Draft California 2020 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
Water Body ID: CAC3041301420070614104240
Water Body Type: Coastal & Bay Shoreline
 
DECISION ID
129313
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; original basis for listing was incorrect
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2027
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Nineteen of the 225 AB411 SSM samples and 3 of 9 SSM samples exceeded the REC-1 fecal coliform water quality objective. There was an insufficient number of 2020 data, so historical data was included in this decision.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Nineteen of the 225 AB411 SSM samples exceeded the REC-1 fecal coliform water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

The Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters (“Ocean Plan”) contains two bacteria water quality objectives applicable to the REC-1 beneficial use: a fecal coliform water quality objective and an enterococci water quality objective. This waterbody is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.3 of the Listing Policy, as applicable, using the fecal coliform objective.

For fecal coliform data, Listing Policy sections 3.3 and 4.3 instructs to use the binomial distribution table in sections 3.2 and 4.2, as applicable. To use the binomial table that uses a four percent exceedance frequency, the data must be collected from coastal beaches from April 1 through October 31 only (AB411 data).
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because the original basis for listing was flawed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation: The Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters (“Ocean Plan”) contains two bacteria water quality objectives applicable to the REC-1 beneficial use: a fecal coliform water quality objective and an enterococci water quality objective. This waterbody is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.3 of the Listing Policy, as applicable, using the fecal coliform objective.

For fecal coliform data, Listing Policy sections 3.3 and 4.3 instructs to use the binomial distribution table in sections 3.2 and 4.2, as applicable. To use the binomial table that uses a four percent exceedance frequency, the data must be collected from coastal beaches from April 1 through October 31 only (AB411 data).
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129313, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 19299
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Capitola Beach west of Jetty)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2005 - 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 129313, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 3446
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 415
Number of Exceedances: 86
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Available data indicate sufficient exceedances of bacterial indicator objectives. There were 78 out of 556 samples that single sample maximum for enterococci, 86 out of 415 exceedances of the geomean for enterococci, and 55 out of 422 exceedances of the geomean for fecal coliform. Also, the fecal coliform single sample maximum objectives had high exceedences (51 out of 558) (USEPA, 2007).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Title 17 C.C.R. Section 7958 states: Based on a single sample, the density of bacteria in water from each sampling station at a public beach or public water contact sports area shall not exceed:
(A) 1,000 total coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters, if the ratio of fecal/total coliform bacteria exceeds 0.1; or
(B) 10,000 total coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters; or
(C) 400 fecal coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters; or
(D) 104 enterococcus bacteria per 100 milliliters.

Based on the mean of the logarithms of the results of at least five weekly samples during any 30-day sampling period, the density of bacteria in water from any sampling station at a public beach or public water contact sports area, shall not exceed:
(A) 1,000 total coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters; or
(B) 200 fecal coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters; or
(C) 35 enterococcus bacteria per 100 milliliters. (DHS, 1999)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Three Stations: SCC170 (east of Capitola Pier), SCC190 (east of the jetty), and SCC180 (west of the Jetty).
Temporal Representation: 04/03/2000-10/31/2005
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data record: 2000-2005, Santa Cruz County Health Dept.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129313, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 218035
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 3 of the 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Coliform, Fecal. The water quality threshold is based on a Single Sample Maximum (SSM) value that is calculated daily.
Data Reference: Data file of Region 3 Beachwatch Data. Includes data from all coastal counties in Region 3 including: , Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, and San Mateo counties.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2019) states that the Single Sample Maximum fecal coliform density not exceed 400 per 100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: SWRCB. 2005. Water Quality Control Plan, Ocean Waters of California (Ocean Plan). California Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board. February 2, 2019
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): O240
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2018-03-26 and 2018-07-30 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for 2020 Santa Cruz County Beachwatch data.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for 2020 Santa Cruz County Beachwatch data.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129313, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 218116
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Coliform, Fecal. The water quality threshold is based on a Single Sample Maximum (SSM) value that is calculated daily.
Data Reference: Data file of Region 3 Beachwatch Data. Includes data from all coastal counties in Region 3 including: , Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, and San Mateo counties.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2019) states that the Single Sample Maximum fecal coliform density not exceed 400 per 100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: SWRCB. 2005. Water Quality Control Plan, Ocean Waters of California (Ocean Plan). California Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board. February 2, 2019
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): O235
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2018-03-26 and 2018-07-30 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for 2020 Santa Cruz County Beachwatch data.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for 2020 Santa Cruz County Beachwatch data.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129313, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 19272
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 108
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 108 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Capitola Beach east of Jetty)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2005 - 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 129313, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 19304
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Soquel Creek mouth)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/15/2004 - 4/19/2004. 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 129313, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 19300
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 116
Number of Exceedances: 14
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 14 of 116 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Capitola Beach west of Jetty)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2005 - 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 129313, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 19271
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 23
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 23 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Capitola Beach east of Jetty)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2005 - 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
129312
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown | Natural Sources | Other Urban Runoff | Recreational and Tourism Activities (non-boating)
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2027
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters (“Ocean Plan”) contains two bacteria water quality objectives applicable to the REC-1 beneficial use: a fecal coliform water quality objective and an enterococci water quality objective.

