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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 6 - Lahontan Region

Water Body Name: Mill City Tributary
Water Body ID: CAR6031005120080630162428
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
170618
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Mercury
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Priority: High
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Twelve lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess pollutant. Twelve of the 12 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline. Twelve of 24 water samples exceeded the COLD evaluation guideline. Nine of the 12 water samples exceeded the MUN criteria. Three of 4 water samples exceeded the COMM criteria.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Twelve of the 12 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline. Twelve of 24 water samples exceeded the COLD evaluation guideline. Nine of the 12 water samples exceeded the MUN criteria. Three of 4 water samples exceeded the COMM criteria. This exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170618, Mercury
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8594
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total mercury in eight quarterly samples ranged from 0.04 to 0.30 ug/L. The criteria were not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's national freshwater aquatic life criteria (for total mercury) include a 4-day average of 0.77 ug/L and a 1-hour average of 1.4 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: National recommended water quality criteria: 2002. EPA-822-R-02-047 Washington, D.C. USEPA
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and the Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170618, Mercury
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8598
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total mercury in eight quarterly samples ranged from 0.04 to 0.30 ug/L. Six of eight samples exceeded the CTR standard.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule (CTR) human health standard for consumption of water and organisms is 0.05 ug/L as a 30 day average.
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 tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and the Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170618, Mercury
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 338725
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Upper Owens River Water Quality Project data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQ from the Upper Owens River Water Quality Program 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: 160MIL020 (Mill City Trib below Stamp Mill).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-04-17 and 2013-07-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170618, Mercury
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 338723
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
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 Upper Owens River Water Quality Project data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQ from the Upper Owens River Water Quality Program 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: 160MIL010 (Mill City Trib at Mammoth City Mine spring).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-06-12 and 2012-06-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170618, Mercury
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 338735
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Upper Owens River Water Quality Project data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQ from the Upper Owens River Water Quality Program 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: 160MIL010 (Mill City Trib at Mammoth City Mine spring).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-06-12 and 2012-06-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170618, Mercury
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 337182
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 6 of the 6 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Mercury .
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: 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 for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for mercury is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 1.06 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 603MCT001 (Mill City Trib, at Confluence with Mammoth Creek).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2021-05-06 to 2021-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170618, Mercury
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 338721
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
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 Upper Owens River Water Quality Project data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQ from the Upper Owens River Water Quality Program 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: 160MIL010 (Mill City Trib at Mammoth City Mine spring).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-06-12 and 2012-06-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170618, Mercury
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 338724
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Upper Owens River Water Quality Project data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQ from the Upper Owens River Water Quality Program 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: 160MIL020 (Mill City Trib below Stamp Mill).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-04-17 and 2013-07-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170618, Mercury
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 337183
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 6 of the 6 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Mercury .
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: 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 for the Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for mercury is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 1.06 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 603MCT002 (Mill City Trib, below Dry Gully Confluence).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2021-05-06 to 2021-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170618, Mercury
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 338726
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Upper Owens River Water Quality Project data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQ from the Upper Owens River Water Quality Program 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: 160MIL020 (Mill City Trib below Stamp Mill).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-04-17 and 2013-07-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
 
 
DECISION ID
162362
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162362, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 338013
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MCT001 (Mill City Trib, at Confluence with Mammoth Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-16 and 2021-08-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162362, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 337968
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MCT002 (Mill City Trib, below Dry Gully Confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-16 and 2021-09-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
 
DECISION ID
169042
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 16 sample exceeded the COLD evaluation guideline. 0 of 24 samples exceeded the MUN objective (MCL).

