Final California 2014 and 2016 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 1 - North Coast Region

Water Body Name:	Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA
Water Body ID:	CAR1052201020081010154452
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	40093	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

Pollutant:	Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Erosion/Siltation \| Flow Alteration/Regulation/Modification \| Removal of Riparian Vegetation
TMDL Name:	Salmon River Temperature
TMDL Project Code:	109
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	03/29/2006
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	DELIST REFERENCE STREAMS: The following streams are being proposed for delisting from the section 303(d) list for Temperature under section 4.11 of the Listing Policy: (a) Wooley Creek and its tributaries from the head waters to the confluence with the North Fork Wooley Creek (LOE 31582); (b) Wooley Creek and its Tributaries from the confluence of the North Fork Wooley Creek to Haypress Creek (except North Fork Wooley Creek and its tributaries) (LOE 31581); (c) North Fork Wooley Creek and its Tributaries (LOE 31580). The streams listed above are temperature reference water bodies. Temperature reference water bodies are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities and therefore, temperature conditions in these water bodies reflect natural conditions. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for removing (a) Wooley Creek and its tributaries from the head waters to the confluence with the North Fork Wooley Creek, (b) Wooley Creek and its Tributaries from the confluence of the North Fork Wooley Creek to Haypress Creek (except North Fork Wooley Creek and its tributaries), (c) North Fork Wooley Creek and its Tributaries from the section 303(d) list for temperature. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The streams listed above meet the criteria for reference water bodies and are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities and therefore, temperature conditions in these water bodies reflect natural conditions, which indicates attainment of the temperature water quality objective. (3) This process is scientifically defensible and reproducible. DO NOT DELIST NON-REFERENCE STREAMS: The remainder of this water body (non-reference streams) is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list for temperature under section 4.11 of the Listing Policy. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing the non-reference streams from the section 303(d) list for temperature (i.e., sufficient justification to not delist). 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) Ten of 10 MWMTs from the non-reference portion of Wooley Creek (LOE 31596) exceed the evaluation guideline. (3) 303(d) listing determinations made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. LOE 25802 is a placeholder for the 303(d) listing data and information for all streams in this water body from a previous assessment cycle that was initially utilized to make this listing determination. (4) This process is scientifically defensible and reproducible.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

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.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 40093, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

LOE ID:

31594

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 4 MWMT values calculated from near-continuous summertime temperature samples collected in the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its Tributaries from the confluence of the North Fork to Haypress Creek (except North Fork Wooley Creek and its tributaries) water body exceeded the objective as this water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperatures in this water body reflect natural conditions. This LOE and LOEs 31595 and 31596 replace LOE 26643.

Data Reference:

Stream Temperatures, Klamath River Basin. Includes data for Thompson Creek, Grider Creek, Clear Creek, Wooley Creek, North Fork Salmon River, and South Fork Salmon River

Map of Temperature Monitoring Stations. Klamath National Forest

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

EVIDENCE OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURE: The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its Tributaries from the confluence of the North Fork to Haypress Creek (except North Fork Wooley Creek and its tributaries) water body has been identified as a temperature reference water body in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify temperature reference water bodies. Temperature reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) no evidence of human-caused reduction in stream shade is apparent in aerial photos, 2) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 3) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no best management practice violations, and 4) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its Tributaries from the confluence of the North Fork to Haypress Creek (except North Fork Wooley Creek and its tributaries) water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Guideline Reference:

Recommendations for the development and maintenance of a reference condition management program (RCMP) to support biological assessment of California's wadeable streams. Report to the State Water Resources Control Board's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Technical Report 581.

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Temperature samples were collected from two locations in the mainstem of Wooley Creek: 1) downstream of North Fork Wooley Creek, and 2) downstream of Bridge Creek.

