Final California 2018 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 9 - San Diego Region

Water Body Name: Tijuana River Estuary
Water Body ID: CAE9111100019990208143032
Water Body Type: Coastal & Bay Shoreline
 
DECISION ID
68885
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2010
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Whereas the latest data from five stations on July 16, 2008 (from Bight 08 program) show 0 of 5 samples exceed the water quality objectives for their respective single sample maximum thresholds for enterococcus, fecal coliform, and total coliform, place-holder LOE from pre-2006 data conclude that REC-1 is not supported.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the CWA section 303(d) 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. place-holder LOE from pre-2006 data conclude that REC-1 is not supported
and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are 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.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68885, Indicator Bacteria
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76804
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Total.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: In waters designated for water contact recreation (REC I), the total coliform concentration shall not exceed 10000 MPN/100 ml (California Ocean Plan 2009).
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68885, Indicator Bacteria
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76803
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Total.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: In waters where shellfish harvesting for human consumption, commercial or sports purposes is designated the total coliform concetration shall not exceed 230 per 100 ml (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68885, Indicator Bacteria
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 4670
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68885, Indicator Bacteria
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76844
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: In waters designated for water contact recreation (REC I), the fecal coliform concentration shall not exceed 400 MPN/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68885, Indicator Bacteria
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76843
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: In waters designated for non contact recreation (REC 2), the fecal coliform concentration shall not exceed 4000 MPN/100 ml (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68885, Indicator Bacteria
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76842
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Samples shall not exceed 104 organisms per 100 ml for enterococcus in waters designated for REC I beneficial use (Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary, Tijuana River Estuary]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
75778
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Lead
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One line of evidence is the 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006, which was to place this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. A second line of evidence is more recent data, and zero of five sediment samples exceed the criteria.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the CWA section 303(d) 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 sediment samples exceeded the criteria, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 28 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 4.1.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are 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.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75778, Lead
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 4671
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75778, Lead
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78368
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Lead.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the probable effect level (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Lead is 112.18 ug/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
69301
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Low Dissolved Oxygen
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The decision has not changed from the previous listing cycle. No new data were assessed for the current listing cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

