representation:

Unspecified

Environmental Conditions:

Unspecified

QAPP Information:

Unspecified

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 7213, Copper	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

7755

Pollutant:

Copper

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:

The samples were collected at three locations but hardness was only measured in two of the locations so the criteria for the third location could not be calculated. Of the two samples collected that have hardness measurements, both exceed the chronic criteria for copper. One could speculate that if the hardness is similar to the other two locations, then the third location would also exceed the chronic criteria.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

The California Toxics Rule Criteria is hardness dependent as follows: chronic criteria on 4/19/93 at the dam station is 7.48 ug/l ; the chronic criteria at the east end station is 8.65 ug/l. There was a sample collected at Metcalf Bay on 7/28/92 but it was not analyzed for hardness so the result can not be compared to the hardness dependent criteria.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The data was collected from three stations within the lake: Lake 1 at the Dam, Lake 4 at East End, and Lake 2 at Metcalf Bay. The location lacking hardness measurements is Metcalf Bay.

Temporal Representation:

The samples that had hardness values and criteria was calculated for them were collected on 4/19/93. The one sample without the hardness measurement was collected on 7/28/92.

Environmental Conditions:

The samples were collected during the dry season.

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed appropriate since the data was collected under the auspices of the U.S. EPA's Clean Lakes Study.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 7213, Copper	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

9141

Pollutant:

Copper

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:

Of the 20 samples, none exceeded the CTR criteria.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

California Toxics Rule acute criteria using 134 mg/l hardness: copper: 17.7 ug/l.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on 6/11/01.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed acceptable because it was collected under the auspices of a quality assurance plan approved by the Regional Board.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 7213, Copper	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

7756

Pollutant:

Copper

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:

Of the two samples collected only one exceeded the acute criteria. An extra sample was collected at metcalf bay on 7/28/92 but hardness was not measured and thus the criteria could not be calculated so it is not part of the decision for this water body. It is only mentioned for informational purposes. One could speculate that if the hardness at Metcalf Bay is similar to the hardness at the other two locatios, then the sample at Metcalf Bay would exceed the acute criteria.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

California Toxics Rule Acute Criteria is as follows: 4/19/93 at the dam: 11.02 ug/l, at east end: 12.93 ug/l.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected from three stations within the lake: Lake 1 at dam, Lake 4 at east end, lake 2 metcalf bay.

Temporal Representation:

The two samples that had criteria calculated were collected on the same day 4/19/93. The additional sample without hardess result nor criteria was collected on 7/28/92.

Environmental Conditions:

The samples were collected during the dry season.

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed appropriate since the data was collected under the auspices of the U.S. EPA's Clean Lakes Study.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 7213, Copper	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

21150

Pollutant:

Copper

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

There are no appropriate evaluation guideline to evaluate the data. Of the 5 largemouth bass fish samples collected, copper concentrations in tissue samples ranged from 0.20 ppm to 0.30 ppm. The samples were collected by the California Department of Fish and Game.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The largemouth bass fish samples were collected from 5 locations in Big Bear Lake: MWDL2 - near the confluence with Grout Creek, MWDC5 - near the confluence with Summit Creek, MWDL6 - Northshore Observatory, MWDL1 - at the dam, and MWDC1 - near the confluence with Metcalf Creek.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on October 15, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed acceptable because the data was collected by the Department of Fish and Game under the auspices of their quality assurance plans.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 7213, Copper	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

9142

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:

Of the 10 samples collected, none exceeded the guidelines.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment Quality Guidelines in dry weight: copper: 149 ppm.

