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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 6 - Lahontan Region

Water Body Name:	Bijou Park Creek
Water Body ID:	CAR6341003120110919092625
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	70699	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

Pollutant:	Iron
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	Revised
Sources:	A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2028
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence, one to evaluate COLD and one to evaluate MUN, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Ten of the samples exceed the secondary MCL (MUN) or evaluation criteria (COLD), but this creek has naturally high levels of iron. Though this creek has naturally high levels of iron, ambient concentrations for this creek have not been established at this time. As such, the secondary MCL of 0.3 mg/L is applied to evaluate compliance with the MUN beneficial use. The iron concentrations measured in nine of nine samples evaluated for the MUN use exceed the secondary MCL of 0.3 mg/L, and five of the nine samples exceed the secondary MCL by an order of magnitude (or 10 times the MCL). 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. Ten of ten samples exceeded the secondary MCL (MUN) or evaluation criteria (COLD), and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70699, Iron	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

LOE ID:

31980

Pollutant:

Iron

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

All nine of the samples exceeded the secondary MCL.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Basin, Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22,Table 64449-B of Section 64449 (Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels-Ranges). The secondary MCL for iron is 0.3 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at HV-C4 Bijou Park Creek below California Parking Lot.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected quarterly from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009. Additionally, three storm samples were collected.

Environmental Conditions:

Three storm samples were collected.

QAPP Information:

Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70699, Iron	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

LOE ID:

31981

Pollutant:

Iron

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

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:

The annual average of iron at this station is 3.44 mg/L.

The Red Book states that based on field observations principally, a criterion of 1.0 mg/L iron for freshwater aquatic life is believed to be adequately protective (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria 2009).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's national freshwater aquatic life criterion for iron is a 4-day average of 1000 ug/L (1 mg/L).

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The maximum concentration of iron discharge to surface water is 0.5 mg/L. (This evaluation criteria is not approriate to evaluate protection of COLD. The 0.5 mg/L is an effluent limit that only applies to storm water discharges to surface waters in the Lake Tahoe Basin.)

The Red Book states that based on field observations principally, a criterion of 1.0 mg/L iron for freshwater aquatic life is believed to be adequately protective (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria 2009).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's national freshwater aquatic life criterion for iron is a 4-day average of 1000 ug/L (1 mg/L).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at HV-C4 Bijou Park Creek below California Parking Lot.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected quarterly from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009. Additionally, three storm samples were collected.

Environmental Conditions:

Three storm samples were collected.

QAPP Information:

Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	79171	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

Pollutant:	Oil and Grease
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	Revised
Sources:	A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2028
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Seventeen of the seventeen samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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. Seventeen of seventeen samples exceed the objective and guideline and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79171, Oil and Grease	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

LOE ID:

34094

Pollutant:

Oil and Grease

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:

17 of the 17 oil and grease samples exceeded the USEPA recommended criteria for this water body.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain oils, greases, waxes or other materials in concentrations that result in a visible film or coating on the surface of the water or on objects in the water, that cause nuisance, or that otherwise adversely affect the water for beneficial uses (Lahontan Region Water Quality Control Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Per the Water Quality Criteria (USEPA 1986) also known as the Gold Book: concentrations of oil at 0.001 mg/l can harm aquatic life.

Guideline Reference:

Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at the following sample site: HV-C4 (Sky Mdw, California parking lot).

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected monthly between August of 2008 and September 2009.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected for NPDES permit R6T-2003-0032. This data was collected under waste discharge requirements for a TMDL and therefore is of adequate quality.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	70455	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2, one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.Two of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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 two samples exceeded the objective and and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. A minimum of 26 samples is needed for application of table 3.2. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70455, Chloride	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

LOE ID:

32534

Pollutant:

Chloride

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:

The annual averages from the sampling location in 2008 and 2009 this water body exceeded the water quality objective. One measurement was used to calculate the annual average for 2008 and 3 samples were used to calculate the annual average in 2009.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The water quality objective is an annual average of 0.15 mg/L. (from Table 5.1-3 of the Lahontan Region Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at the following sampling stie: HV-C4 (Sky Mdw, California Parking Lot)

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected once quarterly between August of 2008 and September of 2009.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected for NPDES permit R6T-2003-0032. This data was collected under waste discharge requirements for a TMDL and therefore is of adequate quality.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71080	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 30 samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Zero of 30 samples exceeded the objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71080, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

LOE ID:

31969

Pollutant:

Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)

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:

None of the 30 samples exceeded the water quality objective for nitrate + nitrate as N. Samples collected within a 7-day period were averaged and considered as a single sample.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Basin, Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Table 64431-A of section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for nitrate + nitrite as N is 10.0 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at HV-C4 Bijou Park Creek below California Parking Lot.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected from 10/23/2007 to 9/15/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	79152	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of 17 samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Zero of 17 samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. A minimum of 26 samples is needed for application of table 3.2. 4. Pursuant to 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79152, Temperature, water	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