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. There were 18219 of 42308 samples that exceeded the Basin Plan criteria, and these exceed the allowable frequency 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 met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69301, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 643
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 93
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by RWQCB9 in 1997 and 1998. Ninety-three of 93 samples were in below the minimum standard. All 8 reported averages for 1997 and 1998 were in exceedance.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: Dissolved oxygen levels shall not be less than 5.0 mg/l in inland surface waters with designated MAR or WARM beneficial uses or less than 6.0 mg/l in waters with designated COLD beneficial uses. The annual mean dissolved oxygen concentrations shall not be less than 7 mg/l more than 10% of the time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the Tijuana River Estuary. Exact sample location was not reported.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected 5-31 times per month from 01/03/1998 to 05/31/1998. Samples were also collected in May, July and August 1997 and June-November, 1998, but only monthly averages were reported with the data set.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69301, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 645
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20879
Number of Exceedances: 10212
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by the Tijuana River NERR in 1997-1998. There were 10212 of 20879 samples that were below the minimum standard.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: Dissolved oxygen levels shall not be less than 5.0 mg/l in inland surface waters with designated MAR or WARM beneficial uses or less than 6.0 mg/l in waters with designated COLD beneficial uses. The annual mean dissolved oxygen concentrations shall not be less than 7 mg/l more than 10% of the time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Tijuana River Estuary site TL.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected every 30 minutes from 05/23/1997 to12/27/1998. During each month, some data were missing, often only over the course of a day of two. Overall, that majority of days per month are represented. Sampling did not occur in 09/1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69301, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 646
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1375
Number of Exceedances: 378
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by the Tijuana River NERR in 1999. There were 378 of 1375 samples that were in exceedance.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: Dissolved oxygen levels shall not be less than 5.0 mg/l in inland surface waters with designated MAR or WARM beneficial uses or less than 6.0 mg/l in waters with designated COLD beneficial uses. The annual mean dissolved oxygen concentrations shall not be less than 7 mg/l more than 10% of the time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the Tijuana River Estuary site OS.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected every 30 minutes from 03/01/1999 to 03/29/1999.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69301, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 647
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19949
Number of Exceedances: 7624
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by the Tijuana River NERR in 1997 and 1998. There were 7624 of 19949 samples that were below the minimum standard.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: Dissolved oxygen levels shall not be less than 5.0 mg/l in inland surface waters with designated MAR or WARM beneficial uses or less than 6.0 mg/l in waters with designated COLD beneficial uses. The annual mean dissolved oxygen concentrations shall not be less than 7 mg/l more than 10% of the time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the Tijuana River Estuary site OS.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 30 minute intervals from 04/01/1997 to 09/29/1997 and 01/01/1998 to 12/31/1998. Samples were collected from 04/1997 to 09/1997 and during every month in 1998, and at least 2-3 days per month are represented. Samples were not always collected daily.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69301, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 644
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by the Tijuana National Estuarine Research Reserve in 1998. Five of 12 averages were below the minimum standard.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: Dissolved oxygen levels shall not be less than 5.0 mg/l in inland surface waters with designated MAR or WARM beneficial uses or less than 6.0 mg/l in waters with designated COLD beneficial uses. The annual mean dissolved oxygen concentrations shall not be less than 7 mg/l more than 10% of the time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the Tijuana River Estuary. Exact sampling location was not reported.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 01/1998 to 12/1998. Only monthly averages were reported.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69301, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 642
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Testimonial Evidence
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: From the letter from San Diego Baykeeper written on 06/14/2004: We recommend continued listing of this area for impairment by bacteria, low dissolved oxygen, eutrophication, pesticides, solids, synthetic organics, lead, nickel, thallium, and trash.

Submittal was narrative. There is insufficient information given to determine which beneficial uses may or may not be supported.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: Dissolved oxygen levels shall not be less than 5.0 mg/l in inland surface waters with designated MAR or WARM beneficial uses or less than 6.0 mg/l in waters with designated COLD beneficial uses. The annual mean dissolved oxygen concentrations shall not be less than 7 mg/l more than 10% of the time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The reported area is the Tijuana River Estuary. Exact location was not given.
Temporal Representation: The letter regarding impairment was written on 06/14/2004. A more specific time of impairment was not reported.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
85462
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: 2-Methylnaphthalene
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the five samples exceed the objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) 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 exceed the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85462, 2-Methylnaphthalene
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78357
 
Pollutant: 2-Methylnaphthalene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for 2-Methylnaphthalene.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the probable effect level (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for 2-Methylnaphthalene is 201.28 ng/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
85622
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Antimony
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the five samples exceed the objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) 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 the five samples exceed the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85622, Antimony
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78358
 
