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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 1 - North Coast Region

Water Body Name: Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
Water Body ID: CAR1117401120090128173104
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
75333
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Flow Alteration/Regulation/Modification | Nonpoint Source | Removal of Riparian Vegetation
TMDL Name: Middle Fork Eel River
TMDL Project Code: 82
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 12/31/2003
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.

Seven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There is only one sample from the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River (LOE 44115), Rattlesnake Creek, (LOE 101025), Cold Creek (LOE 101026), and Balm of Gilead Creek (LOE 101024) and this sample size is not sufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if the cold freshwater habitat (COLD) beneficial use is being protected, as a minimum of 26 samples is needed for application of Table 4.2.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list. 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) The "Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment" state that water quality standards relating to temperature are not being attained. (4) Pursuant to section 4.11 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75333, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 31507
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The following process is utilized to interpret the narrative temperature objective in the Basin Plan for impairment assessments. Step 1: Determine if temperatures reflect natural conditions. If Yes, then the water body is not considered impaired, if No, then go to Step 2. Step 2: Determine if temperatures adversely affect beneficial uses. If Yes, then the water body is considered impaired, if No , then go to Step 3. Step 3: Determine if temperatures are increased by 5 degrees F. If Yes, then water body is impaired, if No, then water body is not impaired.
Data Reference: Presentation: Interpreting Temperature Standards in the North Coast Region. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): 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. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: EVIDENCE OF ALTERATION OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURE: Water temperatures in the Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs, have been altered and do not reflect natural receiving water temperatures as environmental factors that influence water temperature have been altered by human activities. Anthropogenic factors resulting in altered stream temperatures include grazing and timber harvest which have resulted in the removal of riparian vegetation (USEPA 2003). EVIDENCE OF SALMONID PRESENCE & LIFE CYCLE USE: Steelhead and Chinook are present in the Wilderness & Black Butte HSAs (USEPA 2003). Rearing occurs year round and spawning/ incubation/ emergence occurs from November to April (Busby et al. 1996; Myers et al. 1998). Non-core rearing occurs in the Middle Fork Eel River, while core rearing occurs in tributaries to the Middle Fork Eel.
Guideline Reference: Status Review of Chinook Salmon from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California.
Guideline Reference: Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX
Guideline Reference: Status Review of West Coast Steelhead from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California
 
Spatial Representation: Information pertains to the Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
Temporal Representation: Data are reflective of current conditions in this water body.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Information is considered to be of adequate quality for the Integrated Report process.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75333, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 101026
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed the data for this water body to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Temperature. Data range from 10.8 degrees C.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin, Chapter III, General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states: 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. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: According to Carter (2008) the lethal temperature for spawning, incubation, and emergence life stages are 20 degrees C. The lethal temperatures for adult migration and holding, and juvenile migration and rearing is 24 degrees C. 
Guideline Reference: Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids. Implications for California's North Coast TMDLs. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) Cold Creek ~0.9mi.NE above Snow Basin Creek (111WE1050).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 6/12/2013.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75333, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 46798
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment were approved by the USEPA in December 2003. The USEPA concluded that the mainstem and tributaries in the Middle Fork Eel River (including the Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs) do not meet water quality standards for temperature due non-natural alterations in stream shading. Therefore, current temperatures in the Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs are impaired.
Data Reference: Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): 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. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Information pertains to the Middle Fork Eel River HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs.
Temporal Representation: Data are reflective of current conditions in this water body.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Information is considered to be of adequate quality for the Integrated Report process.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75333, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 101025
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed the data for this water body to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Temperature. Data range from 17.1 degrees C.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin, Chapter III, General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states: 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. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: According to Carter (2008) the lethal temperature for spawning, incubation, and emergence life stages are 20 degrees C. The lethal temperatures for adult migration and holding, and juvenile migration and rearing is 24 degrees C. 
Guideline Reference: Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids. Implications for California's North Coast TMDLs. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) Rattlesnake Creek ~1.3mi above Eel River (111RSCAER).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 8/8/2011.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75333, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 44115
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): 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. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature. 
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per "Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids" (Carter 2008): The lethal temperature evaluation guideline for both steelhead adult migration & holding and juvenile growth & rearing of 24°C applies in this water body May-October. The lethal temperature evaluation guideline for salmonid spawning, egg incubation & fry emergence is 20C and applies November-April. See LOE ID 31507 for more information on natural temperature alterations and salmonid presence and periodicity in this water body.
Guideline Reference: Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids. Implications for California's North Coast TMDLs. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75333, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 46796
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Unknown
Temporal Representation: Unknown
Environmental Conditions: Unknown
QAPP Information: Unknown
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75333, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 101024
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed the data for this water body to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Temperature. Data range from 17.0 degrees C.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin, Chapter III, General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states: 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. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: According to Carter (2008) the lethal temperature for spawning, incubation, and emergence life stages are 20 degrees C. The lethal temperatures for adult migration and holding, and juvenile migration and rearing is 24 degrees C. 
Guideline Reference: Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids. Implications for California's North Coast TMDLs. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) Balm of Gilead Creek ~2mi above Eel R. (111BGCAER).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 6/11/2014.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
103945
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
One out of three samples exceed the objective for the COLD beneficial use(s).