LOE ID:

32248

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 17 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for temperature in this water body.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The natural receiving water temperature of all waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such an alteration in temperature does not adversely affect the water for beneficial uses.(Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

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:

Fish introductions in CA: History and impact on native fishes. Davis, CA: University of CA, Davis

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at HV-C4 Bijou Park Creek below California Parking Lot.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected monthly between October of 2008 and September of 2009.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

This data was collected under waste discharge requirements for a TMDL and therefore is of adequate quality.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	80015	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

Pollutant:	Phosphorus
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	A Source Unknown
TMDL Name:	Lake Tahoe Nutrients/Sediment
TMDL Project Code:	198
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	08/16/2011
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments addressed by USEPA approved TMDL category. Bijou Park Creek is tributary to Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe TMDL was approved by the USEPA on August 16, 2011. The implementation measures prescribed in the Lake Tahoe TMDL will also control inputs of phosphorus to Bijou Park Creek. On-the-ground efforts (see finding No. 5 below) required by the Lake Tahoe TMDL will also achieve pollutant load reductions in waters tributary to Lake Tahoe, including Bijou Park Creek. 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 two samples exceed the water quality objective (annual average) and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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. 5. The LakeTahoe TMDL includes an implementation plan that identifies actions that resource management agencies must take to reduce inputs of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and fine sediment. The primary source of phosphorus in the Lake Tahoe (and Bijou Park Creek) watershed is urban storm water runoff and phosphorus associated with eroding sediment on disturbed undeveloped lands. The Tahoe TMDL implementation plan identifies actions that resource management agencies, Lake Tahoe municipalities (El Dorado and Placer Counties, and the City of South Lake Tahoe) and California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) must take to reduce inputs of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and fine sediment in urban runoff discharges. On the ground efforts required by the Lake Tahoe TMDL that focus on (1) stabilizing disturbed areas within the forested uplands, (2) restoring eroding stream channels, and (3) managing and treating urban uplands (e.g. street sweeping, installing and maintaining infiltration and stormwater treatment facilities) will also achieve pollutant load reductions in waters tributary to Lake Tahoe. Municipal Stormwater NPDES permits require the Lake Tahoe municipalities and CalTrans to develop and implement comprehensive pollutant load reduction programs (PLRPs) to meet specified pollutant load reduction requirements. Expected implementation measures include a variety of alternative treatment options, roadway operation practices, and local ordinances to reduce average annual pollutant loads. These Lake Tahoe TMDL implementation efforts will also reduce inputs of phosphorus to Bijou Park Creek. Maintenance activities and restoring small disturbed sites that are underway, or planned and expected, within the forested uplands of this watershed will also reduce or avoid increases in fine sediment and nutrient loads. Additionally, the Lake Tahoe TMDL also requires implementation of measures to control stationary sources of dust which help reduce pollutant loads of fine sediments. Implementation of these measures helps address the phosphorus loading that impairs Bijou Park Creek that is associated with these fine sediments from dust sources. Pollutant load reductions resulting from the implementation of management measures prescribed in the Lake Tahoe TMDL will be tracked through implementation of detailed performance and compliance measures and assessment and reporting protocols included in the Lake Tahoe TMDL. The TMDL Management System project is establishing activity-based tracking and reporting requirements to assess activities that are expected to reduce pollutant loading from non-urban sources. The Lahontan Water Board and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection will implement a Lake Tahoe TMDL Management System for managing, tracking, integrating and evaluating new information generated from TMDL implementation actions, effectiveness monitoring, research efforts, and other factors such as climate change and wildfires. The Management System is based on an adaptive management framework to (1) link load reduction effectiveness with project implementation monitoring to improve project design and to assess if actual environmental improvement is occurring as expected; (2) establish guidance and operation protocols for how new information will be incorporated into project designs and TMDL program implementation; (3) establish prioritized TMDL research needs to fill data gaps and reduce uncertainties, and (4) implement a process for updating and reporting pollutant load reduction estimates and tracking projects within the TMDL implementation timeline. The Lake Tahoe TMDL requires implementation, effectiveness, and status and trends monitoring. Tributary stream status and trends monitoring will track long-term changes in water quality conditions relative to established water quality standards or goals, and project-specific monitoring will be used to assess the efficacy of various implementation measures.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:	Pollutant load reductions resulting from the implementation of management measures prescribed in the Lake Tahoe TMDL will be tracked through implementation of detailed performance and compliance measures and assessment and reporting protocols included in the Lake Tahoe TMDL. The TMDL Management System project is establishing activity-based tracking and reporting requirements to assess activities that are expected to reduce pollutant loading from non-urban sources. The Lahontan Water Board and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection will implement a Lake Tahoe TMDL Management System for managing, tracking, integrating and evaluating new information generated from TMDL implementation actions, effectiveness monitoring, research efforts, and other factors such as climate change and wildfires. The Management System is based on an adaptive management framework to (1) link load reduction effectiveness with project implementation monitoring to improve project design and to assess if actual environmental improvement is occurring as expected; (2) establish guidance and operation protocols for how new information will be incorporated into project designs and TMDL program implementation; (3) establish prioritized TMDL research needs to fill data gaps and reduce uncertainties, and (4) implement a process for updating and reporting pollutant load reduction estimates and tracking projects within the TMDL implementation timeline. The Lake Tahoe TMDL requires implementation, effectiveness, and status and trends monitoring. Tributary stream status and trends monitoring will track long-term changes in water quality conditions relative to established water quality standards or goals, and project-specific monitoring will be used to assess the efficacy of various implementation measures.