Pollutant: Antimony
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Antimony.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Antimony is 25 ug/g dry weight (Long and Morgan, 1990).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
100480
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in tissue; under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of one sample (shellfish tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) 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. One of one sample (tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 100480, Arsenic
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78359
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Arsenic is 70 ug/g dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100480, Arsenic
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76815
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The one sample did exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal. Ten percent of the total arsenic result was used to estimate of the amount of inorganic arsenic in the sample; this number was screened against the guideline.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: 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 for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for arsenic in shellfish tissue is 0.0052 ppm. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 2004)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Air Toxics Hotspots Program Risk Assessment Guidelines. Part ll Technical Support Document for Describing Available Cancer Potency Values.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
85732
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)anthracene
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the five samples exceed the objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) 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 the five samples exceed the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85732, Benzo(a)anthracene
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78360
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Benzo(a)anthracene.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the probable effect level (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Benzo(a)anthracene is 692.53 ng/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
85787
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in tissue; under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one sample (shellfish tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) 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 one sample (tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85787, Cadmium
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76816
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: 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: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for cadmium in shellfish tissue is 3.3 ppm. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85787, Cadmium
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78361
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the probable effect level (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Cadmium is 4.21 ng/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
85788
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in tissue; under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one sample (shellfish tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) 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 one sample (tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85788, Chlordane
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76820
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal. Chlordane result was calculated by summing the results for chlordane isomers: cis- and trans-nonachlor, alpha- and gamma-chlordane, and oxychlordane.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for total chlordane in shellfish tissue is 6.0 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85788, Chlordane
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78362
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Chlordane, Total.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Total Chlordane is 6 ng/g dry weight (Long and Morgan, 1990).
Guideline Reference: The potential for biological effects of sediment-sorbed contaminants tested in the National Status of Trends Program. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS OMA 52. Seattle, WA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
85411
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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. Zero of the one sample exceeds 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 one samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85411, Chlorpyrifos
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76821
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for chlorpyrifos in shellfish tissue is 1,000 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
85193
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Chromium
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the five 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 the five samples exceed the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85193, Chromium
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78363
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Chromium.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Chromium is 370 ug/g dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
85194
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the five 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 the five samples exceed the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85194, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78364
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Chrysene.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the probable effect level (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Chrysene is 845.98 ng/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
85301
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Copper
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the five 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 the five samples exceed the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85301, Copper
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78365
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Copper.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Copper is 270 ug/g dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
85302
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the five 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 CWA section 303(d) 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. One of the five samples exceed the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85302, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78366
 
Pollutant: Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Dibenzo(a, h)anthracene.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Dibenzo(a, h)anthracene is 260 ng/g dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
85355
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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. Zero of the one sample 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 one sample exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85355, Dieldrin
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76833
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The results did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for dieldrin in shellfish tissue is 0.49 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
85357
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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. Zero of the one sample exceeds 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 one sample exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85357, Endosulfan
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76837
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal. Total Endosulfan result was calculated by summing Endosulfan I and Endosulfan II.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for endosulfan (l and ll) in shellfish tissue is 20,000 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
85412
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Endrin
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in tissue; under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one sample (shellfish tissue) and zero of two samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) 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 one sample (shellfish tissue) and zero of two samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85412, Endrin
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78367
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: a total of 5 samples were collected and they were all non-detect, however 3 samples were not used in analysis because when the method detection limit was organic carbon normalized, the results were above the guideline and therefore could not be quanitified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the sediment quality guideline (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Endrin is 0.76 ug/g oc (Fairey et al., 2001).
Guideline Reference: Technical basis for deriving sediment criteria for nonionic organic contaminants for the protection of benthic organisms by using equilibrium partitioning. EPA822-R-93-011. Washington, D.C.: Office of Water, USEPA
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85412, Endrin
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76838
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for endrin in shellfish tissue is 1,000 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
85465
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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. Zero of the one sample exceeds 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 one sample exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85465, Heptachlor epoxide
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76845
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for heptachlor epoxide in shellfish tissue is 1.4 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 1999)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Public Health Goal for Heptachlor and Heptachlor Epoxide in Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
85516
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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. Zero of the one samples exceeds 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 one sample exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85516, Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76846
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for hexachlorobenzene in shellfish tissue is 4.3 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 2005)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Air Toxics Hotspots Program Risk Assessment Guidelines. Part ll Technical Support Document for Describing Available Cancer Potency Values.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
85623
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in tissue; under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one sample (shellfish tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) 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 one sample (tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85623, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76850
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for lindane in shellfish tissue is 7.1 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 2005)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Air Toxics Hotspots Program Risk Assessment Guidelines. Part ll Technical Support Document for Describing Available Cancer Potency Values.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85623, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78369
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for HCH, Gamma.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the sediment quality guideline (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for HCH, gamma(Lindane; BHC, gamma) is 0.37 ug/g oc (Fairey et al., 2001).
Guideline Reference: An evaluation of methods for calculating mean sediment quality guideline quotients as indicators of contamination and acute toxicity to amphipods by chemical mixtures. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 20(10): 2276-2286
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
85624
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Mercury
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in tissue; under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one sample (shellfish tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) 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 one sample (tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85624, Mercury
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76853
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: 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: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA 304(a) recommended water quality criterion for concentrations of methylmercury in shellfish tissue (wet weight) is 0.2 ppm. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; USEPA, 2001)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criterion for the Protection of Human Health: Methylmercury. Final. United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Science and Technology Office of Water. EPA-823-R-01-001. January 2001
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85624, Mercury
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78370
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Mercury.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the sediment quality guideline (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Mercury is 2.1 ug/g (PTI Environmental Services, 1991).
Guideline Reference: Pollutants of concern in Puget Sound. EPA 910/9-91-003. Seattle, WA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
85681
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Mirex
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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. Zero of zero 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 zero samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85681, Mirex
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76785
 