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of 16 sample exceeded the COLD evaluation guideline. Zero of 24 samples exceeded the MUN objective (MCL) and these do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 169042, Aluminum
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7390
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total recoverable aluminum in 8 samples ranged from 20 to 152 ug/L. The MCLs were not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The California primary MCL for aluminum is 1000 ug/L and the secondary MCL is 200 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 169042, Aluminum
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 348093
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed 2007 RWB6 SWAMP Owens Hydrologic Unit data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MAM009 (Mammoth Cr Trib).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2003-10-29 and 2005-07-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 169042, Aluminum
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 348105
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed 2007 RWB6 SWAMP Owens Hydrologic Unit data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MAM009 (Mammoth Cr Trib).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2003-10-29 and 2005-07-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 169042, Aluminum
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 348104
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed 2007 RWB6 SWAMP Owens Hydrologic Unit data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MAM009 (Mammoth Cr Trib).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2003-10-29 and 2005-07-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 169042, Aluminum
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 348107
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed 2007 RWB6 SWAMP Owens Hydrologic Unit data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MAM009 (Mammoth Cr Trib).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2003-10-29 and 2005-07-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
71240
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used 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. Quarterly samples do not capture the diel, seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and fecal coliform counts in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. Two of five 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 71240, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7421
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2004 and 2005. Three of five quarterly samples were below the detection level. Fecal coliform bacteria counts in the remaining two samples were 53 and 56 colonies per 100 mL, in violation of the objective.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for coliform bacteria states: "Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock wastes. 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 as 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: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Five quarterly samples were collected between July 2004 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71240, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7423
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 5
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2004 and 2005. Three of five quarterly samples were below the detection level. Fecal coliform bacteria counts in the remaining two samples were 53 and 56 colonies per 100 mL, in violation of the objective.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for coliform bacteria states: "Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock wastes. 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 as 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: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Five quarterly samples were collected between July 2004 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
162359
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Manganese
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: Pollution
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. Zero of the nine samples exceed the objective (MCL).

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of nine samples exceeded the objective, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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. 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 162359, Manganese
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7410
 
Pollutant: Manganese
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total manganese in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 1 to 7 ug/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 manganese is 50 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek..
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162359, Manganese
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 338679
 
Pollutant: Manganese
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
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 Upper Owens River Water Quality Project data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Manganese.
Data Reference: WQ from the Upper Owens River Water Quality Program 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: 160MIL010 (Mill City Trib at Mammoth City Mine spring).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-06-12 and 2012-06-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data
 
 
DECISION ID
71142
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen
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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the annual average datapoints exceed the site-specific water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used 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 of the Policy.
3. None of three annual average datapoints exceeded the site-specific objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 71142, Nitrogen
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8554
 
Pollutant: Total Nitrogen as N
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Total N was calculated from total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and nitrite plus nitrate (from 8 quarterly samples of each). Concentrations of total nitrogen ranged from 0.081 to 0.322 mg/L. Annual average values ranged from 0.089 to 0.188. The annual average objective was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for total nitrogen from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17 includes an annual average concentration of 0.6 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 1.0 mg/L. (The objectives for Station 5, Mammoth Creek at Old Mammoth Road apply under the Tributary Rule).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples each for TKN and nitrite plus nitrate were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per constituent per year) between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70980
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
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 of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the annual average datapoints exceed the site-specific water quality objective. None of the samples exceed the California Maximum Contaminant Level.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None 8 samples exceeded the California Maximum Contaminant Level. None of 3 annual average datapoints exceed the site-specific objective. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 70980, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8575
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Eight quarterly samples each were analyzed for nitrite and nitrite plus nitrate. Nitrate was calculated by subtraction. Nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.010 mg/L to 0.121 mg/L, expressed "as N". Annual average concentrations, expresed "as nitrate" ranged from 0.081 to 0.329 mg/L. The annual average objective was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for nitrate (expressed "as nitrate") from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17 includes an annual average concentration of 0.4 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 0.8 mg/L. (The objectives for Station 5, Mammoth Creek at Old Mammoth Road apply under the Tributary Rule).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples each for nitrite and nitrite plus nitrate were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per constituent per year) between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70980, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8590
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Eight quarterly samples each were analyzed for nitrite and nitrite plus nitrate. Nitrate was calculated by subtraction. Nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.010 mg/L to 0.121 mg/L, expressed "as N". The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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." This is 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: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples each for nitrite and nitrite plus nitrate were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per constituent per year) between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
73828
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
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.

One line of evidence is 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. The data used 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 of the Policy.
3. None of 8 samples exceeded the California Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 73828, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 26262
 
Pollutant: Nitrite as Nitrite NO2
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Eight quarterly samples all had nitrite concentrations of 0.001 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 nitrite is 1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
170094
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
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 170094, Specific Conductivity
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7295
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Specific conductance in 8 quarterly field measurements ranged from 72 to 124 uS/cm. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight field measurements of specific conductance were taken quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170094, Specific Conductivity
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 340497
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MCT002 (Mill City Trib, below Dry Gully Confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-16 and 2021-09-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 170094, Specific Conductivity
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 340534
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MCT001 (Mill City Trib, at Confluence with Mammoth Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-16 and 2021-08-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
 
DECISION ID
162361
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
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: 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 162361, pH
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 348122
 
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 2007 RWB6 SWAMP Owens Hydrologic Unit data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 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: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MAM009 (Mammoth Cr Trib).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2003-10-29 and 2005-07-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162361, pH
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 339993
 
