Draft California 2024 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 2 - San Francisco Bay Region

Water Body Name: San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
Water Body ID: CAB2042004020020930194957
Water Body Type: Bay & Harbor
 
DECISION ID
151224
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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 4.1 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 pollutant. Seven of seven samples exceed the guideline.

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. Seven of seven samples exceed the guideline and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151224, Chlordane
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 40
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Significant amphipod toxicity in 4 of 7 tests. Significant sea urchin toxicity in 3 of 7 tests (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: BPTCP Reference envelope approach.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements at 7 sampling sites.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected during April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151224, Chlordane
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 95208
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program data for San Leandro Marina to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for chlordane. No samples were discarded for being non-detect, unquantifiable or the reporting limit exceeding the water quality objective.
Data Reference: Regional Monitoring Program data, Feb. 1993-Sep. 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for total chlordane in fish tissue is 3.9 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at one site in the San Leandro Marina.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in November 2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances was used.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151224, Chlordane
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 50
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seven of 7 measurements exceed the ERM (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Effects Range-Median of 6 ng/g was used (Long and Morgan, 1990).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with benthic community and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151224, Chlordane
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 41
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: BPTCP benthic index values were 0.60, 0.60, 0.67, 1.0, and 0.66 (Hunt et al, 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Evaluations of the benthic data were completed using the approaches developed by scientists associated with the BPTCP. The relative benthic index used is a calculated value considering the total fauna, total mollusk species, crustacean species and indicator species at a site. The index ranges from 0 to 1.0. An index value of less than or equal to 0.3 is an indication that pollutants or other factors are negatively impacting the benthic community.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Five stations. Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151224, Chlordane
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 48
 
Pollutant: Pesticides (sediment)
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: -N/A
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The 2002 section 303(d) listing for Pesticides is too general to be reviewed. In the data and information available there are many measurements of pesticides. Only Chlordane and Dieldrin have numeric guidelines. The data for these chemicals are presented in fact sheets.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
151554
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three of three samples exceed the guideline.

The lines of evidence for sediment toxicity and benthic organism surveys are associated with evaluating the effects of DDT on benthos. There is no evidence that DDT is the responsible agent for impacting benthic organisms so the exceedances and samples for sediment toxicity were not used in the impairment assessment for this waterbody relative to DDT.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Three of three samples exceed the guideline and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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 151554, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 41
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: BPTCP benthic index values were 0.60, 0.60, 0.67, 1.0, and 0.66 (Hunt et al, 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Evaluations of the benthic data were completed using the approaches developed by scientists associated with the BPTCP. The relative benthic index used is a calculated value considering the total fauna, total mollusk species, crustacean species and indicator species at a site. The index ranges from 0 to 1.0. An index value of less than or equal to 0.3 is an indication that pollutants or other factors are negatively impacting the benthic community.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Five stations. Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151554, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 40
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Significant amphipod toxicity in 4 of 7 tests. Significant sea urchin toxicity in 3 of 7 tests (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: BPTCP Reference envelope approach.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements at 7 sampling sites.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected during April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151554, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 95197
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program data for San Leandro Marina to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for DDT. No samples were discarded for being non-detect, unquantifiable or the reporting limit exceeding the water quality objective.
Data Reference: Regional Monitoring Program data, Feb. 1993-Sep. 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for total DDT in fish tissue is 15 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at one site in the San Leandro Marina.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in November 2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances was used.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151554, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 47
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seven measurements ranging in concentrations from 31.26 to 211.23 ppb (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: No sediment quality guideline is available that meets the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with benthic community and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
151225
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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 4.1 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 pollutant. Four of seven samples exceed the guideline.

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. Four of seven samples exceed the guideline and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151225, Dieldrin
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 40
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Significant amphipod toxicity in 4 of 7 tests. Significant sea urchin toxicity in 3 of 7 tests (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: BPTCP Reference envelope approach.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements at 7 sampling sites.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected during April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151225, Dieldrin
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 48
 
Pollutant: Pesticides (sediment)
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: -N/A
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The 2002 section 303(d) listing for Pesticides is too general to be reviewed. In the data and information available there are many measurements of pesticides. Only Chlordane and Dieldrin have numeric guidelines. The data for these chemicals are presented in fact sheets.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151225, Dieldrin
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 41
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: BPTCP benthic index values were 0.60, 0.60, 0.67, 1.0, and 0.66 (Hunt et al, 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Evaluations of the benthic data were completed using the approaches developed by scientists associated with the BPTCP. The relative benthic index used is a calculated value considering the total fauna, total mollusk species, crustacean species and indicator species at a site. The index ranges from 0 to 1.0. An index value of less than or equal to 0.3 is an indication that pollutants or other factors are negatively impacting the benthic community.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Five stations. Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151225, Dieldrin
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 49
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of 7 measurements exceed the ERM (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Effects Range-Median of 8 ng/g was used (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with benthic community and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151225, Dieldrin
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 95173
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program data for San Leandro Marina to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for dieldrin. No samples were discarded for being non-detect, unquantifiable or the reporting limit exceeding the water quality objective.
Data Reference: Regional Monitoring Program data, Feb. 1993-Sep. 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for dieldrin in fish tissue is 0.32 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at one site in the San Leandro Marina.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in November 2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances was used.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances
 
 
DECISION ID
151226
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Dioxin compounds (including 2,3,7,8-TCDD)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
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. 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 151226, Dioxin compounds (including 2,3,7,8-TCDD)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 3854
 
Pollutant: Dioxin compounds (including 2,3,7,8-TCDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
151228
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Furan Compounds
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
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. 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 151228, Furan Compounds
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 3856
 
Pollutant: Furan Compounds
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
151227
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Invasive Species
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollution
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
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. 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 151227, Invasive Species
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 3855
 
Pollutant: Invasive Species
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
141050
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Lead
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This is a carryover decision because the pollutant name changed from "lead (sediment)" to "lead". New sediment data was assessed this cycle but there was no associated sediment toxicity.

