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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name:	Pennington Creek
Water Body ID:	CAR3102201120020124123809
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	75397	Region 3
Pennington Creek

Pollutant:	Nitrate
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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 156 nitrate samples exceed the water quality objectives for the Municipal and Domestic Supply beneficial use. Four of the 153 nitrate samples exceed the water quality objectives for the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. Four of the 153 nitrate samples exceed the water quality objectives for the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use. and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75397, Nitrate	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

18187

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75397, Nitrate	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47768

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

153

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 153 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (NO3 as N) incorporated by reference in the Basin Plan is 10.0 mg/L (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

Nitrate data was collected using a screening level test kit. Quality control is consistent with the QAPP.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75397, Nitrate	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47767

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

153

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 153 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

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

Guideline Reference:

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

Guideline Reference:

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

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

Nitrate data was collected using a screening level test kit. Quality control is consistent with the QAPP.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75397, Nitrate	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47769

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

153

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

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

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

Nitrate data was collected using a screening level test kit. Quality control is consistent with the QAPP.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2


DECISION ID	83541	Region 3
Pennington Creek

Pollutant:	Oxygen, Dissolved
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Ten lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two water quality objectives are assessed. Ten of the 162 samples exceeded the water quality objective for dissolved oxygen in Cold Freshwater Habitats and two of the 162 samples also exceeded the water quality objective for dissolved oxygen in Warm Freshwater Habitats. The Basin Plan general water quality objective for oxygen saturation states that the median value shall not fall below 85% saturation. However, the oxygen saturation objective is only applied ¿for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use¿¿ and this water body is designated for both Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitats. Therefore, the use support rating for oxygen saturation is set at Insufficient Information. 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. Ten of the 162 samples exceeded the water quality objective for dissolved oxygen in Cold Freshwater Habitats and two of the 162 samples also exceeded the water quality objective for dissolved oxygen in Warm Freshwater Habitats. These do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83541, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47764

Pollutant:

Dissolved oxygen saturation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Water Board staff assessed public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The daily median oxygen saturation value was evaluated for four sample days and one monitoring site on Pennington Creek and the criterion was never exceeded.

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period January 6, 2009-January 9, 2009

Environmental Conditions:

Oxygen Saturation data were collected every 30 minutes for a minimum of 24 hours. Central Coast Water Board Staff counted the number of sample days and the daily median value for each sample day was compared to the water quality objective as defined in S

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83541, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47772

Pollutant:

Dissolved oxygen saturation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

151

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 52 of 151 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83541, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47763

Pollutant:

Dissolved oxygen saturation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period January 6, 2009-January 9, 2009

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83541, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47773

Pollutant:

Dissolved oxygen saturation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

151

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83541, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

18253

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83541, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47760

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Water Board staff assessed public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The daily minimum dissolved oxygen concentration was evaluated for four sample days and one monitoring site on Pennington Creek and the criterion was never exceeded.

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period January 6, 2009-January 9, 2009

Environmental Conditions:

Dissolved oxygen data were collected every 30 minutes for a minimum of 24 hours. Central Coast Water Board Staff counted the number of sample days and the minimum value for each sample day was compared to the water quality objective as defined in Section

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83541, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47770

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

155

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 10 of 155 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83541, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

18254

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83541, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47761

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period January 6, 2009-January 9, 2009

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83541, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47771

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

155

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 155 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2


DECISION ID	83593	Region 3
Pennington Creek

Pollutant:	Specific Conductivity
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the four samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural uses. 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 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'. 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 four samples exceed the water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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 83593, Specific Conductivity	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47759

Pollutant:

Specific Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Water Board staff assessed public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The daily average conductivity concentration was calculated for 4 sample days at Pennington Creek sites and never exceeded the criterion.

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3000 uS/cm in irrigation supply water.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period January 6, 2009-January 9, 2009

Environmental Conditions:

Conductivity data were collected every 30 minutes for a minimum of 24 hours. Central Coast Water Board Staff counted the number of sample days and the daily average conductivity was compared to the water quality objective as defined in Section 6.1.5.6 of

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2


DECISION ID	83542	Region 3
Pennington Creek

Pollutant:	Temperature, water
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 162 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Moyle, 1976) used to interpret the water quality objective for water temperature. 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 162 samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83542, Temperature, water	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47781

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

155

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 155 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).

Guideline Reference:

The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83542, Temperature, water	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47765

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Water Board staff assessed public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The daily maximum water temperature was evaluated for 4 sample days at one monitoring site on Pennington Creek and never exceeded the criterion.

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period January 6, 2009-January 9, 2009

Environmental Conditions:

Water temperature data were collected every 30 minutes for a minimum of 24 hours. Central Coast Water Board Staff counted the number of sample days and the daily maximum temperature was compared to the water quality objective as defined in Section 6.1.5.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83542, Temperature, water	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

18819

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

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

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	83592	Region 3
Pennington Creek

Pollutant:	Turbidity
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the 157 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for Cold Freshwater Habitat (Sigler et al. 1984) and Warm Freshwater Habitat evaluation guideline (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009), both used to interpret the water quality objective for turbidity. 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. Two of the 157 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83592, Turbidity	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

18725

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.

Guideline Reference:

Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83592, Turbidity	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47779

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

154

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 154 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. (Basin Plan)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Turbidities of 25 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Sigler et al. 1984).

Guideline Reference:

Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83592, Turbidity	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47780

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

154

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Turbidities of 40 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in piscivorous fish (largemouth bass) growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009).

Guideline Reference:

Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83592, Turbidity	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

18726

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.

Guideline Reference:

Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	75469	Region 3
Pennington Creek

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:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. Ten lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Five beneficial uses are assessed. Nine of the 159 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitats, and two of the 159 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Drinking Water and Recreation. 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. Nine of the 159 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitats, and two of the 159 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Drinking Water and Recreation. These do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75469, pH	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47777

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

156

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 156 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

pH was measured using test strips. In recent communication with the program QA officer concern has been raised about underestimation of the result with test strips.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75469, pH	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47775

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

156

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The pH value shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

pH was measured using test strips. In recent communication with the program QA officer concern has been raised about underestimation of the result with test strips.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75469, pH	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

18988

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75469, pH	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47774

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

156

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 156 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5 (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

pH was measured using test strips. In recent communication with the program QA officer concern has been raised about underestimation of the result with test strips.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75469, pH	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

18987

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75469, pH	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47778

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

156

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5 (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

pH was measured using test strips. In recent communication with the program QA officer concern has been raised about underestimation of the result with test strips.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75469, pH	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

18940

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75469, pH	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47776

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

156

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310PEN - Pennington Creek, 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/4/2002 3:00:00 PM-3/1/2010 11:30:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

pH was measured using test strips. In recent communication with the program QA officer concern has been raised about underestimation of the result with test strips.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75469, pH	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

18941

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75469, pH	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

18942

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	82621	Region 3
Pennington Creek

Pollutant:	Escherichia coli (E. coli)
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:	2027
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 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. The sample size for the evaluation guideline for non-contact recreation for Escherichia coli (E. Coli) is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Sixty four of 123 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986) set to protect for water contact recreation (i.e. swimming, wading etc.) and 0 of 2 samples exceed the water quality objective for non-contact recreation. 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. Sixty four of 123 samples exceed the evaluation guideline set to protect for water contact recreation (i.e. swimming, wading etc.) and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 82621, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

18406

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml. E. coli is a fecal coliform.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2004-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 82621, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

18405

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002

Evaluation Guideline:

Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)

Guideline Reference:

Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2004-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 82621, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

47766

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

121

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 63 of 121 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002

Evaluation Guideline:

Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15 of the USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986).

Guideline Reference:

Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310CPN - Cal Poly Pennington, 310PEN - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/16/2002 1:40:00 PM-2/8/2010 9:56:00 AM.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2


DECISION ID	68676	Region 3
Pennington Creek

Pollutant:	Fecal Coliform
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:	2027
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for listing under section 2.2 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The original listing was based on data collected by the National Monitoring Program at Morro Bay. Very little new data is available for this water segment-pollutant combination. The single sample exceeds the Water Contact Recreation water quality objective. 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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list. USEPA in its final decision for the 2006 303(d) list, has determined that a TMDL has not been approved by USEPA for this pollutant water body combination. Therefore, this water body pollutant combination is being placed back on the 303(d) list (TMDL required list) pending completion and USEPA approval of a TMDL. However, a TMDL was approved by USEPA for fecal coliform in Chorro Creek (the receiving water for Pennington Creek) on January 20, 2004.

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 68676, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

17404

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 5/17/2003. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68676, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

17403

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Pennington Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 200 MPN/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of total samples during any 30-day period exceed 400 MPN/100 ml.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pennington Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-PENN-41 - Pennington Creek]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 5/17/2003. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68676, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Pennington Creek

LOE ID:

1894

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Remedial Program in Place

Matrix:

Not Specified

Fraction:

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

A TMDL and implementation plan has been approved for this water segment-pollutant combination. The Morro Bay Pathogens TMDL was approved by RWQCB on May 16, 2003.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA Info Missing

QAPP Information Reference(s):