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 SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MCT001 (Mill City Trib, at Confluence with Mammoth Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-16 and 2021-08-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162361, pH
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 340115
 
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 SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MCT001 (Mill City Trib, at Confluence with Mammoth Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-16 and 2021-08-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162361, pH
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 26263
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. The pH in 8 quarterly field measurements ranged from 7.2 to 7.8 units.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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, near the confluence of the tributary with Mammoth Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Eight pH measurements were taken quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162361, pH
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 348116
 
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 2007 RWB6 SWAMP Owens Hydrologic Unit data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 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: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MAM009 (Mammoth Cr Trib).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2003-10-29 and 2005-07-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162361, pH
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 339675
 
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 SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 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: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MCT002 (Mill City Trib, below Dry Gully Confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-16 and 2021-09-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162361, pH
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 339594
 
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 SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 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: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: 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: 603MCT002 (Mill City Trib, below Dry Gully Confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-16 and 2021-09-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
 
DECISION ID
76931
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Priority: Medium
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. None of the samples exceeds the California Toxics Rule standards. Eight of the samples exceed the California Maximum Contaminant Level. This water body is located within the Long Valley volcanic caldera, and arsenic in the watershed comes from natural volcanic and geothermal sources.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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.
2. The data used satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the full range of seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. Eight of eight samples exceeded the MCL and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 76931, Arsenic
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7288
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved arsenic in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 15 to 24 ug/L. The California Toxics Rule standards were not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule arsenic standards for the protection of freshwater aquatic life are as follows:
4-day average = 150 ug/L
1-hour average = 340 ug/L.
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 tributary was sampled near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and the Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. Arsenic in this watershed comes from natural volcanic and geothermal sources.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76931, Arsenic
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7291
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total arsenic in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 21 to 30 ug/L. All samples exceeded the MCL.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 arsenic is 10 ug/L (effective November 28, 2008).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. Arsenic in this watershed comes from natural volcanic and geothermal sources.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
162360
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Priority: Low
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.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this parameter: 3 which assess dissolved oxygen concentration data and 3 which assess dissolved oxygen percent saturation data. Zero of 15 samples are below the objective for minimum dissolved oxygen concentration. Seven of 15 samples are below the objective for minimum dissolved oxygen percent saturation.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Seven of 15 samples are below the objective for minimum dissolved oxygen percent saturation, and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162360, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 339440
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region's water quality objective states that the dissolved oxygen concentration shall not 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: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 603MCT001 (Mill City Trib, at Confluence with Mammoth Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-16 and 2021-08-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162360, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7282
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. The dissolved oxygen concentrations in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 9 to 10.7 mg/L. The objective was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The objective, from 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: One station, near the confluence of the tributary with Mammoth Creek, was sampled..
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Data were collected for an unnamed tributary entering Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. (The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is called Hot Creek.) In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek and its tributaries are designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162360, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 339213
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: For waters with the beneficial uses of COLD, COLD with SPWN, WARM, and WARM with SPWN, the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than that specified in Table 3-6. (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: 603MCT002 (Mill City Trib, below Dry Gully Confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-16 and 2021-09-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162360, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 339418
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region's water quality objective states that the dissolved oxygen concentration shall not 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: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 603MCT002 (Mill City Trib, below Dry Gully Confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-16 and 2021-09-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162360, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 339319
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Mill City Tributary to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Benthic, Field, Habitat, Tissue, Toxicity, WQ from the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 6
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: For waters with the beneficial uses of COLD, COLD with SPWN, WARM, and WARM with SPWN, the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than that specified in Table 3-6. (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: 603MCT001 (Mill City Trib, at Confluence with Mammoth Creek).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2021-06-16 and 2021-08-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Generic SWAMP QAPrP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Generic SWAMP QAPrP
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 162360, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7284
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Percent saturation of dissolved oxygen in eight quarterly samples ranged from 99 to 107 percent. The objective was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's 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: One station, near the confluence of the tributary with Mammoth Creek, was sampled..
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Data were collected for an unnamed tributary entering Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. (The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is called Hot Creek.) In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek and its tributaries are designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70777
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Antimony
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable water quality objective and criteria.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of eight samples exceeded the applicable water quality objective and criteria and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 70777, Antimony
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7296
 
Pollutant: Antimony
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved antimony in 8 quarterly samples were all estimated values. The criteria were not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The USEPA Lowest Observed Effect Levels (LOEL) criteria for protection of aquatic life include an acute antimony value of 9000 ug/L, a chronic value of 1600 ug/L and a limit for toxicity to algae of 610 ug/L
Objective/Criterion Reference: Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek..
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and the Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70777, Antimony
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7297
 
