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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 2 - San Francisco Bay Region

Water Body Name:	Lake Merced
Water Body ID:	CAL2021001020020315204138
Water Body Type:	Lake & Reservoir


DECISION ID	151266	Region 2
Lake Merced

Pollutant:	Oxygen, Dissolved
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 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section 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. One hundred forty-three of two hundred thirty-six samples exceed the objective. 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.One hundred forty-three of two hundred thirty-six samples exceed the objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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 151266, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

3758

Pollutant:

Low Dissolved Oxygen

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151266, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

92035

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

236

Number of Exceedances:

143

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data was collected on 60 days at varying depths (depth profiles) at four different sites in the lake. The minimum value from each stations depth profile was used to assess water quality. Among 143 of the samples collected, the minimum Dissolved Oxygen (DO) from the profile was lower than the objective specified in the basin plan and therefore did not meet the water quality objective for DO.

Data Reference:

Data for dissolved oxygen, pH, and other various pollutants in Lake Merced, May. 1997-Jul. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

For waters designated as COLD (cold freshwater habitat), the water quality objective for dissolved oxygen is a minimum level of 7.0 mg/L(Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at the following locations in the lake: Lake Merced South - Pump Station Lake Merced South - Pistol Range Lake Merced North Lake Merced North East

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected approximately 2-4 times per year from May 15th, 1997 to June 15th, 2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Quality Assurance document outlining QA procedures included with this data and signed off on by the manager of the Biological Resources Section of the SFPUC.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	151267	Region 2
Lake Merced

Pollutant:	pH
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 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section 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. Seventy of two-hundred forty samples exceed the objective. 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. Seventy of two-hundred forty samples exceed the objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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 151267, pH	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

92036

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

240

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data was collected on 61 days at varying depths (depth profiles) among four different sites in the lake. The maximum value at each station's depth profile was compared to the upper pH limit (8.5), and the minimum value at each station's depth profile was compared to the lower pH limit (6.5). If either the maximum value exceeded the upper limit or the minimum value was lower than the lower limit, then an exceedence occurred. An exceedence occurred from 143 data points.

Data Reference:

Data for dissolved oxygen, pH, and other various pollutants in Lake Merced, May. 1997-Jul. 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5. This encompasses the pH range usually found in waters within the basin. Controllable water quality factors shall not cause changes greater than 0.5 units in normal ambient pH levels. (Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - San Francisco Bay Region (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at the following locations in the lake: Lake Merced South - Pump Station Lake Merced South - Pistol Range Lake Merced North Lake Merced North East

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected approximately 2-4 times per year from May 15th, 1997 to June 15th, 2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Quality Assurance document outlining QA procedures included with this data and signed off on by the manager of the Biological Resources Section of the SFPUC.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151267, pH	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

3759

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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	141182	Region 2
Lake Merced

Pollutant:	Chlorophyll-a
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

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

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141182, Chlorophyll-a	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

282873

Pollutant:

Chlorophyll-a

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Contamination in Lakes and Resrv data for Lake Merced to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorophyll a.

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

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:

North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A – Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife).Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.

Guideline Reference:

North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-09-03 and 2014-09-03

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 141182, Chlorophyll-a	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

283033

Pollutant:

Chlorophyll-a

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-09-03 and 2014-09-03

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	152836	Region 2
Lake Merced

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1, 3.5, and 3.11 of the Listing Policy. Under sections 3.1 and 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.11 when all other listing factors do not result in the listing of a water segment but information indicates non-attainment of standards, a water segment shall be evaluated to determine whether the weight of evidence demonstrates that water quality standard is not attained. If the weight of evidence indicates non-attainment, the water segment shall be placed on the CWA section 303(d) List. Nine lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess the pollutant. WILD beneficial use (prey fish objective): LOE 269284: 0 of 1 samples exceed the mercury objective and consist of 40 trophic level 3 and 4 fish. WILD beneficial use (sport fish objective): LOE 269099: 1 of 1 samples exceed the mercury objective and consist of 11 trophic level 4 fish.. COMM beneficial use Tissue - LOE 269239: 1 of 1 samples exceed the mercury objective and consist of 7 trophic level 4 fish (CDFW legal size limit). Water - Zero of one water samples exceed the mercury criterion for protection of human health. COLD beneficial use: Water - Zero of two water samples exceed mercury chronic criterion for freshwater. WARM beneficial use: Water - Zero of two water samples exceed mercury chronic criterion for freshwater. MUN beneficial use: Water - Zero of one water samples exceed the mercury criterion for the protection of human health. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Tissue samples were compared with the prey fish objective and 0 of 1 samples exceed WILD beneficial use. The sample consists of 40 fish and may contain a mix of trophic levels. One exceeding sample of eight or more fish is needed to determine non-attainment of the mercury objective following weight of evidence in Listing Policy section 3.11. 4. CDFW legal size limit fish fillet tissue samples were compared with the sport fish objective and 1 of 1 samples exceed for the COMM beneficial use. The samples consist of trophic level 4 fish that are annual averages and are aggregated from less than eight fish. The sample does not meet the one exceeding sample of eight or more fish needed to determine non-attainment of the mercury objective following weight of evidence in Listing Policy section 3.11. 5. Zero of two total water samples exceed the WARM beneficial use criteria. Zero of two total water samples exceed the COLD beneficial use criteria. Zero of one total water samples exceed the MUN beneficial use criteria. Zero of one total water sample exceed the COMM beneficial use criteria. 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. 6. 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:	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 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 152836, Mercury	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

284740

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentration (4-day average concentrations) for freshwater aquatic organisms exposure to total mercury is 0.77 ug/L.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-09-03 and 2014-09-03

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 152836, Mercury	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

284508

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentration (4-day average concentrations) for freshwater aquatic organisms exposure to total mercury is 0.77 ug/L.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-09-03 and 2014-09-03

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 152836, Mercury	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

284510

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

The USEPA recommended methylmercury (MeHg) chronic criterion continuous concentration (CCC) is 0.77 ug/L for freshwater.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-09-03 and 2014-09-03

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 152836, Mercury	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

269239

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:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Contamination in Lakes and Resrv data for Lake Merced to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury. This LOE contains data only for trophic level 4 fish. The concentration of Mercury in fish collected within the same calendar year, for the same trophic level were averaged into a single sample for comparison with the objective. A total of 7 fish were aggregated into 1 annual averages, which consisted of 1 fish species (7 composite(s) of Largemouth Bass each composed of 1 fish per composite). Of these annual averages, 1 average(s), (Year(s): 2014) exceeded the objective.This LOE does not contain data from fish who's average length was outside of the legal size limits as described by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing Regulations.

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

The Statewide Sport Fish Water Quality Objective for the protection of the Commercial and Sport Fishing beneficial comes from the Statewide Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California, and is 0.2 mg/Kg wet weight skinless fillet samples of trophic level 3, or trophic level 4 fish (whichever is highest in the water body) over a one year averaging period. Trophic levels of applicable fish are defined in, but not limited to those in Attachment C of the Final Regulatory Language document (Appendix A) of State Water Resources Control Board Resolution No. 2017-0027.

Guideline Reference:

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

Spatial Representation:

Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

Data for this line of evidence were collected between 2014-09-03 and 2014-09-03. 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 152836, Mercury	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

284634

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The mercury criterion for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.050 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-09-03 and 2014-09-03

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 152836, Mercury	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

284511

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

The USEPA recommended methylmercury (MeHg) chronic criterion continuous concentration (CCC) is 0.77 ug/L for freshwater

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-09-03 and 2014-09-03

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 152836, Mercury	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

269099

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Contamination in Lakes and Resrv data for Lake Merced to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury. This LOE contains data only for trophic level 4 fish. The concentration of Mercury in fish collected within the same calendar year, for the same trophic level were averaged into a single sample for comparison with the objective. A total of 11 fish were aggregated into 1 annual averages, which consisted of 1 fish species (11 composite(s) of Largemouth Bass each composed of 1 fish per composite). Of these annual averages, 1 average(s), (Year(s): 2014) exceeded the objective.

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

The Statewide Sport Fish Water Quality Objective for the protection of Wildlife Habitat comes from the Statewide Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California, and is 0.2 mg/Kg wet weight skinless fillet samples of trophic level 3, or trophic level 4 fish (whichever is highest in the water body) over a one year averaging period. If trophic level 3 fish are used in the assessment then the Prey Fish Water Quality Objective must also be used to determine that the Sport Fish Objective is being met. Trophic levels of applicable fish are defined in, but not limited to those in Attachment C of the Final Regulatory Language document (Appendix A) of State Water Resources Control Board Resolution No. 2017-0027.

Guideline Reference:

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

Spatial Representation:

Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

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 152836, Mercury	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

284509

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The mercury criterion for the protection of human health from consumption of organisms only is 0.051 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-09-03 and 2014-09-03

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 152836, Mercury	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

269284

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Contamination in Lakes and Resrv data for Lake Merced to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury. All fish collected within the same calendar year with a reported length of 50-150 mm were averaged into a single sample, independent of species or trophic level, for comparison with the objective. This LOE consists of a total of 40 fish, which were aggregated into 1 annual averages, consisting of 2 fish species (1 composite(s) of Tule Perch each composed of 20 fish per composite, 1 composite(s) of Hitch each composed of 20 fish per composite).

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

The Statewide Prey Fish Water Quality Objective for the protection of Wildlife Habitat comes from the Statewide Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California, and is 0.05 mg/Kg wet weight whole fish samples of any fish species between 50 to 150 mm in total length collected between February 1 and July 31. (SWRCB Resolution No. 2017-0027)

Guideline Reference:

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

Spatial Representation:

Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

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	141183	Region 2
Lake Merced

Pollutant:	PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

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

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141183, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

269417

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:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Contamination in Lakes and Resrv data for Lake Merced 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 (2 composite(s) of Channel Catfish each composed of 3 fish per composite). Of these, 1 species (Channel Catfish) exceeded the water quality threshold.

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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): 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

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 141183, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

269381

Pollutant:

PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Sportfish Contamination in Lakes and Resrv data for Lake Merced 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 (2 composite(s) of Channel Catfish each composed of 3 fish per composite).

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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): 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

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 141183, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

269438

Pollutant:

PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Fish fillet

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

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): 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

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	141184	Region 2
Lake Merced

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

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

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 141184, Sulfates	Region 2
Lake Merced

LOE ID:

288251

Pollutant:

Sulfates

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Habitat, Tissue, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)

Evaluation Guideline:

The California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level recommended level for sulfate is 250 mg/l (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).

Guideline Reference:

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

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 202LKMRCD (Lake Merced).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-09-03 and 2014-09-03

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.