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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 1 - North Coast Region

Water Body Name:	Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed
Water Body ID:	CAR1141101320081204231407
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	14378	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

Pollutant:	Ammonia as Nitrogen
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 5 ammonia as nitrogen samples exceed the objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the Section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) None of the 5 samples exceed the water quality objective, 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, North Coast Regional Water Board staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the Section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are being attained.

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 14378, Ammonia as Nitrogen	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

LOE ID:

26086

Pollutant:

Ammonia as Nitrogen

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 5 total ammonia as nitrogen instantaneous grab samples collected from the Green Valley Creek Watershed exceed the evaluation guideline. The sample concentrations range from non-detect to 0.51 mg/l. The samples were collected as part of the Russian River First Flush sampling event. Data are summarized by Katznelson et al. (2003).

Data Reference:

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): "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."

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Per the National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (USEPA 2006): The 1-hour average concentration (acute criterion or CMC) of total ammonia nitrogen (in mg N/L) for freshwater where salmonid fish are present, which is not to be exceeded more than once every three years on average, is calculated using the following equation: CMC=0.275/(1+10^(7.204 - pH)) + 39.0/(1+10^(pH - 7.204)).

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected from 5 sites in the Green Valley Creek Watershed as follows: (1) in Green Valley Creek at Martinelli Road; (2) in Atascadero Creek at the Green Valley Road bridge; (3) in Graton Gulch at Railroad Avenue; (4) in Atascadero Creek at Mill Station Road; and (5) in Atascadero Creek at Bodega Highway.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on November 7, 2002. At each site, 1 to 3 instantaneous grab samples were collected over half hour increments. The data are averaged for each site where multiple samples were collected.

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during the first runoff event of the rainy season.

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected in accordance with the study plan and quality control procedures described by Katznelson et al. (2003).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board


DECISION ID	14379	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient information available to determine if it is appropriate to place this water segment-pollutant combination on the Section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. One of the 3 diazinon samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the water quality objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. A minimum of 5 samples are needed for application of Table 3.2, and only 3 samples are available. This conclusion is also based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) 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, North Coast Regional Water Board 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 attained.

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 14379, Diazinon	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

LOE ID:

26091

Pollutant:

Diazinon

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

One of the 3 diazinon samples collected from the Green Valley Creek Watershed exceeds the evaluation guideline. The sample concentrations range from non-detect to 23 ug/l. The samples were collected as part of the Russian River First Flush sampling event. Data are summarized by Katznelson et al. (2003).

Data Reference:

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Per the National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (UEEPA 2006): The 1-hour average maximum concentration criterion for freshwater aquatic life protection if 0.08 ug/l.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected from 3 sites in the Green Valley Creek Watershed as follows: (1) in Green Valley Creek at Martinelli Road; (2) in Atascadero Creek at the Green Valley Road bridge; and (3) in Graton Gulch at Railroad Avenue.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on November 7, 2002. At each site, 3 instantaneous grab samples were collected over half hour increments. The data are averaged for each site.

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during the first runoff event of the rainy season.

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected in accordance with the study plan and quality control procedures described by Katznelson et al. (2003).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board


DECISION ID	14382	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

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. None of the 63 nitrate samples exceed the objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the Section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) None of the 63 samples exceed the water quality objective, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (3) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 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, North Coast RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the Section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14382, Nitrate	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

LOE ID:

26088

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 3 nitrate as nitrogen samples collected in the Green Valley Creek Watershed exceed the objective. The sample concentrations range from 0.2 to 0.5. The samples were collected as part of the Russian River First Flush sampling event. Data are summarized by Katznelson et al. (2003).

Data Reference:

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The water quality objective for nitrate as nitrogen is 45 mg/l.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected from 3 sites in the Green Valley Creek Watershed as follows: (1) in Green Valley Creek at Martinelli Road; (2) in Graton Gulch at Railroad Avenue; and (3) in Atascadero Creek at Bodega Highway.

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during the first runoff event of the rainy season.

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected in accordance with the study plan and quality control procedures described by Katznelson et al. (2003).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14382, Nitrate	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

LOE ID:

26092

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 60 nitrate as nitrogen samples collected in Green Valley Creek exceeded the objective. The sample concentrations range from non-detect (detection limits of 0.02 mg/L - 0.04 mg/L) to 0.64 mg/L. These samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institutes Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (CCWI 2006, CCWI 2007).