Guideline Reference:

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

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 10 stations: Dam - TMDL1, Gilner Point - TMDL2, Midlake Middle - TMDL6, Standfield Middle - TMDL 9, Grout Bay - TMDL3, Metcalf Bay - TMDL4, Midlake North - TMDL5, Midlake South - TMDL7, Stanfield North - TMDL 8, Stanfield South - TMDL10.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on 6/11/01.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance information is deemed acceptable because the samples were collected and analyzed under the auspices of a quality assurance plan approved by the Regional Board.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	7214	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

Pollutant:	Metals
Final Listing Decision:	Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status	Revised
Reason for Delisting:	Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	The original decision was for arsenic, cadmium, total chromium, lead, selenium, silver and zinc and it was based on comparison of one sample with the 1985 EDL guidelines. This guideline is not an appropriate criteria to use under the current Listing Policy. Furthermore, the current data shows there are 3 lines of evidence that support delisting this water body and there is no other data that indicates that standards are not being met. Pursuant to Section 4 of the Listing Policy, all listings of water segments shall be removed from the Section 303(d) List if the listing was based on faulty data and it is demonstrated that the listing would not have occurred in the absence of such faulty data. In this case, only one sample was used in the original listing of this water body and an evaluation of current data based on Section 3.1 of the Listing Policy show there are no exceedances of current criteria.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 7214, Metals	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

7773

Pollutant:

Arsenic | Chromium (total) | Lead | Mercury | 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:

Of the two samples collected, none exceeded the guidelines. These samples were collected pursuant to the monitoring requirements specified for the East End Dredge Project.

Data Reference:

Data from the presampling of the East End Dredge Project in Big Bear Lake

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment Quality Guidelines in dry weight: Arsenic: 33 ppm, chromium: 111 ppm, lead: 128 ppm, mercury: 1.06 ppm, zinc: 459 ppm, nickel: 48.6 ppm, cadmium: 4.98 ppm.

Guideline Reference:

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

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected along the eastern end of Big Bear Lake.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected in March 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance information is deemed acceptable because the samples were collected and analyzed under the auspices of a quality assurance plan approved by the Regional Board.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 7214, Metals	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

30733

Pollutant:

Metals

LOE Subgroup:

Testimonial Evidence

Matrix:

-N/A

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

QUALITATIVE (EVALUATED) ASSESSMENT - UNSPECIFIED

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The original listing was based on comparison of one sample with the 1985 EDL guideline which is not an appropriate criteria to use under the current Listing Policy. There is no data that indicates that standards are not being met.

Data Reference:

Description of previous metals listing for Big Bear Lake

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

None

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 7214, Metals	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

7780

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Of the 20 samples, none exceeded the CTR criteria.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

California Toxics Rule acute criteria using 134 mg/l hardness: arsenic: 340 ug/l, cadmium: 2.68 ug/l, chromium: not available because the analyses only included total chromium and the criteria is established only for chromium III or chromium VI, lead: 88.7 ug/l, zinc: 150 ug/l, selenium: 20 ug/l, silver: 5.8 ug/l.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two samples were collected per station with one at the photic zone and the other sample near the bottom of the lake at that station. The samples were collected at TMDL1 - dam photic zone, and near the bottom of the dam, TMDL2 - Gilner Point in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL6 - Middle of the Lake in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL9 - at Stanfield in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL3 - Grout Bay in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL4 - Metcalf Bay in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL5- in the middle of the lake towards the north side in the photic zone, and near the bottom, TMDL7 - in the middle of the lake towards the south in the photic zone, and near the bottom, TMDL8 - at Stanfield north side of the lake in the photic zone, and near the bottom, TMDL10 - at Stanfield towards the south side of the lake in the photic zone and near the bottom.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on 6/11/01.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed acceptable because it was collected under the auspices of a quality assurance plan approved by the Regional Board.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 7214, Metals	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

7775

Pollutant:

Arsenic | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Lead | Zinc

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Of the 10 samples collected, none exceeded the guidelines.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment Quality Guidelines in dry weight: Arsenic: 33 ppm, cadmium: 4.98 ppm, chromium: 111 ppm, lead: 128 ppm, zinc: 459 ppm.