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One out of three samples exceed the objective for the COLD beneficial use 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 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103945, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 109388
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103945, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 104843
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103945, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 112237
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111WE1050)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-06-12 and 2013-06-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103945, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 118288
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111BGCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-06-11 and 2014-06-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
102612
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

One lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 102612, Aluminum
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 109838
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Aluminum.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Aluminum is 0.2 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
79044
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
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 Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Decision name changed from "Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)" to "Ammonia"

"This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the three samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met."
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79044, Ammonia
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 112534
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111WE1050)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-06-12 and 2013-06-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79044, Ammonia
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 109613
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111BGCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-06-11 and 2014-06-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79044, Ammonia
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 34593
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample does not exceed the water USEPA Temperature and pH-Dependent values of the CCC (Chronic Criterion) for Fish Early Life Stages Present for ammonia. The datum is reported as a non-detect limit. The non-detect limit is less than or equal to the water quality standard, the value will be considered as meeting the water quality standard, objective, criterion, or evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia (USEPA 1999): Where salmonids and fish early life stages are present, the 30-day average concentration (criterion continuous concentration or CCC) of total ammonia (as mg N/L) in freshwater are not to be exceeded more than once every three years on average. The CCC values are based on pH, temperature, and the presence of early life stages of fish. The CCC formula is found on p.83 and the table of CCC values are found on p.87.
Guideline Reference: 1999 Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at 111PS0060 (North Fork Middle Fork Eel River).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected on 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79044, Ammonia
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 112763
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA Health Advisory for lifetime exposure to Ammonia as a drinking water level is a concentration of 30 mg/L
Guideline Reference: 2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79044, Ammonia
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 107002
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA Health Advisory for lifetime exposure to Ammonia as a drinking water level is a concentration of 30 mg/L
Guideline Reference: 2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111WE1050)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-06-12 and 2013-06-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79044, Ammonia
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 118354
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA Health Advisory for lifetime exposure to Ammonia as a drinking water level is a concentration of 30 mg/L
Guideline Reference: 2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111BGCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-06-11 and 2014-06-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79044, Ammonia
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 106768
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111WE1050)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-06-12 and 2013-06-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79044, Ammonia
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 109916
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111BGCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-06-11 and 2014-06-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100700
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a signal line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100700, Arsenic
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 116062
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved arsenic criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater for dissolved arsenic is 150 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100700, Arsenic
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 103493
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved arsenic criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater for dissolved arsenic is 150 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100700, Arsenic
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 111624
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for arsenic is 0.010 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
78926
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
