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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: Santa Maria River Estuary
Water Body ID: CAE3121003020020311125938
Water Body Type: Estuary
 
DECISION ID
130133
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; due to change in WQS
TMDL Name: Santa Maria River Watershed Fecal Indicator Bacteria TMDL
TMDL Project Code: 917
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 04/24/2013
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The State Water Board’s 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 greater than 1 part per thousand (ppt) 95 percent or more of the time, the enterococci bacteria objective applies, and the E. coli objective is not applicable.

The 95th percentile of salinity samples is 2.7 ppt and therefore the E. coli water quality objective is not applicable for water contact recreation beneficial use support determination in this waterbody. Therefore, this waterbody is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4 of the Listing Policy due to a change in water quality standards.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the CWA section 303(d) List because the E. coli bacteria water quality objective is not applicable.
 
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 CWA section 303(d) List because the water quality standard is not applicable for the pollutant, based on the salinity in this waterbody segment.
 
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 130133, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 27094
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 21
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Santa Maria River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 21 of 25 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: 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 Santa Maria River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 312SMA-Santa Maria River above Estuary ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2005-12/6/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
131022
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; due to change in WQS
TMDL Name: Santa Maria River Watershed Fecal Indicator Bacteria TMDL
TMDL Project Code: 917
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 04/24/2013
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4 of the Listing Policy due to a change in water quality standards.

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: where the salinity level of a waterbody is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time, the E. coli bacteria objective applies; and where the salinity level of a waterbody is greater than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time, the Enterococci bacteria objective applies.

These objectives supersede the fecal coliform water quality objective for water contact recreation. Consequently, the fecal coliform objective for water contact recreation is no longer applicable to this waterbody and those LOEs have been removed from this decision. Therefore, this waterbody is being removed from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4 of the Listing Policy due to a change in water quality standards.

However, one line of evidence (LOE) is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant and the non-contact recreation use. Therefore, this pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Five of the 61 samples exceed the water quality objective for non-contact recreation.

After review of the available data and information for the non-contact recreation beneficial use, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the CWA section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.

In accordance with section 2.2 of the Policy, there is sufficient justification to place it in the Being Addressed portion of the 303(d) List because a TMDL has been completed and approved by RWQCB and USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard.

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. Five of the 61 samples exceed the water quality objective for non-contact recreation, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. The Santa Maria River Watershed Fecal Indicator Bacteria TMDL was approved by USEPA on 04/24/2013.
5. 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 removed from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4 of the Listing Policy due to a change in water quality standards.

This water body pollutant combination should be placed in the Being Addressed portion of the CWA 303(d) List because a TMDL has been completed and approved by RWQCB and USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard.
 
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 131022, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 27095
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 61
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Santa Maria River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 61 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: 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.
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 Santa Maria River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 312SMA-Santa Maria River above Estuary ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2001-12/6/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
106003
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: 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 of the Listing Policy. Under this section, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Twenty-one of the 29 samples exceeds the maximum pH water quality objective for Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses. Seventeen of the 29 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Warm Freshwater Habitat.

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.

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. Twenty-one of the 29 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses, 17 of the 29 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Warm Freshwater Habitat and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 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 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 106003, pH
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 178980
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106003, pH
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 179580
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106003, pH
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 179003
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106003, pH
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 47884
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 27
Number of Exceedances: 19
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 19 of 27 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008 10:00:00 AM-10/29/2009 10:04:41 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106003, pH
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 47886
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 27
Number of Exceedances: 15
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 15 of 27 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008 10:00:00 AM-10/29/2009 10:04:41 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106003, pH
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 47885
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 27
Number of Exceedances: 19
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 19 of 27 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008 10:00:00 AM-10/29/2009 10:04:41 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
105990
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture
TMDL Name: Santa Maria River Watershed Toxicity and Pesticides TMDL
TMDL Project Code: 1081
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 08/31/2015
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for Removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 4.1 and 4.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 4.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) list.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Where the fraction is none, not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction is total, based on the analytical method. In these cases, sample and exceedance counts are summed for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the thirty samples exceed the USEPA drinking water health advisory and this use rating is set at fully supporting. However,24 of 30 water samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000, with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses and 27 of 30 water samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Siepmann and Finalyson, 2000) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses in the estuarine environment.

In sediment, three of 22 sediment samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline (Amweg and Weston, 2007) and these samples also resulted in a toxic effect to test organisms. This water segment is also on the CWA section 303(d) List for sediment toxicity.

Based on the readily available data and information, there is sufficient justification against removing this waterbody and pollutant from the CWA section 303(d) List. In accordance with section 2.2 of the Policy there is sufficient justification to place it in the Being Addressed portion of the CWA section 303(d) List because a TMDL has been completed and approved by RWQCB and USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard.

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. Twenty-four of 30 water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life beneficial uses; 27 of 30 water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for saltwater aquatic organisms; and three of 21 sediment samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline (Amweg and Weston, 2007) and resulted in toxic effects to test organisms. These exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. The Santa Maria River Watershed Toxicity and Pesticides TMDL has been approved by the USEPA on August 31, 2015.

5. 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 105990, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58259
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 27
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 27 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for CHLORPYRIFOS.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The saltwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.009 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105990, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58260
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for CHLORPYRIFOS.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA drinking water health advisory for chlorpyrifos is 2 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105990, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58248
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 24
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 24 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for CHLORPYRIFOS.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.015 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105990, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58247
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: A total of 24 samples were collected, however 3 of the non-detect sample results were compared to the evaluation guideline and the OC Normalized method detection limit result was above the guideline and therefore could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. Three of the remaining 21 quantifiable sample results were exceeding the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for chlorpyrifos is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.77 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Amweg and Weston, 2007).
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105990, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 80349
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-four samples were collected during three sampling events that each included eight stations to evaluate sediment toxicity. Twelve of the 24 samples exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity tests included survival and growth of Hyalella azteca. Statistically significant effects on Hyalella azteca survival and growth were observed in the following samples: at station 312SMESD1 on 10/29/09, at station 312SMESD2 on 10/29/09, at station 312SMESD5 on 10/15/08, and 10/29/09, at station 312SMESD6 on 5/28/08 and 10/15/08, at 312SMESD7 on 10/15/08 and 10/29/09 and at 312SMESD8 on 5/28/08, 10/15/08 and 10/29/09.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity was defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. The t-test is used to determine if there is a statistically significant decrease in organism response in the sample as compared to the control. In the SWAMP data format, a Significance Effect Code of SL denotes toxic test results.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fifth Edition. EPA-821-R-02-012
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at eight Santa Maria River Estuary stations (312SMESD1, 312SMESD2, 312SMESD3, 312SMESD4, 312SMESD5, 312SMESD6, 312SMESD7, 312SMESD8).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May, and October 2008 and October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105990, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 152058
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlorpyrifos .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for chlorpyrifos is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.77 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Amweg and Weston, 2007).
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105990, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 161536
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlorpyrifos. Although a total of 1 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The saltwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.009 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2016-08-30 to 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105990, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 161577
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlorpyrifos. Although a total of 1 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.015 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000, with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2016-08-30 to 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
130075
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
TMDL Name: Santa Maria River Watershed Toxicity and Pesticides TMDL
TMDL Project Code: 1081
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 08/31/2015
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) List under sections 2.2, 4.1, and 4.6 of the Listing Policy. Under 4.1 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the 303(d) List.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the two water samples exceed the evaluation guidelines used to protect for consumption of fish and shellfish and for protection of domestic and municipal supply (water) (California Toxics Rule, 2000). These uses are not supported because of elevated DDD concentrations in the water column. Conversely, zero of the 25 sediment samples exceeded the evaluation guideline use to protect aquatic life and this use rating is set to fully supporting.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates 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.

