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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 5 - Central Valley Region

Water Body Name:	Rock Creek (Nevada County)
Water Body ID:	CAR5173203320110209161055
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	119556	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

Pollutant:	pH
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2027
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. 13 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 35 of the 117 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE for COLD. 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE for MUN. 5 of the 57 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE for REC-2. 5 of the 63 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE for REC-1. 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 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. 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE for MUN. 5 of the 57 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE for REC-2. 35 of the 117 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE for COLD, and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This decision was made by SWRCB staff.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 119556, pH	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

228941

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SYRCL River Monitoring Program data for Rock Creek (Nevada County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 16 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 34)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-06 and 2014-11-15

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 119556, pH	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

229185

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 34)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-06 and 2014-11-15

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 119556, pH	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

229720

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SYRCL River Monitoring Program data for Rock Creek (Nevada County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 40 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 22)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-04-19 and 2018-11-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 119556, pH	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

229286

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 34)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-06 and 2014-11-15

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 119556, pH	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

229516

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 22)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-04-19 and 2018-11-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 119556, pH	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

229422

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 22)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-04-19 and 2018-11-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 119556, pH	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

193072

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed DFW_ABL_Monitoring data for Rock Creek (Nevada County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.

Data Reference:

Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (517FCA222)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-07-10 and 2013-07-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPrP 2008

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 119556, pH	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

193053

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (517FCA222)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-07-10 and 2013-07-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPrP 2008

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 119556, pH	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

193054

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (517FCA222)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-07-10 and 2013-07-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPrP 2008

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 119556, pH	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

59360

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Thirty of the 54 daily averaged samples exceeded the water quality objective for pH in this water body (they were below 6.5).

Data Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants at Placer County Utilities, 2005-2010.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

From the Basin Plan, pH levels should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples collected at sites 22 - Lwr Rock Ck and 34 - Uppr Rock Ck.

Temporal Representation:

Samples collected between 11/13/2001 and 7/10/2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

CITIZEN WATER MONITORING QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN FOR THE YUBA WATERSHED MONITORING COMMITTEE (June 30, 2008)

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 119556, pH	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

69444

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

SWAMP data indicates that 0 of 6 sample results exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

RWB5 Safe to Swim FY0708 FY0809

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence was collected at two monitoring sites [ Rock Creek Below Lake Vera - 516NEV905, Rock Creek Above Lake Vera - 516NEV904]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/27/2008-9/3/2008.

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 119556, pH	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

69443

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

SWAMP data indicates that 0 of 6 sample results exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

RWB5 Safe to Swim FY0708 FY0809

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence was collected at two monitoring sites [ Rock Creek Below Lake Vera - 516NEV905, Rock Creek Above Lake Vera - 516NEV904]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/27/2008-9/3/2008.

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 119556, pH	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

69445

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

SWAMP data indicates that 0 of 6 sample results exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

RWB5 Safe to Swim FY0708 FY0809

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence was collected at two monitoring sites [ Rock Creek Below Lake Vera - 516NEV905, Rock Creek Above Lake Vera - 516NEV904]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/27/2008-9/3/2008.

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	131724	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

Pollutant:	Benthic Community Effects
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:	Benthic Community Effects are being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, additional lines of evidence (LOEs) associating the Benthic Community Effects decision with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants other than benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment or habitat assessment LOEs are necessary to place a water body on the 303(d) List for Benthic Community Effects. Two lines of evidence evaluating benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment data are available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. Zero of two benthic-macroinvertebrate samples exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold. These data indicate that the waterbody is likely unimpaired for Benthic Community Effects and therefore no other pollutant LOEs need be associated with this decision at this time. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Community Effects in this waterbody segment 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 two benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment samples had CSCI scores below 0.79. Therefore, this water body is not exceeding the water quality threshold for the protection of the COLD beneficial use. The available information indicates that the waterbody/pollutant combination should not be placed on the 303(d) List of impaired waters at this time. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 131724, Benthic Community Effects	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

232090

Pollutant:

Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments

LOE Subgroup:

Population/Community Degradation

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed data for 517PS0078 to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the threshold. CSCI scores were from 1.138702323 to 1.138702323.

