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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 5 - Central Valley Region

Water Body Name: Turnback Creek (Tuolumne County)
Water Body ID: CAR5363103020101203154356
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
90675
Region 5     
Turnback Creek (Tuolumne County)
 
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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 45 samples exceed the Criteria/Objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of 45 samples exceed the Criteria/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 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 90675, Temperature, water
Region 5     
Turnback Creek (Tuolumne County)
 
LOE ID: 70794
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 45
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data provided by CSERC (Tuolumne County Stream Team). None of the 45 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for temperature in this water body.
Data Reference: Data for Tuolumne County Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Report, 2007-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. In determining compliance with the water quality objectives for temperature, appropriate averaging periods may be applied provided that beneficial uses will be fully protected (Central Valley Regional Board Basin Plan, Pg. III-8.00, Water Quality Objectives).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
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 (1976)
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected in Turnback at Old Buchanan Mine Rd., Turnback Creek at Tuolumne Rd., and Turnback Creek at Yosemite Rd.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from 11/2007-6/2008 and 1/2009-6/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN TUOLUMNE COUNTY WATER QUALITY PLAN PROJECT Final Version 1.0 Prepared for Tuolumne County By Environmental Science Associates (September 21, 2005)
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
90735
Region 5     
Turnback Creek (Tuolumne County)
 
Pollutant: Trash
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the zero samples exceed the Criteria/Objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of zero samples exceed the Criteria/Objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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 90735, Trash
Region 5     
Turnback Creek (Tuolumne County)
 
LOE ID: 59493
 
Pollutant: Trash
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Nuisance
Matrix: -N/A
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Occurrence of conditions judged to cause impairment
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: On 11/8/05, 12/1/05 and 1/18/06 oil, grease, trash, foam, and a sulfur smell was observed.
Data Reference: Data for Tuolumne County Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Report, 2007-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Region 5 Basin Plan: Water shall not contain floating material in amounts that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Waters shall not contain oils, greases, waxes, or other materials in concentrations that cause nuisance, result in a visible film or coating on the surface of the water or on objects in the water, or otherwise adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Turnback Creek at Box Factory Road Bridge.
Temporal Representation: On 11/8/05, 12/1/05 and 1/18/06.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Tuolumne County Water Quality Plan Project QAPP, dated Sept. 2005 was provided.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Tuolumne County Water Quality Project, versioin 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 90735, Trash
Region 5     
Turnback Creek (Tuolumne County)
 
LOE ID: 59485
 
Pollutant: Trash
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Nuisance
Matrix: -N/A
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Occurrence of conditions judged to cause impairment
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: During multiple dates in 2007, 2008, and 2009, the Tuolumne County Stream Team observed trash, foam, and suds. It is noted that during 2009, large deposits of trash were observed.
Data Reference: Data for Tuolumne County Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Report, 2007-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Region 5 Basin Plan: Water shall not contain floating material in amounts that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Waters shall not contain oils, greases, waxes, or other materials in concentrations that cause nuisance, result in a visible film or coating on the surface of the water or on objects in the water, or otherwise adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Turnback Creek at Old Buchanan Mine Road, Turnback Creek at Tuolumne Road, and Turnback Creek at Yosemite Road.
Temporal Representation: Numerous dates in 2007, 2008, and 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Tuolumne County Water Quality Plan Project QAPP, dated Sept. 2005 was provided.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Tuolumne County Water Quality Project, versioin 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
90674
Region 5     
Turnback Creek (Tuolumne County)
 
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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 38 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline.

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 38 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 90674, pH
Region 5     
Turnback Creek (Tuolumne County)
 
LOE ID: 70793
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 38
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Numeric data generated from 38 minimums and maximums of pH data had no exceedences.
Data Reference: Data for Tuolumne County Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Report, 2007-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH of all inland surface waters shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.5 as a result of waste discharges.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Turnback at Old Buchanan Mine Rd., Turnback Creek at Tuolumne Rd., and Turnback Creek at Yosemite Rd. stations.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected approximately once a month from November 2007 to June 2008 and December 2008 to June 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: NPDES data quality assurance.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
72898
Region 5     
Turnback Creek (Tuolumne County)
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
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 3.2 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. Five of 19 water samples exceed the E. coli evaluation guideline for the water contact recreation beneficial use.

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. Five of 19 water samples exceed the E. coli evaluation guideline for the water contact recreation beneficial use, and this sample size is sufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
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 72898, Indicator Bacteria
Region 5     
Turnback Creek (Tuolumne County)
 
LOE ID: 70791
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Five of the 19 samples exceeded the E. coli objective.
Data Reference: Data for Tuolumne County Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Report, 2007-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The E. coli concentration shall not exceed more than 235/100 ml. USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986.
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at Turnback Creek at Old Buchanan Mine Road, Turnback Creek at Yosemite Rd and Turnback Creek at Tuolumne Road. WBID: CAR5363103020101203154356
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected once a month from November 2008 to June 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: This data was collected under the QAPP for Tuolumne County Water Quality Plan and Water-Quality Monitoring Field Procedures Manual, Tuolumne County Stream Team.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Tuolumne County Water Quality Project, versioin 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
90673
Region 5     
Turnback Creek (Tuolumne County)
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
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 3.2 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. Twenty of 46 water sample measurements exceed the COLD 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 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. Twenty of 46 water sample measurements exceed the COLD 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 90673, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Turnback Creek (Tuolumne County)
 
LOE ID: 70792
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 46
Number of Exceedances: 20
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty of the 46 samples exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: Data for Tuolumne County Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring Report, 2007-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentrations shall not be reduced below the following minimum levels at any time: Waters designated COLD: 7.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following stations: Turnback at Old Buchanan Mine Rd., Turnback Creek at Tuolumne Rd., and Turnback Creek at Yosemite Rd.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected approximately once a month from November 2007 to December 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN TUOLUMNE COUNTY WATER QUALITY PLAN PROJECT Final Version 1.0 Prepared for Tuolumne County By Environmental Science Associates (September 21, 2005)
QAPP Information Reference(s):