Pollutant: Antimony
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total antimony in 7 of 8 quarterly samples were estimated values; the remaining sample was below the detection level. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 antimony is 6 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 200 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71086
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Beryllium
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable standards or criteria for dissolved beryllium. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective (California Maximum Contaminant Level) for total beryllium.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of eight samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 71086, Beryllium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7299
 
Pollutant: Beryllium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between October 2003 and July 2005. Concentrations of total beryllium in 8 samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy Secton 6.1.5.5 the MCL is presumed to be attained.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The California MCL for beryllium is 4 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71086, Beryllium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7298
 
Pollutant: Beryllium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved beryllium in 8 quarterly samples were below the detection level.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no state or federal standards or criteria for dissolved beryllium for the protection of freshwater aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
79765
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Boron
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceeds the applicable site-specific objective or criterion.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of 8 samples or three annual average datapoints exceeded the applicable objective or criterion and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 79765, Boron
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7391
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between October 2003 and July 2005. The concentrations of dissolved boron in eight quarterly samples were all below the detection level. The criterion was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California State Notification Level criterion for boron is 1000 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Compilation of Water Quality Goals
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: .The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79765, Boron
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8524
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
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. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between October 2003 and July 2005. The concentrations of dissolved boron in eight quarterly samples were all below the detection level The objective was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site- specific objective for the Mammoth Creek at Highway 395 station (Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17, Station 6) applies through the Tributary Rule. The objective includes an annual average boron concentration of 0.03 mg/L (30 ug/L) and a 90th percentile value of 0.05 mg/L (50 ug/L).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: .The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71245
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
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.

Two 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. The data used 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. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of 8 samples exceeded the applicable standards and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 71245, Cadmium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7308
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total cadmium in 4 of 8 samples were below the detection level. Three samples were estimated values, and the total cadmium concentration in the remaining sample was 0.04 ug/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The California MCL for cadmium is 5 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71245, Cadmium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7307
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved cadmium in 6 of 8 samples were below the detection level, and the remaining two samples were estimated values. The California Toxics Rule standards were not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule standards for protection of freshwater aquatic life are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the acute toxicity standard ranges from 1.52 to 2.25 ug/L, and the chronic toxicity standard ranges from 1.09 ug/L to 1.44 ug/L.
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
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71462
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Calcium
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable state or federal standards or criteria for calcium.

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.
2. The data used satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. There are no applicable standards or criteria for use with Table 3.2 of the 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 71462, Calcium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7386
 
Pollutant: Calcium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total calcium in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 12.5 to 20.2 mg/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no California or federal water quality standards or criteria for calcium. It is generally monitored as a component of another water quality parameter such as hardness, Total Dissolved Solids, or Sodium Adsorption Ratio.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71462, Calcium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7385
 
Pollutant: Calcium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved calcium in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 14.3 to 20.2 mg/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no California or federal water quality standards or criteria for calcium. It is generally monitored as a component of another water quality parameter such as hardness, Total Dissolved Solids, or Sodium Adsorption Ratio.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71621
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Chloride
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There is insufficient information to assess compliance with the site- specific objective because annual average data are available for only three years, and "averages" were calculated on the basis of only 1 to 4 samples per year.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5.
Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of 8 samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level 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 71621, Chloride
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7425
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005 (1 to 4 samples per year). One of 8 quarterly chloride samples was below the detection level. The remainder ranged from 0.29 to 0.87 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 chloride is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71621, Chloride
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7294
 
Pollutant: Chloride
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. One of 8 quarterly chloride samples was below the detection level. The remainder ranged from 0.29 to 0.87 mg/L. The annual average objective was exceeded in one of three years (the year when the "average" was calculated from one sample).
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17 includes an annual average chloride concentration of 0.8 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 1.4 mg/L. (The objectives for Station 5, Mammoth Creek at Old Mammoth Road apply under the Tributary Rule).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
77847
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Chromium (total)
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.