Data Reference:

California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) Scores for the 2020 Integrated Report for Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Region 5 Basin Plan

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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 (Rehn, 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:

Samples were collected from station 517PS0078.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected from 9/19/2011 to 9/19/2011.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data collected following SWAMP QA protocols.

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 131724, Benthic Community Effects	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

232062

Pollutant:

Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments

LOE Subgroup:

Population/Community Degradation

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed data for 517FCA222 to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the threshold. CSCI scores were from 1.176597164 to 1.176597164.

Data Reference:

California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) Scores for the 2020 Integrated Report for Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Region 5 Basin Plan

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Bioassessment in complex environments: designing an index for consistent meaning in different settings

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected from station 517FCA222.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected from 7/10/2013 to 7/10/2013.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data collected following SWAMP QA protocols.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	119554	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

Pollutant:	Chloride
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:	Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 119554, Chloride	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

187464

Pollutant:

Chloride

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level for chloride incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 250 mg/L

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (517FCA222)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-07-10 and 2013-07-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPrP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	119555	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

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:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 119555, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

192361

Pollutant:

Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 10 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (517FCA222)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-07-10 and 2013-07-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPrP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	129999	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

Pollutant:	Nitrogen, Nitrate
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:	Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.

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 129999, Nitrogen, Nitrate	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

192314

Pollutant:

Nitrogen, Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for Nitrate as N incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 10 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (517FCA222)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-07-10 and 2013-07-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPrP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	130000	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

Pollutant:	Nitrogen, Nitrite
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:	Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.

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 130000, Nitrogen, Nitrite	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

192565

Pollutant:

Nitrogen, Nitrite

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for Nitrite as N incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 1000 ug/L .

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (517FCA222)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-07-10 and 2013-07-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPrP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	129520	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

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)(2018)
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. Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for conventional or other pollutants (Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy). The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This decision was made by SWRCB staff.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129520, Specific Conductivity	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

229975

Pollutant:

Specific Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SYRCL River Monitoring Program data for Rock Creek (Nevada County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 17 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin for specific conductance is 900 uS/cm.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 34)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2014-11-15

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129520, Specific Conductivity	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

229973

Pollutant:

Specific Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SYRCL River Monitoring Program data for Rock Creek (Nevada County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 35 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 22)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-04-19 and 2018-11-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129520, Specific Conductivity	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

69432

Pollutant:

Specific Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

SWAMP data indicates that 0 of 6 sample results exceed the criterion for electrical conductivity.

Data Reference:

RWB5 Safe to Swim FY0708 FY0809

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels for electrical conductivity provide a range of values including a recommended level (900 uS/cm), an upper level (1,600 uS/cm) and a short-term level (2,200 uS/cm). The recommended level of 900 uS/cm was used as it is protective of all drinking water uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence was collected at two monitoring sites [ Rock Creek Below Lake Vera - 516NEV905, Rock Creek Above Lake Vera - 516NEV904]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/27/2008-9/3/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAMP (2002) was used for data before Septemper 1, 2008 and SWAMP QAPP (2008) was thereafter.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129520, Specific Conductivity	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

193738

Pollutant:

Specific Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (517FCA222)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-07-10 and 2013-07-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPrP 2008

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 129520, Specific Conductivity	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

59358

Pollutant:

Specific Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 53 daily averaged samples exceeded the water quality objective for electrical conductivity in this water body.

Data Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants at Placer County Utilities, 2005-2010.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The secondary MCLs for electrical conductivity provide a range of values including a recommended level (900 uS/cm), upper level (1600 uS/cm) and a short-term level (2200 uS/cm). The 'recommended' level of 900 uS/cm was used as it is intended to be protective of all drinking water uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR Title 22 section 64449.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples collected at sites 22 - Lwr Rock Ck and 34 - Uppr Rock Ck.