This waterbody is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.3 of the Listing Policy using the enterococci objective.

A total of 13 lines of evidence of enterococci data were evaluated for this waterbody. Of these lines of evidence, 9 are based on historic enterococci data collected prior to 2010. Four lines of evidence are based on recent enterococci data, collected since 2010, and compared to the enterococci bacteria water quality objectives.

In accordance with section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy, to be evaluated to develop the list, the data should be representative of the critical timing that the pollutant is expected to impact the waterbody. Indicator bacteria (total coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli, enterococci) populations may fluctuate substantially on a daily, seasonal, or yearly basis. Lacking constant inputs, they do not persist in the environment for a long period and effects are of relatively short duration. As a result, the historic levels of indicator bacteria in the waterbody may be a poor indicator of current risks to human health, particularly when more recent data is available to sufficiently assess the water quality standard. Unrepresentative data will likely result in incorrectly placing or not placing a water body segment on the CWA section 303(d) List. This could result in the unnecessary expenditure of public resources or missing a problem completely. The 9 historic lines of evidence were evaluated pursuant to these considerations and were not used to assess water quality standards attainment because they do not meet the temporal representation requirements of section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy.

The recent data were collected during 2010-2019. There are adequate recent data to determine beneficial use support in accordance with the Listing Policy. The recent data are representative of existing conditions in the waterbody and represent a range of hydrologic conditions (both wet and dry years).

With respect to the recent lines of evidence, 346 of 845 geometric means for enterococci calculated from 2010-2019 exceed the enterococci objective. For these data, Listing Policy section 4.3 instructs to use the binomial distribution table in section 4.2. Using the applicable exceedance frequency, the number of exceedances is not sufficient to remove this waterbody from the list.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is not sufficient justification to delist this waterbody from the 303(d) list.

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

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 removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129312, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 218138
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 106
Number of Exceedances: 59
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 59 of the 106 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for Enterococcus. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Data file of Region 3 Beachwatch Data. Includes data from all coastal counties in Region 3 including: , Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, and San Mateo counties.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2019) states that the bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial for all ocean waters for Enterococci is a statistical value threshold (STV) of 110 cfu/100 mL. The STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month, calculated in a static manner.
Objective/Criterion Reference: SWRCB. 2005. Water Quality Control Plan, Ocean Waters of California (Ocean Plan). California Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board. February 2, 2019
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): O240
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-09-09 and 2019-06-11 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for 2020 Santa Cruz County Beachwatch data.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for 2020 Santa Cruz County Beachwatch data.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129312, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 3446
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 415
Number of Exceedances: 86
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Available data indicate sufficient exceedances of bacterial indicator objectives. There were 78 out of 556 samples that single sample maximum for enterococci, 86 out of 415 exceedances of the geomean for enterococci, and 55 out of 422 exceedances of the geomean for fecal coliform. Also, the fecal coliform single sample maximum objectives had high exceedences (51 out of 558) (USEPA, 2007).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Title 17 C.C.R. Section 7958 states: Based on a single sample, the density of bacteria in water from each sampling station at a public beach or public water contact sports area shall not exceed:
(A) 1,000 total coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters, if the ratio of fecal/total coliform bacteria exceeds 0.1; or
(B) 10,000 total coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters; or
(C) 400 fecal coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters; or
(D) 104 enterococcus bacteria per 100 milliliters.