Temporal Representation:

Near-continuous temperature samples were collected from 1) Wooley Creek downstream of North Fork Wooley Creek from October 1991 to September 1993 and 2) Wooley Creek downstream of Bridge Creek from October 1991 to April 1992, an July 1992 to September 1993.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

Temperature data were colelcted in accordance with the quality assurance guidelines described by Schuyler (2008).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Memorandum from John Schuyler, Klamath Nation Forest, to Rebecca Fitzgerald, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, Regarding the 303(d) DeListing Request

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 40093, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

LOE ID:

31595

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 1 MWMT values calculated from near-continuous summertime temperature samples collected in the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the North Fork water body exceeded the objective as this water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperatures in this water body reflect natural conditions. This LOE and LOEs 31594 and 31596 replace LOE 26643.

Data Reference:

Stream Temperatures, Klamath River Basin. Includes data for Thompson Creek, Grider Creek, Clear Creek, Wooley Creek, North Fork Salmon River, and South Fork Salmon River

Map of Temperature Monitoring Stations. Klamath National Forest

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

EVIDENCE OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURE: The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the North Fork water body has been identified as a temperature reference water body in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify temperature reference water bodies. Temperature reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) no evidence of human-caused reduction in stream shade is apparent in aerial photos, 2) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 3) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no best management practice violations, and 4) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the North Fork water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Temperature samples were collected from in the mainstem of Wooley Creek downstream of Big Meadows Creek.

Temporal Representation:

Near-continuous temperature samples were collected from October 1991 to August 1992.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

Temperature data were colelcted in accordance with the quality assurance guidelines described by Schuyler (2008).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Memorandum from John Schuyler, Klamath Nation Forest, to Rebecca Fitzgerald, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, Regarding the 303(d) DeListing Request

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 40093, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

LOE ID:

31596

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Ten of the 10 MWMT values calculated from near-continuous summertime temperature samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. MWMT values ranged from 18.1 C and 22.0 C (KNF 2008). This LOE and LOEs 31594 and 31595 replace LOE 26643.

Data Reference:

Stream Temperatures, Klamath River Basin. Includes data for Thompson Creek, Grider Creek, Clear Creek, Wooley Creek, North Fork Salmon River, and South Fork Salmon River

Map of Temperature Monitoring Stations. Klamath National Forest

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

According to the Salmon River TMDL (NCRWQCB 2005), stream temperatures in this water body have been altered by changes in riparian cover, increased solar heating, and changes in streamside microclimates. If the natural receiving water temperature has been altered, or if alternation is unknown, the evaluation guideline to determine adverse affect on the most sensitive beneficial use (in this case, salmonids) is as follows. Per "U.S. EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards" (USEPA 2003), the U.S. EPA recommends a criterion for the protection of moderate to high density summertime salmon and trout juvenile rearing (i.e., core juvenile rearing) of a maximum weekly maximum temperature (MWMT) of 16 degrees C. The MWMT is also known as the maximum 7-day average of daily maximums (7DADM). The 16 degrees C MWMT criterion is recommended to (1) safely protect juvenile salmon and trout from lethal temperatures; (2) provide upper optimal conditions for juvenile growth under limited food during the period of summer maximum temperatures and optimal temperatures for other times of the growth season; (3) avoid temperatures where juvenile salmon and trout are at a competitive disadvantage with other fish; (4) protect against temperature induced elevated disease rates; and (5) provide temperatures that studies show juvenile salmon and trout prefer and are found in high densities.

Guideline Reference:

EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards. EPA 910-B-03-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Office of Water, Seattle, WA.

Salmon River, Siskiyou County, California Total Maximum Daily Load for Temperature and Implementation Plan. Adopted June 22, 2005. NCRWQCB Resolution No. R1-2005-0058. Prepared by California North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board Total Maximum Daily Load Development Unit Staff

Spatial Representation:

Temperature samples were collected from in the mainstem of Wooley Creek 300 m upstream from the mouth of Wooley Creek.