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 two water samples exceed the evaluation guidelines used to protect for consumption of fish and shellfish and for protection of domestic and municipal supply (water). These exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. The Santa Maria River Watershed Toxicity and Pesticide TMDL was approved by USEPA on August 31, 2015.
5. 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 130075, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58299
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for DDD(p,p). Twenty-eight sample result(s) were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDD criteria for the protection of human health from consumption of organisms only is 0.00084 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130075, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 152987
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Sum DDD from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Sum DDD is 28 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130075, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58300
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for DDD.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDD is 28.0 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130075, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58298
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for DDD(p,p). Twenty-eight sample result(s) were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDD(p,p) criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.00083 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
130145
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture
TMDL Name: Santa Maria River Watershed Toxicity and Pesticides TMDL
TMDL Project Code: 1081
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 08/31/2015
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) List under sections 2.2, 4.1, and 4.6 of the Listing Policy. Under 4.1 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the 303(d) List.

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

One LOE summarizes water samples. Twenty-one of 21 water samples exceed the DDE evaluation guideline (California Toxics Rule, 2000), set to protect for the municipal beneficial uses.

Two LOEs summarize sediment samples. Seven of 25 sediment samples exceed the DDE evaluation guideline (MacDonald et al., 2000a) set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. These samples are associated with toxicity.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates 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.

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. Twenty-one of 21 water samples, and seven of 25 sediment samples, exceed the evaluation guidelines and these samples are associated with sediment toxicity. This exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. The TMDL for toxicity and pesticides in the Santa Maria River Watershed has been approved by the USEPA on August 31, 2015.
5. 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 130145, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58309
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 21
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 21 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for DDE(p,p). Nine sample result(s) were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDE(p,p) criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.00059 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130145, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 153180
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Sum DDE from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Sum DDE is 31.3 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130145, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 80349
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-four samples were collected during three sampling events that each included eight stations to evaluate sediment toxicity. Twelve of the 24 samples exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity tests included survival and growth of Hyalella azteca. Statistically significant effects on Hyalella azteca survival and growth were observed in the following samples: at station 312SMESD1 on 10/29/09, at station 312SMESD2 on 10/29/09, at station 312SMESD5 on 10/15/08, and 10/29/09, at station 312SMESD6 on 5/28/08 and 10/15/08, at 312SMESD7 on 10/15/08 and 10/29/09 and at 312SMESD8 on 5/28/08, 10/15/08 and 10/29/09.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity was defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. The t-test is used to determine if there is a statistically significant decrease in organism response in the sample as compared to the control. In the SWAMP data format, a Significance Effect Code of SL denotes toxic test results.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fifth Edition. EPA-821-R-02-012
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at eight Santa Maria River Estuary stations (312SMESD1, 312SMESD2, 312SMESD3, 312SMESD4, 312SMESD5, 312SMESD6, 312SMESD7, 312SMESD8).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May, and October 2008 and October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130145, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58310
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for DDE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDE is 31.3 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130145, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 148884
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of the 1 samples collected by SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons for Santa Maria River Estuary exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day, at the same location with the same lab sample ID (if provided). The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Hyalella azteca, for Survival, Hyalella azteca, for Growth (wt/surv indiv)
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coastal Basin Plan 2019).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 station. Monitoring site: ( 312SME00L )
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
105992
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture
TMDL Name: Santa Maria River Watershed Toxicity and Pesticides TMDL
TMDL Project Code: 1081
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 08/31/2015
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) List under sections 2.2, 4.1 and 4.6 of the Listing Policy. Under 4.1 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. Under 4.6, a minimum of two lines of evidence are needed to assess listing status.

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

Twelve of thirty dissolved water samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Finlayson, 2004) applied to protect for aquatic life and estuarine beneficial uses. Zero of one total water sample exceeds the evaluation guideline (Finlayson, 2004) applied to protect for aquatic life and estuarine beneficial uses.

Zero of the thirty dissolved water samples exceed the USEPA drinking water health advisory. This use is fully supported.

Zero of twenty-five sediment samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline (Ding et al. 2011). This use is fully supported.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Twelve of 30 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Finlayson, 2004) set to protect for aquatic life and estuarine beneficial uses and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. The Santa Maria River Watershed Toxicity and Pesticide TMDL has been approved by the USEPA on August 31, 2015.
5. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 105992, Diazinon
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58347
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 12
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 12 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for DIAZINON.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater chronic value for diazinon is 0.1 ug/L, expressed as a continuous concentration (Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: Water quality for diazinon. Memorandum to J. Karkoski, Central Valley RWQCB. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigation Unit, CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105992, Diazinon
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58354
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for DIAZINON.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA drinking water health advisory for diazinon is 1 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: 2011 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105992, Diazinon
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58346
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 12
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 12 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for DIAZINON.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater chronic value for diazinon is 0.1 ug/L, expressed as a continuous concentration (Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: Water quality for diazinon. Memorandum to J. Karkoski, Central Valley RWQCB. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigation Unit, CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105992, Diazinon
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58345
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for diazinon is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 11 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 11 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for diazinon from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105992, Diazinon
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 164099
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that 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: The Criterion Continuous Concentration for saltwater aquatic life is 0.82 ug/L (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016)
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-30 and 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105992, Diazinon
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 163599
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that 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: The freshwater chronic value for diazinon is 0.1 ug/L, expressed as a continuous concentration (Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: Water quality for diazinon. Memorandum to J. Karkoski, Central Valley RWQCB. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigation Unit, CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-30 and 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105992, Diazinon
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 153532
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Diazinon .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for diazinon is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 11 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 11 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for diazinon from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
105998
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Malathion
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture
TMDL Name: Santa Maria River Watershed Toxicity and Pesticides TMDL
TMDL Project Code: 1081
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 08/31/2015
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Thirteen of 13 water samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect aquatic life beneficial uses (Faria et al., 2010) where the fraction is "dissolved". This sample size is sufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating of "not supporting".

Zero of 30 water samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect the municipal and domestic water supply beneficial use (USEPA drinking water health advisory) where the fraction is "dissolved". This sample size is sufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating of "fully supporting". A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.

