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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 6 - Lahontan Region

Water Body Name: Skedaddle Creek
Water Body ID: CAR6371005419990128151952
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
5539
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
Pollutant: Coliform Bacteria
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Skedaddle Creek was previously listed for coliform bacteria but was delisted because the original listing was faulty. The single sample is insufficient to evaluate whether listing is justified. Management practices have been implemented in the watershed since the previous listing.

This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The first documents the original listing. The second consists of a single sample and because the source cannot be determined, compliance with the objective cannot be evaluated.

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 do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The source of the coliform bacteria in the single sample cannot be determined and the data cannot be evaluated using 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 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 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 5539, Coliform Bacteria
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
LOE ID: 27981
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Water column surveys (e.g. fecal coliform)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled two stations in Cottonwood Canyon on July 25, 2002. One total coliform sample had a count of 108 colonies per mL.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for coliform bacteria states:

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

The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of all samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 40/100 ml. The log mean shall ideally be based on a minimum of not less than five samples collected a evenly spaced as practicable during any 30-day period. However, a log mean concentration exceeding 20/100 ml for any 30-day period shall indicate violation of this objective even if fewer than five samples were collected."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected on May 7, 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 5539, Coliform Bacteria
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
LOE ID: 2870
 
Pollutant: Coliform Bacteria
LOE Subgroup: Testimonial Evidence
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The original basis for the listing of this water body was a "very old" (circa 1970s) USBLM report of elevated pathogen levels in the creek, and the assumption that levels were still high in late 1980s since grazing was still ongoing. Quantitative data not available.

Therefore, the listing basis was faulty due to lack of data. Additionally, USBLM has implemented BMPs for grazing in the watershed since 1970s. Regional Board staff is not aware of evidence to indicate current water quality standards exceedances or beneficial use impacts related to the listing for this pollutant.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
14151
Region 6     
Skedaddle 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 placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample does not exceed the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the water quality objective for biostimulatory substances.

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 do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The single sample did not exceed the MCL and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.
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 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 14151, Nitrate
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
LOE ID: 5414
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Skedaddle Creek in 2003. The NO3-N concentration in one sample was 0.28 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded. The single sample was insufficient for use with the Listing Policy's binomial model.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's :Chemical
Constituents" objective. The MCL for nitrate is.45 mg/L nitrate “as nitrate”, equivalent to 10 mg/L nitrate "as N."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sampling run was conducted in May 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Skedaddle Creek originates in the Skedaddle Mountains east of Honey Lake, flows into Nevada and then back into California, terminating in the Honey Lake Valley. The creek does not reach Honey Lake. No site-specific objectives have been designated. Nonpoint source management practices for grazing have been implemented in the watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14151, Nitrate
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
LOE ID: 5413
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Skedaddle Creek in 2002. The NO3-N concentration in one sample was 0.28 mg/L. No data on secondary indicators were available to facilitate assessment of biostimulatory impacts.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan does not include site- pecific numerical objectives for nitrogen for this stream. The regionwide narrative objective for biostimulatory substances states:

"Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sampling run was conducted in May 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Skedaddle Creek originates in the Skedaddle Mountains east of Honey Lake, flows into Nevada and then back into California, terminating in the Honey Lake Valley. The creek does not reach Honey Lake. No site-specific objectives have been designated. Nonpoint source management practices for grazing have been implemented in the watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
15243
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
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 (a single sample) is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the objective. The single sample does not meet the minimum sample number requirements of the binomial model.
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 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 15243, Phosphate
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
LOE ID: 5416
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Skedaddle Creek in 2002. The PO4-P concentration in one sample was 1.37 mg/L. No data on secondary indicators were available to facilitate assessment of biostimulatory impacts.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan does not include site- specific numerical objectives for phosphorus for this stream. The regionwide narrative objective for biostimulatory substances states:

"Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sampling run was conducted in May 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Skedaddle Creek originates in the Skedaddle Mountains east of Honey Lake, flows into Nevada and then back into California, terminating in the Honey Lake Valley. The creek does not reach Honey Lake. No site-specific objectives have been designated. Nonpoint source management practices for grazing have been implemented in the watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
15254
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
Pollutant: Sediment
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: One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The water quality objective for sediment is antidegradation based. The single samples cannot be used to document baseline and trend conditions to assess compliance with the objective using Listing Policy section 3.10.

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 do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy (both samples were collected within one month).
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The single sample is insufficient to assess compliance with the objective under section 3.10 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 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 15254, Sediment
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
LOE ID: 5418
 