Temporal Representation:

Near-continuous temperature samples were collected from October 1991 to September 1993, June to September 1998-2000, late April to September 2001, June to September 2003-2005, and July to October 2006.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

Temperature data were colelcted in accordance with the quality assurance guidelines described by Schuyler (2008).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Memorandum from John Schuyler, Klamath Nation Forest, to Rebecca Fitzgerald, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, Regarding the 303(d) DeListing Request

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 40093, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

LOE ID:

31580

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The following process is utilized to interpret the narrative temperature objective in the Basin Plan for impairment assessments. Step 1: Determine if temperatures reflect natural conditions. If yes, then the water body is not considered impaired, if no, then go to Step 2. Step 2: Determine if temperatures adversely affect beneficial uses. If yes, then the water body is considered impaired, if no, then go to Step 3. Step 3: Determine if temperatures are increased by 5 degrees F. If yes, then water body is impaired, if no, then water body is not impaired. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, North Fork Wooley Creek and its Tributaries water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Data Reference:

Presentation: Interpreting Temperature Standards in the North Coast Region. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

EVIDENCE OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURE: The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, North Fork Wooley Creek and its Tributaries water body has been identified as a temperature reference water body in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify temperature reference water bodies. Temperature reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) no evidence of human-caused reduction in stream shade is apparent in aerial photos, 2) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 3) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no best management practice violations, and 4) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, North Fork Wooley Creek and its Tributaries water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, North Fork Wooley Creek and its Tributaries.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this waterbody.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 40093, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

LOE ID:

31581

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The following process is utilized to interpret the narrative temperature objective in the Basin Plan for impairment assessments. Step 1: Determine if temperatures reflect natural conditions. If yes, then the water body is not considered impaired, if no, then go to Step 2. Step 2: Determine if temperatures adversely affect beneficial uses. If yes, then the water body is considered impaired, if no, then go to Step 3. Step 3: Determine if temperatures are increased by 5 degrees F. If yes, then water body is impaired, if no, then water body is not impaired. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its Tributaries from the confluence of the North Fork to Haypress Creek (except North Fork Wooley Creek and its tributaries) water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Data Reference:

Presentation: Interpreting Temperature Standards in the North Coast Region. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its Tributaries from the confluence of the North Fork to Haypress Creek (except North Fork Wooley Creek and its tributaries).

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this waterbody.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 40093, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

LOE ID:

21154

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Freshwater Replenishment | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Land use information and location of sources

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Per the Klamath National Forest (USFS 2008), the road density in the Wooley Creek Hydrologic Sub-Area is 0.47 mi / sq. mi. As identified on Figure 2.11 in the "Salmon River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load for Temperature" (NCRWQCB 2005), the majority of the roads are on ridge tops, on mid-slope locations, or near by the upper reaches of high-gradient small streams and not in the valley bottoms.

Data Reference:

Wooley Creek Model Data Following the 2006 Wildfires (2007 model year)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased by more than 5 F above natural receiving water temperature.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

The density of roads within a watershed can impact water temperature and alter natural conditions. Near-stream roads that run parallel to a waterbody do not allow for vegetation to grow and produce shade. Roads are also a major source of erosion and sedimentation on most managed forest lands. Excess sediment in the stream channel can result in higher water temperatures as pools fill in with sediment and channels widen in response to the increased load. Per NOAA Fisheries (1996), the guideline for the properly functioning condition for road density and location is less than 2 miles of road per square mile of watershed with no valley bottom roads.

Guideline Reference:

Making Endangered Species Act Determinations of Effect for Individual or Group Actions at the Watershed Scale. Prepared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service Environmental and Technical Services Division Habitat Conservation Branch

Spatial Representation:

Road density and location information were assessed for the entire Wooley Creek Hydrologic Sub-Area.

Temporal Representation:

The road density data from the Klamath National Forest are based on data collected following the 2006 wildfires for the 2007 model year. The road location data used for the Salmon River TMDL was collected in 1993.