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 Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, lines of evidence associating the benthic community effects with water or sediment concentrations of pollutants are necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence for the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River (Middle Fork Eel River HA) for each of ten (10) pollutants is available in the administrative record:
(a) All of the 11 samples for Benthic Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment data met the California Stream Condition Index guideline and the one sample from the previous cycle met the Northern California Index of Biological Integrity. Additionally, this site passed several screening criteria to be considered a reference site and the physical habitat data shows that the habitat at this site is likely intact;
(b) 0 of 1 sample each for temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, specific conductance, chloride, and sulfate did not meet water quality objectives;
(c) 0 of 1 sample each for ammonia-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, and nitrate-nitrogen did not meet water quality objectives.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment in this water body 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 satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy;
(2) The data used satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy;
(3) The sample size for temperature, specific conductance, chloride, sulfate, dissolved oxygen and pH is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met per Table 3.1 of the Policy;
(4) The sample size for ammonia-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, and nitrate-nitrogen is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met per Table 3.2 of the Policy;
(5) The single Benthic-Macro-Invertebrate bioassessment sample met the evaluation guideline, however this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. Additionally, no pollutant could be associated directly with the non-attainment of the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment as sample sizes were all insufficient;
(6) Therefore, this information is insufficient to determine if standards are being met with the confidence and power required by the Policy, since Section 3.9 of the Policy states that the bioassessment data must be associated with exceedances of numerical water quality objectives; and
(7) Pursuant to section 3.11 of the 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 78926, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 32172
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The one sample collected had an IBI score above 52. The IBI score was 71.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) is a multi-metric assessment that employs biological metrics that respond to a habitat or water quality impairment. Each of the biological metrics measured at a site are converted to an IBI score then summed. These cumulative scores are then ranked. For the Northern California IBI, sites with scores below 52 are considered to have impaired conditions.
Guideline Reference: Development of a Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) for Wadeable Streams in Northern Coastal California and its Application to Regional 305(b) Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected in the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River station code 111PS0060.
Temporal Representation: The samples was collected on October 7, 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sample was collected for the SWAMP Perennial Streams Assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78926, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 96393
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The site had a CSCI score(s) of 1.254663, 1.212189, 1.201548, 1.026478, 1.015829, 0.987184, 0.923031261, 0.856850802, 1.031357698 & 1.144101049. These scores indicate that this site is supporting the aquatic life beneficial use and that the water quality objective has been met. Additionally, this water body passed several screening criteria and was identified as a reference water body for the purposes of developing the CSCI. Reference sites where human disturbance is absent or minimal are used to set benchmark expectations for healthy streams. A large set of nearly 600 reference sites representing the broad diversity of natural stream types found across California was used to develop the CSCI.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological scoring tool that helps aquatic resource managers translate complex data about benthic macroinvertebrates found living in a stream into an overall measure of stream health. The CSCI score is calculated by comparing the expected condition with actual (observed) results (Rhen, A.C. et al., 2015). CSCI scores range from 0 (highly degraded) to greater than 1 (equivalent to reference). CSCI scoring of biological condition are as follows (per the scientific paper supporting the development of the CSCI scoring tool): greater than or equal to 0.92 = likely intact condition, 0.91 to 0.80 = possibly altered condition, 0.79 to 0.63 = likely altered condition, less than or equal to 0.62 = very likely altered condition. Sites with scores below 0.79 are considered to have exceeded the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.
Guideline Reference: Bioassessment in complex environments: designing an index for consistent meaning in different settings
 
Spatial Representation: These samples were collected at the following stations:
111BGCAER
111WE1050
111PS0144
111BBRBCC
111RSCAER
Temporal Representation: These samples were collected on:
9/14/2000
6/25/2002
9/23/2009
10/6/2009
8/18/2010
8/8/2011
6/12/2013
6/11/2014
7/8/2015
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data collected following SWAMP QA protocols. QAPP for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78926, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 44109
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for chloride is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR Title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78926, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 132724
 
Pollutant: Habitat Assessment (Streams)
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: -N/A
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: HABITAT ASSESSMENT
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The site had a IPI scores of:
1.1
0.97
0.97

