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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name:	Cieneguitas Creek
Water Body ID:	CAR3153101120080612165908
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	126196	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

Pollutant:	Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision:	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
Reason for Delisting:	Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2023
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for removal from the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of 13 of 155 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Moyle 1976) applied to protect the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use. After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) List. 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. A total of 13 of 155 samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant 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 126196, Temperature, water	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

217017

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

100

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 100 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126196, Temperature, water	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

15045

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring Program (R3_SBKeepers) data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 10 of 55 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

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:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-1/7/2007. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

State Board approved QAPP, data entry completed by volunteers. Several errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with SB Channel Keepers) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis


DECISION ID	125754	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

Pollutant:	Escherichia coli (E. coli)
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:	No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2035
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for removal from the Clean Water Act section 303(d) List under sections 4.2 and 4.3 of the Listing Policy. Under these section, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. The State Water Boards Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California (the ISWEBE Plan) contains two bacteria water quality objectives applicable to the REC-1 beneficial use, which were adopted on August 7, 2018. Because the salinity level of this waterbody is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time, the E. coli bacteria objective applies. This waterbody is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.3 of the Listing Policy. In accordance with section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy, data should be representative of the critical timing that the pollutant is expected to impact the waterbody. E. coli populations may fluctuate substantially on a daily, seasonal, or yearly basis. Lacking constant inputs, indicator bacteria do not persist in the environment for a long period and effects are of relatively short duration. As a result, the historic levels of E. coli in the waterbody may be a poor indicator of current risks to human health, particularly when more recent data are available to sufficiently assess the water quality standard. Additionally, water quality conditions in waterbodies may change as a result of management actions that have been implemented to address E. coli. Unrepresentative data may result in incorrectly placing or not placing a water body segment on the CWA section 303(d) List, which could result in the unnecessary expenditure of public resources or missing a human health problem. Historic lines of evidence for data collected prior to 2010 were evaluated pursuant to these considerations and were not used to assess water quality standards attainment because they do not meet the temporal representation requirements of section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy. All samples are evaluated using the statistical threshold value (STV) water quality objective for water contact recreation (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019). The water quality objective states that the STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month. Where there are more than one samples collected within any six-week period, a geomean of those samples is calculated and evaluated using the geomean water quality objective for water contact recreation (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019). Although two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, this decision is based upon evaluation of the E. coli data collected since 2010, which are most representative of existing conditions in the waterbody. A total of 51 of the 105 samples collected since 2010 exceed the STV water quality objective (see LOE 149896) and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy. No geomeans could be calculated for these data. The data were collected between 2010 and 2018 and represent a range of hydrologic conditions (both wet and dry years). This sample count of data collected since 2010 is adequate to determine beneficial use support in accordance with the Listing Policy. Note, there is one line of evidence summarizing historic E. coli data (data collected prior to 2010) compared to the USEPAs Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria (USEPA, 1986). A total of 29 of the 55 historic samples exceed the USEPA criteria set to protect for water contact recreation (see LOE 14967). These data are not used for making this decision nor are they used in the final use support ratings. After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the CWA section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded. 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. A total of 51 of the 105 samples collected since 2010 exceed the STV water quality objective (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019) for water contact recreation 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:	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:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the CWA section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded. 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. A total of 51 of the 105 samples collected since 2010 exceed the STV water quality objective (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019) for water contact recreation 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.

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 125754, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

149896

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

105

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 51 of the 105 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The bacteria water quality objective applicable to all non-saline waters, is a Statistical Threshold Value (STV) of 320 cfu/100 mL. The applicable STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month, calculated in a static manner (ISWEBE 2018).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): GVWCG1

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the days of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05 .

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125754, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

14967

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring Program (R3_SBKeepers) data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 29 of 55 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)

Guideline Reference:

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

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-2/4/2007. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis


DECISION ID	112292	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

Pollutant:	Oxygen, Dissolved
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:	No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2035
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for removal from the 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. Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Eighty-nine of 158 samples exceed the cold freshwater habitat water quality objective (Basin Plan). Seventy-one of 102 samples exceed the water quality objective for fish spawning (Basin Plan). Twenty-four of the 158 samples exceed the water quality objective for warm freshwater habitat (Basin Plan). Note that there is no difference between samples fractions ‘dissolved’ and ‘total,’ therefore sample and exceedance counts will be summed for the purpose of this decision. Previous decisions (pre-2020) included dissolved oxygen saturation LOEs as ancillary evidence. This decision will no longer include dissolved oxygen saturation and these LOEs will be retired next cycle. 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. Note that for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use only, the data support the conclusion that the use is fully supported 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. Eighty-nine of 158 samples exceed the cold freshwater habitat objective and seventy-one of 102 samples exceed the fish spawning objective. These exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112292, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

175151

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Fish Spawning

Number of Samples:

102

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 71 of 102 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112292, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

175279

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

102

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112292, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

175337

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

102

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 20 of 102 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112292, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

15182

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring Program (R3_SBKeepers) data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 18 of 56 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-1/7/2007. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112292, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

15183

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring Program (R3_SBKeepers) data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 56 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-1/7/2007. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis


DECISION ID	112294	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

Pollutant:	Turbidity
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 Clean Water Act (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. A total of four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Sample and exceedance counts for the lines of evidence with the fraction identified as “none” or “not recorded” are grouped together with those having the fraction “total”, based on the analytical method used. Once summed, a total of 20 of 149 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for cold freshwater habitat (Sigler et al. 1984) and 16 of 149 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for warm freshwater habitat (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009) used to interpret the water quality objectives for the aquatic life beneficial uses. 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. 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. A total of 20 of 149 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for cold freshwater habitat and 16 of 149 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for warm freshwater habitat 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 112294, Turbidity	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

182238

Pollutant:

Turbidity

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 Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 19 of 95 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. (Basin Plan)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Turbidities of 25 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Sigler et al. 1984).