Environmental Conditions:

The road density data from the Klamath National Forest are based on data collected following the 2006 wildfires for the 2007 model year. There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to the data from the Salmon River TMDL.

QAPP Information:

Road density data from the Klamath National Forest were developed as part of the Equivalent Roaded Area (ERA) model conducted by staff of the Klamath National Forest in accordance with the procedures described by Elder and Reichert (2004). The Salmon River TMDL is of sufficient quality per Section 6.1.4 of the 303(d) Listing Policy. It describes temperature conditions and their impacts on water quality, provides linkages between the TMDL and the temperature water quality standard, is scientifically defensible, was developed by qualified professionals, was scientifically peer reviewed, and was adopted by the Regional Water Board.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quantitative Models for Surface Erosion, Mass-wasting and ERA/TOC. CWE 2004. Cumulative Watershed Effects Analysis Process Paper. Klamath National Forest

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 40093, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

LOE ID:

31582

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The following process is utilized to interpret the narrative temperature objective in the Basin Plan for impairment assessments. Step 1: Determine if temperatures reflect natural conditions. If yes, then the water body is not considered impaired, if no, then go to Step 2. Step 2: Determine if temperatures adversely affect beneficial uses. If yes, then the water body is considered impaired, if no, then go to Step 3. Step 3: Determine if temperatures are increased by 5 degrees F. If yes, then water body is impaired, if no, then water body is not impaired. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its tributaries from the head waters to the confluence with the North Fork water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Data Reference:

Presentation: Interpreting Temperature Standards in the North Coast Region. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

EVIDENCE OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURE: The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its tributaries from the head waters to the confluence with the North Fork water body has been identified as a temperature reference water body in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify temperature reference water bodies. Temperature reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) no evidence of human-caused reduction in stream shade is apparent in aerial photos, 2) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 3) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no best management practice violations, and 4) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its tributaries from the head waters to the confluence with the North Fork water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its tributaries from the head waters to the confluence with the North Fork.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this waterbody.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 40093, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

LOE ID:

21155

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Freshwater Replenishment | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Land use information and location of sources

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Much less than 15% of the Wooley Creek watershed has been or is currently disturbed by human activities. Per the Klamath National Forest (KNF 2001, Attachment F), 95% of the Wooley Creek watershed is a congressionally designated Wilderness Area. An additional 3% of the lands are managed as late-successional reserves, which limits management activities to those which promote old-growth habitat. Less than 1% of the watershed is privately owned.

Data Reference:

Attachment F: Supporting Narrative for Upslope, Channel and Habitat-associated Criteria (1-9) Rating Rationale. Klamath National Forest's Northern Province Category 1 Watersheds which meet "management-constrained" criteria

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Human disturbance within a watershed can impact water temperature and alter natural conditions. Activities that remove or reduce shade-producing vegetation, or that result in a discharge of sediment to a stream, can increase stream temperatures. Per NOAA Fisheries (1996), the guideline for the properly functioning condition for disturbance history is for the entire watershed to be less than 15% disturbed with no concentration of disturbance in (1) unstable areas, (2) potentially unstable areas, (3) refugia, and/or (4) riparian areas. For areas under the Northwest Forest Plan (which includes the Wooley Creek watershed), the guideline for the properly functioning condition for disturbance history is also for there to 15% retention of late succession and old growth forest in the watershed.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The disturbance and land use information was assessed for the entire Wooley Creek Hydrologic Sub-Area.

Temporal Representation:

The disturbance and land use information from the Klamath National Forest is current as of 2001.