Two lines evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceeds the applicable water quality objective or California Toxics Rule standards.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of eight samples exceeded the applicable objective and California Toxics Rule standards and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 77847, Chromium (total)
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7300
 
Pollutant: Chromium (total)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved chromium in 8 samples were all below the detection level. Per listing policy Section 6.1.5.5 the California Toxics Rule standards are assumed to be attained.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule (CTR) standards for dissolved Cr VI for protection freshwater aquatic life include a 4-day average of 11 ug/L and a 1-hour average of 16 ug/L. For Cr III, the CTR standards are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the acute toxicity standard ranges from 259.67 to 345.23 ug/L, and the chronic toxicity standard ranges from 8424 to 111.99 ug/L.
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 tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77847, Chromium (total)
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7392
 
Pollutant: Chromium (total)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total chromium in 7 of 8 quarterly samples were below the detection level. The remaining sample was an estimated value. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 chromium is 50 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005..
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70460
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Cobalt
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable state or federal standards or criteria for cobalt.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. There are no applicable standards or criteria for use with Table 3.1 of the 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 70460, Cobalt
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7393
 
Pollutant: Cobalt
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved cobalt in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 0.038 to 0.058 ug/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no California or federal water quality standards or criteria for cobalt for the protection of aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70460, Cobalt
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7394
 
Pollutant: Cobalt
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total cobalt in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 0.07 to 0.165 ug/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no California or federal water quality standards or criteria for cobalt for the protection of human health.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70461
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Copper
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceeds the applicable water quality objective or the California Toxics Rule standards.

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.
2. The data used quarterly samples that do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of eight samples exceeded the applicable objective and standards and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 70461, Copper
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7396
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total recoverable copper in 2 of 8 were estimated values. Concentrations in the remaining samples ranged from 0.6 to 1.4 ug/L. The MCLs were not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The primary MCL for copper is 1300 ug/L and the secondary MCL is 1000 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from teh south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70461, Copper
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7395
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Of 8 quarterly samples, two had dissolved copper concentrations below the detection level, one was an estimated value, and concentrations in the remaining samples were 0.4 and0.7 ug/L The CTR standards were not violated
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule (CTR) freshwater aquatic life standards for copper are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the acute toxicity standard ranges from 5.68 to 7.89 ug/L, and the chronic toxicity standard ranges from 4.10 to 5.52 ug/L.
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 tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70510
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Hardness as CaCO3
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable state or federal standards or criteria for hardness.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. There are no applicable water quality standards or criteria.
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 70510, Hardness as CaCO3
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8548
 
Pollutant: Hardness as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled the Mammoth Creek tributary for hardness between 2003 and 2005 under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Calculated hardness in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 40.11 to 56.20 mg/L CaCO3.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no state or federal standards or criteria for hardness. Hardness is monitored for purposes such as determination of the applicable criteria and standards for metals whose toxicity is hardness-dependent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 1986 "Gold Book" includes generally accepted categories of hardness. Calcium and magnesium are the major ions contributing to hardness, and hardness is generally expressed as calcium carbonate. Water with a hardness of 0 to 75 mg equivalent CaC03/L is considered "soft."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70510, Hardness as CaCO3
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8549
 
Pollutant: Hardness as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled the Mammoth Creek tributary for hardness between 2003 and 2005 under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Calculated hardness in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 40.11 to 56.20 mg/L CaCO3.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no state or federal standards or criteria for hardness. Hardness is monitored for purposes such as determination of the applicable criteria and standards for metals whose toxicity is hardness-dependent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 1986 "Gold Book" includes generally accepted categories of hardness. Calcium and magnesium are the major ions contributing to hardness, and hardness is generally expressed as calcium carbonate. Water with a hardness of 0 to 75 mg equivalent CaC03/L is considered "soft."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71511
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Iron
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 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. None of the samples exceeds the applicable water quality objective or aquatic life criterion.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of eight samples exceeded the applicable objective and criterion and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 71511, Iron
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7397
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Dissolved iron concentrations in 7 of 8 quarterly samples were below the detection level, and the remaining sample was an estimated value. The criterion was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's national freshwater aquatic life criterion for iron is a 4-day average of 1000 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: National recommended water quality criteria: 2002. EPA-822-R-02-047 Washington, D.C. USEPA
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71511, Iron
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7400
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005.
Total recoverable iron concentrations in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 20 to 160 ug/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 iron is 300 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek..
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71672
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Lead
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceeds the applicable water quality objective (California Maximum Contaminant Level) or California Toxics Rule standards.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of eight samples exceeded the applicable standards and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 71672, Lead
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7406
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. The total lead concentration in one of eight samples was an estimated value. The remaining concentrations ranged from 0.07 to 0.42 ug/L. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek..
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from teh south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71672, Lead
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7405
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Dissolved lead concentrations in 7 of 8 quarterly samples were below the detection level. The remaining sample was an estimated value. The CTR standards were not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule¿s freshwater aquatic life standards for lead are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the acute toxicity standard ranges from 20.19 to 31.43 ug/L. The chronic toxicity standard ranges from 0.79 to 1.22 ug/L.
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 tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. Arsenic in this watershed comes from natural volcanic and geothermal sources.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70140
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Magnesium
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable water quality standards or criteria for total magnesium or dissolved magnesium.