Pollutant: Sediment
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Skedaddle Creek in 2002. The suspended sediment concentration in one sample was 12.2 mg/L. The single sample was insufficient to define the natural suspended sediment regime or to detect changes.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The objective in the Lahontan Basin Plan states: "The suspended sediment load and suspended sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sampling run was conducted in May 2002. The single sample was insufficient to document the natural suspended sediment regime or detect change.
Environmental Conditions: Skedaddle Creek originates in the Skedaddle Mountains east of Honey Lake, flows into Nevada and then back into California, terminating in the Honey Lake Valley. The creek does not reach Honey Lake. No site-specific objectives have been designated. Nonpoint source management practices for grazing have been implemented in the watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
15245
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
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. The single sample does not exceed the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The single sample did not exceed the water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. The minimum sample number requirements of table 3.2 are not met.
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 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 15245, Specific Conductance
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
LOE ID: 5417
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Skedaddle Creek in 2003. One specific conductance measurement was 265 uS/cm. The MCL was not exceeded. The single sample was insufficient for use with the Listing Policy's binomial model.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical
Constituents" objective. The MCL for specific conductance is 900 microsiemens per centimeter (uS/cm).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sampling run was conducted in May 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Skedaddle Creek originates in the Skedaddle Mountains east of Honey Lake, flows into Nevada and then back into California, terminating in the Honey Lake Valley. The creek does not reach Honey Lake. No site-specific objectives have been designated. Nonpoint source management practices for grazing have been implemented in the watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
15247
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
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: One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The Lahontan Basin Plan's temperature objective is antidegradation-based and the available data are insufficient to document baseline and trend conditions as required by section 3.10 of the Listing Policy.

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 do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The three available samples are insufficient to determine compliance with the objective under section 3.10 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 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 15247, Temperature, water
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
LOE ID: 5419
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Skedaddle Creek in 2002. One temperature measurement was 9 degrees Celsius. The single sample was insufficient to define the natural temperature regime or detect change.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The temperature objective in the Lahontan Basin Plan states: "The natural receiving water temperature of all waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such an alteration in temperature does not adversely affect the water for beneficial uses.

For waters designated WARM, water temperature shall not be altered by more than five degrees Fahrenheit ... above or below the natural temperature. For waters designated COLD, the temperature shall not be altered.

Temperature objectives for COLD interstate waters and WARM interstate waters are as specified in the 'Water Quality Control Plan for Control of Temperature in The Coastal and Interstate Waters and Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of California' including any revisions."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sampling run was conducted in May 2002. The single sample was insufficient to document the natural temperature regime or detect change.
Environmental Conditions: Skedaddle Creek originates in the Skedaddle Mountains east of Honey Lake, flows into Nevada and then back into California, terminating in the Honey Lake Valley. The creek does not reach Honey Lake. No site-specific objectives have been designated. Nonpoint source management practices for grazing have been implemented in the watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
15246
Region 6     
Skedaddle 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: Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample exceeds the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).

The narrative water quality objective for turbidity is an antidegradation-based objective and the three available samples are insufficient to document baseline and trend conditions as required under Listing Policy Section 3.10.

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 do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The single sample sample exceeded the MCL and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.(The minimum sample number requirements of Table 3.2 are not met.)
4. The requirements of Listing Policy section 3.10 to document baseline and trend conditions are not met in relation to the narrative water quality objective.
5. 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 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 15246, Turbidity
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
LOE ID: 5420
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Skedaddle Creek in 2002. One turbidity measurement was 8.5 NTU. The single sample was insufficient to define the natural turbidity regime or detect change.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide turbidity objective states: "Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses. Increases in turbidity shall not exceed natural levels by more than 10 percent."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sampling run was conducted in May 2002. The single sample was insufficient to document the natural turbidity regime or detect change.
Environmental Conditions: Skedaddle Creek originates in the Skedaddle Mountains east of Honey Lake, flows into Nevada and then back into California, terminating in the Honey Lake Valley. The creek does not reach Honey Lake. No site-specific objectives have been designated. Nonpoint source management practices for grazing have been implemented in the watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 15246, Turbidity
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
LOE ID: 5421
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Skedaddle Creek in 2002. One turbidity measurement was 8.5 NTU, higher than the MCL. However, the Listing Policy would require at least 5 samples for assessment.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for turbidity is 5 NTU.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sampling run was conducted in May 2002. The single sample was insufficient for use with the Listing Policy's binomial model.
Environmental Conditions: Skedaddle Creek originates in the Skedaddle Mountains east of Honey Lake, flows into Nevada and then back into California, terminating in the Honey Lake Valley. The creek does not reach Honey Lake. No site-specific objectives have been designated. Nonpoint source management practices for grazing have been implemented in the watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
15251
Region 6     
Skedaddle 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: One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The water quality objective for pH is antidegradation based and the available data are insufficient to document baseline and trend conditions as required by section 3.10 of the Listing Policy.

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 do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The single sample cannot be used to document baseline and trend conditions under the requirements of Listing Policy section 3.10.
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 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 15251, pH
Region 6     
Skedaddle Creek
 
LOE ID: 5415
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Skedaddle Creek in 2002. One pH measurement was 7.7 units.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide objective for pH states: "In fresh waters with designated beneficial uses of COLD or WARM, changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 pH units. For all other waters of the region, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5 units.

The Regional Board recognizes that some waters of the Region may have natural pH levels outside of the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Compliance with the pH objective for these waters will be determined on a case-by-case basis."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sampling run was conducted in May 2002. The single pH sample was insufficient to document the natural pH regime or detect change.
Environmental Conditions: Skedaddle Creek originates in the Skedaddle Mountains east of Honey Lake, flows into Nevada and then back into California, terminating in the Honey Lake Valley. The creek does not reach Honey Lake. No site-specific objectives have been designated. Nonpoint source management practices for grazing have been implemented in the watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):