This pollutant is being considered for delisting under sections 4.6 and 4.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.6 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status while under section 4.9, 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. Based on section 4.6, the water body has significant sediment toxicity and it cannot be determined if the pollutant causes or contributes to any toxic effect. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification in favor of removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The sediment quality guideline used complies with the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 3. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 4. Four of 7 samples exceeded the sediment guideline, 4 of 7 samples exhibit toxicity, and these do not meet the minimum data required for delisting as presented in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. New data assessed in the 2024 cycle did not have associated sediment toxicity data. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141050, Lead
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 40
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Significant amphipod toxicity in 4 of 7 tests. Significant sea urchin toxicity in 3 of 7 tests (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: BPTCP Reference envelope approach.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements at 7 sampling sites.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected during April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141050, Lead
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 43
 
Pollutant: Lead (sediment)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of 7 measurements exceeded the sediment quality guideline (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Probable Effects Level of 112.18 ug/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with benthic community and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141050, Lead
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 273952
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lead is the probable effect level (PEL) of 112 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
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): CB48 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 48).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141050, Lead
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 273992
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lead is the probable effect level (PEL) of 112 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
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): CB16 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 16).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141050, Lead
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 274062
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lead is the probable effect level (PEL) of 112 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
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): CB32 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 32).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141050, Lead
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 274099
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lead is the probable effect level (PEL) of 112 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
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): CB44 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 44).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141050, Lead
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 41
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: BPTCP benthic index values were 0.60, 0.60, 0.67, 1.0, and 0.66 (Hunt et al, 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Evaluations of the benthic data were completed using the approaches developed by scientists associated with the BPTCP. The relative benthic index used is a calculated value considering the total fauna, total mollusk species, crustacean species and indicator species at a site. The index ranges from 0 to 1.0. An index value of less than or equal to 0.3 is an indication that pollutants or other factors are negatively impacting the benthic community.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Five stations. Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
151354
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This is a carryover decision. The original decision was retired because the pollutant name changed from "PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) (sediment)" to "PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)"

This pollutant is being considered for delisting under sections 4.6 and 4.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.6 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status while under section 4.9, a minimum of two lines of evidence are needed to assess listing status. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 4.6, the water body has significant sediment toxicity and it cannot be determined if the pollutant causes or contributes to any toxic effect. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification in favor of removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The sediment quality guideline used complies with the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 3. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 4. None of 7 samples exceeded the sediment guideline, 3 of 7 samples exhibit toxicity, and these do not meet the minimum data required for delisting as presented in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. 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: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151354, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 41
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: BPTCP benthic index values were 0.60, 0.60, 0.67, 1.0, and 0.66 (Hunt et al, 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Evaluations of the benthic data were completed using the approaches developed by scientists associated with the BPTCP. The relative benthic index used is a calculated value considering the total fauna, total mollusk species, crustacean species and indicator species at a site. The index ranges from 0 to 1.0. An index value of less than or equal to 0.3 is an indication that pollutants or other factors are negatively impacting the benthic community.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Five stations. Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151354, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 46
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) (sediment)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two of 7 samples exceed the guideline for high molecular weight PAHs (Hunt et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Effects Range-Median for high molecular weight PAHs of 9,600 ng/g was used (Long et al., 1995). Probable Effects Level for low molecular weight PAHs of 1,442 ng/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with benthic community and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151354, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 40
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Significant amphipod toxicity in 4 of 7 tests. Significant sea urchin toxicity in 3 of 7 tests (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: BPTCP Reference envelope approach.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements at 7 sampling sites.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected during April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
141054
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Zinc
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under sections 4.6 and 4.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.6 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess delisting status while under section 4.9, 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. Based on section 4.6, the site has significant sediment toxicity and the pollutant concentration exceeds the sediment guideline. The benthic community is not impacted. 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 the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The sediment quality guideline used complies with the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
3. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
4. Four of seven samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline of 410 ug/g, and four of seven samples exhibit toxicity, and these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1. In addition, at least 28 total samples are required before a pollutant can be considered for removal from the 303(d) list using the frequencies presented in table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. The benthic community in this water body is not impacted.
5. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.

