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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name:	Cholame Creek
Water Body ID:	CAR3170008120011127080727
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	5986	Region 3
Cholame Creek

Pollutant:	Boron
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Grazing-Related Sources \| Natural Sources \| Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2021
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. Two lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE #3939 is a placeholder LOE and contains no date. However, LOE #10505 contains all of the data used for the initial listing as well as additional monthly data collected in 2006. All of the 17 samples exceed the water quality objective. However, it should be noted that this watershed is in the Bitterwater area, known for naturally high salts in both ground water and surface waters as a result of the Geology of the area. 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. All of the 17 samples exceed the water quality objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency calculated from the equation in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.

Regional Board 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 this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.

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 5986, Boron	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

10505

Pollutant:

Boron

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 17 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for Boron, dissolved.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in Table 3.4 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). Table 3-4 (page III-9) lists the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply is 0.75 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/13/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 5986, Boron	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

3939

Pollutant:

Boron

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

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:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Unspecified

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Unspecified

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Unspecified

Temporal Representation:

Unspecified

Environmental Conditions:

Unspecified

QAPP Information:

Unspecified

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	4062	Region 3
Cholame Creek

Pollutant:	Fecal Coliform
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:	Grazing-Related Sources \| Natural Sources
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.3 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE #2000 is disregarded and replaced by LOE #12293 because LOE #12293 contains all of the information in LOE #2000, as well as additional information collected between January 2006 and December 2006. LOE #2000 is not included in the current assessment. Fourteen of 20 samples exceed the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation. Two of 20 samples exceed the water quality objective for Non-Contact Recreation. 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. Fourteen of 20 samples exceed the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation and this exceeds the allowable frequency calculated from the equation in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.

Regional Board 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 not be removed from the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are attained.

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 4062, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

12293

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 14 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 200 MPN/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of total samples during any 30-day period exceed 400 MPN/100 ml.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 2/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4062, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

12294

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4062, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

2000

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Eight of 10 samples exceed water quality objectives (CCAMP, 2004).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Fecal Coliform WQO applicable to REC1.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One site.

Temporal Representation:

Monthly sampling events.

Environmental Conditions:

Data age = 2-3 years old.

QAPP Information:

CCAMP

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	12024	Region 3
Cholame Creek

Pollutant:	Ammonia (Unionized)
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. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 12 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Warm Freshwater Habitat. 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 12 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Warm Freshwater Habitat 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 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 12024, Ammonia (Unionized)	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

10507

Pollutant:

Ammonia (Unionized)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2000-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	12089	Region 3
Cholame Creek

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

Regional Board 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. One of the 21 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (North Carolina Administrative code, Title 15A) and the General Water Quality Objective set to protect aquatic life beneficial uses. 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. One of the 21 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (North Carolina Administrative code, Title 15A) and the General Water Quality Objective set to protect aquatic life beneficial uses 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:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

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 12089, Chlorophyll-a	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

10489

Pollutant:

Chlorophyll-a

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards

Water quality standards table

Evaluation Guideline:

North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.

Guideline Reference:

North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	12085	Region 3
Cholame Creek

Pollutant:	Nitrate
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 removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 20 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Municipal and Domestic Supply or for Agricultural Supply. 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 20 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Municipal and Domestic Supply or for Agricultural Supply and this exceeds the allowable frequency calculated from the equation 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 placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

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 12085, Nitrate	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

10491

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 12085, Nitrate	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

10490

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	12026	Region 3
Cholame Creek

Pollutant:	Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
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. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 20 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level, 2006) applied to protect the Municipal & Domestic Supply beneficial use. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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 20 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level, 2006) applied to protect the Municipal & Domestic Supply beneficial use. 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 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 12026, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

10474

Pollutant:

Ammonia as Nitrogen

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

USEPA Health Advisory 2006 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (EPA 822-R-06-013, 2006).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013

Evaluation Guideline:

EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as "the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure."

Guideline Reference:

2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	12099	Region 3
Cholame Creek

Pollutant:	Turbidity
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 3.2 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. Two of the 11 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sigler et al., 1984) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. 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. Two of the 11 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sigler et al., 1984) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses 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:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

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 12099, Turbidity	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

13930

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.