Data Reference:

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2006. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The water quality objective for nitrate as nitrogen is 45 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 7 sites along the entire mainstem of Green Valley Creek: from Harrison Grade and Green Valley Rd. to the Russian River confluence.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected from July 2005 to December 2006.

Environmental Conditions:

There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007). At each site a grab sample was collected using a container on a pole or by a bucket attached to a rope. The samples were then put into sterilized Whirl Pak bags, put into coolers on ice, and brought to the lab for analysis.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007


DECISION ID	14383	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

Pollutant:	Phosphorus
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. It is unknown if any of the phosphorus samples exceed the water quality objective as there is insufficient information available to determine exceedance. Specifically, the samples cannot be compared to the objective because diel samples for dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and/or chlorophyll-a are not available. Nutrients such as phosphorus do not impair beneficial uses by themselves, or cause non-attainment of the objective. Rather, they cause indirect impacts through algal growth and extreme diel patterns for DO and pH, which then impair uses. Waterbody-specific factors such as riparian cover, flow conditions, and stream channel configuration also affect how nutrients are processed within the stream and play a large role in determining whether or not nuisance algal conditions will prevail. For these reasons, comparing a single nutrient value to the biostimulatory objective is not recommended. Instead, nutrient-related indicator parameters, such as diel measurements of DO, pH, and/or chlorophyll-a, should be evaluated to determine attainment of the objective and protection of beneficial uses. When nutrient-related indicator parameters exceed targets, nutrient concentrations will then be analyzed to determine whether phosphorus should be added to a possible listing under the 303(d) List. Therefore, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient information available to determine if it is appropriate to place this water segment-pollutant combination on the Section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is also 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) 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, North Coast 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 14383, Phosphorus	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

LOE ID:

26087

Pollutant:

Phosphorus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

It is unknown whether any of the 5 phosphorus samples collected in the Green Valley Creek Watershed exceed the objective as there is insufficient information available to determine exceedance. Specifically, the samples cannot be compared to the objective because diel samples for dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and/or chlorophyll-a are not available. Nutrients, such as phosphorus, alone do not impair beneficial uses or cause non-attainment of the objective. Rather, they cause indirect impacts through algal growth and extreme diel patterns for DO and pH, which then impair uses. Waterbody-specific factors such as riparian cover, flow conditions, and stream channel configuration also affect how nutrients are processed within the stream and play a large role in determining whether or not nuisance algal conditions will prevail. For these reasons, comparing a single nutrient value to the biostimulatory objective is not recommended. Instead, nutrient-related indicator parameters, such as diel measurements of DO, pH, and/or chlorophyll-a, should be evaluated to determine attainment of the objective and protection of beneficial uses. When nutrient-related indicator parameters exceed targets, nutrient concentrations will then be analyzed to determine whether phosphorus should be added to a possible listing under the 303(d) List. Sample concentrations ranged from 0.21 to 0.86 mg/l. The samples were collected as part of the Russian River First Flush sampling event. Data are summarized by Katznelson et al. (2003).

Data Reference:

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance, or that otherwise adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during the first runoff event of the rainy season.

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected in accordance with the study plan and quality control procedures described by Katznelson et al. (2003).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14383, Phosphorus	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

LOE ID:

26095

Pollutant:

Phosphorus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

It is unknown whether any of the 61 phosphorus samples collected in Green Valley Creek exceed the objective as there is insufficient information available to determine exceedance. Specifically, the samples cannot be compared to the objective because diel samples for dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and/or chlorophyll-a are not available. Nutrients, such as phosphorus, alone do not impair beneficial uses or cause non-attainment of the objective. Rather, they cause indirect impacts through algal growth and extreme diel patterns for DO and pH, which then impair uses. Waterbody-specific factors such as riparian cover, flow conditions, and stream channel configuration also affect how nutrients are processed within the stream and play a large role in determining whether or not nuisance algal conditions will prevail. For these reasons, comparing a single nutrient value to the biostimulatory objective is not recommended. Instead, nutrient-related indicator parameters, such as diel measurements of DO, pH, and/or chlorophyll-a, should be evaluated to determine attainment of the objective and protection of beneficial uses. When nutrient-related indicator parameters exceed targets, nutrient concentrations will then be analyzed to determine whether phosphorus should be added to a possible listing under the 303(d) List. The sample concentrations range from non-detect (reporting limits of 0.03 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L) to 0.27 mg/L. These samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institutes Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (CCWI 2005, CCWI 2006, and CCWI 2007).