Zero of zero water samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect aquatic life beneficial uses (Faria et al., 2010) where the fraction is "total". In this case, some samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5. This sample size is insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating.

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. In accordance with section 2.2 of the Policy, there is sufficient justification for it to remain on the Being Addressed portion of the 303(d) list because a TMDL has been completed and approved by RWQCB and USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard.

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. Thirteen out of thirteen samples exceed the evaluation guideline set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses and this does not meet the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. The Santa Maria River Watershed Toxicity and Pesticides TMDL has been approved by the USEPA on August 31, 2015.

5. 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 remain on the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.

Furthermore, this pollutant waterbody combination should remain on the 'Being Addressed' portion of the 303(d) list because a TMDL has been completed and approved by RWQCB and USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard.
 
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 105998, Malathion
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58222
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 13 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for MALATHION. Seventeen sample results were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of Malathion does not exceed 0.028 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105998, Malathion
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 169075
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Malathion. Although a total of 1 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that 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: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of malathion does not exceed 0.028 ug/L more than once every three years on the average (Faria et al., 2010).
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: l. Organophosphate insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:1-48.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2016-08-30 to 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105998, Malathion
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58217
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for MALATHION.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA drinking water health advisory for malathion is 500 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: 2011 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
106002
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Domestic Animals/Livestock | Natural Sources | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
TMDL Name: Santa Maria River Watershed Nitrogen Compounds and Orthophosphate TMDL
TMDL Project Code: 1082
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/08/2016
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) List under sections 2.2 and 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.

Zero of two samples exceed the water quality objective for fish spawning (Basin Plan). One of 26 samples exceed the water quality objective for warm freshwater habitat (Basin Plan). Seven of 26 samples exceed the water quality objective for estuarine 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.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Seven of 26 samples exceed the estuarine habitat objective. These exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. The Santa Maria River Watershed nutrients TMDL has been approved by USEPA.
5. 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 106002, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 175123
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/L at any time for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use (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 (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106002, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 174346
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106002, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 47883
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008 10:00:00 AM-10/29/2009 10:04:41 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106002, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 47881
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008 10:00:00 AM-10/29/2009 10:04:41 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106002, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 174347
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
106007
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
TMDL Name: Santa Maria River Watershed Toxicity and Pesticides TMDL
TMDL Project Code: 1081
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 08/31/2015
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) List under sections 2.2, 4.1, and 4.6 of the Listing Policy. Under 4.1 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results (or endpoints) but will be counted only once. One sample is defined as being collected on the same day at the same location.

Three LOEs summarize water samples. Eleven out of 25 samples were toxic to test organisms (exhibited a significant increase in mortality, decrease in cell density, decrease in growth or reproduction compared to the laboratory control) and therefore exceeded the narrative general water quality objective for toxicity, set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

Three LOEs summarize sediment samples. Eighteen out of 31 samples were toxic to test organisms (exhibited a significant increase in mortality, decrease in cell density, decrease in growth or reproduction compared to the laboratory control) and therefore exceeded the narrative general water quality objective for toxicity, set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates 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.

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. Eleven out of 25 water samples, and 18 of the 31 sediment samples, were toxic to test organisms relative to the control and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. The TMDL for toxicity and pesticides in the Santa Maria River Watershed has been approved by the USEPA on August 31, 2015.
5. 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. Furthermore, this pollutant waterbody combination should be placed in the 'Being Addressed' portion of the 303(d) List because a TMDL has been completed and approved by RWQCB and USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard.
 
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 106007, Toxicity
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 148879
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of the 1 samples collected by SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons for Santa Maria River Estuary exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day, at the same location with the same lab sample ID (if provided). The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Hyalella azteca, for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Chironomus dilutus, for Survival, Chironomus dilutus, for Ash Free Dry Mass, Hyalella azteca, for Survival
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
Guideline Reference: SWAMP_Memo_Toxicity_Data_Intrepretation
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 station. Monitoring site: ( 312SME00L )
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106007, Toxicity
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 148894
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of the 1 samples collected by SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons for Santa Maria River Estuary exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day, at the same location with the same lab sample ID (if provided). The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Hyalella azteca, for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Chironomus dilutus, for Survival, Chironomus dilutus, for Ash Free Dry Mass, Hyalella azteca, for Survival
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
Guideline Reference: SWAMP_Memo_Toxicity_Data_Intrepretation
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 station. Monitoring site: ( 312SME00L )
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106007, Toxicity
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 148867
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of the 1 samples collected by SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons for Santa Maria River Estuary exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day, at the same location with the same lab sample ID (if provided). The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Hyalella azteca, for Survival, Hyalella azteca, for Growth (wt/surv indiv)
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coastal Basin Plan 2019).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 station. Monitoring site: ( 312SME00L )
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106007, Toxicity
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58336
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 18
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty samples were collected to evaluate water toxicity. Eighteen of the thirty samples exhibited significant toxicity. All thirty samples were tested for toxic effects using Hyalella azteca and seventeen of those had statistically significant effects. Those eight sample are as follows: at station 312SME_L on 4/24/08, 9/11/08, 2/7/09, 10/15/09, 10/21/09 and 10/29/09 and at station 312SME_U on 4/28/08, 7/1/08, 8/11/08, 9/11/08, 10/9/08, 2/7/09, 9/8/09, 9/23/09, 10/15/09, 10/21/09 and 10/29/09). Twelve of the thirty samples were also tested for toxic effects using Ceriodaphnia dubia and one of those samples (collected at 312SME_U on 1/5/08) had statistically significant effects that were not observed in the Hyalella test. Therefore nine of the samples had at least one statistically significant effect to one of the test organisms.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity was defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. The t-test is used to determine if there is a statistically significant decrease in organism response in the sample as compared to the control. In the SWAMP data format, a Significance Effect Code of SL denotes toxic test results.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fifth Edition. EPA-821-R-02-012
Guideline Reference: Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. Fourth Edition. Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, D.C. EPA-821-R-02-013
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at Lower Santa Maria River Estuary (312SME_L) and Upper Santa Maria River Estuary (312SME_U).
Temporal Representation: The samples ere collected between January 2008 and October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106007, Toxicity
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 80349
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-four samples were collected during three sampling events that each included eight stations to evaluate sediment toxicity. Twelve of the 24 samples exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity tests included survival and growth of Hyalella azteca. Statistically significant effects on Hyalella azteca survival and growth were observed in the following samples: at station 312SMESD1 on 10/29/09, at station 312SMESD2 on 10/29/09, at station 312SMESD5 on 10/15/08, and 10/29/09, at station 312SMESD6 on 5/28/08 and 10/15/08, at 312SMESD7 on 10/15/08 and 10/29/09 and at 312SMESD8 on 5/28/08, 10/15/08 and 10/29/09.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity was defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. The t-test is used to determine if there is a statistically significant decrease in organism response in the sample as compared to the control. In the SWAMP data format, a Significance Effect Code of SL denotes toxic test results.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fifth Edition. EPA-821-R-02-012
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at eight Santa Maria River Estuary stations (312SMESD1, 312SMESD2, 312SMESD3, 312SMESD4, 312SMESD5, 312SMESD6, 312SMESD7, 312SMESD8).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May, and October 2008 and October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106007, Toxicity
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 148884
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of the 1 samples collected by SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons for Santa Maria River Estuary exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day, at the same location with the same lab sample ID (if provided). The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Hyalella azteca, for Survival, Hyalella azteca, for Growth (wt/surv indiv)
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coastal Basin Plan 2019).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 station. Monitoring site: ( 312SME00L )
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
129856
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Alachlor
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 58204 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark). This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

Zero of the 30 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for protection of drinking water (The California Maximum Contaminant Level).