Guideline Reference:

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

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on 6/11/01.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance information is deemed acceptable because the samples were collected and analyzed under the auspices of a quality assurance plan approved by the Regional Board.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	7216	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

Pollutant:	Sedimentation/Siltation
Final Listing Decision:	Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status	Revised
Reason for Delisting:	Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board 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. The original reason for placing this water body on the list was based on staff's professional judgment that sediments provided a source of nutrients to Big Bear Lake. In addition, commentary from the local water district noted that the east end of the lake was becoming shallow, affecting recreational opportunities. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of 222 samples exceeded the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the 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. None of 222 samples showed that the siltation was due to controllable factors. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not exceeded.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 7216, Sedimentation/Siltation	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

4400

Pollutant:

Sedimentation/Siltation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Unspecified

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Unspecified

Guideline Reference:

Justification for Delisting Big Bear Lake for Siltation / Sedimentation

Spatial Representation:

Unspecified

Temporal Representation:

Unspecified

Environmental Conditions:

Unspecified

QAPP Information:

Unspecified

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 7216, Sedimentation/Siltation	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

7738

Pollutant:

Sedimentation/Siltation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

222

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The water quality data consists of total suspended solids, volatile suspended solids, turbidity, chlorophyll a and secchi disk transparency. Of the 222 samples, none showed that the sedimentation/siltation is the lake is due to controllable water quality factors (tributaries). The data supports that resuspension from boating, wind, bioturbation, and algae production are the most likely reasons for the sedimentation/siltation.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Narrative Objective in Basin Plan is as follows: Inland surface waters shall not contain suspended or settleable solids in amounts which cause a nuisance or adversely affect uses as a result of controllable water quality factors.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Four stations were sampled: Dam (MWDL1), Gilner Point (MWDL2), Mid Lake Middle (MWDL6), and Stanfield Middle (MWDL9). MWDL1 & MWDL2 are located in the deeper part west end of the lake; MWDL6 is located near the midpoint of the lake; MWDL9 is located in the shallower east end of the lake.

Temporal Representation:

The data was collected from June 2001- November 2005 by the TMDL task force at four lake stations.

Environmental Conditions:

The samples were collected at the photic zone, bottom of the lake station, and analyzed for total suspended solids, and volatile suspended solids, chlorophyll a, and secchi disk transparency. Statistical comparisons were made among fall, summer and spring seasons and these showed the highest turbidity to occur during the times when chlorophyll a is at its highest concentrations. The data did not support that sedimentation was caused by controllable factors, i.e. tributaries, because turbidity concentrations did not peak during the winter and spring when storm events and snow melt occur.

QAPP Information:

The data was collected under the auspices of multiple quality assurance plans that were approved by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	4378	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

Pollutant:	Mercury
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)(2006)
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Resource Extraction
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2007
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess delisting status. Ten lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two samples exceed the water quality objective in tissue, seven samples exceed the water quality objective in the water column, none of the samples exceed the water quality objective in the sediment or in the fish filet for the cold water habitat beneficial use; nine samples exceed the water quality objective in the fish filet for the commercial beneficial use. 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. Two of 16 composite samples exceeded the OEHHA screening value, 7 of 20 samples exceed the objective in the water column, none out of 20 samples exceed the objective in the sediment, and none of 25 exceed the objective in tissue for the cold fresh water habitat beneficial use; and 9 samples out of 10 exceed the water quality objective in the fish fillet for the commercial beneficial use and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should remain on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are being exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.

USEPA Action (if applicable):	USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4378, Mercury	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

21174

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Of the 16 samples collected, none exceeded the guidelines. These samples were collected by the Department of Fish and Game and analyzed by ACZ Laboratories Inc.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment Screening Values: mercury - 0.3 ppm

Guideline Reference:

Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

Spatial Representation:

The rainbow trout fish samples were collected throughout Big Bear Lake.

Temporal Representation:

The rainbow trout fish samples were collected on one day in June 2001 and in October 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed acceptable because the data was collected by the Department of Fish and Game under the auspices of their quality assurance plans.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4378, Mercury	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

21151

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Of the 5 largemouth bass fish samples collected, none exceeded the guidelines. The samples were collected by the California Department of Fish and Game.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment Screening Values: mercury - 0.3 ppm.

Guideline Reference:

Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on October 15, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed acceptable because the data was collected by the Department of Fish and Game under the auspices of their quality assurance plans.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4378, Mercury	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

21175

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Of the 4 rainbow trout muscle tissue samples none exceeded the criteria.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment Screening Values: mercury - 0.3 ppm.

Guideline Reference:

Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

Spatial Representation:

The rainbow trout fish samples were collected throughout the lake.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected in November 2000.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed acceptable because the data was collected under the auspices of a quality assurance plan that was approved by the Regional Board's quality assurance officer.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4378, Mercury	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

7781

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Out of the 20 samples collected, 7 exceeded the criteria for mercury

Data Reference:

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

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

California Toxics Rule Human Health Criteria for the Consumption of Water and Oganisms in Drinking Water Sources is as follows: mercury: 0.050 ug/l.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two samples were collected at each of 10 stations. One of the two samples was collected in the photic zone and the other near the bottom of the lake station. The locations are as follows: TMDL1 - dam photic zone, and near the bottom of the dam, TMDL2 - Gilner Point in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL6 - Middle of the Lake in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL9 - at Stanfield in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL3 - Grout Bay in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL4 - Metcalf Bay in the photic zone and near the bottom, TMDL5- in the middle of the lake towards the north side in the photic zone, and near the bottom, TMDL7 - in the middle of the lake towards the south in the photic zone, and near the bottom, TMDL8 - at Stanfield north side of the lake in the photic zone, and near the bottom, TMDL10 - at Stanfield towards the south side of the lake in the photic zone and near the bottom.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on 6/11/01.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed acceptable because it was collected under the auspices of a quality assurance plan approved by the Regional Board.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4378, Mercury	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

759

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

A total of 13 filet composite samples were collected: 10 largemouth bass and 3 carp. Two out of 13 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. Bass in both 2000 and 2001 exceeded the guideline (TSMP, 2002).

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Toxic Substances shall not be discharged at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic resources to levels harmful to humans.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

The OEHHA screening value for mercury is 0.3 mg/kg (ppm) wet weight (Brodberg and Pollock, 1999).

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Three stations were sampled: at Metcalf and Grout Bays, in the vicinity of the mouth of Rathbone Creek, and about 200 yards from the dam along the south shore.

Temporal Representation:

Bass were collected in 1992, 1994-95, and 2000-01. Carp were collected in 2000-01. Samples were collected annually in 1992, 1994-95, and 2000-01.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1992-93 and 1994-95 Data Reports.

Environmental Chemistry Quality Assurance and Data Report for the Toxic Substances Monitoring Program, 1996-2000. Department of Fish and Game.

Environmental Chemistry Quality Assurance and Data Report for the Toxic Substances Monitoring Program, 2001-2002. Department of Fish and Game.
Data Collected from:
SWRCB. 1995. Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1992-93 Data Report.

SWRCB. 1997. Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1994-95 Data Report.

Toxic Substances Monitoring Program, 1978-2003. Electronic database.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4378, Mercury	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

21173

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Of the 10 samples collected, none exceeded the guidelines.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment Quality Guidelines in dry weight: mercury: 1.06 ppm.

Guideline Reference:

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

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on 6/11/01.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance information is deemed acceptable because the samples were collected and analyzed under the auspices of a quality assurance plan approved by the Regional Board.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4378, Mercury	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

9143

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Of the 10 samples collected, none exceeded the guidelines.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Sediment Quality Guidelines in dry weight: mercury: 1.06 ppm.

