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

A Quantitative Tool for Assessing the Integrity of Southern Coastal California Streams. Environmental Management. Volume 35, number 1 (2005): pp. 1-13

Evaluation Guideline:

The Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) is an analytical tool that can be used to assess the biological and physical condition of streams and rivers within a zero to one hundred scoring range: Very Poor 0-19, Poor 20-39, Fair 40-59, Good 60- 79, Very Good 80-100. The IBI score of 39 was set as an impairment threshold because it is a statistical criterion of two standard deviations below the mean reference site score which defines the boundary between 'fair' and 'poor' IBI creek conditions. (Ode, p. 9)

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at two sites: 904AHCECR and 904AHCSAx on Agua Hedionda Creek.

Temporal Representation:

Sampling occurred during one to three events annually over a four year period from May 1998 to May 2001.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Quality Control for collection and identification was conducted in accordance with the Quality Assurance Project Plan for the California Stream Bioassessment Procedure and the State of California, California Monitoring an Assessment Program: "CMAP", Quality Assurance Project Plan.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

State of California, California Monitoring and Assessment Program: "CMAP".

Quality Assurance Project Plan for the California Stream Bioassessment Procedure

The San Diego Stream Team Quality Assurance Project Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17880, Benthic Community Effects	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

26237

Pollutant:

Benthic Community Effects

LOE Subgroup:

Adverse Biological Responses

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Twenty six samples of IBI data were taken from May 2001 to May 2007 at two sampling sites. Of the total number of samples, all twenty six samples exceeded the IBI impairment threshold.

Data Reference:

Stream Bioassessment Data. Co-permitee Data. Collected 2002-2007

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

A Quantitative Tool for Assessing the Integrity of Southern Coastal California Streams. Environmental Management. Volume 35, number 1 (2005): pp. 1-13

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at two sites: AHCECR and AHC-MR on Agua Hedionda Creek.

Temporal Representation:

Sampling occurred during May and October annually over a six year period from May 2001 to October 2006 and during May in 2007.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Quality Control for collection and identification was conducted in accordance with the Quality Assurance Manual for Freshwater Bioassessment.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Manual for Freshwater Bioassessment Revision 0


DECISION ID	16324	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

Pollutant:	Enterococcus
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Natural Sources \| Unknown Nonpoint Source \| Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 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. Eighteen of the 18 samples exceed the water quality objective. 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. Eighteen of 18 samples exceed the Water Contact Recreation criteria 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 16324, Enterococcus	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

7309

Pollutant:

Enterococcus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PWS pathogen monitoring (ambient water)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

All eighteen samples collected exceed the water quality objective according to results in the San Diego County Municipal Copermittees Urban Runoff Monitoring Report, 2007. Samples were collected one to four times a year from 1998-2006.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

From the Basin Plan, the bacteriological criteria for enterococcus sets a maximum limit at 61 colonies per 100mL (RWQCB, 2007).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at the mass loading station located near the lower boundary of the watershed under the El Camino Real Bridge crossing immediately downstream of the confluence of Agua Hedionda Creek and Calavera Creek.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected one to four times a year from 1998-2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during wet weather.

QAPP Information:

Quality control for the toxicity portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the City of San Diego's NPDES monitoring program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	16325	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

Pollutant:	Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Natural Sources \| Unknown Nonpoint Source \| Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 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. Twenty-two of the 24 samples exceed the water quality objective. 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-two of 24 samples exceed the Water Contact Recreation criteria 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 16325, Fecal Coliform	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

7361

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:

PWS pathogen monitoring (ambient water)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Twenty two of twenty four samples collected exceed the water quality objective according to results in the San Diego County Municipal Copermittees Urban Runoff Monitoring Report, 2007. Samples were collected one to four times a year from 1998-2006.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

From the Basin Plan, no more than 10% of the samples during any 30-day period for waters designated for contact recreation shall exceed 400 colonies per 100 ml (RWQCB, 2007).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected one to four times a year from 1998 -2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during wet weather.

