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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 2 - San Francisco Bay Region

Water Body Name: Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
Water Body ID: CAR2044003020210602048483
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
144156
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
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 144156, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 276591
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended alkalinity criterion continuous concentration (CCC) for the protection of aquatic life in freshwater is a minimum value of 20,000 ug/L (4-day average).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144156, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 276590
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended alkalinity criterion continuous concentration (CCC) for the protection of aquatic life in freshwater is a minimum value of 20,000 ug/L (4-day average).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
151063
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
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 151063, Ammonia
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 279576
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2016 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, San Francisco Bay Basin, Chapter III Water Quality Objectives, Section 3.3.20 Un-Ionized Ammonia: The discharge of wastes shall not cause receiving waters to contain concentrations of un-ionized ammonia in excess 0.025 mg/l (as N), expressed as an annual median.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R02504 (Restoration site above culveted station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-05-11 and 2016-05-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2016. Creek Status and Pesticides & Toxicity Monitoring Quality Assurance Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151063, Ammonia
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 279243
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, San Francisco Bay Basin, Chapter III Water Quality Objectives, Section 3.3.20 Un-Ionized Ammonia: The discharge of wastes shall not cause receiving waters to contain concentrations of un-ionized ammonia in excess 0.025 mg/l (as N), expressed as an annual median.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151063, Ammonia
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 278134
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2016 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R02504 (Restoration site above culveted station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-05-11 and 2016-05-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2016. Creek Status and Pesticides & Toxicity Monitoring Quality Assurance Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151063, Ammonia
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 277624
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151063, Ammonia
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 278136
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2016 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R02504 (Restoration site above culveted station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-05-11 and 2016-05-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2016. Creek Status and Pesticides & Toxicity Monitoring Quality Assurance Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151063, Ammonia
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 279704
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, San Francisco Bay Basin, Chapter III Water Quality Objectives, Section 3.3.20 Un-Ionized Ammonia: The discharge of wastes shall not cause receiving waters to contain concentrations of un-ionized ammonia in excess 0.025 mg/l (as N), expressed as an annual median.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151063, Ammonia
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 279040
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2016 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, San Francisco Bay Basin, Chapter III Water Quality Objectives, Section 3.3.20 Un-Ionized Ammonia: The discharge of wastes shall not cause receiving waters to contain concentrations of un-ionized ammonia in excess 0.025 mg/l (as N), expressed as an annual median.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R02504 (Restoration site above culveted station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-05-11 and 2016-05-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2016. Creek Status and Pesticides & Toxicity Monitoring Quality Assurance Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151063, Ammonia
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 278135
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
151728
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
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: 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.

Two line(s) of evidence evaluating benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment data is/are available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. Two of two benthic-macroinvertebrate samples exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold. However, a minimum of two benthic-macroinvertebrate samples are needed to assess listing status.

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. Two of two benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment samples had CSCI scores below 0.79. The available information is insufficient to determine whether the waterbody/pollutant combination should 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151728, Benthic Community Effects
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 306716
 
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: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for 204R00200 to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the threshold. CSCI scores were from 0.434686 to 0.434686.
Data Reference: California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) Scores for the 2024 Integrated Report for Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce 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 (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
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 204R00200.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 5/3/2012 to 5/3/2012.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected according to BASMAA Regional Monitoring Coalition sampling protocols.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151728, Benthic Community Effects
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 306717
 
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: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for 204R02504 to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the threshold. CSCI scores were from 0.448732 to 0.448732.
Data Reference: California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) Scores for the 2024 Integrated Report for Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce 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 (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
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 204R02504.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 5/11/2016 to 5/11/2016.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected according to BASMAA Regional Monitoring Coalition sampling protocols.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
144151
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
Pollutant: Chloride
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144151, Chloride
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 281001
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chloride criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 230000 ug/L (230 mg/L)(USEPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, 2006).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144151, Chloride
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 281018
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2016 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chloride criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 230000 ug/L (230 mg/L)(USEPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, 2006).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R02504 (Restoration site above culveted station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-05-11 and 2016-05-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2016. Creek Status and Pesticides & Toxicity Monitoring Quality Assurance Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144151, Chloride
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 281374
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chloride criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 230000 ug/L (230 mg/L)(USEPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, 2006).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144151, Chloride
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 280685
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2016 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chloride criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 230000 ug/L (230 mg/L)(USEPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, 2006).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R02504 (Restoration site above culveted station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-05-11 and 2016-05-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2016. Creek Status and Pesticides & Toxicity Monitoring Quality Assurance Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
144152
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
Pollutant: Chlorine
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.

Although there was a sufficient number of samples to assess total chlorine, this water body was given a use rating of Insufficient Information and a Do Not List decision. First, data were collected with field instruments that do not have the sensitivity to detect low levels of total chlorine to assess the freshwater water quality objectives of 11 ug/L and 19 ug/L. Secondly, most of the data were collected only once for a given site, and the data were not collected with the purpose of assessing chlorine levels in the water body. A more appropriate sampling to determine water quality impacts of chlorine might be conducted for future Integrated Report assessments.
 