These scores indicate that the habitat at this site is likely intact.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: Physical characteristics of a site vary due to both natural factors and human disturbance. Statistical models based on a large statewide reference data set can help distinguish natural variability from anthropogenic stress. These models work across the diverse stream types found in California. The Index of Physical Habitat Integrity (IPI) is a multimetric Index developed based on these models to characterize physical habitat condition for streams in California. Index scores near 1 indicate physical habitat conditions similar to reference, whereas lower scores indicate degradation. For the purposes of making statewide assessments, three thresholds (analogous to those used for the CSCI) were established based on the 30th; 10th; and 1st percentiles of IPI scores at reference sites. These three thresholds divide the IPI scoring range into 4 categories of physical condition as follows: greater than or equal to 0.94 = likely intact condition; 0.93 to 0.84 = possibly altered condition; 0.83 to 0.71 = likely altered condition; less than or equal to 0.70 = very likely altered condition. Scores of 0.83 or lower indicate that the physical habitat has been altered and low CSCI scores from this site may be due to impacts to the physical habitat.
Guideline Reference: An Index to Measure the Quality of Physical Habitat in California Wadeable Streams
 
Spatial Representation: These samples were collected at the following stations:
111BGCAER
111WE1050
Temporal Representation: These samples were collected on:
6/11/2014
7/8/2015
6/12/2013
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data collected following SWAMP QA protocols. QAPP for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78926, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 43965
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for nitrate+nitrite (sum as nitrogen) is 10.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78926, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 33917
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample collected did not exceed the objective.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): The pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample was collected from the North Fork Middle Fork Eel River station (111PS0060).
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected in October 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78926, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 34593
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample does not exceed the water USEPA Temperature and pH-Dependent values of the CCC (Chronic Criterion) for Fish Early Life Stages Present for ammonia. The datum is reported as a non-detect limit. The non-detect limit is less than or equal to the water quality standard, the value will be considered as meeting the water quality standard, objective, criterion, or evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia (USEPA 1999): Where salmonids and fish early life stages are present, the 30-day average concentration (criterion continuous concentration or CCC) of total ammonia (as mg N/L) in freshwater are not to be exceeded more than once every three years on average. The CCC values are based on pH, temperature, and the presence of early life stages of fish. The CCC formula is found on p.83 and the table of CCC values are found on p.87.
Guideline Reference: 1999 Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at 111PS0060 (North Fork Middle Fork Eel River).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected on 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78926, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 33877
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample collected did not exceed the SPWN objective.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed, shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L for waters designated as SPWN.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample was collected from the North Fork Middle Fork Eel River station (111PS0060).
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected in October 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78926, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 44466
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Specific Conductivity.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Specific Conductance is 900 uS/cm.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR Title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78926, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 44053
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Sulfate.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for sulfate is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR Title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78926, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 44115
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): 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. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature. 
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per "Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids" (Carter 2008): The lethal temperature evaluation guideline for both steelhead adult migration & holding and juvenile growth & rearing of 24°C applies in this water body May-October. The lethal temperature evaluation guideline for salmonid spawning, egg incubation & fry emergence is 20C and applies November-April. See LOE ID 31507 for more information on natural temperature alterations and salmonid presence and periodicity in this water body.
Guideline Reference: Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids. Implications for California's North Coast TMDLs. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78926, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 44007
 
