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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name:	Chualar Creek
Water Body ID:	CAR3091900020080604161337
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	12288	Region 3
Chualar 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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 8 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. None of the 8 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 12288, Chlorophyll-a	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14552

Pollutant:

Chlorophyll-a

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River Road]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 2/23/2005-11/14/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).

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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 12288, Chlorophyll-a	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14553

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:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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:

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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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	12289	Region 3
Chualar Creek

Pollutant:	Low Dissolved Oxygen
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. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess these pollutants. Four water quality objectives are assessed: 2 of the 9 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat, 0 of 9 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Warm Freshwater Habitat, and 3 of 9 samples exceed the general water quality objective for oxygen saturation (applied as a single sample maximum). However, 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. 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 9 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat, 0 of 9 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Warm Freshwater Habitat and the median value of oxygen saturation did not exceed the General Objective. Neither of these 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 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 12289, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14683

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:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River Road]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2005-11/14/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).

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 12289, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14670

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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 12289, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14516

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 CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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 12289, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14515

Pollutant:

Dissolved oxygen saturation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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	12287	Region 3
Chualar 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 8 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 8 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level, 2006) applied to protect the Municipal & Domestic Supply beneficial use 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 12287, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14256

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: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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	15940	Region 3
Chualar Creek

Pollutant:	Sediment Toxicity
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 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for toxicity. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in sediment samples. The single sample was toxic to invertebrate test organisms (exhibit a significant increase in mortality compared to the laboratory control) and therefore did not exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity, set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. 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. The single sample was toxic to invertebrate test organisms but this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy and the the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are met or exceeded. 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 and the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are met or 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 15940, Sediment Toxicity	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

23840

Pollutant:

Invertebrate Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Hyalella azteca Survival (%) 10 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (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:

Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.

Guideline Reference:

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River Road]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 5/25/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).

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 15940, Sediment Toxicity	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

23841

Pollutant:

Invertebrate Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.

Guideline Reference:

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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	12286	Region 3
Chualar Creek

Pollutant:	Ammonia (Unionized)
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Agriculture \| Other Urban Runoff \| Removal of Riparian Vegetation
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2013
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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.1 the site exceeded numeric objectives for toxic pollutants. Using 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 3.1. Five of 7 samples exceed the General water quality objective as it applies to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use. This rate of exceedance supports rejection of the null hypothesis. 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 7 samples exceed the General water quality objective as it applies to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use and this meets or 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 12286, Ammonia (Unionized)	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14567

Pollutant:

Ammonia (Unionized)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River Road]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/22/2005-11/14/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).

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 12286, Ammonia (Unionized)	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14568

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 CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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	15938	Region 3
Chualar Creek

Pollutant:	Chlorpyrifos
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Agriculture \| Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2013
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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.1 the site exceeded numeric objectives for toxic pollutants. Using 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 3.1. 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. Twelve of 16 samples exceeded the Evaluation Guideline (Sipmann and Finlayson, 2000) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses 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 15938, Chlorpyrifos	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

15093

Pollutant:

Chlorpyrifos

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Department of Pesticide Regulation_Lower Salinas (DPR) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 12 of 16 samples exceed the criterion for chlorpyrifos.

Data Reference:

e-mail providing Standard operating procedures and Quality Assurance information

Final Data File used for assessment: Department of Pesticide Regulation Data_ 2003-2005

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game

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

Evaluation Guideline:

One hour average maximum concentration 0.025 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).

Guideline Reference:

Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR_DPR - Chualar Creek at Chualar River Rd., ca. 1.2 mi. from HWY 101 (trib. to Salinas R.)]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/16/2003-9/29/2003.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

All data was collected and analyzed following Department of Pesticide Regulation Standard Operating Procedures (Available online at http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/pubs/sop.htm).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 15938, Chlorpyrifos	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

15094

Pollutant:

Chlorpyrifos

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:

e-mail providing Standard operating procedures and Quality Assurance information

Final Data File used for assessment: Department of Pesticide Regulation Data_ 2003-2005

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game

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

Evaluation Guideline:

One hour average maximum concentration 0.025 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).

Guideline Reference:

Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR_DPR - Chualar Creek at Chualar River Rd., ca. 1.2 mi. from HWY 101 (trib. to Salinas R.)]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/16/2003-9/29/2003.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

All data was collected and analyzed following Department of Pesticide Regulation Standard Operating Procedures (Available online at http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/pubs/sop.htm).

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	15939	Region 3
Chualar Creek

Pollutant:	Diazinon
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Agriculture \| Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2013
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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.1 the site exceeded numeric objectives for toxic pollutants. Using 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 3.1. 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 16 samples exceeded the Evaluation Guideline (Sipmann and Finlayson, 2000) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses 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 15939, Diazinon	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

15131

Pollutant:

Diazinon

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

e-mail providing Standard operating procedures and Quality Assurance information

Final Data File used for assessment: Department of Pesticide Regulation Data_ 2003-2005

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game

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

Evaluation Guideline:

One hour average maximum concentration 0.16 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).

Guideline Reference:

Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR_DPR - Chualar Creek at Chualar River Rd., ca. 1.2 mi. from HWY 101 (trib. to Salinas R.)]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/16/2003-9/29/2003.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

All data was collected and analyzed following Department of Pesticide Regulation Standard Operating Procedures (Available online at http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/pubs/sop.htm).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 15939, Diazinon	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

15132

Pollutant:

Diazinon

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:

e-mail providing Standard operating procedures and Quality Assurance information

Final Data File used for assessment: Department of Pesticide Regulation Data_ 2003-2005

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game

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

Evaluation Guideline:

One hour average maximum concentration 0.16 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).

Guideline Reference:

Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR_DPR - Chualar Creek at Chualar River Rd., ca. 1.2 mi. from HWY 101 (trib. to Salinas R.)]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/16/2003-9/29/2003.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

All data was collected and analyzed following Department of Pesticide Regulation Standard Operating Procedures (Available online at http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/pubs/sop.htm).

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	12290	Region 3
Chualar 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:	Agriculture \| Natural Sources \| Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2013
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. Nineteen of 28 samples exceed the Water Contact Recreation objective; 10 of 28 samples exceed the Non-Contact Recreation objective. These rates of exceedance support rejection of the null hypothesis. 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. Nineteen of 28 samples exceed the Water Contact Recreation objective; 10 of 28 samples exceed the Non-Contact Recreation objective 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 12290, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

13675

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 Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 10 of 28 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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. E. coli is a fecal coliform.

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 Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Foletta Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 10/30/2001-12/17/2002.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 12290, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

13659

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 Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 19 of 28 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Foletta Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 10/30/2001-12/17/2002.

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	12291	Region 3
Chualar 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:	Agriculture \| Natural Sources \| Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2013
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. Thirty of 41 samples exceed the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation. Twenty of 41 samples exceed the water quality objective for Non-Contact Recreation. These rates of exceedance support rejection of the null hypothesis. 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. Thirty of 41 samples exceed the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation. Twenty of 41 samples exceed the water quality objective for Non-Contact Recreation. These 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 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 12291, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

13780

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 Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 20 of 41 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Foletta Rd, Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/14/2001-12/17/2002.

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 12291, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

13779

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 Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 30 of 41 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Foletta Rd, Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/14/2001-12/17/2002.

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	12292	Region 3
Chualar Creek

Pollutant:	Nitrate
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Agriculture \| Other Urban Runoff \| Removal of Riparian Vegetation
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2013
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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.1 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 3.1. Thirty-six of 41 samples of Nitrate exceed the water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply. Seven of 8 Nitrate + Nitrite samples exceed the OEHHA Public Health Goal in Drinking Water (December 1997) as it applies to the Municipal and Domestic Supply beneficial use. Both of these rates of exceedance support rejection of the null hypothesis. All 41 of the samples exceeded the Evaluation Guideline for Nitrate established for aquatic life beneficial uses using the Numeric Nutrient Endpoint tool and this supports rejection of the null hypothesis. 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. Thirty-six of 41 samples of Nitrate exceed the water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply. Seven of 8 samples of Nitrate + Nitrite exceed the OEHHA Public Health Goal in Drinking Water (December 1997) as it applies to the Municipal and Domestic Supply beneficial use and these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. All 41 of the samples exceeded the Evaluation Guideline for Nitrate established for aquatic life beneficial uses using the Numeric Nutrient Endpoint tool and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 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 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 12292, Nitrate	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14255

Pollutant:

Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)

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 CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

OEHHA public Health Goals for Nitrate and Nitrogen in Drinking Water (December 1997). Page 6.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Public health goals for nitrate and nitrite in drinking water

Evaluation Guideline:

OEHHA Public Health Goal states that sum of the concentration of nitrate + nitrite shall not exceed 10 mg/L (NO3+NO2 expressed as N).

Guideline Reference:

Public health goals for nitrate and nitrite in drinking water

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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 12292, Nitrate	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

28097

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data for this assessment unit was collected by one monitoring project: Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS)

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.

Guideline Reference:

Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California. U.S. EPA Region IX. State Water Resources Control Board. 68-C-02-108-To-111

Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Foletta Rd, Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/14/2001-12/17/2002.

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 12292, Nitrate	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

28098

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data for this assessment unit was collected by one monitoring project: Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS)

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California. U.S. EPA Region IX. State Water Resources Control Board. 68-C-02-108-To-111

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Foletta Rd, Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/14/2001-12/17/2002.

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 12292, Nitrate	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

13784

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 Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 36 of 41 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Foletta Rd, Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/14/2001-12/17/2002.

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	12293	Region 3
Chualar Creek

Pollutant:	Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Agriculture \| Other Urban Runoff \| Removal of Riparian Vegetation
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2013
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. Two lines of evidence are 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. Five of 22 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Moyle 1976) applied to protect the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use. This supports rejection of the null hypothesis. This Evaluation Guideline is relevant for Chualar Creek as it is a tributary to Salinas River. A recent publication (Steelhead/Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Resources South of the Golden Gate, California (Becker, G.S and I.J Reining, October 2008) identifies Salinas River as having "Definite run or population". Therefore, discharge of warm water from Chualar Creek is specifically prohibited by the General Objectives in the Central Coast Water Quality Control Plan which states that natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. 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 22 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Moyle 1976) applied to protect the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use 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 12293, Temperature, water	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14111

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in 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:

Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/17/2002-12/17/2002.

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 12293, Temperature, water	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14551

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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	12294	Region 3
Chualar Creek

Pollutant:	Turbidity
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Agriculture \| Other Urban Runoff \| Removal of Riparian Vegetation
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2013
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 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. Thirty-six of 44 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sigler et al., 1984) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. This supports rejection of the null hypothesis. This Evaluation Guideline is relevant for Chualar Creek as it is a tributary to Salinas River. A recent publication (Steelhead/Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Resources South of the Golden Gate, California (Becker, G.S and I.J Reining, October 2008) identifies Salinas River as having "Definite run or population". Therefore, discharge of turbid water from Chualar Creek is specifically prohibited by the General Objectives in the Central Coast Water Quality Control Plan which states that waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Chualar Creek is also listed for Water Toxicity and Sediment Toxicity. Several pesticides (including pyrethroid and organo-chlorine pesticides like DDT) adhere to sediment particles and therefore turbid waters from Chualar Creek are more likely to contain pesticides, and transport those pesticides to the Salinas River. 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. Thirty-six of 44 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sigler et al., 1984) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses 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 12294, Turbidity	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14535

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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 12294, Turbidity	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

13754

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 27 of 35 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Foletta Rd, Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/14/2001-12/17/2002.

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 12294, Turbidity	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

13755

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 Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 27 of 35 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Foletta Rd, Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/14/2001-12/17/2002.

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 12294, Turbidity	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14550

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 CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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	15941	Region 3
Chualar Creek

Pollutant:	Unknown 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:	Agriculture \| Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2013
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 and section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in water samples. Two of the samples were toxic to test organisms (exhibited a significant increase in mortality or decrease in cell density compared to the laboratory control) and therefore exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity, set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. The following is a summary of the results from individual toxicity tests. None of the 2 samples (tested for toxicity to plants), exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity and none of the 2 samples (tested for toxicity to vertebrate test organisms), exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity. However, both of the 2 samples (tested for toxicity to invertebrate test organisms), exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 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. Both of the 2 samples (tested for toxicity to invertebrate test organisms), exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity 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 15941, Unknown Toxicity	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

23837

Pollutant:

Invertebrate Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

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:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Ceriodaphnia dubia Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.

Guideline Reference:

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River Road].

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 3/22/2005. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).

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 15941, Unknown Toxicity	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

23671

Pollutant:

Vertebrate Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Pimephales promelas Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.

Guideline Reference:

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River Road]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2005-3/22/2005. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).

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 15941, Unknown Toxicity	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

23836

Pollutant:

Invertebrate Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Ceriodaphnia dubia Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.

Guideline Reference:

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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 15941, Unknown Toxicity	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

23844

Pollutant:

Plant Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

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:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Selenastrum capricornutum Growth (Cell Density) 4 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant reduction in cell count of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and cell count <80% of control.

Guideline Reference:

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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 15941, Unknown Toxicity	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

23843

Pollutant:

Plant Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Selenastrum capricornutum Growth (Cell Density) 4 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant reduction in cell count of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and cell count <80% of control.

Guideline Reference:

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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 15941, Unknown Toxicity	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

23842

Pollutant:

Vertebrate Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

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:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Chualar Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Pimephales promelas Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.

Guideline Reference:

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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	12295	Region 3
Chualar Creek

Pollutant:	pH
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Agriculture \| Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2013
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. Ten lines of evidence are 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 samples of 48 exceed the Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitat water quality objectives and 25 samples of 48 exceed the numeric objective for Municipal & Domestic Supply, Non-Contact Recreation and Water Contact Recreation. These rates of exceedance support rejection of the null hypothesis. 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 samples of 48 exceed the Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitat water quality objectives and 25 samples of 48 exceed the numeric objective for Municipal & Domestic Supply, Non-Contact Recreation and Water Contact Recreation. These 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 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 12295, pH	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

13893

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:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Foletta Rd, Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/14/2001-12/17/2002.

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 12295, pH	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

13892

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:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Foletta Rd, Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/14/2001-12/17/2002.

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 12295, pH	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14517

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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 12295, pH	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14534

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:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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 12295, pH	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

13891

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Foletta Rd, Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/14/2001-12/17/2002.

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 12295, pH	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14531

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:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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 12295, pH	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

13894

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:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Foletta Rd, Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/14/2001-12/17/2002.

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 12295, pH	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14532

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:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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 12295, pH	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

13641

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:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Foletta Rd, Chualar River Rd, Old Stage Rd, Chualar Canyon Rd]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/14/2001-12/17/2002.

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 12295, pH	Region 3
Chualar Creek

LOE ID:

14533

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:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data

Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data

SWAMP Data:

Non-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 Chualar Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309CRR - Chualat Creek at River 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):