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 80015, Phosphorus	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

LOE ID:

31971

Pollutant:

Phosphorus

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:

Both of the two annual averages exceeded the water quality objective for total phosphorus. Annual averages were calculated by water year starting in October 1st through September 30th. A total of 33 samples were collected. None of the individual samples showed concentrations meeting the annual average objective.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Table 5.1-3 of the Basin Plan states that the water quality objective for total phosphorus for Trout Creek is an annual average objective of 0.008 mg/L. Bijou Park Creek is an upstream tributary of Lake Tahoe.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at HV-C4 Bijou Park Creek below California Parking Lot.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected from 10/23/2007 to 9/15/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Phosphorus levels spiked during storm events that occurred one month apart. Seven samples were taken during storm events.

QAPP Information:

Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	75929	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

Pollutant:	Total Nitrogen as N
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	A Source Unknown
TMDL Name:	Lake Tahoe Nutrients/Sediment
TMDL Project Code:	198
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	08/16/2011
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the two samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments addressed by USEPA approved TMDL category. Bijou Park Creek is tributary to Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe TMDL was approved by the USEPA on August 16, 2011. The implementation measures prescribed in the Lake Tahoe TMDL will also control inputs of nitrogen to Bijou Park Creek. On-the-ground efforts required by the Lake Tahoe TMDL will also achieve pollutant load reductions in waters tributary to Lake Tahoe, including Bijou Park Creek. 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 two samples exceed the objective (annual average; 34 individual samples used to get two annual averages) and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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. 5. The largest source of nitrogen in the Lake Tahoe watershed (and the Bijou Park Creek watershed) is transportation-related emissions that lead to atmospheric nitrogen deposition. The Lake Tahoe TMDL includes implementation measures to reduce atmospheric nitrogen sources. The TMDL relies on the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to lead efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and reduce overall vehicle miles traveled in the Lake Tahoe region to reduce emissions that lead to atmospheric nutrient loading. Public transit and vehicle fleet turnover are expected to further reduce nutrient-laden emissions in the Tahoe basin that will reduce nitrogen loading in the Bijou Park Creek watershed. Pollutant load reductions associated with control measures that are being implemented under the Lake Tahoe TMDL will be tracked through implementation of detailed performance and compliance measures and assessment and reporting protocols included in the Lake Tahoe TMDL. The TMDL Management System project is establishing activity-based tracking and reporting requirements to assess activities that are expected to reduce pollutant loading from non-urban sources. The Lahontan Water Board and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection will implement a Lake Tahoe TMDL Management System for managing, tracking, integrating and evaluating new information generated from TMDL implementation actions, effectiveness monitoring, research efforts, and other factors such as climate change and wildfires. The Management System is based on an adaptive management framework to (1) link load reduction effectiveness with project implementation monitoring to improve project design and to assess if actual environmental improvement is occurring as expected; (2) establish guidance and operation protocols for how new information will be incorporated into project designs and TMDL program implementation; (3) establish prioritized TMDL research needs to fill data gaps and reduce uncertainties, and (4) implement a process for updating and reporting pollutant load reduction estimates and tracking projects within the TMDL implementation timeline. The Lake Tahoe TMDL requires implementation, effectiveness, and status and trends monitoring. Tributary stream status and trends monitoring will track long-term changes in water quality conditions relative to established water quality standards or goals, and project-specific monitoring will be used to assess the efficacy of various implementation measures.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:	Pollutant load reductions associated with control measures that are being implemented under the Lake Tahoe TMDL will be tracked through implementation of detailed performance and compliance measures and assessment and reporting protocols included in the Lake Tahoe TMDL. The TMDL Management System project is establishing activity-based tracking and reporting requirements to assess activities that are expected to reduce pollutant loading from non-urban sources. The Lahontan Water Board and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection will implement a Lake Tahoe TMDL Management System for managing, tracking, integrating and evaluating new information generated from TMDL implementation actions, effectiveness monitoring, research efforts, and other factors such as climate change and wildfires. The Management System is based on an adaptive management framework to (1) link load reduction effectiveness with project implementation monitoring to improve project design and to assess if actual environmental improvement is occurring as expected; (2) establish guidance and operation protocols for how new information will be incorporated into project designs and TMDL program implementation; (3) establish prioritized TMDL research needs to fill data gaps and reduce uncertainties, and (4) implement a process for updating and reporting pollutant load reduction estimates and tracking projects within the TMDL implementation timeline. The Lake Tahoe TMDL requires implementation, effectiveness, and status and trends monitoring. Tributary stream status and trends monitoring will track long-term changes in water quality conditions relative to established water quality standards or goals, and project-specific monitoring will be used to assess the efficacy of various implementation measures.