Pollutant: Nitrite as Nitrite NO2
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for Nitrite as N is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
101166
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101166, Cadmium
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 111924
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101166, Cadmium
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 111935
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for cadmium 0.005 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101166, Cadmium
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 106856
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
79960
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Chloride
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 Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.2, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Four lines of evidence are available to assess protection of the municipal and domestic supply (MUN) beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category (i.e., sufficient justification to not 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 1 sample from the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River, 0 of 1 sample from the Middle Fork Eel River, 0 of 1 samples from Rattlesnake Creek, and 0 of 1 sample from Balm of Gilead Creek exceed the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (1) 26 samples, or (2) greater than or equal to 5 exceedances of the objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79960, Chloride
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 106879
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Chloride.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-B for chloride is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER), Rattlesnake Creek above the Eel River.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79960, Chloride
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 44109
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for chloride is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR Title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79960, Chloride
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 101594
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Chloride.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-B for chloride is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111BGCAER), Balm of Gilead Creek above the Eel River.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-06-11 and 2014-06-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79960, Chloride
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 111969
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Chloride.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-B for chloride is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111WE1050), Eel River above Wesley Ives Creek.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-06-12 and 2013-06-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100742
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Chromium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100742, Chromium
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 108966
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Chromium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100742, Chromium
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 101627
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Chromium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100742, Chromium
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 119758
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Chromium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for chromium 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100683
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Copper
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of one samples exceeded the objective for the COLD, WARM, and MUN beneficial uses and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.4.
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100683, Copper
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 104014
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Copper.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100683, Copper
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 106718
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Copper.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100683, Copper
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 107938
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Copper.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A copper is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
104920
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Lead
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: "This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the one samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met."
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104920, Lead
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 108038
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Lead.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104920, Lead
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 113855
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Lead.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of values listed in Table 3-2 of the Basin Plan. The value for lead is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104920, Lead
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 118712
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Lead.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
105205
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Manganese
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: "This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

One lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the one samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met."
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105205, Manganese
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 118605
 
Pollutant: Manganese
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Manganese.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Manganese is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100678
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Mercury
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
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 3.11 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.11 a one line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the one sample exceed the objective for COLD, COMM, MUN.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of one sample exceeded the objectives (COLD, COMM, MUN) and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.11.
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100678, Mercury
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 116411
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Mercury.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. The established numeric criteria for mercury to protect of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.050 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100678, Mercury
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 104080
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Mercury.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentrations (4-day average concentrations) for freshwater aquatic organisms exposure to total mercury is 0.77 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100678, Mercury
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 115206
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Mercury.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. The established numeric criteria for mercury to protect of human health from the consumption of organisms only is 0.051 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100705
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Nickel
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of one sample exceeds the objective for the COLD, WARM, COM and MUN beneficial uses and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100705, Nickel
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 104736
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nickel.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for nickel is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100705, Nickel
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 116466
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nickel.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. The established numeric criteria for Nickel to protect human health from consumption of organisms only is 4600 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100705, Nickel
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 113911
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nickel.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100705, Nickel
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 107794
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nickel.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
79135
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
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 Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Decision name changed from "Nitrite as Nitrite NO2" to "Nitrogen, Nitrate"

"This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the two samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met."
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79135, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 116907
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (NO3 as N) incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79135, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 44007
 
Pollutant: Nitrite as Nitrite NO2
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for Nitrite as N is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79135, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 116582
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111BGCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-06-11 and 2014-06-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79135, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 103426
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111WE1050)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-06-12 and 2013-06-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79135, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 106957
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for Nitrite as N is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79135, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 109713
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
78522
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. Four lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

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 (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) Zero of one sample from the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River , Rattlesnake Creek, Cold Creek, and Balm of Gilead Creek exceed the objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (A) 26 samples, or (B) greater than or equal to 5 exceedances of the objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78522, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 101335
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: If DO concentrations fall below the numeric objectives set forth by the Basin Plan (2018). If NO, then the waterbody is supporting that beneficial use, if YES, then that waterbody is considered impaired.
Data Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations shall conform to the numeric objectives expressed in section 3.3.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: EVIDENCE OF SALMONID PRESENCE & LIFE CYCLE USE: Steelhead and Chinook are present in the Wilderness & Black Butte HSAs (USEPA 2003). Rearing occurs year round and spawning/ incubation/ emergence occurs from November to April (Busby et al. 1996; Myers et al. 1998). Non-core rearing occurs in the Middle Fork Eel River, while core rearing occurs in tributaries to the Middle Fork Eel.
Guideline Reference: Status Review of West Coast Steelhead from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California
Guideline Reference: Status Review of Chinook Salmon from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California.
 
