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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 6 - Lahontan Region

Water Body Name: Buckhorn Reservoir
Water Body ID: CAL6380006520080811014618
Water Body Type: Lake & Reservoir
 
DECISION ID
162248
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
Pollutant: Chloride
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162248, Chloride
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 341190
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
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 EPA National Aquatic Resources Survey (NARS) data for Buckhorn Reservoir 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 California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region for chloride is 250 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: NARS_WQX-NLA_CA-10208 (Buckhorn Reservoir).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-08-16 and 2017-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
 
DECISION ID
162249
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
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 162249, Chlorophyll-a
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 341213
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed EPA National Aquatic Resources Survey (NARS) data for Buckhorn Reservoir to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths 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: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A ? Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife).?Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: NARS_WQX-NLA_CA-10208 (Buckhorn Reservoir).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-08-16 and 2017-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162249, Chlorophyll-a
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 341209
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 EPA National Aquatic Resources Survey (NARS) data for Buckhorn Reservoir to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths 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: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A ? Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife).?Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: NARS_WQX-NLA_CA-10208 (Buckhorn Reservoir).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-08-16 and 2017-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
 
DECISION ID
74549
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status 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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 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. The single sample did not exceed the California Maximum Contaminant Level. No biological data are available to assess whether it exceeded the water quality objective for biostimulatory substances.

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 do not satisfy 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 or Table 3.1 of the Policy.
3. The single sample did not exceed the Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.
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 74549, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 25885
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 sampled this station on August 7, 2002. The concentration of NO3-N in one sample was 0.17 mg/L. 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 (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for nitrate is 45 mg/L expressed "as nitrate," equivalent to 10 mg/L expressed "as N."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was taken on August 7, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Buckhorn Reservoir is located on Buckhorn Creek, which flows to the Madeline Plains. The reservoir has categorically designated beneficial uses as a minor surface water of the Madeline Plains Hydrologic Unit (HU No. 638.00), including both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat uses., No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 74549, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 25884
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
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: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled this station on August 7, 2002. The concentration of NO3-N in one sample was 0.17 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 Lahontan Basin Plan does not include site specific objectives for this water body. The regionwide narrative objective for biostimulatory substances states:

"Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths 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 was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was taken on August 7, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Buckhorn Reservoir is located on Buckhorn Creek, which flows to the Madeline Plains. The reservoir has categorically designated beneficial uses as a minor surface water of the Madeline Plains Hydrologic Unit (HU No. 638.00), including both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat uses., No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
74494
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
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 Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence, one which evaluates dissolved oxygen saturation data and one which evaluates dissolved oxygen data, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 1 of 1 dissolved oxygen saturation samples and 0 of 1 dissolved oxygen samples exceed the water quality objectives.

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 do not satisfy 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 or Table 3.2 of the Policy.
3.1 of 1 dissolved oxygen saturation samples and 0 of 1 dissolved oxygen samples exceed the water quality objectives and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples per fraction assessed are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 74494, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 25881
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled this station on August 7, 2002. The concentration of dissolved oxygen in one sample was 4.43 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 applicable water quality objective (from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-6) is a 1-day minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 4 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was taken on August 7, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Buckhorn Reservoir is located on Buckhorn Creek, which flows to the Madeline Plains. The reservoir has categorically designated beneficial uses as a minor surface water of the Madeline Plains Hydrologic Unit (HU No. 638.00), including both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat uses., No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 74494, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 25882
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
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: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled this station on August 7, 2002. The dissolved oxygen saturation in one sample was 49 percent.
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 narrative objective in the Lahontan Basin Plan states: "The dissolved oxygen concentration, as percent saturation, shall not be depressed by more than 10 percent, nor shall the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration be less than 80 percent of saturation."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was taken on August 7, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Buckhorn Reservoir is located on Buckhorn Creek, which flows to the Madeline Plains. The reservoir has categorically designated beneficial uses as a minor surface water of the Madeline Plains Hydrologic Unit (HU No. 638.00), including both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat uses., No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
162251
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
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: 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 162251, Sodium
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 341842
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
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 EPA National Aquatic Resources Survey (NARS) data for Buckhorn Reservoir 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: NARS_WQX-NLA_CA-10208 (Buckhorn Reservoir).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-08-16 and 2017-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162251, Sodium
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 341805
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
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 EPA National Aquatic Resources Survey (NARS) data for Buckhorn Reservoir 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: 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: NARS_WQX-NLA_CA-10208 (Buckhorn Reservoir).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-08-16 and 2017-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
 
DECISION ID
168639
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 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 168639, Specific Conductivity
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 25879
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 sampled this station on August 7, 2002. The specific conductance in one sample was 463 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 (MCLs) apply to ambient 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: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was taken on August 7, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Buckhorn Reservoir is located on Buckhorn Creek, which flows to the Madeline Plains. The reservoir has categorically designated beneficial uses as a minor surface water of the Madeline Plains Hydrologic Unit (HU No. 638.00), including both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat uses., No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 168639, Specific Conductivity
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 341885
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
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 EPA National Aquatic Resources Survey (NARS) data for Buckhorn Reservoir to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) based upon drinking water standards specified in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's 'Chemical Constituents' objective. The California Secondary MCL for specific conductivity is 900 uS/cm.
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: NARS_WQX-NLA_CA-10208 (Buckhorn Reservoir).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-08-16 and 2017-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
 
DECISION ID
162252
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
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 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 162252, Sulfates
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 341939
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
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 EPA National Aquatic Resources Survey (NARS) data for Buckhorn Reservoir to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 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 California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region for Sulfate 250 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: NARS_WQX-NLA_CA-10208 (Buckhorn Reservoir).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-08-16 and 2017-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
 
DECISION ID
162253
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 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 162253, Turbidity
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 341993
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 EPA National Aquatic Resources Survey (NARS) data for Buckhorn Reservoir to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) based upon drinking water standards specified in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. The Lahontan Basin Plan also has regionwide turbidity objective for other beneficial uses that states: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses. Increases in turbidity shall not exceed natural levels by more than 10%.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient surface waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's 'Chemical Constituents' objective. The Secondary MCL for turbidity is 5 NTU. Calculation of a numeric objective for other beneficial uses requires comparison with upstream or other background data which may not be available as part of the data used for water quality assessment.
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: NARS_WQX-NLA_CA-10208 (Buckhorn Reservoir).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-08-16 and 2017-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
 
DECISION ID
162250
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
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)(2018)
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 162250, pH
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 341627
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed EPA National Aquatic Resources Survey (NARS) data for Buckhorn Reservoir to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH. The objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality thresholds could not be made.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide objective for pH 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: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: NARS_WQX-NLA_CA-10208 (Buckhorn Reservoir).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-08-16 and 2017-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162250, pH
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 341703
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed EPA National Aquatic Resources Survey (NARS) data for Buckhorn Reservoir to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH. The objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality thresholds could not be made.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide objective for pH 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: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: NARS_WQX-NLA_CA-10208 (Buckhorn Reservoir).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-08-16 and 2017-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162250, pH
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 25880
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled this station on August 7, 2002. The pH in one sample was 8.54 units.
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 objective for pH 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: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was taken on August 7, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Buckhorn Reservoir is located on Buckhorn Creek, which flows to the Madeline Plains. The reservoir has categorically designated beneficial uses as a minor surface water of the Madeline Plains Hydrologic Unit (HU No. 638.00), including both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat uses., No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162250, pH
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 341651
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed EPA National Aquatic Resources Survey (NARS) data for Buckhorn Reservoir to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH. The objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality thresholds could not be made.
Data Reference: WQX from the NWQMP for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide objective for pH 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: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: NARS_WQX-NLA_CA-10208 (Buckhorn Reservoir).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-08-16 and 2017-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
 
DECISION ID
74663
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. No biological data are available to assess whether the single sample exceeds the water quality objective for biostimulatory substances.

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 do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 or Table 3.1 of the Policy.
3. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the applicable objective.
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 74663, Phosphate
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 25886
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
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: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled this station on August 7, 2002. The concentration of PO4-P in one sample was 0.94 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 Lahontan Basin Plan does not include site specific objectives for this water body. The regionwide narrative objective for biostimulatory substances states:

"Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths 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 was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was taken on August 7, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Buckhorn Reservoir is located on Buckhorn Creek, which flows to the Madeline Plains. The reservoir has categorically designated beneficial uses as a minor surface water of the Madeline Plains Hydrologic Unit (HU No. 638.00), including both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat uses., No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
74727
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
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:

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for sediment is antidegradation-based and the available data are insufficient to document baseline and trend conditions as required by section 3.10 of the Listing Policy.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy 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. The single sample is insufficient to determine compliance with the objective 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 74727, Sediment
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 25887
 
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 sampled this station on August 7, 2002. The concentration of suspended sediment in one sample was 774 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 Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative 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 was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was taken on August 7, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Buckhorn Reservoir is located on Buckhorn Creek, which flows to the Madeline Plains. The reservoir has categorically designated beneficial uses as a minor surface water of the Madeline Plains Hydrologic Unit (HU No. 638.00), including both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat uses., No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
75109
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
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:

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for temperature is antidegradation-based and the available data are insufficient to document baseline and trend conditions as required by section 3.10 of the Listing Policy.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy 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. The single sample is insufficient to determine compliance with the objective 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 75109, Temperature, water
Region 6     
Buckhorn Reservoir
 
LOE ID: 25883
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
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 sampled this station on August 7, 2002. One temperature measurement was 20.6 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 sections of the Lahontan Basin Plan's temperature objective are as follows: "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: One station was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was taken on August 7, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Buckhorn Reservoir is located on Buckhorn Creek, which flows to the Madeline Plains. The reservoir has categorically designated beneficial uses as a minor surface water of the Madeline Plains Hydrologic Unit (HU No. 638.00), including both the Warm Freshwater Habitat and Cold Freshwater Habitat uses., No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):