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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
Water Body ID: CAC3102601420100622164704
Water Body Type: Coastal & Bay Shoreline
 
DECISION ID
151418
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: No new data assessed during the 2024 cycle. Note, that sampling site PB4 is now associated with ‘Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier’ instead of ‘Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County).’ This water body was added to the 303(d) list in error in 2010. No new data were assessed for the 2014 listing cycle, 2020-2022 cycle or the 2024 cycle.

It should be noted that some, if not all, of the data associated with this decision are E. coli results that are evaluated using the Ocean Plan Objective for Fecal Coliform. This objective is higher than the USEPA recreation criteria for E. coli. Evaluation of the data using the Fecal Coliform Objective could result in an erroneous decision to remove the beach segment from the 303(d) List and are not used here as the basis of a decision to de-list.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Five of 38 samples exceeded the geometric mean standard for fecal coliform (LOEs 20080 and 31436) and 32 of 196 samples exceeded the single sample maximum for fecal coliform (LOEs 20081 and 31437) for the water contact recreation water quality standard (Water Quality Control Plan: Ocean Waters of California, SWRCB, 2005).

During the 2024 cycle, two more lines of evidence are now associated with this decision to more accurately reflect the waterbody the sampling station PB4 is associated with. These data are from the time period 2007-2010 and used ‘Colilert-18’ for fecal coliform samples. Therefore, LOEs 306258 and 306259 will not be used as the basis for a decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for 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. Five of 38 samples exceeded the geometric mean standard for fecal coliform (LOEs 20080 and 31436) and 32 of 196 samples exceeded the single sample maximum for fecal coliform (LOEs 20081 and 31437) for the water contact recreation water quality standard and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy, but some of these data are for E. coli and are incorrectly compared to the Fecal Coliform Objective. Additionally, no new data is available during the 2020-2022 cycle, therefore the decision must remain Do Not De-List.
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 not used in this assessment. Some of the data included here are E. coli data and those data should not be assessed using the Fecal Coliform Objective.
 
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 151418, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 20081
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 122
Number of Exceedances: 19
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 19 of 122 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the single sample maximum for fecal coliform shall not exceed 400 MPN/100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (PB4)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2005 - 12/28/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA information not available
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151418, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 31437
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 74
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Beach monitoring data was collected from April 2005 through October 2006. A total of 74 dry month (April through October) single samples were collected with 13 samples exceeding the water quality objective.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: AB 411-California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the single sample maximum for fecal coliform shall not exceed 400 MPN/100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (PB4)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period April 2005 - October 2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA information not available
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151418, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 31436
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Beach monitoring data was collected from April 2005 through October 2006. A total of 74 dry month (April through October) single samples were collected with 14 dry month geomeans calculated. 2 of the 14 geomeans exceeded the geomean water quality objective.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
  AB 411 Data for 2004
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: AB-411 California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the 30-day geometric mean for fecal coliform shall not exceed 200 MPN/100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (PB4)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period April 2005 - October 2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA information not available
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151418, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 306259
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 240
Number of Exceedances: 48
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Beach Watch Program data that is collected by each County's Environmental Health Department. E. coli data results are assessed using the Ocean Plan single sample maximum objective for fecal coliform to determine beneficial use support for the station named Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) and results are as follows: 48 of 240 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Data for Region 3 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) single sample maximum for fecal coliform density shall not exceed 400 per 100ml
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ PB4]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/1/2007-8/30/2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Water Board staff assessed Beach Watch Program data that is collected by each County's Environmental Health Department. There is no QA Project Plan but instead each County follows their own Quality Assurance Procedures
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder for previously assessed data that does not have quality assurance information but would require it under newly developed policies. These LOEs were previously assessed and approved at the Regional, State and Federal level in past cycles. The LOEs needed to be moved and/or reassessed but required this reference code for movement within the decision making database.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151418, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 20080
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
  AB 411 Data for 2004
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the 30-day geometric mean for fecal coliform shall not exceed 200 MPN/100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (PB4)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2005 - 12/28/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA information not available
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151418, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 306258
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 232
Number of Exceedances: 59
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: E. coli data results are assessed using the Ocean Plan objective for fecal coliform. A thirty day, rolling geomean was calculated for all data provided when four or more samples were collected within the 30 day period. 59 of the 232 geomeans exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: Data for Region 3 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The geometric mean standard for fecal coliform states that the fecal coliform density shall not exceed 200 per 100 mL. Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters 2009.
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from station 1560 PB4.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected approximately once a week from 2007 to 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected for the Beach Watch program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder for previously assessed data that does not have quality assurance information but would require it under newly developed policies. These LOEs were previously assessed and approved at the Regional, State and Federal level in past cycles. The LOEs needed to be moved and/or reassessed but required this reference code for movement within the decision making database.
 
 
DECISION ID
151415
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
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: Note that no new data is assessed this cycle. However, data from sampling site PB4 was added to this waterbody and removed from “Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County)” WBID no. CAC3102601420070501120708. LOEs 306253 and 306254 represent data from 2007-2010 and LOEs 306255 and 306252 represent data collected from 2010-2019.

This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.2 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

In accordance with section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy, data should be representative of the critical timing that the pollutant is expected to impact the waterbody. Enterococcus populations may fluctuate substantially on a daily, seasonal, or yearly basis. Lacking constant inputs, indicator bacteria do not persist in the environment for a long period and effects are of relatively short duration. As a result, the historic levels of enterococcus in the waterbody may be a poor indicator of current risks to human health, particularly when more recent data are available to sufficiently assess the water quality standard. Additionally, water quality conditions in waterbodies may change as a result of management actions that have been implemented to address enterococcus. Unrepresentative data may result in incorrectly placing or not placing a water body segment on the CWA section 303(d) List, which could result in the unnecessary expenditure of public resources or missing a human health problem. Historic lines of evidence for data collected prior to 2010 were evaluated pursuant to these considerations and were not used to assess water quality standards attainment because they do not meet the temporal representation requirements of section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Only two LOEs represent data collected between 2010 and 2019. Fifty-six of the 398 samples (LOE 306252) exceeded the geometric mean standard for enterococcus. When sampling results are available for both geometric means and STVs, the decision will rely on the geometric mean. This beneficial use is fully supported.