Temporal Representation:

Samples collected between 11/3/2001 and 7/10/2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

CITIZEN WATER MONITORING QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN FOR THE YUBA WATERSHED MONITORING COMMITTEE (June 30, 2008)

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	119557	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

Pollutant:	Sulfates
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:	Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 119557, Sulfates	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

193566

Pollutant:

Sulfates

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level for sulfate incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 250 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (517FCA222)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-07-10 and 2013-07-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPrP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	123451	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

Pollutant:	Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
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. Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Pursuant to section 6.1.5.9 of the Listing Policy, this assessment utilized the upper limit of the optimal temperature range for rainbow trout for growth and completion of most life stages to interpret the narrative water quality objective for temperature. 16 of 153 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for COLD. 13 of 56 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fish Migration and Fish Spawning. However, the available data are insufficient to satisfy the Listing Policy requirements for spatial and temporal representation (sections 6.1.5.2 and 6.1.5.3). The surface water grab samples collected did not provide sufficient temporal and spatial representation to determine if temperature conditions experienced by aquatic life were within the optimal temperature range throughout the entire water column or the length of time temperature conditions may have exceeded the optimal temperature range. Available information for this waterbody-pollutant combination is insufficient to determine whether the aquatic beneficial use is supported. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available for this Integrated Report cycle indicating that standards are not met. However, the exceedances of the evaluation guideline indicate that beneficial uses may be threatened. This decision will be reevaluated in the next Integrated Report cycle as more data and information become available. Additional data and information may include information demonstrating that sample location(s) are representative of conditions throughout the waterbody, data from additional sampling locations, continuous monitoring data collected in the waterbody, waterbody-specific information on sensitive resident species, their life stage time frames, and the appropriate temperature thresholds necessary to support each life stage.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This decision was made by SWRCB staff.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 123451, Temperature, water	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

230780

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Fish Spawning

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SYRCL River Monitoring Program data for Rock Creek (Nevada County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 13 of 40 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

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

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 22)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-04-19 and 2018-11-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 123451, Temperature, water	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

230662

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Fish Spawning

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

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

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 34)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2014-11-15

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 123451, Temperature, water	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

69451

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

SWAMP data indicates that 3 of 6 sample results exceed the evaluation guideline value for Water Temperature.

Data Reference:

RWB5 Safe to Swim FY0708 FY0809

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

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

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California (1976)

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence was collected at two monitoring sites [ Rock Creek Below Lake Vera - 516NEV905, Rock Creek Above Lake Vera - 516NEV904]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/27/2008-9/3/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAMP (2002) was used for data before Septemper 1, 2008 and SWAMP QAPP (2008) was thereafter.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 123451, Temperature, water	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

69452

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 91 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for temperature in this water body (SYRCL, 2010).

Data Reference:

Data in Yuba: metal, 2000-2007 and conventional, 2000-2010.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. In determining compliance with the water quality objectives for temperature, appropriate averaging periods may be applied provided that beneficial uses will be fully protected (Central Valley Regional Board Basin Plan, Pg. III-8.00, Water Quality Objectives).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

The lethal temperature threshold for Steelhead adult migration and holding and juvenile growth and rearing is 24 degrees Celsius. (Carter, 2008).

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:

Samples were collected at the following locations: SYRCL monitoring station 22, Lwr Rock Ck SYRCL monitoring station 34, Uppr Rock Ck

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected monthly from 11/3/2001 to 7/10/2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

CITIZEN WATER MONITORING QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN FOR THE YUBA WATERSHED MONITORING COMMITTEE (June 30, 2008)

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 123451, Temperature, water	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

230661

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

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

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 22)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-04-19 and 2018-11-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 123451, Temperature, water	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

230429

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

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

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 34)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2014-11-15