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: 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.
 
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 129856, Alachlor
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58203
 
Pollutant: Alachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for ALACHLOR.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for Alachlor is 0.002 mg/L (Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations ).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129856, Alachlor
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225144
 
Pollutant: Alachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alachlor.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Alachlor is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1.64 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
129283
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
The following is a summary of the sample and exceedances for each beneficial use:

Based on LOEs summarizing total ammonia data (‘nitrogen, ammonia’ and ‘nitrogen as ammonia’) the single sample did not exceed the EPA's Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria set to protect aquatic life for freshwater beneficial uses, nor did the one sample exceed the EPA's Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia (Saltwater) set to protect estuarine beneficial uses.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This sample size is insufficient to determine an applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. In accordance with Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not 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. Zero of the samples exceed the water quality objectives 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129283, Ammonia
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 184328
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in saltwater is temperature, pH and salinity dependent; and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Ambient Water QualityCriteria for Ammonia (Saltwarer) - 1989 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia (Saltwater) - 1989
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129283, Ammonia
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 184278
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
105987
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. These data are insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence required by the Listing Policy.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105987, Arsenic
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 151172
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Arsenic .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995 and is the effects range median (ERM) value of 70 ug/g.
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105987, Arsenic
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 151273
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Arsenic .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for arsenic is 33 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
129843
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 58210 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark). This sample sizes is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

Zero of the 30 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for protection of drinking water (The California Maximum Contaminant Level).

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: 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 129843, Atrazine
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 224891
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Atrazine.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Atrazine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of <1 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129843, Atrazine
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58206
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for ATRAZINE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for atrazine is 0.001 mg/L (Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations ).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
106013
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
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 sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

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

Zero out of 30 water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for the estuarine beneficial uses. Zero out of zero samples exceeded the evaluation guideline applied to protect for the aquatic life beneficial uses.

Zero out of 18 sediment samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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. No water or sediment samples exceeded the evaluation guidelines. 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: 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 106013, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58218
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for BIFENTHRIN. Thirty sample results were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of Bifenthrin does not exceed 0.0006 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106013, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58213
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for BIFENTHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The genus mean acute value for a mysid (Mysidopsis bahia) of 0.0034 ug/L (DFG 00-6, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticides Bifenthrin, Cypermethrin, Esfenvalerate, and Permethrin to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River System. California Department of Fish and Game. Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Administrative Report 00-6
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106013, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 151586
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Bifenthrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for bifenthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.43 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.43 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for bifenthrin from Amweg et al. (2005) and Amweg and Weston (2007).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106013, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58212
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: A total of 24 samples were collected, however 7 of the non-detect sample results were compared to the evaluation guideline and the OC Normalized method detection limit result was above the guideline and therefore could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. Zero of the remaining 17 quantifiable sample results were exceeding the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for bifenthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.43 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.43 ug/g is the geometric mean of three toxicity LC50 values from Amweg et al. (2005) and one toxicity LC50 value from Amweg and Weston (2007).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
129851
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Butylate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 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. LOE 58220 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129851, Butylate
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 224968
 
Pollutant: Butylate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Butylate.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Butylate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 105 ug/L for a fish (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
105988
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105988, Cadmium
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 151649
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cadmium .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for cadmium in 4.98 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000a)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105988, Cadmium
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 159677
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105988, Cadmium
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 151509
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cadmium .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Cadmium from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Cadmium is 4.21 ug/g. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105988, Cadmium
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 159309
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
105989
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

Two lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

The single sediment sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life protection in warm freshwater habitats, or the evaluation guideline for estuarine habitats. This sample size is insufficient to determine an applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. In accordance with Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The single sample did not exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105989, Chlordane
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 151537
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlordane .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline used in this assessment comes from Long and Morgan, 1990, and is the Effects Range Median (ERM) value of 6 ng/g DW
Guideline Reference: The potential for biological effects of sediment-sorbed contaminants tested in the National Status of Trends Program. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS OMA 52. Seattle, WA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105989, Chlordane
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 151474
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlordane .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Chlordane from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Chlordane is 17.6 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
106020
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Chromium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106020, Chromium
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 151922
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chromium .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for chromium in 111 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000a)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106020, Chromium
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 161751
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for shellfish harvesting (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that for chromium the maximum permissible value for waters is 0.01 mg/L.
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 (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106020, Chromium
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 151817
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chromium .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995, is the effects range median (ERM) value of 370 PPM (ug/g)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
105991
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Copper
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105991, Copper
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 152277
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Copper .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995, is the effects range median (ERM) value of 270 PPM (ug/g)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105991, Copper
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 163135
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105991, Copper
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 162381
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105991, Copper
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 152112
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Copper .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for copper in 149 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000a)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
106017
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
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 sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

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

Zero out of 18 sediment samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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. No samples exceeded the evaluation guidelines. 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: 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 106017, Cyfluthrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58261
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: A total of 24 samples were collected, however 4 of the non-detect sample results were compared to the evaluation guideline and the OC Normalized method detection limit result was above the guideline and therefore could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. Zero of the remaining 20 quantifiable sample results were exceeding the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cyfluthrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106017, Cyfluthrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 152259
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cyfluthrin, total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cyfluthrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
106019
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
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 sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

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

Zero out of 16 sediment samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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. No samples exceeded the evaluation guidelines. 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: 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 106019, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58274
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for Cyhalothrin, lambda, total. Thirty sample results were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of Cyhalothrin, lambda, total does not exceed 0.0005 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106019, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58273
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: A total of 24 samples were collected, however 9 of the non-detect sample results were compared to the evaluation guideline and the OC Normalized method detection limit result was above the guideline and therefore could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. Zero of the remaining 15 quantifiable sample results were exceeding the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lambda-cyhalothrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.44 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.44 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for lambda-cyhalothrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106019, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 152534
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cyhalothrin, Total lambda- .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lambda-cyhalothrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.44 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.44 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for lambda-cyhalothrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
106014
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
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 sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