Spatial Representation: Information pertains to the Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
Temporal Representation: Data are reflective of current conditions in this water body.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Information is considered to be of adequate quality for the Integrated Report process.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78522, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 101055
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed the data for this water body to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for dissolved oxygen. Data range from 8.8 mg/L.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin, Chapter III, General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states: Dissolved oxygen concentrations shall conform to those limits listed in Section 3.3.5. Section 3.3.5 lists dissolved oxygen concentration limits for COLD beneficial use waters to be a daily minimum of 6.0 mg/L and a 7-day moving average of 8.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) Cold Creek ~0.9mi.NE above Snow Basin Creek (111WE1050).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 6/12/2013.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78522, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 33877
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample collected did not exceed the SPWN objective.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed, shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L for waters designated as SPWN.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample was collected from the North Fork Middle Fork Eel River station (111PS0060).
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected in October 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78522, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 101054
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed the data for this water body to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for dissolved oxygen. Data range from 8.3 mg/L.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin, Chapter III, General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states: Dissolved oxygen concentrations shall conform to those limits listed in Section 3.3.5. Section 3.3.5 lists dissolved oxygen concentration limits for COLD beneficial use waters to be a daily minimum of 6.0 mg/L and a 7-day moving average of 8.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) Rattlesnake Creek ~1.3mi above Eel River (111RSCAER).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 8/8/2011.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78522, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 101053
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed the data for this water body to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for dissolved oxygen. Data range from 7.6 mg/L.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin, Chapter III, General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states: Dissolved oxygen concentrations shall conform to those limits listed in Section 3.3.5. Section 3.3.5 lists dissolved oxygen concentration limits for COLD beneficial use waters to be a daily minimum of 6.0 mg/L and a 7-day moving average of 8.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) Balm of Gilead Creek ~2mi above Eel R. (111BGCAER).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 6/11/2014.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
104921
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Selenium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: "This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the one samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met."
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104921, Selenium
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 116940
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Selenium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for selenium is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104921, Selenium
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 108120
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Selenium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. The established numeric selenium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100699
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Silver
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of 1 samples exceeded the objective for COLD, WARM, and MUN and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100699, Silver
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 111405
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Silver.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100699, Silver
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 112774
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Silver.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100699, Silver
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 109202
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Silver.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for silver is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
78867
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
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 Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

None of the samples exceed the objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the three samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78867, Sulfates
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 106779
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Sulfate.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-B for sulfate is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111WE1050)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-06-12 and 2013-06-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78867, Sulfates
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 44053
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Sulfate.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for sulfate is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR Title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78867, Sulfates
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 109668
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Sulfate.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-B for sulfate is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111BGCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-06-11 and 2014-06-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78867, Sulfates
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 106812
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Sulfate.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-B for sulfate is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100673
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Zinc
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of one sample exceeds the objective for the COLD, WARM, and MUN beneficial uses and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1. 4. Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100673, Zinc
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 110733
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Zinc.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100673, Zinc
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 113651
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Zinc.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Zinc is 5 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100673, Zinc
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 112885
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Zinc.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (111RSCAER)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-08 and 2011-08-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
76369
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Sediment
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
TMDL Name: Middle Fork Eel River
TMDL Project Code: 82
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 12/31/2003
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Regional Water Board Conclusion:

This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) List in a previous Integrated Report cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current Integrated Report cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

The entire Middle Fork Eel River Watershed was listed as sediment-impaired in 1994. The USEPA approved the "Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment" in December 2003. For the 2008 303(d) List, the watershed was divided into an upper and lower section. The upper section includes the Wilderness HSA and the Black Butte River HSA. The lower section includes the Eden Valley HSA and the Round Valley HSA. This division was made in order to consider sediment data specific to individual HSAs.