Based on the mean of the logarithms of the results of at least five weekly samples during any 30-day sampling period, the density of bacteria in water from any sampling station at a public beach or public water contact sports area, shall not exceed:
(A) 1,000 total coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters; or
(B) 200 fecal coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters; or
(C) 35 enterococcus bacteria per 100 milliliters. (DHS, 1999)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Three Stations: SCC170 (east of Capitola Pier), SCC190 (east of the jetty), and SCC180 (west of the Jetty).
Temporal Representation: 04/03/2000-10/31/2005
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data record: 2000-2005, Santa Cruz County Health Dept.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129312, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 56062
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 329
Number of Exceedances: 55
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Fifty-five of the 329 geomeans exceeded the enterococcus objective.
Data Reference: Data for Region 3 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The geometric mean for enterococcus shall not exceed 35 MPN/100 mL. Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters 2006.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at Capitola Beach west of Jetty and Capitola Beach east of Jetty.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected approximately once a week from January 2007 to June 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected for the Beach Watch progam in Monterey County.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129312, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 19305
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Soquel Creek mouth)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/15/2004 - 4/19/2004. 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 129312, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 19306
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Soquel Creek mouth)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/15/2004 - 4/19/2004. 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 129312, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 56061
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 362
Number of Exceedances: 47
 
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 Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 47 of 362 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: Data for Region 3 Beach Watch.
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Capitola Beach west of Jetty, Capitola Beach east of Jetty]
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 129312, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 19273
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Capitola Beach east of Jetty)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2005 - 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 129312, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 19302
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 130
Number of Exceedances: 17
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 17 of 130 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Capitola Beach west of Jetty)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2005 - 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 129312, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 19274
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 123
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 123 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Capitola Beach east of Jetty)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2005 - 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 129312, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 218034
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 425
Number of Exceedances: 251
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 251 of the 425 samples exceeded the geomean water quality threshold for Enterococcus. This is a six week rolling geomean that is calculated weekly.
Data Reference: Data file of Region 3 Beachwatch Data. Includes data from all coastal counties in Region 3 including: , Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, and San Mateo counties.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2019) states that the bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial for all ocean waters for Enterococci is a geometric mean (GM) of 30 cfu/100 mL. The waterbody GM shall not be greater that the GM magnitude in any six-week interval, calculated weekly.
Objective/Criterion Reference: SWRCB. 2005. Water Quality Control Plan, Ocean Waters of California (Ocean Plan). California Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board. February 2, 2019
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): O240
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-09-09 and 2019-06-11 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for 2020 Santa Cruz County Beachwatch data.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for 2020 Santa Cruz County Beachwatch data.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129312, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 19301
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (Capitola Beach west of Jetty)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2005 - 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 129312, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 218045
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 420
Number of Exceedances: 95
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 95 of the 420 samples exceeded the geomean water quality threshold for Enterococcus. This is a six week rolling geomean that is calculated weekly.
Data Reference: Data file of Region 3 Beachwatch Data. Includes data from all coastal counties in Region 3 including: , Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, and San Mateo counties.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2019) states that the bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial for all ocean waters for Enterococci is a geometric mean (GM) of 30 cfu/100 mL. The waterbody GM shall not be greater that the GM magnitude in any six-week interval, calculated weekly.
Objective/Criterion Reference: SWRCB. 2005. Water Quality Control Plan, Ocean Waters of California (Ocean Plan). California Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board. February 2, 2019
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): O235
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-09-09 and 2019-06-11 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for 2020 Santa Cruz County Beachwatch data.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for 2020 Santa Cruz County Beachwatch data.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129312, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 218126
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 106
Number of Exceedances: 37
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 37 of the 106 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for Enterococcus. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Data file of Region 3 Beachwatch Data. Includes data from all coastal counties in Region 3 including: , Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, and San Mateo counties.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2019) states that the bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial for all ocean waters for Enterococci is a statistical value threshold (STV) of 110 cfu/100 mL. The STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month, calculated in a static manner.
Objective/Criterion Reference: SWRCB. 2005. Water Quality Control Plan, Ocean Waters of California (Ocean Plan). California Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board. February 2, 2019
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): O235
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-09-09 and 2019-06-11 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for 2020 Santa Cruz County Beachwatch data.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for 2020 Santa Cruz County Beachwatch data.
 
 
DECISION ID
77527
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola 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.

Thirteen lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One hundred seventy three of 360 samples (LOE 56066) 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.

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 360 samples (LOE 56066) 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 77527, Total Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County)
 
LOE ID: 56066
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 360
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 Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 173 of 360 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Total.
Data Reference: Data for Region 3 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Ocean Plan (2009) states the following: At all areas where shellfish may be harvested for human consumption, the following bacterial objectives shall be maintained throughout the water column: Ten percent of the samples collected during any 30-day period shall not exceed 230 MPN/100mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Capitola Beach west of Jetty, Capitola Beach east of Jetty]
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: The samples were collected for the Beach Watch program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):