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.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. New data were assessed by the Regional Board but 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 141054, Zinc
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 276311
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for zinc is the effects range median value of 410 PPM (ug/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): CB44 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 44).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141054, Zinc
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 276479
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for zinc is the effects range median value of 410 PPM (ug/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): CB32 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 32).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141054, Zinc
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 276246
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for zinc is the effects range median value of 410 PPM (ug/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): CB16 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 16).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141054, Zinc
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 45
 
Pollutant: Zinc (sediment)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of 7 measurements exceed the ERM (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Effects Range-Median of 410 ug/g was used (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with benthic community and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141054, Zinc
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 40
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Significant amphipod toxicity in 4 of 7 tests. Significant sea urchin toxicity in 3 of 7 tests (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: BPTCP Reference envelope approach.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements at 7 sampling sites.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected during April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141054, Zinc
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 41
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: BPTCP benthic index values were 0.60, 0.60, 0.67, 1.0, and 0.66 (Hunt et al, 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Evaluations of the benthic data were completed using the approaches developed by scientists associated with the BPTCP. The relative benthic index used is a calculated value considering the total fauna, total mollusk species, crustacean species and indicator species at a site. The index ranges from 0 to 1.0. An index value of less than or equal to 0.3 is an indication that pollutants or other factors are negatively impacting the benthic community.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Five stations. Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141054, Zinc
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 276181
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for zinc is the effects range median value of 410 PPM (ug/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): CB48 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 48).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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
153021
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Mercury
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: San Francisco Bay Mercury
TMDL Project Code: 6
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 02/12/2008
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 2.2 and 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

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

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

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. There was evidence of fish tissue mercury concentrations exceeding the evaluation guideline available prior to 2006 and there are not sufficient newer data available to delist this waterbody according to section 4.1 of the listing policy.
4. The SF Bay mercury TMDL was approved by USEPA on 2/12/2008.
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: Decision written by SWRCB staff.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 153021, Mercury
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 289982
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish whole body
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RMP data for San Leandro Bay to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the Basin Plan's mercury fish tissue objective of 0.03 mg/kg to protect wildlife.
Data Reference: Tissue data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, San Francisco Bay Basin, Table 3-3b Water Quality Objectives for Mercury in San Francisco Bay states: the water quality objective for the protection of wildlife is 0.03 mg/kg and is evaluated as the average wet weight concentration measured in whole fish 3–5 cm in length.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected in San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower), at 1 monitoring location: station code MLKRS
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected in September 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: These are Regional Monitoring Program data and are exempt from QAPP requirements.
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 153021, Mercury
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 274285
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for mercury is 2.1 ug/g (PTI Environmental Services, 1991).
Guideline Reference: Pollutants of concern in Puget Sound. EPA 910/9-91-003. Seattle, WA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): CB16 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 16).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 153021, Mercury
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 274503
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for mercury is 2.1 ug/g (PTI Environmental Services, 1991).
Guideline Reference: Pollutants of concern in Puget Sound. EPA 910/9-91-003. Seattle, WA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): CB32 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 32).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 153021, Mercury
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 274514
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for mercury is 2.1 ug/g (PTI Environmental Services, 1991).
Guideline Reference: Pollutants of concern in Puget Sound. EPA 910/9-91-003. Seattle, WA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): CB44 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 44).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 153021, Mercury
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 274282
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for mercury is 2.1 ug/g (PTI Environmental Services, 1991).
Guideline Reference: Pollutants of concern in Puget Sound. EPA 910/9-91-003. Seattle, WA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): CB48 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 48).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 153021, Mercury
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 42
 
Pollutant: Mercury (sediment)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of 7 measurements exceeded the sediment quality guideline. In previous BPTCP analyses the guideline used was much lower than the guideline used in the current analysis (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sediment quality guideline of 2.1 ug/g was used (PTI Environmental Services, 1991).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with benthic community and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 153021, Mercury
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 95183
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program data for San Leandro Marina to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for mercury. No samples were discarded for being non-detect, unquantifiable or the reporting limit exceeding the water quality objective.
Data Reference: Regional Monitoring Program data, Feb. 1993-Sep. 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin has a water quality objective in all parts of San Francisco Bay of 0.2 mg mercury per kg fish tissue for the protection of human health.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at one site in the San Leandro Marina.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in November 2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances was used.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 153021, Mercury
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 3857
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
141047
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
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: 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 141047, Arsenic
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 270076
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for arsenic is the effects range median (ERM) value of 70 ug/g dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): CB48 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 48).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141047, Arsenic
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 269956
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for arsenic is the effects range median (ERM) value of 70 ug/g dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): CB44 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 44).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141047, Arsenic
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 269789
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for arsenic is the effects range median (ERM) value of 70 ug/g dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): CB32 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 32).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141047, Arsenic
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 269921
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for arsenic is the effects range median (ERM) value of 70 ug/g dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): CB16 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 16).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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
141048
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141048, Cadmium
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 270517
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cadmium is the probable effect level (PEL) of 4.21 ug/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
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): CB44 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 44).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141048, Cadmium
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 270576
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cadmium is the probable effect level (PEL) of 4.21 ug/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
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): CB32 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 32).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141048, Cadmium
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 270574
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cadmium is the probable effect level (PEL) of 4.21 ug/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
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): CB16 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 16).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141048, Cadmium
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 270490
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cadmium is the probable effect level (PEL) of 4.21 ug/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
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): CB48 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 48).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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
141049
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141049, Copper
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 271473
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for copper is the effects range median (ERM) value of 270 PPM (ug/g) dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): CB48 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 48).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141049, Copper
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 271665
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for copper is the effects range median (ERM) value of 270 PPM (ug/g) dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): CB32 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 32).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141049, Copper
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 271670
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for copper is the effects range median (ERM) value of 270 PPM (ug/g) dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): CB16 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 16).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141049, Copper
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 271604
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for copper is the effects range median (ERM) value of 270 PPM (ug/g) dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): CB44 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 44).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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
154108
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Microplastics
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: Microplastic particle count data are being assessed for potential waterbody impairment. An exceedance of the food dilution hazard concentration for five percent of species (“HC5”) threshold developed in Mehinto et al. (2022) will indicate the beneficial use may be potentially threatened and the waterbody will be placed in Category 3. If there is no exceedance the waterbody will be placed in Category 2 (insufficient information to determine beneficial use support). The LOEs in this assessment are not used to consider waterbody placement on the CWA 303(d) list. Additional information is needed to increase the confidence in this HC5 threshold prior to determining that a waterbody is placed on the CWA 303(d) list. Additionally, submitted data that are more representative of waterbody microplastic conditions are required to assess placement on the CWA 303(d) list.