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. Fifty-six of the 398 samples (LOE 306252) exceeded the geometric mean standard for enterococcus and this does 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151415, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 20099
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 111
Number of Exceedances: 10
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 10 of 111 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the single sample maximum for Enterococcus shall not exceed 104 MPN/100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (PB4)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2005 - 12/28/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA information not available
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151415, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 306254
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 213
Number of Exceedances: 25
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Beach Watch Program data that is collected by each County's Environmental Health Department for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 25 of 213 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: Data for Region 3 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) single sample maximum for enterococcus density shall not exceed 104 per 100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ PB4]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/1/2007-8/30/2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Water Board staff assessed Beach Watch Program data that is collected by each County's Environmental Health Department. There is no QA Project Plan but instead each County follows their own Quality Assurance Procedures
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder for previously assessed data that does not have quality assurance information but would require it under newly developed policies. These LOEs were previously assessed and approved at the Regional, State and Federal level in past cycles. The LOEs needed to be moved and/or reassessed but required this reference code for movement within the decision making database.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151415, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 306253
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 206
Number of Exceedances: 46
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Forty-six of the 206 geomeans exceeded the entercoccus objective.
Data Reference: Data for Region 3 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The geometric mean standard for enterococcus states that the entercoccus density shall not exceed 35 per 100 mL. Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters 2009.
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from station 1560 PB4.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected approximately once a week from 2007 to 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected for the Beach Watch program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder for previously assessed data that does not have quality assurance information but would require it under newly developed policies. These LOEs were previously assessed and approved at the Regional, State and Federal level in past cycles. The LOEs needed to be moved and/or reassessed but required this reference code for movement within the decision making database.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151415, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 20082
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the geometric mean for Enterococcus shall not exceed 35 MPN/100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (PB4)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/4/2005 - 12/28/2006. This includes weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA information not available
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151415, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 306255
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 106
Number of Exceedances: 21
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 21 of the 106 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for Enterococcus. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Data file of Region 3 Beachwatch Data. Includes data from all coastal counties in Region 3 including: , Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, and San Mateo counties.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2019) states that the bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial for all ocean waters for Enterococci is a statistical value threshold (STV) of 110 cfu/100 mL. The STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month, calculated in a static manner.
Objective/Criterion Reference: SWRCB. 2005. Water Quality Control Plan, Ocean Waters of California (Ocean Plan). California Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board. February 2, 2019
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): PB4
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-09-07 and 2019-06-10 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for 2020 San Luis Obispo County Beachwatch data.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for San Luis Obispo county Beachwatch data for the 2020/2022 integrated report.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151415, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 306252
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 398
Number of Exceedances: 56
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 56 of the 398 samples exceeded the geomean water quality threshold for Enterococcus. This is a six week rolling geomean that is calculated weekly.
Data Reference: Data file of Region 3 Beachwatch Data. Includes data from all coastal counties in Region 3 including: , Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, and San Mateo counties.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2019) states that the bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial for all ocean waters for Enterococci is a geometric mean (GM) of 30 cfu/100 mL. The waterbody GM shall not be greater that the GM magnitude in any six-week interval, calculated weekly.
Objective/Criterion Reference: SWRCB. 2005. Water Quality Control Plan, Ocean Waters of California (Ocean Plan). California Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board. February 2, 2019
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): PB4
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-09-07 and 2019-06-10 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for 2020 San Luis Obispo County Beachwatch data.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for San Luis Obispo county Beachwatch data for the 2020/2022 integrated report.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151415, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 31438
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Beach monitoring data was collected from April 2005 through October 2006. 14 dry month (April through October) geomeans calculated. 1 of the 14 geomeans exceeded the geomean water quality objective.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: AB 411-California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the geometric mean for Enterococcus shall not exceed 35 MPN/100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (PB4)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected for weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA information not available
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151415, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 31439
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 63
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data was collected from April 2005 through October 2006. A total of 63 dry month (April through October) single samples were collected. Two of the 63 samples exceeded the water quality objective.
Data Reference: AB 411 Data for 2004
  AB 411 Data for 2005
  AB 411 Data for 2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: AB 411-California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) states that the single sample maximum for Enterococcus shall not exceed 104 MPN/100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) was collected at one AB411 monitoring site (PB4)
Temporal Representation: Data was collected for weekly AB411 monitoring between April 1 and October 31 of each year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA information not available
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
151419
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2012)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: No new data assessed during the 2024 cycle. Note, that sampling site PB4 is now associated with "Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier" instead of "Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County)." While this appears to be a "list," it is actually a refinement of where the impaired waterbody is located, as sampling site PB4 is just south of Pismo Pier.

This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.2 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections, 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. One hundred nineteen of 241 samples (LOE 56306) exceeded the shellfish harvesting water quality objective (Water Quality Control Plan: Ocean Waters of California, SWRCB, 2009).

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. One hundred nineteen of 241 samples (LOE 56306) exceeded the shellfish harvesting water quality objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
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 151419, Total Coliform
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean at Pismo State Beach (San Luis Obispo County), south of Pismo Pier
 
LOE ID: 306260
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 241
Number of Exceedances: 119
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Beach Watch data for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 119 of 241 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Total.
Data Reference: Data for Region 3 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Ocean Plan (2009) states the following: At all areas where shellfish may be harvested for human consumption, the following bacterial objectives shall be maintained throughout the water column: Ten percent of the samples collected during any 30-day period shall not exceed 230 MPN/100mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach (San Luis Obispo County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ PB4]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/1/2007-8/30/2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected for the Beach Watch program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder for previously assessed data that does not have quality assurance information but would require it under newly developed policies. These LOEs were previously assessed and approved at the Regional, State and Federal level in past cycles. The LOEs needed to be moved and/or reassessed but required this reference code for movement within the decision making database.