Guideline Reference:

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

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on 6/11/01.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance information is deemed acceptable because the samples were collected and analyzed under the auspices of a quality assurance plan approved by the Regional Board.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4378, Mercury	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

31111

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Fish were collected for tissue analysis at three locations from Big Bear Lake. A total of 3 sample composites were generated from one species: Common Carp. Details of the compositing protocol can be found in the March 2009 report entitled: "Contaminants in Fish from California Lakes and Reservoirs: Technical Report on Year One of a Two-Year Screening Study" (SWAMP, 2009). A total of 0 out of 3 samples exceeded the OHHEA fish tissue screening value for human health.

Data Reference:

Data associated with report entitled: Contaminants in Fish from California Lakes and Reservoirs: Technical Report on Year One of a Two-Year Screening Survey. A Report of the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). California State Water Resources Control Board, Sacramento, CA

Contaminants in Fish from California Lakes and Reservoirs: Technical Report on Year One of a Two-Year Screening Survey. A Report of the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). California State Water Resources Control Board, Sacramento, CA

Cruise Report for the Surface Waters Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Bioaccumulation Screening Study in California Lakes and Reservoirs, Sampling Dates: June 2007- March 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Region Basin Plan Objective: All waters of the region shall be maintained free of substances in concentrations which are toxic, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal
or aquatic life.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 0.3 mg/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).

Guideline Reference:

Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected from three locations in Big Bear Lake. As discussed in the Lakes and Reservoirs Report (SWAMP, 2009), individual sample locations consisted of an area within a given waterbody with an approximate one-mile diameter, from which multiple fish tissue samples were collected. The number of sample locations per waterbody was based on the overall size of the waterbody. Specifics of individual sampling locations can be found in the supplemental report entitled "Cruise Report for the Surface Waters Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Bioaccumulation Screening Study in California Lakes and Reservoirs, Sampling Dates: June 2007- March 2008" (SWAMP, 2008). Data collected from this waterbody was assigned under Station Name "Big Bear Lake_BOG" in the SWAMP report.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on 8/20/07

Environmental Conditions:

There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected, processed, and analyzed in accordance with the methods described in "Quality Assurance Project Plan Screening Study of Bioaccumulation in California Lakes and Reservoirs." (SWAMP, 2008).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan Screening Study of Bioaccumulation in California Lakes and Reservoirs. Moss Landing Marine Labs. Prepared for SWAMP BOG, 49 pages plus appendices and attachments

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4378, Mercury	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

7766

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Of the 5 largemouth bass fish samples collected, all exceeded the guidelines. The samples were collected by the Department of Fish and Game.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment Screening Values: mercury - 0.3 ppm.

Guideline Reference:

Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 5 locations in Big Bear Lake: MWDL2 near the confluence with Grout Creek, MWDC5 near the confluence with Summit Creek, MWDL6 at the Northshore Observatory, MWDL1 at the dam, MWDC1 near the confluence with Metcalf Creek.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on October 15, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed acceptable because the data was collected by the Department of Fish and Game under the auspices of their quality assurance plans.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4378, Mercury	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

7765

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Of the 4 largemouth bass fish samples collected, 4 exceeded the guidelines. The samples were collected by the Big Bear Municipal Water District and analyzed by ACZ Laboratories.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment Screening Values: mercury - 0.3 ppm

Guideline Reference:

Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected in Big Bear Lake at the following locations: LMB1 - near the confluence with Summit Creek, LMB2 - Norhtshore Observatory, LMB3 - near the confluence with Summit Creek, LMB4 - near the confluence with Summit Creek, LMB5 - near the confluence with Summit Creek.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on May 2, 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed acceptable because the data was collected by the Department of Fish and Game under the auspices of their quality assurance plans.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	17857	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

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

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. Three lines of evidence (one for cold water habitat beneficial use and the other two lines of evidence for the Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms beneficial use) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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 for the cold water habitat beneficial use and none of two samples for the Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms beneficial use 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:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not exceeded.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17857, Selenium	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

4398

Pollutant:

Metals

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Unspecified

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Unspecified

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Unspecified

Temporal Representation:

Unspecified

Environmental Conditions:

Unspecified

QAPP Information:

Unspecified

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17857, Selenium	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

7764

Pollutant:

Selenium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Of the 5 largemouth bass fish samples collected, none exceeded the guidelines. The samples were collected by the California Department of Fish and Game.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment Screening Values: selenium - 2 ppm; mercury - 0.3 ppm.