One LOE is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the two samples exceed the microplastics threshold of 5 microplastic particles per liter. The exceedances of the HC5 threshold indicate that the EST beneficial use may be potentially threatened, and the waterbody will be placed in Category 3 for this pollutant.

Consideration to place a waterbody segment on the 303(d) list or to determine that the beneficial use is fully supported requires further data and information to increase the confidence in the accuracy of the threshold and the representativeness of the submitted data.

Threshold:
The HC5 threshold presented in Mehinto et al. (2022), does not yet meet the Listing Policy evaluation guideline requirements outlined in Section 6.1.3. The expert group that developed this HC5 threshold expressed low to moderate confidence in the calculated threshold concentration (Mehinto et al. 2022). However, while the expert group has high confidence in the framework and the analytical approach used to derive the threshold, the threshold suffers from “limited data of sufficient quality and environmental relevance.” For example, the majority of studies used to derive this threshold relied on sphere and fragment microplastic morphologies and did not consider films, fibers or tire wear particles. Fibers are expected to be more toxic than fragments and spheres (Stienbarger et al. 2021).

Submitted Data:
The manta trawl data were corrected and aligned to account for sampling limitations in capturing particles smaller than 355 microns and a tendency to undercount fibers. These adjustments introduce considerable uncertainty in the particle concentration estimates.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This decision was made by State Board.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation: Consideration to place a waterbody segment on the 303(d) list or to determine that the beneficial use is fully supported requires further data and information to increase the confidence in the accuracy of the threshold and the representativeness of the submitted data.

Threshold:
The HC5 threshold presented in Mehinto et al. (2022), does not yet meet the Listing Policy evaluation guideline requirements outlined in Section 6.1.3. The expert group that developed this HC5 threshold expressed low to moderate confidence in the calculated threshold concentration (Mehinto et al. 2022). However, while the expert group has high confidence in the framework and the analytical approach used to derive the threshold, the threshold suffers from “limited data of sufficient quality and environmental relevance.” For example, the majority of studies used to derive this threshold relied on sphere and fragment microplastic morphologies and did not consider films, fibers or tire wear particles. Fibers are expected to be more toxic than fragments and spheres (Stienbarger et al. 2021).

Submitted Data:
The manta trawl data were corrected and aligned to account for sampling limitations in capturing particles smaller than 355 microns and a tendency to undercount fibers. These adjustments introduce considerable uncertainty in the particle concentration estimates.
 
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 154108, Microplastics
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 315258
 
Pollutant: Microplastics
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine 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 manta trawl microplastic data collected by San Francisco Estuary Institute (“SFEI”) and presented in Zhu et al. (2021) to determine beneficial use support.  In accordance with Coffin et al. (2022), manta trawl data were rescaled to a common size range (1-5000µm) to allow direct comparison to the evaluation guideline and were adjusted for biases in sampling and analysis procedures using empirical data.  Uncertainties introduced by these adjustments were propagated probabilistically using probability distribution functions and Monte-Carlo modeling.  The median modelled values were used for assessment purposes.  Two of two samples of median modeled values exceeded evaluation guideline for EST. 
Data Reference: Risk characterization of microplastics in San Francisco Bay, California
  Holistic Assessment of Microplastics and Other Anthropogenic Microdebris in an Urban Bay Sheds Light on Their Sources and Fate
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms. (SFRWQCB Water Quality Control Plan Section 3.3.18, 2017)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Microplastics data are compared to the threshold of 5 microplastic particle per liter for a particle range of 1-5000 µm developed by Mehinto et al. (2022), to determine potential impairment of marine and estuarine beneficial uses due to microplastics. The threshold is a calculated median value and denotes a concentration at or above which 5 percent of the aquatic species used to develop the threshold will experience adverse effects. This threshold is commonly known as the hazard concentration for 5 percent of species, or “HC5.”  Mehinto et al. (2022) bases the 5 microplastic particle per liter HC5 on food dilution effects data.  Food dilution is an adverse health effect that develops when aquatic organisms ingest microplastics, diminishing nutritional intake and organismal biological function (de Ruijter et al. 2020).  Food dilution can be reliably predicted by particle volume (Koelmans et al. 2022). 
Guideline Reference: Risk assessment of microplastic particles.
Guideline Reference: Risk-based management framework for microplastics in aquatic ecosystems
Guideline Reference: Quality Criteria for Microplastic Effect Studies in the Context of Risk Assessment: A Critical Review
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected via manta trawl from the following station: CB8. The manta trawl was towed behind the vessel for 30 minutes with a tow speed of 3 knots. Sample volumes for these manta trawl events ranged from 175,432 L to 282,326 L. For microplastics collected with the manta trawl, microplastics data with similar coordinates were aggregated and evaluated as a single line of evidence.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected August 25, 2017 – January 11, 2018. Microplastic data collected during the wet (November 16, 2017 – March 31, 2018) and dry (August 21, 2017 – November 5, 2017) seasons were used in this assessment, as aquatic life may be exposed to microplastic concentrations seasonally.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data were assessed for quality using quality assurance criteria for microplastics sampling, extraction, and analysis reported in Koelmans et al. (2020).  
QAPP Information Reference(s): Solving the Nonalignment of Methods and Approaches Used in Microplastic Research to Consistently Characterize Risk
 