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

Zero of 30 water samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.
Zero of the 16 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Therefore, the data support the conclusion that the aquatic life beneficial use is fully supported.
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. Zero of the 30 water samples and zero of the 15 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses 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: 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 106014, Cypermethrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 152936
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cypermethrin, Total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cypermethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.3 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.3 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cypermethrin from Maund et al. (2002).
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106014, Cypermethrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58284
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: A total of 24 samples were collected, however 10 of the non-detect sample results were compared to the evaluation guideline and the OC Normalized method detection limit result was above the guideline and therefore could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. Zero of the remaining 14 quantifiable sample results were exceeding the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cypermethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.3 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.3 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cypermethrin from Maund et al. (2002).
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106014, Cypermethrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58285
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for CYPERMETHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The genus mean acute value for a grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) of 0.016 ug/L (DFG 00-6, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticides Bifenthrin, Cypermethrin, Esfenvalerate, and Permethrin to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River System. California Department of Fish and Game. Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Administrative Report 00-6
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106014, Cypermethrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58286
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for CYPERMETHRIN. Thirty sample results were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of Cypermethrin; Cypermethrin, total does not exceed 0.0002 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
129985
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the 303(d) List.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Note that this decision combines the pollutant ‘DDT’ and ‘total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD).’

Four LOEs summarize water samples. For commercial, municipal and warm freshwater habitat, thirty sample result(s) were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. Zero of 30 water samples exceed the DDT evaluation guideline (California Toxics Rule, 2000), set to protect for estuarine habitat beneficial uses.

Four LOEs summarize sediment samples. Zero of 25 sediment samples exceed the DDT evaluation guideline (MacDonald et al., 2000a) set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. Zero of 25 sediment samples exceed the total DDT evaluation guideline (MacDonald et al., 2000a) set to protect for 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. No water or sediment samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: 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 129985, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58312
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for DDT(p,p). Thirty sample result(s) were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDT(p,p) criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.00059 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129985, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 155765
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Total DDTs from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Total DDTs is 572 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129985, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 153255
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Sum DDT from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Sum DDT is 62.9 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129985, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58328
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for DDT, Total.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for total DDTs is 572 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129985, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58323
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for DDT(p,p). Thirty sample result(s) were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDT criteria for the protection of human health from consumption of organisms only is 0.00059 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129985, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58322
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for DDT(p,p).
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDT criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in saline water is 0.001 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129985, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58311
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for DDT(p,p). Thirty sample results were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDT criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.001 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129985, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58325
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for DDT.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDT is 62.9 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
129844
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Dacthal
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 58220 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129844, Dacthal
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225031
 
Pollutant: Dacthal
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dacthal.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dacthal is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of >1100 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute) and vascular plant (acute). The benchmark was derived from a \greater-than\" value (for example, > 265,000) and may overestimate toxicity."
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
106018
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 58333 have been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 water samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

Zero of the 18 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

These sample sizes are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: 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 106018, Deltamethrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58335
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: A total of 24 samples were collected, however 7 of the non-detect sample results were compared to the evaluation guideline and the OC Normalized method detection limit result was above the guideline and therefore could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. Zero of the remaining 17 quantifiable sample results were exceeding the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.79 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.79 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for deltamethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106018, Deltamethrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 153489
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Deltamethrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.79 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.79 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for deltamethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106018, Deltamethrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225107
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Deltamethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Deltamethrin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.0041 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
105993
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105993, Dieldrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 153613
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Dieldrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Dieldrin is 8 ng/g dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105993, Dieldrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 153337
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Dieldrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dieldrin from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Dieldrin is 61.8 ug/kg dw. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
105994
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Dyfonate (Fonofos or Fonophos)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105994, Dyfonate (Fonofos or Fonophos)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 166372
 
Pollutant: Dyfonate (Fonofos or Fonophos)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Fonofos.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Fonofos is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 0.45 ug/L. The MATC is calculated as the geometric mean of the lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) of 0.64 ug/L and the no observed effect concentration (NOEC) of 0.31 ug/L, as determined in a 21 day toxicity study with the water flea, Daphnia magna. Threshold values (LOEC and NOEC) are from USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-30 and 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
105995
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Endrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105995, Endrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 153677
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Endrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the sediment quality guideline (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Endrin is 0.76 ug/g OC (USEPA1993d). OC = Organic Carbon
Guideline Reference: Technical basis for deriving sediment criteria for nonionic organic contaminants for the protection of benthic organisms by using equilibrium partitioning. EPA822-R-93-011. Washington, D.C.: Office of Water, USEPA
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105995, Endrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 153894
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Endrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Endrin from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Endrin is 207 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
106022
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
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 sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

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

Zero of 30 water samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.
Zero of the 22 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Therefore, the data support the conclusion that the aquatic life beneficial use is fully supported.
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. Zero of the 30 water samples and zero of the 22 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses 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: 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 106022, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58191
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: A total of 24 samples were collected, however 3 of the non-detect sample results were compared to the evaluation guideline and the OC Normalized method detection limit result was above the guideline and therefore could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. Three of the remaining 21 quantifiable sample results were exceeding the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.5 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.5 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106022, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 154183
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate, Total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.5 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.5 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106022, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58356
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for ESFENVALERATE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.13 ug/L, as determined in a 96 hour toxicity test using the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas (USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database).
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
129852
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Ethalfluralin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 58192 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129852, Ethalfluralin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 224865
 
Pollutant: Ethalfluralin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ethalfluralin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Ethalfluralin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.4 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
106011
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Ethion
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106011, Ethion
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 165918
 
Pollutant: Ethion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Ethion. Although a total of 1 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that 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: The evaluation guideline for Ethion is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.028 ug/L for invertebrates (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2016-08-30 to 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
106015
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Ethoprop
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106015, Ethoprop
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 166030
 
Pollutant: Ethoprop
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ethoprop.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Ethoprop is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.8 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-30 and 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
106016
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Fenitrothion
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106016, Fenitrothion
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 166165
 
Pollutant: Fenitrothion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Fenitrothion.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that 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: The evaluation guideline for Fenitrothion is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.087 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-30 and 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
106021
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 58200 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 water samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark). This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

Zero of the 21 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: 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 106021, Fenpropathrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 154164
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fenpropathrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fenpropathrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for fenpropathrin from Ding et al. ( 2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106021, Fenpropathrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225417
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Fenpropathrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Fenpropathrin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.06 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106021, Fenpropathrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58199
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: A total of 24 samples were collected, however 4 of the non-detect sample results were compared to the evaluation guideline and the OC Normalized method detection limit result was above the guideline and therefore could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. Zero of the remaining 20 quantifiable sample results were exceeding the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fenpropathrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for fenpropathrin from Ding et al. ( 2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
106010
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Fipronil
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

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

Zero of eleven sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for aquatic life protection. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106010, Fipronil
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 154311
 
Pollutant: Fipronil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fipronil .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.13 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106010, Fipronil
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58207
 
Pollutant: Fipronil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: A total of 24 samples were collected, however 14 of the non-detect sample results were compared to the evaluation guideline and the OC Normalized method detection limit result was above the guideline and therefore could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. Zero of the remaining 10 quantifiable sample results were exceeding the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.13 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
106023
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfide
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