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:

Land use information was generated from GIS-based data sources of high quality and resolution.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 40093, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

LOE ID:

25802

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:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA Info Missing

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	40166	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

Pollutant:	Sediment
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.11 of the Listing Policy. Three lines of evidence are 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 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) The following streams are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities and therefore, sediment conditions in these water bodies reflect natural conditions: (a) Wooley Creek and its tributaries from the head waters to the confluence with the North Fork of Wooley Creek (LOE 31582); (b) Wooley Creek and its Tributaries from the confluence of the North Fork of Wooley Creek to Haypress Creek (except North Fork Wooley Creek and its tributaries) (LOE 31581); and (c) North Fork Wooley Creek and its Tributaries (LOE 31580). (4) Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

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.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 40166, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

LOE ID:

31568

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:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its Tributaries from the confluence of the North Fork to Haypress Creek (except North Fork Wooley Creek and its tributaries) water body meets the criteria for sediment reference water bodies and is not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities which indicates attainment of sediment water quality objectives.

Data Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): 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 beneficial uses; waters shall not contain substances in concentrations that result in deposition of material that causes nuisance or adversely affects beneficial uses; and waters shall not contain suspended material in concentrations that cause nusance or adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Evidence of anthropogenic alterations to sediment conditions was assessed to determine compliance with the sediment water quality objectives. Sediment reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 2) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no Best Management Practices violations, and 3) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions.

Sediment conditions in the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its Tributaries from the confluence of the North Fork to Haypress Creek (except North Fork Wooley Creek and its tributaries) water body meet these criteria, reflect natural conditions, and are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities as documented in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify sediment reference water bodies.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its Tributaries from the confluence of the North Fork to Haypress Creek (except North Fork Wooley Creek and its tributaries).

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this water body.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 40166, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

LOE ID:

31570

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:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, North Fork Wooley Creek and its Tributaries water body meets the criteria for sediment reference water bodies and is not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities which indicates attainment of sediment water quality objectives.

Data Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Evidence of anthropogenic alterations to sediment conditions was assessed to determine compliance with the sediment water quality objectives. Sediment reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 2) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no Best Management Practices violations, and 3) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions.

Sediment conditions in the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, North Fork Wooley Creek and its Tributaries water body meet these criteria, reflect natural conditions, and are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities as documented in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify sediment reference water bodies.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, North Fork Wooley Creek and its Tributaries.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this water body.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 40166, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

LOE ID:

31569

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:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its tributaries from the head waters to the confluence with the North Fork water body meets the criteria for sediment reference water bodies and is not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities which indicates attainment of sediment water quality objectives.

Data Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Evidence of anthropogenic alterations to sediment conditions was assessed to determine compliance with the sediment water quality objectives. Sediment reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 2) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no Best Management Practices violations, and 3) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions.

Sediment conditions in the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its tributaries from the head waters to the confluence with the North Fork water body meet these criteria, reflect natural conditions, and are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities as documented in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify sediment reference water bodies.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA, Wooley Creek and its tributaries from the head waters to the confluence with the North Fork.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this water body.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.


DECISION ID	40203	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

Pollutant:	pH
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
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 minimum of one 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 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) Zero of five samples from Wooley Creek near the mouth (LOE 31540) exceed the objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (A) 26 samples, or (B) greater than or equal 5 exceedances of the objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of Table 3.2. (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

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.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 40203, pH	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Wooley Creek HSA

LOE ID:

31540

Pollutant:

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:

None of the 5 grab samples collected exceeded the objective. This LOE and LOE 31538, 31614, and 31539 replace LOE 1643 as the water body was re-segmented and the data has now been assessed under the correct new water bodies.

Data Reference:

Salmon River nutrient delisting recommendation. Santa Rosa, CA: North Coast RWQCB

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Table 3-1 states that the water quality objective for pH for water bodies in the Salmon River HA is a maximum of 8.5 and minimum of 7.0.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Grab samples were collected in Wooley Creek near the mouth.

Temporal Representation:

Grab samples were collected on June 9th, 10th, and 11th 2002 and July 22nd and 23rd 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Salmon River nutrient delisting recommendation. Santa Rosa, CA: North Coast RWQCB