 
DECISION ID
141052
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141052, Silver
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 275995
 
Pollutant: Silver
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Silver .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for silver is the probable effect level (PEL) of 1.77 ug/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
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): CB48 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 48).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141052, Silver
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 276103
 
Pollutant: Silver
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Silver .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for silver is the probable effect level (PEL) of 1.77 ug/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
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): CB16 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 16).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141052, Silver
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 275925
 
Pollutant: Silver
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Silver .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for silver is the probable effect level (PEL) of 1.77 ug/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
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): CB44 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 44).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141052, Silver
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 275869
 
Pollutant: Silver
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Margins data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Silver .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Section 3.3.18 of the San Francisco Bay Region's Basin Plan contains the narrative toxicity objective stating that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for silver is the probable effect level (PEL) of 1.77 ug/g dry weight (MacDonald et al., 1996).
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): CB32 (SF Bay RMP - Central Bay 32).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-09-01 to 2015-09-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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
141053
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
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 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Seven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three of three water column toxicity samples exceed the evaluation guideline. Five of ten sediment toxicity samples exceed the evaluation guideline.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is NOT sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The water toxicity data concerning current conditions and supporting the listing decision satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. As explained in finding 5, the sediment toxicity data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Three of three samples exceed the water column toxicity evaluation guideline, and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. However, all three exceedances were for overlying water samples collected from the sediment-water interface in 2011-2012. This water from the sediment-water interface is heavily influenced by the pore water released from sediment and is not representative of the entire water column and thus does not support the spatial representation requirements in section 6.1.5.2 of the listing policy. There is no toxicity data for samples taken from the bulk water column.
4. Five of ten sediment toxicity samples exceed the guideline, and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, but these data are not considered sufficient information on which to base a defensible listing determination for sediment toxicity as described in finding 5 below.
5. The Regional Board and general public identified concerns about the quality of toxicity data for which the amphipod Eohaustorius estuarius was the test organism for the sediment toxicity data involved in this decision because peer-reviewed scientific literature has revealed that this test organism can be impacted by the presence of naturally occurring clay in the sample, which is common in many Bay sediments.
7. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141053, Toxicity
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 40
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Significant amphipod toxicity in 4 of 7 tests. Significant sea urchin toxicity in 3 of 7 tests (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: BPTCP Reference envelope approach.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements at 7 sampling sites.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected during April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141053, Toxicity
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 268865
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 1 of the 1 samples collected by Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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 and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Mytilus galloprovincialis for Survival. The following tests exhibited toxicity: Mytilus galloprovincialis for Survival on 2011-08-25.
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms. Detrimental responses include, but are not limited to, decreased growth rate and decreased reproductive success of resident or indicator species. There shall be no acute toxicity in ambient waters. Acute toxicity is defined as a median of less than 90 percent survival, or less than 70 percent survival, 10 percent of the time, of test organisms in a 96-hour static or continuous flow test. There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community. Attainment of this objective will be determined by analyses of indicator organisms, species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, or toxicity tests (including those described in Chapter 4), or other methods selected by the Water Board. The Water Board will also consider other relevant information and numeric criteria and guidelines for toxic substances developed by other agencies as appropriate.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 21027 ( SAN LEANDRO BAY-SITE 1-21027 ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-25 and 2011-08-25.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141053, Toxicity
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 268897
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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 and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Eohaustorius estuarius for Survival.
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms. Detrimental responses include, but are not limited to, decreased growth rate and decreased reproductive success of resident or indicator species. There shall be no acute toxicity in ambient waters. Acute toxicity is defined as a median of less than 90 percent survival, or less than 70 percent survival, 10 percent of the time, of test organisms in a 96-hour static or continuous flow test. There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community. Attainment of this objective will be determined by analyses of indicator organisms, species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, or toxicity tests (including those described in Chapter 4), or other methods selected by the Water Board. The Water Board will also consider other relevant information and numeric criteria and guidelines for toxic substances developed by other agencies as appropriate.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 21313 ( San Leandro Bay (21313) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-25 and 2011-08-25.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141053, Toxicity
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 268866
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 1 of the 1 samples collected by Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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 and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Eohaustorius estuarius for Survival. The following tests exhibited toxicity: Eohaustorius estuarius for Survival on 2011-08-25.
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms. Detrimental responses include, but are not limited to, decreased growth rate and decreased reproductive success of resident or indicator species. There shall be no acute toxicity in ambient waters. Acute toxicity is defined as a median of less than 90 percent survival, or less than 70 percent survival, 10 percent of the time, of test organisms in a 96-hour static or continuous flow test. There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community. Attainment of this objective will be determined by analyses of indicator organisms, species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, or toxicity tests (including those described in Chapter 4), or other methods selected by the Water Board. The Water Board will also consider other relevant information and numeric criteria and guidelines for toxic substances developed by other agencies as appropriate.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 21027 ( SAN LEANDRO BAY-SITE 1-21027 ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-25 and 2011-08-25.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141053, Toxicity
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 268907
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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 and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Eohaustorius estuarius for Survival.
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms. Detrimental responses include, but are not limited to, decreased growth rate and decreased reproductive success of resident or indicator species. There shall be no acute toxicity in ambient waters. Acute toxicity is defined as a median of less than 90 percent survival, or less than 70 percent survival, 10 percent of the time, of test organisms in a 96-hour static or continuous flow test. There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community. Attainment of this objective will be determined by analyses of indicator organisms, species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, or toxicity tests (including those described in Chapter 4), or other methods selected by the Water Board. The Water Board will also consider other relevant information and numeric criteria and guidelines for toxic substances developed by other agencies as appropriate.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: E2g ( San Leandro Bay (E2g) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-25 and 2011-08-25.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141053, Toxicity
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 268900
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 1 of the 1 samples collected by Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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 and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Mytilus galloprovincialis for Survival. The following tests exhibited toxicity: Mytilus galloprovincialis for Survival on 2011-08-25.
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms. Detrimental responses include, but are not limited to, decreased growth rate and decreased reproductive success of resident or indicator species. There shall be no acute toxicity in ambient waters. Acute toxicity is defined as a median of less than 90 percent survival, or less than 70 percent survival, 10 percent of the time, of test organisms in a 96-hour static or continuous flow test. There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community. Attainment of this objective will be determined by analyses of indicator organisms, species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, or toxicity tests (including those described in Chapter 4), or other methods selected by the Water Board. The Water Board will also consider other relevant information and numeric criteria and guidelines for toxic substances developed by other agencies as appropriate.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: E2g ( San Leandro Bay (E2g) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-25 and 2011-08-25.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141053, Toxicity
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 268890
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 1 of the 1 samples collected by Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) 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 and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Mytilus galloprovincialis for Survival. The following tests exhibited toxicity: Mytilus galloprovincialis for Survival on 2011-08-25.
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms. Detrimental responses include, but are not limited to, decreased growth rate and decreased reproductive success of resident or indicator species. There shall be no acute toxicity in ambient waters. Acute toxicity is defined as a median of less than 90 percent survival, or less than 70 percent survival, 10 percent of the time, of test organisms in a 96-hour static or continuous flow test. There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community. Attainment of this objective will be determined by analyses of indicator organisms, species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, or toxicity tests (including those described in Chapter 4), or other methods selected by the Water Board. The Water Board will also consider other relevant information and numeric criteria and guidelines for toxic substances developed by other agencies as appropriate.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 21313 ( San Leandro Bay (21313) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-25 and 2011-08-25.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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
141051
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Other Urban Runoff
TMDL Name: San Francisco Bay PCBs
TMDL Project Code: 7
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/29/2010
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 2.2 and section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.
Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

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

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. Six of six samples exceeded the guideline and these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. The SF Bay PCBs TMDL was approved by USEPA on 3/29/2010.
5. Pursuant to section 3.11 and 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be 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 141051, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 269256
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). Data were collected for 2 fish species (3 composite(s) of Top Smelt each composed of 20 fish per composite, 3 composite(s) of Shiner Surfperch each composed of 20 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum total PCB Arochlor concentration of 500 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): AL (Airport Lagoon).
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2016-08-09 and 2016-08-23. When composited fish were collected over multiple days, the first day of fish collection was used as the sample date in the LOE, both for LOE writing, and for averaging period purposes.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141051, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 269409
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). Data were collected for 1 fish species (3 composite(s) of Top Smelt each composed of 20 fish per composite). Of these, 1 species (Top Smelt) exceeded the water quality threshold.
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for polychlorinated biphenyls in fish tissue is 2.6 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): BF (Bay Farm).
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2016-08-23 and 2016-08-23. When composited fish were collected over multiple days, the first day of fish collection was used as the sample date in the LOE, both for LOE writing, and for averaging period purposes.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141051, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 269397
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). Data were collected for 1 fish species (3 composite(s) of Shiner Surfperch each composed of 20 fish per composite). Of these, 1 species (Shiner Surfperch) exceeded the water quality threshold.
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for polychlorinated biphenyls in fish tissue is 2.6 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): SLB (San Leandro Bay Main).
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2016-08-09 and 2016-08-10. When composited fish were collected over multiple days, the first day of fish collection was used as the sample date in the LOE, both for LOE writing, and for averaging period purposes.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141051, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 286630
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
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: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls).
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The PCB criterion for the protection of human health from consumption of water and organisms is 0.00017 ug/L and is equal to the maximum of the sum of aroclors or congeners (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: SLBsub1 (500m interval subtidal repeat past site 1).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-11 and 2016-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141051, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 286349
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
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: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls).
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The PCB criterion for the protection of human health from consumption of water and organisms is 0.00017 ug/L and is equal to the maximum of the sum of aroclors or congeners (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: E6g (500m interval subtidal E6g repeat).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-11 and 2016-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141051, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 269406
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). Data were collected for 1 fish species (3 composite(s) of Top Smelt each composed of 20 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum total PCB Arochlor concentration of 500 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): EC (East Creek).
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2016-08-24 and 2016-08-24. When composited fish were collected over multiple days, the first day of fish collection was used as the sample date in the LOE, both for LOE writing, and for averaging period purposes.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141051, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 269363
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). Data were collected for 1 fish species (3 composite(s) of Top Smelt each composed of 20 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum total PCB Arochlor concentration of 500 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): BF (Bay Farm).
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2016-08-23 and 2016-08-23. When composited fish were collected over multiple days, the first day of fish collection was used as the sample date in the LOE, both for LOE writing, and for averaging period purposes.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141051, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 286680
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
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: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls).
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The PCB criterion for the protection of human health from consumption of water and organisms is 0.00017 ug/L and is equal to the maximum of the sum of aroclors or congeners (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: B5g (500m interval subtidal B5g repeat).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-11 and 2016-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141051, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 269468
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). Data were collected for 1 fish species (3 composite(s) of Shiner Surfperch each composed of 20 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum total PCB Arochlor concentration of 500 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): SLB (San Leandro Bay Main).
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2016-08-09 and 2016-08-10. When composited fish were collected over multiple days, the first day of fish collection was used as the sample date in the LOE, both for LOE writing, and for averaging period purposes.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141051, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 269437
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - EEPS data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Mississippi silverside each composed of 1 fish per composite). Of these, 1 species (Mississippi silverside) exceeded the water quality threshold.
Data Reference: Tissue data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for polychlorinated biphenyls in fish tissue is 2.6 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): NSLB (North San Leandro Bay-NSLB).
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2010-09-22 and 2010-09-22. When composited fish were collected over multiple days, the first day of fish collection was used as the sample date in the LOE, both for LOE writing, and for averaging period purposes.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141051, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 269467
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). Data were collected for 1 fish species (3 composite(s) of Top Smelt each composed of 20 fish per composite). Of these, 1 species (Top Smelt) exceeded the water quality threshold.
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for polychlorinated biphenyls in fish tissue is 2.6 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): EC (East Creek).
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2016-08-24 and 2016-08-24. When composited fish were collected over multiple days, the first day of fish collection was used as the sample date in the LOE, both for LOE writing, and for averaging period purposes.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141051, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 269396
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - EEPS data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). Data were collected for 1 fish species (1 composite(s) of Mississippi silverside each composed of 1 fish per composite).
Data Reference: Tissue data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science guidelines (NAS 1972) establish a maximum total PCB Arochlor concentration of 500 ug/Kg (wet weight) in tissue samples for protection of aquatic life from bioaccumulation of toxic substances.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): NSLB (North San Leandro Bay-NSLB).
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2010-09-22 and 2010-09-22. When composited fish were collected over multiple days, the first day of fish collection was used as the sample date in the LOE, both for LOE writing, and for averaging period purposes.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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 141051, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 269266
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
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 Regional Monitoring Program - Status and Trends data for San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows 2 of the 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). Data were collected for 2 fish species (3 composite(s) of Top Smelt each composed of 20 fish per composite, 3 composite(s) of Shiner Surfperch each composed of 20 fish per composite). Of these, 2 species (Top Smelt, Shiner Surfperch) exceeded the water quality threshold.
Data Reference: Field, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for polychlorinated biphenyls in fish tissue is 2.6 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): AL (Airport Lagoon).
Temporal Representation: Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2016-08-09 and 2016-08-23. When composited fish were collected over multiple days, the first day of fish collection was used as the sample date in the LOE, both for LOE writing, and for averaging period purposes.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements..
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
68457
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for delisting under sections 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 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. The basis for listing in 1998 was ambient water toxicity and detections of diazinon in Bay waters. Recent measures of toxicity show that ambient water toxicity no longer exists in Bay waters. The RWQCB has developed a Water Quality Attainment Strategy that calls for preventive actions to keep diazinon from entering the Bay. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification available in favor of removing this water segment-pollutant combination from 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. None of three samples exceeded the evaluation guideline and these frequencies do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68457, Diazinon
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 95165
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program data for San Leandro Marina to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for diazinon. No samples were discarded for being non-detect, unquantifiable or the reporting limit exceeding the water quality objective.
Data Reference: Regional Monitoring Program data, Feb. 1993-Sep. 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for diazinon in fish tissue is 1,500 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at one site in the San Leandro Marina.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in November 2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances was used.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68457, Diazinon
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 51
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: -N/A
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Diazinon is one of the pollutants listed for this segment on the 2002 section 303(d) list. The data and information used to assess this pollutant-water segment is subsumed in diazinon listing for San Francisco Bay, Central. The conclusions drawn for San Francisco Bay, Central should be applied to this segment.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
89595
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Selenium
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for delisting under sections 4.6 and 4.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.6 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status while under section 4.9, a minimum of two lines of evidence are needed to assess listing status. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 4.6, the water body has significant sediment toxicity and it cannot be determined if the pollutant causes or contributes to any toxic effect. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification in favor of removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The sediment quality guideline used complies with the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 3. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 4. None of 7 samples exceeded the sediment guideline, 3 of 7 samples exhibit toxicity, and these do not meet the minimum data required for delisting as presented in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. 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: 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. 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 89595, Selenium
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 41
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: BPTCP benthic index values were 0.60, 0.60, 0.67, 1.0, and 0.66 (Hunt et al, 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Evaluations of the benthic data were completed using the approaches developed by scientists associated with the BPTCP. The relative benthic index used is a calculated value considering the total fauna, total mollusk species, crustacean species and indicator species at a site. The index ranges from 0 to 1.0. An index value of less than or equal to 0.3 is an indication that pollutants or other factors are negatively impacting the benthic community.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Five stations. Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 89595, Selenium
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 40
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Significant amphipod toxicity in 4 of 7 tests. Significant sea urchin toxicity in 3 of 7 tests (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: BPTCP Reference envelope approach.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with chemical and toxicity measurements at 7 sampling sites.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected during April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 89595, Selenium
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 44
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seven measurements ranging in concentrations from 0.528 to 2.830 ppm (Hunt et al., 1998b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce other detrimental responses in aquatic organisms.

There shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters. Chronic toxicity is a detrimental biological effect on growth rate, reproduction, fertilization success, larval development, population abundance, community composition, or any other relevant measure of the health of an organism, population, or community.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: No sediment quality guideline is available that meets the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Data was synoptically collected with benthic community and toxicity measurements.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in April 1995 and April 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
98773
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of three samples exceed the OEHHA guideline.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of three samples exceed the OEHHA guideline and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98773, Chlorpyrifos
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 95158
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program data for San Leandro Marina to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for chlorpyrifos. No samples were discarded for being non-detect, unquantifiable or the reporting limit exceeding the water quality objective.
Data Reference: Regional Monitoring Program data, Feb. 1993-Sep. 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for chlorpyrifos in fish tissue is 660 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at one site in the San Leandro Marina.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in November 2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances was used.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances
 
 
DECISION ID
98774
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of three samples exceed the OEHHA guideline.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of three samples exceed the OEHHA guideline and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98774, Endosulfan
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 95137
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program data for San Leandro Marina to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for endosulfan. No samples were discarded for being non-detect, unquantifiable or the reporting limit exceeding the water quality objective.
Data Reference: Regional Monitoring Program data, Feb. 1993-Sep. 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for endosulfan (l and ll) in fish tissue is 13,000 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at one site in the San Leandro Marina.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in November 2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances was used.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances
 
 
DECISION ID
98998
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Endrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of three samples exceed the OEHHA guideline.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of three samples exceed the OEHHA guideline and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98998, Endrin
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 95162
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program data for San Leandro Marina to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for endrin. No samples were discarded for being non-detect, unquantifiable or the reporting limit exceeding the water quality objective.
Data Reference: Regional Monitoring Program data, Feb. 1993-Sep. 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for endrin in fish tissue is 660 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at one site in the San Leandro Marina.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in November 2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances was used.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances
 
 
DECISION ID
100009
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of zero samples exceed the OEHHA guideline.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of zero samples exceed the OEHHA guideline and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100009, Heptachlor epoxide
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 95108
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program data for San Leandro Marina to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for Heptachlor epoxide. Three samples were discarded for being non-detect, unquantifiable or the reporting limit exceeding the water quality objective.
Data Reference: Regional Monitoring Program data, Feb. 1993-Sep. 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for heptachlor epoxide in fish tissue is 0.93 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 1999)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Public Health Goal for Heptachlor and Heptachlor Epoxide in Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at one site in the San Leandro Marina.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in November 2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances was used.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances
 
 
DECISION ID
98999
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of three samples exceed the OEHHA guideline.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of three samples exceed the OEHHA guideline and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98999, Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 95095
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program data for San Leandro Marina to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for hexachlorobenzene. No samples were discarded for being non-detect, unquantifiable or the reporting limit exceeding the water quality objective.
Data Reference: Regional Monitoring Program data, Feb. 1993-Sep. 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for hexachlorobenzene in fish tissue is 2.8 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 2005)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Air Toxics Hotspots Program Risk Assessment Guidelines. Part ll Technical Support Document for Describing Available Cancer Potency Values.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at one site in the San Leandro Marina.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in November 2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances was used.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances
 
 
DECISION ID
99000
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Mirex
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of zero samples exceed the OEHHA guideline.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of zero samples exceed the OEHHA guideline and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99000, Mirex
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 95238
 
Pollutant: Mirex
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program data for San Leandro Marina to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for Mirex. Three samples were discarded for being non-detect, unquantifiable or the reporting limit exceeding the water quality objective.
Data Reference: Regional Monitoring Program data, Feb. 1993-Sep. 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for mirex in fish tissue is 0.28 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 1992)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Expedited Cancer Potency Values and Proposed Regulatory Levels for Certain Proposition 65 Carcinogens.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at one site in the San Leandro Marina.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in November 2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances was used.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances
 
 
DECISION ID
99001
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
Pollutant: Toxaphene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.
One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of zero samples exceed the OEHHA guideline.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of zero samples exceed the OEHHA guideline and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99001, Toxaphene
Region 2     
San Leandro Bay (part of SF Bay, Lower)
 
LOE ID: 95128
 
Pollutant: Toxaphene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Regional Monitoring Program data for San Leandro Marina to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for toxaphene. Three samples were discarded for being non-detect, unquantifiable or the reporting limit exceeding the water quality objective.
Data Reference: Regional Monitoring Program data, Feb. 1993-Sep. 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for toxaphene in fish tissue is 4.3 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 32 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. A cooking reduction factor of 1 is applied for skin-off fillets. (Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at one site in the San Leandro Marina.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in November 2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances was used.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 1999 Quality Assurance Project Plan Regional Monitoring Program for Trace Substances