Data Reference:

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2006. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2004. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on October 1, 2008

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 7 sites along the entire mainstem of Green Valley Creek: from Harrison Grade and Green Valley Road to the Russian River confluence.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected from July 2005 to December 2006.

Environmental Conditions:

There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007


DECISION ID	14384	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient information available to determine if it is appropriate to place this water segment-pollutant combination on the Section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. Three of the 4 specific conductivity samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the water quality objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. A minimum of 5 samples are needed for application of Table 3.2, and only 4 samples are available. This conclusion is also based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) 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, North Coast 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 14384, Specific Conductivity	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

LOE ID:

26084

Pollutant:

Specific Conductivity

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:

Three of the 4 specific conductivity samples collected in the Green Valley Creek Watershed exceed the specific conductivity water quality objective. The sample concentrations range from 220 to 473 uS. The samples were collected as part of the Russian River First Flush sampling event. Data are summarized by Katznelson et al. (2003).

Data Reference:

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The 90% upper limit specific conductance objective at 77 F is 375 micromhos (or uS/cm2). The 50% upper limit specific conductance objective at 77 F is 285 micromhos (or uS/cm2). The 90% and 50% upper limits represent the 90/50 percentile values of the monthly means for a calendar year. 90% or 50% or more of the values must be less than or equal to the upper limit.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected from 4 sites in the Green Valley Creek Watershed as follows: (1) in Green Valley Creek at Martinelli Road; (2) in Atascadero Creek at the Green Valley Road bridge; (3) in Graton Gulch at Railroad Avenue; and (4) in Atascadero Creek at Mill Station Road.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on November 7, 2002. At each site, 1 to 3 instantaneous grab samples were collected over half hour increments. The data are averaged for each site when multiple samples were collected..

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during the first runoff event of the rainy season.

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected in accordance with the study plan and quality control procedures described by Katznelson et al. (2003).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board


DECISION ID	14385	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.2, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 88 pH samples exceed the objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the Section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) None of the 88 pH samples exceed 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, North Coast RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the Section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14385, pH	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

LOE ID:

26093

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 86 samples for pH collected in Green Valley Creek exceeded the pH water quality objective. The pH values ranged from 6.6 to 8.1. These samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institutes Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (CCWI 2006, CCWI 2007).

Data Reference:

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2006. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The maximum pH objective is 8.5. The minimum pH objective is 6.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 7 sites along the entire mainstem of Green Valley Creek: from Harrison Grade and Green Valley Road to the Russian River confluence.

Temporal Representation:

The pH samples were collected during 86 site visits from July 2005 to December 2006. The pH samples were collected as instantaneous measurements and do not represent diurnal conditions.

Environmental Conditions:

There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14385, pH	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

LOE ID:

26085

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 2 pH samples collected in the Green Valley Creek Watershed exceed the pH water quality objective. The sample pH concentrations range from 6.5 to 7. The samples were collected as part of the Russian River First Flush sampling event. Data are summarized by Katznelson et al. (2003).

Data Reference:

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The maximum pH objective is 8.5. The minimum pH objective is 6.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected from 2 sites in the Green Valley Creek Watershed as follows: (1) in Atascadero Creek at the Green Valley Road bridge, and (2) in Atascadero Creek at Mill Station Road.

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during the first runoff event of the rainy season.

