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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 4 - Los Angeles Region

Water Body Name: Matilija Creek, North Fork
Water Body ID: CAR4022001420081125170446
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
151099
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
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: Benthic Community Effects are being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, additional lines of evidence (LOEs) associating the Benthic Community Effects decision with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants other than benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment or habitat assessment LOEs are necessary to place a water body on the 303(d) List for Benthic Community Effects.

One line(s) of evidence evaluating benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment data is/are available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. Zero of one benthic-macroinvertebrate samples exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold. These data indicate that the waterbody is likely unimpaired for Benthic Community Effects and therefore no other pollutant LOEs need be associated with this decision at this time.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Community Effects in this waterbody segment 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 one benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment samples had CSCI scores below 0.79. Therefore, this water body is not exceeding the water quality threshold for the protection of the COLD beneficial use. The available information indicates that the waterbody/pollutant combination should not be placed on the 303(d) List of impaired waters at this time.
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 151099, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 305347
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for 402WER001 to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the threshold. CSCI scores were from 1.104353287 to 1.104353287.
Data Reference: California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) Scores for the 2024 Integrated Report for Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce significant alterations in population or community ecology or receiving water biota. In addition, the health and life history characteristics of aquatic organisms in waters affected by controllable water quality factors shall not differ significantly from those for the same waters in areas unaffected by controllable water quality factors.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological scoring tool that helps aquatic resource managers translate complex data about benthic macroinvertebrates found living in a stream into an overall measure of stream health. The CSCI score is calculated by comparing the expected condition with actual (observed) results (Rehn, A.C. et al., 2015). CSCI scores range from 0 (highly degraded) to greater than 1 (equivalent to reference). CSCI scoring of biological condition are as follows (per the scientific paper supporting the development of the CSCI scoring tool): greater than or equal to 0.92 = likely intact condition, 0.91 to 0.80 = possibly altered condition, 0.79 to 0.63 = likely altered condition, less than or equal to 0.62 = very likely altered condition. Sites with scores below 0.79 are considered to have exceeded the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use. 
Guideline Reference: Bioassessment in complex environments: designing an index for consistent meaning in different settings
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from station 402WER001.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 6/4/2003 to 6/4/2003.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected using EPA Environmental Monitoring & Assessment Program protocols
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
150313
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.3 and 3.11 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.3 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. Because a statistically sufficient number of geomean samples were not available, attainment of the bacteria objective was determined based only on the STV per the situation-specific weight of evidence approach outlined in Sections 4.11 of the Listing Policy.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One of 66 samples exceeded the statistical threshold value for E. coli, 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150313, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 25849
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 72
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data collected for the Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper Water Quality Monitoring Program (2001 to 2007). A total of one out of 72 samples for E. coli exceeded the single sample limit.
Data Reference: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Water Quality Data Submittal and 303(d) List Recommendations
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan bacteria objectives state that to protect water contact recreation in fresh waters individual samples shall not exceed the following limits: fecal coliform density shall not exceed 400/100 ml; and E. coli density shall not exceed 235/100 ml. The bacteria objectives also establish that the geometric means of individual samples shall not exceed the following limits: the fecal coliform density shall not exceed 200/100 ml; and the E. coli density shall not exceed 126/100 ml, as a geometric mean. The bacteria objectives are found in Attachment A of Regional Board Resolution No. 2001-018.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: VR14 sampling site is located below a bridge on Highway 33 used a Ventura County flood gauging station (Lat 34.492778, Long -119.306389).
Temporal Representation: Grab samples taken and analyzed on monthly basis from January 2001 to February 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data collected and analyzed according to the provisions of the Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, October 2004).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, October 2004)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150313, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 302113
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: STV
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 66
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 66 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial use where the salinity is less than 1 parts per thousand 95 percent or more of the time applies a statistical threshold value to E. coli of 320 cfu/100 mL, not to be exceeded by more than 10 percent of samples within a calendar month (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion 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
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-09-11 and 2019-11-02 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
149731
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 149731, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 263826
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: Surface waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts that adversely affect any designated beneficial use.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (as N) 10 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: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-05-06 and 2019-05-04
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149731, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 302316
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (page 3-34) states that: Waters shall not exceed 10 mg/L as nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-05-06 and 2019-05-04
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149731, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 302435
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (page 3-34) states that: Waters shall not exceed 10 mg/L as nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-05-06 and 2019-05-04
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
151924
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 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.

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. 0 of 94, 3 of 94 and 0 of 94 samples exceeded the objectives 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151924, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 308427
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 94
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 94 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (page 3-39) states that: The dissolved oxygen content of all surface waters designated as both COLD and SPWN shall not be depressed below 7 mg/L as a result of waste discharges.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151924, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 308300
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 94
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 94 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (page 3-39) states that: The dissolved oxygen content of all surface waters designated as COLD shall not be depressed below 6 mg/L as a result of waste discharges.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151924, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 308406
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 94
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 94 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (page 3-39) states that: The dissolved oxygen content of all surface waters designated as WARM shall not be depressed below 5 mg/L as a result of waste discharges.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
138917
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

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.
3.3 of 94, 3 of 94, 3 of 94 and 0 of 95 samples exceeded the objectives 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138917, Temperature, water
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 266734
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 95
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 95 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (page 3-45) states that: For waters designated WARM, water temperature shall not be altered by more than 5 °F above the natural temperature. At no time shall these WARM-designated waters be raised above 80 °F as a result of waste discharges.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138917, Temperature, water
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 266960
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 94
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 94 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: The natural receiving water temperature of all regional waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138917, Temperature, water
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 266797
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Migration
 
Number of Samples: 94
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 94 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: The natural receiving water temperature of all regional waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138917, Temperature, water
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 266953
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 94
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 94 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: The natural receiving water temperature of all regional waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
138918
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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. 5 of 77, 9 of 77 and 5 of 77 samples exceeded the objective 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138918, Turbidity
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 268227
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 77
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 77 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 40 NTU or greater can cause a reduced foraging efficiency and a shift in prey selection in piscivorous fish (largemouth bass) due to interference with their ability to find prey (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009).
Guideline Reference: The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138918, Turbidity
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 267717
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 77
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 77 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level for turbidity is 5 NTU (California Code of Regulations, Title 22). Calculation of a numeric objective for other beneficial uses requires comparison with upstream or other background data which may not be available as part of the data used for water quality assessment.
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: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138918, Turbidity
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 268010
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 77
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 77 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 25 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Sigler et al. 1984).
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
138916
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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. 1 of 94, 1 of 94 and 1 of 94 samples exceeded the objective 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138916, pH
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 265234
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 94
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 94 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Los Angeles Basin: the pH for inland surface waters, bays, or estuaries shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.5 as a result of waste discharges.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138916, pH
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 264825
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 94
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 94 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Los Angeles Basin: the pH for inland surface waters, bays, or estuaries shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.5 as a result of waste discharges.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138916, pH
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 264898
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 94
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 94 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Los Angeles Basin: the pH for inland surface waters, bays, or estuaries shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.5 as a result of waste discharges.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
149730
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This 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.

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. 74 of 94 samples exceed the 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149730, Specific Conductivity
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 266642
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 94
Number of Exceedances: 74
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team data for Matilija Creek, North Fork to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 74 of 94 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: Surface waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts that adversely affect any designated beneficial use.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level recommended level for specific conductance is 900 uS/cm (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: VRW014 (North Fork Matilija Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2019-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Stream Team Citizen Monitoring Program Data for Ventura, Goleta, and Carpinteria Watersheds. 2016. Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
73910
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero 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 against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of 60 samples exceeded the Los Angeles RWQCB Basin Plan Water Quality Objective for Selected Constituents in Inland Surface Waters (water body specific for Ventura River Reach 5) of 700 mg/L for TDS, 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: 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 73910, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 4     
Matilija Creek, North Fork
 
LOE ID: 25851
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 60
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data collected for the Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper Water Quality Monitoring Program (2001 to 2007). A total of zero out of 60 exceeded the water quality objective of 700 mg/L for TDS. By the tributary rule the same objective applies to Matilija Creek, North Fork.
Data Reference: Santa Barbara Channelkeeper Water Quality Data Submittal and 303(d) List Recommendations
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Los Angeles RWQCB Basin Plan Water Quality Objective for Selected Constituents in Inland Surface Waters--water body specific for Ventura River Reach 5--is 700 mg/L for TDS.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: VR14 sampling site is located below a bridge on Highway 33 used a Ventura County flood gauging station (Lat 34.492778, Long -119.306389).
Temporal Representation: Grab samples taken and analyzed on monthly basis from November 2001 to December 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data collected and analyzed according to the provisions of the Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, October 2004).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Ventura River Watershed Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan (Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, October 2004)