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 144152, Chlorine
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 282719
 
Pollutant: Chlorine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorine, Total Residual.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended chlorine criterion for the protection of aquatic ife in freshwater is 11 ug/L (4-day average).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144152, Chlorine
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 282779
 
Pollutant: Chlorine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2016 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorine, Total Residual.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended chlorine criterion for the protection of aquatic ife in freshwater is 11 ug/L (4-day average).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R02504 (Restoration site above culveted station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-05-11 and 2016-05-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2016. Creek Status and Pesticides & Toxicity Monitoring Quality Assurance Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144152, Chlorine
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 282306
 
Pollutant: Chlorine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2016 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorine, Total Residual.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended chlorine criterion for the protection of aquatic ife in freshwater is 11 ug/L (4-day average).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R02504 (Restoration site above culveted station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-05-11 and 2016-05-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2016. Creek Status and Pesticides & Toxicity Monitoring Quality Assurance Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144152, Chlorine
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 282417
 
Pollutant: Chlorine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorine, Total Residual.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin: Controllable water quality factors shall not cause a detrimental increase in concentrations of toxic substances found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Effects on aquatic organisms, wildlife, and human health will be considered.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended chlorine criterion for the protection of aquatic ife in freshwater is 11 ug/L (4-day average).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
144153
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
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: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144153, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 285823
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved oxygen objectives for waters designated as cold water habitat shall be of a 7.0 mg/l minimum. (Water Quality Control Plan, San Francisco Bay Basin, Chapter III Water Quality Objectives.)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144153, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 285181
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2016 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved oxygen objectives for waters designated as warm water habitat shall be of a 5.0 mg/l minimum. (Water Quality Control Plan, San Francisco Bay Basin, Chapter III Water Quality Objectives.)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R02504 (Restoration site above culveted station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-05-11 and 2016-05-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2016. Creek Status and Pesticides & Toxicity Monitoring Quality Assurance Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144153, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 285628
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved oxygen objectives for waters designated as warm water habitat shall be of a 5.0 mg/l minimum. (Water Quality Control Plan, San Francisco Bay Basin, Chapter III Water Quality Objectives.)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144153, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 285824
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2016 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved oxygen objectives for waters designated as cold water habitat shall be of a 7.0 mg/l minimum. (Water Quality Control Plan, San Francisco Bay Basin, Chapter III Water Quality Objectives.)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R02504 (Restoration site above culveted station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-05-11 and 2016-05-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2016. Creek Status and Pesticides & Toxicity Monitoring Quality Assurance Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
144155
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
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: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144155, Temperature, water
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 288517
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Temperature objectives for surface waters are specified in the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Plan. The following temperature objectives apply to surface waters: “- The natural receiving water temperature of inland surface 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. - The temperature of any cold or warm freshwater habitat shall not be increased by more than 5°F (2.8°C) above natural receiving water temperature.”
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids (Carter 2008, Moyle 1976, and USEPA 1977), the lethal temperature evaluation guideline for both the steelhead adult migration and holding and the steelhead juvenile growth and rearing life stages is 24°C.
Guideline Reference: Temperature criteria for freshwater fish: protocol and procedures. Ecological Research Series. EPA-600/3-77-061 (NTIS PB270032). Prepared by W.A. Brungs and B.R. Jones. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
Guideline Reference: Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids. Implications for California's North Coast TMDLs. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144155, Temperature, water
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 288665
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2016 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Temperature objectives for surface waters are specified in the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Plan. The following temperature objectives apply to surface waters: “- The natural receiving water temperature of inland surface 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. - The temperature of any cold or warm freshwater habitat shall not be increased by more than 5°F (2.8°C) above natural receiving water temperature.”
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids (Carter 2008, Moyle 1976, and USEPA 1977), the lethal temperature evaluation guideline for both the steelhead adult migration and holding and the steelhead juvenile growth and rearing life stages is 24°C.
Guideline Reference: Temperature criteria for freshwater fish: protocol and procedures. Ecological Research Series. EPA-600/3-77-061 (NTIS PB270032). Prepared by W.A. Brungs and B.R. Jones. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
Guideline Reference: Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids. Implications for California's North Coast TMDLs. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R02504 (Restoration site above culveted station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-05-11 and 2016-05-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2016. Creek Status and Pesticides & Toxicity Monitoring Quality Assurance Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
144154
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
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: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144154, pH
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 287095
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2016 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, San Francisco Bay Basin, Chapter III Water Quality Objectives, Section 3.3.9 pH states: The pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5. This encompasses the pH range usually found in waters within the basin. Controllable water quality factors shall not cause changes greater than 0.5 units in normal ambient pH levels.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R02504 (Restoration site above culveted station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-05-11 and 2016-05-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2016. Creek Status and Pesticides & Toxicity Monitoring Quality Assurance Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 144154, pH
Region 2     
Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek)
 
LOE ID: 286740
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed BASMAA RMC Monitoring in WY2012 data for Polhemus Creek subwatershed (San Mateo County, tributary to San Mateo Creek) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 2.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, San Francisco Bay Basin, Chapter III Water Quality Objectives, Section 3.3.9 pH states: The pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5. This encompasses the pH range usually found in waters within the basin. Controllable water quality factors shall not cause changes greater than 0.5 units in normal ambient pH levels.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 204R00200 (Polhemus Creek - 300 meters downstream Polhemus and Bunker hill Dr-204R00200).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-05-31 and 2012-05-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: EOA, Inc.. 2012. Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Creek Status Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Project Plan