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected in accordance with the study plan and quality control procedures described by Katznelson et al. (2003).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board


DECISION ID	14381	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

Pollutant:	Indicator Bacteria
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	For Green Valley Creek, 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. Ten out of 11 E. coli and 10 out of 11 total coliform samples exceed the evaluation guidelines used to interpret the water quality objective. 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 (i.e., sufficient justification to list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) Ten out of 11 E. coli samples and 10 out of 11 total coliform samples exceed their respective evaluation guidelines, and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (3) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 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, North Coast 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 14381, Indicator Bacteria	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

LOE ID:

26090

Pollutant:

Total Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Ten of the 11 total coliform samples from the Green Valley Creek Watershed exceed the evaluation guideline. The sample concentrations range from 2,600 to >240,000 MPN / 100 ml. The samples were collected as part of the Russian River First Flush sampling event. Data are summarized by Katznelson et al. (2003).

Data Reference:

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The bacteriological quality of waters of the North Coast Region shall not be degraded beyond natural background levels.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Per the "Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches" (DHS 2006): Beach posting is recommended when single sample total coliform levels exceed 10,000 MPN / 100 ml. *Note: MPN is the most probable number of coliform units.

Guideline Reference:

Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on November 7, 2002. At each site, 1 to 3 instantaneous grab samples were collected over half hour increments.

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during the first runoff event of the rainy season.

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected in accordance with the study plan and quality control procedures described by Katznelson et al. (2003).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14381, Indicator Bacteria	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

LOE ID:

26089

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Ten of the 11 E. coli samples from the Green Valley Creek Watershed exceed the evaluation guideline. Concentrations range from 100 to 2,800 MPN / 100 ml. The samples were collected as part of the Russian River First Flush sampling event. Data are summarized by Katznelson et al. (2003).

Data Reference:

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The bacteriological quality of waters of the North Coast Region shall not be degraded beyond natural background levels.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Per the "Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches" (DHS 2006): Beach posting is recommended when single sample E. coli levels exceed 235 MPN / 100 ml. *Note: MPN is the most probable number of coliform units.

Guideline Reference:

Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected on November 7, 2002. At each site, 1 to 3 instantaneous grab samples were collected over half hour increments.

Environmental Conditions:

Samples were collected during the first runoff event of the rainy season.

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected in accordance with the study plan and quality control procedures described by Katznelson et al. (2003).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

2002 Russian River First Flush Summary Report. Clean Water Team, Citizen Monitoring Program of the State Water Resources Control Board


DECISION ID	14380	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

Pollutant:	Oxygen, Dissolved
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 \| Erosion/Siltation \| Habitat Modification \| Internal Nutrient Cycling (primarily lakes) \| Other \| Removal of Riparian Vegetation \| Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under 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. 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 (i.e., sufficient justification to list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) Seventeen out of 77 dissolved oxygen samples exceed the water quality objective, and this exceeds the allowable frequency of 12 listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (3) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 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, North Coast Regional Water Board staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the Section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are not attained 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 14380, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 1
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Guerneville HSA, Green Valley Creek watershed

LOE ID:

26094

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Seventeen of the 77 samples collected in Green Valley Creek exceeded the minimum DO water quality objective. Data were divided into two categories, 1) no spawning, incubation, and emergence occurring and 2) spawning, incubation, and emergence occurring. Presence and absence of salmonid species was determined by utilizing CDFG map (Brooks 2002). Timing of spawning, incubation, and emergence was determined utilizing Steiner Environmental Consulting (1996).

The DO values when no spawning, incubation, and emergence were occurring ranged from 2.3 mg/L to 11.3 mg/L (11 exceedences of the objective). DO values during times of spawning, incubation, and emergence ranged from 7.1 mg/L to 13.1 mg/L (6 exceedences of the objective).

These samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institutes Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (CCWI 2006, and CCWI 2007).

Data Reference:

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2006. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Map of Historical Salmonid Streams and Calwater 2.2a Hydrologic Sub-Areas. California Department of Fish and Game, Central Coast Region. IHRMP North Coast GIS Lab. Hopland, CA

A History of the Salmonid Decline in the Russian River.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): (1) Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed, shall not be reduced below 6.0 mg/L for waters designated as COLD.
(2) Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed, shall not be reduced below 9.0 mg/L for waters designated as SPWN during critical spawning and egg incubation periods.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 7 sites along the entire mainstem of Green Valley Creek: from Harrison Grade and Green Valley Road to the Russian River confluence.

Temporal Representation:

The DO samples were collected from July 2005 to December 2006. The DO samples were collected as instantaneous values and do not represent diurnal conditions.

Environmental Conditions:

There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007