Sediment in the Wilderness HSA and the Black Butte River HSA of the Middle Fork Eel River Watershed is being considered for removal from the Section 303(d) List under Section 4.11 of the Listing Policy. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

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 Section 303(d) List (i.e., sufficient justification to delist). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

(1) The Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Sediment and Temperature found that sediment TMDLs are equal to existing conditions in the Wilderness and Black Butte River HSAs, and load allocations are being achieved. The TMDLs are the estimate of the total amount of sediment that can be delivered to streams in the Middle Fork Eel River Watershed without exceeding applicable water quality standards. Therefore, the weight of evidence demonstrates that sediment-related water quality objectives are attained.

(2) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

(3) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

(4) Pursuant to Section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not attained.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76369, Sediment
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 26729
 
Pollutant: Sediment
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: -N/A
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Unknown | Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Sediment analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Per the Middle Fork Eel River TMDLs for Sediment and Temperature (USEPA 2003), existing sediment loads within the Wilderness Hydrologic Subarea (HSA) and the Black Butte River HSA are equal to the TMDL, and load allocations are being achieved in these watersheds. Specifically, the existing sediment load of the Wilderness HSA is 420 tons/sq. mi/yr, which is the TMDL for the watershed. The existing sediment load of the Black Butte River HSA is 740 tons/sq. mi/yr, which is the TMDL for the watershed.

These estimates are based on the TMDL¿s sediment source analysis which combined information from (1) a landslide assessment based on aerial photograph analysis with some field-based quality control, and (2) a small sediment source survey primarily based on field assessments and rate estimates developed from other studies.
Data Reference: Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (North Coast RWQCB 2007): The suspended sediment load and suspended sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per the Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Sediment and Temperature (USEPA 2003): The sediment TMDL is set equal to the loading capacity of the Middle Fork Eel River. It is the estimate of the total amount of sediment, from both natural and human-caused sources, that can be delivered to streams in the Middle Fork Eel River Watershed without exceeding applicable water quality standards. In the Upper Middle Fork Eel River Watershed (also known as the Wilderness Hydrologic Subarea), the TMDL is set at the existing load of 420 tons/sq. mi/yr. In the Black Butte River Watershed (also known as the Black Butte River Hyrdologic Subarea), the TMDL is set at the existing load of 740 tons/sq. mi/yr.
Guideline Reference: Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX
 
Spatial Representation: The landslide assessment studied the entire Middle Fork Eel River Watershed. The small sediment source analysis was initially conducted on USFS lands only, then expanded to private lands in round Valley, Elk Creek, and the Williams/Thatcher watersheds.
Temporal Representation: The landslide assessment utilized aerial photographs taken in 1952, 1969, 1979, 1981, 1993, and 1998. The small sediment source analysis was conducted in 2003.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: The sediment source analysis used to estimate sediment delivery in the Middle Fork Eel River Watershed is found in the TMDL (USEPA 2003).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76369, Sediment
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 26725
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006..
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
78968
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
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 Section 303(d) List under Section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.1, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River (LOE 43965).

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 (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) Zero of one sample from the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River exceeds the water quality objective, however this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (a) 16 samples, or (b) greater than or equal to 2 exceedances of the objective with less than 16 samples is needed for application of Table 3.1. (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
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 78968, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 43965
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for nitrate+nitrite (sum as nitrogen) is 10.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
79045
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This is a carryover decision. No new data were evaluated in the 2018 Integrated Report cycle. The previous decision is as follows:

This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

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 (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) Zero of one sample exceeds the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (A) 26 samples, or (B) greater than or equal 5 exceedances of the MUN objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of 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: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79045, Specific Conductivity
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 44466
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Specific Conductivity.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Specific Conductance is 900 uS/cm.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR Title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
79348
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
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: Regional Board Conclusion:

The pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a minimum of one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

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) Zero of one sample from the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River (LOE 33917) exceed the objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (A) 26 samples, or (B) greater than or equal 5 exceedances of the objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of 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: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79348, pH
Region 1     
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
 
LOE ID: 33917
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample collected did not exceed the objective.
Data Reference: Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): The pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample was collected from the North Fork Middle Fork Eel River station (111PS0060).
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected in October 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan