Draft California 2026 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 6 - Lahontan Region

Water Body Name: Willow Creek (Lassen County)
Water Body ID: CAR6372009520020603145810
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
162184
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162184, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341013
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) 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: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
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: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162184, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341012
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) 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: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
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: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
162186
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
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 162186, Aluminum
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341030
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The aluminum criterion for the protection of aquatic life, is pH, total hardness, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) dependent. When total hardness or DOC data were not available, default values based on the level III ecoregions developed by U.S EPA were substituted (EPA, 2018). When pH data were not available, the median pH value for the ecoregion, a pH value from a comparable waterbody, or a pH value from a local study in the same waterbody was used as a comparable surrogate.
Guideline Reference: Final Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Aluminum. EPA-822-R-18-001. Washington, D.C.: Office of Water, USEPA.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162186, Aluminum
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341033
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region for aluminum is 0.2 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162186, Aluminum
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341032
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The aluminum criterion for the protection of aquatic life, is pH, total hardness, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) dependent. When total hardness or DOC data were not available, default values based on the level III ecoregions developed by U.S EPA were substituted (EPA, 2018). When pH data were not available, the median pH value for the ecoregion, a pH value from a comparable waterbody, or a pH value from a local study in the same waterbody was used as a comparable surrogate.
Guideline Reference: Final Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Aluminum. EPA-822-R-18-001. Washington, D.C.: Office of Water, USEPA.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
162176
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
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 162176, Arsenic
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341120
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Arsenic.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for arsenic incorporated by reference in the Basin Plan is 0.010 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162176, Arsenic
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341094
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Arsenic.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved arsenic criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 150 ug/L. The conversion factor used to convert the total fraction criterion for arsenic to dissolved fraction criterion is 1. Therefore all data was considered to be representative of the dissolved fraction. (California Toxics Rule, 2000)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162176, Arsenic
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341073
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Arsenic.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for arsenic incorporated by reference in the Basin Plan is 0.010 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162176, Arsenic
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341080
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Arsenic.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved arsenic criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 150 ug/L. The conversion factor used to convert the total fraction criterion for arsenic to dissolved fraction criterion is 1. Therefore all data was considered to be representative of the dissolved fraction. (California Toxics Rule, 2000)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
163693
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
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: 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 163693, Chloride
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 343629
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed California Department Of Water Resources data to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows:
0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan objective for Chloride in this water body is 6.6 (mg/L), (as a Mean).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD (CALWR_WQX-G4200100)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: NA
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 163693, Chloride
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 343630
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed California Department Of Water Resources data to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows:
0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan objective for Chloride in this water body is 9.5 (mg/L), (as a Mean).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD (CALWR_WQX-G4200100)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: NA
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
162185
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Chromium
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 162185, Chromium
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341247
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for total chromium incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162185, Chromium
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341261
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for total chromium incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162185, Chromium
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341258
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved chromium (III) criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is is hardness dependent as described in Table 1 of paragraph (b)(1). The value calculated when using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 180 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162185, Chromium
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341256
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved chromium (III) criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is is hardness dependent as described in Table 1 of paragraph (b)(1). The value calculated when using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 180 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
162177
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Copper
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 162177, Copper
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341302
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level for total Copper incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162177, Copper
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341296
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level for total Copper incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162177, Copper
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341279
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved copper criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 9 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162177, Copper
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341290
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved copper criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 9 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
70560
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Regional Board Conclusion:

This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:
This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceeds 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. No quality assurance information is available to determine whether this dataset satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Samples were collected only in the summer and are not necessarily representative of year-round conditions.
3. None of three samples exceeded the water quality 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: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
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 70560, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 6411
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Water column surveys (e.g. fecal coliform)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Willow Creek in June and August 2002. Concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria in four samples ranged from 0 to 8 colonies per 100 mL. The objective was not violated. (Because the objective requires a minimum of five samples in a 30-day period, log means were not calculated.)
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's water quality objective for coliform bacteria states: "Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock waste.

The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of all samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 40/100 ml. The log mean shall ideally be based on a minimum of not less than five samples collected a evenly spaced as practicable during any 30-day period. However, a log mean concentration exceeding 20/100 ml for any 30-day period shall indicate violation of this objective even if fewer than five samples were collected."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Three stations were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Two sampling runs were made. All three stations were sampled on August 20, 2002. Station W-8, "Willow Creek at Sheep Bridge" was also sampled on June 6, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Willow Creek is a tributary of the Susan River. It is designated for both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial uses, and for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development uses. Site specific water quality objectives are designated for certain constituents for two stations on Willow Creek in Basin Plan Table 3-9. Both stations with objectives are upstream of the USBLM sampling sites.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70560, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 6413
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Water column surveys (e.g. fecal coliform)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Willow Creek in June and August 2002. Concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria in four samples ranged from 0 to 8 colonies per 100 mL. The objective was not violated. (Because the objective requires a minimum of five samples in a 30-day period, log means were not calculated.)
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's water quality objective for coliform bacteria states: "Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock waste.

The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of all samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 40/100 ml. The log mean shall ideally be based on a minimum of not less than five samples collected a evenly spaced as practicable during any 30-day period. However, a log mean concentration exceeding 20/100 ml for any 30-day period shall indicate violation of this objective even if fewer than five samples were collected."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Three stations (USBLM Nos. W-1, W-4 and W-8) were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Two sampling runs were made. All three stations were sampled on August 20, 2002. Station W-8, "Willow Creek at Sheep Bridge" was also sampled on June 6, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Willow Creek is a tributary of the Susan River. It is designated for both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial uses, and for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development uses. Site specific water quality objectives are designated for certain constituents for two stations on Willow Creek in Basin Plan Table 3-9. Both stations with objectives are upstream of the USBLM sampling sites.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
162178
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Iron
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 162178, Iron
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341379
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Iron.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Red Book states that based on field observations principally, a criterion of 1.0 mg/L iron for freshwater aquatic life is believed to be adequately protective.
Guideline Reference: Quality Criteria for Water. USEPA Office of Water and Hazardous Materials. Washington, D.C
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162178, Iron
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341388
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Iron.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Regions Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states that waters designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL). This is based upon drinking water standards specified in the following provisions of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations which are incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan: Table 64431-A of Section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals), Table 64431-B of Section 64431 (Fluoride), Table 64444-A of Section 64444 (Organic Chemicals), Table 64449-A of Section 64449 (Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels-Ranges). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Iron is 0.3 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162178, Iron
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341378
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Iron.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Red Book states that based on field observations principally, a criterion of 1.0 mg/L iron for freshwater aquatic life is believed to be adequately protective.
Guideline Reference: Quality Criteria for Water. USEPA Office of Water and Hazardous Materials. Washington, D.C
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162178, Iron
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341389
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Iron.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Regions Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states that waters designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL). This is based upon drinking water standards specified in the following provisions of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations which are incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan: Table 64431-A of Section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals), Table 64431-B of Section 64431 (Fluoride), Table 64444-A of Section 64444 (Organic Chemicals), Table 64449-A of Section 64449 (Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels-Ranges). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Iron is 0.3 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162178, Iron
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341370
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Iron.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Red Book states that based on field observations principally, a criterion of 1.0 mg/L iron for freshwater aquatic life is believed to be adequately protective.
Guideline Reference: Quality Criteria for Water. USEPA Office of Water and Hazardous Materials. Washington, D.C
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162178, Iron
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341393
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Iron.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Red Book states that based on field observations principally, a criterion of 1.0 mg/L iron for freshwater aquatic life is believed to be adequately protective.
Guideline Reference: Quality Criteria for Water. USEPA Office of Water and Hazardous Materials. Washington, D.C
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
162179
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Lead
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 162179, Lead
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341403
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's 'Chemical Constituents' objective. The MCL for lead is 15 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162179, Lead
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341405
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved lead criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162179, Lead
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341399
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved lead criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
162180
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Manganese
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 162180, Manganese
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341433
 
Pollutant: Manganese
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Manganese.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region?s Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states that waters designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL). The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Manganese is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162180, Manganese
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341417
 
Pollutant: Manganese
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Manganese.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region?s Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states that waters designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL). The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Manganese is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
170628
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Mercury
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 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 170628, Mercury
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341456
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Mercury criteria for the protection of human health from consumption of organisms only is 0.051 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170628, Mercury
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341451
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The mercury criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.050 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170628, Mercury
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341443
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentrations (4-day average concentrations) for freshwater aquatic organisms exposure to total mercury is 0.77 ug/L.
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: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170628, Mercury
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341460
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentrations (4-day average concentrations) for freshwater aquatic organisms exposure to total mercury is 0.77 ug/L.
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: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
162181
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Nickel
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 162181, Nickel
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341566
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved nickel criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 52 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162181, Nickel
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341568
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region?s Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states that waters designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL). This is based upon drinking water standards specified in the following provisions of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations which are incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan: Table 64431-A of Section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals), Table 64431-B of Section 64431 (Fluoride), Table 64444-A of Section 64444 (Organic Chemicals), Table 64449-A of Section 64449 (Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels-Ranges). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for nickel is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162181, Nickel
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341545
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved nickel criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 52 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162181, Nickel
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341573
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The nickel criterion for the protection of human health from consumption of organisms only is 4.6 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162181, Nickel
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341572
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The nickel criterion for the protection of human health from consumption of organisms only is 4.6 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162181, Nickel
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341567
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region?s Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states that waters designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL). This is based upon drinking water standards specified in the following provisions of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations which are incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan: Table 64431-A of Section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals), Table 64431-B of Section 64431 (Fluoride), Table 64444-A of Section 64444 (Organic Chemicals), Table 64449-A of Section 64449 (Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels-Ranges). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for nickel is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
162182
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Sodium
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, one that assesses for MUN and one that assesses for AGR. One of one samples exceed the objective for MUN, and zero of one sample exceed the guideline for AGR.

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. One of one samples exceed the objective for MUN, and zero of one sample exceed the guideline for AGR 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 162182, Sodium
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341773
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Sodium.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (USEPA 2012), the health advisory for sodium for individuals on a sodium-restricted diet is 20 mg/l.
Guideline Reference: 2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162182, Sodium
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341788
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Sodium.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Water Quality for Agriculture, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1985, contains criteria protective of various agricultural uses of water, including irrigation of various types of crops and stock watering. At or below the sodium threshold of 69 mg/L, agricultural uses of water should not be limited.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality for Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 29, Rev 1, Rome (1985)
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
163695
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
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 163695, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 343699
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
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 California Department Of Water Resources data to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows:
0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Total Dissolved Solids
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan objective for Total Dissolved Solids in this water body is 310 (mg/L), (as a Mean).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD (CALWR_WQX-G4200100)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: NA
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 163695, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 343698
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
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 California Department Of Water Resources data to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows:
0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Total Dissolved Solids
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan objective for Total Dissolved Solids in this water body is 200 (mg/L), (as a Mean).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD (CALWR_WQX-G4200100)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: NA
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 163695, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 343705
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
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 California Department Of Water Resources data to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows:
0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Total Dissolved Solids
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan objective for Total Dissolved Solids in this water body is 310 (mg/L), (as a Mean).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD (CALWR_WQX-G4200100)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: NA
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 163695, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 343704
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
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 California Department Of Water Resources data to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows:
0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Total Dissolved Solids
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan objective for Total Dissolved Solids in this water body is 200 (mg/L), (as a Mean).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD (CALWR_WQX-G4200100)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: NA
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
162183
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Zinc
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 162183, Zinc
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 342000
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states that waters designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL). This is based upon drinking water standards specified in the following provisions of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations which are incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan: Table 64431-A of Section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals), Table 64431-B of Section 64431 (Fluoride), Table 64444-A of Section 64444 (Organic Chemicals), Table 64449-A of Section 64449 (Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels-Ranges). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Zinc is 5 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162183, Zinc
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 342006
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states that waters designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL). This is based upon drinking water standards specified in the following provisions of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations which are incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan: Table 64431-A of Section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals), Table 64431-B of Section 64431 (Fluoride), Table 64444-A of Section 64444 (Organic Chemicals), Table 64449-A of Section 64449 (Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels-Ranges). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Zinc is 5 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162183, Zinc
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 342003
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved zinc criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 120 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162183, Zinc
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 341998
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed California Department Of Water Resources data for Willow Creek (Lassen County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved zinc criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 120 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: CALWR_WQX-G4200100 (WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP Received. Data will be assessed as ancillary evidence.
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
69948
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
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: Regional Board Conclusion:

This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One 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. No quality assurance information is available to determine whether this dataset satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One of three samples exceeded the water quality 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: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
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 69948, Dissolved oxygen saturation
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 6419
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Willow Creek on June 6 2002 and August 20, 2002. Percent saturation of dissolved oxygen at three different stations ranged from 78 to 85.7 percent. One of three samples was in violation of the objective.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide narrative objective states that percent saturation shall not be depressed by more than 10 percent and minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 80 percent saturation.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Three stations were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Station W-8 was sampled on June 6, 2002. All three stations were sampled on August 20, 2002. .
Environmental Conditions: Willow Creek is a tributary of the Susan River. It is designated for both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial uses, and for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development uses. Site specific water quality objectives are designated for certain constituents for two stations on Willow Creek in Basin Plan Table 3-9. Both stations with objectives are upstream of the USBLM sampling sites.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70619
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Regional Board Conclusion:

This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three 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. No quality assurance information was available to determine whether the dataset used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The dataset used does not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. All samples were collected on one date.
3. Three of three samples exceeded the water quality 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: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
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 70619, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 6418
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Willow Creek on August 20, 2002. Concentrations of dissolved oxygen at three different stations ranged from 7.42 to 7.78 mg/L.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The water quality objective (Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-6) is a one-day minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 8 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Three stations were sampled.
Temporal Representation: All three stations were sampled on August 20, 2002. .
Environmental Conditions: Willow Creek is a tributary of the Susan River. It is designated for both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial uses, and for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development uses. Site specific water quality objectives are designated for certain constituents for two stations on Willow Creek in Basin Plan Table 3-9. Both stations with objectives are upstream of the USBLM sampling sites.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70010
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Sediment
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: Regional Board Conclusion:

This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative water quality objective is an antidegradation based objective that provides that there shall be no increases in suspended sediment concentrations or loads. This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.10 of the Listing Policy, which deals with trends in water quality. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence, based on quarterly sampling, is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. It consists of a single sample.

Suspended sediment concentrations and loads are dependent on flows and can change rapidly over a short time during storm or snowmelt runoff events. Quarterly samples are insufficient to capture these short term events and therefore are insufficient to define natural background suspended sediment concentrations and loads, or to detect trends. Listing Policy Section 3.10 requires that natural background conditions be established.

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. No quality assurance information was submitted with this dataset.
2. Sampling frequency was insufficient to establish natural background conditions and therefore does not meet the requirements of Listing Policy Section 3.10.
3. 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 region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
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 70010, Sediment
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 6416
 
Pollutant: Sediment
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: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management collected one suspended sediment sample from Willow Creek on June 6, 2002. There is insufficient information to document background conditions or allow evaluation of change.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide water quality objective states: "The suspended sediment load and suspended sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Willow Creek at Sheep Bridge, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Station W-8, "Willow Creek at Sheep Bridge" was sampled on June 6, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Willow Creek is a tributary of the Susan River. It is designated for both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial uses, and for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development uses. Site specific water quality objectives are designated for certain constituents for two stations on Willow Creek in Basin Plan Table 3-9. Both stations with objectives are upstream of the USBLM sampling sites.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70133
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
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: Regional Board Conclusion:

This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of 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. No quality assurance information is available to determine whether the dataset used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of four samples exceeded the water quality 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: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
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 70133, Specific Conductance
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 6405
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Willow Creek in June and August 2002. Specific conductance values in four samples ranged from 195 to 450 uS/cm. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) apply to ambient surface waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for specific conductance is 900 microsiemens per centimeter (uS/cm).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Three stations were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Two sampling runs were made. All three stations were sampled on August 20, 2002. Station W-8, "Willow Creek at Sheep Bridge" was also sampled on June 6, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Willow Creek is a tributary of the Susan River. It is designated for both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial uses, and for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development uses. Site specific water quality objectives are designated for certain constituents for two stations on Willow Creek in Basin Plan Table 3-9. Both stations with objectives are upstream of the USBLM sampling sites.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
163694
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of one samples exceeds the 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 CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One of one samples exceeds 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 163694, Sulfates
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 343684
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 California Department Of Water Resources data to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows:
1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Sulfate
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan objective for Sulfate in this water body is 0.4 (mg/L), (as a Mean).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: WILLOW C A RD A-27 NR LITCHFIELD (CALWR_WQX-G4200100)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-10 and 2012-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: NA
QAPP Information Reference(s): The data included in this LOE does not have a QAPP, but was collected after the QAPP requirements had been developed, and thus was assessed as an ancillary line of evidence.
 
 
DECISION ID
68200
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
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: Regional Board Conclusion:

This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

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 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The water quality objective for temperature is anti-degradation based, and there are insufficient samples to establish background temperature conditions, to document trends, or to determine whether changes in violation of the objective have occurred..

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. No quality assurance information is available to determine whether the dataset used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. There are insufficient background/trend data available to determine whether the objective is being exceeded under Section 3.10 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 region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
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 68200, Temperature, water
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 6423
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Willow Creek in June and August 2002. Temperatures in four samples ranged from 17.48 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The relevant language from the Lahontan Basin Plan's temperature objective states: "The natural receiving water temperature of all waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction fo the Regional Board that such an alteration in temperature does not adversely affect the water for beneficial uses.

For waters designated WARM, water temperature shall not be altered by more than five degrees Fahrenheit ... above or below the natural temperature. For waters designated COLD, the temperature shall not be altered."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Three stations were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Two sampling runs were made. All three stations were sampled on August 20, 2002. Station W-8, "Willow Creek at Sheep Bridge" was also sampled on June 6, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Willow Creek is a tributary of the Susan River. It is designated for both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial uses, and for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development uses. Site specific water quality objectives are designated for certain constituents for two stations on Willow Creek in Basin Plan Table 3-9. Both stations with objectives are upstream of the USBLM sampling sites.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
72290
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Regional Board Conclusion:

This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative pH objective is a non-degradation objective for waters designated for the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, and sample numbers are insufficient to establish baseline conditions or detect trends as required under Listing Policy Section 3.10.

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 satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. No quality assurance information was submitted with the dataset.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Only one sample is available.
3. It is not possible to determine whether the narrative pH objective was exceeded because the requirements of Listing Policy Section 3.10 were not met.
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 region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
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 72290, pH
Region 6     
Willow Creek (Lassen County)
 
LOE ID: 6407
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Willow Creek in June and August 2002. Values of pH in four samples rranged from 7.42 to 9.02. Two samples had pH values above 8.5. There is insufficient information to document background conditions or allow evaluation of change.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The regionwide pH objective in the Lahontan Basin Plan states: "In fresh waters with designated beneficial uses of COLD or WARM, changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 pH units. For all other waters of the region, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5 units.

The Regional Board recognizes that some waters of the Region may have natural pH levels outside of the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Compliance with the pH objective for these waters will be determined on a case-by-case basis."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Three stations were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Two sampling runs were made. All three stations were sampled on August 20, 2002. Station W-8, "Willow Creek at Sheep Bridge" was also sampled on June 6, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Willow Creek is a tributary of the Susan River. It is designated for both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial uses, and for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development uses. Site specific water quality objectives are designated for certain constituents for two stations on Willow Creek in Basin Plan Table 3-9. Both stations with objectives are upstream of the USBLM sampling sites.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):