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

Zero of eleven sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for aquatic life protection. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of eleven sediment samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106023, Fipronil Sulfide
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 154530
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fipronil Sulfide .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfide is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.16 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106023, Fipronil Sulfide
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58208
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: A total of 24 samples were collected, however 14 of the non-detect sample results were compared to the evaluation guideline and the OC Normalized method detection limit result was above the guideline and therefore could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. Zero of the remaining 10 quantifiable sample results were exceeding the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfide is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.16 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
106024
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfone
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

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

Zero of eleven sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for aquatic life protection. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the eleven samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106024, Fipronil Sulfone
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58209
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfone
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: A total of 24 samples were collected, however 14 of the non-detect sample results were compared to the evaluation guideline and the OC Normalized method detection limit result was above the guideline and therefore could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. Zero of the remaining 10 quantifiable sample results were exceeding the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfone is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.12 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106024, Fipronil Sulfone
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 154533
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfone
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fipronil Sulfone .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfone is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.12 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
129858
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Hexazinone
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 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. LOE 58214 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129858, Hexazinone
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225169
 
Pollutant: Hexazinone
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Hexazinone.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Hexazinone is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 7 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
106012
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Imidacloprid
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106012, Imidacloprid
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 167254
 
Pollutant: Imidacloprid
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Imidacloprid.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of Imidacloprid does not exceed 0.016 ug/L. (UC Davis Water Quality Criteria)
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Imidacloprid Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology. University of California, Davis
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-30 and 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
105996
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Lead
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105996, Lead
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 168288
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105996, Lead
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 168241
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105996, Lead
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 154687
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Lead .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Lead from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Lead is 112.18 mg/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105996, Lead
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 154669
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Lead .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for lead in 128 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000a)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
105997
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105997, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 154800
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for HCH, gamma- .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the sediment quality guideline (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for HCH, gamma(Lindane; BHC, gamma) is 0.37 ug/g oc (Fairey et al., 2001). OC = Organic Carbon
Guideline Reference: An evaluation of methods for calculating mean sediment quality guideline quotients as indicators of contamination and acute toxicity to amphipods by chemical mixtures. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 20(10): 2276-2286
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105997, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 154558
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for HCH, gamma- .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Lindane from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Lindane is 4.99 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
130766
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Mercury
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.1 and section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the 303(d) List.

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

Two LOEs summarize water samples:
- Zero of one water sample exceeds the mercury evaluation guideline (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016), set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.
- Zero of one water sample exceeds the mercury evaluation guideline (California Toxics Rule, 2000), set to protect for the commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms beneficial use.

Two LOEs summarize sediment samples. Zero of one sediment sample exceeds the mercury evaluation guideline (MacDonald et al., 2000a) set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. Zero of one sediment sample exceeds the mercury evaluation guideline (PTI Environmental Services, 1991) set to protect for the estuarine habitat beneficial use.

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

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. No water or sediment samples exceeded the evaluation guidelines, 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130766, Mercury
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 169281
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 0.051 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130766, Mercury
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 154694
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Mercury .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for mercury in 1.06 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000a)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130766, Mercury
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 169297
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents known to be deleterious to fish or wildlife (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Criterion Continuous Concentration for freshwater aquatic life is 0.77 ug/L (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016)
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130766, Mercury
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 154629
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Mercury .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline used in this assessment comes form PTI Environmental Services, 1991, and is 2.1 ug/g.
Guideline Reference: An evaluation of methods for calculating mean sediment quality guideline quotients as indicators of contamination and acute toxicity to amphipods by chemical mixtures. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 20(10): 2276-2286
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
129848
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 58225 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark). This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

Zero of the 30 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for protection of drinking water (The California Maximum Contaminant Level).

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: 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 129848, Methidathion
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58224
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for METHIDATHION.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Based on USEPA IRIS reference dose (RfD) as a drinking water level, the drinking water health advisory level for methidathion is 0.7 µg/L. This was calculated assuming 70 kg body weight, 2 liters/day water consumption, and 20% relative source contribution from drinking water.  An additional uncertainty factor of 10 is used for Class C carcinogens.
Guideline Reference: IRIS Database Calculations (summary)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129848, Methidathion
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225213
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methidathion.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methidathion is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.66 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
105999
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
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 sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of 30 water samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline (California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1992). Zero of 30 water samples exceed the USEPA drinking water health advisory for municipal and domestic water supply. Zero of 25 sediment samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline (Ding, et. al., 2010). These sample sizes are sufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating of "fully supporting". A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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.

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 water samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life. Zero of 30 water samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for municipal and domestic supply. Zero of 25 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life. These sample sizes are sufficient to determined the applicable beneficial use support ratings of "fully supporting". These sample sizes do 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: 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 105999, Methyl Parathion
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58238
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for Parathion, methyl.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Department of Fish and Game (now called the California Department of Fish and Wildlife) instantaneous criteria for Methyl Parathion is 0.08 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Insecticide Methyl Parathion to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento River System
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105999, Methyl Parathion
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58237
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for Parathion, methyl.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Based on USEPA IRIS reference dose (RfD) as a drinking water level, the drinking water health advisory level for phorate is 1.8 µg/L. This was calculated assuming 70 kg body weight, 2 liters/day water consumption, and 20% relative source contribution from drinking water.  An additional uncertainty factor of 10 is used for Class C carcinogens.
Guideline Reference: IRIS Database Calculations (summary)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105999, Methyl Parathion
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 155095
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Parathion, Methyl .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for methyl parathion is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 6 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 6 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for methyl parathion from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105999, Methyl Parathion
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58249
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for Methyl parathion.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for methyl parathion is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 6 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 6 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for methyl parathion from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
129853
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Metolachlor
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129853, Metolachlor
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225172
 
Pollutant: Metolachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Metolachlor.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Metolachlor is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
129845
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Molinate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 58251 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark). This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

Zero of the 30 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for protection of drinking water (The California Maximum Contaminant Level).

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: 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 129845, Molinate
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225242
 
Pollutant: Molinate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Molinate.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Molinate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 105 ug/L for a fish (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129845, Molinate
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58250
 
Pollutant: Molinate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for MOLINATE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for molinate is 20 ug/L (Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
129854
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Napropamide
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 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. LOE 58262 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.


Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129854, Napropamide
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225300
 
Pollutant: Napropamide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Napropamide.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Napropamide is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1100 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute) and fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
106000
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Nickel
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

A total of four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. For the water matrix, a total of zero of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms beneficial use, one of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and one of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. For the sediment matrix, a total of zero of one sample exceeds the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. These data are insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence required by the Listing Policy.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. For the water matrix, a total of zero of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms beneficial use, one of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and one of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. For the sediment matrix, a total of zero of one sample exceeds the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106000, Nickel
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 171119
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106000, Nickel
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 154966
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Nickel .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for nickel in 48.6 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000a)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106000, Nickel
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 171168
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 4.6 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106000, Nickel
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 171054
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
128190
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128190, Nitrate
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 173078
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
106001
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Organophosphate Pesticides
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one water samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline for additive effects of chlorpyrifos and diazinon (Bailey et al., 1997).