Pollutant: Mirex
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The non detect result was not included in the assessment since the reporting limit was above the evaluation guideline. MDL were provided by NOAA Federal and RL were calculated by multiplying 3.18 by the MDL.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for mirex in shellfish tissue is 0.43 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 1992)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Expedited Cancer Potency Values and Proposed Regulatory Levels for Certain Proposition 65 Carcinogens.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
85735
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in tissue; under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one sample (shellfish tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 one sample (tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 85735, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78351
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons).
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the sediment quality guideline (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Total PAHs is 1800 ug/g (Fairey et al., 2001).
Guideline Reference: An evaluation of methods for calculating mean sediment quality guideline quotients as indicators of contamination and acute toxicity to amphipods by chemical mixtures. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 20(10): 2276-2286
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85735, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78349
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for PAH, High molecular weight.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for High molecular weight PAHs is 9600 ng/g dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85735, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76786
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The result did exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal. The total PAHs were calculated as the potency equivalency concentration or the sum of the toxic equivalency factors multiplied by the concentrations of: Acenaphthene, Acenaphthylene, Anthracene, Benz[a]anthracene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Benzo[g,h,i]perylene, Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, Chrysene, Fluoranthene, Fluorene, Indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene, Phenanthrene, and Pyrene.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: 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 for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in shellfish tissue is 1.1 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85735, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78350
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for PAH, Low molecular weight.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Low molecular weight PAHs is 1442 ng/g dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
84515
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in tissue; under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of one sample (shellfish tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) 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. One of one sample (tissue) and zero of five samples (sediment) exceeded the water quality objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 84515, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78352
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for PCB, Total.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the sediment quality guideline (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Total PCBs is 400 ng/g (MacDonald et al., 2000b).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 84515, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76795
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The result did exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal. Total PCB was assessed for as follows: PCB aroclors and congeners were summed separately and the sum that yielded the highest value was used for the assessment.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: 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 for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for polychlorinated biphenyls in shellfish tissue is 3.9 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
74784
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the five 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 the five samples exceed the objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 74784, Phenanthrene
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78353
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Phenanthrene.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the probable effect level (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Phenanthrene is 543.53 ng/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
86211
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the five 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 the five samples exceed the objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 86211, Pyrene
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78354
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Pyrene.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the probable effect level (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Pyrene is 1397.4 ng/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
86252
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Selenium
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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. Zero of the one samples exceeds 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 one sample exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 86252, Selenium
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76799
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: 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: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for selenium in shellfish tissue is 11 ppm. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day. A background dietary consumption rate of 0.114 mg/day is applied for this micronutrient. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
86346
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Silver
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the five 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 the five samples exceed the objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 86346, Silver
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78355
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Silver.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the probable effect level (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Silver is 1.77 ug/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
75406
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Solids
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The decision has not changed from the previous listing cycle. No new data were assessed for the current listing cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record. The Information is based on visual observations and not supported by numerical data. Visual observation information alone is insufficient to place a water body segment pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be quantitatively determined if applicable water quality standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75406, Solids
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 658
 