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.
2. The data used satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. There are no applicable water quality standards or criteria.
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 70140, Magnesium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7388
 
Pollutant: Magnesium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total magnesium in 8 quarterly samples ranged from
1 to 1.44 mg/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no California or federal water quality standards or criteria for magnesium. It is generally monitored as a component of another water quality parameter such as hardness, Total Dissolved Solids, or Sodium Adsorption Ratio.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70140, Magnesium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7387
 
Pollutant: Magnesium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program quarterly between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved magnesium in 8 samples ranged from 1.07 to 1.42 mg/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no California or federal water quality standards or criteria for magnesium. It is generally monitored as a component of another water quality parameter such as hardness, Total Dissolved Solids, or Sodium Adsorption Ratio.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek..
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70830
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Molybdenum
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable standards or criteria for molybdenum.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. There are no applicable aquatic life standards or criteria and the data cannot be assessed using Table 3.1 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 70830, Molybdenum
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7412
 
Pollutant: Molybdenum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program quarterly between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total molybdenum in 8 samples ranged from 0.8 to 1.3 ug/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no applicable water quality standards or criteria for molybdenum for protection of the Municipal and Domestic Supply use..
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek..
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70830, Molybdenum
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7411
 
Pollutant: Molybdenum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved molybdenum in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 0.8 to 1.3 ug/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no California or federal water quality standards or criteria for molybdenum for the protection of aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek..
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69900
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Nickel
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.

Two lines of evidence are 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. The data used 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. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of seven dissolved nickel samples or 8 total nickel samples samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule standards or the California Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 69900, Nickel
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7413
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program quarterly between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved nickel in 7 samples ranged from 0.2 to 0.88 ug/L. The CTR standards were not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule (CTR) freshwater aquatic life standards for nickel are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the acute toxicity standard ranges from 216.18 to 290.12 ug/L, and the chronic toxicity standard ranges from 24.04 to 32.26 ug/L
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 tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Seven quarterly samples were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. Arsenic in this watershed comes from natural volcanic and geothermal sources.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69900, Nickel
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7414
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005.
Concentrations of total nickel in eight quarterly samples rangedfrom 0.32 to 0.74 ug/L. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 nickel is 100 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70685
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
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. 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. The data used 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. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of 8 samples exceeded the California Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 70685, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8552
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of nitrite plus nitrate in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 0.011 to 0.122 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 nitrite plus nitrate (expressed "as N") is 10 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71591
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
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. None of the annual average datapoints exceeds the site-specific water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used 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. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of three annual average datapoints exceeded the site-specific objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 71591, Phosphate
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8578
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of phosphate "as P" in 8 samples ranged from 0.013 to 0.029 mg/L. Calculated concentrations of phosphate "as phosphate" in 8 samples ranged from 0.040 to 0.089. Annual averages for three years ranged from 0.061 to 0.077 mg/L. The annual average objective was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for dissolved orthophosphate from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17 includes an annual average concentration of 0.27 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 0.50 mg/L. (The objectives for Station 5, Mammoth Creek at Old Mammoth Road apply under the Tributary Rule).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples for phosphate "as P" were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71587
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
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 for assessment whether the chemical samples comply with the water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy due to an error in the SWAMP QAPP regarding holding times for total phosphorus samples.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. No biological data were 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 71587, Phosphorus
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8591
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Reported concentrations of total phosphorus in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 0.024 to 0.042 mg/L. No biological data are available for use in assessing compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There is no applicable site-specific objective (SSO)for Total Phosphorus for this creek. (Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17 includes an SSO for dissolved orthophosphate.)

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: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples for total phosphorus were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: Sampling and analysis were done according to the SWAMP QAPP. However, in July 2009 an error was discovered in the QAPP related to holding times for total phosphorus samples that affects the validity of data for the Lahontan Region The holding time for samples that are not acid-preserved.should be 48 hours rather than 28 days as indicated in the QAPP. "Low level" phosphorus analyses, without acid preservation, are used in the Lahontan Region's SWAMP program. .
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70845
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
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.

One line of evidence, based on quarterly sampling, is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. It includes 8 suspended sediment concentration values and 8 suspended sediment load values calculated from instantaneous discharge measurements.

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. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
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 70845, Sediment
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7422
 
Pollutant: Sediment
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of suspended sediment in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 2 to 19 mg/L. The USGS did 8 sediment discharge (load) calculations using quarterly flow (discharge) measurements taken concurrently with the sediment samples. Five of the eight flow measurements were estimates. The remaining instantaneous discharge flows ranged from 0.32 to 0.8 cubic feet per second. Six of the calculated sediment loads were below detection level. The remaining two samples had sediment loads of 0.02 and 0.04 tons per day.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's 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: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight suspended samples were collected quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005. Eight sediment load calculations were done.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71455
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Selenium
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable California Toxics Rule and Maximum Contaminant Level standards.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of eight samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule or Maximum
Contaminant Level standards and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 71455, Selenium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7415
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved selenium in 2 of 8 quarterly samples were below the detection level. The remaining samples were estimated values. The California Toxics Rule standards were not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule (CTR) selenium standards for the protection of freshwater aquatic life are as follows: 4-day average = 5.0 ug/L; 1-hour average = 20 ug/L.
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 tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south.. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. Arsenic in this watershed comes from natural volcanic and geothermal sources.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71455, Selenium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7416
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. One of 8 samples for total selenium was below the detection level, 3 samples were estimated values, and total selenium concentrations in the remaining samples ranged from 0.5 to 0.7 ug/L. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 selenium is 50 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70423
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Silver
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable California Toxics Rule or Maximum Contaminant Level standards.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of eight samples exceeded the applicable California Toxics Rule or Maximum Contaminant Level standards and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 70423, Silver
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7301
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program quarterly between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved silver in 8 samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5, the CTR standards were not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule (CTR) freshwater aquatic life standard for silver is dependent on hardness. .At the hardness levels reported for this station, the instantaneous maximum standard ranges from 0.72 to 1.30 ug/L.
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 tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from teh south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. Arsenic in this watershed comes from natural volcanic and geothermal sources.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70423, Silver
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7302
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005.
Concentrations of total silver in 8 samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy section 6.1.5.5, the MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 silver is 100 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70017
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
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:

The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative temperature objective is an antidegradation-based objective that requires that there be no change in temperature in waters designated for the Cold Freshwater Habitat (COLD) beneficial use. The objective does not include specific numerical limits for protection of the COLD use. Listing Policy Section 3.10 contains directions for assessment based on trends in water quality. These directions include requirements to establish specific baseline conditions and specify the influence of seasonal and interannual effects.

One line of evidence is available to support this decision. There are not enough temperature samples to establish baseline conditions (including diel, seasonal, annual and interannual variations in temperature) or to detect declining trends in the temperature regime if such trends exist.

Because temperature samples were collected only quarterly, weekly and monthly average data are not available for comparison with guidelines in the scientific literature for the temperature requirements of sensitive aquatic species such as salmonids, as directed in Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.9.
 
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 70017, Temperature, water
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7286
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Water temperatures in 8 quarterly measurements ranged from 0 to 9.5 degrees Celsius.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable 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 of 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, near the confluence of the tributary with Mammoth Creek, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Eight temperature measurements were taken quarterly between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69923
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Thallium
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 follow

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. 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. The data used 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. None of 8 samples exceeded the applicable aquatic life criteria or California Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 69923, Thallium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7304
 
Pollutant: Thallium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005.
Concentrations of dissolved thallium in 8 quarterly samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy section 6.1.5.5, the MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lowest Observed Effect Levels (LOEL) criteria include an acute toxicity value of 1400 ug/L,and a chronic toxicity value of 40 ug/L. The criteria also include an "Other" limit of 20 ug/L based on 2600 hour exposure of one fish species..
Objective/Criterion Reference: Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69923, Thallium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7306
 
Pollutant: Thallium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005.
Concentrations of total recoverable thallium in 8 quartely samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy section 6.1.5.5, the MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 thallium is 2 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70691
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the California Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). One annual average datapoint exceeds the site-specific objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used 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. None of 8 samples exceeded the MCL and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. One of three annual average datapoints exceeded the site-specific objective, and the three datapoints do not meet the minimum sample number requirements of 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: 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 70691, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8551
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of TDS in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 78 to 90 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The recommended MCL for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is 500 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70691, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8550
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total 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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of TDS in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 78 to 90 mg/L. Annual average concentrations (based on 1 to 4 samples per year) ranged from 82 to 86 mg/L. The annual average objective was exceeded in one of three years.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17 includes an annual average Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentration of 85 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 115 mg/L. (The objectives for Station 5, Mammoth Creek at Old Mammoth Road apply under the Tributary Rule.).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71482
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
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 for assessment whether the chemical data comply with 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 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. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. No biological data are available for assessment whether the chemical data comply with the 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 71482, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8589
 
Pollutant: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Reported concentrations of TKN in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 0.04 to 0.15 mg/L. No biological data are available for use in assessing compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There is no applicable site-specific objective (SSO)for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) for this creek. (Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17 includes SSOs for nitrate and total nitrogen.)

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: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight samples for TKN were collected quarterly (1 to 4 samples per year) between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71588
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
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 listing 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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples measured as NTU exceed the California Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). Compliance with the MCL cannot be determined for samples measured as NTRU. The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative turbidity objective is non-degradation based and the turbidity data are insufficient to establish baseline conditions and 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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the diel, seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and turbidity in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of four samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. (The minimum sample number requirements of Table 3.2 are not met.) The limited data do not meet the requirements of Section 3.10 for assessment of baseline and trend conditions.
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 71588, Turbidity
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8546
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
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. Geological Survey sampled the Mammoth Creek tributary in 2003 and 2004 as part of Region 6's SWAMP program. Four turbidity measurements expressed as NTU included two below the detection level, and two measurements with turbidities of 3.1 and 3.4 NTU. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 turbidity is 5 NTU.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Four quartelry turbidity measurements expressed as NTU were taken between October 2003 and July 2004.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use,
QAPP Information: The data meet quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71588, Turbidity
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8547
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
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. Geological Survey sampled the Mammoth Creek tributary in 2004 and 2005 as part of Region 6's SWAMP program. Four turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU included three below the detection level, and one with a turbidity of 2.3 NTRU.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no California or federal standards or criteria for the protection of human health for turbidity expressed as NTRU.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were taken between October 2004 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71588, Turbidity
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8545
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
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. Geological Survey sampled the Mammoth Creek tributary in 2004 and 2005 as part of Region 6's SWAMP program. Four turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU included three below the detection level, and one with a turbidity of 2.3 NTRU. Sampling frequency was insufficient to characterize the normal turbidity regime or to allow identification of changes in this regime or effects on beneficial uses.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no California or federal standards or criteria for protection of aquatic life that are expressed as NTRU.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were taken between October 2004 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71588, Turbidity
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 8544
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
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. Geological Survey sampled the Mammoth Creek tributary in 2003 and 2004 as part of Region 6's SWAMP program. Four turbidity measurements expressed as NTU included two below the detection level, and two measurements with turbidities of 3.1 and 3.4 NTU. Sampling frequency was insufficient to characterize the normal turbidity regime or to allow identification of changes in this regime or effects on beneficial uses.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide water quality objective 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 percent."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Four quartelry turbidity measurements expressed as NTU were taken between October 2003 and July 2004.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71459
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Vanadium
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable aquatic life standards or criteria. None of the samples exceed the California Notification Level.

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.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. There are no applicable standards or criteria for protection of aquatic life. None of 8 samples exceeded the California Notification Level criterion and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 71459, Vanadium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7418
 
Pollutant: Vanadium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program quarterly between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of total vanadium in 5 of 8 samples were below the detection level. The presence of vanadium in the remaining 3 samples was verified but not quantified. The criterion was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Notification Level criterion for vanadium in drinking water is 50 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Drinking Water Notification and Response Levels: An Overview
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71459, Vanadium
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7417
 
Pollutant: Vanadium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved vanadium in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 0.2 to 0.4 ug/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no California or federal standards or criteria for dissolved vanadium for the protection of freshwater aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71614
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
Pollutant: Zinc
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable California Toxics Rule standards or the California Maximum Contaminant Level objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used 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. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of 8 samples exceeded the applicable California Toxics Rule or Maximum Contaminant Level standards and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 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 71614, Zinc
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7420
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Of 8 samples for total zinc, three were estimated values. Concentrations of total recoverable zinc in the remaining 5 samples ranged from 2 to 4 ug/L. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: 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 zinc is 5 mg/L, equivalent to 5000 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek.
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71614, Zinc
Region 6     
Mill City Tributary
 
LOE ID: 7419
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved zinc in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 1 to 3.1 ug/L. The standards were not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule freshwater aquatic life standards for zinc are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the acute toxicity standard ranges from 54.04 to 71.91 ug/L, and the chronic toxicity standard ranges from 54.48 to 72.50 ug/L.
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 tributary was sampled at one station near its confluence with Mammoth Creek..
Temporal Representation: Eight quarterly samples were collected between October 2003 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses. Arsenic in this watershed comes from natural volcanic and geothermal sources.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):