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of one water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline, 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106001, Organophosphate Pesticides
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 173457
 
Pollutant: Organophosphate Pesticides
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Organophosphorus Pesticides.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that 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: The evaluation guideline for the protection of aquatic life from the additive effects of the organophophate pesticides chlorpyrifos and diazinon is one toxic unit equivalent. A toxic unit equivalent is equal to the sum of chlorpyrifos and diazinon from a single sample, each having their reported concentration divided their respective evaluation guideline prior to being summed. If this results in a value greater than one, the sample is considered to be in exceedance of the water quality standard. (Bailey et al., 1997).
Guideline Reference: Joint acute toxicity of Diazinon and Chlorpyrifos to Ceriodaphnia dubia.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-30 and 2016-08-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
106004
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106004, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 154994
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for PCBs in 676 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106004, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 155101
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from MacDonald et al., 2000b is the effects range median (ERM) value of 400 ng/g
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
129855
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Pendimethalin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129855, Pendimethalin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225475
 
Pollutant: Pendimethalin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pendimethalin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Pendimethalin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 5.2 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
106025
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

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

Zero of the twenty-two sediment samples and zero of zero water samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. Note, the water sample results were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: 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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106025, Permethrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 155275
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Permethrin, Total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 8.9 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106025, Permethrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58265
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for Permethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 8.9 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
106025
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

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

Zero of the twenty-two sediment samples and zero of zero water samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. Note, the water sample results were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: 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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106025, Permethrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58276
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for PERMETHRIN. Thirty sample results were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of permethrin does not exceed 0.002 ug/L and if the 1-h average concentration does not exceed 0.01 ug/L. For this assessment, the 4-day average concentration was used. Mixtures of permethrin and other pyrethroids should be considered in an additive manner. (Fojut et al. 2012)
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
129857
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 58278 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark). This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

Zero of the 30 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for protection of drinking water (The California Maximum Contaminant Level).

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: 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 129857, Phosmet
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225185
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phosmet.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Phosmet is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.8 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129857, Phosmet
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58287
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for PHOSMET.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Based on USEPA IRIS reference dose (RfD) as a drinking water level, the drinking water health advisory level for phosmet is 140 µg/L. This was calculated assuming 70 kg body weight, 2 liters/day water consumption, and 20% relative source contribution from drinking water.  An additional uncertainty factor of 10 is used for Class C carcinogens.
Guideline Reference: IRIS Database Calculations (summary)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
129859
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Propiconazole
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 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. LOE 58303 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129859, Propiconazole
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225556
 
Pollutant: Propiconazole
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Propiconazole.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Propiconazole is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 21 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
106009
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106009, Pyrethroids
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 155515
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Pyrethroids .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for the protection of aquatic life from pyrethroids is one toxic unit. Individual pyrethroid concentrations in sediment were normalized to organic carbon content, divided by the respective LC50 and then summed. A sum over over one toxic unit is an exceedance of the evaluation guideline (Amweg et al. 2006).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
Guideline Reference: Pyrethroid insecticides and sediment toxicity in urban creeks from California and Tennessee. Environmental Science and Technology, 40(5): 1700-1706
Guideline Reference: Compilation of freshwater OC-normalized sediment toxicity data for pyrethroids
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
106005
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Selenium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106005, Selenium
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 181474
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.005 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106005, Selenium
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 181161
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic life from dissolved selenium in saline water is 0.071 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
106006
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Silver
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106006, Silver
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 181466
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106006, Silver
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 181277
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
129846
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Simazine
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 58315 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark). This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

Zero of the 30 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for protection of drinking water (The California Maximum Contaminant Level).

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: 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 129846, Simazine
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225581
 
Pollutant: Simazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Simazine.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Simazine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 6 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129846, Simazine
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58314
 
Pollutant: Simazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for SIMAZINE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for simazine is 0.004 mg/L (Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
129860
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 14 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129860, Thiobencarb
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225497
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Thiobencarb.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Thiobencarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
129847
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Trifluralin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 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. LOE 58339 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

One of the 15 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).

This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129847, Trifluralin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225509
 
Pollutant: Trifluralin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 15 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Trifluralin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of Trifluralin does not exceed 0.33 ug/L in the water column more than once every three years on average (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Trifluralin Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology University of California, Davis.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
106008
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Zinc
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106008, Zinc
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 156717
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106008, Zinc
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 156606
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME00L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-22 and 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106008, Zinc
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 155941
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Zinc .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995, and is the effects range median value of 410 PPM (ug/g)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 106008, Zinc
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 155880
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Coastal Lagoons data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Zinc .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (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 for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for zinc in 459 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000a)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 312SME00L.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-08-22 to 2016-08-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008 and SPoT 2012
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
129850
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Oxyfluorfen
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
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 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. Where the fraction is none or not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision

Three of the 15 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Three of the 15 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129850, Oxyfluorfen
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225386
 
Pollutant: Oxyfluorfen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 15 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxyfluorfen.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of Oxyfluorfen does not exceed 0.14 ug/L in the water column more than once every three years on average (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria report for Oxyfluorfen. Phase III: application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
129849
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Prometryn
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 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 (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 58289 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Two of the 15 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).

Zero of the 30 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for protection of drinking water (The California Maximum Contaminant Level).

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Two of the fifteen samples exceed the evaluation guidelines 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129849, Prometryn
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 225512
 
Pollutant: Prometryn
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 15 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Prometryn.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of Prometryn does not exceed 0.562 ug/L in the water column more than once every three years on average (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Prometryn Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology. University of California, Davis.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (312SME_L)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-05 and 2009-10-29
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129849, Prometryn
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58290
 
Pollutant: Prometryn
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for PROMETRYN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Based on USEPA IRIS reference dose (RfD) as a drinking water level, the drinking water health advisory level for prometryn is 28 µg/L. This was calculated assuming 70 kg body weight, 2 liters/day water consumption, and 20% relative source contribution from drinking water.  An additional uncertainty factor of 10 is used for Class C carcinogens.
Guideline Reference: IRIS Database Calculations (summary)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
85540
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two out of thirty water samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline. Zero out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline applied to protect for the municipal beneficial use.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Two out of thirty water samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline 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: 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 85540, Carbaryl
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58232
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for CARBARYL.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA national ambient water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life instantaneous maximum for carbaryl is 0.02 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85540, Carbaryl
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58231
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for CARBARYL.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA drinking water health advisory for carbaryl is 40 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: Compilation of Water Quality Goals
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
85594
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero out of thirty water samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline. Zero out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline applied to protect for the municipal beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

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 out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for aquatic life and zero out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline applied to protect for the municipal beneficial use. 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: 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 85594, Carbofuran
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58235
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for CARBOFURAN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA national ambient water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life instantaneous maximum for carbofuran is 0.5 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Insecticide Carbofuran to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento River System
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85594, Carbofuran
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58234
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for CARBOFURAN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for carbofuran is 18 mg/L (Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
85380
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Chlorothalonil
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline applied to protect for the municipal beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

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 out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline applied to protect for the municipal beneficial use. 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: 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 85380, Chlorothalonil
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58246
 
Pollutant: Chlorothalonil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorothalonil.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: According to the 2006 USEPA Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories, the Ten-day Health Advisory for Chlorothalonil is 200 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
85705
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Disulfoton
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline applied to protect for the municipal beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

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 out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. 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: 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 85705, Disulfoton
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58355
 
Pollutant: Disulfoton
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for DISULFOTON.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA drinking water health advisory for disulfoton is 0.7 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: 2011 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
85421
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Iprodione
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for the municipal beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

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 out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. 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: 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 85421, Iprodione
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58216
 
Pollutant: Iprodione
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for Iprodione.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Based on USEPA IRIS reference dose (RfD) as a drinking water level, the drinking water health advisory level for Iprodione is 280 µg/L. This was calculated assuming 70 kg body weight, 2 liters/day water consumption, and 20% relative source contribution from drinking water with 0.04 mg/kg/day as the reference dose. An additional uncertainty factor of 10 is used for Class C carcinogens.
Guideline Reference: IRIS Summary for Iprodione
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
85290
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Pentachlorobenzene (PCNB)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for the municipal beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

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 out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. 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: 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 85290, Pentachlorobenzene (PCNB)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58264
 
Pollutant: Pentachlorobenzene (PCNB)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for PCNB.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Department of Health Services archived Advisory Level for Pentachloronitrobenzene is 20 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: IRIS Database Calculations (summary)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
85363
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
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 sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero out of zero water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for the aquatic life beneficial uses. Thirty sample results were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy. Zero out of twenty-four sediment samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline. For water samples, this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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. No water or sediment samples exceeded the evaluation guidelines. 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: 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 85363, Permethrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58276
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for PERMETHRIN. Thirty sample results were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of permethrin does not exceed 0.002 ug/L and if the 1-h average concentration does not exceed 0.01 ug/L. For this assessment, the 4-day average concentration was used. Mixtures of permethrin and other pyrethroids should be considered in an additive manner. (Fojut et al. 2012)
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85363, Permethrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58265
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for Permethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 8.9 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 1 - 312SMESD1, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 2 - 312SMESD2, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 3 - 312SMESD3, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 4 - 312SMESD4, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 5 - 312SMESD5, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 6 - 312SMESD6, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 7 - 312SMESD7, Santa Maria River Estuary - Sediment site 8 - 312SMESD8]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/28/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
85517
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Propanil (DCPA mono- and di-acid degrad)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for the aquatic life beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

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 out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. 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: 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 85517, Propanil (DCPA mono- and di-acid degrad)
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58301
 
Pollutant: Propanil (DCPA mono- and di-acid degrad)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for PROPANIL.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Propanil is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 0.5 ug/L. The MATC (or Chronic Value as defined in USEPA 1985, P20 section F) is calculated as the geometric mean of the lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) of 0.6 ug/L and the no observed effect concentration (NOEC) of 0.4 ug/L, as determined in a 60 day toxicity study with the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas. Threshold values (LOEC and NOEC) are from USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
Guideline Reference: Guidelines for Deriving Numerical National Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Organisms and Their Uses
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
85680
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Resmethrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for the municipal beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

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 out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. 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: 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 85680, Resmethrin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58313
 
Pollutant: Resmethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for RESMETHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Based on USEPA IRIS reference dose (RfD) as a drinking water level, the drinking water health advisory level for Resmethrin is 210 µg/L. This was calculated assuming 70 kg body weight, 2 liters/day water consumption, and 20% relative source contribution from drinking water.  An additional uncertainty factor of 10 is used for Class C carcinogens.
Guideline Reference: IRIS Database Calculations (summary)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
77212
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb/Bolero
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for the aquatic life beneficial use. Zero out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for the municipal beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

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 out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guidelines. 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: 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 77212, Thiobencarb/Bolero
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58317
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb/Bolero
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for THIOBENCARB.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for thiobencarb is 0.07 mg/L (Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77212, Thiobencarb/Bolero
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58327
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb/Bolero
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for THIOBENCARB.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Thiobencarb is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 1.4 ug/L. The MATC (or Chronic Value as defined in USEPA 1985, P20 section F) is calculated as the geometric mean of the lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) of 2.0 ug/L and the no observed effect concentration (NOEC) of 1.0 ug/L, as determined in a 21 day toxicity study with the water flea, Daphnia magna. Threshold values (LOEC and NOEC) are from USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
Guideline Reference: Guidelines for Deriving Numerical National Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Organisms and Their Uses
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
85851
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Vinclozolin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for the municipal beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

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 out of thirty water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. 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: 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 85851, Vinclozolin
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 58349
 
Pollutant: Vinclozolin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for Vinclozolin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coast Basin Plan General Objective).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Based on USEPA IRIS reference dose (RfD) as a drinking water level, the drinking water health advisory level for Vinclozolin is 180 µg/L. This was calculated assuming 70 kg body weight, 2 liters/day water consumption, and 20% relative source contribution from drinking water.  An additional uncertainty factor of 10 is used for Class C carcinogens.
Guideline Reference: IRIS Database Calculations (summary)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Santa Maria River Estuary was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Santa Maria River Estuary Lower - 312SME_L, Santa Maria River Estuary Upper - 312SME_U]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/5/2008-10/29/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
72529
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
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: Collection System Failure | Domestic Animals/Livestock | Natural Sources | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
TMDL Name: Santa Maria River Watershed Fecal Indicator Bacteria TMDL
TMDL Project Code: 917
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 04/24/2013
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy.

One line of evidence is 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.

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. Seventy-four of 74 samples exceeded the Shellfish Harvesting water quality objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. The Santa Maria River Watershed Fecal Indicator Bacteria TMDL was approved by USEPA on 04/24/2013.
5. 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 72529, Total Coliform
Region 3     
Santa Maria River Estuary
 
LOE ID: 20139
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 74
Number of Exceedances: 74
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Santa Maria River Estuary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 74 of 74 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Total.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for total coliform in waters designated for Shellfish Harvesting states that no more than ten percent of the samples collected during any 30-day period shall exceed 230 MPN/100 mL for a five-tube decimal dilution test (Chapter 3 section II.A.2, page III-12).
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 Santa Maria River Estuary was collected from a single CCAMP monitoring site (312SMA- Santa Maria River above the estuary). This monitoring site is approximately 300 m upstream of the estuary. However, there are no tributaries or other inputs between this monitoring site and the estuary.
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/12/00 - 12/6/06. CCAMP staff conducted monitoring monthly at this site with the exception of April 2003-December 2003.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s):