Guideline Reference:

Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/26/2006-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	12101	Region 3
Cholame Creek

Pollutant:	pH
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One sample of 12 exceeds the Agricultural Supply and Warm Freshwater Habitat water quality objectives, and 2 samples of 12 exceed the Municipal & Domestic Supply, Non-Contact Recreation and Water Contact Recreation 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. One sample of 12 exceeds the Agricultural Supply and Warm Freshwater Habitat water quality objectives, and 2 samples of 12 exceed the Municipal & Domestic Supply, Non-Contact Recreation and Water Contact Recreation water quality objectives. 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:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

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 12101, pH	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

12255

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 12101, pH	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

12309

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 12101, pH	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

12258

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 12101, pH	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

12256

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 12101, pH	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

12257

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	12069	Region 3
Cholame Creek

Pollutant:	Chloride
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Grazing-Related Sources \| Natural Sources
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.2 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2. Twenty of 20 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply, and this supports rejection of the null hypothesis. However, it should be noted that this watershed is in the Bitterwater area, known for naturally high salts in both ground water and surface waters as a result of the Geology of the area. The water bearing formations in this watershed are Alluvium and Cuyama Morales Formations. These formations are likely to contribute to elevated salt levels and pH in the surface water and therefore this may be a natural condition. 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. Twenty of 20 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

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):	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 12069, Chloride	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

10488

Pollutant:

Chloride

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 20 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when chloride exceeds 106 mg/L in irrigation supply water.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	12082	Region 3
Cholame Creek

Pollutant:	Electrical Conductivity
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Grazing-Related Sources \| Natural Sources
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.2 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2. Eleven of 13 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply. This supports rejection of the null hypothesis. However, it should be noted that this watershed is in the Bitterwater area, known for naturally high salts in both ground water and surface waters as a result of the Geology of the area. 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. Eleven of 13 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

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):	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 12082, Electrical Conductivity	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

12254

Pollutant:

Electrical Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 11 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/29/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	12083	Region 3
Cholame Creek

Pollutant:	Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Grazing-Related Sources \| Natural Sources
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.3 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2. Six of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation. This supports rejection of the null hypothesis. Only 2 of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for Non-Contact Recreation; this beneficial use is fully supported. 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. Six of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

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):	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 12083, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

12311

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 12083, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

12310

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002

Evaluation Guideline:

Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)

Guideline Reference:

Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	12079	Region 3
Cholame Creek

Pollutant:	Low Dissolved Oxygen
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Grazing-Related Sources \| Natural Sources
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess these pollutants. Two water quality objectives are assessed: Five of the 22 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat and 18 of 22 samples exceed the general water quality objective for oxygen saturation (applied as a single sample maximum). The Basin Plan objective states that the median oxygen saturation value shall not fall below 85% and the median value did not exceed this criterion. In this case, the median value falls below 85% saturation. 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. Five of the 22 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat and 18 of 22 samples exceed the general water quality objective for oxygen saturation (applied as a single sample maximum). This exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

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):	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 12079, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

13909

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 12079, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

13912

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 7/1/1999. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 12079, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

13929

Pollutant:

Dissolved oxygen saturation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 7/1/1999. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 12079, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

13910

Pollutant:

Dissolved oxygen saturation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Cholame Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 17 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	12096	Region 3
Cholame Creek

Pollutant:	Sodium
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Grazing-Related Sources \| Natural Sources
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.2 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2. Seventeen of 17 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply. However, it should be noted that this watershed is in the Bitterwater area, known for naturally high salts in both ground water and surface waters as a result of the Geology of the area. The water bearing formations in this watershed are Alluvium and Cuyama Morales Formations. These formations are likely to contribute to elevated salt levels and pH in the surface water and therefore this may be a natural condition. 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. Seventeen of 17 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

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):	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 12096, Sodium	Region 3
Cholame Creek

LOE ID:

10506

Pollutant:

Sodium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cholame Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 317CHO-Cholame Creek at Bitterwater Road]

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):