Pollutant: Solids
LOE Subgroup: Testimonial Evidence
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: From a letter from San Diego Baykeeper, dated 06/14/2004: We recommend continued listing of this area for impairment by bacteria, low dissolved oxygen, eutrophication, pesticides, solids, synthetic organics, lead, nickel, thallium, and trash.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No objectives could be found for solids in an estuary. Objectives were available (in the Basin Plan and CTR) only for inland surface waters.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The impaired area is identified as the Tijuana River Estuary. Exact location was not given.
Temporal Representation: The letter was dated 06/14/2004. A specific time for the impairment was not given.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
74733
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Synthetic Organics
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. This is a placeholder decision for a CWA section 303(d) Listing made in a previous assessment cycle. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 74733, Synthetic Organics
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 659
 
Pollutant: Synthetic Organics
LOE Subgroup: Testimonial Evidence
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: From a letter from San Diego Baykeeper, dated 06/14/2004:We recommend continued listing of this area for impairment by bacteria, low dissolved oxygen, eutrophication, pesticides, solids, synthetic organics, lead, nickel, thallium, and trash.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No objective is available for the sum of synthetic organics.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The impaired area is identified as the Tijuana River Estuary. Exact location was not given.
Temporal Representation: The letter was dated 06/14/2004. A specific time for the impairment was not given.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
86347
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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. Zero of the one sample exceeds 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 one sample exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 86347, Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76805
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal. The total DDTs were calculated as the sum of 4,4- and 2,4- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Region: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for total DDT in shellfish tissue is 23 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site TJRE.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 12/10/2007
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
86412
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Zinc
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the five 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 CWA section 303(d) 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 the five samples exceed the objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
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 86412, Zinc
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 78356
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Bight data for Tijuana River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Zinc.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (SDRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Zinc is 410 ug/g dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Tijuana River Estuary was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 911_6012, 911_6010, 911_6009, 911_6004, 911_6001]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Southern California Bight.
 
 
DECISION ID
69396
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Region 9 data was not included in the 2012 Integrated Report so all decisions are carried over from the 2010 listing cycle.

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.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. There were 3,413 of 33,657 samples that were in exceedance of the water quality objective for pH 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: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69396, pH
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 654
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 18001
Number of Exceedances: 2790
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by the Tijuana River NERR in 1997 and 1998. There were 2790 of 18001 samples that did not meet standards. The majority of samples that did not meet standards were below the minimum standard (SWRCB, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: For bays and estuaries and all beneficial uses, the WQO for pH is 7.0 (minimum) to 9.0 (maximum).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the Tijuana River Estuary site OS.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 30 minute intervals from 04/01/1997 to 09/29/1997 and 01/28/1998 to 12/31/1998. Samples were collected on at least 2-3 days per sampling month. Data for several days per month were missing, but the majority of every month was represented.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69396, pH
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 652
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1375
Number of Exceedances: 68
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by the Tijuana River NERR in 1999. Sixty-eight of 1375 samples were in exceedance (SWRCB, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: For bays and estuaries and all beneficial uses, the WQO for pH is 7.0 (minimum) to 9.0 (maximum).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Tijuana River Estuary site OS.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected every 30 minutes from 03/01/1999 to 03/29/1999.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69396, pH
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 653
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14281
Number of Exceedances: 555
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by the Tijuana River NERR in 1997-1998. 555 of 14281 samples were in exceedance (SWRCB, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: For bays and estuaries and all beneficial uses, the WQO for pH is 7.0 (minimum) to 9.0 (maximum).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the Tijuana River Estuary site TL.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected every 30 minutes from 05/23/1997to 12/27/1998. During each month, a day or two worth of data was often missing, but the majority of days/times were represented. pH samples were not collected in 09/1997, 04/1998, 05/1998, 08/1998, 09/1998.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70459
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Eutrophic
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Region 9 data was not included in the 2012 Integrated Report so all decisions are carried over from the 2010 listing cycle.