QAPP Information:

Quality control for the toxicity portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the City of San Diego's NPDES monitoring program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	16308	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

Pollutant:	Phosphorus
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Natural Sources \| Unknown Nonpoint Source \| Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Twenty-four of the 28 samples exceed the water quality objective for phosphorus. 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-four of 28 samples exceed the Basin Plan objectives for phosphorus 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 16308, Phosphorus	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

6704

Pollutant:

Phosphorus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

All twenty four samples collected exceed the water quality objective according to results in the San Diego County Municipal Copermittees Urban Runoff Monitoring Report, 2007. Samples were collected one to four times a year from 1998-2006.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water bodies shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growth to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (RWQCB, 2007).
Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin Goal of 0.1 mg/L for total phosphorus in streams and other flowing waters (RWQCB, 2007).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected one to four times a year from 1998-2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during wet weather.

QAPP Information:

Quality control for the toxicity portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the City of San Diego's NPDES monitoring program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 16308, Phosphorus	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

7359

Pollutant:

Phosphorus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the four samples exceed the water quality objective according to results in the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Annual Progress Report, 2007. Samples were collected on September 17, 2002; June 4, 2002; March 12, 2002; and April 23, 2002.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water bodies shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growth to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (RWQCB, 2007).
Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin Goal of 0.1 mg/L for total phosphorus in streams and other flowing waters (RWQCB, 2007).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected from the monitoring station Agua Hedionda Creek 6 (station id: 904CBAQH6 lat/long: 33.14887/-117.29758), located on the main stem of Agua Hedionda Creek

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on September 17, 2002; June 4, 2002; March 12, 2002; and April 23, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

The first two samples were taken during minimum and declining base flow, respectively. The last two samples were taken during wet weather, between storm events and high base flow respectively.

QAPP Information:

Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	16309	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

Pollutant:	Total Nitrogen as N
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Natural Sources \| Unknown Nonpoint Source \| Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Twenty-seven of 28 samples exceed the Basin Plan water quality objective for Total Nitrogen as N. 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-seven of 28 samples exceed the Basin Plan water quality objective for Total Nitrogen as N 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 16309, Total Nitrogen as N	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

6713

Pollutant:

Total Nitrogen as N

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water bodies shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growth to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
A desired goal in order to prevent plant nuisance in streams and other flowing waters appears to be 0.1 mg/L total phosphorus, P. These values are not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time unless studies of the specific water body in question clearly show that water quality objective changes are permissible and changes are approved by the Regional Board. Analogous threshold values have not been set for nitrogen compounds; however, natural ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus are to be determined by surveillance and monitoring and upheld. If data are lacking, a ratio of N:P = 10:1, on a weight to weight basis shall be used (RWQCB, 2007).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected one to four times a year from 1998-2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during wet weather.

QAPP Information:

Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the City of San Diego's NPDES Program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 16309, Total Nitrogen as N	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

7360

Pollutant:

Total Nitrogen as N

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Three of four samples exceed the water quality objective according to results in the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Annual Progress Report, 2007. Samples were collected on September, June, March and April 2002.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water bodies shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growth to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
A desired goal in order to prevent plant nuisance in streams and other flowing waters appears to be 0.1 mg/L total phosphorus, P. These values are not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time unless studies of the specific water body in question clearly show that water quality objective changes are permissible and changes are approved by the Regional Board. Analogous threshold values have not been set for nitrogen compounds; however, natural ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus are to be determined by surveillance and monitoring and upheld. If data are lacking, a ratio of N:P = 10:1, on a weight to weight basis shall be used (RWQCB, 2007).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at monitoring station Agua Hedionda Creek 6 on the main stem of Agua Hedionda creek (station id: 904CBAQH6 lat/long: 33.14887/-117.29758).

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on September, June, March and April 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

The first two samples were taken during minimum and declining base flow respectively. The last two samples were taken during wet weather, between storm events and high base flow respectively.

QAPP Information:

Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	16323	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

Pollutant:	Toxicity
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Natural Sources \| Unknown Nonpoint Source \| Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 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. Sixteen of the 23 samples exceed the water quality objective for toxicity. 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. Sixteen of 23 samples exceed the Basin Plan toxicity criteria and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	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 16323, Toxicity	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

7475

Pollutant:

Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Ambient toxicity testing (chronic)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Selenastrum capricornutum-
All four samples show significant toxicity levels (SL) as determined by the Selenastrum capricornutum growth test.

Ceriodaphnia dubia-
All four samples show significant toxicity levels (SL) as determined by the Ceriodaphnia dubia survival and reproduction test according to results in California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Annual Progress Report, 2007. Samples were collected one to three times a year from 2002-2006.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

From the Basin Plan, all waters shall be free of toxic substances that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Waters are considered toxic when samples show significant toxicity levels (SWAMP code SL) when compared to a negative control. Significant toxicity is determined when statistical tests result in an alpha of less than 5% and percent control values less than the evaluation threshold.

Guideline Reference:

Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. Fourth Edition. Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, D.C. EPA-821-R-02-013

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at monitoring station Agua Hedionda Creek 6 on the main stem of Agua Hedionda creek (station id: 904CBAQH6 lat/long: 33.14887/-117.29758).

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected one to three times a year from 2002-2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during wet weather.

QAPP Information:

Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 16323, Toxicity	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

25001

Pollutant:

Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Ambient toxicity testing (chronic)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Selenastrum capricornutum-
None of fifteen samples collected were found to be toxic as determined by the Selenastrum capricornutum growth test.

Ceriodaphnia dubia-
Three of fifteen samples collected were found to be toxic as determined by the Ceriodaphnia dubia survival/reproductive test.

Hyalella Azteca-
Seven of fifteen samples collected were found to be toxic as determined by the Hyalella azteca survival test according to the San Diego County Municipal Copermittees Urban Runoff Monitoring Report, 2007. Samples were collected one to three times a year from 2002-2006.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

From the Basin Plan, all waters shall be free of toxic substances that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges of Urban Runoff From the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems Draining the Watersheds of the County of San Diego, the Incorporated Cities of San Diego, the San Diego Unified Port District, and the San Diego County Regional Airport. Order No. R9-2007-0001

Evaluation Guideline:

Samples were found to exhibit toxicity when the No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) or median lethal concentration (LC50) for any given species was estimated to be less than 100% of the test sample concentration (U.S. EPA, 2002).

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected one to three times a year from 2002-2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during wet weather.

QAPP Information:

Quality control for the toxicity portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the City of San Diego's NPDES program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 16323, Toxicity	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

26225

Pollutant:

Sediment Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Toxicity testing of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Hyalella azteca-
All four samples show significant toxicity levels (SL) as determined by the Hyalella azteca survival and growth test according to results in California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Annual Progress Report, 2007. Samples were collected one to three times a year from 2002-2006.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

From the Basin Plan, all waters shall be free of toxic substances that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at monitoring station Agua Hedionda Creek 6 on the main stem of Agua Hedionda creek (station id: 904CBAQH6 lat/long: 33.14887/-117.29758).

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected one to three times a year from 2002-2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during wet weather.

QAPP Information:

Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	5782	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

Pollutant:	Total Dissolved Solids
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	Original
Sources:	Unknown Nonpoint Source \| Unknown Point Source \| Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A single sample was collected and it did exceed the Basin Plan criteria, but the number of samples is insufficient to determine with the confidence and power required by the Listing Policy. 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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	No new data were assessed for 2008. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.

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 5782, Total Dissolved Solids	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

3177

Pollutant:

Total Dissolved Solids

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total Dissolved

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 were collected by the RWQCB in 1998. One sample was collected. It was in exceedance.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

From the Basin Plan: For inland surface waters and all beneficial uses, the WQO for TDS is 500 mg/L. This concentration is not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time during any one year period.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Sample was collected at Agua Hedionda Creek at Sycamore Avenue.

Temporal Representation:

Sample was collected on 06/10/1998.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data used in 2002 assessment.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	5618	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

Pollutant:	Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	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 the three lines of evidence in the record to assess this pollutant consist of bioassessment data. This information on its own is insufficient to determine with the confidence and power required by the Listing Policy since this data is not associated with water or sediment concentrations of pollutants (Policy Section 3.9).

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	N/A

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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are exceeded.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 5618, Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

3181

Pollutant:

Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments

LOE Subgroup:

Population/Community Degradation

Matrix:

Not Specified

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data were collected by the Stream Team from 1999-2001. Over the 3 years, Taxa Richness remained at 6.5 to 6.0. EPT index changed, from 64.6 to 19.6 to 87.5 from 1999 to 2001. The Tolerance value remained fairly constant over the 3 year period, ranging from 4.2 to 5.5. The majority of feeding groups were collectors and filterers. Filterers increased from 2.7% to 59.3% from 1999 to 2000, and decreased to 9.6 in 2001 (Stream Team, 2001).

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at Agua Hedionda Creek. Exact location was not reported.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected in the Spring of 1999, 2000, and 2001.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA Info Missing

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 5618, Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

3180

Pollutant:

Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments

LOE Subgroup:

Population/Community Degradation

Matrix:

Not Specified

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data were collected for the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board 1999 Biological Assessment Annual Report. Physical habitat scores at AHC-ECR ranged from 57-86, relatively low compared to other sampled waterbodies. BMI scores at AHC-ECR were near or above average, compared to other sampled waterbodies.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at Agua Hedionda Creek 5 riffles downstream of El Camino Real (AHC-ECR).

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected in May, September and November 1998 and in May 1999.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data used in 2002 assessment.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 5618, Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

3179

Pollutant:

Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments

LOE Subgroup:

Population/Community Degradation

Matrix:

Not Specified

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data were collected for the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board 1999 Biological Assessment Annual Report. Physical habitat quality scores at AHC-SA were 80 and 74, relatively low compared to other waterbodies' scores. BMI scores were below average compared to other waterbodies sampled.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at Agua Hedionda Creek, 5 riffles downstream of Sycamore Avenue (AHC-SA).

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected in 05/1998 and 09/1998.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data used in 2002 assessment.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	5783	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

Pollutant:	Turbidity
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A single sample was collected and it did not exceed the Basin Plan criteria, but the number of samples is insufficient to determine with the confidence and power required by 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.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	No new data were assessed for 2008. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.

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 5783, Turbidity	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

3178

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

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 were collected by the RWQCB in 1998. One sample was collected and was not in exceedance.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

From the Basin Plan: For inland surface waters with a municipal beneficial use, the WQO for turbidity is 5 ntu.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Sample was collected at Agua Hedionda Creek at Sycamore Avenue.

Temporal Representation:

Sample was collected on 06/10/1998.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data used in 2002 assessment.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	5280	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 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. A sufficient number of samples exceed the Title 22 Secondary Drinking Water MCLs of 0.05 mg/L for manganese. 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. Two of 4 samples exceeded the MCL secondary drinking water standard and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

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 5280, Manganese	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

3184

Pollutant:

Manganese

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Two of 4 samples exceeded the water quality standard (SWAMP, 2004).

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The water quality objective for manganese in Agua Hedionda Creek is 0.05 milligrams/liter (mg/l) according to Basin Plan, Table 3-2 entitled, Water Quality Objectives. This concentration is not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time during any one year period.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples taken at one station in Agua Hedionda Creek No. 33.14887 -117.29758.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected from March through September of 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

Agua Hedionda Creek, Part of the San Diego Coastal Streams: Hydrologic Unit Basin Number 4.32

QAPP Information:

SWAMP Quality Assurance Plan

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	5326	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 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. A sufficient number of samples exceed the CTR Criterion Continuous Concentration for selenium of 5 ìg/L. 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. Three of 4 samples exceeded the CTR CCC Criterion and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

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 5326, Selenium	Region 9
Agua Hedionda Creek

LOE ID:

3183

Pollutant:

Selenium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Four water samples, three samples exceeding The CTR criteria (SWAMP, 2004).

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

CTR Freshwater Chronic (CCC) 5 μg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference: