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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 5 - Central Valley Region

Water Body Name: Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
Water Body ID: CAR5326005020041209160741
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
87972
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the three samples exceed the water quality objective for REC-1.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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 the three samples exceed the water quality objective for REC-1 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 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2.
4. Pursuant to [SECTION 3.11/4.11] of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be 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 87972, Indicator Bacteria
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 59316
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero of the three samples exceeded the fecal coliform objective.
Data Reference: Data for Various Projects by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, 2002-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: In waters designated for contact recreation (REC-1), the fecal coliform concentration shall not exceed 400/100ml. Basin Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at site BR1, Bear River below Dam.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected once every three months from March to September 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected under the Mokelumne River Project 2008 Water Quality Monitoring Program Report.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan for Projects Requiring Water Quality and/or Water Temperature Monitoring, Version 4.
 
 
DECISION ID
85036
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of three available water sample results exceed the water quality objective for the MUN beneficial use.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the three available water sample results exceed the water quality objective, 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 85036, Nitrate
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 59476
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of the 3 samples do not exceed the water quality objective for Nitrate (as N). The Nitrate (as N) MCL objective is 10 mg/L.
Data Reference: Data for Various Projects by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, 2002-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Sacramento and San Joaquin River Region (2007): Waters designated for MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the MCL specified in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. The nitrate (as N) MCL is 10 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at BR1 (Bear River below Dam).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from March to Sept 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was provided.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan for Projects Requiring Water Quality and/or Water Temperature Monitoring, Version 4.
 
 
DECISION ID
68167
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
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: No new data and information was available during the 2014 Integrated Report cycle. The decision has not changed.

This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Sixteen lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.2, numeric water quality objectives for dissolved oxygen are not exceeded and the pollutant is not likely to cause or contribute to the exceedance.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Four of 80 samples exceeded the Basin Plan water quality objective for dissolved oxygen, and these do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: The decision has not changed. This is a decision made by the State Water Resources Control Board and approved by the USEPA in 2006 . No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for 2014. 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 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2727
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of 7 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Outflow from the instream flow release pipe below Lower Bear River Res. upstream of station BR1.
Latitude (38° 32.21 N);
Longitude (120° 15.40 W).
Temporal Representation: Samples taken monthly from 5/15/2002 to 12/11/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2733
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of 5 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Bear River below Confluence with Rattlesnake Creek.
Latitude (38° 31.035 N);
Longitude (120° 16.105 W).
Temporal Representation: Samples taken monthly from 8/29/2002 to 12/11/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2732
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 5 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Bear River above Confluence with Rattlesnake Creek
Latitude (38° 31.145 N)
Longitude (120° 16.008 W)
Temporal Representation: Samples taken monthly 8/29/2002 to 12/11/2002
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2724
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of 4 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Little Bear River on the northwest shore of Lower Bear River Reservoir.
Latitude (38° 33.57 N);
Longitude (120° 14.86 W).
Temporal Representation: Samples taken monthly from 3/27/2002 to 6/11/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2725
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of 7 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Leakage flow from the right abutment of the Lower Bear River Res. Dam collected at the weir.
Latitude (38° 32.30 N);
Longitude (120° 15.48 W).
Temporal Representation: Samples taken monthly from 6/11/2002 to 12/11/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2726
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One out of 7 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Leakage flow from the right abutment of the Lower Bear River Res. Dam collected below the weir, below the spillway confluence.
Latitude (38° 32.23 N);
Longitude (120° 15.44 W).
Temporal Representation: Samples taken monthly from 5/15/2002 to 12/11/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2728
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of 7 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Leakage flow from left abutment below Lower Bear River Res. Dam collected at the weir.
Latitude (38° 32.26 N);
Longitude (120° 15.41 W).
Temporal Representation: Samples taken monthly from 6/11/2002 to 12/11/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2729
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of 7 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boar's Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Leakage flow from left abutment below Lower Bear River Res. Dam collected below the weir.
Latitude (38° 32.23 N);
Longitude (120° 15.42W).
Temporal Representation: Samples taken monthly from 6/11/2002 to 12/11/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2730
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of 1 sample had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Spill over Lower Bear River Res. during one sampling event only.
Latitude (38° 32.26 N);
Longitude (120° 15.44 W).
Temporal Representation: Samples taken on 6/11/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2731
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of 5 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Bear River above gaging station.
Latitude (38° 29.604N);
Longitude (120° 17.304 W).
Temporal Representation: Samples taken monthly from 8/29/2002 to 12/11/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2723
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two out of 5 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board's Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Upper Bear River Reservoir outflow to Lower Bear River Reservoir.
Latitude (38° 33.44 N);
Longitude (120° 12.89 W).
Temporal Representation: Samples taken monthly from 3/27/2002 to 7/17/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2722
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of 1 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Unnamed tributary on the upper west shore of Lower Bear River Reservoir (due to snowmelt).
Latitude (38° 33.21 N);
Longitude (120° 13.32 W).
Temporal Representation: Sample taken 3/27/2002.
Environmental Conditions: No sample could be taken 4/23/2002 due to the tributary being 'DRY'.
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2721
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of 1 sample had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Unnamed tributary on the upper west shore of Lower Bear River Reservoir (due to snowmelt).
Latitude (38° 33.23 N);
Longitude (120° 13.30 W).
Temporal Representation: Sample taken 3/27/2002
Environmental Conditions: Sample could not be taken on 4/23/2002 due to tributary being 'DRY'.
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2718
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of 10 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Bear River below Lower Bear River Reservoir.
Latitude (38º 32.14 N);
Longitude (120º 15.48W).
Temporal Representation: Samples taken monthly from 3/27/2002 to 12/11/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2719
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One out of 5 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD) - From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board's Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Bear River above Upper Bear River Res., below its confluence with Tragedy Creek.
Latitude (38° 34.40 N) ;
Longitude (120° 12.56W).
Temporal Representation: Samples taken monthly from 3/27/2002 to 7/17/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68167, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2720
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of 3 samples had a DO concentration below 7.0 mg/L. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L (for waters designated as COLD)-From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Unnamed tributary entering midway up the west shore of Upper Bear River Reservoir.
Latitude (38° 33.90 N);
Longitude (120° 13.23 W).
Temporal Representation: Samples taken monthly from 4/23/2002 to 6/11/2002.
Environmental Conditions: No sample was taken in July 2002 due to the tributary being 'DRY'.
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including 174 page report on Certified Analytical Reports and Chain-of-Custody Documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
79330
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 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. Based on section 3.2, numeric water quality objectives for pH are exceeded and the pollutant is likely to cause or contribute to the exceedance.

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 section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The pollutant exceeds the water quality objective in the Basin Plan.
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. Nine of 77 water sample pH measurements exceeded (were lower than) the Basin Plan pH water quality objective, and these do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
5. Nineteen of 165 water sample pH measurements exceeded (were lower than) the Basin Plan pH water quality objective, and these do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of 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: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79330, pH
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 2717
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 77
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Nine out of 77 samples had a pH below 6.5.
[Historical Water Quality Results for Analytical Laboratory Measurements PG&E Company Mokelumne River Project (FERC 137)]. (PG&E, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: "pH is not to be depressed below 6.5"- From the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board's Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Bear River below Lower Bear River Reservoir.
Temporal Representation: Samples taken between 2000 and 2003.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Well documented QA/QC including report on Certified Analytical Reports and chain-of-custody documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79330, pH
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 21655
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 165
Number of Exceedances: 19
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Historical Water Quality Results for Analytical Laboratory Measurements 590 PG&E Company Mokelumne River Project (FERC 137, PG&E, 2003) collected 165 samples from March 2002 to July 2002. Nineteen out of 165 samples had pH values lower than 6.5 and thus did not meet the evaluation objective.
Data Reference: Mokelumne River Project (FERC 137) and Mokelumne Watershed correspondence and reports
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH of water shall not be depressed below 6.5, raised above 8.5, or changed at any time more than 0.5 units from normal ambient pH.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Bear River, below the Bear Reservoir from 8 locations: 1) Leakage flow from the right abutment of the Lower Bear River Reservoir Dam collected at the weir, 2) Leakage flow from the right abutment of the Lower Bear River Res. Dam collected below the weir, below the spillway confluence, 3 Outflow from the instream flow release pipe below Lower Bear River Reservoir, 4) Leakage flow from left abutment below Lower Bear River Res. Dam collected at the weir, 5) Spill over Lower Bear River Res. during one sampling event only, 6) Bear River below Lower Bear River Reservoir, 7) Bear River above gaging station, 8)Bear River above Confluence with Rattlesnake Creek
Temporal Representation: Sampling occurred from July 2000 to September 2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data quality: Good. Well documented QA/QC including report on Certified Analytical Reports and chain-of-custody documentation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
68247
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
Pollutant: Copper
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Fifty-two of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments 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. Fifty-two of 60 samples exceed the California Toxics Rule 4-day average criteria for dissolved Copper and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. LOE #27976 contains the revised assessment of the data from the 2006 listing. LOE # 2716 (used for the 2006 decision) contained J-flagged data and was not associated with this listing decision.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68247, Copper
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 27977
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Eleven of 12 samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule 4-day average criteria for dissolved Copper. Data was collected for the Monitoring Summary for Lower Bear River Reservoir Dam Surface Water and Runoff.
Data Reference: Mokelumne River Project (FERC 137) and Mokelumne Watershed correspondence and reports
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule 4-day average criteria for dissolved Copper.
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: Samples were collected at Bear River below Lower Bear River Reservoir.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from August 2006 - May 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: CH2M Hill. 2007. Monitoring Summary for Lower Bear River Reservoir Dam Surface Water and Runoff. October 2007.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68247, Copper
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 28189
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 18
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirteen of 18 samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule 4-day average criteria for dissolved Copper. Data was collected for the Mokelumne River Annual Water Quality Monitoring Results for Dissolved Copper.
Data Reference: Mokelumne River Project (FERC 137) and Mokelumne Watershed correspondence and reports
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule 4-day average criteria for dissolved Copper.
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: Samples were collected at Bear River below Lower Bear River Reservoir (BR1).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from March 2005 through September 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: PG&E. Mokelumne River Project, FERC Project No. 137, Water Quality Monitoring Program Report.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68247, Copper
Region 5     
Bear River (Lower Bear River Reservoir to Mokelumne River, N Fork, Amador County)
 
LOE ID: 27976
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 28
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight of 30 samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule 4-day average criteria for dissolved Copper. Data was collected for the Mokelumne River Annual Water Quality Monitoring Results for Dissolved Copper.
Data Reference: Mokelumne River Project (FERC 137) and Mokelumne Watershed correspondence and reports
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule 4-day average criteria for dissolved Copper.
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: Samples were collected at Bear River below Lower Bear River Reservoir (BR1), Bear River above guaging station (BR2), Bear River above Confluence with Rattlesnake Creek (BR-RSC1), and Bear River below Confluence with Rattlesnake Creek (BR-RSC2).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from February 2003 through September 2003.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: PG&E. Mokelumne River Project, FERC Project No. 137, Water Quality Monitoring Program Report.
QAPP Information Reference(s):