Guideline Reference:

Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112294, Turbidity	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

15009

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring Program (R3_SBKeepers) data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 54 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.

Guideline Reference:

Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-1/7/2007. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112294, Turbidity	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

15008

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring Program (R3_SBKeepers) data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 54 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.

Guideline Reference:

Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-1/7/2007. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112294, Turbidity	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

182363

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm 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 Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 15 of 95 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Turbidities of 40 NTU or greater can cause a reduced foraging efficiency and a shift in prey selection in piscivorous fish (largemouth bass) due to interference with their ability to find prey (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009).

Guideline Reference:

The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)


DECISION ID	112293	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

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)(2018)
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. Ten lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the 156 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply, Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses. One of the 156 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objectives for Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitat. 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 Two of the 156 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply, Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses, 1of the 156 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objectives for Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitat and these do 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 112293, pH	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

14949

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:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-12/3/2006. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112293, pH	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

178008

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

102

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 102 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for municipal and domestic supply (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112293, pH	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

177978

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

102

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for warm fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112293, pH	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

178317

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

102

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112293, pH	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

178293

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

102

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for cold fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112293, pH	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

14951

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-12/3/2006. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112293, pH	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

14950

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:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-12/3/2006. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112293, pH	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

14948

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:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-12/3/2006. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112293, pH	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

14932

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life 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:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-12/3/2006. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112293, pH	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

177973

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

102

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)


DECISION ID	125796	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

Pollutant:	Nitrate
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:	No Source Analysis Available
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 sections 3.1 and 3.11 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Nine lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Lines of evidence for the pollutant name Nitrate and for the pollutant name Nitrogen, Nitrate are combined (same pollutant). Where the nitrate fraction is none, not recorded, or total, staff assumed that the fraction is dissolved, based on the analytical method. In these cases, sample and exceedance counts are summed for the purpose of making this decision. Likewise, for dissolved oxygen the fractions dissolved and total are not actually different and staff summed the sample and exceedance counts. The Municipal and Domestic Supply beneficial use is fully supported. Zero of the 75 nitrate samples exceed this water quality objective. The Aquatic Life beneficial uses are not supported. Since the 2010 Integrated Report assessment cycle, Central Coast Water Board staff assessed nitrate data using an evaluation guideline (Central Coast Region Technical Report, 2010) used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for biostimulatory substances, set to protect Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitat beneficial uses. Nineteen of the 19 nitrate samples exceed this evaluation guideline. In addition, and in accordance with section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, the following evidence supports the conclusion that nitrate contributes to or causes a bio-stimulatory response in this waterbody. This waterbody is on the CWA section 303(d) List due to low dissolved oxygen. More than half of the samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objectives for Cold Freshwater Habitats and Spawning Habitats. In addition, there are an unacceptable number of exceedances of the Warm Freshwater habitat water quality objective. Dissolved oxygen measurements from this waterbody ranged from below 1.0 mg/L to 10.68. 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 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. Nineteen of the 19 nitrate samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. In addition, and in accordance with section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, there is evidence supporting the conclusion that nitrate contributes to or causes a bio-stimulatory response in this waterbody. 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:	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 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. Nineteen of the 19 nitrate samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. In addition, and in accordance with section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, there is evidence supporting the conclusion that nitrate contributes to or causes a bio-stimulatory response in this waterbody. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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 125796, Nitrate	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

173560

Pollutant:

Nitrogen, Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

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 Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 19 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.

Guideline Reference:

Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-04-02 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125796, Nitrate	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

175151

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Fish Spawning

Number of Samples:

102

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125796, Nitrate	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

15183

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring Program (R3_SBKeepers) data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 56 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-1/7/2007. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125796, Nitrate	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

15182

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring Program (R3_SBKeepers) data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 18 of 56 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-1/7/2007. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125796, Nitrate	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

175337

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

102

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125796, Nitrate	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

175279

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

102

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-13 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125796, Nitrate	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

173220

Pollutant:

Nitrogen, Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-04-02 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125796, Nitrate	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

14794

Pollutant:

Nitrate

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:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring Program (R3_SBKeepers) data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 56 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-1/7/2007. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125796, Nitrate	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

173067

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:

Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (as N) 10.0 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).

Guideline Reference:

California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (GVWCG1)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-04-02 and 2019-05-05

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper. 2019. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) with addendum for Goleta and Carpinteria watersheds.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)


DECISION ID	73736	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

Pollutant:	Enterococcus
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2027
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	No new data were assessed. This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.3 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2. Forty-four of 54 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria, 1986) as it applies to the Water Contact Recreation beneficial use. Two of 54 samples exceed the water quality objective for Non-Contact Recreation. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Forty-four of 54 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria, 1986) as it applies to the Water Contact Recreation beneficial use 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:	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:	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 73736, Enterococcus	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

15004

Pollutant:

Enterococcus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring Program (R3_SBKeepers) data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 44 of 54 samples exceed the EPA criterion for Enterococci.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Single sample maximum allowable density for Enterococci in freshwater is 61 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)

Guideline Reference:

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

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-2/4/2007. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73736, Enterococcus	Region 3
Cieneguitas Creek

LOE ID:

15005

Pollutant:

Enterococcus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring Program (R3_SBKeepers) data for Cieneguitas Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 54 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Multiple data sets, City of Santa Maria, Watsonville and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml. Enterococcus is a fecal coliform.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Cieneguitas Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ CG1 - Cieneguitas Creek at Nogal Drive]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 6/2/2002-2/4/2007. Santa Barbara Channelkeepers Citizen Monitoring is conducted monthly.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

e-mail documenting QA procedures and analytical methods uses for sample analysis