Guideline Reference:

Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on October 15, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed acceptable because the data was collected by the Department of Fish and Game under the auspices of their quality assurance plans.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17857, Selenium	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

7761

Pollutant:

Selenium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Of the 16 samples collected, none exceeded the guidelines. These samples were collected by the Department of Fish and Game and analyzed by ACZ Laboratories Inc.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment Screening Values: selenium - 2 ppm

Guideline Reference:

Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

Spatial Representation:

The rainbow trout fish samples were collected throughout Big Bear Lake.

Temporal Representation:

The rainbow trout fish samples were collected on one day in June 2001 and in October 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed acceptable because the data was collected by the Department of Fish and Game under the auspices of their quality assurance plans.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17857, Selenium	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

7757

Pollutant:

Selenium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Of the 4 rainbow trout muscle tissue samples none exceeded the criteria.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana Regions Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment Screening Values: Selenium - 2 ppm

Guideline Reference:

Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

Spatial Representation:

The rainbow trout fish samples were collected throughout the lake.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected in November 2000.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data's quality assurance is deemed acceptable because the data was collected under the auspices of a quality assurance plan that was approved by the Regional Board's quality assurance officer.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	7215	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

Pollutant:	Noxious aquatic plants
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 (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Construction/Land Development \| Unknown Nonpoint Source
TMDL Name:	Big Bear Lake Watershed Nutrient TMDL
TMDL Project Code:	577
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	09/25/2007
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	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 Big Bear Lake Watershed Nutrient TMDL was completed in 2007. This water segment-pollutant combination was moved off the section 303(d) list during the 2008 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 Decision Recommendation:	No new data were assessed for 2008. The decision has not changed.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	N/A

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 7215, Noxious aquatic plants	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

4399

Pollutant:

Noxious aquatic plants

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Nuisance

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Unspecified

Temporal Representation:

Unspecified

Environmental Conditions:

Unspecified

QAPP Information:

Unspecified

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	6681	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

Pollutant:	Nutrients
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 (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Construction/Land Development \| Snow skiing activities
TMDL Name:	Big Bear Lake Watershed Nutrient TMDL
TMDL Project Code:	577
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	09/25/2007
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	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 Big Bear Lake Watershed Nutrient TMDL was completed in 2007. This water segment-pollutant combination was moved off the section 303(d) list during the 2008 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 Decision Recommendation:	No new data were assessed for 2008. The decision has not changed.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 6681, Nutrients	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

762

Pollutant:

Nutrients

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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:

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):


DECISION ID	5320	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

Pollutant:	PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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 the 12 samples exceeded the OEHHA Screening Value and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	No new data were assessed for 2008. The decision has not changed.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision made by the State Water Resources Control Board and approved by the USEPA in 2006. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for 2008. The decision has not changed.

USEPA Action (if applicable):	USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 5320, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)	Region 8
Big Bear Lake

LOE ID:

760

Pollutant:

PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Four out of 12 samples exceeded. A total of 9 filet composite samples of largemouth bass and 3 filet composite samples of carp were collected. Largemouth bass were collected in 1994-95 and 2000-01. Carp were collected in 2000-01. The guideline was exceeded in all three carp samples and one largemouth bass sample collected in 2000. Seven smaller size largemouth bass samples had undeletable levels of PCBs (TSMP, 2002).

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Santa Ana River Basin RWQCB Basin Plan: Toxic substances shall not be discharged at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic resources to levels which are harmful to human health.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

20 ng/g (OEHHA Screening Value).

Guideline Reference: