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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 6 - Lahontan Region

Water Body Name:	North Creek
Water Body ID:	CAR6411002020080811022242
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	13866	Region 6
North Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of the samples exceeds the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 or Table 3.2 of the Policy. 3. One of two samples exceeded the water quality objective 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13866, Dissolved oxygen saturation	Region 6
North Creek

LOE ID:

6646

Pollutant:

Dissolved oxygen saturation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled North Creek on August 9 and August 26, 2002. In two samples, percent saturation values for dissolved oxygen were 84 and 66 percent. One of the samples was in violation of the objective.

Data Reference:

Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide narrative objective states:
"The dissolved oxygen concentration, as percent saturation, shall not be depressed by more than 10 percent, nor shall the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration be less than 80 percent of saturation."

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two stations were sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on August 9 and August 26, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

North Creek is a tributary of Bare Creek, in Lassen County. Bare Creek is a tributary of Lower Alkali Lake. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. The site-specific water quality objectives for "Bear Creek" in Basin Plan Table 3-7 apply to Bare Creek and its tributaries.

QAPP Information:

No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	13872	Region 6
North Creek

Pollutant:	Fecal Coliform
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 3.3 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. One of the samples exceeds the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 or Table 3.2 of the Policy. 3. One of two samples exceeded the water quality objective 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13872, Fecal Coliform	Region 6
North Creek

LOE ID:

6668

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:

Water column surveys (e.g. fecal coliform)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled North Creek on August 9 and August 26, 2002. Fecal coliform bacteria counts in two samples were 5 and 175 colonies per 100 ml. (Because the objective requires a minimum of five samples in a 30-day period, a log mean was not calculated.)

Data Reference:

Title 40. Chapter 1. Section 143.3. Code of Federal Regulations. Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels

Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for coliform bacteria states:

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

The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of all samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 40/100 ml. The log mean shall ideally be based on a minimum of not less than five samples collected a evenly spaced as practicable during any 30-day period. However, a log mean concentration exceeding 20/100 ml for any 30-day period shall indicate violation of this objective even if fewer than five samples were collected."

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two stations were sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on August 9 and August 26, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13872, Fecal Coliform	Region 6
North Creek

LOE ID:

6659

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Water column surveys (e.g. fecal coliform)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two stations were sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on August 9 and August 26, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

North Creek is a tributary of Bare Creek, in Lassen County. Bare Creek is a tributary of Lower Alkali Lake. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. The site-specific water quality objectives for "Bear Creek"in Basin Plan Table 3-7 apply to Bare Creek and its tributaries.

QAPP Information:

No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	13879	Region 6
North Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Neither of two samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level. One "annual average" datapoint based on the same two samples exceeded the site-specific objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. The two samples were collected within the same month and do not reflect seasonal and annual variation. 3. Neither of two samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level. The single annual average datapoint exceeded the site-specific objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. The single datapoint does not meet the minimum sample number requirement of Table 3.1. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13879, Nitrate	Region 6
North Creek

LOE ID:

6648

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled North Creek on August 9 and August 26, 2002. Concentrations of NO3-N in two samples were 0.11 and 0.41 mg/L. Both samples (and the "annual average" calculated from these samples) exceeded the limit in the objective.

Data Reference:

Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The applicable water quality objective from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-7 for "Bear Creek") is an annual average total nitrogen concentration of 0.1 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two stations were sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on August 9 and August 26, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

North Creek is a tributary of Bare Creek, in Lassen County. Bare Creek is a tributary of Lower Alkali Lake. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. The site-specific water quality objectives for "Bear Cree" in Basin Plan Table 3-7 apply to Bare Creek and its tributaries.

QAPP Information:

No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13879, Nitrate	Region 6
North Creek

LOE ID:

6649

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled North Creek on August 9 and August 26, 2002. Concentrations of NO3-N in two samples were 0.11 and 0.41 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.

Data Reference:

Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for nitrate is 45 mg/L expressed "as nitrate," equivalent to 10 mg/L expressed "as N."

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two stations were sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on August 9 and August 26, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	13868	Region 6
North Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of the samples exceeds the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 or Table 3.2 of the Policy. 3. One of two samples exceeded the water quality objective 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13868, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 6
North Creek

LOE ID:

6645

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled North Creek on August 9 and August 26, 2002. In two samples, dissolved oxygen concentrations were 8.99 and 7 mg/L. One of the samples was in violation of the objective.

Data Reference:

Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The applicable water quality objective from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-6 is a one-day minimum of 8 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two stations were sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on August 9 and August 26, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	13880	Region 6
North Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. No biological data are available to assess whether the single phosphate sample exceeds the water quality objective for biostimulatory substances. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 or Table 3.1 of the Policy. 3. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the objective. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13880, Phosphate	Region 6
North Creek

LOE ID:

6650

Pollutant:

Phosphate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled North Creek on August 9 and August 26, 2002. Concentrations of PO4-P in two samples were 0.3 and 0.43 mg/L. No data on algae or macrophytes were available for evaluation of compliance with the objective for biostimlatory substances.

Data Reference:

Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Lahontan Basin Plan does not include site-specific numerical objectives for phosphorus for this stream. The regionwide narrative objective for biostimulatory substances states:

"Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses."

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two stations were sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on August 9 and August 26, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	13859	Region 6
North Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The water quality objective for sediment is antidegradation based. The two available samples cannot be used to document baseline and trend conditions to assess compliance with the objective using Listing Policy section 3.10. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy (both samples were collected within one month). 2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. The two available samples are insufficient to assess compliance with the objective under section 3.10 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13859, Sediment	Region 6
North Creek

LOE ID:

6664

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled North Creek on August 9, 2002. The suspended sediment concentration in one sample was 30.83 mg/L.

Data Reference:

Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The regionwide objective in the Lahontan Basin Plan states: "The suspended sediment load and suspended sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses."

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

One sample was collected on August 9, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	13870	Region 6
North Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Neither of the two samples exceeds the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 or Table 3.2 of the Policy. 3. Neither of two samples exceeded the water quality objective 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13870, Specific Conductance	Region 6
North Creek

LOE ID:

6641

Pollutant:

Specific Conductance

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled North Creek on August 9 and August 26, 2002. Specific conductance levels in two samples were 76 and 198 uS/cm.
The MCL was not violated.

Data Reference:

Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for specific conductance is 900 microsiemens per centimeter (uS/cm).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two stations were sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on August 9 and August 26, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	13860	Region 6
North Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The water quality objective for temperature is antidegradation based. The two available samples cannot be used to document baseline and trend conditions to assess compliance with the objective using Listing Policy section 3.10. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy (both samples were collected within one month). 2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. The two available samples are insufficient to assess compliance with the objective under section 3.10 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13860, Temperature, water	Region 6
North Creek

LOE ID:

6647

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled North Creek on August 9 and August 26, 2002. Temperatures in two samples were 12.53 and 12.99 degrees Celsius.

Data Reference:

Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The applicable language from the Lahontan Basin Plan's temperature objective states: "The natural receiving water temperature of al l waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction fo the Regional Board that such an alteration in temperature does not adversely affect the water for beneficial uses.

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

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two stations were sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on August 9 and August 26, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

North Creek is a tributary of Bare Creek, in Lassen County. Bare Creek is a tributary of Lower Alkali Lake. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. The site- pecific water quality objectives for "Bear Creek" in Basin Plan Table 3-7 apply to Bare Creek and its tributaries.

QAPP Information:

No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	13881	Region 6
North Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of two samples exceed the California Maximum Contaminant Level. The narrative water quality objective for turbidity is antidegradation based and the two samples are insufficient to document baseline and trend conditions for assessment of compliance under section 3.10 of the Listing Policy. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 or Table 3.2 of the Policy. 3. Two of two samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. The data are not sufficient to meet the requirements of section 3.10 of the policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13881, Turbidity	Region 6
North Creek

LOE ID:

6651

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled North Creek on August 9 and August 26, 2002. Turbidity values in two samples were 6.85 and 22.9 NTU.

Data Reference:

Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide turbidity objective states:
"Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses. Increases in turbidity shall not exceed natural levels by more than 10 percent."

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two stations were sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on August 9 and August 26, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13881, Turbidity	Region 6
North Creek

LOE ID:

6654

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled North Creek on August 9 and August 26, 2002. Turbidity values in two samples were 6.85 and 22.9 NTU. Both samples exceeded the MCL.

Data Reference:

Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for turbidity is 5 NTU.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two stations were sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on August 9 and August 26, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	13862	Region 6
North Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The water quality objective for pH is antidegradation based. The two available samples cannot be used to document baseline and trend conditions to assess compliance with the objective using Listing Policy section 3.10. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy (both samples were collected within one month). 2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. The two available samples are insufficient to assess compliance with the objective under section 3.10 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13862, pH	Region 6
North Creek

LOE ID:

6642

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled North Creek on August 9 and August 26, 2002. In two samples, pH values were 7.85 and 8.12 units.

Data Reference:

Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for pH states: "n fresh waters with designated beneficial uses of COLD or WARM, changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 pH units. For all other waters of the region, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5 units.

The Regional Board recognizes that some waters of the Region may have natural pH levels outside of the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Compliance with the pH objective for these waters will be determined on a case-by-case basis."

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Two stations were sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected on August 9 and August 26, 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):