303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70459, Eutrophic
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 4669
 
Pollutant: Eutrophic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69476
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Nickel
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The decision has not changed from the previous listing cycle. No new data were assessed for the current listing cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69476, Nickel
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 4672
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69199
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Pesticides
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. This is a placeholder decision for a CWA section 303(d) Listing made in a previous assessment cycle. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69199, Pesticides
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 4673
 
Pollutant: Pesticides
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69416
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Thallium
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The decision has not changed from the previous listing cycle. No new data were assessed for the current listing cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69416, Thallium
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 4674
 
Pollutant: Thallium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
86348
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2025
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for toxicity in sediment, and waters may be placed on the CWA section 303(d) List for toxicity alone.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess sediment toxicity. Four of the eight samples exhibited sediment toxicity.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) 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. Four of the eight samples exhibited sediment toxicity, and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86348, Toxicity
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76806
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three samples were collected to test for toxicity. None of the three samples exhibited statistically significant toxicity. The toxicity tests included survival of Eohaustorius estuarius. Each sample is a sediment composites from three different sites.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Ambient Bay and Lagoon, 2003-2005.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity is defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. The t-test is used to determine if there is a statistically significant decrease in organism response in the sample as compared to the control.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fifth Edition. EPA-821-R-02-012
Guideline Reference: Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. Fourth Edition. Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, D.C. EPA-821-R-02-013
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 911TRE_2003, 911TRE_2004, and 911TRE_2005. Each of these sample location names consists of a composite from three different sites.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2003, 2004, and 2005.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected under the County of San Diego Ambient Bay and Lagoon Monitoring Project 2003-2005. Annual Report for the Receiving Waters and Urban Runoff Monitoring section covered under the San Diego County Municipal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit (RWQCB-Order NO. R9-2007-0001).
QAPP Information Reference(s): e-mail clarifying QAPP information
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86348, Toxicity
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 76811
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Five samples were collected to test for toxicity. Four of the samples exhibited statistically significant toxicity. The toxicity tests included survival of Eohaustorius estuarius and percent normal of Mytilus galloprovincialis.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from Bight, 2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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. Region 9 Basin Plan.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity is defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. The t-test is used to determine if there is a statistically significant decrease in organism response in the sample as compared to the control.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fifth Edition. EPA-821-R-02-012
Guideline Reference: Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. Fourth Edition. Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, D.C. EPA-821-R-02-013
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected from sites 911_6001, 911_6004, 911_6009, 911_6010, 911_6012 Tijuana River Estuary.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in July 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: This data was collected under the Southern California Bight 2008 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Quality Assurance Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): e-mail clarifying QAPP information
 
 
DECISION ID
69867
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Trash
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The decision has not changed from the previous listing cycle. No new data were assessed for the current listing cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69867, Trash
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 4675
 
Pollutant: Trash
LOE Subgroup: Visual
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69251
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The decision has not changed from the previous listing cycle. No new data were assessed for the current listing cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. There were 4965 of 28167 samples that exceeded the Basin Plan criteria, and these exceed the allowable frequency of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69251, Turbidity
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 650
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8559
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by the Tijuana River NERR in 1998. There were 7,055 of 8,559 samples that were 20 ntu or lower. There were 1,601 of 8,559 samples that were above 21 NTU. The highest turbidity recorded was 1,388 ntu. Some negative turbidity were recorded as well.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: For lagoons and estuaries and all beneficial uses, the maximum increase when Natural Turbidity is 0-50 NTU is 20 % over natural turbidity. The Maximum Increase when Natural Turbidity is 50-100 NTU is 20 NTU. The Maximum Increase when Natural Turbidity is >100 NTU is 10 % over natural turbidity.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The transparency of waters in lagoons and estuaries shall not be less than 50% of the depth at locations where measurement is made by means of standard Secchi disk, except where lesser transparency is caused by rainfall runoff from undisturbed natural areas and dredging projects conducted in conformance with waste discharge requirements of the Regional Board. With these two exceptions, increases in turbidity attributable to controllable water quality factors shall not exceed the above limits.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the Tijuana River Estuary site TL.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected every 30 minutes from 01/01/1998 to 12/27/1998. During the sampling months, data for some day were not recorded. During the months in which samples were collected, at least 2-3 days worth of data were recorded. Samples were not recorded in 08/1997, 09/1997, 03/1998, 04/1998, 08/1998, and 09/1998.
Environmental Conditions: Possible storm event(s) occurred during some sampling months.
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69251, Turbidity
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 648
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by the San Diego RWQCB in 1997 and 1998. Five monthly averages were reported. Average turbidity levels ranged from 23-130.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: For lagoons and estuaries and all beneficial uses, the maximum increase when Natural Turbidity is 0-50 NTU is 20 % over natural turbidity. The Maximum Increase when Natural Turbidity is 50-100 NTU is 20 ntu. The Maximum Increase when Natural Turbidity is >100 NTU is 10 % over natural turbidity.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The transparency of waters in lagoons and estuaries shall not be less than 50% of the depth at locations where measurement is made by means of standard Secchi disk, except where lesser transparency is caused by rainfall runoff from undisturbed natural areas and dredging projects conducted in conformance with waste discharge requirements of the Regional Board. With these two exceptions, increases in turbidity attributable to controllable water quality factors shall not exceed the above limits.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Tijuana River Estuary. Exact sample location was not reported.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 12/1997 and 02-04/1998 and 10/1998. Only averages were reported.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69251, Turbidity
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 649
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1375
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by the Tijuana River NERR in 1999. There were 1,372 of 1,375 samples that ranged from 0-35 NTU. Three of 1,375 samples were between 206 and 992 NTU.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: For lagoons and estuaries and all beneficial uses, the maximum increase when Natural Turbidity is 0-50 NTU is 20 % over natural turbidity. The Maximum Increase when Natural Turbidity is 50-100 NTU is 20 NTU. The Maximum Increase when Natural Turbidity is >100 NTU is 10 % over natural turbidity.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The transparency of waters in lagoons and estuaries shall not be less than 50% of the depth at locations where measurement is made by means of standard Secchi disk, except where lesser transparency is caused by rainfall runoff from undisturbed natural areas and dredging projects conducted in conformance with waste discharge requirements of the Regional Board. With these two exceptions, increases in turbidity attributable to controllable water quality factors shall not exceed the above limits.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Tijuana River Estuary site OS.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected every 30 minutes from 03/01/1999 to 03/29/1999.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69251, Turbidity
Region 9     
Tijuana River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 651
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 18228
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by the Tijuana River NERR in 1997 and 1998. There were 14,872 of 18228 samples that had turbidity levels of 20 NTU or lower. There were 3,356 of the 18,228 samples that had turbidity levels of 21 NTU or higher. The highest turbidity reading occurred in 02/1998 with a reading of 998 NTU.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: For lagoons and estuaries and all beneficial uses, the maximum increase when Natural Turbidity is 0-50 NTU is 20 % over natural turbidity. The Maximum Increase when Natural Turbidity is 50-100 NTU is 20 NTU. The Maximum Increase when Natural Turbidity is >100 NTU is 10 % over natural turbidity.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The transparency of waters in lagoons and estuaries shall not be less than 50% of the depth at locations where measurement is made by means of standard Secchi disk, except where lesser transparency is caused by rainfall runoff from undisturbed natural areas and dredging projects conducted in conformance with waste discharge requirements of the Regional Board. With these two exceptions, increases in turbidity attributable to controllable water quality factors shall not exceed the above limits.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the Tijuana River Estuary site OS.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 30 minute intervals from 04/01/1997 to 09/29/1997 and 02/13/1998 to 12/31/1998. Samples were collected from 04/1997 to 09/1997 and during every month in 1998 except 01/1998 and 05/1998. Sampling represents at least 2 days in each sampling month, and usually were not collected during all days in the month.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):