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 75929, Total Nitrogen as N	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

LOE ID:

31970

Pollutant:

Total Nitrogen as N

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:

Both of the two annual averages exceeded the water quality objective for total nitrogen. Annual averages were calculated by water year starting in October 1st through September 30th. A total of 34 samples were collected. None of the individual samples showed concentrations meeting the annual average objective.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Table 5.1-3 of the Basin Plan states that the water quality objective for total nitrogen for Lake Tahoe is an annual average objective of 0.15 mg/L. Bijou Park Creek is an upstream tributary of Lake Tahoe.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at HV-C4 Bijou Park Creek below California Parking Lot.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected from 10/23/2007 to 9/15/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Nitrogen levels spiked during storm events that occurred one month apart. Seven samples were taken during storm events.

QAPP Information:

Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	79226	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

Pollutant:	Turbidity
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	A Source Unknown
TMDL Name:	Lake Tahoe Nutrients/Sediment
TMDL Project Code:	198
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	08/16/2011
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. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Fifteen of the 17 samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments addressed by USEPA approved TMDL category. Bijou Park Creek is tributary to Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe TMDL was approved by the USEPA on August 16, 2011. The implementation measures prescribed in the Lake Tahoe TMDL will also control inputs of suspended and dissolved particles that contribute to the turbidity in Bijou Park Creek. On-the-ground efforts (see finding No. 5 below) required by the Lake Tahoe TMDL will also achieve pollutant load reductions in waters tributary to Lake Tahoe, including Bijou Park Creek. 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. Fifteen of seventeen samples exceed the objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 5. The Lake Tahoe TMDL includes an implementation plan that identifies actions that resource management agencies must take to reduce inputs of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and fine sediment. The primary source of phosphorus in the Lake Tahoe (and Bijou Park Creek) watershed is urban storm water runoff and phosphorus associated with eroding sediment on disturbed undeveloped lands. The Tahoe TMDL implementation plan identifies actions that resource management agencies, Lake Tahoe municipalities (El Dorado and Placer Counties, and the City of South Lake Tahoe) and California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) must take to reduce inputs of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and fine sediment in urban runoff discharges. On the ground efforts required by the Lake Tahoe TMDL that focus on (1) stabilizing disturbed areas within the forested uplands, (2) restoring eroding stream channels, and (3) managing and treating urban uplands (e.g. street sweeping, installing and maintaining infiltration and stormwater treatment facilities) will also achieve pollutant load reductions in waters tributary to Lake Tahoe. Municipal Stormwater NPDES permits require the Lake Tahoe municipalities and CalTrans to develop and implement comprehensive pollutant load reduction programs (PLRPs) to meet specified pollutant load reduction requirements. Expected implementation measures include a variety of alternative treatment options, roadway operation practices, and local ordinances to reduce average annual pollutant loads. These Lake Tahoe TMDL implementation efforts will also reduce inputs of fine sediment particles that contribute to the turbidity in Bijou Park Creek. Maintenance activities and restoring small disturbed sites that are underway, or planned and expected, within the forested uplands of this watershed will also reduce or avoid increases in fine sediment and nutrient loads. Additionally, the Lake Tahoe TMDL also requires implementation of measures to control stationary sources of dust which help reduce pollutant loads of fine sediments. Implementation of these measures helps address the phosphorus loading that impairs Bijou Park Creek that is associated with these fine sediments from dust sources.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79226, Turbidity	Region 6
Bijou Park Creek

LOE ID:

32535

Pollutant:

Turbidity

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:

Fifteen of the 17 turbidity samples exceeded the MCL in this water body.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for turbidity is 5 NTU.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at the following sampling stie: HV-C4 (Sky Mdw, California Parking Lot)

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected monthly between August of 2008 and September of 2009.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected for NPDES permit R6T-2003-0032. This data was collected under waste discharge requirements for a TMDL and therefore is of adequate quality.

QAPP Information Reference(s):