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee


DECISION ID	123450	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

Pollutant:	Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision:	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)(2018)
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2035
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. Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three lines of evidence are available to assess for Cold Freshwater Habitat (COLD). Two lines of evidence are available to assess for Fish Spawning (SPWN). Sixteen of the 107 samples exceed the objective for COLD. Sixteen of the 56 samples exceed the objective for SPWN. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Sixteen of the 56 samples exceed the objective for SPWN and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 123450, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

208952

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SYRCL River Monitoring Program data for Rock Creek (Nevada County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 16 of 39 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as COLD is 7.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 22)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-04-19 and 2018-11-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 123450, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

208968

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Fish Spawning

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as SPWN is 7.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 34)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2014-11-15

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 123450, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

208945

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Fish Spawning

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as SPWN is 7.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 22)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-04-19 and 2018-11-10

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 123450, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

59359

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 51 daily averaged samples exceeded the water quality objective for dissolved oxygen in this water body.

Data Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants at Placer County Utilities, 2005-2010.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

From the Basin Plan, the minimum level for dissolved oxygen is 7 mg/L for waters designated as COLD.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples collected at sites 22 - Lwr Rock Ck and 34 - Uppr Rock Ck.

Temporal Representation:

Samples collected between 11/13/2001 and 7/10/2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

CITIZEN WATER MONITORING QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN FOR THE YUBA WATERSHED MONITORING COMMITTEE (June 30, 2008)

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 123450, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

208496

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as COLD is 7.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SYRCL 34)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2014-11-15

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Ronning, K. 2019. Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Citizen Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba/Bear Monitoring Committee


DECISION ID	92750	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

Pollutant:	Indicator Bacteria
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of 28 water samples exceeds the evaluation guideline for E. coli and none of the 28 water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for total coliform. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. One of 28 water samples exceeds the evaluation guideline for E. coli and none of the 28 water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for total coliform, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 92750, Indicator Bacteria	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

69441

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

One of the 22 samples exceeded the E. coli objective.

Data Reference:

Data in Yuba: metal, 2000-2007 and conventional, 2000-2010.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

The E. coli concentration shall not exceed more than 235/100 ml. USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986.

Guideline Reference:

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

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at SYRCL monitoring station 22, Lower Rock Creek and station 34, Upper Rock Creek. WBID: CAR5173203320110209161055

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected monthly between 2001 and 2006.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

This data was collected under the Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Yuba Watershed Council Monitoring Committee. Rev 1.3. qa12

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 92750, Indicator Bacteria	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

69440

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

SWAMP data indicates that 0 of 6 sample results exceed the evaluation guideline value for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

RWB5 Safe to Swim FY0708 FY0809

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

The U.S. EPA recommended objective for a single-sample maximum allowable density of E. coli in freshwater designated-beach areas is 235 MPN/100mL.

Guideline Reference:

40 CFR Part 131 Water Quality Standards for Coastal and Great Lakes Recreation Waters; Final Rule [Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 220]

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence was collected at two monitoring sites [ Rock Creek Above Lake Vera - 516NEV904, Rock Creek Below Lake Vera - 516NEV905]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/27/2008-9/3/2008.

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	86836	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

Pollutant:	Iron
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1, one line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of the eight samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. One of eight samples exceeded Evaluation Guideline 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:	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 86836, Iron	Region 5
Rock Creek (Nevada County)

LOE ID:

69442

Pollutant:

Iron

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

One of the eight samples exceeded the recommended guideline of 1,000 ug/L.

Data Reference:

Data in Yuba: metal, 2000-2007 and conventional, 2000-2010.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentrations are intended protect freshwater aquatic organisms from chronic exposures and are expressed as 4-day average concentrations. The recommended guideline for Iron is 1,000 ug/L.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected from station 22 (Lower Rock Creek) and 34 (Upper Rock Creek).

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected from stations 22 and 34 in 2005 and 2006; and also from station 34 in 2007.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected and analyzed in accordance with Water Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan prepared for the Yuba Watershed Monitoring Committee (Revision 1.3) dated June 30, 2008.

QAPP Information Reference(s):