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

Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the geometric mean for Enterococcus shall not exceed 35 MPN/100 mL.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Cowell's Beach @ the Stairs)

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/8/2004 - 12/26/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA information not available

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72877, Enterococcus	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

19501

Pollutant:

Enterococcus

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:

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the geometric mean for Enterococcus shall not exceed 35 MPN/100 mL.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Cowell Beach West of the Wharf)

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/8/2004 - 12/26/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA information not available

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72877, Enterococcus	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

19502

Pollutant:

Enterococcus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

128

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 128 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the single sample maximum for Enterococcus shall not exceed 104 MPN/100 mL.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Cowell Beach West of the Wharf)

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/8/2004 - 12/26/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA information not available

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72877, Enterococcus	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

56113

Pollutant:

Enterococcus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

382

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed Beach Watch Program data that is collected by each County's Environmental Health Department for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 20 of 382 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) single sample maximum for enterococcus density shall not exceed 104 per 100 mL.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Cowell's Beach @ the Stairs, Cowell Beach West of the Wharf]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/3/2007-8/23/2010.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

Water Board staff assessed Beach Watch Program data that is collected by each County's Environmental Health Department. There is no QA Project Plan but instead each County follows their own Quality Assurance Procedures

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72877, Enterococcus	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

56114

Pollutant:

Enterococcus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

348

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Twenty-three of the 348 geomeans exceeded the enterococcus objective.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the geometric mean for Enterococcus shall not exceed 35 MPN/100 mL.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at stations Cowell's Beach at the Stairs and Cowell Beach West of the Wharf.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected approximately once a week from January 2007 to August 2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The samples were collected for the Beach Watch program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72877, Enterococcus	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

19527

Pollutant:

Enterococcus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

111

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 111 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the single sample maximum for Enterococcus shall not exceed 104 MPN/100 mL.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Cowell's Beach @ the Stairs)

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/8/2004 - 12/26/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA information not available

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	80070	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

Pollutant:	Escherichia coli (E. coli)
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:	No new data were assessed. This decision has not changed from the 2010 listing cycle. This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.2 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. 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 using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. When compared to the Ocean Plan Objectives for Water Contact Recreation, 0 of 14 samples exceeded the single sample maximum Objective, 1 of 4 geomean assessments exceeded the geomean Objective (Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria, USEPA, 1986). 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. One of 4 samples exceeded the geometric mean standard for E. coli (LOEs 19503 and 19528) and 0 of 14 samples exceeded the single sample maximum for E. Coli (LOEs 19504 and 19529) for the water contact recreation water quality standard 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. No new data were assessed for the 2014 listing cycle. This decision has not changed from the 2010 listing cycle.

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 80070, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

19504

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 data for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

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

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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 Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Cowell Beach West of the Wharf)

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/8/2004 - 12/26/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA information not available

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 80070, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

19529

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:

Data Reference:

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

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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 Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Cowell's Beach @ the Stairs)

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/8/2004 - 12/26/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA information not available

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 80070, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

19528

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 data for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

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

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Steady State Geometric Mean Indicator Density is 126 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 Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Cowell's Beach @ the Stairs)

Temporal Representation:

Two samples were collected at this site on the following dates: 3/8/2004 and 12/26/2006. These data were submitted as part of the AB411 project.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA information not available

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 80070, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

19503

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 data for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

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

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Steady State Geometric Mean Indicator Density is 126 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 Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Cowell Beach West of the Wharf)

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/8/2004 - 12/26/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA information not available

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	72558	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

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 placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.2 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections, 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. Seventy one of 296 samples exceeded the geometric mean standard for fecal coliform (LOEs 19480, 19505, and 56007) and 54 of 590 samples exceeded the single sample maximum for fecal coliform (LOEs 19500, 19506, and 56445) for the water contact recreation water quality standard (Water Quality Control Plan: Ocean Waters of California, SWRCB, 2005). 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. However, achievement of Water Quality Standards is likely by the next listing cycle due to installation of avian exclusion structures on the Santa Cruz Wharf, adjacent to this beach. The creating and avian roosting exclusion zone at the Wharf installation project was completed in August of 2016. Data collected from the beach between September and November 2016 generally show low levels of indicator bacteria. 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. Seventy one of 296 samples exceeded the geometric mean standard for fecal coliform (LOEs 19480, 19505, and 56007) 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 72558, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

56007

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

253

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

E. coli data results are assessed using the Ocean Plan objective for fecal coliform. A thirty day, rolling geomean was calculated for all data provided when four or more samples were collected within the 30 day period. 68 of the 253 geomeans exceeded the objective.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The geometric mean standard for fecal coliform states that the fecal coliform density shall not exceed 200 MPN/100 mL. Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters 2006.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at stations Cowell's Beach @ the Stairs and Cowell Beach West of the Wharf.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected approximately once a week from January 2007 to August 2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The samples were collected for the Beach Watch program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72558, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

56115

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

389

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed Beach Watch Program data that is collected by each County's Environmental Health Department. E. coli data results are assessed using the Ocean Plan single sample maximum objective for fecal coliform to determine beneficial use support for the station named Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) and results are as follows: 43 of 389 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) single sample maximum for fecal coliform density shall not exceed 400 per 100ml

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Cowell's Beach @ the Stairs, Cowell Beach West of the Wharf]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/3/2007-8/23/2010.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72558, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

19506

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 data for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 90 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the single sample maximum for fecal coliform shall not exceed 400 MPN/100 mL.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Cowell's Beach @ the Stairs)

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/8/2004 - 12/26/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA information not available

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72558, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

19480

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 data for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 22 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the 30-day geometric mean for fecal coliform shall not exceed 200 MPN/100 mL.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Cowell Beach West of the Wharf)

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/8/2004 - 12/26/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA information not available

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72558, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

19500

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

111

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 10 of 111 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the single sample maximum for fecal coliform shall not exceed 400 MPN/100 mL.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Cowell Beach West of the Wharf)

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/8/2004 - 12/26/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA information not available

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72558, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

19505

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 data for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the 30-day geometric mean for fecal coliform shall not exceed 200 MPN/100 mL.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Cowell's Beach @ the Stairs)

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 3/8/2004 - 12/26/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA information not available

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	75714	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

Pollutant:	Total 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 placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.2 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections, 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. One hundred seventy three of 384 samples exceeded the shellfish harvesting water quality objective (Water Quality Control Plan: Ocean Waters of California, SWRCB, 2009). 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. However, achievement of Water Quality Standards is likely by the next listing cycle due to installation of avian exclusion structures on the Santa Cruz Wharf, adjacent to this beach. The creating and avian roosting exclusion zone at the Wharf installation project was completed in August of 2016. Data collected from the beach between September and November 2016 generally show low levels of indicator bacteria. 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 hundred seventy three of 384 samples exceeded the shellfish harvesting water quality objective 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 75714, Total Coliform	Region 3
Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County)

LOE ID:

56008

Pollutant:

Total Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Shellfish Harvesting

Number of Samples:

384

Number of Exceedances:

173

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed Beach Watch data for Pacific Ocean at Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 173 of 384 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Total.

Data Reference: